Transportation Policy

Business

Bank of America Doubles Down on Auto Finance, Expands Digital and Branch Strategy Amid New Retirement Program Push

Bank of America extends its partnership with Volvo Car Financial Services through 2030, solidifying its position in automotive lending. Concurrently, the bank joins JPMorgan Chase in matching contributions to the new federal 'Trump Accounts' child savings program, while advancing a dual-track expansion in digital services and physical branches.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Visa Doubles Down on Digital Frontiers: Stablecoin Settlements and Crypto Access Take Center Stage

Visa is aggressively expanding its footprint beyond traditional card payments, launching new initiatives in stablecoin settlements, renter-focused commerce, and streamlined crypto-to-fiat conversions. These partnerships aim to embed Visa's network into the burgeoning worlds of blockchain-based finance and essential housing expenditures.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Satellite Imagery Reveals Opaque Activity at Key Iranian Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions

New satellite imagery shows Iran constructing roofs over bomb-damaged buildings at its Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities, a move analysts say is likely aimed at shielding recovery efforts from surveillance as international pressure mounts over Tehran's internal crackdown and nuclear ambitions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tesla's Driverless Taxis Hit Austin Streets as Berkshire's New CEO Charts a Course and Markets Eye 24/7 Trading

A pivotal week in business saw Tesla's long-awaited robotaxis begin operations without safety drivers, signaling a new phase in autonomous mobility. Meanwhile, Greg Abel's early moves at Berkshire Hathaway hint at a potential strategic shift, and a push for tokenized, round-the-clock stock trading raises questions about the future of finance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Scout Motors' South Carolina EV Plant Hits $150M Overrun, Taxpayers Asked to Cover Costs

Three years after securing $1.3 billion in state incentives, Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors' planned electric vehicle factory faces mounting public costs amid wetland mitigation and inflation, raising questions about risk allocation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

South Africa Expels Israeli Diplomat in Sharp Escalation of Bilateral Tensions

South Africa declares Israel's top diplomat persona non grata, citing 'gross abuse' of diplomatic privileges and social media attacks on its president. Israel responds in kind, expelling a South African envoy, as months of friction over the Gaza war reach a diplomatic boiling point.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

NYISO Report Warns: Surging Natural Gas Prices to Drive Up State Electricity Bills for Years to Come

A new analysis from the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) links volatile natural gas markets directly to rising consumer electricity costs. With gas fueling half of New York's power generation, increased demand and export levels are set to keep pressure on household budgets.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Silphium Asset Management Exits $6.2 Million Vanguard Bond ETF Stake, Signaling Shift in Fixed-Income Strategy

London-based Silphium Asset Management has liquidated its entire $6.2 million position in the Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT), a move that raises questions about institutional appetite for long-duration credit amid shifting economic forecasts.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Climate Crisis Puts Global Seafood Industry on the Brink: Adaptation Demands Urgent Investment

A stark new financial analysis warns that ocean warming and extreme weather could cost the seafood sector $15 billion annually by 2050, threatening food security and economies worldwide.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Brookfield Business Partners Charts Course as a New Corporation After 'Excellent' Year

Brookfield Business Partners (BBU) reports a strong 2025 defined by strategic capital moves and operational gains across its portfolio. The company is on the cusp of a major corporate reorganization into a single listed entity, aiming to boost liquidity and attract a wider investor base.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ArcBest Navigates Freight Downturn with Cost Discipline and AI Push, Posts Mixed Q4 Results

Despite a challenging freight market, ArcBest reports resilient fourth-quarter performance, highlighting strategic cost controls, a turnaround in its asset-light segment, and significant investments in AI and automation to drive future efficiency.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

USA Rare Earth Stock Rebounds on Analyst Confidence After Government Lifeline

Shares of USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR) recovered Wednesday following a sharp sell-off, buoyed by an analyst's upgraded price target and reinforced by a recent $3.5 billion capital infusion from public and private sources.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Hype: Five Stocks Poised to Define the 2026 Investment Landscape

As 2026 unfolds, the AI investment thesis is maturing beyond initial skepticism, creating opportunities in both leading tech giants and overlooked sectors. We analyze five companies, from semiconductor powerhouses to regional e-commerce leaders, positioned for a pivotal year.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Illinois Sees Dip in New Jobless Claims Amid Broader National Stability

Initial unemployment filings in Illinois fell last week, reflecting a modest improvement in local labor market conditions even as national numbers held steady.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

RLI Corp Posts Strong Q4 Underwriting Results, But Valuation Questions Linger

RLI Corp's latest earnings report showcases robust underwriting performance and capital returns. However, a mixed share price trajectory and premium valuation metrics are prompting investors to question whether the stock's future growth is already priced in.

Jan 30, 2026

World

MSF Refuses Israeli Demand for Staff Data, Citing Safety Risks in Gaza

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has definitively rejected an Israeli order to hand over sensitive staff information, following months of failed negotiations. The move comes amid a wider crackdown on aid groups and a devastating toll on healthcare workers in the conflict.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Slovenia Taps Planet Labs for Satellite Data, as Market Weighs High-Flying Valuation

Planet Labs secures a strategic enterprise agreement with the Slovenian government, expanding its public sector footprint with applications in agriculture, urban development, and disaster preparedness. The deal comes as investors scrutinize the company's premium market valuation amidst growing competition in the Earth observation sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

eBay's Fee Shift and Green Push: A Strategic Pivot or Seller Squeeze?

eBay is navigating a complex transition, implementing new ad fees and AI restrictions while doubling down on sustainability. These moves are reshaping the marketplace dynamics for sellers and investors alike.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Brazil's President Lula Discharged Following Routine Cataract Surgery, Expected to Resume Duties Next Week

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 80, was discharged from a Brasília eye hospital on Friday after a successful cataract operation. The veteran leftist leader is recovering at a presidential retreat and is scheduled to return to work on Monday, amid a busy domestic and international agenda.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tesla's Pivot to Autonomy Divides Wall Street: Analysts Weigh 'End of an Era' Against Bullish Tech Bets

Tesla's latest earnings call, emphasizing a strategic shift towards autonomous vehicles and robotics, has drawn a spectrum of reactions from prominent investors. While some see it as a necessary evolution, others warn of significant costs and transitional risks, creating a clear divide in analyst sentiment.

Jan 30, 2026