Washington Lobbying

Business

Federal Narrative Shifts in Minneapolis Protester Shooting: From 'Violent Riot' to 'Yelling and Whistles'

The Department of Homeland Security has significantly softened its initial characterization of the events leading to the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by border agents, now describing the scene as involving 'several civilians' rather than a riot, raising questions about the justification for the use of deadly force.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Protesters Mistake TSA Officers for ICE Agents in Tense LA Restaurant Confrontation

A group of protesters in Lynwood, California, surrounded and harassed federal air marshals, incorrectly identifying them as immigration enforcement officers. The incident highlights the volatile climate surrounding immigration debates and the risks of misdirected activism.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hunter Biden Seeks Dismissal of Contempt Motion, Argues No Legal Duty to Maintain Ties with Young Daughter

In a new court filing, Hunter Biden's legal team moves to dismiss a contempt motion brought by the mother of his 7-year-old daughter, arguing his relationship with the child is legally irrelevant and denying violations of their 2023 support agreement.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Russian Forces Advance in Eastern Ukraine, Seize Three Villages in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia

Russian troops have taken control of three villages across Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, according to a Defense Ministry statement reported by state media. The latest gains come amid intensified fighting along the front lines.

Jan 30, 2026

World

EU Brands Iran's Revolutionary Guards a Terrorist Organization, Prompting Fierce Condemnation from Tehran

The European Union has taken the unprecedented step of designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity, triggering a sharp diplomatic crisis. Iran has denounced the move as illegal and politically motivated, vowing to respond.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Jan 30, 2026

World

ICAS Expands Rising Stars Awards, Adding Social Impact Category to Spotlight Next-Gen Accountants

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland launches its 2026 CA Rising Stars search, introducing a new 'Community and Social Value' award to recognize young professionals driving ethical and technological change in the field.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Relations Thaw as Starmer Seeks Economic Reset Amid Global Trade Shifts

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's landmark visit to Beijing marks a cautious pivot in UK-China relations, yielding agreements on tariffs, visas, and green energy. But can British businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of re-engagement?

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Poised to Tap Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as Next Central Bank Chief, Signaling Policy Shift

President Donald Trump is expected to nominate Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor with a notably more open stance toward Bitcoin, to lead the central bank. The anticipated move has already triggered market reactions and reshaped expectations for U.S. monetary policy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Schneider National Navigates Tough Q4 as Freight Demand Falters, Eyes Supply-Driven Recovery

Schneider National's Q4 2025 earnings fell short of expectations, pressured by a sharp late-year drop in freight demand and severe weather. While acknowledging near-term challenges, executives pointed to early signs of market normalization and detailed strategic cost actions aimed at positioning the carrier for an eventual upcycle.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Exclusive: China Grants Conditional Nod for DeepSeek to Procure Nvidia's H200 AI Chips

Chinese regulators have conditionally approved leading AI startup DeepSeek to purchase Nvidia's advanced H200 artificial intelligence chips, sources tell Reuters, as Beijing navigates competing pressures to advance its tech sector while managing geopolitical tensions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CFTC Chair Charts New Course for Prediction Markets, Vowing Clarity for Polymarket and Kalshi

In a major policy shift, the CFTC under new Chairman Michael Selig is drafting a comprehensive rulebook for event contracts, aiming to bring regulatory certainty to the fast-growing prediction market industry while fostering 'permissionless innovation.'

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Starbucks Faces Legal and Supply Chain Headwinds Amid Turnaround Bid

A new lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and safety cover-ups, coupled with ongoing supply shortages, challenges the coffee giant's operational resilience and brand trust as its new CEO executes a critical recovery plan.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitcoin Tumbles to $82K Amid Policy Jitters, Triggering $1.7B in Market Liquidations

Bitcoin plunged to a nine-month low as a confluence of political uncertainty and geopolitical tensions sparked a broad market sell-off, forcing over $1.6 billion in leveraged positions to close.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Expedia Announces Workforce Reduction Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

Expedia Group has filed a WARN notice confirming 162 job cuts at its Seattle headquarters and among remote staff, marking the latest in a series of layoffs as the company accelerates its AI transformation amid intensifying industry competition.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Panama's Top Court Strikes Down CK Hutchison Port Deals, Casting Uncertainty Over Canal Terminals

Panama's Supreme Court has nullified long-held port contracts operated by a CK Hutchison subsidiary, declaring them unconstitutional. The landmark ruling throws the future of key container terminals at both ends of the Panama Canal into doubt and reverberates amid broader geopolitical tensions over global trade chokepoints.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tech Jitters, Gold Retreat Rattle Asian Markets as Geopolitical Tensions Simmer

Asian equities faced broad declines Friday, pressured by renewed investor skepticism over the AI investment boom and a sharp pullback in precious metals. The sell-off unfolded against a backdrop of easing oil prices and persistent geopolitical uncertainties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

General Dynamics Lands $1 Billion Navy Modernization Deal Amid Record Backlog

General Dynamics secures a major multi-year U.S. Navy contract for systems modernization, reinforcing its pivotal role in naval defense and underscoring the strength of its record order backlog amid robust segment performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Poised to Name New Fed Chair on Friday, With Kevin Warsh Tipped as Front-Runner

President Donald Trump is set to announce his nominee for Federal Reserve Chair on Friday, with multiple reports indicating former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is the leading candidate to succeed Jerome Powell, a move already rippling through currency markets.

Jan 30, 2026