Washington State Economy

Business

Riverview Rubber Estates Berhad's Three-Year Run Lags Market, But Dividends Offer a Silver Lining

While Riverview Rubber Estates Berhad's share price has declined 12% over three years, trailing the broader market's 26% gain, its total shareholder return tells a more nuanced story. Including dividends, investors would have seen a modest 1.9% return, highlighting the critical role of income in long-term portfolio performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Flagstar Bank Posts Q4 Profit, Marking Turnaround as It Shifts Away from Commercial Real Estate

Flagstar Bank returned to profitability in Q4 2025, driven by improved net interest income, cost controls, and a strategic pivot from commercial real estate towards commercial and industrial lending. Executives outline a path for sustained growth through 2027.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Tunisia Extends State of Emergency Through End of 2024, Citing Persistent Security Concerns

Tunisian President Kais Saied has prolonged the nation's state of emergency for an additional 11 months, maintaining exceptional powers first enacted in 2015 following a deadly attack on presidential guards.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

First Bank Corp. Bolsters Arkansas Footprint Through Merger with First State Bank of Russellville

First Bank Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Russellville-based First State Bank, a strategic move set to deepen the holding company's roots in the Arkansas River Valley region while preserving the community bank's local identity.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed's Musalem: Rate Cuts Off the Table With Policy at 'Neutral,' Economy on Solid Footing

St. Louis Fed President Alberto Musalem argues the current interest rate stance is appropriate, signaling a pause in the central bank's easing cycle unless the labor market weakens or inflation drops unexpectedly.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Walmart Accelerates EV Push: Hundreds of Stores to Add Charging Stations in 19 States

Walmart is significantly expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with planned installations at select stores across 19 states, advancing its goal to build a nationwide network by 2030.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. Treasury Targets Iranian Minister and Businessman in Latest Sanctions Push

The United States has sanctioned Iran's Interior Minister and a prominent businessman, accusing them of human rights abuses and money laundering, as Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Financial Institutions Inc. Caps Strong 2025 with Robust Earnings, Eyes Growth in Upstate NY Markets

Financial Institutions Inc. (FISI) reported solid Q4 and full-year 2025 results, with net income reaching $73.4 million. The community bank, leveraging its deep roots in Upstate New York, is positioning for further growth in 2026, buoyed by major local investments like Micron's semiconductor project.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Family Home: How the Wealthy Actually Allocate Their Real Estate Investments

While homeownership is a common goal, the investment strategies of the affluent reveal a more nuanced picture. Analysis of wealth tiers shows real estate plays a varying, and often shrinking, role as net worth climbs into the millions.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Coordinated Assault on Niamey Airport

The Islamic State group has claimed a surprise attack on the international airport in Niger's capital, Niamey, causing material damage and wounding soldiers, according to a monitoring group. The assault marks the latest in a series of high-profile strikes by the jihadist network in the Sahel nation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Where Retirement Dollars Go Further: The Top 10 States for Social Security Payouts

A new analysis reveals significant geographic disparities in Social Security benefits, highlighting how state-level policies and living costs determine the real value of monthly checks for millions of retirees.

Jan 30, 2026

World

A Village Hollowed Out: Mass Kidnapping Forces Exodus in Nigeria's Kaduna State

The abduction of nearly 200 residents from Kurmin Wali has shattered community life, triggering a wave of departures as survivors lose faith in state protection and face an uncertain future.

Jan 30, 2026

US

Congress Returns to Washington in Race Against Clock to Avert Government Shutdown

Lawmakers reconvene Monday as House GOP leadership pushes for rapid passage of a stopgap funding bill to prevent a prolonged partial government shutdown, with tensions high over border security provisions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great American Restaurant Split: How a K-Shaped Economy Is Reshaping Where We Eat

The traditional rulebook for dining during economic stress is obsolete. As a K-shaped recovery widens the gap between income groups, fast-food giants are struggling with deep discounts while casual dining chains unexpectedly thrive by redefining value.

Feb 2, 2026

World

New Allegation Emerges: Second Epstein Accuser Claims Encounter with Prince Andrew at Windsor Estate

A second woman has come forward alleging the late financier Jeffrey Epstein arranged for her to have a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew in 2010, according to a BBC report. The claim surfaces amid renewed scrutiny following a major document release by U.S. authorities.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

China's Export-Focused Factories Show Surprise Resilience as Broader Economy Cools

A private gauge of China's manufacturing activity edged higher in January, defying expectations of a slowdown, as export-oriented firms outperformed. The reading contrasts with weaker official data, highlighting a two-speed industrial sector amid persistent domestic headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Terreno's Miami Landfill Transformation: A Blueprint for Industrial Real Estate Value?

Terreno Realty Corporation has completed a key industrial facility in Hialeah, Florida, part of a larger strategy to redevelop a former landfill into a premium logistics hub. The move highlights the firm's focus on coastal infill markets and raises questions about execution risks and valuation as the project scales up.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Eastman Chemical Navigates Market Headwinds, Pins Hopes on Operational Shifts and Circular Economy

While outlining stabilization efforts in challenged segments like Fibers, Eastman Chemical's leadership emphasized that a sustained recovery hinges on broader end-market demand. The company is betting on strategic projects and chemical recycling to drive future growth amid persistent pricing pressures and global trade dynamics.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Real Estate Tech's Q3 Report Card: Opendoor's Pivot Meets Mixed Sector Results

The third-quarter earnings season reveals a tale of two strategies in the property services sector. While Opendoor stumbles amid a major strategic shift, peers like Howard Hughes Holdings post surprising strength, highlighting the industry's uneven adaptation to a higher-rate environment.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates Market Headwinds, Pivots to Circular Economy with Major Recycling Investments

While Q3 earnings reflect challenging market conditions, the chemical giant reports strong North American performance and accelerates its strategic shift, breaking ground on a flagship advanced recycling plant in Germany and planning a larger facility in Houston.

Jan 30, 2026