Western United States

World

Student Faces Deportation from UK After Pro-Palestine Protests, Citing 'Authoritarian' Echoes

Usama Ghanem, an Egyptian student at King's College London, faces imminent deportation after disciplinary action linked to his pro-Palestinian activism. He claims the university's response mirrors the political persecution he fled in Egypt, raising urgent questions about academic freedom and the treatment of international dissent.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Starbucks Bets $500 Million on Tech and Training to Ease Barista Burden, Amid Union Tensions

Facing ongoing labor disputes, Starbucks unveils a massive investment in new espresso machines, AI-assisted POS systems, and a store rating program aimed at streamlining operations and improving the partner experience.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Oil Prices Edge Higher as Middle East Tensions Simmer, Supply Risks Loom

Crude oil and gasoline prices advanced on Friday, supported by persistent geopolitical risks in the Middle East and ongoing supply constraints, though gains were tempered by a stronger dollar and diplomatic signals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Starbucks CEO Hails Baristas' Stock Market Curiosity as Sign of Deeper Engagement Amid Union Tensions

CEO Brian Niccol says employees' questions about share prices reflect pride and care, as the coffee giant navigates workplace reforms and ongoing labor disputes.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Revolut Founder's Residency Flip-Flop: Storonsky Back in UK After Brief Dubai Filing Sparks Regulatory Scrutiny

Nikolay Storonsky, the billionaire CEO of fintech giant Revolut, has officially corrected corporate records to reaffirm his UK residency, following a brief filing that listed him in the UAE—a move that had sent shockwaves through regulators and political circles.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Panama's Supreme Court Nullifies Hutchison Ports Contract, Scuttling $23 Billion MSC-BlackRock Deal

Panama's Supreme Court has declared CK Hutchison's concession to operate the Balboa and Cristóbal ports unconstitutional, derailing a major sale and placing APM Terminals in temporary control. The ruling intensifies geopolitical tensions over control of the strategic Panama Canal.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Amazon Quietly Courts Shippers for New LTL Service, Morgan Stanley Report Reveals

A new Morgan Stanley report indicates Amazon is in early discussions with select shippers about its planned Less-Than-Truckload service, set to launch this summer, posing a potential long-term challenge to established carriers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump's Medicare Advantage Payment Freeze Sends Healthcare Stocks Reeling, Threatens Insurer Profits

A proposed near-zero payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans by the Trump administration has blindsided Wall Street, erasing billions in market value and raising fears of a prolonged downturn for major health insurers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Markets React as Trump Taps Former Governor Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair

President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh, a known monetary policy hawk, to lead the Federal Reserve sent initial shockwaves through equities and bonds on Friday, raising questions about the future path of interest rates.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Electricity Bills Set to Keep Climbing Through 2026, Experts Warn Relief Is Not on the Horizon

With rising demand, grid investments, and volatile fuel costs, electricity prices are outpacing wage growth, squeezing not just low-income but now middle-class households. Policy interventions face long lead times, leaving little hope for near-term bill relief.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Missouri Sports Betting Debut Sees Heavy Action But Ends in the Red

Missouri's inaugural month of legal sports betting attracted over $540 million in wagers, but aggressive promotions led to a net revenue loss for operators, even as the state collected millions in fees and taxes.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Crystal International Unveils Smart Logistics Hub in China, Boosting Automation and Sustainability

The global apparel manufacturer is launching a state-of-the-art logistics center in China, featuring a fully automated closed-loop material flow system. The facility aims to slash fabric transfer times by up to 75%, optimize inventory, and advance the company's 2030 sustainability goals through solar power and waste-reduction technologies.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Copper's Record Rally Stalls: Analysts Warn of Impending Correction Amid Speculative Frenzy

After soaring to unprecedented highs, copper prices have begun to retreat. Goldman Sachs forecasts a more significant market adjustment by mid-2026, driven by potential U.S. tariff policies and a disconnect from fundamental demand.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Syria Announces Plan to Shutter Notorious ISIS-Linked Camps, Raising Questions Over Fate of Thousands

Damascus has declared its intention to permanently close the sprawling al-Hol and Roj displacement camps in northeast Syria, which house over 28,000 people connected to the Islamic State. The move, confirmed by officials and aid groups, sparks urgent debate about the future of detainees, including foreign nationals.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Piper Sandler Trims Price Target for Expand Energy (EXE) Amid Shifting Natural Gas Landscape

Analysts at Piper Sandler have slightly lowered their price target for Expand Energy (EXE), the natural gas giant formed from a recent mega-merger, reflecting near-term pressures but maintaining a bullish long-term outlook for the sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Long Island Financial Advisor Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Swindling California Couple Out of Over $1 Million

A former investment advisor with ties to major Wall Street firms has been sentenced to six years behind bars for orchestrating a million-dollar fraud scheme, using client funds to finance a luxury lifestyle that included high-end cars and country club memberships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Franklin Templeton Posts Record Inflows, Touts AI and Blockchain as Key Growth Drivers

Franklin Templeton reported robust first-quarter results, with record long-term inflows of $118.6 billion, driven by strong demand across public and private markets. CEO Jenny Johnson highlighted the firm's strategic positioning in AI, blockchain tokenization, and integrated portfolio solutions as investors seek resilience amid ongoing market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Blue Chips: Three Small-Cap Stocks Gaining Investor Attention

While major indices hold steady, a search for growth is turning the spotlight onto smaller companies. We examine three small-cap stocks—from insurance to banking to luxury watches—that are posting strong results and navigating unique challenges in the current market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

BHP Navigates Diverging Paths: Automation Boosts Copper While China Iron Ore Ban Bites

BHP Group achieves a key milestone with full autonomy at its Escondida Norte copper pit, boosting safety and efficiency for its strategic copper expansion. Meanwhile, the miner contends with the commercial impact of China's ongoing ban on iron ore from its Jimblebar operation, forcing a reshuffle of global sales channels.

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