
Between Pledges and Portfolios: A Quiet Re-Emergence of Old Energy
New filings show the Gates Foundation Trust’s direct fossil fuel investments rose to about $254 million in 2024, reaching a near-decade high despite earlier divestment efforts.

New filings show the Gates Foundation Trust’s direct fossil fuel investments rose to about $254 million in 2024, reaching a near-decade high despite earlier divestment efforts.

Options markets suggest Netflix shares could move about 7% in either direction after Tuesday’s earnings, reflecting trader expectations for moderate post-report volatility.

On National Popcorn Day, a downtown Peoria popcorn shop saw a quiet surge of support as residents stopped in to show care for a small business during winter’s slower stretch.

Once the default symbol of reliability, the Toyota Camry now shares that distinction as newer models quietly meet or exceed its long-trusted dependability.

The EU is drafting rules to require “Made in Europe” sourcing for green tech in public procurement, seeking to strengthen local industry and reduce reliance on non‑EU imports.

Plans are underway for a new concert venue near Topgolf in Meridian, adding live music to the area’s growing entertainment district as city officials review early proposals.

A United Airlines plane made an extremely rough landing in Orlando, leaving it disabled on the runway and prompting a temporary ground stop as airport operations paused to clear the aircraft.

People over 30 are reflecting on once-popular foods—like gelatin salads, liver dishes, and classic desserts—that have quietly vanished from menus as dining habits and tastes have changed.

Analysts point to stocks tied to AI, cloud computing, and semiconductors — including Nvidia, Broadcom, AMD, Amazon, and Alphabet — as potential long-term winners heading into 2026.

Eurozone finance ministers have backed Croatian central bank governor Boris Vujčić as the next vice president of the European Central Bank, a step in the formal EU appointment process.

A tasting of five popular store-bought rotisserie chickens found a clear favorite, with one bird standing out unanimously for its balance of flavor, moisture, and texture.

About 65% of workers say they are interested in microshifting their schedules, favoring small, flexible time adjustments over rigid 9-to-5 hours as a way to regain control.

Japan’s 40‑year government bond yield topped 4 percent for the first time since issuance as fiscal concerns linked to a snap election and tax policy plans weigh on investor expectations.

Elon Musk is seeking up to $134 billion from OpenAI and Microsoft, claiming wrongful gains from his early involvement; both companies dispute the valuation and legal grounds.

As home prices climb nationwide, a handful of U.S. cities still allow households earning $85,000 or less to buy a home, offering quieter paths to ownership amid rising costs.

China’s central bank has kept benchmark lending rates unchanged for the eighth straight month, reflecting cautious policy amid slowing economic growth and targeted support measures.

OpenAI’s CFO says the company’s annualized revenue surpassed $20 billion in 2025, highlighting rapid global adoption of its AI tools across consumer and enterprise markets.

Bitcoin enters 2026 at elevated levels amid renewed optimism. Strategy (MSTR) stock follows closely but remains shaped by leverage, structure, and ongoing market caution.

At Davos, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said capitalism must evolve to address inequality, climate risk, and public trust, arguing adaptation is necessary for the system’s durability.

Cyprus’s tourism sector saw a notable 12.2% rise in visitor arrivals in 2025, with strong December growth and diverse source markets contributing to the island’s expanding travel appeal.

Cloudflare patched a flaw where ACME certificate validation requests could bypass some security rules, closing a narrow path that briefly sat outside standard protections.

Oil prices held steady as fears of supply disruption from Iran eased, while traders turned attention toward geopolitical developments involving Greenland and broader demand implications.

Zurich Insurance’s interest in Beazley highlights how London’s cleaner, more regulated financial market has become easier for foreign buyers to understand—and acquire.

Nearly 14,000 pounds of pre-cooked chicken were recalled after testing found possible listeria contamination. No illnesses have been reported, and the recall is precautionary.