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Category: 3. Business

  • Firm ‘committed’ to Haverhill digestion plant despite refusal

    Firm ‘committed’ to Haverhill digestion plant despite refusal

    Muck Off Acorn, the campaign group that has fought against the plant, said it had “succeeded” in warding off the application after “years of relentless work”.

    The declaration came after it “received official confirmation” that the “threat of an appeal” being lodged by the company was no more.

    The news that the firm still hoped to one day build the facility, has been disappointing to those that oppose the project.

    “It’s really, really, disappointing, but not a surprise,” said Indy Wijenayaka, West Suffolk Council’s portfolio holder for growth and spokesperson for the group.

    “But why didn’t they appeal it straight away if they feel they are strong enough and their application is strong enough?

    “Why take the community through the anguish of a full process again, when we all know that it is going to have a detrimental effect on the whole area.”

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  • PSX to maintain positive momentum due to further monetary easing: report

    The positive momentum in the benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is expected to continue, fueled by further monetary easing, a strengthening external account position, and ongoing reforms supported by political stability, according to a weekly outlook note by AKD Research.

    The brokerage firm projected that the KSE-100 Index is expected to hit 263,800 by December 2026. Investor sentiment is anticipated to improve due to the potential inflow of foreign portfolio and direct investments, bolstered by stronger ties with the US and Saudi Arabia. 

    According to the brokerage note, the market moved upwards sharply during the week ended Friday, with the KSE-100 Index advancing 5,375 points, or 3% week-over-week, to close at 184,410 points. Market participation also strengthened by 25% WoW, with Average Daily Trading Volume up to 1.6 billion shares, compared to 1.3 billion shares in the prior week. 

    Momentum was driven by positive sentiments due to favourable macroeconomic indicators alongside improved relations and news of potential military equipment deals with multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan. Moreover, positive meetings with China to strengthen coordination at bilateral and multilateral forums and towards CPEC phase-II further helped improve the sentiment. 

    On the macroeconomic front, remittances for December 2025 totaled $3.6 billion, up 17% YoY, bringing the total for 1HFY26 to $19.7 billion, up 11% YoY. Central government debt fell by Rs 345 billion in 5MFY26 to Rs 77.5 trillion. Additionally, T-bill yields declined by 29, 34, 32, and 33 bps for the one-month, three-month, six-month, and 12-month papers, respectively, in the first auction following declining inflation. Cement offtakes grew by 1.5% YoY in December 2025, due to higher local dispatches. 

    Furthermore, SBP’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $141 million WoW, ending the week at $16.1 billion as of January 2nd. On the currency front, the Pakistani Rupee (PKR) appreciated by 0.03% WoW against the US dollar, closing the week at 280.02 PKR/USD.

    Other major news during the week included: 1) Gas circular debt rises to Rs 3.2 trillion, 2) Government considers a Rs 5/liter levy on MS and Diesel to aid the gas sector, 3) OGRA moves to scrap fixed returns in gas pricing, and 4) Pakistan cuts national average power tariff for CY26.

    Sector-wise, Transport, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Refinery, and Leather & Tanneries were among the top performers, up 7.2%, 6.5%, 6.3%, 6.0%, and 6.0% WoW, respectively. On the other hand, Textile Spinning, Vanaspati & Allied Industries, Jute, Miscellaneous, and Close-End Mutual Funds were among the worst performers, with declines of 6.6%, 4.7%, 1.4%, 0.7%, and 0.5% WoW, respectively.

    In terms of market flows, major net buying was recorded by Mutual Funds and Companies, with net purchases of $71.5 million and $35.5 million, respectively. Conversely, Banks and Foreigners were the major sellers, with net sales of $56.3 million and $42.5 million, respectively.

    Company-wise, top performers during the week included: 1) AICL (up 32.1% WoW), 2) MCB (up 12.9% WoW), 3) ABOT (up 11.5% WoW), 4) HALEON (up 11.4% WoW), and 5) SAZEW (up 10.5% WoW). The top laggards were: 1) PSEL (down 15.5% WoW), 2) SSOM (down 7.0% WoW), 3) GHGL (down 2.8% WoW), 4) DHPL (down 2.6% WoW), and 5) ISL (down 2.6% WoW).


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  • Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Paving the Way for a Net-Positive Future in Travel and Tourism

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026: Paving the Way for a Net-Positive Future in Travel and Tourism

    Published on
    January 10, 2026

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 brings together global leaders, innovators, and experts under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go” to address the interconnected challenges of sustainability. The event, which has become a symbol of the global sustainability agenda, is taking a bold step forward this year by reconsidering the role of travel and tourism in achieving a sustainable future.

    The travel and tourism industry, previously viewed as a sector focused on isolated environmental factors such as aviation emissions or hotel energy efficiency, is now being recognised for its role as a major system integrator. This year’s conference will focus on the interconnectedness of energy, mobility, infrastructure, finance, logistics, culture, and human behaviour, with a particular emphasis on how these systems can be brought together to ensure scaled sustainability.

    Rethinking Sustainability in the Travel Industry

    The conversation around sustainability in the travel sector has long been dominated by narrow concerns. Efforts often centred on reducing aviation emissions, improving the energy efficiency of hotels, or promoting carbon offset programmes. While these initiatives are important, experts emphasise that they are insufficient to address the full potential of the travel sector’s impact on global systems.

    The organisers of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week have underscored the need for a broader perspective, one that looks beyond the traditional boundaries and instead considers how travel and tourism intersect with, and can strengthen, multiple systems simultaneously. This shift in perspective offers a unique opportunity to build a more resilient and efficient global infrastructure—one that benefits not only the travel sector but also other interconnected industries.

    Transportation as the Key to Systemic Change

    One of the most significant areas where the travel sector can drive systemic change is in transportation. Innovations in electric mobility, sustainable aviation fuels, smart ports, and low-carbon logistics all depend on more than just technological advancements. These innovations require coordination across energy generation, grid flexibility, digital platforms, and financial systems to be truly effective.

    Experts stress that when transport planning is fragmented, inefficiencies multiply and lead to greater emissions and resource wastage. On the other hand, when systems are integrated and designed with long-term sustainability in mind, the compounded value created across multiple sectors can have far-reaching positive effects.

    Airports are one of the best examples of this evolution. They are no longer just points of arrival and departure; they are becoming energy hubs, mobility nodes, and data platforms that contribute to a city’s overall sustainability efforts. The growth of AI-enabled planning, resilient power grids, and sustainable fuel supply chains within the aviation sector represents just the beginning of this transformation.

    Urban Systems and Smart Cities: A New Way Forward

    Cities that are able to integrate sustainable travel, infrastructure, and energy demand from the outset are seeing far more successful outcomes than those that must retrofit systems later on. This integrated approach has the potential to create more efficient, sustainable urban environments that can manage the complex demands of urban life, including transport, waste management, and energy consumption.

    The relationship between tourism and urban systems is particularly important. Tourism is, in many ways, a real-time stress test for cities’ infrastructure, especially when it comes to transport, water, waste, and energy systems. The surge in visitor demand can either highlight weaknesses in urban systems or accelerate innovation, depending on how these systems are managed.

    Properly leveraging tourism can help push cities to adopt renewable energy solutions, invest in clean infrastructure, and explore nature-based solutions to urban challenges. Moreover, tourism can drive job creation, upskilling of local communities, and support for sustainable livelihoods, making it a critical tool for both environmental and economic sustainability.

    The Role of Leadership in Achieving a Net-Positive System

    To achieve a net-positive world, the leadership mindset must shift dramatically. Travel and transport operators, as well as urban planners, need to step into the role of stewards for interconnected systems. The success of sustainability efforts will no longer be measured by individual goals such as reducing carbon footprints or increasing recycling rates in isolation. Instead, the focus will be on how effectively data is shared, how incentives are aligned across sectors, and how long-term systemic value is created.

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week serves as an important platform for this shift. It brings together stakeholders from a variety of sectors, including energy, finance, technology, urban planning, mobility, and nature, in order to create a space for cross-sector dialogue. This collaborative environment is crucial for advancing the integrated approach that will shape the future of global sustainability.

    Travel and Tourism: A Key Engine of Change

    When designed with intent, travel and tourism has the potential to become one of the most powerful engines for a net-positive world. As more sectors begin to understand and embrace the interconnections between their work, the travel industry will increasingly be seen as a crucial player in driving the systemic change needed to achieve global sustainability goals.

    By viewing travel through a systems lens, with a focus on integrating sustainability efforts across multiple domains, the sector can become a key contributor to a more resilient and sustainable global infrastructure. As Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 draws to a close, the message is clear: it is through the intelligent connection of systems, rather than isolated optimization, that a truly sustainable future will be realised.

    The Future of Sustainable Travel

    Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026 has paved the way for a new era of sustainable travel and tourism. Recognising the travel industry’s unique role as a system integrator, the event has triggered a paradigm shift that will reverberate across industries. As global leaders continue to advocate for systemic change, the travel and tourism industry must transform into a force for good, capable of fostering innovation, increasing efficiency, and creating a net-positive world for future generations.

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  • AARP Bulletin Warns About Class-Action Scams and Key 2026 Medicare and Social Security Changes

    AARP Bulletin Warns About Class-Action Scams and Key 2026 Medicare and Social Security Changes

    WASHINGTON—The January/February 2026 issue of AARP Bulletin provides Americans with timely, actionable reporting to help them protect their finances, make informed health decisions, and avoid fraud pitfalls.

    In this issue:

    New Medicare and Social Security Rules: AARP Bulletin breaks down what readers need to know for the new year, including newly negotiated prescription drug prices, increased Medicare premiums, a tax break for people 65 and older, and more. Read about these updates in this issue’s “In the News.”

    Class-Action Lawsuit Scams: As fraud grows more sophisticated, the Bulletin investigates a popular new tactic used to steal personal data. This issue’s Fraud Watch explains how legitimate class-action settlements work, why many people ignore real notices about money they may be owed, and the clear warning signs of fraud, including urgent deadlines, upfront fees, and requests for sensitive data. Experts from AARP’s Fraud Watch Network share steps readers can take to verify claims and avoid becoming a victim.

    Making Sense of Today’s Most Popular Annuities: We take a practical, no-jargon approach to investment-linked annuities, including Fixed-Index Annuities (FIAs), Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs), and Variable Annuities (VAs). Learn more about key trade-offs among the products, how to ask the right questions, and ultimately, decide whether one of these options fits your financial goals.

    The War on Diabetes: This issue’s cover story examines advances in prevention and treatment of this increasingly common disease, from wearable glucose monitors to lifestyle programs and emerging medications. The Bulletin’s roundup of experts also explores why so many adults remain undiagnosed or undertreated despite progress in treatment and care.

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    About AARP

    AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the 125 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

    Media contact: Danny Alarcon, dalarcon@aarp.org

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  • Goldman Sachs Declares Preferred Stock Dividends

    Goldman Sachs Declares Preferred Stock Dividends

    NEW YORK, NY, January 9, 2026 – The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) today announced that it has declared dividends on the following series of its non-cumulative preferred stock (represented by depositary shares, each representing a 1/1,000th interest in a share of preferred stock, except for the Series Q Preferred Stock, the Series R Preferred Stock, the Series S Preferred Stock, the Series U Preferred Stock, the Series W Preferred Stock and the Series Z Preferred Stock in which each depositary share represents a 1/25th interest in a share of preferred stock):

    • $311.56 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A;

    • $311.56 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C;  

    • $306.45 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D;

    • $922.38 per share of 5.50% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Q;

    • $945.00 per share of 4.95% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series R;

    • $898.25 per share of 4.40% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series S;

    • $456.25 per share of 3.65% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series U;

    • $937.50 per share of 7.50% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series W; and

    • $856.25 per share of 6.850% Fixed-Rate Reset Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series Z.

    In addition, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has declared a dividend of $1,218.76 per share of Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series E, and a dividend of $1,219.39 per share of Perpetual Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series F.

    The dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, Series C Preferred Stock, Series D Preferred Stock, Series Q Preferred Stock, Series R Preferred Stock, Series S Preferred Stock, Series U Preferred Stock, Series W Preferred Stock and Series Z Preferred Stock are payable on February 10, 2026 to preferred shareholders of record on January 26, 2026. The dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock and Series F Preferred Stock are payable on March 1, 2026, but occurring on March 2, 2026 to preferred shareholders of record on February 15, 2026.

    Goldman Sachs is a leading global financial institution that delivers a broad range of financial services to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.

    # # #

    Media Contact:

    Tony Fratto

    Tel: +1 212 902 5400

    Investor Contact:

    Jehan Ilahi

    Tel: +1 212 902 0300

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  • Frontier Adds Flights to Miami to Get College Football Fans to the Championship Game

    Frontier Adds Flights to Miami to Get College Football Fans to the Championship Game

    Miami – January 9, 2026 – Get ready for even more jerseys in the streets of Miami this month! Frontier Airlines (Nasdaq: ULCC) is adding flights from Indianapolis International Airport (IND) to Miami international Airport (MIA) so fans can watch college football’s biggest game of the year in person.

    “We can’t wait to bring more excited fans to Miami this month so they can cheer every touchdown as well as enjoy the amazing beaches, attractions and dining South Florida has to offer,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, Frontier Airlines.

    Flight departing January 17:

    ·        IND to MIA, departing at 1:10 pm EST

    Flights departing January 18:

    ·        IND to MIA, departing at 10:15 am EST

    Flights departing January 20:

    ·        MIA to IND, departing at 10:30 am EST

    ·        MIA to IND, departing at 1:00 pm EST

    Frontier will also offer flights: from MIA to IND on January 17 and 18, and from IND to MIA on January 20. Flights are expected to sell out quickly. For more information and to book, visit flyfrontier.com.

    Frontier Airlines has introduced sweeping changes to its product and customer service offerings, ushering in ‘The New Frontier.’ Among the enhancements is UpFront Plus seating, an upgraded seating option with extra leg and elbow room in the first two rows of the aircraft. Customers in UpFront Plus enjoy a window or aisle seat with extra legroom and a guaranteed empty middle seat. The airline also now offers unlimited companion travel for its most loyal customers, with the flexibility to choose a different companion on every Frontier flight. Debuting in early 2026, Frontier will begin offering First Class seating, combining unmatched comfort and space at Frontier’s trademark affordable prices.

    Frontier continues to innovate with its industry-leading frequent flyer program, FRONTIER Miles, which allows customers to ‘Get It All For Less.’ Members earn miles quickly and get rewarded for each dollar spent on Frontier products. Miles accrue based on dollars spent with a standard 10X multiplier: $1 = 10 miles, with multipliers increasing at every elite level up to 20X. Elite status is attainable at only 10,000 points and offers perks such as priority boarding, seat selection and free bag(s) depending on status level. Like the airline, FRONTIER Miles is also family friendly, offering easy family pooling of miles for Elite members and making it simple for families to enjoy rewards together. Joining is free.

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  • Enhanced Support for HDB Coffee Shops to Provide Affordable Cooked Food Options in HDB Heartlands


    Published Date: 10 Jan 2026



    More sustainable for operators and stallholders, while meeting essential needs of residents 

    HDB will provide enhanced support for HDB coffee shop operators and stallholders who choose to offer budget meal options, to keep the budget meal initiative sustainable while meeting essential needs of residents.

    2 As of 31 December 2025, 350 HDB rental coffee shops and 48 privately-owned HDB coffee shops are providing budget meals.

    3 Since the introduction of the budget meal initiative in 2018, HDB has been engaging operators, stallholders and residents regularly to refine the scheme1. Operators and stallholders have shared concerns that the budget meal initiative is not sustainable due to rising costs and low take-up rates. Residents have also given feedback that the quality of budget meals is uneven and portion sizes can be inconsistent. To address these concerns, HDB will be making further changes to the budget meal initiative, which will take effect from 10 January 2026.

    More funding support for operators and greater flexibility to offer budget meals in a sustainable manner

    4 Currently, HDB provides rental coffee shop operators that offer budget meals a 5% discount off their renewal rents for a period of one year from the time of tenancy renewal.

    5 To enhance the financial support for operators and stallholders, HDB will triple the amount of support provided by extending the 5% rental discount from the current one-year period to the full three-year tenancy term. This extended discount will apply to newly-let and existing rental coffee shops when they commence or renew their tenancies, if they choose to offer budget meals. Existing rental coffee shops that are already offering budget meals under existing requirements will also automatically receive the discount for the rest of their current tenancy term2.

    6 For privately-owned HDB coffee shops that offer budget meals, HDB will provide financial support through a discount on the Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) fees for their Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA). The discount will be equivalent to 5% of the assessed market rent of the coffee shop over a 3-year period, capped at 100% of the TOL fee.

    7 Operators who sign up for the initiative are required to pass on the discount in full to their tenants who are the stallholders providing budget meals. To ensure this, HDB will require operators to sign a letter of undertaking and declare how the discount is being shared amongst the stallholders who are offering the budget meals. HDB may cease and claw back the rental discounts, if they are not distributed in full to participating stallholders.

    8 Under this new arrangement, operators can decide whether to participate in the budget meal initiative, in exchange for the rental discounts or TOL fee discounts. It is no longer mandatory for them to do so.

    1. For existing rental coffee shop operators who are currently providing budget meals as a condition of their tenancy renewal, they may choose to maintain their existing budget meal arrangements or adopt the revised budget meal requirements (see Para 10). They can also decide whether to continue providing budget meals at their next tenancy renewal.

    2. Newly-let rental coffee shops under the Price-Quality Method framework prior to 10 January 2026 (i.e. still within their first tenancy term) will continue to provide budget meals until the end of their current tenancy term, as required in their tender contract. They can decide whether to continue providing budget meals at their next tenancy renewal.

    Standardised scope of budget meal requirements

    9 Under the current budget meal initiative, HDB requires coffee shop operators to provide two to six budget meals (depending on whether they are sold or rental coffee shops) and two budget drinks. One downside of this arrangement is that the budget meals offered could be uneven across different coffee shops.

    10 To better meet residents’ daily needs, we will standardise the scope of the budget meal requirement such that operators are required to provide three meal options: (a) an economy rice option (consisting of rice with one meat dish and two vegetable dishes), (b) a halal meal option, and (c) a breakfast item. The requirement to offer two budget drinks will remain unchanged. This will provide residents with affordable meal and drink options for their basic daily needs, while keeping the scheme sustainable for operators and stallholders. A summary of the changes is in the Annex.

    11 Low-income households who require further assistance with cooked food may tap on support initiatives by their communities, such as meal vouchers, free breakfast and free bento lunches. These local community initiatives are offered by grassroots organisations or charities. They complement the Government’s efforts to support our lower-income residents.

    Measures to encourage prudent bidding and reasonable stall rents

    12 Beyond the above changes to the budget meal initiative, HDB will also be introducing measures to encourage operators to bid prudently and charge their tenants fairly.

    Collection of data on coffee shop stall rents

    13 HDB has kept our rental coffee shop rents stable in the past 3 years. 90% of HDB coffee shops did not have any rent increases from 2023 to 2025. Nonetheless, there are concerns that some operators may impose high rental mark-ups on their stallholders, even though the rents these operators pay to HDB have remained largely unchanged.

    14 To improve transparency and enable all stakeholders to make better-informed decisions on which HDB rental coffee shop and stall to rent, HDB will start collecting data on stall rents charged by the operators. HDB will then assess how the data can be made publicly available, to enable stallholders to use the information when they decide which stall to rent.

    Tendered rent for shops to be maintained for two tenancy terms

    15 From 10 January 2026, HDB will require successful bidders of all new shop tenders to maintain their tendered rent for two tenancy terms (i.e. 6 years), instead of the current one tenancy term (i.e. 3 years). By requiring tenderers to commit to tendered rent over a longer period, our aim is to encourage tenderers to bid prudently.

    Ensuring access to affordable food options

    16 HDB remains committed to ensuring that our HDB heartlands provide a variety of affordable cooked food options for residents. We will continue to ensure an adequate supply3 of coffee shops and other F&B options in every HDB town. 


    1 Since 2018, new rental coffee shops tendered out under HDB’s Price-Quality Method (PQM) framework have been required to provide budget meals. In May 2023, this requirement was extended to existing rental coffee shops renewing their tenancies. Subsequently, from December 2023, privately-owned HDB coffee shops that are sold on the open market were also required to offer budget meals. Since May 2025, privately-owned HDB coffee shops are required to offer budget meals upon renewal of their Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) for the Outdoor Refreshment Area.

    2Excludes new coffee shops in their first term of tenancy i.e. awarded before January 2026. These newly-tendered coffee shops would have taken into account the provision of budget meals in their price bids.  These coffee shops may be eligible when they renew their tenancy agreement after the first term.

    3 As of end 2025, there are 805 HDB coffee shops across Singapore, with another 43 slated for completion between 2026 and 2030.


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  • Oil gains 2% as market weighs Iran, Russia supply risks; dealmaking for Venezuela in focus

    NEW YORK: Oil prices rose 2% on Friday on growing supply worries linked to intensifying protests in oil-producing Iran and an escalation of attacks in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

    Brent futures settled $1.35, or 2.18%, higher to $63.34 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up $1.36, or 2.35%, to $59.12.

    Both benchmarks climbed more than 3% on Thursday, following two straight days of declines. For the week, Brent rose about 4%, while WTI gained about 3%.

    “The uprising in Iran is keeping the market on edge,” said Phil Flynn, senior analyst with the Price Futures Group.

    Worries over potential disruption of Iran’s oil output grew as the civil unrest in the Middle Eastern country intensified.

    “Iran protests seem to be gathering momentum, leading the market to worry about disruptions,” said Ole Hansen, head of commodity analysis at Saxo Bank.

    A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran on Thursday as protests over economic hardships continued in the capital Tehran, the major cities of Mashhad and Isfahan as well as other areas around the country.

    The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries pumped 28.40 million barrels per day last month, down 100,000 bpd from November’s revised total, a survey showed, with Iran and Venezuela posting the largest declines.

    Concerns about the spread of the Russia-Ukraine war also added to supply worries.

    The Russian military said on Friday it had fired its hypersonic Oreshnik missile at targets in Ukraine. The targets included energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, the Russian defense ministry said in a statement.

    Still, global oil inventories are rising, and oversupply remains the main driver that could cap gains, Haitong Futures said. Unless risks around Iran escalate, the rebound is likely limited and hard to sustain.

    Meanwhile, the White House was set to meet with oil companies and trading houses Friday afternoon to discuss Venezuelan export deals.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded that Venezuela give the U.S. full access to its oil sector following Washington’s capture of the country’s leader Nicolas Maduro on Saturday. Trump administration officials have said the U.S. will control Venezuelan oil sales and revenue indefinitely.

    Oil major Chevron Corp, global trading houses Vitol and Trafigura, and other firms are competing for U.S. government deals to market up to 50 million barrels of oil that state-run oil company PDVSA has accumulated in inventories amid a severe oil embargo.

    “The market will focus on the outcome in the coming days for how the Venezuelan oil in storage will be sold and delivered,” said Tina Teng, market strategist at Moomoo ANZ.

    U.S. oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by two to 544 this week, the lowest since mid-December, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday.


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  • Leveraging automated machine learning to benchmark, deconstruct, and compare frailty indices for predicting adverse spinal surgery outcomes

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  • Metro Board to consider advancing C Line Extension to Torrance and Sepulveda Transit Corridor at January meeting

    Metro Board to consider advancing C Line Extension to Torrance and Sepulveda Transit Corridor at January meeting

    Continuing to fulfill its commitment to voters when Measure M passed in 2016, Metro has reached significant milestones for two pillar projects that would transform the way Angelenos move around the County. At the January Board meeting, the Metro Board will consider certification of the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the C Line Extension to Torrance and selection of the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project.  

    “Connecting the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles and extending rail in the South Bay means opening doors to better jobs, classrooms, entertainment centers and more. It means cleaner air and less time stuck in traffic. This is the kind of bold, future-driven investment that carries a region and its people into the future,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra. “These projects represent an important step in the right direction for Los Angeles County’s public transportation system.” 

    C Line Extension to Torrance 

    The Board will consider certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) for the voter-approved C Line Extension to Torrance, which will operate as part of the K Line. This critical 4.5-mile project would launch a new age of mobility in the South Bay, promising commuters, travelers and families a fast, convenient 19-minute trip from Torrance directly to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), while seamlessly connecting Torrance and Redondo Beach to Los Angeles County’s expanding transit network. The project will also create easy transfers to the C and E lines for people connecting to Santa Monica, downtown Los Angeles, Norwalk and other locations throughout the county. 

    Metro studied three light rail and a high frequency bus alternative for this project. The Board selected LPA was chosen for its efficient use of the existing Metro-owned historic freight rail corridor, which significantly reduces the need for costly private land acquisition and minimizes construction-related disruptions to neighborhoods.  And provides new walking paths in neighborhoods to serve as active green spaces, as well as upgrades to existing freight to enhance safety and reduce freight horn noise from nearby homes. This project is also designed to support economic growth in the South Bay. By linking directly to the Redondo Beach Transit Center and Torrance Transit Center, the LPA ensures superior local and regional connectivity. And the project will generate roughly 15,000 jobs and is estimated to deliver $16.47 billion in regional economic benefits over 20 years.   

    Sepulveda Transit Corridor 

    Also, during its January meeting, the Board will consider the staff recommendation for a Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) for the voter-approved Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project, marking another step forward for this major project that is planned to connect the San Fernando Valley and West Los Angeles. 

    The selection of the LPA follows the release this past summer of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which analyzed five alternatives for a fast, reliable rail transit option for those traveling through the Sepulveda Pass. Community members and stakeholders submitted more than 8,000 comments — a historic number of comments — on the future of the Sepulveda Transit Corridor during the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) public comment period, during which Metro held 10 public meetings in both virtual and in-person formats to educate stakeholders. 

    Based on technical evaluation and community and stakeholder input, Metro staff proposed Modified Alternative 5 as the LPA. Modified Alternative 5 is heavy rail transit underground between the Van Nuys Metrolink Station and E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station modified to connect to the Van Nuys G Line Station and future East San Fernando Valley Light Rail station at the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard.  

    Modified Alternative 5 incorporates key elements of Alternative 5, including automated vehicles in a single-bore tunnel, a terminus at the E Line Expo/Sepulveda Station and 2.5-minute frequencies during peak travel times. It leverages the strengths of Alternative 5 – high ridership, high frequencies, and shorter station construction sites, while avoiding construction of a ventilation shaft in the Santa Monica Mountains. It also offers the connectivity benefits of Alternative 6 along Van Nuys Boulevard instead of Sepulveda Boulevard, which reduces the project’s overall length and is anticipated to reduce cost. 

    The staff recommendation also includes project phasing to allow for mobility benefits to be realized as funds become available. Nearly all Metro rail projects have been phased. Specifically, the recommendation includes focusing on an initial operating segment (IOS) between the San Fernando Valley (at the Metro G Line) and Westside (at the Metro D Line). The modifications to Alternative 5 facilitate direct connections to the transit network, avoiding the need to transfer twice to access the project. Direct connections enhance the time competitiveness of transit and anticipated ridership. 

    After carefully reviewing comments received during the Draft EIR public comment period, Modified Alternative 5 addresses many of the key themes voiced by the community and stakeholders:  

    • Fast travel times: May even be less than the current fastest end-to-end travel time of 18 minutes from the Van Nuys Metrolink to the E Line or approximately 10 minutes from the G Line in Van Nuys to the D Line in Westwood 
    • Seamless connection to other transit lines: Direct connections to Metrolink, Metro G Line, D Line, E Line and East San Fernando Light Rail. Direct connections to Metro G Line, D Line and East San Fernando Light Rail as part of an IOS.  
    • Station locations that connect to key destinations, including UCLA 
    • Cost effectiveness. Alternative 5 was the 2nd most cost-effective alternative evaluated in the Draft EIR and Modified Alternative 5 presents opportunities to further reduce costs and increase cost effectiveness 
    • No ventilation shaft in the Santa Monica Mountains 
    • No aerial alignment along Sepulveda Boulevard in the Valley 
    • Concerns about property acquisitions/displacements 
    • Interest in an on-campus UCLA Station 
    • Compatible with LADWP Mid-Valley Water facility and Stone Canyon Reservoir and Dam 

    The preliminary capital cost for Alternative 5 is $24.2 billion (in 2023). This would be updated to reflect Modified Alternative 5. Beyond funds provided under Measure M and other local sources, Metro anticipates the need for additional funding and financing for the project, including from federal, state and local sources, as well as private investment through a potential public-private partnership (P3). 

    The project is an investment in the local and regional economy. During construction alone, the project would  result in 12,000 to 17,000 jobs per year, increasing economic output in the Los Angeles region by $25.5 billion to $42.9 billion, and generating $7.3 billion to $12.1 billion in additional wages due to construction. 

    Following Board approval of the LPA, Metro would initiate design refinement efforts consistent with the LPA, which includes evaluating phasing, identifying opportunities for value engineering, evaluating the P3 delivery model, and making refinements to Alternative 5 to allow for connection to the G Line at Van Nuys Boulevard. Following design refinements, the environmental process would continue, including corresponding community outreach and opportunities for public comment.   

    Continuing to Build Connectivity 

    Metro has the most ambitious capital program in the country. Over the past 40 years, Metro has built 118 miles of rail and more than 20 additional miles are currently in the planning or construction phase. Metro recognizes what is possible when people have a real alternative to driving. These two projects offer the promise of a more connected, accessible and hopeful future for Angelenos. 

    Both of these projects will also help California achieve its climate goals through the significant reduction of vehicle miles travelled and greenhouse gases. By providing high-capacity transit alternatives, these new lines will remove tens of millions of vehicle miles from our roads annually, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce smog and ease congestion to ensure a cleaner, more mobile Los Angeles County for generations to come. 

    “In 2016, LA County voters told us, loud and clear, that they want a robust Metro system to transform their commutes and improve their quality of life,” said Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of Metro, “By advancing these two projects, Metro is making good on this promise. These two projects will transform transportation for people from the South Bay to the San Fernando Valley and beyond, improving access to jobs, education, health care, and all the things that make living in LA great. We look forward to continuing to work with the Board and project stakeholders as we take the next steps on these two transformative projects.” 

    The Metro Planning & Programming Committee will consider these projects at its meeting on January 14, 2026 at 11:00am. More information can be found at: https://boardagendas.metro.net/  

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