By Scott DiSavino (Reuters) – U.S. energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating for a third week in a row to the lowest since December 2021, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator […]
Kraken, Blockchain.com join crowd signing with Trump-tied lobbyists
By Douglas Gillison (Reuters) – The companies behind the crypto exchanges Kraken and Blockchain.com have joined the dozens of corporations and wealthy individuals that have hired the President Trump-tied lobbying firm Ballard Partners since November’s elections, records show. Founded by lobbyist and Donald Trump fundraiser Brian Ballard, the firm has drawn scrutiny in recent weeks […]
US arms exports hit record in 2024 on Ukraine-related demand
By Mike Stone (Reuters) – U.S. military equipment sales to foreign governments in 2024 surged 29% to a record $318.7 billion, the State Department said on Friday, as countries sought to replenish stocks sent to Ukraine and prepare for major conflicts. The figures from the Biden administration’s final year underpin expectations of stronger sales for […]
Shein tells UK lawmakers it does not allow Chinese cotton in products sold in US
By Helen Reid and James Davey LONDON (Reuters) -Online fast-fashion retailer Shein requires its contract manufacturers to only source cotton from approved regions, which do not include China, for products it sells in the United States, its biggest market, the company said on Friday. Approved cotton sources include Australia, Brazil, India, the United States and, […]
Amazon Prime Video shifts focus to live sports to boost profits, The Information reports
(Reuters) – Amazon’s Prime Video has shifted its strategic focus towards live sports and away from original television shows and movies, seeking to meet internal corporate profit targets, The Information reported on Friday. Amazon’s reported move marks a pivotal moment for the tech giant as it looks beyond its traditional focus on original content for […]
US judge pauses SpaceX’s challenge to case over anti-immigrant bias
By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) – A federal judge on Friday granted the U.S. Department of Justice’s request to pause a lawsuit by Elon Musk’s SpaceX claiming the agency lacks the power to pursue claims that the space technology company refused to hire certain immigrants. U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya in Brownsville, Texas, made the decision […]