WiseTech Global Denies Knowledge of Investigation Into Founder Richard White 
Trump Administration Delays DeepSeek and CXMT Trade Blacklist Designations Amid U.S.-China Tensions 
RFK Jr. Orders Extended Hantavirus Quarantine for Cruise Passenger 
Trump Administration Plans Deportation of Iranian Migrants to Central African Republic Under New Third-Country Deal 
Anthropic AI Model Uncovers Vulnerabilities in Classified U.S. Government Systems During Security Test 
Trump Forced Labour Tariff Plan Faces Criticism as Experts Question Effectiveness 
NTSB Investigates Boston Logan Airport Near-Miss Between Delta and American Airlines Jets 
Meta Pauses Employee Activity Tracking Program Over Data Security Concerns 
Meta Reportedly Developing ‘Arena’ Prediction Market App to Rival Polymarket and Kalshi 
JPMorgan Sees Strong Strategic Value in Potential AbbVie Acquisition of Apogee Therapeutics 
Nissan Halts Electric Qashqai Development Amid EV Market Challenges 
100+ Global Companies Push Governments to Prioritize Electrification for Economic Growth 
Tesla and NatPower Partner on $5 Billion Battery Storage Expansion in Europe 
US Expands Iran Sanctions, Targets Major Crypto Exchanges and Individuals 
US Tightens AI Chip Export Rules, Impacting Nvidia and AMD Sales to Chinese Firms 
Venezuela Deploys Troops to Crack Down on Illegal Gold Mining Amid Push for Foreign Investment 
U.S. energy regulators have renewed BlackRock’s permission to hold significant stakes in U.S.-traded utility companies, a key victory for the $11.5 trillion asset manager amid mounting political scrutiny. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) extended BlackRock’s authorization to own up to 20% of voting securities in any single public utility for another three years, allowing it to maintain large positions in energy firms despite criticism from both sides of the political aisle.
FERC Chairman Mark Christie, a Republican, voiced concern over BlackRock’s influence but acknowledged the necessity for utilities to access capital. “Utilities must seek investment capital from wherever it is available, and much of it is now managed by large asset firms,” Christie stated in a concurring opinion.
BlackRock, which thanked FERC for the decision, emphasized its role in supporting energy infrastructure. “We look forward to continuing to provide billions in capital to the U.S. energy sector on behalf of our clients,” the company said.
While utility trade groups largely supported the move, the decision drew sharp criticism. Conservative nonprofit Consumers’ Research argued that BlackRock’s involvement in climate-focused investor coalitions undermines its claim of being a passive investor. Executive Director Will Hild labeled the decision "disappointing" and urged former President Trump to replace commissioners unwilling to enforce policy.
Liberal watchdog Public Citizen also questioned the waiver, pointing to BlackRock’s $12.5 billion acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners as evidence of active investment behavior. “BlackRock is too big to challenge,” said Tyson Slocum, Public Citizen’s energy program director.
The ruling avoids disruption to utility index fund investments and aligns with prior input from industry groups like the Edison Electric Institute, which claimed FERC’s policies have supported public energy access by encouraging investment.
