Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Pause on New Wind-Energy Permits 
FDA Says No Black Box Warning Planned for COVID-19 Vaccines Despite Safety Debate 
EU Court Cuts Intel Antitrust Fine to €237 Million Amid Long-Running AMD Dispute 
EU Signals Major Shift on 2035 Combustion Engine Ban Amid Auto Industry Pressure 
FAA Unveils Flight Plan 2026 to Strengthen Aviation Safety and Workforce Development 
CMOC to Acquire Equinox Gold’s Brazilian Mines in $1 Billion Deal to Expand Precious Metals Portfolio 
Coca-Cola’s Costa Coffee Sale Faces Uncertainty as Talks With TDR Capital Hit Snag 
Air Force One Delivery Delayed to 2028 as Boeing Faces Rising Costs 
Strategy Retains Nasdaq 100 Spot Amid Growing Scrutiny of Bitcoin Treasury Model 
Intel’s Testing of China-Linked Chipmaking Tools Raises U.S. National Security Concerns 
Trump Signs Executive Order to Establish National AI Regulation Standard 
HSBC’s $13.6 Billion Take-Private Offer for Hang Seng Bank Gains Board Backing 
Belarus Frees 123 Political Prisoners in U.S.-Brokered Deal Over Sanctions 
iRobot Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Rising Competition and Tariff Pressures 
California, 18 States Sue to Block Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee 
Trump Criticizes Insurers as Debate Over Extending Obamacare Subsidies Intensifies 
United Airlines Tokyo-Bound Flight Returns to Dulles After Engine Failure 
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.
