Public Markets 3 Hours

Last updated: May 17, 2026, 8:45 AM ET

Energy & Politics

U.S. wind and solar developers face mounting pressure as tax credits approach expiration, with labor and equipment shortages compounding hostility from the Trump administration. The uncertainty has created what one industry source described as "nervous energy" across the renewable sector, threatening billions in planned clean energy investments.

Venture Capital

Donald Trump Jr's 1789 Capital is positioning itself as a politically charged investment vehicle, seeking to grow assets to $10 billion after building a sprawling artificial intelligence portfolio. The VC firm explicitly markets its political edge as a differentiator in the investment landscape, a strategy that sets it apart from traditional Silicon Valley firms.

Geopolitics

Fresh strains are emerging in Malaysia's ruling coalition as political jockeying among coalition parties has prompted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to raise the prospect of a snap general election. The move signals deepening fractures in the alliance less than two years after the last polls.

Culture & Society

Bulgaria claimed victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with Israel finishing second despite five countries boycotting this year's contest over Israel's involvement. The boycott failed to meaningfully impact the outcome once the competition began, suggesting music ultimately took precedence over politics.

Human Interest

A New York Times feature explores the DeGrange family's century-long separation caused by the "bizarre rules of racism," examining how three generations have navigated parallel lives and whether healing is possible. Meanwhile, educators are assessing what artificial intelligence did to the first graduating AI class, drawing lessons for the future of higher education. On a lighter note, the U.S. government is asking air travelers to take a quiz on proper flight behavior as part of efforts to combat rising incidents of unruly passenger conduct.