FedEx's modified government contract worth billions
FedEx has secured a $2.72 billion modification to its U.S. government contract under the Next Generation Delivery Service-2 program. This extended agreement will run through September 2030, reinforcing FedEx's role in government logistics. The article also mentions recent significant compensation for FedEx executives and other company news.
Culpability of Las Vegas Sands in spotlight as Nevada regulators approve $7.2 million Venetian AML fine
Nevada gaming regulators have approved a $7.2 million fine against the Venetian Resort Las Vegas for anti-money laundering (AML) failures related to illegal bookmaker Mathew Bowyer. This marks the fourth such penalty against a Las Vegas Strip entity for similar issues, bringing the total in fines to $34 million. While the current owner, Apollo Global Management, accepted the fine, most of the misconduct occurred when Las Vegas Sands owned the property, leading to frustrations among commissioners regarding the former owner's accountability.
Deadline Alert: First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) Shareholders Who
Glancy Prongay Wolke & Rotter LLP is urging First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) investors who suffered losses between February 26, 2025, and February 24, 2026, to contact them regarding a securities fraud lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that First Solar overstated its ability to manage U.S. tariff policy impacts and understated the negative effects of its responses to these policies on its projected 2026 performance, leading to significant stock price drops after downgraded guidance and missed earnings. The deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion is August 24, 2026.
Virginia SCC Member Stays In Dominion Energy Conversations
Kelsey Bagot, chair of the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), has decided not to recuse herself from discussions regarding NextEra Energy's proposed $67 billion takeover of Dominion Energy, despite having previously worked as a senior attorney at NextEra. While some, including former SCC commissioner Angela Navarro and Energy Commission member Meade Browder, support her decision, Dominion ratepayers and others argue that her past employment constitutes a direct conflict of interest. The merger discussions are ongoing, with considerations for ratepayer benefits and the potential impact on Virginia's clean energy goals.
Iowa Economic Development Authority awards $2.23 million in tax credits to ADM in Clinton
The Iowa Economic Development Authority has awarded Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) $2.23 million in tax credits to expand its precision fermentation capabilities at its Clinton facility. This $55.5 million capital investment project aims to convert an underutilized 26,500-square-foot fermentation facility and is expected to create 36 jobs with a qualifying wage of $30.56 per hour. The tax credit was granted through the Business Incentive Growth program, which helps businesses offset costs for locating, expanding, and modernizing facilities in Iowa.
Infleqtion Soars 10%, Rigetti Jumps 9%, IonQ Climbs 7%: What’s Driving Quantum Computing Stocks Now?
Quantum computing stocks Infleqtion, Rigetti, IonQ, D-Wave, and Quantum Computing Inc. saw significant gains of 7-10% on Friday, driven by anticipation of federal funding, including up to $100 million in proposed funding for Infleqtion and Rigetti, and White House executive orders prioritizing quantum technology. This rally appears to be a sector-wide rotation and a bounce back after a negative year-to-date performance for these pure-play companies, rather than a response to specific company news. The Defiance Quantum ETF, however, showed minimal movement, indicating its portfolio leans more towards diversified tech holdings than pure-play quantum companies.
Infleqtion Soars 10%, Rigetti Jumps 9%, IonQ Climbs 7%: What's Driving Quantum Computing Stocks Now?
Quantum computing stocks Infleqtion, Rigetti, IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. all experienced significant gains between 7% and 10% on Friday. This surge is attributed to anticipated federal funding, including $100 million in proposed funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce, rather than specific company news. Despite the individual stock rallies, the Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) showed only a minimal gain, indicating its limited pure-play quantum weighting compared to broader tech holdings.
Final Trades: Toast, Intuit, Cognex and Microchip Technology
The article highlights the "Final Trades" segment from the Halftime Report, where the Investment Committee shares their top stock picks for the latter half of the year. The featured companies discussed are Toast (TOST), Intuit (INTU), Cognex (CGNX), and Microchip Technology (MCHP). The content also includes links to other related financial news videos.
Detroit's top legal officer faces ethics probe for Lear role
Detroit's Corporation Counsel, Conrad Mallett Jr., is under investigation by the city's Board of Ethics regarding his $335,000 board position at Lear Corp., an auto supplier that received a significant tax incentive while Mallett was Deputy Mayor. The probe also examines whether he properly disclosed this role and his son's employment with the city. Mallett maintains he disclosed the information and was not involved in the Lear deal, expressing confidence in his ethical conduct.
Micron Establishes Boise Research Hub for Memory and AI
Micron Technology has announced the establishment of Micron Research Labs, a new U.S.-based research institution headquartered in Boise, backed by a planned $10 billion investment over the next decade. This hub will focus on critical memory technologies, advanced memory and compute architectures, packaging, and future semiconductor manufacturing, bringing together industry, academia, and government to drive breakthroughs for the AI era. The initiative builds on Micron's previous commitment of over $250 billion for manufacturing and R&D in the U.S., aiming to reinforce American leadership in memory and advanced manufacturing.
Walmart promises price cuts after $2.9B tariff refund
Walmart announced it will use a $2.9 billion tariff refund to implement price cuts for consumers, following slower sales growth at its U.S. stores. This comes as higher gas prices have impacted consumer spending, leading to the slowest sales growth since early 2020. Other major retailers like Target and TJX also received significant tariff refunds after a Supreme Court ruling deemed certain past tariffs illegal.
MARA Holdings stock surges 15 percent on Trump crypto push
MARA Holdings Inc. stock surged 15.5% after President Trump pushed for the Clarity Act, which aims to create a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. Despite the single-day rally, the company faces significant financial challenges, including a $609.7 million net loss in Q2 and high debt. The upcoming procedural vote on the Clarity Act on September 15th is identified as a critical event that could determine the company's future trajectory.
Walmart promises price cuts after $2.9B tariff refund
Walmart announced it will use a $2.9 billion tariff refund to implement price cuts for consumers, aiming to stimulate spending. This decision comes as the retailer experienced its slowest sales growth since early 2020, partly due to higher gas prices impacting consumer spending. Other major retailers like Target, TJX, Home Depot, and Lowe’s have also reported significant tariff refunds following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed some of Donald Trump's tariffs illegal.
Walmart promises price cuts after $2.9B tariff refund
Walmart announced it will use a $2.9 billion tariff refund to implement price cuts for consumers, aiming to stimulate spending amidst slower sales growth. The company reported $6.4 billion in net income, but its US store sales growth was the slowest since early 2020, partly attributed to higher gas prices impacting consumer spending. Other major retailers like Target, TJX, Home Depot, Lowe's, Apple, Nike, Amazon, and FedEx have also reported significant tariff refunds following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed some tariffs illegal.
Payoneer Global (PAYO) legal chief withholds 1,652 shares for tax
Payoneer Global Inc.'s Chief Legal & Governance Officer, Tsafi Goldman, had 1,652 shares of common stock withheld for tax obligations on August 20, 2026. The shares were valued at $7.09 each and did not involve an open market sale. Following this transaction, Goldman directly holds 970,183 shares of Payoneer common stock.
White House Bitcoin Support Sparks This ETF
The White House's recent cryptocurrency meeting and its push for the Clarity Act have led to a double-digit gain for Bitcoin, potentially benefiting aggressive traders looking at the Direxion Daily Bitcoin Bull 2X ETF (BTCU). The Clarity Act aims to establish the U.S. as a global crypto leader, and combined with new SEC proposals, could provide significant tailwinds for the cryptocurrency market. Traders are advised to watch the September 15 procedural vote in the Senate, which could determine the Act's fate, with former President Trump also supporting its passage.
JD.com offers concessions in EU probe of Ceconomy takeover bid
JD.com has proposed concessions to the European Commission as part of an in-depth investigation into its $2.5 billion offer for German electronics retailer Ceconomy. The EU launched the probe under its Foreign Subsidies Regulation, suspecting potential state support from China may have influenced JD.com's bid. This regulatory scrutiny comes as JD.com continues its European expansion, having launched its Joybuy marketplace in several markets in March 2026.
Apple paid 40% of its global taxes to Ireland in last fiscal year
Apple paid Ireland $17.1 billion in taxes last year, which accounted for approximately 40% of its total global tax payments. This significant amount includes €13 billion ($15.18 billion) in back taxes that the European Union's top court ordered Apple to pay in 2024. Ireland had contested this back-tax bill alongside Apple for eight years to maintain its appeal as a base for U.S. multinational companies in Europe.
Truth Social is selling faster access to Trump posts. Is that legal?
Trump Media's new "Truth API" service offers paying clients expedited access to former President Trump's social media posts, including official announcements that could move markets, raising significant legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue this practice gives preferential access to critical government information, potentially violating the First and Fifth Amendments, and differs from other news services because the information originates directly from a former president who stands to profit. A federal lawsuit has been filed, and congressional Democrats are proposing legislation to block such pay-for-access schemes for government employees' communications.
Wells Fargo & Company: Wells Fargo Foundation's $1 Million Grant Expands Construction Education, Scholarships and Affordable Housing Partnerships at MCC
The Wells Fargo Foundation has committed $1 million to Metropolitan Community College (MCC) to expand construction education, increase student scholarships, and strengthen affordable housing partnerships in Nebraska. Additionally, a $250,000 grant was awarded to HomeWoven to support affordable home construction in South Omaha and create an internship program with MCC. This investment aims to address the rising demand for skilled construction professionals and affordable housing in the region.
TechTarget (NASDAQ: TTGT) exec to sell shares to cover RSU taxes
TechTarget, Inc. (TTGT) officer Charles D. Rennick plans to sell common stock to cover withholding taxes from restricted stock unit settlements that vested on August 13, 2026. The Form 144 notice, dated August 21, 2026, indicates the shares will be sold through E*TRADE Securities LLC. This sale addresses tax obligations related to RSU vesting, as previously reported in a Form 4 filing.
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Urges First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) Investors to Seek Counsel Before August 24, 2026 Lead Plaintiff Deadline in the Securities Class Action
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP is urging investors who suffered losses in First Solar, Inc. (NASDAQ: FSLR) to contact them before the August 24, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. The firm has filed a federal securities class action alleging that First Solar and its executives made false or misleading statements regarding the company's ability to manage U.S. tariff policy and its impact on projected performance in fiscal year 2026, leading to a 13.61% stock drop after corrective disclosures. Investors who purchased First Solar securities between February 26, 2025, and February 24, 2026, are encouraged to learn more about their options.
Steel Dynamics stock falls on tariff pressure and valuation
Steel Dynamics stock experienced a significant drop due to pressure from tariff headlines, which suggested a potential cut in import tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Despite a strong year-to-date performance, the stock's valuation is considered high, with its current price exceeding a cited fair value. Analyst consensus, however, remains moderately positive with an average target price suggesting an upside.
Vulcan Materials (VMC) Draws Undervalued Calls, Is It A Bargain Or Fully Priced?
Vulcan Materials (VMC) is being scrutinized by investors after recent share price movements. While one valuation narrative suggests the stock is 17.7% undervalued with a fair value of $328.81 due to accelerating infrastructure spending, another view highlights its P/E ratio of 31.4x, which is significantly higher than peers and the industry average, indicating it may be expensive. The article advises investors to examine the data themselves, considering both the potential upside from infrastructure growth and valuation risks, and provides resources for further research.
Intuit TurboTax opening Mag Mile store at the base of Tribune Tower
Intuit TurboTax is set to open a new store on the Magnificent Mile, located at the base of the Tribune Tower. The article was published on August 21, 2026, and details this new physical presence for the tax preparation software company.
Pentagon Awards $5.7 Billion in New Shipping Contracts to FedEx, UPS and Polar
The Pentagon has awarded new shipping contracts totaling $5.7 billion to FedEx, UPS, and Polar Air Cargo under the Next Generation Delivery Service-2 program. These contracts, which are firm-fixed-price and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, are for express and ground small package delivery services, with the option period extending from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2030. The article also details numerous other defense contracts across the Army, Navy, Air Force, Defense Logistics Agency, and U.S. Special Operations Command, covering a wide range of services from facility construction to spare parts procurement and software sustainment.
CoStar Stock And Other Property Platform Names Shaped By New York Tax Changes
New York City's new pied-à-terre tax is impacting the real estate market, shifting capital and drawing attention to property transaction service and platform stocks. This article examines three key companies: CBRE Group, Altus Group, and CoStar Group, highlighting their exposure to these market changes and their investment potential. Each company offers unique insights into the evolving real estate landscape, from diversified services to data analytics and digital marketplaces.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated $UNH Shares Sold by MidFirst Bank
MidFirst Bank reduced its stake in UnitedHealth Group by nearly 50% in the second quarter, selling over 5,000 shares but still holding shares valued at $2.38 million. Despite this, institutional investors collectively own 87.86% of UNH, and analysts generally maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $455.92. The company exceeded recent earnings and revenue expectations but faces potential risks from an IRS tax scrutiny and an investor lawsuit related to the Change Healthcare acquisition and data breach.
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated $UNH Shares Acquired by Meeder Asset Management Inc.
Meeder Asset Management Inc. significantly increased its stake in UnitedHealth Group (UNH) during the second quarter, acquiring 23,452 additional shares, bringing its total to 41,792 shares valued at $17.37 million. This move is part of broader institutional interest, with 87.86% of UNH stock owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Despite positive earnings and analyst ratings, UnitedHealth faces uncertainties from an IRS tax scrutiny and an investor lawsuit related to the Change Healthcare acquisition and data breach.
Hyperliquid Stock Sees Continued Strength: What's Going On?
Hyperliquid Strategies Inc (NASDAQ: PURR) shares surged after President Donald Trump expressed support for bringing the Hyperliquid exchange into the U.S. under a compliant regulatory structure. This rally was further fueled by a 13F filing revealing Stanley Druckenmiller’s Duquesne Family Office had acquired a significant stake in PURR. The company's CEO noted that presidential attention significantly raises the priority for U.S. market access.
Morgan Stanley upgrades Ternium stock rating on tariff outlook
Morgan Stanley has upgraded Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX) from Equalweight to Overweight, raising its price target to $65.00 from $55.00. This upgrade is driven by an anticipated improvement in the North American tariff environment for steel, coinciding with Ternium's completed investment cycle. The firm expects reduced U.S. import tariffs on Mexican steel and a subsequent increase in Mexican steel import tariffs, which would boost Ternium's profitability and free cash flow.
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI Has $14.08 Million Stock Holdings in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated $UNH
Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI significantly reduced its stake in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated by 66% in the second quarter, now holding 33,870 shares valued at $14.08 million. Despite this, other institutional investors like Norges Bank and T. Rowe Price have increased their positions. Analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus for UnitedHealth Group, with an average price target of $455.92, following strong Q2 earnings that beat estimates.
Morgan Stanley upgrades Ternium stock rating on tariff outlook
Morgan Stanley has upgraded Ternium S.A. (NYSE:TX) from Equalweight to Overweight, increasing its price target to $65.00 from $55.00. This upgrade is driven by an anticipated improvement in the North American tariff environment for steel, alongside the completion of Ternium's investment cycle and potential increases in Mexican steel prices. The firm forecasts higher profitability for Ternium, an 18% free cash flow yield, and notes the stock is trading at attractive multiples compared to historical averages, while also highlighting its recent earnings beat and margin expansion.
US Appeals Court Overturns Trump’s Order To Break Up Delta Air Lines & Aeromexico Joint Venture
A US Appeals Court has overturned a 2025 Trump administration order to block the joint venture between Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico, ruling the Department of Transportation's decision as "arbitrary and capricious." The court found that the DOT used cherry-picked statistics and double standards, failing to provide a rational explanation for treating the Delta-Aeromexico partnership differently from similar alliances, such as United Airlines and All Nippon Airways. This decision allows the decade-old cooperative travel program, which generates $3.5 billion in annual revenue and serves 50 million passengers, to continue operating normally.
Detroit Ethics Board to investigate top city lawyer for side job at Lear
The Detroit Board of Ethics has voted to investigate Conrad Mallett, the city's top attorney, for allegedly violating ethics ordinances by serving as a paid director for Lear Corp., a company receiving city tax breaks, and failing to disclose his son's city employment. The investigation stems from reports that Mallett received $1.8 million from Lear while holding city posts and did not disclose this income or his son's job to the ethics board. Concerns have also been raised about potential conflicts of interest, as the ethics board relies on attorneys from Mallett's department for legal advice.
TIC training program, expanded to Vicksburg, earns state hon...
The Industrial Company (TIC) received the 2026 Instant Impact Award for its Pre-Apprenticeship Program, which has expanded to Vicksburg. All 12 graduates of Vicksburg's first cohort received job offers, and a second cohort is currently underway. The program provides NCCER Core training, connecting participants with available jobs at TIC.
U.S. bond intervention is like 'paying your mortgage with your credit card,' JPMorgan's Sullivan says
JPMorgan's James Sullivan warns that the U.S. Treasury's bond buyback strategy, while offering temporary relief, merely pushes the debt problem into the future. He likens it to "paying your mortgage with your credit card," noting that surging government and corporate debt, coupled with declining foreign demand, will maintain upward pressure on bond yields. This situation complicates asset allocation decisions for investors as higher bond yields increasingly compete with equity returns.
New Hampshire receives $7 million in PFAS settlement with 3M
New Hampshire has received an additional payment of over $7 million as part of a PFAS settlement with 3M, bringing the total recovery from four PFAS-related settlements to more than $43 million. The state received its first payment from 3M in September of the previous year, and further payments are anticipated until at least 2033. These funds will be deposited into the New Hampshire Drinking Water and Groundwater Trust Fund.
Steelworkers warn PM: Learn from ArcelorMittal
The Steel Workers Union of Trinidad and Tobago (SWUTT) is urging Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to consider the past experience with ArcelorMittal as the former steel plant prepares to reopen. The union president, Timothy Bailey, hopes the Prime Minister will take a different approach than previous administrations to protect the interests of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, especially since she rejected the union's call for a role in the plant's reopening. The plant, idle since 2016, is being refurbished by Ibis Steel, backed by US-based Pinnacle Steel and Vanadium, with a planned US$750 million investment and up to 1,000 permanent jobs.
IBIT ETF sells Bitcoin daily to cover fees, tri...
The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) covers its 0.25% sponsor fee by selling small amounts of Bitcoin daily, which is a taxable event for shareholders. Due to its grantor trust structure, investors are considered direct owners of Bitcoin, making these daily sales impact their tax basis and potentially incurring tax liabilities or losses. While IBIT offers high liquidity, investors should carefully assess the tax implications of this fee mechanism.
Tempus AI (NASDAQ: TEM) CAO sells shares in tax-cover move
Tempus AI (NASDAQ: TEM) Chief Accounting Officer Ryan M. Bartolucci sold 6,175 shares of Class A Common Stock on August 18, 2026, at a weighted average price of $49.61 per share. This transaction was a mandatory "sell to cover" to satisfy tax withholding obligations upon the vesting of restricted stock units, not a discretionary sale. After the sale, Bartolucci directly holds 67,866 shares of Tempus AI Class A Common Stock.
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals' General Counsel Executes Automatic Sale of 664 Shares to Cover Tax Withholding
Shannon T. Kelley, General Counsel of Madrigal Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:MDGL), automatically sold 664 shares of common stock on August 17, 2026. This sale, priced at $514.97 per share, was executed by the issuer to cover tax withholding obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock units. Following the transaction, Kelley directly retains 11,474 shares of the company's common stock.
Fastly CFO Richard Wong Sells 148,015 Shares to Cover RSU Tax Liabilities
Fastly's CFO, Richard Wong, sold 148,015 shares of Class A Common Stock on August 18, 2026. This sale, at a weighted average price of $28.61 per share, was conducted to cover tax liabilities associated with vested Restricted Stock Units. Following the transaction, Wong still retains direct ownership of 1,091,286 shares of Fastly Class A Common Stock.
Smith Micro (NASDAQ: SMSI) CEO has 300 shares withheld for taxes, holds 36,379
Smith Micro Software, Inc. (SMSI) CEO Timothy C. Huffmyer had 300 shares of common stock withheld for tax purposes on August 19, 2026, at an average vesting price of $2.87 per share. Following this transaction, Huffmyer directly holds 36,379 shares, which reflect the company's 1:5 reverse stock split effective June 4, 2026. This information was disclosed in a Form 4 SEC filing.
What does Bally's warning mean for Rhode Island casinos?
Bally's, the operator of both Rhode Island casinos, is facing a major financial crisis after warning federal regulators about its debt concerns. An economics professor believes a company only admits such trouble when it's significant, but doesn't foresee a dire situation for Bally's Rhode Island investments or its agreement to invest $100 million into Bally's Twin River. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee stated his office is in contact with Bally's and believes state revenues are protected, even as Bally's is expanding with new casinos elsewhere.
JOHN HANCOCK PREMIUM DIVIDEND FUND NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS - SOURCES OF DISTRIBUTION UNDER SECTION 19(a)
John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund (NYSE: PDT) has announced the sources of its monthly distribution of $0.0883 per share for July 2026. This notice, required by an SEC exemptive order, details the estimated breakdown of the distribution into net investment income, capital gains, and return of capital for both the current period and the fiscal year-to-date. Shareholders are advised that a portion of the distribution may be a return of capital and that these amounts are estimates not intended for tax reporting purposes.
Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) exec sells shares only to cover taxes
Jonathan Zalevsky, Chief R&D Officer at Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR), sold 186 shares of company stock at a weighted-average price of $71.98 per share on August 18, 2026. This transaction was solely to cover tax withholding obligations related to RSU vesting and was not a discretionary trade. Following the sale, Zalevsky directly holds 9,570 shares of NKTR common stock.
Neogen Corp CEO Mikheal Nassif Executes RSU Tax Withholding on August 19, 2026
Mikheal Nassif, CEO and Director of Neogen Corp, had 20,397 restricted stock units (RSUs) withheld on August 19, 2026, to cover tax obligations upon vesting. This transaction, detailed in a Form 4 filing, involved shares valued at $11.87 each. Following the tax withholding, Nassif retains ownership of 25,655 restricted stock units.
First Nation withdraws KSM mine support
The Gitxsan Huwilp Government has withdrawn its support for Seabridge Gold's KSM copper-gold-silver-molybdenum mine project in British Columbia. This decision aligns with the Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha Nation's call for renewed consultation after a BC Supreme Court ruling found the province failed to adequately consult Tsetsaut Skii km Lax Ha regarding the project's "substantially started" determination. The Gitxsan are now demanding economic partnerships and shared decision-making for major resource projects in the region.
Smith Micro (SMSI) CFO sees 2 shares withheld to cover taxes
Smith Micro (SMSI) CFO Bethany M. Braund had 2 shares of common stock withheld on August 19, 2026, at an average vesting price of $2.86 per share, to cover income tax obligations. Following this transaction, Braund directly holds 6,193 shares. The report also notes a 1:5 reverse stock split that became effective on June 4, 2026, which is reflected in the reported shareholdings.
