The Market Is Getting Back to Ignoring Iran

The University of Michigan stands out yet again in Money's rankings, excelling in affordability, quality, and overall value. For in-state students, the estimated cost of a degree before financial aid is around $102,000—lower than about 650 other schools—while maintaining a stellar 93% quality rating.

Editor’s Note: For families weighing college options, Michigan’s consistent performance in affordability and academic quality makes it a compelling choice, especially for in-state students. This kind of recognition reinforces its reputation as a top-tier public university, which could influence enrollment decisions and policy discussions around education funding.

This piece dives into the financial legacy of Phil Lynott, the iconic frontman of Thin Lizzy, exploring how much the late rock legend was worth at the time of his death and how his estate has been managed since. It’s a mix of music history and money talk—how fame translated (or didn’t) into lasting wealth for one of rock’s most charismatic figures.

Editor’s Note: Rock stars aren’t always rolling in cash forever, and Lynott’s story is a reminder of how complicated legacies can be. For fans, it’s not just about the numbers—it’s about what his enduring influence (and the handling of his estate) says about valuing artists after they’re gone. For anyone curious about the business side of music, it’s a sobering peek behind the curtain.

A company called Boom is trying to revive supersonic air travel—think jets that go faster than the speed of sound—decades after the Concorde's high-profile failure. They're betting that new tech and changing travel demands might make it work this time.

Editor’s Note: Supersonic travel could shrink flight times dramatically (imagine NYC to London in 3.5 hours), but it’s a risky bet. The Concorde flopped due to costs, noise, and safety concerns, so Boom has to convince regulators, airlines, and travelers that they’ve solved those problems. If they pull it off, it could redefine long-haul flights—but that’s a big "if."

Big banks like BNY Mellon are diving headfirst into AI, betting that the technology’s potential rewards—like smarter fraud detection and hyper-efficient trading—outweigh the risks. But in an industry where every firm is scrambling for an advantage, the question isn’t just whether AI works, but who can harness it best without stumbling.

Editor’s Note: AI isn’t just a buzzword for banks—it’s a high-stakes experiment. If they get it right, it could reshape everything from customer service to risk management. But with regulators watching and competitors breathing down their necks, the pressure’s on to move fast without breaking things. For anyone with a bank account or investments, this could mean better (or messier) financial services in the near future.

The podcast Odd Lots dives into Boom Supersonic, a US-based company with big ambitions to revive supersonic commercial air travel. Despite past failures like the Concorde, Boom has raised hundreds of millions over 11 years to develop a new jet, betting that modern tech and changing travel demands could make supersonic flights viable this time around. It’s a tangible example of America’s push into advanced manufacturing—beyond just talk.

Editor’s Note: Supersonic travel flopped decades ago, but Boom’s efforts show how new tech and fresh thinking might crack the code. If they succeed, it could reshape long-haul flights—cutting travel times in half—while proving the US can still lead in cutting-edge manufacturing. Even if it’s a long shot, the attempt itself is a sign of ambition in an industry that’s been stagnant for years.