Odd Lots: The Biotech Making Bee and Shrimp Vaccines (Podcast)

This episode of Wall Street Week dives into two big topics: the rising cost of living in New York City and how it’s shaping the mayoral election, alongside Trump’s controversial "Gold Card" immigration proposal. It’s a mix of local politics and national policy, showing how affordability and immigration debates are colliding in real time.

Editor’s Note: Whether you live in NYC or just care about the national conversation on immigration, this story hits close to home. The mayoral race could set the tone for how cities tackle housing and inequality, while Trump’s "Gold Card" idea—whatever it entails—could ripple through future immigration debates. It’s a snapshot of how money and movement shape American life.

When U.S. jets struck a key Middle Eastern oil producer, traders braced for chaos—and at first, oil prices spiked. But the panic quickly fizzled when it became clear the attack wouldn’t disrupt actual oil supplies. Over the next 12 days, wild swings in the market turned into a high-stakes game for trading desks, where some pros rode the volatility to big wins while others got burned.

Editor’s Note: Oil markets are like a giant mood ring for global tensions—they react fast, but not always logically. This story pulls back the curtain on how traders navigate sudden shocks, and why geopolitical drama doesn’t always translate to higher gas prices. For everyday folks, it’s a reminder that what happens on trading floors can ripple out to pump prices and inflation, even when the headlines feel distant.

Big-name companies that once jumped at the chance to sponsor Pride events are now quietly backing away. This piece traces how corporate involvement in LGBTQ+ celebrations evolved—from cautious early support in the '90s to today's retreat, as brands face political backlash and shifting public sentiment.

Editor’s Note: Pride sponsorships used to feel like progress, but now they’re caught in the culture wars. Whether brands stay or go says a lot about who they think their customers are—and what risks they’re willing to take. It’s a messy barometer for how corporations really view LGBTQ+ rights when the spotlight fades.

A surprising alliance between a wealthy oil tycoon and a philosopher is shaking up Big Oil’s plans for carbon capture technology. While many in the industry see carbon capture as a lifeline to keep fossil fuels viable, this duo is challenging its effectiveness and motives, exposing deep rifts within the sector.

Editor’s Note: Carbon capture has been touted as a way for oil companies to keep drilling while still meeting climate goals. But if influential figures—even from within the industry—are calling it a smokescreen, that could slow investment and force a reckoning over whether fossil fuels have a long-term future. This isn’t just a technical debate; it’s a fight over the soul of the energy sector.

Amazon’s slashing the price of a pair of noise-canceling headphones from $50 to just $25, and early buyers are raving about them—calling the sound quality "top-notch" and praising how easy they are to use.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve been holding off on snagging noise-canceling headphones because of the price, this deal might be your cue. It’s rare to find decent noise cancellation at this price point, and with real users vouching for them, it’s worth a second look—especially if you’re budget-conscious but don’t want to sacrifice quality.