The White House announced on Monday that Venezuelan interim officials have awarded U.S.-backed North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) 100-year concessions to 17 oilfields with a proven reserve of approximately 65 billion barrels.
NABEP, the Venezuelan oil company is ranked second in terms of private production. According to the White House the company granted to U.S. Department of War Office of Strategic Capital a 35% equity stake in its corporate mother, which could represent “hundreds of millions in dividends and value for the United States”.
Donald Trump, President of the United States, announced a deal Friday with Caracas, which would grant the U.S. majority ownership over the massive South American oil reserves, amounting to 65 billion dollars, or about 20 percent.
As part of its efforts to replenish the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves, the U.S. Government published a document Monday night that stated it will have the right to buy, at cost of production, guaranteed 20% of all fields currently and in the future operated by NABEP.

Investor’s Business Daily contains information and education only. It is not intended to be an offer, recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of securities. We have obtained the information from reliable sources, but cannot guarantee its accuracy, relevance, or timeliness. This includes information in closed captioning. The past performance of investments is not a guarantee or indication of the future. The authors/presenters of the articles may be owners of stocks that they are discussing. No representations are made or warranties given regarding the suitability of any investment strategy or any securities. The information is subject to changes without prior notice. Please see our Terms and Conditions for information about our service.
*Real time prices by Nasdaq last sale. Not all markets provide real-time quotes and/or trading prices. Data on ownership provided by LSEG, and estimated data by FactSet.
Investor’s Business Daily, Leaderboard, MarketDiem, MarketSurge, IBD, IBD Digital, IBD Live, IBD Weekly, Investor’s Business Daily, and other trademarks are owned by Investor’s Business Daily, LLC.
Investor’s Business Daily, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The companies have confirmed that they have stopped multiple clinical trials to evaluate their cell therapy programs for autoimmune diseases after experiencing inflammatory effects during testing.
Novartis is currently testing an individualized cell therapy, called Rap-cel, in several autoimmune studies. They found three cases of immuno effector cells-associated hemophagocytic, a rare, potentially life-threatening, reaction. On August 24, the company announced that it had placed holds on these trials, which evaluate rap-cel for lupus and other conditions such as myasthenia, multiple sclerosis, etc. A spokesperson for Novartis said that the company is in “engagement” with regulatory agencies and reviewing findings.
The spokesperson told BioPharma Dive that the temporary stop will enable a comprehensive evaluation of clinical and safety information across the entire program.
Bristol Myers also has voluntarily stopped enrollment in its CAR-T therapy zolacabtagene Autoleucel (or zolacel) autoimmune clinical trials. A spokesperson for the company told BioPharma Dive that they made this decision “out of a sense of caution,” to “review our clinical data on our zolacel program”, noting Bristol Myers had detected “transient, reversible inflammation events” in routine safety monitoring. The company hopes to finish the evaluation as soon as possible and restart testing.
In February, results published on zolacel’s Phase 1 trial revealed one instance of IECHS. According to a spokesperson, the drug’s profile is “consistent with that of CAR T therapies.”
The spokesperson said, “We remain confident in the efficacy of zolacel in treating [systemic Lupus Erythematosus] as well as other autoimmune disorders without treatment.”
Novartis tests rap-cel for eight immunology indications and neurological indications. A spokesperson confirmed that studies testing rapcel for cancer were still in progress.
Bristol Myers is set to start a zolacel trial in systemic sclerosis patients this month.
The technology used to develop rap-cel, as well as zolacel is meant to increase production speed compared with earlier CAR T products. Sami Corwin of William Blair wrote that the technology could have been responsible for increased cell growth and reported toxicities. She cautioned, however, in a client note on Monday morning, that there may be other factors involved.
Both Bristol Myers and Novartis are at the forefront of cell therapy research. Both companies have developed products that treat cancer. The two are also leading a large research project to turn these cell therapies into treatments for autoimmune disease. The early academic research shows that the treatment could help remissions of inflammatory diseases like lupus.
Other biotechs have their CAR-T treatments being tested on conditions with autoimmune symptoms. Cabaletta Bio is conducting multiple clinical trials, including one in late stage myositis. Kyverna Therapeutics may submit an application for approval in stiff-person syndrome before the end of this year. They are also enrolling patients into a pivotal myasthenia graveis study.
Corwin writes, “This is something that will need to be closely monitored in order to understand how this could affect the market’s adoption of the products.”

In WalletHub’s annual Best Places to Retire Report, the Sunshine State is still top of mind as a place to retire.
The survey conducted by the platform for budgeting tools in 2026 showed that Florida cities dominated the top 3. Orlando was ranked first, then Miami, and finally Tampa, after 45 factors were taken into consideration, including the cost of life, tax laws, the accessibility of activities, and quality of healthcare. WalletHub analyzed 45 metrics to compare the retirement-friendliness in more than 180 U.S. towns.
WalletHub stated that retirees who are on a fixed-income still have to deal with high inflation. It’s therefore important for Americans to find a place where they will be able enjoy their golden age and can relax.
Chip Lupo is WalletHub’s analyst. “The best cities to retire in are the ones that have low taxes, expenses and offer opportunities to work part-time for an extra income if you choose,” he said. The top cities also offer high-quality healthcare and a wide range of fun activities to retirees.
Why are Florida cities so popular with retirees
According to WalletHub, low taxes are a key factor in the top three rated cities of Orlando, Miami, and Tampa. Florida does not have an estate tax or income tax.
WalletHub says that these cities are not just tax-friendly.
Orlando’s costs of living aren’t low but it is the second best city in the country for recreational activities, as there are many music venues, art galleries, and fishing opportunities, and a lot of adult volunteer work. The city is also ranked 21st in gerontologists, and 8th for the number of home health care services per capita. WalletHub reported that it has the 4th-best hospital for geriatrics. This allows elderly residents to get quality care.
Miami is the most active city in the nation when it comes adult volunteering, fishing, art galleries, recreation centers and senior centres per capita. It also has the 11th largest number of museums, the 17th biggest amount of parks and the 17th highest percentage. The report also said that Miami is the 6th most walkable city and the majority of residents are within walking distance of quality public transport.
Tampa is a safe city, with WalletHub ranking it as the 19th lowest property crime rate of all cities. There are many activities, and it ranks fifth in recreation across the country. It is especially attractive for bingo players. The city has nine bingo halls for every 1,000 residents. WalletHub reported that Tampa also has the eleventh highest rate of volunteerism among adults, which gives retirees many opportunities to remain active, social, and involved in their community.
If I do not want to move to Florida, what can I do?
Florida is not the only state that retirees may consider. Since 2016, when WalletHub launched their top states for retirees survey, Florida has topped the list every year except two.
Florida will fall to the second place in 2023 behind Virginia, due partly to its high healthcare costs. Wyoming surpassed Florida this year to take the No. 1 spot. Partly because Florida’s cost of living is higher.
Scottsdale, Arizona and Casper in Wyoming are the fourth and fifth cities on this list.
Scottsdale was rated lower for affordability, but ranked first in quality of living. Casper, however, was ranked 3rd overall in terms of affordability. This gave the city a big boost.
What are the worst places to retire in?
WalletHub reported that four of the five worst cities for retirement are located in California.
The bottom row is:
Stockton in California: Last in terms of activities, and third in affordability, quality and healthcare.
San Bernardino (California): Ranked as 171 out of 182 in health care.
Newark, New Jersey: Ranked 168th in terms of quality of living but ranked 86th out of 182 for the number of activities.
Fresno (California): A lack of activity has weighed down the city with a ranking of 176 out of 182.
Rancho Cucamonga in California ranked 171 for activities and 163 on affordability.
When deciding where to retire, what should you consider?
Experts say that activities are as important as finances when deciding where to retire.
Phyllis Moen is a professor emeritus of Cornell University and the University of Minnesota. She said that planning should take into account lifestyle issues as well as finances. People are living longer and should consider how to use these extra years. This could include taking on a second, part-time job that involves paid or unpaid work.
They said that politics is also important because Social Security and Medicare, as well as Medicaid, are at risk.
Joanna Lahey is a professor at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service. She said, “Pay attention because in the next few years, the future will be crucial for Social Security and Medicare. Older people may lose the benefits they have earned their whole lives.” Medicaid has also been reduced, which offers services that older people may not even be aware they are entitled to. In the future, it will be crucial to continue supporting state and local programs for older adults.

A recall of nearly 2,000 pounds pet food has been issued due to contamination which could cause dogs, cats and the people feeding them sick.
Northwest Naturals voluntarily recalled two of their frozen raw pet food products on Friday, August 28 after tests by the Food and Drug Administration revealed salmonella and Listeria.
This recall is for 1,956 pounds of cat and dog food that was sold in 72 cases across the country. According to the FDA there have not been any reported illnesses in this recall, however serious illnesses could develop in humans and pets who have had contact with these foods.
What you need to Know
What pet foods were affected by the recall?
These products are sold by retailers as well as directly to consumers in all 50 states.
Bags; Lot number B-5, Best By date 01/26/2028, UPC 087316384956. Bags; Lot Number B-5, Best Before date January 26/2028; UPC 087316384956
Northwest Naturals Frozen Raw Diet for Dogs Chicken Recipe, 6 lbs. Bags; Lot Number B-19, Best Before 01/25/2028; UPC 087316380392.
Recalled pet food: What should you do?
Stop using this product as soon as possible. FDA and the company advised against selling or donating these products. They should be immediately removed from store shelves.
The customer should either return the food back to the store for a full refund, or discard the food so that pets, children or wildlife cannot access it. The pet food containers, bowls and cups, and all surfaces that have come into contact with food should be washed thoroughly and disinfected.
Northwest Naturals can be contacted by consumers with any questions at 1-866-637-1872. Contact your vet or healthcare provider if you suspect that your pet or yourself may have been exposed to the product and show signs of illness.
Salmonella and Listeria Poisoning Symptoms
Salmonella is spread by contact. Even though humans are unlikely to consume the dog food, it can be transmitted if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after touching any contaminated surfaces or products. Salmonella can cause the following symptoms in humans:
Diarrhoea that is bloody or lasts for more than 3 days
A fever of over 102 Fahrenheit and diarrhea
Vomiting excessively, particularly if you are unable to keep liquids down
Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, throat and infrequent urination.
Stomach cramps
Most commonly, these symptoms occur six to six days following exposure. Most people will recover within four to seven day, but those with weak immune systems such as children under five and seniors may have more severe symptoms requiring medical attention or hospitalization.
Infected animals can show a variety of symptoms, and can infect humans or other pets even if they appear healthy. The FDA recommends that you call your vet as soon as your dog has consumed any of these products even if it is not showing symptoms of illness. Salmonella can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs.
Lethargy
Diarrhea and bloody diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
Reduced appetite
Pain in the abdomen
In a similar way, listeria can also be contracted by humans from pet foods. Symptoms include:
Fever
Muscle pain
Lethargy
Appetite loss
Nausea
Diarrhea
Confussion and loss of equilibrium
Headache and convulsions
Serious illness is more likely to affect pregnant women, infants, people 65 years and older and those with weak immune systems. Infections in pregnancy may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. They can also cause premature birth, life-threatening infections of the infant, and even death.
In pets, listeria poisoning can look like:
Lethargy
Diarrhea and bloody diarrhea
Fever
Vomiting
Appetite loss or decrease
Pain in the abdomen
Raw pet food safety
In recent years, commercial raw pet foods, which are pet food products made from uncooked animal ingredients, have become more popular as an “all-natural” alternative for pet owners. The CDC says that one selling point is the fact that these products are not heated to a similar degree as kibble. This preserves more nutrients.
FDA recalls of raw pet food are common. Listeria, salmonella and other foodborne diseases that are killed by heat, often cause the problems.
Commercial raw food has also transmitted other illnesses to pets, such as bird flu. According to University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, since 2024 there have been over a dozen reported cases of cats who are susceptible to H5N1 contracting the virus through commercial raw pet food. Wild Coast Raw is one company that has issued several recalls following animal deaths and illnesses caused by bird flu-contaminated food.