Business
Mystery Deepens as 11 US Nuclear and Space Scientists Die or Vanish, Sparking Federal Probe
WASHINGTON — Federal authorities are investigating a string of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 American scientists and researchers with ties to sensitive nuclear, aerospace and space defense programs, as lawmakers warn the pattern could signal a national security threat and fuel speculation of coordinated foul play.
The cases, spanning from 2022 to early 2026, include scientists from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory and other facilities linked to classified research. Some died under unexplained circumstances, while others vanished without trace, prompting the FBI to lead a coordinated review alongside the Department of Energy, Department of Defense and NASA.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., said Monday the panel has demanded briefings from the four agencies, expressing concern that “something sinister could be happening.” Comer noted the individuals had access to highly sensitive information involving rocket technology, nuclear secrets and advanced aerospace programs, some connected to commercial space efforts by companies including SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Among the cases drawing scrutiny is the 2023 death of Michael David Hicks, a longtime NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist who worked nearly 25 years on projects including asteroid deflection technology. His passing was followed by the death of Frank Maiwald, a 61-year-old JPL space research specialist, in Los Angeles in 2024. Monica Jacinto Reza, 60, director of JPL’s Materials Processing Group and involved in advanced alloy research, disappeared while hiking in a Los Angeles-area forest in June 2025.

Other notable incidents include the fatal shooting of MIT nuclear physicist Nuno Loureiro outside his Massachusetts home and the homicide of Caltech astrophysicist Carl Grillmair. Retired Air Force Maj. Gen. William Neil McCasland, who commanded research labs tied to advanced propulsion and materials, vanished from his New Mexico home in early 2026. Additional disappearances involve Los Alamos-linked personnel, including administrative assistant Melissa Casias, contractor Steven Garcia and property custodian Anthony Chavez for the National Nuclear Security Administration.
A pharmaceutical scientist with indirect ties to research networks, Jason Thomas, was also found dead. Some reports reference a total of 11 individuals when including earlier or related cases, though exact counts vary slightly across agencies as investigations overlap.
The FBI confirmed Tuesday it is “spearheading the effort to look for connections” among the missing and deceased scientists. Officials emphasized that while the cases have generated public attention and online speculation, no definitive evidence has established a single coordinated cause. Circumstances differ: some involve apparent homicides, others unexplained deaths, and several remain active missing persons investigations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration is conducting a “holistic review” and vowed to leave “no stone unturned.” Energy Secretary Chris Wright acknowledged the Department of Energy’s involvement, noting many nuclear security scientists fall under its purview, and confirmed a coordinated investigation across government branches.
Lawmakers from both parties have expressed alarm over potential national security implications. The affected researchers worked on technologies with dual-use applications, including propulsion systems, materials science for extreme environments and nuclear-related programs. Some had exposure to classified aspects of space defense, satellite technology and even programs studying unidentified anomalous phenomena, according to congressional letters.
Social media has amplified theories ranging from foreign espionage by state actors to internal cover-ups or targeted eliminations tied to breakthroughs in sensitive fields. Speculation has linked the cases to broader debates over UAP disclosure, advanced energy systems and competition in the commercial space sector. However, officials and experts caution against jumping to conclusions, noting that scientists in high-stress fields with security clearances can face personal challenges, accidents or unrelated crimes.
A former nuclear official told reporters that the probe could uncover “crazy stuff” but stressed the need for thorough, evidence-based analysis rather than conspiracy narratives. Independent experts in intelligence and security have pointed out that while the cluster is unusual, proving causation requires forensic links, timeline overlaps and motive evidence that current public information does not fully provide.
The timing has heightened concerns. Several cases clustered in the Los Angeles area near JPL and Caltech, while others center in New Mexico around Los Alamos, a key nuclear research hub. Disappearances of personnel with security clearances raise questions about potential insider threats, data exfiltration or external recruitment attempts by adversaries.
NASA stated it is cooperating fully with federal partners and reviewing internal security protocols for personnel involved in sensitive missions. The agency has not commented on specific individuals but noted that employee safety remains a priority.
The House Oversight Committee’s demand for information highlights possible gaps in inter-agency information sharing. Letters sent to the FBI, Pentagon, DOE and NASA seek details on any common threads, including shared projects, clearances or external contacts.
Public reaction has been intense, with viral posts and cable news segments amplifying the story. Some commentators draw parallels to historical patterns of suspicious scientist deaths during the Cold War or in other nations, though direct comparisons remain speculative.
Authorities urge patience as investigations proceed. Local law enforcement in California and New Mexico continue active searches and probes into individual cases, sharing findings with federal teams. Forensic reviews, digital analysis of communications and background checks on potential suspects or witnesses are underway.
For families of the missing and deceased, the lack of answers has been agonizing. Relatives of Reza and McCasland have made public appeals for information, while others have requested privacy amid the heightened scrutiny.
The broader context includes intensifying global competition in space and nuclear technologies. China and Russia have accelerated their own programs, raising espionage risks. U.S. officials have previously warned about intellectual property theft in aerospace and energy sectors.
Despite the mystery, officials stress that most scientist deaths and disappearances historically prove unrelated upon full investigation. Factors such as age, health issues, travel in remote areas or personal circumstances often explain individual cases once thoroughly examined.
Still, the sheer number and professional overlaps have elevated the matter to a priority national security review. Updates are expected in coming weeks as the FBI and congressional committees receive briefings.
As the probe deepens, questions linger about whether these tragedies represent coincidence amplified by public attention or something more deliberate targeting expertise critical to America’s technological edge. For now, the mystery surrounding the 11 scientists continues to unsettle Washington and the scientific community alike.
Business
Actively managed ETFs surpass $1 trillion in US assets under management
Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor shares ETFs worthy of long-term investment on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Investors are flocking to actively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and recently pushed the amount of assets in the investment class above a notable milestone.
Actively managed ETFs surpassed $1 trillion in assets under management in the U.S., as investors look to find investment options that may outperform passive ETFs that track an index.
“Active ETFs are exploding because investors want the best of both worlds, Wall Street strategy with Main Street pricing,” Ted Jenkin, managing partner for Exit Wealth Advisors, told FOX Business. “You’re getting flexibility to navigate volatile markets, potential tax efficiency, and in many cases a real shot at outperforming the index instead of just riding a mutual fund.”
The ETF market has grown across both actively and passively managed ETFs, but the two types have important distinctions.
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Actively managed ETFs have surged in popularity in recent years, recently surpassing $1 trillion in U.S. assets under management. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
While passively managed ETFs are designed to track a benchmark such as the S&P 500, actively managed ETFs aim to outperform a given benchmark by having the portfolio manager adjust the investments within the ETF based on research or strategies they’re utilizing.
“Both approaches serve an important role for retail investors – the difference comes down to intent,” Charles La Rosa, vice president and head of ETFs at Gabelli Funds, told FOX Business.
“Active ETFs seek to provide thoughtful security selection, risk management and potentially differentiated outcomes, particularly during periods of volatility or in less efficient areas of the market,” La Rosa said.
US ETF ASSETS UNDER MANAGEMENT TO MORE THAN DOUBLE TO $25T BY 2030, CITIGROUP SAYS

Active ETFs aim to outperform a given benchmark by leveraging research and other strategies when adjusting portfolios for market conditions. (Adam Gray for Fox News Digital)
Fidelity Investments said that there are two types of actively managed ETFs that differ in how they disclose their holdings.
Traditional actively managed ETFs, as well as passive ETFs, disclose their holdings on a daily basis, whereas semi-transparent active ETFs disclose their holdings on a quarterly basis.
GOLDMAN SACHS COMPLETES INNOVATOR CAPITAL ACQUISITION, LIFTING ETF ASSETS TO $90B

Passive ETFs still have far more assets under management than actively managed ETFs. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Research from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Economic and Risk Analysis noted that last year, as active ETFs surpassed the $900 billion level, passive ETFs had over $8 trillion in total net assets.
The SEC’s research also notes that active ETFs had higher expense ratios than their passive peers, with asset-weighted passive ETF having operating expenses at 0.12% of net assets versus 0.49% for active ETFs as of 2024.
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Equal weighted ETFs in both categories had higher expenses, with passive ETFs at 0.45% and active ETFs at 0.70%.
Business
Could UK interest rates go up?
The interest rate set by the Bank of England affects mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions.
Business
Tata Communications Q4 Results: Profit falls 75% YoY to Rs 259 crore; co declares Rs 17.5 dividend
The steep decline in profit was largely due to a high base in the year-ago quarter, which had benefited from exceptional gains, including a one-time gain related to a subsidiary transaction. In contrast, the current quarter saw no such gains, leading to a normalization of earnings.
On a sequential basis, profit declined 29% from Rs 364 crore in the December quarter, indicating some pressure on operational performance as well. Profit before tax stood at Rs 434 crore, down from Rs 914 crore a year earlier.
Despite the profit decline, revenue growth remained healthy, driven by higher demand for network and transmission services. Total income for the quarter rose to Rs 6,597 crore, compared with Rs 6,059 crore in the year-ago period.
Network and transmission expenses increased to Rs 3,081 crore, reflecting scale-up in operations, while employee benefit costs rose to Rs 1,240 crore. Other expenses declined on a YoY basis, helping partially offset cost pressures.
Operating profitability remained under pressure, with profit before exceptional items at Rs 414 crore compared to Rs 336 crore a year earlier, but lower than the December quarter. Higher operating costs, along with the absence of one-off gains, weighed on overall margins during the quarter.
For the full year FY26, Tata Communications reported revenue from operations of Rs 24,803 crore, up 7% YoY, while profit stood at Rs 997 crore compared with Rs 1,837 crore in FY25, again impacted by exceptional items in the previous year.The board has also recommended a final dividend of Rs 17.5 per share (175%) for FY26. The dividend will be paid after shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.
Business
How resilient leaders help their teams thrive through change
Resilience is one of those words that gets used a lot in business. But when you strip it back, it’s not complicated. It simply means being able to keep moving forward when things don’t go to plan.
And if the last few years have shown us anything, it’s that plans rarely stay fixed for long. Markets shift, technology moves quickly and economic uncertainty can appear with very little warning.
For leaders, especially those running small and medium-sized businesses, the challenge isn’t avoiding change. It’s helping your team deal with it.
In my experience, resilient businesses are almost always led by resilient people.
Over the past 25 years working in fire safety and security at Chubb, I’ve seen plenty of organisations face disruption. Some adapt quickly and come out stronger. Others struggle because uncertainty unsettles the team and slows decision-making.
More often than not, the difference comes down to leadership. Resilient leaders create an environment where people stay focused, tackle problems head-on and keep moving forward even when things feel uncertain.
Why leadership matters more than ever
There’s growing evidence that the quality of leadership has a direct impact on how well organisations cope with change.
The CIPD Good Work Index 2025 highlights how strongly supportive leadership and good line management influence employee engagement, motivation and wellbeing. The report shows that when people feel supported by their managers and trusted in their roles, they’re far more likely to stay motivated and perform well.
For SME leaders, that’s an important point.
Resilience isn’t something that only large organisations with big HR departments can build. In fact, smaller businesses often have an advantage because leaders are closer to their teams and communication tends to be more direct.
That visibility means leaders have a real opportunity to shape how people respond when challenges arise.
Resilience is something you build
One of the biggest misconceptions about resilience is that it’s something you either have or you don’t. In reality, resilience is something that can be developed.
Teams become more resilient when they’re trusted to solve problems, encouraged to learn from mistakes and given the confidence to take ownership of challenges. For leaders, creating that environment starts with the way we react when things go wrong.
It’s easy in business to look for someone to blame when a problem appears. But resilient organisations tend to take a different approach. Instead of focusing on who made the mistake, they focus on what can be learned and how the issue can be solved.
That shift in mindset builds confidence across the team. People feel safer speaking up, sharing ideas and taking responsibility.
Give people the space to step up
Another key part of building resilience is trust.
Strong leaders understand that people grow when they’re given the chance to think for themselves. When employees are empowered to make decisions and solve problems, they build confidence and adaptability. Over time, that confidence becomes one of the organisation’s biggest strengths.
Transparency also plays a big role here.
Periods of change can easily create uncertainty. And when leaders stay quiet, people often assume the worst. Being open about challenges helps teams understand the bigger picture and encourages everyone to pull together.
It doesn’t mean having all the answers. It simply means being honest about the situation and focusing on what can be done next.
Leadership shouldn’t sit with one person
Another lesson I’ve learned over the years is that resilience doesn’t sit with one individual. The strongest organisations develop leadership across the whole business.
Future leaders often appear in unexpected places, which is something I’ve discovered at Chubb through Building Great Leaders – a framework we’ve created to help our people develop their leadership competency, no matter what their role is. Someone who shows initiative, supports colleagues or steps up during a difficult project may well become a great leader with the right encouragement.
Businesses that invest time in developing people early tend to cope better when challenges arise. When people feel capable and trusted, they’re far more likely to step forward rather than step back. And that makes a huge difference when change inevitably comes along.
Culture sets the tone
In many ways, resilience spreads through culture. Teams take their cues from the behaviour of their leaders. If leaders remain calm, focus on solutions and encourage collaboration, those behaviours quickly become the norm.
But the opposite is also true. If leaders panic or avoid difficult conversations, that uncertainty spreads just as quickly.
That’s why leadership development matters so much. It’s not simply about preparing someone for a management role. It’s about helping people develop the mindset and skills needed to navigate uncertainty.
Helping teams face whatever comes next
Change is part of business. Technology evolves, customer expectations shift and markets rarely stay still. Leaders can’t remove that uncertainty. What we can do is shape how our teams respond to it.
The most resilient organisations are the ones where people feel confident tackling problems, supporting one another and adapting when circumstances change. And that starts with leadership.
Because in the end, resilient leadership isn’t about having every answer. It’s about giving your team the confidence to face whatever comes next.
Business
Govt promises further 120 hospital beds
The state government has announced 120 additional hospital beds will be available to the public over the winter flu period, but it’s yet to reveal the cost of the pre-budget commitment.
Business
Capital One: Series N Preferreds Look Attractive With A H2 2027/H1 2028 Horizon (Upgrade) (NYSE:COF.PR.N)
I ventured into investing in high school in 2011, mainly in REITs, preferred stocks, and high-yield bonds, starting a fascination with markets and the economy that has not faded despite the years. More recently I have been combining long stock positions with covered calls and cash secured puts. I approach investing purely from a fundamental long-term point of view. On Seeking Alpha I mostly cover REITs and financials, with occasional articles on ETFs and other stocks driven by a macro trade idea.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Business
Trump administration in advanced talks for Spirit Airlines rescue
The Trump administration is in advanced talks for a financing package for Spirit Airlines as the carrier is facing the risk of a liquidation, according to a person familiar with the matter.
The iconic discounter Spirit has been challenged for years by rising costs, changing consumer tastes, an engine recall and a court-blocked plan to be acquired by JetBlue Airways two years ago.
“Spirit Airlines would be on a much firmer financial footing had the Biden administration not recklessly blocked the airline’s merger with JetBlue,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement to CNBC. “The Trump administration continues to monitor the situation and overall health of the U.S. aviation industry that millions of Americans rely on every day for essential travel and their livelihoods.”
Spirit had been facing a potentially imminent liquidation, people familiar with the matter told CNBC last week, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters that had not yet been made public. The Dania Beach, Florida-based carrier in August filed for its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy in less than a year, after it struggled to increase revenue to cover rising costs.
President Donald Trump hinted at potential government aid on Tuesday, telling CNBC’s “Squawk Box“, “Spirit’s in trouble, and I’d love somebody to buy Spirit. It’s 14,000 jobs, and maybe the federal government should help that one out.”
The terms of the talks weren’t immediately clear and a deal could still fall apart. The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the talks were in an advanced stage.
“We are hopeful that the government will recognize the needs for emergency funds especially in the current economic environment,” a spokesperson for the Associated of Flight Attendants-CWA, which represents Spirit’s cabin crews, said in a statement. “The last thing our economy needs is tens of thousands more people out of work and the last thing the travelling public needs is fewer choices in air travel.”
The U.S. airline industry accepted more than $50 billion in taxpayer aid to weather the Covid-19 pandemic, which is still its biggest-ever crisis, but those funds weren’t handed to one specific airline. Some of the aid gave the U.S. government stock warrants for airlines.
Airlines also received a government bailout following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, but that money was also for more than one company. The U.S. in 2008-2009 also bailed out the auto industry during the financial crisis and took stakes in manufacturers.
The Trump administration has taken equity stakes in some companies it deemed critical to national security like Intel and USA RareEarth, though Spirit stands out as it is in bankruptcy.
In February, Spirit said it expected to exit bankruptcy in late spring or early summer, telling a U.S. court that it would shrink and focus its planes on high-demand routes and travel periods. Pilot and flight attendant unions had also made concessions, including going on furlough in recent months, in a bid to help Spirit survive.
But jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in some parts of the U.S. since then, further adding to challenges for Spirit and the rest of the airline industry.
As a low-fare airline that also faces competition from larger carriers with their own no-frills, basic economy offerings, it has grown harder for Spirit to cover expenses. Spirit had introduced extra-legroom seats and other premium options to try to cater to higher-spending customers.
Business
All eyes on Raymond James earnings amid peer outperformance

All eyes on Raymond James earnings amid peer outperformance
Business
How Travel Shapes Education and Business Growth
Ski trips are usually seen as a break, but that’s not really how they play out. Across both education and business, they tend to take on a different role once you’re actually there.
Whether it’s students on school ski trips in a new environment or teams spending time together outside the office, things don’t work the same way as they usually do. It’s a different kind of experience from what happens in a classroom or a structured work setting.
This guide explores how ski trips are being used in practice, from student development to corporate travel, and why they are increasingly seen as part of long-term growth.
Understanding Why Ski Trips Go Beyond Recreation
Ski trips are often seen as a break from routine, but they are usually shaped by timing rather than choice. School terms and work schedules mean people travel when they can, not when conditions are ideal.
That carries into the experience. Plans shift, conditions change, and unfamiliar surroundings require constant adjustment. Even simple things, like getting around or coordinating with others, become part of the day.
In more structured environments, there is usually a clear plan. On a ski trip, that structure is less defined. Decisions are made more quickly, often without complete information.
The experience is shaped less by the skiing and more by how people manage everything around it.
How School Ski Trips Support Student Development
School trips have always been part of education, but settings like school ski trips tend to change how students move through the experience. Being away from their usual environment shifts expectations. Things feel less structured, and not everything runs to plan.
You start to see it in how students go about the day. They manage their own time, keep track of their things, and make small decisions without much guidance. It’s not always smooth, especially at the start.
Outside the classroom, things shift as well. Students spend more time together in shared spaces, and that changes how they interact. Some take on more responsibility, while others step into roles they wouldn’t usually take on in school. This is often why settings like business trips for schools feel different from the usual environment.
Learning to ski is part of that. Progress isn’t always steady, and mistakes are just part of it. For some, it means sticking with it even when things don’t go right, instead of stepping away.
Key Skills That Carry Into Education and the Workplace
What develops during these trips doesn’t stay limited to the setting itself. The situations students face tend to carry into how they approach other environments.
This often shows up in a few areas:
- People end up making decisions on the spot, especially when things aren’t fully planned
- Conversations are more direct when everyone’s figuring things out together
- There isn’t always a clear structure, so people just manage their time and responsibilities as they go
- Progress can be slow at first, so sticking with it matters more than getting it right immediately
These patterns don’t always stand out during the trip itself, but they tend to carry forward into more structured environments over time.
Why Businesses Are Investing in Corporate Ski Trips
Business travel still includes meetings and conferences, but that’s not always what defines the trip anymore. A lot of what happens around it ends up shaping the experience.
In that context, formats like corporate ski trips are becoming more common. They offer something different from structured programmes, not by design alone, but by nature of the environment itself.
Rather than being treated as one-off incentive, these trips are increasingly seen as part of a wider approach to engagement, where the setting plays a role in how teams spend time together.
How Travel Connects Education to the Workplace
The link between education and the workplace is not always direct. What is taught in structured settings does not always reflect how situations unfold in practice.
Experiences outside the classroom begin to narrow that gap. Programmes such as business trips for schools place students in environments that feel closer to real-world settings, where expectations are less defined and outcomes are not always predictable.
That exposure changes how learning is applied. Students move from following instructions to navigating situations more independently, often with less guidance than they are used to.
The gap between education and industry is starting to narrow. It’s not just about formal learning anymore, experience is part of how skills develop.
Travel as a Long-Term Investment in Development
Travel is not always approached as part of development, but its impact tends to build over time. Experiences outside routine often shape how individuals respond to unfamiliar situations later on.
You don’t really notice it at the time. It’s more something that shows up later, like in how people deal with things when plans change or when something doesn’t go the way they expected.
There’s also a shift in how travel is viewed. It’s less about stepping away and more about what carries forward afterwards.
In that sense, travel is no longer just an addition. It has started to sit alongside more traditional approaches, offering a different way of preparing individuals for what comes next.
Business
How will car finance compensation payments work?
Millions could be entitled to compensation as a result of commission arrangements between lenders and dealers.
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