Platform inspections: Shell has received federal approval to deploy drones on offshore oil platforms in the Gulf, aiming to speed up damage inspections and restart production sooner after hurricanes. The company expects its first drone to be installed at its Mars project, a deep-water oil and gas development in the Gulf, about 130 miles south of New Orleans, before the end of 2026 and estimates the technology could save nearly $50 million over three years by allowing production to resume a day earlier after major storms. Shell plans to add at least five more drones in 2027, with the technology transmitting real-time footage to shore to identify damage and equipment problems without waiting for helicopter inspections. Bloomberg has the full story.
Marked for marketing: Major retailers, including Macy’s, Levi Strauss and e.l.f. Beauty, plan to use portions of their federal tariff refunds to fund marketing campaigns, brand investments and holiday promotions. While the refunds provide financial relief, analysts caution that some companies may be emphasizing marketing plans to reassure investors rather than announcing truly increased spending. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.
Life begins at 75: Americans age 75 and older are now the wealthiest age group, with median net worth rising to nearly $505,000 in 2025, while families headed by someone 35 or younger saw wealth fall 23% to $33,000. Stock market gains boosted the wealthiest 10% of families’ median net worth 31% to $3.6 million. The Associated Press has the full story.
