The annual Milken Institute Global Conference took place in Beverly Hills last week, bringing together leaders in finance and other sectors.
Speakers at the event included U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, The Carlyle Group’s David Rubenstein, and Lakers legend, chief executive of Magic Johnson Enterprises and founder of LA Rises Earvin “Magic” Johnson.
Topics included investing in Ukraine, private credit, AI and the global sports economy.
Here are just a few takeaways from the conference:
- Tariffs were a top concern for many at the conference with some bankers and investment managers arguing that tariffs had caused companies to rethink their investment plans and sell stock in companies based in the U.S.
- Bessent, meanwhile, argued that President Donald Trump’s policies were making the U.S. more appealing for investors.
- A potential tax hike on profits for endowments was discussed. The move comes as the administration threatens to revoke tax-exempt statuses of universities and could result in more universities reducing their private equity exposure, according to the New York Times.
- Mayor Karen Bass spoke at a session called “Rising Strong: Los Angeles’ Path to Recovery.” The panel was led by Fox11 anchor Elex Michaelson and focused on how the region would rebuild post-wildfires. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Annenberg Foundation Executive Director Cinny Kennard and Snap Chief Executive and co-founder Evan Spiegel were also part of the session. Everything from the criticized slow permitting process to the importance of retail and fire hydrants was discussed.
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California State University, Dominguez Hills President Thomas Parham has announced plans to retire at the end of the year.
Parham has served as president since 2018.
Under his tenure the school increased the number of majors offered, attained new accreditations and launched new doctoral programs.
It is also under construction on an affordable housing complex, dining hall, new electrical switchyard and a student health, wellness and recreation center.
