AI Disruption

Business

Merck Bets on Precision Oncology with Strategic Eikon Investment and Guardant Health Alliance

Merck & Co. is laying the groundwork for its future in oncology beyond Keytruda, announcing a strategic investment in biotech Eikon Therapeutics and a major collaboration with diagnostic leader Guardant Health. The moves signal a targeted, partnership-driven strategy to bolster its pipeline and diagnostics capabilities in the competitive cancer therapy market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

New 'Trump Accounts' Launch July 5, Offering Government Seed Money and Long-Term Growth for Children's Futures

A new federally-backed investment vehicle for minors, dubbed 'Trump Accounts,' launches next month. Children born through 2028 could receive a $1,000 government contribution, with financial experts highlighting its potential to build a significant nest egg for education and retirement.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Precious Metals See Sharp Swings: What Jewelry Owners Need to Consider Before Selling

Gold and silver prices have soared over the past year, but recent volatility has many consumers and investors weighing whether to cash in on jewelry holdings or hold firm.

Feb 2, 2026

White House Crypto Talks Hit Impasse Over Stablecoin Yields, Banking Industry Urges Caution

A high-stakes White House meeting between crypto executives and traditional bankers ended without a breakthrough on the contentious issue of stablecoin yields, casting doubt on the timeline for comprehensive market structure legislation. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations under pressure from the administration to reach a compromise this month.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Texas Banking Giant RBFCU Expands Northward with Oklahoma's True Sky Merger

Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union, Texas's largest credit union, is set to acquire Oklahoma City-based True Sky FCU in a deal that underscores the accelerating consolidation trend within the credit union sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

AMD's Earnings Preview: Options Market Bets on Continued Rally After Strong Pre-Announcement Run

With Advanced Micro Devices set to report Q4 results, derivatives traders are pricing in a significant post-earnings move, betting the chipmaker's momentum can extend its recent 25% surge from yearly lows.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Zulu Monarch Calls for Foreigners to Depart Amid Rising Tensions Over School Clashes

King Misuzulu kaZwelithini has urged migrants to leave South Africa, echoing his late father's stance, following violent protests at a Durban primary school where immigration was blamed for admissions shortages.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Tragedy on the Slopes: Australian Snowboarder Dies After Backpack Snags on Japanese Ski Lift

A young Australian woman has died following a horrific incident where her backpack became entangled in a ski lift at a popular Japanese resort, highlighting ongoing safety concerns.

Feb 2, 2026

World

DHS Launches Mandatory Body Camera Program in Minneapolis, Eyes National Rollout

The Department of Homeland Security is equipping all its field officers in Minneapolis with body-worn cameras immediately, with plans to expand the program across the country as resources allow, Secretary Kristi Noem announced.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Norwegian Royal Family Faces Dual Crises as Crown Princess's Son Faces New Assault Charges Ahead of Rape Trial

Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on fresh assault allegations just days before his high-profile trial on multiple rape charges begins, casting a shadow over the Norwegian monarchy amid renewed scrutiny of royal ties to Epstein files.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela, U.S. Envoys Hold High-Level Talks as Diplomatic Thaw Continues

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez met with U.S. Special Envoy Laura Dogu in Caracas, marking a significant step in the gradual restoration of bilateral ties severed four years ago.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Murder Suspect Dies in Apparent Suicide Following Dramatic High-Speed Chase Across LA Freeways

A man wanted for a fatal shooting in Camarillo led authorities on a dangerous pursuit reaching speeds over 100 mph before being found deceased in his vehicle, officials confirm.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

MercadoLibre Shares Climb 12% as Triasima Fund Trims $6.3 Million Stake

Despite strong performance from the Latin American e-commerce and fintech leader, investment manager Triasima reduced its position, highlighting portfolio discipline over bearish sentiment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir Stock Surges After Hours on Blowout Q4 Earnings and Aggressive 2026 Outlook

Shares of the data analytics firm jumped more than 5% following a strong quarterly report that exceeded expectations and featured ambitious growth projections for the coming year.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

GameStop Signals Strategic Shift: Bitcoin Treasury Takes Backseat to 'Transformative' Acquisition Plans

GameStop has transferred its entire Bitcoin holdings to an institutional exchange, as CEO Ryan Cohen pivots the company's focus toward a major acquisition, suggesting its crypto strategy is being deprioritized.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Waymo Secures $16 Billion in Funding to Fuel Global Robotaxi Expansion

The autonomous vehicle giant, backed by a consortium of major investors, plans to deploy its driverless fleet in over a dozen new international cities following a funding round that values the company at $126 billion.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford and Xiaomi Deny Joint Venture Talks Amid CEO's Mixed Signals on Chinese EV Rivals

Ford Motor and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi have firmly denied a Financial Times report of preliminary talks to collaborate on electric vehicle production in the U.S., even as Ford's CEO publicly admires and studies Chinese EV technology while labeling it a major competitive threat.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

T-Mobile Announces Major Workforce Reduction in Washington State, Cutting Hundreds of Jobs

T-Mobile, the telecommunications giant headquartered in Washington, has filed official notice of permanent layoffs affecting nearly 400 employees across its Bellevue, Bothell, and Woodinville offices, citing evolving business needs.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Strike Trade Deal to Slash Tariffs, Ease Tensions

The United States and India have reached a trade agreement that will significantly lower reciprocal tariffs and remove a contentious levy on Russian oil purchases, marking a potential thaw in economic relations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investors Look Abroad: International Equity ETFs Lead $165 Billion January Inflow

U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds attracted $165.4 billion in January, with a notable pivot toward international stock funds as they continue to outperform domestic markets.

Feb 2, 2026