Arizona Economy

World

Czech Capital Sees Mass Rally in Support of President Amidst Government Standoff

Tens of thousands gathered in Prague's Wenceslas Square on Sunday, voicing support for President Petr Pavel in his escalating constitutional dispute with Prime Minister Andrej Babiš's coalition government. The protest, organized by pro-democracy activists, highlights deep divisions over Ukraine policy and a controversial ministerial appointment.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Newly Unsealed Email Reveals Epstein Associate's Plan to Tap Into Libya's Frozen Billions Amid 2011 Turmoil

A 2011 email to Jeffrey Epstein detailed a bold proposal to identify and recover billions in frozen Libyan state assets, with claimed backing from former intelligence operatives, as the country descended into civil war.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica Votes Amidst Rising Crime and Disillusionment: A Nation's Social Fabric at a Crossroads

As Costa Ricans cast their ballots this Sunday, the election is defined by unprecedented security fears, economic inequality, and widespread political disenchantment, challenging the country's long-held identity as a peaceful and stable democracy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Warsh's Fed Return Ignites Debate Over Trillion-Dollar Balance Sheet Legacy

President Trump's anticipated nomination of former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, a vocal critic of the central bank's post-crisis asset purchases, is shifting market focus from interest rates to the future of the Fed's $6.6 trillion balance sheet and its fundamental role in financial markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Marsh McLennan Launches 'Secure Harbor' to Anchor Senior Living Sector Amid Insurance Storm

Marsh McLennan Agency unveils a group captive insurance solution designed specifically for senior living communities, aiming to provide stable liability coverage and risk management support in a challenging market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

O'Donnell Financial Bets $6.8 Million on AAA CLO ETF, Signaling Confidence in Income Strategy

A major stake increase by O'Donnell Financial in the iShares AAA CLO Active ETF (CLOA) highlights institutional interest in high-grade, actively managed securitized credit as a source of yield in a complex rate environment.

Feb 2, 2026

US

GOP Hopeful Knight Takes Aim at Minnesota's Sanctuary Stance, Vows to Restore 'Rule of Law'

Republican gubernatorial candidate Patrick Knight criticizes the Walz administration's approach to immigration enforcement, linking it to broader issues of governance and a recent fraud scandal, as he pitches a back-to-basics campaign platform.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NextEra Bets Big on Tech's Power Hunger: Nuclear, Renewables, and Carbon Capture in Focus

NextEra Energy is aggressively pursuing long-term power supply agreements with major technology firms, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for clean, reliable electricity to fuel the data center boom. Its strategy hinges on a three-pronged approach: record renewable energy additions, potential nuclear fleet expansion, and a pioneering gas plant with carbon capture technology developed with ExxonMobil.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Argentina Taps U.S. Treasury for $808 Million in IMF Payment, Reports Say

Argentina has reportedly purchased $808 million in Special Drawing Rights from the U.S. Treasury to cover an upcoming interest payment to the International Monetary Fund, highlighting the nation's ongoing financial pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Euro's Surge Casts Shadow Over ECB Policy Meeting

The European Central Bank convenes this week with a resurgent euro presenting a fresh dilemma, threatening to dampen inflation and undermine the export engine of the eurozone's largest economies just as recovery gains momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Panera Bread Shutters Massachusetts Bakery, Cutting Nearly 100 Jobs in Shift to Parbaked Goods Model

Panera Bread is closing its Franklin, Mass., bakery facility next month, resulting in 92 layoffs, as the chain transitions from fresh dough to a centralized parbaking system for its breads and pastries.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Northern Ireland Puts Brakes on Hotel Tax Hike, Offering Relief to Struggling Hospitality Sector

The Northern Ireland Executive has suspended a planned revaluation of hotel business rates, averting significant tax increases for accommodation providers slated for 2026 and providing temporary stability for the region's tourism industry.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Hidden Toll of Transit: Why Packaging Fails on the Journey to Your Door

From split boxes to crushed pallets, transit damage remains a multi-billion dollar drain on global supply chains. We examine the systemic mismatches between packaging design and the harsh realities of modern logistics.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Asahi Poll Predicts Landslide Victory for PM Takaichi's LDP in Upcoming Election

A new poll indicates Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's ruling coalition is on track for a decisive win in next week's lower house election, potentially strengthening her mandate for expansive fiscal policies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Japan's Manufacturing Sector Roars Back: PMI Hits 3.5-Year High on Surging Demand

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace since mid-2022 in January, a key private survey shows, driven by robust domestic and international orders. While the sector's revival is clear, rising input costs and inflation concerns temper the optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Davos Clash: Jamie Dimon's Heated Confrontation with Coinbase CEO Exposes Deep Rift Over Crypto's Future

A reported fiery exchange between JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon and Coinbase's Brian Armstrong at the World Economic Forum lays bare the intensifying battle between traditional finance and the crypto industry over regulation, deposits, and the future of money.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Detroit's Dueling Dividends: How Ford and GM Are Fueling Investor Returns

Beyond their legendary rivalry in the truck market, Ford and General Motors are delivering substantial value to shareholders through distinct but equally compelling financial strategies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Robert Half Stock Soars 28% After Truist Bullish Call, Defying Earnings Slump

Shares of staffing giant Robert Half International surged nearly 28% in a single session, propelled by a significant price target increase from Truist Securities. The rally comes despite the company reporting a sharp decline in annual profits, highlighting a stark divergence between analyst confidence and recent financial performance.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Beyond the Drill Bit: How EQT Powers the AI Boom and Grid Reliability

As AI data centers drive an unprecedented surge in U.S. power demand, natural gas producer EQT is positioning itself as a critical pillar of energy security. Its proven operational resilience during extreme weather events underscores a strategic shift from a pure commodity play to an essential infrastructure partner.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Fried Chicken Boom Can't Save Struggling Franchisee: Major Popeyes Operator Files for Bankruptcy, Closes Dozens of Stores

Despite fried chicken chains leading fast-food growth, one of Popeyes' largest franchisees has shuttered 17 locations and entered Chapter 11, highlighting the sector's uneven fortunes amid fierce competition and financial pressures.

Jan 31, 2026