Constitutional Crisis

World

Norwegian PM Joins Crown Princess in Condemning Epstein Ties as Royal Family Faces Mounting Scrutiny

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere has publicly agreed with Crown Princess Mette-Marit's own assessment that she showed "poor judgement" in maintaining contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The comments come as newly released court documents reveal extensive email correspondence, adding pressure on the Norwegian monarchy during a period of significant personal and institutional challenges.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Li Auto's Steep Slide: Is the Market Missing a Value Opportunity?

As Li Auto's stock languishes near 52-week lows, a deep dive into its valuation metrics suggests the electric vehicle maker may be oversold. With shares trading at a significant discount to intrinsic value estimates, analysts debate whether this is a moment of crisis or a potential buying window.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens with Severe Restrictions, Offering Flicker of Hope to Besieged Gaza

The vital Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt partially reopened Monday, allowing severely limited civilian movement for the first time since its capture by Israeli forces in 2024. The cautious resumption follows intense international pressure but falls far short of addressing Gaza's overwhelming humanitarian crisis.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Political Survivor: Anutin Charnvirakul's Canny Path to Power Faces Voter Test

As Thailand heads to the polls, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—a master political operator known for his ability to navigate crises—seeks to retain power. His tenure has been marked by strategic reversals, controversial policies, and the delicate balancing of conservative elites and public expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Shutdown Showdown: Speaker Johnson Navigates ICE Debate and Funding Impasse

With a partial government shutdown underway, House Speaker Mike Johnson confronts a dual crisis: securing passage of a federal funding package and mediating an intensifying political battle over the scope and tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine, U.S., and Russia Set for Crucial Talks in Abu Dhabi Amid Escalating Winter Assaults

As winter deepens and Russian strikes intensify, President Zelenskyy announces a new diplomatic push for peace, with talks scheduled this week in the UAE. The negotiations unfold against a backdrop of skepticism and a humanitarian crisis fueled by attacks on critical infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Judicial Conduct Complaint Dismissed in High-Profile Clash Over Trump-Era Deportations

A federal appeals court has thrown out a Justice Department misconduct complaint against a judge who blocked deportations to El Salvador's notorious prisons, citing a lack of evidence. The ruling highlights ongoing tensions between the judiciary and executive branch over immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Royal Rift: PM Starmer Breaks Protocol, Urges Prince Andrew to Cooperate with U.S. Epstein Probe

In a striking departure from diplomatic norms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called on the disgraced Duke of York to provide evidence to the U.S. Congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The intervention signals a collapse of the traditional political shield around the monarchy and intensifies legal and reputational pressures on Andrew.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Noem's 'Armed Protest' Remarks Ignite Firestorm Among Second Amendment Advocates

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces intense backlash from within the conservative base after stating armed protesters cannot be considered 'peaceful,' with critics accusing her of betraying core constitutional principles.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Venezuelan Opposition Leader Machado Projects Optimism in Washington Amidst Political Turmoil; Immigration Tensions Simmer at Home

In an exclusive 'Face the Nation' interview, Nobel laureate María Corina Machado discusses Venezuela's future after U.S. intervention, while domestic debates over ICE tactics and a partial government shutdown highlight deepening political divisions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

From Barcelona to Phoenix: The Global Tourism Boom's Hidden Cost in Neighborhoods and Housing

As global travel surges past pre-pandemic records, the influx of visitors is straining infrastructure and reshaping communities worldwide. From European protests to quiet American suburbs, the quest for authentic experiences is colliding with local life, fueling a housing crisis and raising a critical question: can cities belong to both residents and tourists?

Jan 30, 2026

World

Mexico Vows Diplomatic Push as U.S. Tariff Threat Looms Over Cuba Oil Lifeline

Facing a new U.S. threat of tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum pledges to pursue diplomatic channels and seek alternatives to avert a potential humanitarian crisis on the island, while safeguarding Mexico's own economic interests.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Houthi Seizure of UN Telecom Gear Cripples Aid Operations in Yemen, UN Warns

The United Nations has condemned the seizure of critical telecommunications equipment from its offices in Sanaa by Houthi forces, warning the move severely hampers humanitarian efforts for millions of Yemenis amid a worsening crisis.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Afternoon Brief: Measles Outbreak Surges, Ancient Tomb Unearthed, and the Politics of a Caffeine Fix

From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.

Jan 30, 2026

GeneDx CEO on a Mission: Ending the 'Diagnostic Odyssey' for Rare Diseases

In an exclusive interview, GeneDx CEO Katherine Stueland details how rapid genomic testing is transforming pediatric care, slashing diagnosis times from years to days and building a data-driven bridge to future therapies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

DaVita Navigates Headwinds as Integrated Kidney Care Turns Profitable Ahead of Schedule

DaVita Inc. reported Q4 2025 results in line with expectations, highlighting a milestone first profitable year for its Integrated Kidney Care unit. While revenue per treatment accelerated, the company continues to face pressure from elevated patient mortality and rising benefit costs. Executives provided 2026 guidance projecting mid-single-digit operating income growth and a sharp rise in EPS, buoyed by share buybacks and the stabilization of prior investment losses.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens for Medical Evacuations, But Relief Remains a Trickle Amid Gaza's Vast Needs

The reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing for medical evacuations brought a glimmer of hope, but stringent Israeli restrictions limited departures to just five patients on the first day, leaving thousands in critical need still waiting.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica's Populist Wave Secures Presidency and Congress, But Falls Short of Sweeping Reform Mandate

Laura Fernandez and her Sovereign People's Party (PPSO) have made history by winning control of both the executive and legislative branches, a feat unseen in over three decades. However, their failure to secure a supermajority sets the stage for a contentious political landscape where negotiation, not unilateral action, will be required.

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

World

Whistleblower Complaint Against Intelligence Chief Gabbard Stalled for Months, Sparking Bipartisan Scrutiny

A complaint alleging misconduct by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been withheld from congressional oversight committees for eight months, her office citing an extended legal review. The delay, disputed by the complainant's attorney, raises questions about transparency and adherence to whistleblower protection laws within the nation's top intelligence office.

Feb 2, 2026