Cultural Politics

Business

Crypto Crime Surges: $370M Stolen in January Marks Worst Month in Nearly a Year

Blockchain security firm CertiK reports a dramatic spike in cryptocurrency thefts for January 2026, with losses hitting $370.3 million—the highest monthly figure in 11 months. The surge is driven by a mix of sophisticated social engineering attacks and persistent on-chain exploits, highlighting the evolving threats facing the digital asset space.

Feb 2, 2026

World

From Solidarity to Scrutiny: How Ukraine's View on Palestine Is Evolving Amid War and Shifting Alliances

As the war in Ukraine grinds on and U.S. support appears to waver, a nuanced public debate over Gaza is emerging in Kyiv, challenging earlier unequivocal backing for Israel and revealing complex parallels in perceived injustice.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tripadvisor's AI Play: Can a World Cup Travel Platform Revive Investor Confidence?

Tripadvisor and Best Western's new AI-driven travel platform for the 2026 FIFA World Cup showcases the company's potential in high-stakes tourism. Yet, for investors, the real test remains translating innovation into sustained growth and market-beating returns.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

CrossCurve Bridge Exploit Highlights Persistent DeFi Security Woes, $3M Drained

Cross-chain protocol CrossCurve has been exploited for an estimated $3 million, with a critical smart contract flaw allowing unauthorized fund withdrawals across multiple blockchains. The incident renews scrutiny on bridge security and user protections in decentralized finance.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Philippine VP Sara Duterte Hit with Fresh Impeachment Complaints Amid 2028 Election Speculation

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, a leading contender for the 2028 presidency, faces renewed impeachment efforts filed by civil society groups. The complaints allege corruption and abuse of public trust, deepening the political rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Stephanopoulos Grills DOJ's Blanche Over WSJ Report on Trump-Linked Crypto Firm's $500M Deal With UAE Adviser

In a tense Sunday interview, ABC's George Stephanopoulos confronted Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about a Wall Street Journal investigation revealing a major investment by a UAE security official into a cryptocurrency company founded by Donald Trump.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue as Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Cuba

The American-born pontiff has issued a public plea for peace amid reports of a covert U.S. plan to destabilize Cuba's government, marking his latest critique of Trump-era foreign policy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump Lawsuit Against JPMorgan Throws Spotlight on Bank's Valuation Amid Political Firestorm

Former President Donald Trump's legal action against JPMorgan Chase over account closures forces investors to weigh political and compliance risks against the banking giant's underlying financial strength.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Slovak Security Adviser Steps Down Amid Epstein Email Fallout, Denies Misconduct

Slovakia’s top national security adviser has resigned following the release of newly unsealed court documents linking him to email exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. The adviser denies any wrongdoing, stating the move aims to shield the prime minister from political fallout.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Ricans Head to the Polls Amid Security Crisis, Chaves's Protégé Leads Race

Laura Fernández, former chief of staff to President Rodrigo Chaves, holds a commanding lead and could secure an outright victory, promising to double down on the incumbent's hardline security agenda.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Singapore's Green Flight Ambition Takes Off: Google, Airlines Join Landmark SAF Procurement Trial

A consortium of nine major corporations, including Google and Singapore Airlines, is launching a voluntary trial for centralized sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) procurement. This pilot, led by the newly formed SAFCo, is a critical step ahead of Singapore's pioneering green levy on departing flights set for October, aiming to refine systems for a 1% SAF usage target.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Berliners Embrace Free Spuds as German Potato Glut Sparks Creative Solutions and Debate

An unprecedented potato harvest in Germany has led to a wave of grassroots initiatives, with farmers distributing millions of surplus potatoes for free in Berlin, sparking community spirit and a debate on food waste and market impacts.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Fernandez Holds Commanding Lead in Costa Rica Presidential Vote, Early Results Show

With over half the early vote counted, governing party candidate Laura Fernandez appears poised to secure a first-round victory, potentially avoiding a runoff.

Feb 2, 2026

World

DOJ Official Signals End of Road for New Epstein Charges Despite Document Flood

A senior Justice Department official has indicated that the recent massive release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents is unlikely to lead to new federal prosecutions, stating that the trove of 'horrible photographs' and emails does not itself constitute prosecutable evidence, even as the revelations trigger political fallout abroad.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How 'Axis' Became a Geopolitical Weapon

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved from a descriptive label to a powerful political tool, framing global rivalries and shaping diplomatic realities.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica Votes Amid Security Crisis, With Conservative Favorite Poised for Victory

Costa Ricans cast ballots Sunday in an election defined by soaring narco-violence, with ruling party candidate Laura Fernandez, promising a Bukele-style crackdown, favored to win. The vote signals a potential rightward shift and constitutional showdown in a nation struggling with its transformation into a major drug trafficking hub.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Bondi Defends Arrests of Don Lemon, Protesters at Minnesota Church, Citing Safety Over Speech Claims

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi forcefully rebutted First Amendment criticisms following the arrests of ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon and several activists at a St. Paul church, framing the incident as a dangerous disruption that terrorized worshippers and vowing full prosecution.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Tragedy Strikes L.A. Mayoral Race: Candidate Austin Beutner's Daughter, 22, Dies After Being Found Near Highway

Emily Beutner, a 22-year-old Loyola Marymount University student and daughter of mayoral hopeful Austin Beutner, has died following a medical emergency near a Palmdale highway. The death is under investigation by homicide detectives.

Feb 2, 2026

US

RFK Jr. Breaks Silence on Kennedy Family Rift Amidst Cousin's Tragic Passing

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly addressed the deep divisions within America's most storied political family, following the death of his cousin Tatiana Schlossberg and amidst ongoing policy controversies that have placed him at odds with his relatives.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Protests Erupt in Milan Over U.S. ICE Agents' Role in 2026 Winter Olympics Security

Thousands demonstrated in Milan against the planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for the 2026 Winter Games, citing human rights concerns and viewing their presence as a symbol of democratic erosion in the United States.

Feb 2, 2026