Freedom of the Press

World

A New Axis Emerges: Meloni and Merz Forge Conservative Alliance, Diminishing Macron's Role in EU Leadership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a landmark partnership pact in Rome, signaling a potential shift in the European Union's traditional Franco-German power center. The accord, focusing on defense, migration, and trade, comes as France grapples with political instability and a weakened presidency.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Nepal Cracks Down on Multi-Million Dollar Fake Mountain Rescue Insurance Scam

Nepali authorities have arrested six executives from travel and rescue companies, alleging a sophisticated fraud scheme involving fabricated high-altitude rescues to bilk international insurers out of nearly $20 million.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Civilian Bus Struck by Russian Drone in Dnipropetrovsk, Killing 12 Miners

A Russian drone attack on a bus carrying Ukrainian miners home from work has left at least 12 dead and 8 wounded, officials say, in what is being condemned as a deliberate strike on civilians.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Small-Cap Surge: London's Overlooked Stocks Spark Investor Frenzy

As the FTSE 100 hits record highs, a broader rally in UK mid and small-cap indices is prompting a strategic rethink. Analysts debate whether these long-neglected shares, now showing historic undervaluation, are poised for a major comeback.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Wild Ride: Price Plunge to $74K Exposes Market's Fragile Liquidity

Bitcoin experienced a sharp, V-shaped recovery after briefly tumbling near $74,000, a swing exacerbated by critically thin market liquidity. The move liquidated over half a billion dollars in leveraged positions, underscoring heightened volatility as traders navigate a market lacking depth.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Three Stocks Poised for Growth as 2026 Investment Cycle Begins

As markets look ahead to 2026, a mix of established giants and emerging players in AI and digital advertising present compelling opportunities for investors seeking both growth and value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Gold and Silver Extend Losses After Historic Plunge, Testing Safe-Haven Narrative

Precious metals continue their sharp retreat from January's record highs, with silver leading the decline as market sentiment shifts following key U.S. policy signals.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

iRhythm Completes Corporate Overhaul, Establishes New Holding Company Structure

Cardiac monitoring specialist iRhythm has finalized a significant corporate restructuring, creating a new parent company to serve as its publicly listed entity on Nasdaq. The move is seen as a strategic step to streamline governance and provide operational flexibility as the company expands its AI-driven health platform.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Landstar System's Valuation Check: A Pause in Momentum or a Buying Opportunity?

After a recent pullback, Landstar System's (LSTR) shares present a complex valuation picture. While short-term momentum has improved, the stock trades at a significant premium to industry P/E ratios, raising questions about its growth prospects amid a mixed freight demand environment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Advanced Energy Industries Promoted to S&P 400, Signaling Growth and Shifting Investor Perceptions

Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS) transitions from the S&P 600 to the S&P 400 index, a move that reflects its evolving market stature and is set to alter its visibility among institutional investors and index-tracking funds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Abu Dhabi's Ruya Partners Seeks $400 Million for Major Gulf Private Credit Fund

Backed by regional sovereign wealth giants, Ruya Partners is launching a $400 million fund to address middle-market lending gaps in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, positioning itself as a key player in the Gulf's burgeoning private credit landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Fact Check: Viral 'Epstein Bitcoin Email' Debunked, But Documents Show Satoshi References

A fabricated email alleging Jeffrey Epstein discussed Bitcoin's launch with Ghislaine Maxwell has spread online. While the viral message is false, newly released court documents contain genuine references to the cryptocurrency's pseudonymous founder.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Marjorie Taylor Greene Breaks with Trump, Calls MAGA Movement a 'Big Lie' in Explosive Interview

In a striking departure from her once-fervent loyalty, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has launched a scathing critique of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, accusing him of abandoning his base for wealthy donors and foreign interests, particularly Israel.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Western Digital Charts AI Storage Future at Innovation Day Amid Surging Demand

Western Digital leverages strong quarterly results and new customer deals to outline its long-term AI storage strategy at its Innovation Day event, as investors weigh its positioning in the booming data infrastructure market.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Cross-Chain Protocol CrossCurve Loses $3 Million in Latest Bridge Exploit, Highlighting Persistent DeFi Security Crisis

The CrossCurve decentralized finance protocol has suffered a $3 million exploit through a vulnerability in its cross-chain bridge, contributing to a devastating start to 2026 that has seen nearly $400 million stolen from the crypto sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navitas Semiconductor's Strategic Shift Poised to Bear Fruit in 2026, Analysts Say

After a challenging transitional year in 2025, Navitas Semiconductor's pivot towards high-margin data center and industrial markets is expected to accelerate growth and deliver investor returns by 2026, despite near-term revenue pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Tragedy Deepens: Teenager Succumbs to Injuries, Swiss New Year's Bar Fire Death Toll Reaches 41

An 18-year-old has died from injuries sustained in the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, raising the final death toll to 41. The incident, which occurred during New Year's celebrations, also left over 100 injured, with many still hospitalized across Europe.

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

Unsealed Epstein Files Reveal Extensive Kremlin Ties, Fueling Espionage Fears

Newly released documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case detail his repeated interactions with Vladimir Putin and Russian intelligence, raising serious questions about whether the financier's sex trafficking network doubled as a foreign kompromat operation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Insider Confidence: Chasen Holdings Director Boosts Stake as Insiders Remain Net Buyers

Insiders at Chasen Holdings have been net buyers over the past year, with a key director significantly increasing his holdings. High insider ownership aligns leadership with shareholder interests, signaling internal optimism amid market fluctuations.

Feb 2, 2026