Government Funding

Business

Trump Administration Shifts Course, Scraps Price Guarantees for Critical Minerals Projects

The White House has backed away from plans to set minimum prices for domestic critical minerals projects, telling industry leaders that ventures must stand on their own financially. The policy reversal, driven by funding uncertainties and market concerns, marks a significant shift in strategy for bolstering the U.S. supply chain.

Jan 30, 2026

World

New York Officials Face Legal Warning Over Public Investments in Israeli Bonds

A human rights group has cautioned New York state and city officials that investing public funds in Israeli government bonds may violate international law and fiduciary duties, exposing them to significant legal and financial risks.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Japan Bets Big on AI Sovereignty with $6.3 Billion Public-Private Push

In a strategic move to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants, Japan launches a national AI initiative, combining SoftBank's leadership with substantial government backing to develop a domestic foundational model.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Patagonia's Ancient Forests Ablaze as Austerity Cuts Hamper Fire Response

Wildfires ravaging Argentina's Patagonia region have breached a UNESCO World Heritage site, fueling a political firestorm over President Javier Milei's deep cuts to environmental and emergency funding.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. Diplomatic Missions Ordered to Scrutinize Global Aid for Compliance with Expanded Social Policy Restrictions

Exclusive: A newly revealed State Department cable directs embassies worldwide to audit all assistance programs against stringent new rules prohibiting funding for groups involved in abortion services, diversity initiatives, and gender identity advocacy, expanding a long-contested policy to nearly $30 billion in foreign aid.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

U.S. Bets on Rare Earths Diversity with $1.6 Billion Rival Backing, MP Materials Navigates New Policy Landscape

The U.S. government's $1.6 billion commitment to USA Rare Earth signals a strategic pivot towards fostering competition in the critical minerals sector, reducing price supports and introducing new volatility. As policy shifts, industry leader MP Materials counters with record production and expanded magnet manufacturing, highlighting the intensifying race to secure a domestic supply chain for EVs and defense.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Damascus Extends Reach: Syrian Forces Enter Kurdish Strongholds Under Integration Pact

Syrian government security forces entered the key northeastern city of Hasakeh on Monday, implementing a landmark integration deal with Kurdish authorities. The move marks a significant step in Damascus's campaign to reassert control over the entire country, reshaping the political landscape of northern Syria.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK's Retreat from Contractual Certainty Threatens Its Investment Appeal

The British government's move to retroactively alter leasehold ground rent contracts is undermining a foundational pillar of its investment landscape: trust in the rule of law. This erosion of contractual certainty risks deterring the long-term capital essential for growth, from energy to AI infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Syrian Army Enters Strategic Hasakah Under Ceasefire Deal, Marking Shift in Northeast

In a pivotal move, Syrian government forces have deployed in the northeastern city of Hasakah, following a U.S.-backed agreement with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate their forces, signaling a major realignment in the war-torn region.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Set for Final Approval After Political Showdown

After months of political gridlock and a series of no-confidence votes, France's parliament is poised to adopt the contentious 2026 budget. The survival of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government hinges on Monday's vote, marking a critical juncture for the nation's fiscal and political stability.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Appeals Court Rejects DOJ Misconduct Complaint Against Federal Judge, Citing Lack of Evidence

A federal appeals court has dismissed a Justice Department misconduct complaint against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, ruling the government failed to substantiate its allegations regarding the judge's public comments.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Top Clan del Golfo Commander Perishes in River Mishap, Casting Shadow Over Colombia's Fragile Peace Talks

The death of Jose 'Gonzalito' Sanchez, second-in-command of Colombia's largest criminal syndicate, in a boating accident raises immediate questions about the stability of ongoing government negotiations aimed at ending decades of conflict.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Major Banks Pledge to Match Federal 'Baby Bond' Contributions for Employees' Children

JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo announce plans to match a $1,000 government deposit into retirement accounts for children of eligible employees, part of a new national savings initiative.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Jelou Secures $10M to Bring AI-Powered Banking to WhatsApp in U.S. Expansion

Fintech startup Jelou has raised $10 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-driven conversational banking platform, Brain, from Latin America to the U.S., enabling payments, verification, and credit services directly within messaging apps.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Goldman Sachs Leads $75M Bet on AI Audit Platform Fieldguide, Valued at $700M

Fieldguide, an AI-native platform for accounting and audit, secures major funding as it aims to tackle the profession's deepening talent shortage by automating routine work and reshaping traditional firm operations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Latin America's Economic Crossroads: Navigating the Surge of Chinese Imports

As Chinese exports, from electric vehicles to e-commerce goods, reshape Latin American markets, governments and industries grapple with the dual pressures of affordable consumer goods and strained local manufacturing, forcing a delicate recalibration of trade policies and regional alliances.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The IRS's New Digital Dragnet: Why Your Side Hustle Income Is Now on Its Radar

Fueled by new funding and AI-powered tools, the Internal Revenue Service is intensifying its scrutiny of gig economy and freelance income, making even small earnings reportable. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Bangladesh's Pivotal Vote: A Strategic Reckoning for India, China, and Pakistan

As Bangladesh heads to the polls on February 12 under an interim government, its geopolitical alignments are shifting. The outcome will test the influence of regional powers India, China, and Pakistan in a nation navigating a post-Hasina political landscape.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Guinea-Bissau's Junta Signals Reconciliation, Releases Opposition Leader Amid Regional Pressure

The military leadership in Guinea-Bissau has freed a key opposition figure and pledged to form an inclusive government, in moves widely seen as an effort to appease regional bloc ECOWAS following November's coup.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK Fuel Price Transparency Scheme Launches, Forcing Real-Time Updates to Curb 'Rocket and Feather' Pricing

A new mandatory scheme requires all UK fuel stations to report price changes within 30 minutes, with data fed to comparison apps. The government-backed initiative aims to boost competition and save households an estimated £40 annually.

Feb 2, 2026