Hakuba Valley

Business

Valley National Bancorp Beats Q4 Estimates on Strong Deposit Growth, Outlines Path for Margin Expansion

Valley National Bancorp (VLY) reported fourth-quarter revenue and profit that topped Wall Street forecasts, driven by robust core deposit growth and disciplined balance sheet management. The regional bank's leadership pointed to strategic tech investments and commercial loan demand as key pillars for its 2025 outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Quantum Leap South: D-Wave Relocates HQ from Silicon Valley to Florida, Fueling Tech Exodus Debate

D-Wave Quantum Inc. announces the relocation of its headquarters and core R&D from Palo Alto, California, to Boca Raton, Florida, citing the state's business climate and partnership opportunities, in a move emblematic of a wider coastal tech migration.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Tragedy on the Slopes: Australian Snowboarder, 22, Dies in Japan Ski Lift Accident

A young Australian woman on a holiday with friends in Japan's Hakuba Valley has died following a horrific incident where her backpack became entangled in a moving ski lift chair, leaving her suspended.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Super Bowl LX Sparks Frenzy: Silicon Valley Mansions Command Up to $500K for Week-Long Stays

With luxury hotels fully booked, affluent Super Bowl attendees are turning to off-market mega-mansions in the Bay Area, driving last-minute rental prices to unprecedented heights of up to half a million dollars for a single week.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Silicon Valley's AI Giants Pour $51 Million Into Midterm War Chest, Seeking Regulatory Shield

Venture capital titans Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz lead a massive $50.8 million fundraising effort for a new super PAC, 'Leading the Future,' aiming to shape AI-friendly policies in the 2026 elections.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SunPower Installs First REC Monolith Panels in Silicon Valley, Signaling Strong Demand for Premium Solar Tech

SunPower has completed its inaugural installation of high-efficiency Monolith solar panels from REC Silicon in California's Santa Cruz, with local installer Cobalt Power Systems reporting immediate sell-out of initial inventory. The move comes amid surging demand from tech-savvy homeowners and follows SunPower's recent quarterly revenue growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets Big on Pennsylvania with $3.5 Billion Plant for Next-Gen Weight Loss Drugs

The pharmaceutical giant's final major U.S. facility will rise in Pennsylvania's historic Lehigh Valley, aiming to produce its promising triple-hormone drug retatrutide and bolster domestic supply chains for blockbuster obesity treatments.

Feb 2, 2026

California's Billionaire Tax Debate: A New Front in the Battle Over Wealth and Power

A proposed wealth tax on California's ultra-rich has ignited a fierce debate, pitting tech billionaires against a coalition of millionaires who argue it's time for the wealthy to pay more. The fight echoes past battles over Silicon Valley's influence and raises questions about the state's economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

D-Wave Quantum's Strategic Pivot: Acquisition, Major Deals, and a Cross-Country Move Reshape Its Trajectory

D-Wave Quantum solidifies its dual-platform strategy with the acquisition of Quantum Circuits, announces multi-million dollar enterprise contracts, and relocates its headquarters from Silicon Valley to Florida, marking a significant shift in its operational and market focus.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

First Bank Corp. Bolsters Arkansas Footprint Through Merger with First State Bank of Russellville

First Bank Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to merge with Russellville-based First State Bank, a strategic move set to deepen the holding company's roots in the Arkansas River Valley region while preserving the community bank's local identity.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

RIA Roll-Up Momentum Continues: Corient and Carson Lead Latest Wave of Wealth Management Deals

The wealth management sector kicks off the year with strategic acquisitions and rebranding moves. Corient expands its Silicon Valley footprint, Carson integrates a long-time partner, and Cetera lures a team from Raymond James, highlighting the ongoing consolidation and competition for advisor talent.

Jan 30, 2026

US

Tragedy on the Slopes: Australian Snowboarder, 22, Killed in Rare Ski Lift Accident at Japanese Resort

Brooke Day died after her backpack became entangled in a gondola lift at Tsugaike Mountain Resort, leading to a fatal cardiac arrest, highlighting rare but critical safety concerns.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Waymo Eyes $16 Billion Funding at Near $110 Billion Valuation, Fueling Autonomous Vehicle Race

Alphabet's self-driving unit Waymo is in advanced talks to secure a massive $16 billion funding round, potentially valuing the company at around $110 billion, as competition in the robotaxi market intensifies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Cloud: Austin's webAI Bets on a Decentralized Future to Challenge Data Center Dominance

With backing from tech giants and a $2.5 billion valuation, Austin-based startup webAI is pioneering a radical shift: moving AI processing from massive, energy-hungry data centers directly to personal devices, promising greater efficiency, privacy, and user control.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three European Stocks Poised for Growth in a Recovering Market

Amidst a cautiously optimistic economic backdrop in the Eurozone, we spotlight three lesser-known companies with strong fundamentals that investors may be overlooking. From medical supplies to IT services, these firms demonstrate resilience and potential for the year ahead.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Seeking Stability in Uncertain Times: Top European Dividend Picks for February 2026

Amid a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, dividend-paying stocks are gaining attention from investors seeking reliable income and a buffer against market volatility. We analyze three standout European companies offering compelling yield and value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Eli Lilly Bets $3.5 Billion on Pennsylvania Plant, Doubling Down on Obesity Drug Future

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announces a massive $3.5 billion investment in a new Pennsylvania manufacturing facility dedicated to next-generation weight-loss drugs, signaling a long-term strategic commitment to the obesity market amid intense competition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating Market Stability: One Defensive Stock to Consider and Two Facing Headwinds

While low-volatility stocks can anchor a portfolio, investors often sacrifice growth for safety. We analyze one steady performer with durable advantages and two companies where challenges may outweigh the stability premium.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Prosecutor's Family Link to Kirk Shooting Scene Sparks Conflict-of-Interest Battle in Utah Court

As a Utah murder trial resumes, defense attorneys are pressing to remove the entire county prosecutor's office from the case, arguing the presence of a lead attorney's child at the crime scene creates an untenable conflict. Legal experts weigh the high bar for such motions.

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