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Chicago's Downtown Core Faces Unprecedented Office Vacancy Crisis, Raising Economic Alarm

Chicago's downtown office vacancy rate soared to a historic 28.2% at the close of 2025, more than double pre-pandemic levels, as remote work trends and business climate concerns drive a 14th consecutive quarter of record vacancies. Analysts warn of a deepening economic spiral with implications for city services and residents.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Great Metals Meltdown: How a Year-Long Rally in Gold and Silver Crashed in a Single Day

A speculative frenzy fueled by geopolitical tensions and dollar fears met its abrupt end last Friday, triggering the worst single-day plunge in silver since 1980 and a massive gold sell-off. Analysts point to leveraged bets and a shifting Fed outlook as key catalysts for the historic crash.

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

Business

Charles Schwab Stock: Analysts See Room to Run After Strong Outperformance

Despite a recent earnings miss, Charles Schwab's stock has significantly outpaced the market over the past year. Wall Street maintains a cautiously optimistic stance, with upgraded ratings and bullish price targets pointing to further potential gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Carbon Markets Veteran Ryan King Joins Climate Impact Partners as Chief Growth Officer

Climate Impact Partners bolsters its leadership team with the appointment of Ryan King, former CCO of carbon removal firm Undo Carbon, signaling aggressive expansion plans in the evolving voluntary carbon market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tenet Reclaims Full Control of Conifer as CommonSpirit Exits Stake, Eyes AI Expansion

Tenet Healthcare has regained complete ownership of its revenue cycle management subsidiary Conifer, buying out CommonSpirit Health's minority stake in a deal valued at nearly $2.7 billion. The move signals Tenet's renewed commitment to the business and plans for significant AI investment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Tech Bro Dream: How Electricians, Librarians, and Roofers Are Redefining Early Retirement

The FIRE movement is no longer the exclusive domain of high-flying tech salaries. A growing community of middle and working-class Americans is proving that strategic frugality and disciplined investing can pave the way to financial independence decades ahead of schedule.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Fallout: Epstein Document Dump Implicates Leaders from India to Australia

The latest release of court documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case has sent shockwaves through international corridors of power, revealing communications between the convicted sex offender and high-profile figures in India, Australia, the UK, Slovakia, and Norway, prompting resignations and fierce political denials.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Robinhood's Meteoric Rise Faces a Reality Check: Analysts Warn of Lofty Valuation Ahead of 2026

Robinhood Markets (HOOD) has captivated a generation of investors, but its soaring valuation and rich multiples are prompting some on Wall Street to sound the alarm for a potential correction.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Boom: How U.S. Renewable Energy Navigates a Pivotal 2026

As the U.S. renewable energy sector builds on a record-breaking 2025, it faces a critical juncture defined by supply chain pressures, extreme weather, and evolving market rules. Strategic adaptation, not just growth, will determine its sustainable trajectory.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Envestnet Bets on Dual Leadership Strategy, Taps Morningstar Veteran as Chief Growth Officer

Wealthtech giant Envestnet unveils a new executive structure, appointing Jonathan Linstra to spearhead growth initiatives alongside relationship management, backed by a $1 billion product investment plan.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Regulatory Spotlight Intensifies on Earned Wage Access as Maine and D.C. Chart Separate Paths

Maine moves to establish a novel regulatory framework for on-demand pay services, while Washington, D.C. debates whether to treat them as loans, highlighting a national struggle to oversee this fast-growing fintech sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Dining on a Budget: UK Restaurants Slash Prices Amid Cost Pressures

Facing soaring business rates and cautious consumers, UK restaurant chains are deploying deep discounts and creative promotions to attract diners, as the sector grapples with post-pandemic recovery and a cost-of-living squeeze.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Hype: Four Forces Shaping Crypto Prediction Markets in 2026

As crypto prediction markets surge past $6B in weekly volume, a new phase of growth beckons. Driven by institutional interest, regulatory evolution, and AI integration, these platforms are poised to redefine speculative finance.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Silver's Shine Dims, But This Streaming Giant Remains a Top Bet for Investors

Despite recent volatility in silver prices, Wheaton Precious Metals' unique streaming model positions it to generate robust cash flow, making it a standout choice for exposure to the precious metal.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Massachusetts Baker's $3,000 GE Oven Nightmare Highlights Consumer Rights Beyond Warranty

A Foxboro woman's two-year struggle with a defective high-end oven underscores the enduring power of state consumer protection laws, even after a manufacturer's warranty expires.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Epstein Document Release Exposes Deep Ties to UK Royals and Political Elite

A new cache of Jeffrey Epstein's emails has implicated former Prince Andrew, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and senior Labour figure Peter Mandelson, revealing intimate correspondence, financial dealings, and raising fresh questions about influence and accountability at the highest levels of British society.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fat Brands, Twin Hospitality Delisted from Nasdaq as Bankruptcy Fallout Deepens

The parent company of Fatburger and Round Table Pizza, along with its Twin Hospitality spinoff, will be removed from the Nasdaq exchange effective February 4, transitioning to the over-the-counter market following Chapter 11 filings and over $1 billion in debt.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hartford Housing Market Squeeze: Among Nation's Tightest with Steep Price Hikes Forecast

New data ranks the greater Hartford area as the fourth most competitive housing market in the U.S., with a critically low 3.3-month supply driving projections of a 17.1% surge in median home prices this year.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Britain's Building Exodus: Skilled Tradespeople Vote with Their Feet Amid Tax and Cost Pressures

Award-winning builder Martin Daly is closing his Scottish business for a new life in Switzerland, joining a growing wave of tradespeople leaving the UK. Industry leaders warn that tax policies, rising costs, and a lack of support for small firms are crippling the sector and jeopardising national housing targets.

Feb 2, 2026