Israeli Settlements

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

Business

Comerica Faces Federal Discrimination Suit, Casting Shadow Over DEI Policies and Pending Merger

A federal lawsuit alleging discriminatory hiring quotas and executive pay tied to demographic targets has placed Comerica's DEI governance under intense scrutiny. The legal challenge emerges as the regional bank navigates its planned acquisition by Fifth Third Bancorp, raising questions about regulatory hurdles and integration risks.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bayer's Stock Soars 107% in a Year: Is the Pharma Giant Still Undervalued?

Bayer's share price has more than doubled in the past 12 months, yet key valuation models suggest a significant gap remains between its market price and intrinsic value. We examine the metrics behind the rally and the lingering legal and portfolio challenges facing the company.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Circle's Arc Blockchain Gains Traction with Intuit Deal and Federal Banking Approval

Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL) unveils a strategic 2026 roadmap for its Arc blockchain, secures a landmark partnership with Intuit, and receives conditional approval to establish a federally supervised digital currency bank, signaling a major push to bridge crypto and traditional finance.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Greenlights $6.6 Billion Arms Package for Israel, Including Apache Helicopters

The Biden administration has approved a major arms sale to Israel, featuring attack helicopters and armored vehicles, amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing scrutiny over U.S. military support.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Israel Taps Nebius Group to Power National AI Ambitions with Supercomputer Project

Nebius Group secures a pivotal government contract to build and operate Israel's national AI supercomputer, cementing its role in the country's tech ecosystem and sparking debate over its market valuation amid recent stock volatility.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Amid Regional Tensions, U.S. Greenlights Major Arms Deals with Israel and Saudi Arabia

The U.S. State Department has approved significant new arms packages valued at $6.67 billion for Israel and $9 billion for Saudi Arabia. The announcements come as regional tensions flare and the administration pursues a Gaza ceasefire plan.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Panera, Krispy Kreme Face Legal Fallout Amid Surging Wave of Data Breaches

Panera Bread confirms a second major data security incident in two years, while Krispy Kreme agrees to a $1.6 million settlement over a 2024 breach, as the foodservice industry grapples with escalating cyber threats and consumer lawsuits.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing to Partially Reopen for Pedestrians, Ending Nine-Month Closure

Israel announces a limited reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt this Sunday, permitting the movement of people under strict security protocols for the first time since its capture in May 2024.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump's 'Madman' Diplomacy Tests Iran's Limits as Middle East Braces for Escalation

President Trump's revival of Nixon-era 'madman theory' tactics—mixing calibrated military strikes with extreme threats—aims to force Iranian concessions without full-scale war. But as Tehran perceives an existential threat, analysts warn the high-stakes gamble risks a catastrophic miscalculation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Visa, Mastercard Remain Skeptical of Stablecoins for Mainstream Payments, Despite Crypto's Promise

The world's largest payment networks are taking a measured approach to stablecoins for everyday consumer transactions, citing a lack of clear demand in developed markets and emphasizing their role as infrastructure providers rather than disruptors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Krispy Kreme Settles Data Breach Lawsuit for $1.6 Million, Affecting Over 160,000 Employees

The doughnut giant has agreed to a multimillion-dollar settlement following a 2024 cyberattack that compromised personal data of current and former staff, though it admits no fault.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Walmart Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Alleged Systemic Meat Pricing Discrepancies

Social media investigations reveal widespread weight mislabeling on Walmart meat products, prompting potential legal action and raising questions about pricing integrity at the retail giant.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Satellite Imagery Reveals Opaque Activity at Key Iranian Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions

New satellite imagery shows Iran constructing roofs over bomb-damaged buildings at its Isfahan and Natanz nuclear facilities, a move analysts say is likely aimed at shielding recovery efforts from surveillance as international pressure mounts over Tehran's internal crackdown and nuclear ambitions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

South African Startup Lift Airlines Gains IATA Membership, Paving Way for International Expansion

South African low-cost carrier Lift has secured membership in the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a key milestone that validates its business model and facilitates its planned regional expansion into Mauritius and Reunion.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Analysis: U.S. Military Threats Against Iran Risk Triggering a Global Nuclear Domino Effect

As the Trump administration ratchets up pressure on Tehran, experts warn that military action aimed at halting Iran's nuclear program could backfire, potentially accelerating proliferation worldwide and unraveling the non-proliferation regime.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Iran Signals Openness to U.S. Talks, Draws Red Line on Missile Program

Iran's foreign minister stated readiness for 'fair' negotiations with Washington but firmly ruled out discussing its defense capabilities, as regional powers intensify diplomacy to avert a military confrontation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Internal Rifts and Emigration Threaten Israel's Long-Term Stability, Analysts Warn

A combination of deep political polarization, economic pressures, and a growing brain drain is challenging Israel's viability as a secure and prosperous state, according to experts within and outside the country.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing to Reopen Sunday After Two-Year Closure, Easing Gaza Movement

Israel announces the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt this Sunday, permitting limited two-way movement for Palestinians after nearly 24 months of tight restrictions. The move is seen as a key development in international ceasefire efforts.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. Gaza Mission Leadership Shifts Amid Strategic Uncertainty

The U.S. military and civilian leaders of Washington's flagship Gaza mission are departing, with successors unannounced, as European allies reassess their participation and questions mount over the initiative's future direction.

Jan 30, 2026