Licensing Agreements

US

Venezuela's Oil Heartland Weighs U.S.-Backed Reforms: A Gamble on Revival or Empty Promise?

In the oil-rich state of Zulia, PDVSA workers and pensioners view sweeping industry reforms, enacted after U.S. political intervention, with a volatile mix of fragile hope and deep-seated skepticism. While some anticipate long-awaited economic relief, others dismiss the changes as political theater unlikely to reverse decades of decline.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Netflix-Warner Bros. Merger: A Streamlined Future for Viewers and Creators?

Amid subscription fatigue and market fragmentation, the proposed union of Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery is framed not as a threat to competition, but as a necessary consolidation to compete with tech giants and refocus value on consumers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Iconic Outdoor Retailer Eddie Bauer Faces Store Closures as Operator Prepares Bankruptcy Filing

The 106-year-old outdoor apparel brand, founded in Seattle in 1920, could see nearly 200 of its North American stores shuttered as its licensed operator moves toward Chapter 11 restructuring, though core brand operations are expected to continue.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Political Rift Widens as Former President Rouhani Calls for Major Reforms Amid Protest Fallout

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has issued a stark warning to the regime, urging sweeping reforms to address public grievances as internal divisions surface following a deadly crackdown on protests. The rare public criticism from within the establishment highlights growing tensions ahead of renewed nuclear talks.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Royal Caribbean's Mexican Caribbean Expansion Faces Mounting Environmental Backlash

A coalition of environmental groups is sounding the alarm over two massive Royal Caribbean developments in Cozumel and Mahahual, warning of severe ecological strain and social disruption, as legal challenges begin to mount.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Second Missing Teen from Virginia Behavioral Health Center Located Safely, Search Intensifies for Third

Authorities confirm 12-year-old Forever Scott has been found safe following her disappearance from a Portsmouth facility. The search continues for a 16-year-old girl as concerns mount over the safety of vulnerable youth in institutional care.

Feb 2, 2026

Trump Unveils $12 Billion 'Project Vault' to Secure Critical Minerals, Counter China's Supply Chain Stranglehold

The White House announces a major public-private initiative to stockpile rare earths and critical minerals, aiming to insulate U.S. defense and tech sectors from foreign supply shocks and geopolitical leverage.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford Explores EV Manufacturing Partnerships with Chinese Tech Giant Xiaomi, Amid Political Headwinds

The Detroit automaker has held preliminary talks with Xiaomi and other Chinese manufacturers about potential joint ventures to build electric vehicles in the United States, a move already drawing sharp criticism from Washington lawmakers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Kalmar Forges AI-Driven IT Alliance with Tata Consultancy, Aiming to Reshape Global Port Logistics

Kalmar Oyj embarks on a strategic, long-term IT transformation with Tata Consultancy Services, building an AI-powered digital core to streamline operations, enhance equipment reliability, and solidify its service-led business model in the competitive port equipment sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

U.S. Government Acquires Strategic Stake in MP Materials to Bolster Rare Earth Independence

In a significant move to secure domestic supply chains for critical minerals, the U.S. government has taken a direct 15% equity position in MP Materials. This strategic investment, paired with expanded federal contracts, aims to reduce reliance on foreign sources for rare earths essential to defense and green energy technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Musk's Empire in Motion: Tesla-SpaceX Merger Talks Signal Pivot to Robotics and AI

Speculation mounts over a potential merger between Tesla and SpaceX, part of a broader strategic realignment under Elon Musk that could see Tesla shift focus from electric vehicles to humanoid robots and autonomous taxis, with xAI potentially in the mix.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

NVIDIA Scales Back $100 Billion OpenAI Ambition, Pivots to Broader AI Alliance Strategy

NVIDIA has significantly revised its once-floated $100 billion investment plan for OpenAI, opting for a more measured commitment. The strategic shift underscores the chipmaker's focus on business discipline and diversifying its partnerships across the booming AI ecosystem, even as it remains central to OpenAI's operations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Exports Surge in January as U.S. Eases Sanctions, Data Reveals

Venezuelan oil exports jumped to nearly 800,000 barrels per day in January, rebounding from a low of 498,000 bpd in December, following a U.S. policy shift that allowed key traders to resume shipments, according to tanker tracking data.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. and India Forge Major Trade Pact, Pivoting from Russian Energy

In a landmark agreement announced by former President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, the U.S. will slash tariffs on Indian goods, while New Delhi commits to halt Russian oil imports and significantly increase purchases of American energy and goods.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alliance Resource Partners Beats Profit Expectations Amid Coal Market Transition, Eyes Growth in Royalties

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) posted a significant jump in fourth-quarter profit, driven by cost controls and investment gains, even as coal revenue softened. The partnership issued 2026 guidance pointing to robust contract coverage and a growing oil & gas royalty segment, while navigating challenges at a key Appalachian mine.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Micron Bets $24 Billion on Singapore Hub in Strategic Pivot to AI Memory Dominance

Micron Technology is making a decisive shift from volatile consumer memory markets, channeling a massive $24 billion investment into Singapore to build advanced fabrication and packaging facilities aimed squarely at the booming AI data center sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

End of an Era: Eddie Bauer, 106-Year-Old Outdoor Pioneer, to Shutter All North American Stores

The iconic outdoor apparel brand Eddie Bauer is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and close its physical stores across the U.S. and Canada, marking a decisive shift to a digital-first future while retaining some international retail presence.

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

Gold Rush or Rush to Regret? Navigating the Precious Metals Rollercoaster

As gold and silver prices swing wildly from record highs to sudden slumps, experts urge caution for individuals looking to cash in. We examine the market forces at play and the crucial considerations before selling your heirlooms or investments.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EU's Green Transition at Risk as Critical Raw Materials Strategy Falters, Auditors Warn

A damning report from the EU's financial watchdog reveals the bloc's struggle to secure the minerals essential for its climate goals, highlighting failed trade deals, stalled recycling, and persistent over-reliance on external suppliers.

Feb 2, 2026