Middle East Politics

Business

Craft Spirits Consolidation: Kentucky's Casey Jones Distillery Acquired by Multi-State Beverage Group B3

Amidst a turbulent period for craft distilling, the founders of Casey Jones Distillery in Hopkinsville, KY, have sold their bourbon and moonshine operation to Pennsylvania-based B3 Beverage Company, securing the legacy of a family-run business while joining a growing portfolio of craft breweries and distilleries.

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

Forrestania Resources Consolidates Control of High-Grade Mt Palmer Gold Project in Strategic $18m Deal

Forrestania Resources moves to 100% ownership of the historic Mt Palmer gold project in Western Australia through a share-based acquisition, aiming to fast-track development and feed its Lake Johnston processing facility.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Building a Reliable Income Stream: How a $500 Stake in This Dividend ETF Can Pay Off Long-Term

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) offers investors a balanced approach to generating income, targeting financially robust companies with a history of growing dividends. We examine its strategy, performance, and role in a portfolio.

Feb 2, 2026

From Coffee to Cookies: How New Tariffs Are Driving Up Prices on Imported Grocery Staples

Shoppers are bracing for another wave of price increases as new import taxes take effect, targeting a range of everyday items from spirits to seafood. Experts warn the hikes will squeeze household budgets and force tough choices at the supermarket.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Chile, Brazil, and Mexico Formally Nominate Michelle Bachelet for UN Secretary-General

In a joint diplomatic push, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico have officially submitted former Chilean President Michelle Bachelet's candidacy to become the first woman to lead the United Nations, as the race to succeed Antonio Guterres heats up.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Government Funding Deadline Looms as House Returns Amid ICE Controversy

Congress faces a critical vote to avert a prolonged shutdown, while newly released documents shed light on the Minneapolis shooting involving immigration officers and the Epstein case continues to reverberate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Sanctions and Legal Woes Push Russia's Crypto Mining Giant BitRiver to the Brink

Russia's premier cryptocurrency miner, BitRiver, faces insolvency proceedings as its CEO is placed under house arrest, marking a dramatic fall for a firm already crippled by international sanctions and mounting legal disputes.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts See Long-Term Promise in Legend Biotech's Carvykti Despite Fourth-Quarter Sales Shortfall

While Legend Biotech's CAR-T therapy Carvykti missed Q4 sales estimates, prompting mixed analyst reactions, some firms emphasize its curative potential and view the stock's recent decline as a strategic entry point for investors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran's Digital Blackout: A Three-Week Internet Shutdown Exacts a Heavy Economic and Social Toll

A prolonged, nationwide internet blackout in Iran, imposed during recent unrest, has crippled businesses and severed global connections for millions, revealing the deep fragility of an economy already under strain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wisconsin Labor Market Shows Resilience Despite January Layoffs Affecting 366 Workers

Seven Wisconsin employers filed WARN notices in January, yet the state's unemployment rate held steady at a low 3.1%. Economists point to a cooling but stable labor market, with significant workforce changes driven by retirements and sectoral shifts.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Africa's Booming Secondhand Car Market Set to Double, Fueling Mobility and Concerns

Africa's used vehicle market is on track to expand at nearly 7% annually, approaching a $200 billion valuation by 2033, as demand for affordable personal transport surges across the continent.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Withdraws from High-Stakes India World Cup Clash, Citing Security and Political Tensions

Pakistan has announced it will not play its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India, a decision linked by officials to recent deadly attacks in Balochistan and broader geopolitical disputes involving Bangladesh's tournament exclusion.

Feb 2, 2026

US

North Carolina Snowstorm Leads to Dramatic Train-Truck Collision; Driver Escapes Unharmed

A truck driver made a miraculous escape moments before a Norfolk Southern train struck his stranded semi during a historic winter storm in Gastonia, N.C. The incident highlights the severe weather's impact on road safety across the state.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

GigaWatt Seeks Public Backing to Power Its DIY Solar Ambitions as Energy Costs Soar

Amid rising electricity prices and shifting federal incentives, solar platform GigaWatt is turning to crowd-investing to accelerate its push into integrated, user-friendly DIY solar kits, betting on AI and streamlined hardware to capture a growing market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Winnebago Industries: A Value Trap or a Turnaround Story? Analysts Weigh In on RV Giant's Valuation

Winnebago Industries' stock has been on a rollercoaster, leaving investors questioning if its current price near $46 reflects its true worth. A deep dive into valuation metrics paints a concerning picture, suggesting the shares may be significantly overvalued despite recent momentum in the outdoor recreation sector.

Feb 2, 2026

World

UK's Gridworks Inks $400M Ethiopia Power Deals as Foreign Minister Visits to Address Migration Pressures

During UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper's visit to Addis Ababa, British investor Gridworks signed landmark agreements to develop two major transmission projects. The deals, part of a broader UK strategy linking economic development with migration management, mark Ethiopia's first public-private partnerships in its power transmission sector.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Massachusetts Homeowner's Blowtorch Ice Removal Attempt Ignites Major House Fire

A Milton, Massachusetts man's attempt to clear roof ice with a blowtorch during a severe winter storm sparked a fast-moving attic fire, prompting warnings from officials about the dangers of DIY ice removal.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

TSMC Bets Big on AI Future with Record $56 Billion Capex Plan, Fueling Market Optimism

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has unveiled an aggressive capital expenditure plan for 2026, signaling robust confidence in sustained demand driven by artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, which has spurred a significant rally in its shares and upward revisions from analysts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Goldman Sachs CEO Signals Strategic Hiring Slowdown Amid Efficiency Push

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, while optimistic on global markets, forecasts a deliberate deceleration in talent acquisition for 2026 as the bank sharpens its focus on operational efficiency and strategic resource allocation.

Feb 2, 2026