From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.
As states finalize legislation before the 2026 elections, a conservative-leaning watchdog group highlights vulnerabilities in the voting system, pushing for reforms to curb foreign influence and clarify citizenship requirements for voters.
Three men face felony charges following a viral New Year's shooting from a Dallas overpass, with investigators linking suspects to a separate road-rage attack and uncovering a cache of firearms.
Charles Broomfield, who once wore a '#1 Dad' lanyard, now faces murder charges after allegedly confessing to shooting his fiancée and her two teenage sons in their Grand Rapids home, while his own young child was spared.
Harris County deputies executing a parole warrant at a Channelview motel discovered the body of a 33-year-old man with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities say the detained warrant subject is not currently linked to the killing.
In a new court filing, Hunter Biden's legal team moves to dismiss a contempt motion brought by the mother of his 7-year-old daughter, arguing his relationship with the child is legally irrelevant and denying violations of their 2023 support agreement.
Nissan Motor Co. faced a 4.4% decline in global sales for 2025, with a sharper 6.7% drop in December, as weakness in key markets like China and Europe offset gains in North America.
Russian troops have taken control of three villages across Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, according to a Defense Ministry statement reported by state media. The latest gains come amid intensified fighting along the front lines.
Tesla is discontinuing its flagship Model S sedan and Model X SUV, a strategic shift underscored by plummeting sales figures and Elon Musk's pivot toward robotics and autonomy.
Foreign women detained in Syria's Roj camp, linked to the Islamic State group, see a potential path to freedom following a government offensive that weakened their Kurdish guards. As political dynamics shift, their hopes for amnesty or repatriation collide with international reluctance and an uncertain future for the camps.
In a departure from long-standing restrictions, approximately 1,500 Israeli Jews held morning prayers at the contested Joseph's Tomb in Nablus. A senior settler official called the event a move toward cementing Israeli sovereignty over the site, which lies in an area under Palestinian administrative control.
The European Union has taken the unprecedented step of designating Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist entity, triggering a sharp diplomatic crisis. Iran has denounced the move as illegal and politically motivated, vowing to respond.
While the crypto market navigates volatility, two assets priced under $2—XRP and Sui—are drawing institutional interest and possess specific catalysts that could drive significant growth in the coming year.
Marsh & McLennan's insurance brokerage giant Marsh reported a 4.2% rise in Q4 net income to $821 million, capping a year of robust growth and strategic brand realignment under the new 'Marsh Risk' banner.
Ethereum enters February 2026 under pressure, testing key support near $2,690 after a historically weak January. Analysts are divided on whether seasonal trends or shifting on-chain dynamics will dictate the month's direction.
A nationwide investigation has revealed 517 illegal waste sites across England, some containing over 20,000 tonnes of material, raising urgent questions about the integrity of packaging waste management and corporate accountability.
As data center demand surges, NextEra Energy emerges as a critical, and often overlooked, infrastructure player. Its partnerships with tech titans like Meta and Google highlight a strategic pivot in the energy sector.
Initial unemployment filings in Pennsylvania fell last week, contributing to a stable national picture, though sharp swings in other states highlight ongoing regional volatility.
Despite a premium valuation, AMD is positioning itself as a key challenger in the AI chip race, betting big on integrated data center systems to capture surging demand.
While regional tensions and market volatility capture headlines, a closer look reveals resilient companies with strong fundamentals. Driven by robust earnings and strategic positioning, select stocks in sectors from renewable energy to infrastructure present compelling cases for value-oriented investors navigating the complex landscape of early 2026.
