Political Dynasty Rift

Business

Alliance Resource Partners Posts Strong Q4, Sees Coal Demand Surge Amid Grid Reliability Concerns

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by cost discipline and a resilient coal market. The company provided optimistic 2026 guidance, citing strengthening demand from data centers, industrial growth, and recent winter storms that underscored coal's critical role in grid reliability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ford-Xiaomi EV Partnership Talks Spark Debate on Chinese Automakers' U.S. Ambitions

Reports of discussions between Ford Motor Company and Chinese tech giant Xiaomi over a potential electric vehicle partnership have ignited industry speculation, despite both firms denying any imminent deal. The talks underscore the complex interplay of technology, geopolitics, and market access shaping the global EV race.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Lankford's 'Federal Fumbles' Report Targets Millions in NIH Grants for Transgender Animal Studies, Fetal Tissue Research

Senator James Lankford's annual oversight report details what he calls wasteful federal spending, including controversial NIH-funded projects on transgender-related animal testing and aborted fetal tissue research, reigniting debates on scientific priorities and fiscal responsibility.

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

From Stablecoin Giant to Treasury Titan: Tether Emerges as a Major Force in U.S. Debt and Gold Markets

Tether, the company behind the world's dominant stablecoin, has quietly built a balance sheet rivaling major financial institutions, amassing vast holdings of U.S. Treasury debt and gold. Its explosive growth is reshaping its role in traditional finance and drawing regulatory scrutiny.

Feb 2, 2026

World

EU's Green Ambitions at Risk as Watchdog Warns of Critical Raw Materials Shortfall

A damning report from the European Court of Auditors reveals the bloc is falling dangerously behind in securing the lithium, cobalt, and nickel needed for its energy transition, leaving climate goals and strategic autonomy in jeopardy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing Reopens: Critically Injured Gazan Evacuated to Egypt for Urgent Treatment

Egypt reopened the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, allowing the first medical evacuation from Gaza since its latest closure. A critically wounded Palestinian patient was transferred to an Egyptian hospital, amid ongoing hostilities in the Strip.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Warsh Nomination Sends Shockwaves Through Precious Metals Market

President Trump's selection of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve has bolstered the dollar and triggered a sharp sell-off in gold and silver, raising questions about the future of the metals trade amid shifting monetary policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Market Turbulence Hits Havens: Precious Metals Plunge, Bitcoin Stumbles as February Opens

A sharp reversal in gold and silver prices, coupled with a slide in Bitcoin and Asian equities, rattled investors at the start of February, raising questions about the sustainability of recent market rallies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The Inflation Mismatch: Why Social Security's Annual Raise Falls Short for Millions of Seniors

While October's COLA announcement brings temporary relief, a growing body of evidence suggests the formula used to calculate Social Security adjustments fails to reflect the real-world expenses of retirees, creating a persistent and compounding budget gap.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Exclusive Footage Reveals IS Militants' Brazen Assault on Niger's Main Airport

Newly released video evidence shows Islamic State fighters moving unchallenged among aircraft at Niamey's Diori Hamani International Airport, igniting regional tensions and raising urgent questions about security in the Sahel.

Feb 2, 2026

Consensus Builder or Status-Quo Echo? Kevin Warsh's Leadership Style Draws Scrutiny Ahead of Fed Chair Nomination

As Kevin Warsh emerges as a frontrunner for Federal Reserve Chair, former colleagues paint a picture of a consensus-seeking listener. But with the Fed facing internal divisions and external pressure, questions remain: Is his collaborative style the steady hand needed, or a potential liability in times of crisis?

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Tesla's European Slump Deepens as Budget Model Strategy Fails to Gain Traction

Tesla's sales decline in Europe continues despite new lower-cost models, while industry buzz swirls around a hotly denied report of potential Ford-Xiaomi collaboration. Meanwhile, U.S. dealers show surprising pragmatism toward the EV transition.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alibaba Bets Big on AI: A ¥30 Billion Push for Qwen and Homegrown Chips Aims to Redefine Its Future

Alibaba Group is making a massive, multi-billion yuan bet to integrate its Qwen AI assistant across its ecosystem and develop its own AI chips, signaling a strategic pivot to reduce foreign dependency and deepen user engagement amid intense competition.

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

Royal Scandal Deepens: Crown Princess's Son Faces Rape Trial as Epstein Files Revisit Palace Ties

The Norwegian monarchy is rocked by dual crises as Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, stands trial on serious criminal charges, while newly unsealed Jeffrey Epstein documents reveal extensive past connections to the princess.

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

World

Norwegian Royal Family Under Dual Scrutiny: Crown Princess's Son Faces New Assault Charges as Epstein Links Resurface

Marius Borg Høiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, was arrested on new violent charges days before his rape trial, casting a shadow over the monarchy just as his mother faces renewed criticism over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Appeals Court Rejects DOJ Misconduct Complaint Against Federal Judge, Citing Lack of Evidence

A federal appeals court has dismissed a Justice Department misconduct complaint against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg, ruling the government failed to substantiate its allegations regarding the judge's public comments.

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