U.S. Congress

US

Royal Rift: PM Starmer Breaks Protocol, Urges Prince Andrew to Cooperate with U.S. Epstein Probe

In a striking departure from diplomatic norms, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly called on the disgraced Duke of York to provide evidence to the U.S. Congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. The intervention signals a collapse of the traditional political shield around the monarchy and intensifies legal and reputational pressures on Andrew.

Feb 2, 2026

US

A Congressman's Letter to a 5-Year-Old: After ICE Detention, a Boy's Story Resonates

Following the release of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father from ICE detention, Texas Representative Joaquin Castro accompanied them home and penned a heartfelt letter, telling Liam he 'moved the world' and highlighting the ongoing debate over U.S. immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Fewer but Fiercer: The Evolving Disruption of U.S. Government Shutdowns

While the frequency of U.S. government shutdowns has declined since the 1990s, a deepening partisan divide has transformed them into longer, more damaging stalemates, with 22 closures since 1976 imposing growing costs on federal operations and the public.

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

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

Prediction Markets Surge as Coinbase Expands Access and U.S. Regulators Signal Rule Overhaul

A pivotal week for prediction markets saw Coinbase partner with Kalshi to offer event contracts nationwide, while the CFTC moved to establish clearer regulatory standards. Meanwhile, traders sharply increased bets on a potential U.S. government shutdown.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump's $2,000 'Tariff Dividend' Promise: Can He Deliver Without Congress?

Former President Trump claims tariff revenue can fund direct payments to Americans, bypassing Congress. Experts question the legality and economic feasibility of the proposal.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Winter Crisis Deepens as U.S. Energy Aid for Ukraine Remains Stalled in Bureaucratic Maze

Promised U.S. funds to repair Ukraine's war-shattered energy grid are caught in administrative limbo, leaving millions vulnerable to extreme cold amid renewed Russian strikes and internal U.S. agency disputes.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Australia Vows to Press Ahead with Critical Minerals Strategy Despite U.S. Policy Shift

Australia reaffirms its commitment to building resilient critical mineral supply chains and a strategic reserve, undeterred by the U.S. stepping back from plans to guarantee minimum prices for such projects.

Jan 30, 2026

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

Intel's Foundry Ambitions Gain Momentum as Apple, Nvidia Explore U.S. Chip Production Deals

Intel's bid to become a major contract chipmaker receives a significant boost as tech giants Apple and Nvidia engage in talks to shift portions of their advanced semiconductor manufacturing to Intel's U.S. facilities, challenging the long-standing dominance of TSMC and Samsung.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

European Fintech Giants Eye U.S. Market, But Banking License Hurdles Loom Large

Major European neobanks like Revolut, Monzo, and bunq are renewing their push for a U.S. banking license, betting on regulatory shifts and market potential. Yet, the path is fraught with complexity, geopolitical uncertainty, and fierce competition.

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

Boeing Backs U.S. Critical Minerals Stockpile in Bid to Secure Aerospace Supply Chains

Aerospace giant Boeing is joining a major U.S. public-private initiative to build a national stockpile of critical minerals, a strategic move aimed at reducing dependence on foreign sources and bolstering domestic manufacturing resilience for defense and commercial programs.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Trade Tensions Thaw: U.S. and India Strike Deal After Tariff Standoff Over Russian Oil

Following months of escalating tariffs, the U.S. and India have reached a tentative trade agreement. The deal, announced by former President Trump, reportedly includes a commitment from New Delhi to shift its oil imports away from Russia.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Adidas Bets Big on U.S. Soccer Boom, Debuts First Dedicated Store Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Adidas unveils its first U.S.-exclusive soccer flagship at the American Dream Mall, launching an immersive retail experience and exclusive product lines as anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted in North America.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

U.S. Manufacturing Roars Back in January, Hitting Four-Year High Amid Tariff Jitters

The U.S. manufacturing sector snapped a year-long contraction in January, with the PMI surging to its highest level since early 2022. A sharp rebound in new orders and production fueled the expansion, though concerns over future tariff policies and a still-sluggish jobs market temper the optimism.

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

Craft Beer's Golden Age Cools: U.S. Brewery Closures Outpace Openings for Second Straight Year

After two decades of explosive growth, the U.S. craft beer industry has hit an inflection point. New data reveals more breweries closed than opened in 2025, signaling a market correction driven by saturation, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures.

Feb 2, 2026