U.S. Congressional Investigation

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

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

US

Protests Erupt in Milan Over U.S. ICE Agents' Role in 2026 Winter Olympics Security

Thousands demonstrated in Milan against the planned deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for the 2026 Winter Games, citing human rights concerns and viewing their presence as a symbol of democratic erosion in the United States.

Feb 2, 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

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

Business

Jelou Secures $10M to Bring AI-Powered Banking to WhatsApp in U.S. Expansion

Fintech startup Jelou has raised $10 million in Series A funding to scale its AI-driven conversational banking platform, Brain, from Latin America to the U.S., enabling payments, verification, and credit services directly within messaging apps.

Feb 2, 2026

U.S. and Guatemala Ink Trade Deal to Bolster Western Hemisphere Textile Supply Chains

A new bilateral trade agreement between the United States and Guatemala aims to eliminate tariffs and streamline preferential treatment for textiles and apparel, a move hailed by U.S. industry leaders as a strategic step to reinforce regional manufacturing networks and counter Asian dominance.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Heads to Israel for High-Stakes Talks on Iran, Gaza

Senior U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is set to arrive in Jerusalem for meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu and military leaders, as Washington seeks to navigate escalating regional tensions with Iran and advance efforts to end the Gaza conflict.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analyst: Weekend's $250B Crypto Rout Tied to U.S. Liquidity Squeeze, Not Market Breakdown

A sharp $250 billion sell-off across cryptocurrency markets this weekend has been attributed by analysts to a tightening of U.S. dollar liquidity, driven by macro fiscal pressures, rather than a fundamental failure of digital assets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Capgemini Sells U.S. Government Arm, Citing Regulatory Hurdles and Strategic Misalignment

French IT giant Capgemini initiates the sale of its U.S. federal subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, attributing the move to restrictive oversight rules for classified contracts and a desire for strategic focus.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Cuba Rejects U.S. Security Threat Label, Calls for Dialogue Amid Energy Stranglehold

Havana denies White House accusations of being a security threat while appealing for constructive talks, as U.S. pressure cuts off vital Venezuelan oil supplies and risks a humanitarian crisis.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Mexico Defies U.S. Pressure, Pledges Humanitarian Aid to Cuba Amid Escalating Tensions

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announces plans to send food and essential supplies to Cuba, vowing to pursue diplomatic channels for fuel shipments despite recent U.S. sanctions threats.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Bitcoin's Fate Hinges on U.S. Labor Data and MicroStrategy Earnings This Week

As Bitcoin grapples with volatility below $80,000, a packed U.S. economic calendar—featuring key jobs reports and MicroStrategy's Q4 earnings—is poised to dictate the cryptocurrency's near-term trajectory by shaping Federal Reserve policy expectations.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Travere Therapeutics Under Investigation: Legal Scrutiny Clouds Biotech's Path to Profitability

Travere Therapeutics faces a securities fraud investigation by Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP, raising questions about the accuracy of its past disclosures. The probe casts a shadow over the company's critical transition, as it banks on its kidney drug FILSPARI to drive growth amid mounting legal and commercial pressures.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Capgemini Divests U.S. Unit Amid Scrutiny Over ICE Software Contract

French IT giant Capgemini moves to sell its U.S. government solutions subsidiary following political and internal pressure over its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as public debate intensifies around tech's role in immigration enforcement.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue as Tensions Rise Between U.S. and Cuba

The American-born pontiff has issued a public plea for peace amid reports of a covert U.S. plan to destabilize Cuba's government, marking his latest critique of Trump-era foreign policy.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Khamenei Warns U.S. Attack on Iran Would Ignite Wider Regional Conflict

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has issued a stark warning that any U.S. military action against Tehran would escalate into a regional war, accusing Washington of coveting Iran's energy resources. The warning comes amid heightened tensions and internal unrest following deadly protests.

Feb 2, 2026

World

When Venus Became a Target: The WWII Incident Where the U.S. Navy Mistook a Planet for a Japanese Balloon Bomb

Amid the tense atmosphere of World War II, a routine night watch escalated into a bizarre engagement when U.S. Navy gunners, convinced they were under attack by a Japanese balloon weapon, opened fire on an unexpected celestial intruder: the planet Venus.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Diplomatic Gambit: Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks Despite U.S. Military Posturing

Amid heightened regional tensions and a visible U.S. military buildup, Iran's Foreign Minister expresses cautious optimism for a nuclear deal, even as Tehran's supreme leader warns of a broader conflict should hostilities erupt.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Khamenei Warns U.S. Strike Would Ignite "Regional War" as Gulf Tensions Simmer

Iran's Supreme Leader issues his most direct threat yet amid heightened U.S. military presence and stalled diplomacy, while internal crackdown death toll estimates soar.

Feb 2, 2026