US Diplomacy

World

Peace Talks Delayed, Then Drone Strike: Russian Attack Kills Ukrainian Miners Returning From Shift

A Russian drone strike targeted a bus carrying coal miners in central Ukraine, killing at least a dozen workers hours after Kyiv announced a postponement of diplomatic negotiations. The attack, condemned as a deliberate strike on civilians, marks one of the deadliest single incidents for Ukraine's energy sector since the invasion began.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Drone Strike on Miner Bus in Dnipro Kills 12 Amid Stalled Peace Talks

A Russian drone attack struck a bus carrying miners in Dnipro, killing at least a dozen workers. The assault comes as planned peace negotiations face delays, casting further doubt on diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine, U.S., and Russia Set for Crucial Talks in Abu Dhabi Amid Escalating Winter Assaults

As winter deepens and Russian strikes intensify, President Zelenskyy announces a new diplomatic push for peace, with talks scheduled this week in the UAE. The negotiations unfold against a backdrop of skepticism and a humanitarian crisis fueled by attacks on critical infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Peace Talks Postponed Amid Surprise US-Russia Meeting

A second round of trilateral talks on a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine has been delayed to Wednesday, President Zelensky announced. The postponement follows undisclosed discussions between senior Russian and US officials in Florida, raising questions about diplomatic coordination and the path forward.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Peace Talks to Resume in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms a new round of trilateral negotiations with Russia and the U.S. is scheduled for early February, even as drone attacks continue to target civilian infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Escalates Rhetoric, Labels EU Armies as 'Terrorists' Amid Rising US Tensions

Iran's Supreme Leader warns of a broader regional war if the US launches an attack, as Tehran retaliates against the EU's terrorist designation of the Revolutionary Guards by branding European armies similarly. The moves come amidst a significant US naval buildup and fragile diplomatic signals.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Amid Rising Iran Tensions, Top US and Israeli Military Chiefs Hold Pentagon Talks

The highest-ranking US and Israeli military officials held a closed-door meeting at the Pentagon last Friday, as regional tensions with Iran continue to escalate, according to US officials speaking on condition of anonymity.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Accuses Cuba of Harassment After Protesters Confront Top Diplomat

Washington has formally accused Havana of orchestrating intimidation tactics against its chief envoy, following a series of heated public confrontations that underscore escalating bilateral tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Scrambles to Fortify Air Defenses as Brief Russian Strike Pause Expires

As a temporary halt in Russian airstrikes on Kyiv brokered by former U.S. President Trump nears its end, Ukraine is urgently working to strengthen its air defenses. Analysts caution the lull may be a tactical move by Moscow to bolster its diplomatic leverage rather than a step toward peace.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Exclusive: U.S. Nears Deal to Deport Migrants to Argentina, Bolstering Trump's Immigration Agenda

The United States and Argentina are in final-stage negotiations on an agreement that would see the U.S. deport migrants from third countries to the South American nation, according to a New York Times report. The potential deal aligns with the Trump administration's push to expand removal destinations and marks a sharp shift in Argentina's historically open immigration policy under President Javier Milei.

Jan 30, 2026

World

U.S. Treasury Targets Iranian Minister and Businessman in Latest Sanctions Push

The United States has sanctioned Iran's Interior Minister and a prominent businessman, accusing them of human rights abuses and money laundering, as Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran amid ongoing regional tensions.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Newly Unsealed Emails Reveal Sarah Ferguson's Congratulatory Note to Epstein on 'Baby Boy', Raising Questions of Secret Heir

Freshly released documents from the Epstein files include a 2009 email from Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, congratulating the convicted sex offender on the birth of a child—a claim that revives long-standing speculation about a potential secret heir to his fortune.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Visa Posts Strong Q1 2026 Results, Fueled by Robust Consumer Spending and Cross-Border Growth

The global payments giant reported a 15% surge in net revenue and processed a record 69.4 billion transactions in its fiscal first quarter, signaling resilient consumer confidence and a rebound from previous quarters.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

London's Historic Ibex House to Become Art Deco Hotel After Planning Nod

A Dominus and Cheyne Capital partnership wins City of London approval to convert the Grade II-listed Ibex House into a 382-room hotel, slated for a late 2028 opening, complete with a hospitality academy and restored pub.

Feb 2, 2026

Mortgage Proposals and Rate Swings: A Housing Market in Search of Real Solutions

As mortgage rates fluctuate and ambitious policy ideas emerge, economists warn that financing tweaks cannot solve the core issue: a chronic shortage of homes.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Mexico's Education Secretary Mourns as Kin Slain in Colima Home Invasion; Three Suspects Killed in Police Raid

The aunt and cousin of Mexico's Secretary of Public Education, Mario Delgado, were fatally shot in their Colima home. Authorities later killed three suspects in a confrontation, highlighting the persistent violence plaguing the region.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SM Energy and Civitas Seal $12.8 Billion Merger, Forging a U.S. Shale Powerhouse

The all-stock deal creates a top-tier independent producer focused on the Permian Basin, with Beth McDonald at the helm aiming to unlock significant synergies and shareholder returns.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Private Equity Firm Expands Sustainable Packaging Footprint with Acquisition of South Carolina's Paper Converters

Foundation Investment Partners, through its platform Sustainable Packaging, has acquired Paper Converters, a Walterboro-based manufacturer of spiral-wound paper tubes and boards, marking a strategic consolidation in the eco-friendly packaging sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Applied Digital Bets Big on AI Infrastructure with Hyperscale Leases and New 430MW Campus

Applied Digital is making a decisive pivot from cryptocurrency mining to high-performance AI data center infrastructure, securing major long-term leases and breaking ground on a new campus designed for large-scale AI workloads, as demand for specialized compute power surges.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Empire State Realty Trust: A Valuation Puzzle as P/E and Fair Value Tell Conflicting Stories

Shares of Empire State Realty Trust (ESRT) are trading at $6.63, presenting investors with a conundrum: a narrative suggesting undervaluation clashes with a premium price-to-earnings multiple. We examine the divergence and what it means for the iconic property owner.

Feb 2, 2026