Verdi Union

Business

Peet's Coffee Trims Store Footprint in California Amid Corporate Restructuring

The iconic Berkeley-born coffee chain Peet's is closing dozens of locations across California, including in Southern California and the Bay Area, as part of a strategic realignment following its acquisition by Keurig Dr Pepper. The move, affecting hundreds of employees, has drawn sharp criticism from workers and union representatives.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Ripple Secures Full EU Electronic Money License, Cementing European Ambitions

Ripple has obtained a full Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from Luxembourg's CSSF, granting it passporting rights across the European Union. This marks a significant regulatory milestone following recent UK approval and a period of aggressive fundraising and acquisitions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Germany Grinds to a Halt: Nationwide Transport Strike Paralyzes Cities Amid Deep Freeze

A massive strike by public transport workers has brought buses and trams to a standstill across Germany, leaving commuters stranded in sub-zero temperatures as a bitter dispute over pay and conditions escalates.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Two Years After Sonya Massey's Killing, Former Deputy Sean Grayson Serves 20-Year Sentence

Nearly two years after the fatal shooting of Sonya Massey in her Springfield home, former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson is serving a 20-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. The case, which drew national attention and a statement from President Biden, highlighted issues of police conduct and accountability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Minimum: How Your Credit Score Truly Shapes Your First Home Purchase

For aspiring homeowners, a credit score is more than just a gateway to a mortgage—it's a key determinant of long-term affordability. This guide breaks down the nuanced impact of credit on loan options, interest rates, and the strategic moves buyers can make to strengthen their financial position.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Quarterhill's Five-Year Plunge: A 66% Loss Tests Investor Patience

Quarterhill Inc. (TSE:QTRH) shareholders have endured a punishing five-year period, with the stock's value plummeting nearly 70%. Despite modest revenue growth, the market's verdict has been harsh, raising questions about the company's path to profitability and the perils of long-term bets in turbulent sectors.

Jan 30, 2026

World

EU's Green Transition at Risk as Critical Raw Materials Strategy Falters, Auditors Warn

A damning report from the EU's financial watchdog reveals the bloc's struggle to secure the minerals essential for its climate goals, highlighting failed trade deals, stalled recycling, and persistent over-reliance on external suppliers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Ioneer's $72 Million Equity Raise: A Strategic Lifeline or Dilution Dilemma for Nevada's Rhyolite Ridge?

Australian miner ioneer has secured A$72 million in fresh capital to advance its flagship Nevada lithium-boron project. While the funds de-risk near-term construction, the discounted share placement sparks debate over strategic leverage versus shareholder dilution in a critical minerals race increasingly shaped by U.S. industrial policy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir's Q4 Earnings: High Stakes for the AI Giant Amid Market Skepticism

Palantir Technologies prepares to report Q4 2025 earnings after the bell, with Wall Street eyeing $1.33 billion in revenue and $0.23 EPS. The stock's recent 17.5% slump underscores investor anxiety over its premium valuation and the sustainability of its explosive commercial growth.

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

Business

Analysts Maintain Cautious Optimism for Colgate-Palmolive Despite Market Underperformance

While Colgate-Palmolive's stock has trailed the S&P 500 over the past year, Wall Street analysts see a resilient business model and strong international presence supporting long-term growth, maintaining a 'Moderate Buy' consensus.

Feb 2, 2026

World

France's 2026 Budget Set for Final Approval After Political Showdown

After months of political gridlock and a series of no-confidence votes, France's parliament is poised to adopt the contentious 2026 budget. The survival of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu's government hinges on Monday's vote, marking a critical juncture for the nation's fiscal and political stability.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SEC Overhauls PCAOB Leadership, Appoints Demetrios Logothetis as New Chair

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has ushered in a new era for the accounting watchdog, naming a fresh chair and three board members tasked with refocusing the PCAOB on its core mission of investor protection.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Reges Elektrik Acquires Tuşpa Enerji, Kicks Off 70MW Wind Farm in Türkiye

Turkish energy firm Reges Elektrik has completed its acquisition of Tuşpa Enerji, unlocking the start of operations at the 70MW Demirli Wind Power Project in Kırşehir and marking its strategic shift into large-scale power generation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Legal Thrill Ride Ends in Court: Austin Firm Sues Roller Coaster Giant Over $1.5 Million Fee Dispute

Hawxhurst LLP has filed a federal lawsuit against International Amusement Rides and Intamin Ltd., alleging the roller coaster manufacturers failed to pay $1.5 million in legal fees after the firm defended them in high-stakes intellectual property battles.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Leadership Shuffle Hits Major Grocery Chains: New CEOs at Lidl US, Save Mart, and Walmart's C-Suite Overhaul

The grocery sector begins 2026 with significant executive turnover, including leadership changes at Lidl US, The Save Mart Companies, and a major realignment within Walmart's top ranks ahead of its CEO transition.

Feb 2, 2026

World

The Weight of a Word: How the 'Axis' Metaphor Reshapes Global Alliances and Rivalries

From Mussolini's Rome-Berlin Axis to Bush's 'Axis of Evil,' the term has evolved into a potent geopolitical label. Its revival to describe groupings like the 'Axis of Upheaval' reveals how language frames modern conflicts and defines the boundaries of legitimacy in international politics.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

HubSpot's Strong Pipeline and Cash Flow Outlook Clash with Slumping Stock Price

Despite a sharp sell-off in its shares, HubSpot reports a surge in new contract signings and projects an expanding free cash flow margin, signaling underlying operational strength even as investors remain wary.

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

Bangladesh Court Convicts Exiled Former PM Hasina, British MP Niece in Land Grab Case

A Dhaka court sentences former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years and her niece, UK Labour MP Tulip Siddiq, to 4 years on corruption charges, amid a political crackdown ahead of February elections.

Feb 2, 2026