Archive: January 2026
102 articles published this month
The Trailheadlines Explains IRGC, Iran’s Guard, EU Listing
IRGC power shapes Iran at home and abroad. This explainer breaks down how the IRGC formed, how it is structured, and why the EU listed the IRGC as a terrorist organization on January 29, 2026.
Milano Cortina 2026 security plan hardens amid ICE row
Milano Cortina 2026 security is tightening as Italy unveils “red zones,” drone and robotics surveillance, and a 24/7 cyber command. Officials say U.S. ICE staff supporting the U.S. delegation “won’t be on the streets,” but protests are planned.
S&P 500 breaks 7,000 as gold hits $5,200 record
S&P 500 breaks 7,000 for the first time as an AI-led rally broadens ahead of “Magnificent Seven” earnings and the Fed. Gold also surged above $5,200/oz on dollar weakness, while oil rose after a winter storm disrupted U.S. output and exports.
RansomHub Luxshare hack claim raises supply-chain IP risk
RansomHub Luxshare hack claims say the ransomware group accessed Luxshare engineering data, including CAD and circuit-board files, per Check Point. Luxshare has not confirmed the breach, but the allegation heightens supply-chain IP and compliance risk for major OEMs.
Vienna austerity closes composer museums for 2026
Vienna austerity is curbing cultural access as the city closes Schubert, Strauss and Haydn-linked museum sites and trims opening hours elsewhere. The 2026 culture budget falls to €28.4m from €29.7m in 2025, with more cuts flagged ahead.
Maia 200: Microsoft’s new Azure inference accelerator
Maia 200 is Microsoft’s new AI inference accelerator for Azure, first deployed in US Central with US West 3 next. Microsoft says Maia 200 delivers “30% better performance per dollar,” signaling a push to cut serving costs and reduce Nvidia dependence.
Syria ceasefire extension wins US-Europe backing
Syria ceasefire extension: the U.S., UK, France and Germany welcomed a 15-day truce renewal and urged strict adherence, as Damascus plans new SDF integration talks under U.S. backing in a fragile northeast calm.
Berlinale 2026 sets 22-film slate and €6 youth tickets
Berlinale 2026 (Feb 12–22) unveiled a 22-film competition spanning 28 countries and launched a new €6 youth ticket push for ages 18–25. The slate mixes global auteurs and star-led titles, shaping early distribution bets and arthouse demand signals.
Russia fuel oil exports to Asia slow as sanctions bite
Russia fuel oil exports to Asia are running near 1.2 million metric tons in January, down from about 2.5 million a year earlier, as sanctions, refinery disruptions and compliance risk push cargoes into longer routes and more floating storage.
CoreWeave gets $2B from Nvidia as AI buildout accelerates
CoreWeave secured a $2B Nvidia investment at $87.20 a share to speed land, power and “AI factory” buildout. The move deepens ties as CoreWeave targets 5+ GW by 2030 and reignites debate over concentration and “circular financing.”
Intel AI data center demand strains supply, shares sink
Intel AI data center demand outpaced supply as Intel forecast Q1 revenue and profit below estimates, triggering a 13% after-hours drop. Executives said factories are at capacity but mix shifts lag, while new process yields and PC margins add pressure.
Capital One Brex deal: $5.15B bank–fintech takeover
Capital One Brex deal: Capital One agreed to buy Brex for about $5.15B in a ~50/50 cash-stock transaction, targeting mid-2026 close. The move expands Capital One’s commercial payments stack and tests regulators’ appetite for bank-fintech consolidation.
Oil whipsaws on Iran and Ukraine signals, China buys more
Oil whipsaws as Trump rhetoric swings on Iran and markets price Russia-Ukraine progress. Brent slipped near $64 and WTI near $59, then rebounded on renewed Iran threats. Reuters data also show China lifting seaborne Russian crude imports toward ~1.5m bpd in January.
Netflix Warner deal shifts to $82.7B all-cash bid
The Netflix Warner deal is now an all-cash $82.7B offer after Netflix amended terms to pay $27.75 per Warner share. Warner’s board unanimously backs the plan, with a shareholder vote expected by April, as rivals and regulators watch consolidation closely.
Gaza forced evacuation order tests Oct 2025 ceasefire
A Gaza forced evacuation order in Bani Suhaila near Khan Younis is the first such move since the Oct 2025 ceasefire, residents say. Leaflets warned “You must evacuate immediately,” as UN agencies and Hamas cite pressure around Israel’s security boundary.
Gold record as Greenland tensions whip global markets
Gold record pricing held as markets swung on Trump-Europe Greenland tensions. A risk-off wave followed tariff threats, then eased after Trump said at Davos he “would not use force” to acquire Greenland, tempering the sharpest tail-risk bets.
UNRWA compound demolition shakes East Jerusalem
UNRWA compound demolition in East Jerusalem drew UN condemnation after Israeli forces bulldozed vacated buildings on Jan 20. UN chief António Guterres urged Israel to halt work and restore the site, as UNRWA warned of defiance of international law.
Ukraine energy infrastructure hit as talks continue
Ukraine energy infrastructure took another heavy hit after Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone wave, cutting heat and power in Kyiv during extreme cold. Kyiv says the strikes aim to “create a humanitarian disaster” as U.S.-led talks continue.
Ukraine energy infrastructure hit as talks continue
Ukraine energy infrastructure took another heavy hit after Russia launched a large overnight missile and drone wave, cutting heat and power in Kyiv during extreme cold. Kyiv says the strikes aim to “create a humanitarian disaster” as U.S.-led talks continue.
OpenAI hardware targets 2H 2026 debut, exec says
OpenAI hardware is “on track” for a second-half 2026 debut, OpenAI’s Chris Lehane said at Davos, per Axios. Earlier Reuters reporting detailed a manufacturing push with Apple supplier Luxshare as OpenAI explores AI-native consumer devices.