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New party Advance UK unveils Gorton and Denton by-election candidate
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BBC Politics

Advance UK Names Candidate for Gorton & Denton By-Election

New centrist party Advance UK unveils local GP Dr. Aisha Khan as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, challenging the political establishment.

  • LONDON – A new centrist political party, Advance UK, today announced its entry into the electoral fray, unveiling Dr. Aisha Khan as its candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. The move is a direct challenge to the established political order and will serve as the first major test of the party's pro-business, fiscally-focused platform in a traditional Labour stronghold.
  • Professional Background: Dr. Khan is a respected local doctor and a public health advocate who has served on several regional NHS advisory boards. She emphasized her front-line experience in understanding the social and economic pressures facing the community.
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Farage apology over school racism allegations does not go far enough, ex-pupil says
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BBC Politics

Farage's School Racism Apology Rejected by Ex-Pupil

An ex-pupil calls Nigel Farage's apology for alleged schoolboy racism inadequate, saying the Reform UK leader has yet to take full responsibility.

  • LONDON – Nigel Farage’s carefully worded apology for his conduct as a schoolboy in the 1970s has been rebuffed as inadequate by a former classmate, who maintains the Reform UK leader has yet to take full responsibility for specific racist and antisemitic remarks. The dispute escalates a controversy that links Farage's past to his present political ambitions, creating a significant test of his leadership ahead of the general election.
  • The Core Conflict: Ettedgui and other former pupils allege Farage expressed support for the National Front and used racist and antisemitic language in the late 1970s. Farage has offered a general apology for any offence caused but continues to deny the specific, detailed allegations.
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Keir Starmer expands Pride in Place scheme to 40 new areas
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BBC Politics

Keir Starmer Expands 'Pride in Place' Scheme to 40 Towns

Labour leader Keir Starmer pledges to expand the "Pride in Place" scheme, giving 40 new towns devolved powers and funding for local-led regeneration.

  • LONDON – Labour leader Keir Starmer has unveiled a significant expansion of his party's "Pride in Place" scheme, pledging to empower an additional 40 towns and cities across the UK with new funding and devolved powers to spearhead local regeneration. The announcement positions community-led growth as a central pillar of Labour's economic strategy, drawing a sharp contrast with the government's top-down "Levelling Up" agenda.
  • Devolved Authority: The central promise is a transfer of power from Whitehall to town halls. Local authorities in the 40 selected areas would be given greater control over planning, transport, and, crucially, a dedicated funding pot for regeneration.
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Reform Welsh leader Dan Thomas unveiled by Nigel Farage
© BBC Politics
BBC Politics

Nigel Farage Unveils Dan Thomas as Reform UK Wales Leader

Nigel Farage introduces Dan Thomas as the new Reform UK leader for Wales, framing the party's challenge of balancing national influence with a distinct Welsh id

  • CARDIFF – Nigel Farage, the honorary president of Reform UK, today unveiled former businessman Dan Thomas as the party's new leader in Wales, a high-profile move designed to energize its base ahead of crucial upcoming elections. The endorsement, however, immediately frames the central challenge for the populist party: balancing the immense draw of its national figurehead with the need for a distinctly Welsh political identity.
  • The Farage Promise: Mr. Farage was unequivocal in his support, stating that Mr. Thomas would have the freedom to tailor the party's message. This is designed to counter accusations that Reform is an England-centric party with little interest in devolved matters.
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Business

Financial news and market updates

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Wall Street drops sharply as Google's Alphabet drags down stocks
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Yahoo Finance

Wall Street Drops as Alphabet's Spending Plans Spook Market

U.S. stocks fell sharply, led by a drop in Alphabet shares after the tech giant announced a surprising increase in its spending plans, fueling economic fears.

  • NEW YORK – U.S. stocks tumbled on Thursday, deepening a week-long sell-off as a confluence of troubling economic signals and a spending shock from tech giant Alphabet unnerved investors. The broad-based decline saw major indices slide more than 1%, while bond yields sank and volatile assets like cryptocurrencies and precious metals extended their recent rout.
  • The Trigger: The negative sentiment was ignited by a combination of factors, including discouraging U.S. jobs data, hawkish spending plans from a market heavyweight, and a general risk-off mood that rippled across global markets.
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Discovering US Market's Undiscovered Gems February 2026
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Yahoo Finance

Discovering US Market's Undiscovered Gems February 2026

Amid market momentum and economic uncertainty, our Feb 2026 report reveals resilient, small-cap US stocks with strong fundamentals poised for significant growth

  • NEW YORK – The U.S. stock market has charged into February 2026 with notable momentum, as major indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 post significant gains. This optimism persists even as the market navigates a complex economic landscape marked by uncertainties, including a recent government shutdown that has delayed key indicators like jobs data. In this environment, discerning investors are looking beyond the headlines and mega-cap names to identify smaller companies with the fundamental strength to weather volatility and unlock significant growth.
  • Core Business: CCBG operates as the financial holding company for Capital City Bank, generating the bulk of its $248.74 million in revenue from commercial banking services for individuals and corporations.
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High Growth Tech Stocks to Watch in US February 2026
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

High-Growth US Tech Stocks to Watch in February 2026

Discover the top high-growth US tech and AI stocks for February 2026. Amid market optimism, we analyze firms with soaring earnings and explosive growth potentia

  • NEW YORK – As the U.S. stock market rides a wave of optimism into February 2026, fueled by robust gains in the Dow Jones and S&P 500 and an unexpected surge in manufacturing activity, investor attention is pivoting towards technology firms poised for explosive growth. In an environment where innovation dictates market leadership, a select group of companies is distinguishing itself through exceptional revenue expansion, soaring earnings, and strategic adaptation to the economy's next frontiers.
  • Biotechnology Breakthroughs: Companies like Marker Therapeutics, Viridian Therapeutics, and ACADIA Pharmaceuticals are at the forefront of medical innovation. Their growth is propelled by progress in clinical trials, new drug applications, and the development of novel treatments for complex diseases, representing high-risk but high-reward investment theses.
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3 Stocks Estimated To Be Trading At Discounts Of Up To 49.2%
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Yahoo Finance

3 Undervalued Stocks Trading at a Significant Discount

As markets hit record highs, investors are searching for value. Discover 3 U.S. stocks potentially trading at deep discounts based on DCF analysis.

  • NEW YORK – As U.S. equity markets ride a wave of optimism into February, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 posting significant gains, sophisticated investors are intensifying their search for value beneath the surface of record highs. In an environment characterized by shifting monetary policy and mixed economic signals, identifying fundamentally sound companies trading below their intrinsic worth is a key strategy for navigating potential volatility and unlocking long-term growth.
  • Core Concept: DCF analysis forecasts a company's unlevered free cash flow over a multi-year period and "discounts" it back to today's value using a calculated discount rate. This process yields an estimate of a company's intrinsic value.
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US Equity Indexes Drop as Labor Market Weakness, Mega AI Spend Hits Risk Sentiment
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

US Stocks Fall on Labor Market & AI Spending Concerns

U.S. stocks dropped as weak labor market data and investor concerns over massive AI spending soured risk sentiment, pushing the S&P 500 and Nasdaq lower.

  • NEW YORK – U.S. stocks retreated sharply in Thursday's session, caught in a crosscurrent of concerns as fresh signs of a softening labor market collided with growing investor scrutiny over the colossal spending in the artificial intelligence sector. The dual pressures soured risk appetite across Wall Street, sending all three major indexes into the red and pushing technology shares to their worst performance in weeks.
  • Why It Matters: The data adds to a growing mosaic of evidence—including a recent JOLTS report showing a decline in job openings—that the labor market's resilience is beginning to wane. For investors, this is a double-edged sword. A weaker job market could crimp consumer spending, the primary engine of the U.S. economy, and potentially herald a broader economic slowdown.
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Politics

Political news and analysis

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What a crowded congressional primary in N.J. says about the state of Democrats
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NPR News

NJ's 11th District Primary: A Bellwether for Democrats

Explore the crowded N.J. congressional primary that has become a bellwether for the national Democratic Party, highlighting the progressive vs. establishment di

  • The Progressive Challenger: Analilia Mejia, director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance, is running an aggressive campaign from the left, arguing that the political moment demands more than moderate politics. Her candidacy is backed by a who's who of national progressive leaders, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
  • A National Platform: At a January rally with Sanders, Mejia framed the race in stark terms. "In a moment of rising authoritarianism, of economic insecurity, of state-sanctioned violence, any old blue just won't do," she declared. "If you send weak sauce to Congress, we will get weak sauce back."
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US and Russia agree to resume regular military contact
© BBC News
BBC News

US, Russia to Resume Military Contact for De-escalation

The US and Russia have agreed to resume military-to-military communication, a key de-escalation step reportedly brokered in the UAE to prevent conflict.

  • The Core Agreement: According to preliminary reports, the deal focuses on re-establishing deconfliction lines and potentially observing key terms of the New START treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between the two nations, which Russia suspended in February 2023.
  • Geopolitical De-escalation: The primary significance is risk reduction. By reopening channels, both sides aim to prevent accidental clashes and manage potential crises before they escalate, providing a floor under the deteriorating relationship.
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Keir Starmer apologises to Epstein victims for believing Mandelson's 'lies'
© BBC News
BBC News

Starmer Apologises to Epstein Victims for Mandelson 'Lies'

Labour leader Keir Starmer issues a direct apology to Jeffrey Epstein's victims for appointing Lord Mandelson, accusing the peer of lying about his connections.

  • LONDON – Labour leader Keir Starmer has issued an unprecedented and direct apology to the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, expressing profound regret for his decision to appoint Lord Peter Mandelson to an advisory role and for having "believed Mandelson's lies" regarding his connections to the disgraced financier.
  • Direct Accountability: By apologising for his own decision to appoint Lord Mandelson, Starmer takes personal ownership of the controversy, a high-stakes gamble for a leader positioning himself as the next Prime Minister.
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US and Iran agree to nuclear talks in Oman on Friday
© BBC News
BBC News

US and Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks in Oman This Friday

The US and Iran will hold high-stakes, indirect nuclear talks in Oman, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions and address Tehran's advancing nuclear program.

  • MUSCAT, OMAN – The United States and Iran are set to resume high-stakes, indirect talks in Oman this Friday, a critical diplomatic maneuver aimed at de-escalating tensions that have roiled the Middle East and sent ripples through global energy markets. The meeting, brokered by the historically neutral Sultanate of Oman, represents the most significant effort in months to find a path back from the brink of both nuclear proliferation and wider regional conflict.
  • The Format: The talks will be indirect, with Omani officials shuttling between the US and Iranian delegations. This format allows both sides to engage without the political complication of a direct, face-to-face meeting.
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What is SEND and how might the system change in England?
© BBC News
BBC News

SEND System in England: What It Is & How It's Changing

England's SEND system is in crisis. Learn what SEND and EHCPs are, why councils face financial strain, and what government reforms are being planned.

  • London – England's system for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) is facing a crisis of sustainability, with local council budgets buckling under the weight of soaring demand and escalating costs. The government is now embarking on its most significant overhaul in a decade, aiming to rein in a spiralling deficit that threatens the financial stability of local authorities, while promising a more consistent and effective experience for families. The central tension is clear: balancing a child's legal right to support against the stark economic realities of public funding.
  • Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP): A legal document that identifies a child's or young person's specific educational, health, and social care needs. It details the support required to meet those needs and the intended outcomes.
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Finance

Banking and investment news

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3 Growth Companies With High Insider Ownership And 21% Revenue Growth
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

3 Growth Stocks with High Insider Ownership & 21% Growth

Discover 3 companies with strong revenue growth over 21% and high insider ownership. Learn why this "skin in the game" is a powerful indicator for investors.

  • FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
  • NEW YORK, NY – February 5, 2026 – As Wall Street digests a bullish start to February, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average surging past the 500-point mark and the S&P 500 flirting with all-time highs, sophisticated investors are looking beyond the headline numbers. In a market landscape characterized by both optimism and underlying economic crosscurrents, a specific cohort of companies is drawing increased attention: high-growth firms where insiders hold significant stakes.
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Stock market today: Bonds and Bitcoin sell off on AI, economic fears
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

Stock Market, Bonds, Bitcoin Sell Off on AI, Economic Fears

Global markets tumble as a trifecta of fears over AI costs, economic slowdown, and a crypto crisis triggers a broad-based sell-off across stocks and digital ass

  • **NEW YORK — A potent wave of fear swept across global financial markets on Thursday, triggering a broad-based sell-off as investors grappled with a trifecta of concerns: the staggering cost of the artificial intelligence arms race, mounting signs of a sharp economic slowdown, and a deepening crisis in cryptocurrency markets. The synchronized downturn erased gains across equities and digital assets, sending market participants scrambling for the relative safety of government debt.
  • S&P 500: The broad market benchmark fell over 1% to trade near 6,810.
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Traders Digest Jobless Claims Ahead of Amazon Earnings, With US Equity Futures Lower Pre-Bell
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

US Futures Drop on Job Data Before Amazon Earnings Report

US equity futures decline as strong jobless claims data suggests the Fed may keep rates high. Investors cautiously await Amazon's pivotal earnings report.

  • NEW YORK – US equity futures pointed to a lower open on Thursday as investors navigated a confluence of critical economic data and a pivotal earnings report from tech behemoth Amazon. A resilient labor market report stoked concerns about the Federal Reserve's policy path, while traders braced for insights into consumer health and cloud computing growth from one of the market's most influential companies.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA): Futures were down approximately 120 points, or 0.35%.
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What AGCO’s Upbeat 2026 Outlook Means for Deere Stock
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

What AGCO’s Upbeat 2026 Outlook Means for Deere Stock

AGCO's strong Q1 earnings and bullish long-term forecast challenge sector downturn fears. Discover what this means for Deere stock and the farm equipment indust

  • NEW YORK – In a sector braced for a cyclical downturn, agricultural equipment manufacturer AGCO Corp. delivered a resounding first-quarter earnings beat and, more importantly, a surprisingly bullish long-term forecast that is sending ripples across the industry. The strong performance from the maker of Fendt and Massey Ferguson tractors offers a critical data point for investors, suggesting underlying resilience in the farm economy and providing a potential "green shoot" for the sector's undisputed heavyweight, Deere & Company.
  • Earnings Per Share: The company reported EPS of $2.17, handily beating the consensus analyst expectation of $1.86.
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Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Lower Pre-Bell Thursday Ahead of Amazon Earnings
© Yahoo Finance
Yahoo Finance

ETFs, Futures Dip Pre-Bell Ahead of Amazon (AMZN) Earnings

U.S. equity futures and ETFs trade lower as investors show caution ahead of Amazon's pivotal earnings report, a key barometer for consumer and cloud health.

  • NEW YORK – U.S. equity markets are poised for a lower open on Thursday, as a wave of caution sweeps across Wall Street ahead of a pivotal earnings report from technology and e-commerce behemoth Amazon (AMZN). The nervous sentiment reflects broader concerns about the health of corporate profits, consumer spending, and the trajectory of the global economy.
  • Index Futures: Futures on the S&P 500 were down approximately 0.7%, suggesting a clear move away from risk. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures fell more sharply, declining around 0.9%, highlighting the specific anxiety surrounding the technology sector. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures traded about 0.5% lower.
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