Alex Ossola

I'm Alex Ocelev for The Wall Street Journal.

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Here's your midday brief for Thursday, February 5th.

I'm Alex Ocele for The Wall Street Journal.

Rio Tinto says it's no longer considering a merger with Glencore after weeks of talks.

Such a deal would have created the world's largest mining company with a market value of more than $200 billion.

The companies say they couldn't agree on key terms, like Rio Tinto keeping both the chairman and CEO roles of the combined company.

Shares of both companies fell on the news.

And Brad Karp, the leader of law firm Paul Weiss, has resigned as chair in the wake of new revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein.

Newly released files show Karp communicated with Epstein over several years, including asking for personal favors and dinners at the financier's mansion.

A spokesperson for Paul Weiss has said that while Karp regrets the interactions, he never witnessed or participated in any misconduct.

The firm said it appointed Scott Barchet as its new chair.

Heads Up, an artificial intelligence tool, helped us make this episode by creating summaries that were based on WSJ reporting and then reviewed and adapted by an editor.

We'll have more coverage of the day's news on the WSJ's What's News podcast.

You can add it to your playlist on your smart speaker or listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Another government shutdown means there won't be a jobs report this Friday.

Plus, a pension fund's $86 million loss on a coffee farm shows the risks of investing in private markets.

And if you've been looking to buy a home, the market might be finally swinging in your favor.

It's Monday, February 2nd.