Amazon's stock experienced a notable decline of over 10% in extended trading after the company reported mixed fourth-quarter earnings, with earnings per share falling slightly below analyst estimates. Despite revenue surpassing expectations, the e-commerce and cloud giant announced a substantial increase in its full-year capital expenditure forecast to $200 billion. This significant investment is primarily directed towards expanding data centers and infrastructure to support the surging demand for artificial intelligence capabilities, a key strategic priority for the company's future. The market reacted to both the earnings miss and the substantial spending outlook, reflecting investor concerns about the immediate impact on profitability despite the company's clear long-term vision for AI-driven growth. (not investment advice)

30/100

Reddit's shares saw a significant 6% rise in after-hours trading following a strong fourth-quarter earnings report that surpassed Wall Street expectations on both revenue and earnings per share. The social media company also provided optimistic guidance for the first quarter of 2026, projecting sales higher than analyst forecasts. In a move to bolster shareholder value, Reddit announced a substantial $1 billion share repurchase program. This positive financial performance, coupled with strategic adjustments to user metric reporting, highlights the company's robust growth in user engagement and advertising revenue, signaling a confident outlook for the upcoming period. (not investment advice)

75/100

A tragic incident occurred in the Westwood area of Los Angeles when a car crashed into a grocery store, resulting in at least two fatalities and several injuries. Fire officials reported that three victims are in serious condition with potential severe injuries, while two others sustained minor injuries. Initial information from sources suggests the crash was accidental rather than intentional, though investigations are ongoing. This developing story highlights the immediate and severe impact on the community and those affected, as emergency services continue to respond and provide aid at the scene.

10/100

Breeze Airways, a Utah-based budget airline, is significantly expanding its low-cost travel routes across the U.S., adding new destinations and returning service to others, including its fourth international location in Nassau, Bahamas. This aggressive move aims to capitalize on demand for affordable travel as the company prepares for the summer season. However, consumers are cautioned by financial reports about "unbundling" practices, where low base fares often come with additional fees for services like checked bags or seat selection. The article advises travelers to be aware of these potential extra costs and the effects of airline consolidation on competition. (not investment advice)

60/100

Bob's Discount Furniture made its debut on the New York Stock Exchange, with shares closing nearly flat at $17.02 after being priced at $17 per share. The company, which operates 206 showrooms across 26 states, was valued at approximately $2.22 billion following its initial public offering. Despite a challenging housing market and consumer hesitation on big-ticket items, CEO Bill Barton noted a consistent demand for furniture across all income levels, with significant growth among higher-income households. The retailer plans to more than double its store count to over 500 locations by 2035, emphasizing value and quick deliveries to stand out in the market. (not investment advice)

50/100

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicly challenged the House Oversight Committee to conduct her and former President Bill Clinton's testimony regarding Jeffrey Epstein in a public hearing, rather than the planned closed session. This demand came after the Clintons ceased their resistance to subpoenas from the committee, which had threatened contempt charges. Clinton criticized the committee's handling of the matter, stating they ignored previous sworn testimony and were using the process for "distraction" instead of genuine accountability. House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, however, insisted on depositions first, maintaining that all witnesses are treated consistently under committee rules, including other high-profile figures.

45/100

Peloton's shares plunged 26% after the company reported a worse-than-expected holiday quarter, missing Wall Street estimates and its own sales targets. The connected fitness company experienced sluggish demand for its new AI-driven product line and faced challenges with higher subscription prices. CEO Peter Stern acknowledged the disappointment but noted improvements in profitability, with adjusted EBITDA exceeding expectations for the quarter and raised full-year guidance. Despite these gains, the article highlights that the product overhaul did not drive the anticipated sales growth, indicating ongoing struggles to attract new customers and encourage existing members to upgrade their equipment. (not investment advice)

20/100

Estée Lauder's stock tumbled roughly 20% after the beauty company announced an expected $100 million hit to its full-year profitability due to tariff impacts. The company is currently undergoing a "Beauty Reimagined" turnaround plan, projected to cost between $1.2 billion and $1.6 billion, which includes workforce reductions of 5,800 to 7,000 employees. Despite raising its fiscal outlook after a solid first half, Estée Lauder remains cautious about the macroeconomic environment and is actively implementing strategies like trade programs and supply chain optimization to mitigate the tariff costs. The company aims to restore organic sales growth and expand its operating margin for the first time in four years. (not investment advice)

25/100

Finneas O’Connell, brother and collaborator of Billie Eilish, publicly defended her Grammy acceptance speech from critics, specifically calling out "powerful old white men" who expressed outrage. Eilish, a three-time Song of the Year winner, used her speech to advocate against immigration enforcement, wearing "ICE Out" pins and stating, "No one is illegal on stolen land." O'Connell linked the critics to the Jeffrey Epstein files, suggesting a lack of moral standing from those expressing outrage. This article highlights the ongoing intersection of celebrity platforms, social activism, and political commentary in public discourse, underscoring the divisive nature of such statements.

40/100

Qualcomm shares plunged 8% after the chipmaker issued disappointing guidance, attributing the weakness to a significant memory chip shortage. The scarcity is driven by skyrocketing demand for high-bandwidth memory in artificial intelligence data centers, diverting supply from consumer electronics like smartphones and wearable tech. CEO Cristiano Amon noted that while handset demand remains strong, memory availability for these devices is lower and costlier. This situation is impacting other tech companies, with Qualcomm's warning highlighting a broader industry challenge where AI's rapid expansion strains essential component supplies, potentially affecting future product availability and pricing. (not investment advice)

30/100

The Trump administration is launching TrumpRx, a new direct-to-consumer website designed to lower prescription drug costs for Americans. The site will serve as a central hub, directing cash-paying patients to drugmakers offering discounts on certain medicines, particularly benefiting those without or with limited insurance coverage. Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk are among the companies participating, offering significant price reductions on popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. While aiming to rein in high U.S. drug prices, questions remain about the actual savings for all patients, as private insurers and government programs often secure comparable or lower prices through existing rebates. (not investment advice)

60/100

The shingles vaccine, initially developed to prevent painful rashes, is now showing promising evidence of anti-aging and anti-dementia effects, according to recent studies. Research suggests it could slow biological aging and reduce the risk of dementia, with one study linking vaccination to a 20% lower chance of diagnosis. Despite these remarkable findings and the availability of an even more effective version, Shingrix, less than a third of eligible Americans over 50 are getting vaccinated. This article highlights a significant public health opportunity, but also challenges in research funding and increasing vaccine hesitancy among older populations, underscoring the need for greater awareness.

70/100

Fears are growing among investors that new AI features and tools could disrupt software, legal services, and video game stocks, leading to recent sell-offs. An article from CNBC demonstrated this threat by using Anthropic's AI coding tool, "Claude Code," to quickly build a functional project management dashboard similar to Monday.com, a platform with a $5 billion market cap. This "vibe-coding" process, which took less than an hour and cost minimal compute credits, suggests that core business systems like Salesforce may be safer due to enterprise data, but "nice-to-have" tools like Atlassian and Adobe could be more exposed to AI disruption. (not investment advice)

65/100

The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has issued a dire warning that famine is spreading in North Darfur, western Sudan, where malnutrition rates have surpassed critical thresholds. Millions are facing severe food insecurity due to the ongoing civil war, which has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 11 million people, creating the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Humanitarian access remains severely restricted, particularly after the RSF takeover of el-Fasher, cutting off millions from aid. This situation highlights the urgent need for intervention as famine conditions risk spreading to 20 more areas.

5/100

Alphabet's shares fell nearly 2% despite the Google parent company surpassing Wall Street's expectations for both earnings and revenue in its fourth quarter. The decline was largely attributed to the tech giant's projection of a massive increase in capital expenditure for 2026, estimated between $175 billion and $185 billion, more than double the previous year. A significant portion of this spending is allocated to investing in AI compute capacity for Google DeepMind, signaling an aggressive push into artificial intelligence. Analysts noted that while Google Cloud's growth is astonishing and the AI story is improving, these substantial infrastructure costs are weighing on overall profitability. (not investment advice)

40/100

A detailed timeline has emerged regarding the initial hours of Nancy Guthrie's abduction, mother of NBC "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie, from her Tucson home. After being dropped off by family, her garage door closed, marking the start of a 14-hour mystery before her disappearance was discovered. Key events include her doorbell camera disconnecting at 1:47 a.m., security software detecting a presence at 2:12 a.m. without video, and her pacemaker app disconnecting from her phone at 2:28 a.m. Authorities have confirmed blood found outside her home belongs to Nancy, intensifying the belief that she was taken against her will and emphasizing the critical need for her daily medication.

20/100

Gregory Anthony Zecca, stepson of reality TV star Duane "Dog the Bounty Hunter" Chapman, has been arrested on felony charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child with a firearm. The arrest comes months after Zecca allegedly fatally shot his 13-year-old son in Naples, Florida. Investigations determined that Zecca was impaired by alcohol at the time of the shooting, with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit. Police allege he repeatedly handled a firearm while impaired, which was later reloaded and tragically discharged, striking the child. This devastating incident underscores the severe consequences of mixing firearms with alcohol and drugs.

5/100

The urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, continues with the FBI now jointly investigating her suspected abduction from her Arizona home. Authorities, operating on the assumption she is alive, have made an arrest related to an "imposter ransom demand" while seriously reviewing other potential ransom notes. New details reveal the disconnection of her doorbell camera and pacemaker app, and the confirmation of her blood found on the porch. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have issued an emotional plea for their 84-year-old mother's safe return, highlighting her fragile health and critical need for daily medication.

20/100

Great Britain has taken a commanding 2-0 lead over Norway in their Davis Cup qualifying tie, highlighted by Jack Draper's emphatic return to competitive tennis. Draper, making his first appearance in 164 days after a lengthy injury lay-off, secured a convincing 6-2 6-2 victory against Viktor Durasovic, showcasing strong form and mental resilience. Cameron Norrie further solidified Britain's position with a gritty 6-4 6-4 win over teenager Nicolai Budkov Kjaer. The team now looks to the doubles match to potentially seal the best-of-five tie on Friday, with the winner advancing to face either Australia or Ecuador for a place in November's eight-team Finals.

80/100

A former segregated bowling alley in Orangeburg, South Carolina, once a symbol of racial exclusion, is now being reclaimed and redefined through community efforts to preserve its history. All Star Bowling Lanes was the site of the 1968 Orangeburg Massacre, where police fired on student protestors, killing three and injuring 28, after the owner refused to integrate. Local historian Cecil Williams, who witnessed the aftermath, emphasizes the importance of telling this history. The new owner, Ellen Zish Holtz, is leading restoration efforts with federal support, aiming to transform the site into a place of remembrance, community gathering, and reconciliation.

70/100

The Texas Democratic Party is grappling with internal divisions and a perceived lack of focus on electability, raising concerns about their prospects in the upcoming Senate election. Despite a potentially winnable environment due to recent political shifts, the article criticizes the party for prioritizing progressive activism and social-justice jargon over appealing to a broader electorate. Recent infighting, exemplified by Colin Allred's controversial endorsement in a primary race, highlights these deep fissures. The piece suggests that past candidates have often leveraged statewide losses into national progressive movement roles, rather than adapting strategies to secure victories in a traditionally red state.

35/100

Residents in Kyiv are enduring extreme hardships as temperatures plummet below minus 20 degrees Celsius, with over a thousand apartment blocks lacking heat and many without power or running water. These outages stem from ongoing Russian drone and missile strikes that have destroyed critical infrastructure, leaving households in dire conditions for weeks. Despite the challenges, including heating bricks on gas stoves and using solar generators, Ukrainians express strong resilience and a refusal to surrender. Community initiatives, like insulating pipes and setting up "Invincibility Points" for warmth and charging, demonstrate the collective spirit in the face of relentless adversity.

25/100

U.S. Vice President JD Vance made his first Olympic appearance in Milan, leading the official U.S. delegation at the Winter Games and attending a women's hockey game. Accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance's visit maintained a heightened diplomatic posture, with officials hoping to avoid political demonstrations. Despite some Italian political reaction to the presence of U.S. immigration enforcement analysts, the event unfolded with more photo opportunities than protests, and Vance emphasized the Olympics as a national unifier. He is scheduled to meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit, underscoring the political dimension of the global sporting event.

60/100

For individuals with substantial savings, such as $40,000, choosing the right account is crucial in today's competitive interest rate environment. Traditional savings accounts offer minimal returns, making them an unfavorable option. Money market accounts, however, provide significantly higher variable interest rates and convenient features like check-writing, without requiring funds to be locked away like certificates of deposit. Assuming a top rate of 4.10% remains constant, a $40,000 money market account could earn approximately $403.84 in three months, $811.76 in six months, and over $1,200 in nine months. This makes them an attractive, relatively risk-free choice for profitable savings. (not investment advice)

70/100

Industrial gas giant Linde reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results, but its stock declined due to softer guidance for the year, which analysts view as conservative and likely to be surpassed. The company saw slight sales growth driven by higher prices and strong profitability from productivity and cost actions, with a record $10 billion backlog. Linde is also a key supplier for the space industry, with significant investments in rocket propellants. Despite recent stock volatility not tied to AI, the article highlights the company's dependable business model and strong fundamentals, leading to a reiterated "1" rating and an increased price target from the analyst. (not investment advice)

55/100

Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny shared his nervousness about performing at the upcoming Super Bowl Half Time Show, admitting to losing sleep over the highly anticipated event. The Grammy-winning artist is set to make history as the first performer to deliver the entire half-time show in Spanish, a decision that has drawn some political opposition in right-wing media circles. Despite the bubbling tensions and tight security at his press conference, Bad Bunny conveyed a message of unity and healing, promising a performance that will bring joy and dancing to the world. This article highlights his journey to the global stage and his commitment to cultural pride.

70/100

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that China could challenge America's leadership in digital assets, citing Hong Kong's active efforts to develop its digital industry. Testifying before the Senate Banking Committee, Bessent noted "lots of rumors" about China potentially backing its digital assets with something other than the yuan, such as gold, though these claims remain unconfirmed. He emphasized that Hong Kong serves as a "very large sandbox" for these developments, with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority actively exploring various mechanisms globally. The Secretary's remarks highlight a growing concern within the U.S. about potential shifts in global financial power dynamics through digital currencies. (not investment advice)

45/100

Donald Trump offered contradictory explanations for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's presence at an FBI raid of an election center in Georgia, initially claiming ignorance then stating she went at Attorney General Pam Bondi's urging. These shifting accounts intensified scrutiny of Gabbard's unusual role, as her position typically lacks domestic law enforcement authority. Gabbard herself had previously informed lawmakers she attended at Trump's express direction, citing her statutory authority over election security intelligence. This article highlights the ongoing political focus on the 2020 election and the administration's separate review efforts, underscoring concerns about potential political interference in law enforcement operations.

40/100

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has announced April 19 as the official opening date for its highly anticipated David Geffen Galleries, marking the culmination of a two-decade campus transformation. Designed by Peter Zumthor, the $720-million Brutalist structure will house LACMA’s permanent collection, displaying 2,500 to 3,000 objects thematically across 90 exhibition galleries. Director Michael Govan emphasized the design encourages visitors to "make your own path" through the extensive collection. This significant cultural development, largely funded by private donors and L.A. County, aims to enhance accessibility and provide a "big, beautiful gathering place" for the city.

80/100

Donald Trump has signaled U.S. support for the UK's Chagos Islands handover deal to Mauritius, reversing his earlier scathing criticism of the agreement. After initially labeling the deal an "act of great stupidity," Trump described it as the "best [Sir Keir Starmer] could make" in a Truth Social post following discussions with the UK Prime Minister. The deal involves the UK transferring sovereignty while leasing back a joint UK-U.S. military base on Diego Garcia for 99 years. Trump, however, retained the right to militarily secure the American presence if the lease falters or operations are threatened, emphasizing the base's strategic importance.

60/100

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at Milford Haven Comprehensive School in Pembrokeshire, Wales, where a teacher was injured. Police responded to reports of an assault involving a pupil and a weapon, although authorities clarified the teacher's injury was not a stab wound. A school lockdown was implemented but has since been lifted, with all pupils confirmed safe and most having gone home. Wales First Minister Eluned Morgan condemned the violence, stating it has "no place in our schools." The injured teacher is receiving medical treatment, and the teenager remains in police custody as investigations continue.

15/100

Spotify is expanding its focus on audiobooks, introducing new features aimed at enhancing online book discovery and facilitating physical ownership. The company announced "Page Match" technology, allowing users to seamlessly switch between reading a physical book and listening to its audiobook version by scanning the page. This feature will be fully rolled out by the end of the month, accessible to Premium subscribers and those who have purchased audiobooks. In a partnership with Bookshop.org, Spotify will also enable users in the U.S. and U.K. to purchase physical books through its platform, supporting independent bookstores and further integrating audio and physical reading experiences.

75/100

Barclays has reportedly severed its relationship with Global Counsel, the lobbying firm co-founded by Peter Mandelson, following intense scrutiny over Mandelson's dealings with the late sexual assault offender Jeffrey Epstein. Vodafone is also reviewing its contract with the firm. Mandelson, who resigned from the Labour party and was previously sacked as US ambassador due to his Epstein ties, faces a police investigation after recently released emails suggested he leaked sensitive government information to Epstein. This article highlights the severe financial and political repercussions for Mandelson and the firm, underscoring the ongoing scandal's impact on public figures and their business associations.

30/100

Novo Nordisk announced it will take legal action against telehealth provider Hims & Hers, which revealed plans to launch a cheaper, compounded version of Novo's Wegovy weight loss pill for $49. Novo Nordisk condemned this as "illegal mass compounding" that poses significant patient safety risks and infringes on its intellectual property, with Wegovy's patent protected until 2032. Shares of both Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly declined following Hims' announcement. Hims & Hers claims its personalized, oral semaglutide product is legal due to a different formulation and delivery system, intensifying the competition and legal battles in the lucrative weight loss drug market. (not investment advice)

40/100

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declined to rule out a criminal investigation into Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's nominee for Federal Reserve chair, if Warsh refuses to cut interest rates as desired by Trump. This exchange with Senator Elizabeth Warren highlights growing concerns about political interference in the Fed's independence, a traditional firewall between the central bank and the White House. Trump has previously targeted current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who is under an unprecedented Department of Justice investigation. The article underscores the high stakes of this nomination and the ongoing political pressure on the Federal Reserve's autonomy in monetary policy decisions. (not investment advice)

30/100

The U.S. alcohol industry experienced a challenging 2025, with spirits supplier revenue falling 2.2% to $36.4 billion, primarily due to economic pressures and decreased consumer confidence impacting discretionary spending. While overall volumes increased, indicating continued drinking, consumers are "trading down" to lower-priced spirits and pre-mixed cocktails, which saw a 16% surge. Most major spirits categories, including vodka and premium tequila, posted revenue declines. This shift benefits companies with exposure to affordable tequila and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages. Lingering trade tensions also contributed to a 9% drop in American spirits exports, further complicating the industry's recovery and long-term planning. (not investment advice)

45/100

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is grappling with significant political fallout from his decision to appoint Peter Mandelson as US ambassador, given Mandelson's extensive ties to deceased sexual assault offender Jeffrey Epstein. Starmer apologized to Epstein's victims and stated he was "lied to" about the depth of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein, whose emails revealed sharing of sensitive government information. Mandelson was previously fired from the ambassador role and now faces a police investigation. The article highlights the "untenable" position Starmer faces, with calls for a no-confidence vote, underscoring the severe political crisis stemming from the scandal.

30/100

The 2025 Close-Up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY) competition has announced its winners, celebrating photographers who excel at revealing the hidden world through intricate macro, micro, and close-up imagery. This annual competition highlights the artistry and technical skill required to capture the minute details and often unseen beauty of subjects, ranging from nature to abstract forms. The honored images showcase a diverse range of creative perspectives, inviting viewers to explore the world from a unique, intimate vantage point. The full list of winning photographs is available on the CUPOTY website, offering a visual feast of stunning close-up photography that pushes the boundaries of perception.

85/100

U.S. figure skater Alysa Liu has made a remarkable return to the sport, now dubbed "Alysa Liu 2.0," after a two-year retirement that reshaped her perspective. Having retired at 16 after the Beijing Olympics, Liu used her time away to gain personal autonomy and a renewed passion for skating on her own terms. She has since achieved significant success, winning the 2025 world championship and the Grand Prix final, positioning her as a strong contender for two gold medals at the Milan-Cortina Olympics. This inspiring comeback highlights her personal growth and artistic expression, leading to greater achievements and genuine joy in her performances.

90/100