Former First Lady Jill Biden has revealed her deep concern during the 2024 presidential debate, stating she feared her husband, Joe Biden, was "having a stroke" due to his uncharacteristic performance. She described being "frightened" by his struggles to communicate and maintain his train of thought, which ultimately contributed to his decision to withdraw from the presidential race. Despite joining him in public reassurances at the time, she now admits her private anxieties about his health were significant. This interview provides a more candid look at the personal impact of that pivotal debate on the Biden family. The former First Lady aims to set the record straight on her time in the White House through her forthcoming book.

35/100

Prominent Democratic lawmakers have expressed strong disapproval of Colin Allred's primary victory over Representative Julie Johnson, the only openly lesbian congresswoman in Texas. Co-chairs of the Democrat-aligned Equality Caucus criticized Allred's decision to challenge Johnson, stating it has deeply hurt the LGBTQ+ community and will result in a loss of representation in Congress. They emphasized his responsibility to heal these divisions within the party. Some commentators, however, have dismissed the criticism as unhelpful "whining" that distracts from broader election efforts. The Equality PAC had significantly supported Johnson's campaign, highlighting a rift within the party over identity politics and primary challenges.

45/100

Kohl's stock experienced a significant jump of 20% after the retailer reported its strongest comparable sales performance in four years, signaling a potential turnaround. CEO Michael Bender described the quarter as "knocking on the door of growth," highlighting disciplined business management, strong expense control, and cleaner inventory. Despite a slight decrease in net and comparable sales for the fiscal first quarter, the results exceeded Wall Street expectations. The company reaffirmed its full-year outlook, emphasizing continued efforts to improve the store experience and manage inventory effectively. Management acknowledges ongoing work is needed to fully regain market share and navigate economic pressures affecting their core customer base.

60/100

Major U.S. airline and hotel industry groups have strongly opposed the Trump administration's potential threat to halt customs and immigration processing at airports in "sanctuary cities." Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin suggested this action could be taken if these cities do not comply with federal immigration laws. The travel industry warns that such a move would have "devastating" consequences, particularly with the upcoming FIFA World Cup expected to draw millions of visitors. The proposed action is seen as leverage to pressure cities with lenient immigration policies. The Justice Department has previously identified several major international air hubs as cities impeding federal immigration policies, raising concerns about significant operational disruptions for carriers, travelers, and cargo.

30/100

The American Gaming Association estimates that states have lost over $1 billion in tax revenue due to the growing popularity of prediction markets. Association president and CEO Bill Miller argued that these unregulated platforms function as "backdoor sports betting," diverting funds that would otherwise support community projects. States contend that prediction market contracts constitute sports gambling and should fall under their regulatory frameworks, while the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) asserts jurisdiction over these as derivatives. Despite platforms like Kalshi arguing for their economic utility beyond gaming, Miller believes the prevalence of sports-related contracts undermines this claim. The debate highlights a jurisdictional conflict between state regulators and the CFTC.

30/100

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 5-4 in favor of Terry Pitchford, a Black man on death row in Mississippi, who argued that racial bias influenced his jury selection. The case centered on the prosecutor's removal of four out of five Black potential jurors, leading to a jury composed of eleven white jurors and one Black juror who ultimately convicted Pitchford. The majority opinion highlighted the trial court's insufficient opportunity for Pitchford's counsel to rebut the prosecutor's race-neutral explanations for striking jurors. This decision echoes a previous Supreme Court ruling that overturned the conviction of another Black death row inmate from Mississippi due to similar prosecutorial conduct.

50/100

A man in his 40s died after being hit by a train, having escaped from a custody vehicle traveling to court. The incident occurred on the A1(M) motorway in Hertfordshire, England, when the man reportedly fled the transport contractor's vehicle. Police were alerted to a casualty on the track near Welwyn North railway station shortly after. Two staff members from the transport contractor sustained injuries during an altercation within the van and were taken to the hospital. Hertfordshire Police has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation into the full circumstances.

15/100

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his government's policy decisions, responding to former Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair's critique that the administration lacks a "coherent plan." Blair argued that policies such as increased employer National Insurance, new workers' rights, and the phasing out of the British oil and gas industry have hindered business growth. Starmer acknowledged the importance of policy discussions but disagreed with Blair's assessment, stating that the government's choices were appropriate given the inherited economic situation and that changes have been realized. He pointed to recent economic growth and investment in public services as achievements, while acknowledging the challenging economic backdrop and policy U-turns.

50/100

Iran's imposition of significant fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz has drawn international criticism, with reports suggesting tolls of up to $2 million per vessel. Maritime experts highlight that international law, specifically the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), grants rights of "transit passage" through international straits, limiting coastal states to charging only for specific services like pilotage. This contrasts with man-made waterways like the Suez and Panama Canals, where operators can charge fees for maintenance and operation under separate conventions. The U.S. and China oppose Iran's levies, viewing them as a "protection racket," while Washington insists the strait must remain international waters open to all without such charges. The dispute complicates ongoing peace talks.

30/100

A new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that global average temperatures are likely to reach record levels between 2026 and 2030, potentially exceeding pre-industrial averages by 1.3 to 1.9 degrees Celsius. The report indicates a 75% chance of surpassing the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit within this period. It also predicts that 2024's record heat will likely be surpassed by at least one year between 2026 and 2030. The WMO also forecasts significantly above-average Arctic temperatures and potential for wet winters in Northern Europe, alongside a predicted El Niño event in 2027 that could further contribute to rising temperatures.

20/100

Market analyst Mike Khouw has admitted he was wrong about his bullish thesis on Zscaler (ZS) following its earnings report and subsequent stock performance. His initial optimism was based on the stock's perceived unfair punishment and a positive technical indicator, but the company's fiscal 2027 guidance of approximately 16.5% growth, which fell below analyst expectations, and the departure of senior sales leaders led to a significant stock decline. Khouw acknowledges the importance of "the first loss is the best loss" in such situations and advises closing the position to preserve capital, indicating that future trading opportunities may arise, but this particular trade is no longer viable.

25/100

Oil prices saw a pullback from earlier highs following reports that U.S. and Iranian negotiators have reached an agreement to extend a ceasefire for 60 days and begin discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The Axios report indicated that the memorandum of understanding awaits approval from President Donald Trump. This news emerged after a period of increased tensions, including reported military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran. The ongoing conflict and its impact on the Strait of Hormuz have been a significant factor influencing oil prices, with Citigroup noting that investors are increasingly pricing out worst-case supply disruption scenarios amid signs of diplomatic progress.

45/100

Former First Lady Jill Biden stated that while she never observed signs of cognitive decline in her husband, former President Joe Biden, she acknowledged he was "slowing down" as he campaigned for reelection. She attributed this to his age and the intense demands of the presidency, which she feels "ages you – quickly." Her comments follow her earlier admission of fear during the 2024 presidential debate, where she thought he might be having a stroke. These reflections offer insight into the personal challenges faced during the campaign leading up to Biden's withdrawal from the race. Her forthcoming memoir aims to provide further context on her experiences.

40/100

Investors are closely monitoring Costco's membership growth and renewal rates ahead of its fiscal third-quarter earnings report, as this key metric underpins the company's premium valuation. While overall sales remain strong, a slowdown in new member additions and a slight decline in renewal rates have drawn scrutiny. Analysts attribute this partly to a shift towards digitally acquired, younger members who may be less loyal, and broader economic pressures affecting lower-income consumers. Despite these concerns, an acceleration in executive membership growth and the appeal of discounted gas prices are seen as positive indicators. Management's focus on auto-renewals and targeted engagement efforts aims to stabilize and improve membership metrics.

55/100

Inflation in April reached its highest level in nearly three years, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index rising to 3.8% year-over-year, up from 2.8% in February. This increase, driven partly by higher gasoline prices due to the Iran war, is the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge. The personal savings rate also dropped to its lowest point since 2022, indicating financial strain on consumers. The persistent rise in prices may pressure the Fed to consider interest rate hikes, although current market sentiment suggests a hold at the next meeting. However, the possibility of a rate increase by year-end is being factored into market expectations, influenced by the ongoing geopolitical conflict and its economic repercussions.

20/100

Curtis Lancaster has been found guilty of murder for fatally stabbing 18-year-old student Henry Nowak with a ceremonial knife in Southampton. Digwa claimed self-defense, alleging Nowak used a racist insult and attacked him, but the jury rejected this defense. The incident also led to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary referring itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to officers initially handcuffing the victim as he lost consciousness. Digwa's mother was also convicted of assisting an offender. The case highlights the tragic consequences of violence and raises questions about police response in complex crime scenes. Digwa and his mother are awaiting sentencing.

10/100

Tensions escalated as Iran reportedly fired a missile towards Kuwait shortly after U.S. strikes, prompting President Donald Trump to describe the Iranian regime as "negotiating on fumes." The U.S. Central Command confirmed the interception of a ballistic missile over Kuwait, labeling it a "ceasefire violation." These actions follow recent U.S. strikes in Iran and Iranian drone interceptions near the Strait of Hormuz. While diplomatic efforts are ongoing, the exchange highlights the fragility of the current ceasefire and the potential for renewed conflict. The situation remains volatile, with significant implications for regional stability and global energy markets.

25/100

Core inflation in April held steady at an annual rate of 3.3%, aligning with economists' expectations, according to the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge. Headline inflation also met forecasts at 3.8%, marking its highest level since May 2023, partly due to rising gasoline prices. In separate economic news, first-quarter GDP growth was revised downward to 1.6%, below initial estimates, with weaker consumer spending and investment cited as contributing factors. Initial jobless claims saw a slight increase, while durable goods orders surged significantly. The mixed economic data suggests ongoing inflationary pressures and a slowing economy, likely keeping the Fed on hold regarding interest rate adjustments.

40/100

Israel carried out a "targeted strike" in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, for the second time since a recent ceasefire went into effect. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated the attack was precise, with Israeli media citing unnamed sources identifying the target as the head of an Iranian militia. The strike occurred in Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, and resulted in thick smoke billowing over residential buildings. This escalation follows alleged repeated violations of the ceasefire by both Israel and Hezbollah, and precedes an announced expansion of Israel's ground operation in southern Lebanon. The attacks threaten to derail ongoing peace talks involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

20/100

Brothers Jordan and Cian Adams, known as the FTD Brothers, have successfully completed a challenge of running 33 marathons in 33 consecutive days, culminating in Dublin. This remarkable feat has raised £1.5 million for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) research, a cause deeply personal to them as their mother died from the disease, and they carry a gene that increases their risk. The brothers' journey began with the London Marathon and continued across all 32 counties of Ireland. Their endeavor has garnered significant support and recognition, including a letter from the Prince of Wales, highlighting their determination to make a positive impact despite their personal health concerns.

80/100

Shares of drone companies experienced a significant surge following a report that the Trump administration is in discussions to fund several firms, potentially including taking equity stakes. Unusual Machines saw its stock jump nearly 50% after being identified as one of the companies in talks with the Pentagon. This potential government investment is seen as a move to bolster domestic production and reduce costs for drones, considered crucial in modern warfare. Concerns about conflicts of interest have been raised due to the involvement of Donald Trump Jr. as a shareholder and advisory board member in Unusual Machines. The news has also boosted shares of Kratos Defense & Security and AeroVironment.

65/100

Web development company Wix is implementing a significant workforce reduction, cutting approximately 20% of its employees. CEO Avishai Abrahami cited the "fast evolution of AI capabilities" and currency exchange rate fluctuations as primary drivers for the decision. He emphasized the need for a more agile organizational structure to adapt to the rapid changes in how companies are built and operated. This move aligns Wix with a broader trend in the tech industry where companies are increasingly leveraging AI and streamlining operations, leading to substantial layoffs. The company had over 5,000 employees at the end of the first quarter.

35/100

Two teenage boys have died in separate water-related incidents in Kent and Oxford during the ongoing heatwave, bringing the total number of recent water fatalities to at least 11. A 15-year-old boy's body was recovered from a pond in Swanscombe, Kent, while a 14-year-old boy died in the River Thames in Oxford. These tragedies underscore the dangers of swimming in open water during hot weather. Authorities have issued warnings about cold water shock and the increased risk of drowning. The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has highlighted the rise in accidental drownings associated with warmer temperatures. Several other young people have also died in water incidents across the UK.

15/100

Waymo is now offering rides in its new Ojai robotaxis to select customers in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, with plans to expand to other cities soon. These vehicles are designed for better performance in challenging conditions like snow and are manufactured at a lower cost than previous Waymo cars. The Ojai utilizes the company's sixth-generation Waymo Driver system and integrates advanced hardware and software, including custom chips and improved lidar. This strategic move aims to control costs as Waymo expands its fleet and solidifies its market lead. Despite recent safety-related setbacks, including a recall for software issues, the company is pushing forward with ambitious expansion plans.

60/100

Waymo is introducing its new driverless taxi, the Ojai, in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix, aiming to expand its services and improve performance in diverse driving conditions, including snow. Initially, rides will be free as the company gathers feedback. The Ojai features a more spacious interior, enhanced accessibility, and greater cargo capacity compared to Waymo's current fleet. Manufactured by Zeekr, the Ojai is designed to be more cost-effective to produce and maintain, potentially enabling faster expansion. This development marks a significant step for Alphabet's self-driving division in its race to deploy autonomous vehicles widely.

60/100

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche, a member of the conservative CDU party, is a controversial figure known for her pro-business stance, which environmentalists view as an impediment to renewable energy goals. Before entering politics, she held significant positions in the energy industry, leading to accusations of being a lobbyist. Upon taking office, Reiche quickly reversed her predecessor's heating law aimed at promoting renewable energy, opting instead to build new gas-fired power plants. While industry associations initially supported her focus on energy affordability, even the Federation of German Industries has expressed criticism due to the slow economic recovery, partly attributed to international factors like U.S. trade policies and the war with Iran. Reiche's approach has also caused internal government friction, particularly with the SPD regarding energy cost relief measures.

35/100

Experts offer varied forecasts for gold and silver prices in June, with some anticipating a decline and others expecting stability or a slight increase. Factors influencing these predictions include the ongoing Iran war, Federal Reserve interest rate policies, and seasonal demand patterns. While gold prices have seen a significant increase over the past year, a cooling-off period is considered possible. Silver prices, despite a recent pullback, are expected to remain supported by industrial demand, particularly for solar and AI infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz situation and central bank buying are also key considerations. Investors are advised to consider the long-term potential of these precious metals despite short-term volatility.

45/100

The European Union has fined the Chinese-owned online retailer Temu €200 million for allowing the sale of illegal products, including dangerous baby toys and faulty chargers. The European Commission found that Temu failed to adequately assess and mitigate the systemic risks associated with these products, which could harm consumers. An investigation revealed a high percentage of chargers failed safety tests and baby toys posed suffocation hazards due to chemical content or small parts. Temu disagrees with the fine, calling it disproportionate, and plans to submit an action plan to address the issues by August 28. The EU's decision sends a strong message to online marketplaces regarding their responsibility for product safety.

30/100

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Terry Pitchford, a Black death row inmate from Mississippi, who alleged racial bias in his jury selection. In a 5-4 decision, the justices sided with Pitchford, whose case involved the prosecutor striking four out of five Black potential jurors. The ruling emphasizes the importance of fair jury selection, referencing the 1986 Batson v. Kentucky decision, which prohibits race-based jury exclusions. This decision echoes a previous Supreme Court case that overturned another Black inmate's conviction due to a prosecutor's "relentless, determined effort to rid the jury of Black individuals." The case highlights ongoing concerns about racial disparities in the justice system.

50/100

Nebius, a Dutch cloud provider, saw its stock surge after Situational Awareness, a hedge fund founded by former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner, disclosed a significant stake of 5.6% in the company. Aschenbrenner's fund focuses on investing in the physical infrastructure necessary for AI development. Nebius has been rapidly expanding its role as a key AI compute provider in Europe, securing major partnerships with companies like Meta and Nvidia. This investment from a fund with deep ties to the AI industry underscores Nebius's strategic importance and potential for future growth, despite challenges like higher electricity prices in Europe.

70/100

Italian anti-mafia investigators have seized assets worth over €200 million, including cash and companies, in an operation targeting the network of the late Sicilian mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro. The confiscated funds are believed to be proceeds from over four decades of drug trafficking linked to the former head of the Cosa Nostra. The operation, which spanned multiple countries, involved raids on luxury villas and the identification of eight firms tied to illicit funds. Authorities describe the seizure as "strategically significant" in disrupting the criminal organization's ability to re-establish its influence. Three individuals have been arrested as part of the investigation.

25/100

Manchester United is reportedly prioritizing the signing of a central midfielder as a key move under new permanent head coach Michael Carrick. With the impending transfer of Ederson from Atalanta and the departure of Casemiro, the club faces a significant need to bolster its midfield. While academy graduates like Kobbie Mainoo show promise, they are unlikely to fill immediate starting roles in top-tier competitions. The club is exploring various targets, including Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, but is cautious about overpaying and avoiding protracted bidding wars. The focus on strengthening the midfield underscores its importance for Carrick's tactical approach.

55/100

CVS Health announced it will restore coverage for Eli Lilly's weight loss injection Zepbound and add its new obesity pill, Foundayo, to its standard drug plans. This decision marks a significant development for Eli Lilly, placing its treatments on equal footing with Novo Nordisk's offerings on major drug plans. It follows a previous agreement where CVS made Novo Nordisk's Wegovy the preferred option while dropping Zepbound coverage. The expanded coverage is expected to provide patients with more treatment choices and potentially drive cost savings within the weight management category. Plan sponsors can still opt out of covering these GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

70/100

The current state of U.S.-Iran relations is characterized by a fragile ceasefire and an elusive diplomatic process, creating uncertainty about whether peace or renewed conflict is imminent. Recent exchanges of fire, including Iran's missile launch towards Kuwait and U.S. strikes, have tested the ceasefire. While neither side appears to seek an immediate return to all-out war, significant issues remain unresolved, such as Iran's nuclear program, the management of the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions. Reports of a draft memorandum of understanding have been dismissed by the White House as "fabrication," highlighting the deep divisions and mistrust between the two nations. President Trump has expressed impatience with the negotiations, warning of a return to hostilities if Iran does not comply.

30/100

A competitor has died following a crash during qualifying for the Isle of Man TT races. Daniel Ingham, 33, from Leicestershire, was involved in an incident at Doran's Bend on Wednesday evening during the third qualifying session. Ingham, a regular on the Mountain Course since 2016, had achieved podium finishes and a victory in the Senior race at the Manx Grand Prix. Race organizers expressed their deepest sympathies to his family and friends. This tragic event marks another fatality in a week that has seen several high-profile crashes at the event, leading to the suspension of the sidecar class.

10/100

Best Buy reported first-quarter results that surpassed analyst expectations, leading to a 15% increase in its stock price. The electronics retailer saw slight revenue growth, driven by a 2% increase in comparable sales, with positive contributions from gaming, computing, mobile phones, and services. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, anticipating continued modest comparable sales growth. Best Buy is also focusing on expanding its advertising and marketplace initiatives, which offer higher profit margins. CEO Corie Barry highlighted the resilience of consumers despite macroeconomic pressures and expressed confidence in the company's strategic direction, including leveraging AI for customer experience improvements.

60/100

World number one Jannik Sinner has been surprisingly eliminated from the French Open in the second round, losing in five sets to Juan Manuel Cerundolo after experiencing an injury. Sinner, a strong favorite for the title, was leading two sets to love before a remarkable shift in momentum. He appeared physically compromised, complaining of dizziness and nausea, and took a medical timeout. The extreme heat in Paris, with temperatures exceeding 34C, is believed to have exacerbated his condition, recalling past struggles in hot weather. This defeat marks Sinner's first loss since February and throws the men's draw wide open, potentially benefiting Novak Djokovic.

20/100

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced that she will not seek the presidency in 2028, putting an end to speculation about a potential White House bid. Whitmer, a two-term governor in a key swing state, stated her decision clearly in an interview, indicating she will not be among the candidates in the expectedly crowded primary field. Her comments were made at Michigan's annual Mackinac policy conference. While she has previously expressed openness to future political endeavors, her current focus is on concluding her gubernatorial term. This announcement clarifies her political future for the upcoming election cycle.

55/100

Texas state Representative James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate, has addressed past comments he made regarding religion and gender, which have been highlighted by his opponent, Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton. Talarico described his 2021 remarks about God being "non-binary" as "deliberately provocative" and intended to challenge human categorization of the divine. He accused Paxton of using these comments and other statements on transgender rights and immigration to distract from his own "career of corruption." Talarico is seeking to appeal to independent and disaffected Republican voters in Texas, emphasizing a need for unity beyond partisan attacks.

45/100

The Premier League will have nine teams competing in European competitions next season, leading to potential impacts on domestic scheduling and competition dynamics. The increased European presence means more midweek fixtures, which could affect the availability of Saturday match slots for Premier League games, potentially leading to more Friday or Monday night broadcasts. This could disproportionately affect certain clubs based on their European participation and broadcast appeal. Additionally, the number of teams qualifying for Europe influences the EFL Cup draw, with more teams receiving byes to later rounds, impacting the structure of the early stages of the competition. New financial regulations based on a squad cost ratio will also come into effect, with different limits for clubs participating in European competitions.

50/100

Starbucks is experiencing a notable increase in afternoon customer traffic, a key focus of CEO Brian Niccol's turnaround strategy. Data indicates strongest growth between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., suggesting customers are visiting for reasons beyond the morning coffee rush. This trend, along with the growing popularity of Starbucks' Refreshers beverage platform, contributes to signs that the company's efforts to drive consistent traffic and longer stays throughout the day are resonating. Starbucks recently reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings, and its traffic has grown for two consecutive quarters, signaling positive momentum for the coffee giant.

65/100

An albino buffalo in Bangladesh, nicknamed "Donald Trump" due to its distinctive golden hair resembling the former U.S. president's hairstyle, has been spared from sacrifice during the Eid al-Adha festival. The animal's unusual appearance gained significant attention online, prompting the Bangladeshi government to intervene. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed ordered the buffalo to be saved, and it will be relocated to the national zoo in Dhaka. This decision was attributed to "security concerns" and the "unusual level of public interest" in the animal. The buffalo's unique look has made it a local sensation, drawing visitors to the farm where it resides.

75/100

A rare blue micromoon will be visible this weekend, offering skywatchers a celestial event not to be seen again until December 2028. A blue moon is defined as the second full moon within a single calendar month, and this particular one is also a micromoon, meaning it is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, appearing smaller and dimmer. While the moon will not appear blue in color, the occurrence of two full moons in one month is uncommon. For observers in the Southern Hemisphere, the moon will also appear to obscure the bright star Antares. The subtle differences in size and brightness may be difficult for casual observers to notice without specialized viewing.

80/100

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation aimed at protecting the state's elections from federal interference, citing concerns about potential meddling by the Trump administration. The new law prohibits unauthorized access to voter rolls and election technology without a court order, and restricts law enforcement from disrupting election workers except in public safety emergencies. Newsom expressed the need for preparedness, stating that "there's no rules any more with the Trump administration." The law takes effect immediately, just before California's primary elections. This measure reflects ongoing tensions and distrust surrounding election integrity and federal involvement in state electoral processes.

35/100