IBM's stock experienced a significant drop of nearly 13.2% following an announcement from Anthropic regarding its Claude Code tool. This AI-powered solution is capable of modernizing legacy COBOL systems, a critical business area for IBM. Anthropic's claims suggest that AI can automate and streamline complex analysis and exploration work in COBOL modernization, tasks that traditionally required extensive human effort over months. This market reaction underscores a growing anxiety among investors about the potential for artificial intelligence to disrupt established business models across various sectors. (not investment advice)

20/100

Mexico has deployed thousands of additional soldiers, totaling approximately 9,500, to western regions in an effort to contain widespread violence that erupted after the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) died following a capture operation in Jalisco state, triggering significant unrest across at least 20 Mexican states. Cartel members responded by blocking major roads, setting fire to numerous vehicles, and causing damage to banks and local businesses. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly commended the military's actions and emphasized her administration's commitment to restoring peace and security nationwide amidst the ongoing challenges.

15/100

President Trump has issued a stern warning, threatening to impose significantly higher tariffs on countries that attempt to renegotiate or "play games" with existing trade deals. This comes in the wake of a Supreme Court decision last week that invalidated many of his previous sweeping global levies, ruling his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act unlawful. In response, Trump quickly announced new 15% global tariffs under a different legal authority, causing further international trade uncertainty. Both the European Union and India have indicated they are reassessing their trade agreements, highlighting the chaotic ripple effect of these policy shifts. (not investment advice)

25/100

The possibility of President Trump's promised $2,000 tariff dividend checks for American families is now considered "effectively zero" by financial experts, following a recent Supreme Court ruling. The Court struck down a significant portion of Trump's tariff agenda, stating the president lacked authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Experts explain that any broad stimulus program of this nature would necessitate legislative approval from Congress, which is highly improbable given the current political climate and partisan gridlock in Washington. Furthermore, the widening federal deficit and the potential obligation to refund previously collected tariffs to businesses create additional hurdles, making the proposed dividend checks an increasingly remote prospect. (not investment advice)

30/100

A massive winter storm has brought blizzard conditions to the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, affecting over 40 million people and causing widespread disruption. The storm led to more than half a million power outages, predominantly in Massachusetts and New Jersey, leaving tens of thousands without electricity. Travel was severely impacted, with over 10,000 flights canceled through Tuesday, particularly at major airports in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. State-issued travel bans created "nearly impossible" road conditions, with some areas receiving over two feet of snow. New York Governor Kathy Hochul remarked that this event is poised to be among the top ten worst winter storms in the region's last 150 years.

35/100

The Northeast blizzard continues to deliver historic snowfall, with Providence, Rhode Island, reporting a record 32.8 inches and Long Island, New York, also reaching a new high of 29.1 inches. Newark, New Jersey, experienced its second-largest snowfall ever, while New York City's Central Park recorded 19.7 inches, making it the ninth largest on record. These extreme weather conditions have led to widespread air travel disruptions, with over 5,660 flights canceled across the U.S. for Monday and nearly 1,900 more anticipated for Tuesday. Airports in major hubs like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia are particularly affected, as the region grapples with the storm's intense impact.

35/100

Cybersecurity stocks continued their decline for a second day, driven by investor anxieties over new artificial intelligence security tools developed by Anthropic. The AI lab debuted a Claude model capability designed to scan software code for vulnerabilities and propose solutions, directly threatening the long-standing business models of cybersecurity firms. Companies such as CrowdStrike, Zscaler, and Tenable experienced notable stock drops. While some analysts argue the significant threat is primarily to code scanning platforms rather than broader security systems, the broader software industry has already seen substantial value loss due to AI advancements. (not investment advice)

20/100

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed significantly lower, shedding over 800 points, as President Trump escalated his tariff measures in the wake of a Supreme Court decision. After the Court invalidated a substantial portion of his earlier tariffs, Trump swiftly announced a new 15% tariff on most imported goods, leveraging a different legal framework. This aggressive trade stance, combined with persistent investor concerns regarding AI's impact on the technology sector, contributed to a broad market downturn, affecting the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. In response to the heightened uncertainty, investors shifted towards safe-haven assets, causing gold prices to jump to their highest level in three weeks. (not investment advice)

20/100

The U.S. men's hockey team returned to Florida on Monday, initiating celebrations after their thrilling overtime victory against Canada secured the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Key players like Jack Hughes, Auston Matthews, and Matthew Tkachuk proudly displayed their gold medals to an enthusiastic crowd of fans at Miami International Airport. In the wake of their triumph, President Donald Trump personally invited the team to attend his upcoming State of the Union address, even offering military transportation for their attendance. The team is scheduled to continue their celebratory activities at upscale venues in Miami, marking a significant achievement for American hockey.

90/100

A coalition of Senate Democrats has unveiled new legislation designed to compel refunds for tariffs collected under President Trump's administration, following a Supreme Court decision that invalidated a significant portion of these duties. Senators Ron Wyden, Jeanne Shaheen, and Ed Markey are leading the initiative, arguing that the "illegal tax scheme" has negatively impacted American families, small businesses, and manufacturers. Conversely, the White House has publicly criticized these Democratic efforts, defending the tariffs as effective tools for achieving trade objectives. Estimates suggest the U.S. government could be liable for over $175 billion in refunds, though the Treasury Secretary has cautioned that the refund process would be a logistical "nightmare" and potentially take years to resolve. (not investment advice)

45/100

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has unveiled a new policy designed to create a quicker and easier pathway for patients with very rare diseases to access cutting-edge treatments. This guidance will enable the agency to approve novel therapies, such as gene-editing treatments like CRISPR, based on evidence demonstrating a "plausible mechanism" for their efficacy. The initiative aims to overcome the challenges of conducting traditional studies for extremely rare disorders, making individualized medicine more accessible and affordable. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. praised the move as a significant step forward, promising to end decades of waiting for families impacted by these conditions.

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San Francisco lawmakers have announced new legislation, Senate Bill 875, to enable the city to terminate its 120-year association with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and establish its own municipal utility. State Senator Scott Wiener highlighted PG&E's history of poor maintenance, which led to recent blackouts, high electricity rates, and significant wildfire risks, as primary motivations for the proposed separation. The bill aims to streamline the process for cities to convert to municipal utilities and prevent excessive delays from PG&E during regulatory review. While PG&E argues a takeover would increase customer costs, San Francisco believes this step is crucial for better service and accountability.

55/100

Dr. Peter Attia, a renowned longevity guru, has resigned from his position as a CBS News contributor amidst the fallout from his past email exchanges with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein becoming public. Attia's spokesperson stated that his departure was intended to ensure his involvement did not become a "distraction" for the network, although Attia himself has not been accused of any criminal activity. CBS had previously withdrawn a "60 Minutes" segment featuring him after the Department of Justice released the emails, some of which Attia described as "embarrassing, tasteless, and indefensible." He publicly apologized for his naive judgment, clarifying that he was never involved in Epstein's sexual abuse or exploitation.

20/100

The United States has formally accused China of "massively expanding" its nuclear arsenal and conducting undisclosed nuclear tests, reiterating its demand for Beijing to participate in future arms control treaties. Christopher Yeaw, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, highlighted China's nuclear build-up as "unprecedented, deliberate, rapid and opaque," suggesting it could achieve parity with the US within four to five years. These allegations follow the expiration of the New Start treaty with Russia, prompting Washington to advocate for a more inclusive arms control framework. China's UN ambassador, Shen Jian, strongly refuted the claims, dismissing them as "groundless accusations" and condemning what he termed as "constant distortion and smearing" of China's nuclear policy.

10/100

A recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, released just before President Trump's State of the Union address, indicates that a majority of U.S. adults, 55%, believe he is steering the country in the wrong direction during his second term. This figure represents a 13-point increase compared to the same period in his first presidency. The survey also highlighted a significant decline in public confidence in the democratic system, with only 32% of respondents feeling that the system of checks and balances is functioning effectively. Furthermore, the poll revealed a decrease in support even among Republicans regarding Trump's mental fitness and ethical conduct in office.

25/100

Mortgage rates have dropped significantly, with the 30-year fixed rate now below 6% at 5.99%, a notable decrease from 6.96% a year ago. This decline has led to a substantial increase in refinance applications, as many homeowners with rates of 6% or higher seek to lower their monthly payments. Financial planners recommend that individuals considering refinancing compare the upfront closing costs, typically 2% to 5% of the loan balance, against the anticipated monthly savings. It is crucial to calculate the break-even point and ensure plans to stay in the home exceed this period. (not investment advice)

70/100

Queen Camilla held a private meeting with French sexual assault survivor Gisèle Pelicot, conveying that Pelicot's new memoir, "Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides," had left her "speechless." The Queen, known for her advocacy for survivors, expressed profound shock regarding Pelicot's harrowing experience, where she was drugged and subjected to sexual assault by numerous men orchestrated by her then-husband. Pelicot, who bravely waived her right to anonymity to confront her abusers, was lauded by the Queen for her inspirational impact on women worldwide and for forging a powerful legacy aimed at re-framing the narrative around shame. Their conversation highlighted Pelicot's resolute message that shame rightfully belongs with the perpetrator, not the victim.

75/100

Team USA set a new national record at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, securing 12 gold medals and surpassing its previous best. A significant shift in medal distribution was observed, with the U.S. winning more medals in cross-country skiing than in snowboarding, a sport historically dominated by American athletes. This trend indicates the increasing global competitiveness in "extreme sports," where other nations are now excelling. While high-profile athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin contributed, many medals were earned by lesser-known individuals across a diverse range of sports, including alpine skiing and long-track speedskating. This success points to a broadening talent base and a more globally competitive winter sports environment.

80/100

Many student loan borrowers expecting debt forgiveness in 2026 are now facing the prospect of significant federal tax bills, as the provision that made such relief tax-exempt under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expired in December. This change primarily impacts individuals enrolled in income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, where forgiven federal student debt, with an average balance of approximately $57,000, will likely be treated as taxable income by the IRS. Experts caution that this could result in a five-figure tax liability for many, potentially pushing borrowers into higher tax brackets. Financial advisors recommend proactive planning, including setting aside funds and consulting tax professionals, to prepare for these new obligations. (not investment advice)

25/100

Lord Mandelson, a former UK Labour minister and US ambassador, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to allegations that he shared market-sensitive government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019. Mandelson's past association with Epstein became a significant issue, leading to his dismissal as US ambassador and subsequent resignation from the Labour Party after supportive emails and documents suggesting payments from Epstein were released. While Mandelson consistently denies any criminal actions or financial motivation, a police investigation was initiated after emails surfaced implying he provided advance notice of critical government financial plans to Epstein.

15/100

The U.S. State Department has issued an order for some non-emergency personnel and their eligible family members at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut to depart Lebanon. This temporary reduction in staff, affecting approximately 50 individuals, is a precautionary measure taken amidst escalating regional tensions between the United States and Iran. The decision aligns with a recent buildup of U.S. military assets in the area and President Trump's public consideration of limited strikes against Iran if a diplomatic resolution is not achieved. While indirect talks between the two nations are scheduled, Iran's foreign ministry has firmly stated that negotiations cannot proceed if any military action is undertaken.

20/100

Judge Aileen Cannon, a Florida federal judge, has permanently blocked the public release of Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report concerning his prosecution of President Trump over classified documents. Cannon's order cited her prior ruling that Smith's appointment as special counsel was illegal, which ultimately led to the dismissal of the criminal case against Trump. She sharply criticized Smith for his "brazen stratagem" in compiling the report while appealing her dismissal. The judge asserted that disclosing the report would inflict "irreparable damage" on the former defendants and violate fundamental principles of fairness, especially since no adjudication of guilt was reached in the case.

30/100

The Dow Jones experienced a significant decline, sliding nearly 800 points, as investors grappled with a dual onslaught of President Trump's escalated tariffs and heightened anxieties about artificial intelligence's disruptive potential. Following a Supreme Court decision, Trump increased global tariff rates to 15%, injecting fresh uncertainty into trade. Simultaneously, concerns mounted that AI could displace established enterprise software companies and have broader negative ramifications for the labor market and economy. Analysts noted that the market's "shoot first, ask questions later" attitude towards AI disruption headlines was a primary driver of the sell-off. This confluence of risks prompted investors to shift towards more resilient sectors like consumer staples and health care. (not investment advice)

20/100

Italian cricket is facing a significant crisis after a senior national governing body official, Prabath Ekneligoda, became the subject of a criminal investigation regarding an alleged sexual assault. A national team player accused Ekneligoda of inappropriate touching during a massage for a knee injury, stating she initially feared reporting the incident due to concerns about her position on the team. Reports indicate that several members of the Italy board have resigned over this case and other governance problems. Despite the ongoing investigation, which concluded in November 2025, Ekneligoda, who denies the allegations, was observed attending the men's T20 World Cup with official accreditation. The Federazione Cricket Italiana has affirmed its cooperation with relevant authorities as a decision on whether to proceed to trial is awaited.

10/100

Twenty-five Mexican National Guard troops were killed in Jalisco across six separate attacks, following the death of notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho." The operation to capture him resulted in at least 73 fatalities, encompassing security forces and suspected cartel members. This raid, a culmination of heightened U.S.-Mexico counter-cartel cooperation, triggered widespread retaliatory violence from cartel factions across 20 Mexican states. "El Mencho" himself was fatally wounded during a shootout as military forces attempted his capture. While President Claudia Sheinbaum called for calm, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued shelter-in-place orders for its personnel, reflecting ongoing fears of further unrest.

10/100

Locals and tourists in Mexico have shared harrowing accounts of "heartbreaking" unrest and destruction that swept across several states following the killing of drug lord "El Mencho." Eyewitnesses described seeing burnt vehicles and plumes of smoke rising over cities, including the popular beach resort of Puerto Vallarta, which typically feels safer than many U.S. cities. Residents were caught off guard by the sudden escalation, with cartel members setting vehicles ablaze to block roads and damaging numerous businesses. Despite the initial lack of official information, communities rallied to assist each other, aiding in fire suppression and providing support to stranded tourists. Lingering concerns persist regarding the lasting impact on tourism and regional stability.

10/100

A man accused of multiple counts of sexual assault and violence has been mistakenly released from HMP Wormwood Scrubs prison and is now believed to have fled the country. Following a pre-trial hearing in early February, a court official erroneously notified the prison that the defendant was granted bail, despite the serious nature of the charges which typically require remand in custody. The man, in his forties, was released on February 6 and subsequently departed the UK for a European nation using one of his two passports. A senior judge has called for urgent government intervention to facilitate his return for trial, underscoring a grave systemic error within the justice system.

5/100

The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) issued a comprehensive apology after John Davidson, a guest living with Tourette syndrome and the inspiration for the film "I Swear," uttered a racial slur and other offensive language during the televised awards ceremony. BAFTA clarified that Davidson's involuntary verbal tics are not intentional and do not reflect his personal beliefs, acknowledging the "incomparable trauma and pain" caused by the incident. The slur was heard while actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were presenting an award. Davidson subsequently left the auditorium, and the BBC later apologized for its initial failure to edit the offensive language from its delayed broadcast, which remained on its iPlayer platform until Monday.

30/100

A former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instructor, Ryan Schwank, has come forward as a whistleblower, asserting that new recruits are undergoing "deficient, defective, and broken" training programs. Schwank, who resigned in protest, warns that ICE's rapid expansion risks deploying officers who lack a proper understanding of their constitutional duties and the limits of their authority. Internal documents reportedly reveal a substantial reduction in training duration, from 72 to 42 days, and the apparent removal of several use-of-force courses. This testimony is expected to intensify calls from congressional Democrats for greater accountability and reforms within ICE, particularly in light of controversial policy shifts like allowing warrantless home entries for deportation targets.

15/100

Over a dozen Democratic congresswomen are set to wear white to President Trump's upcoming State of the Union address, continuing their tradition of using fashion as a political statement. This specific choice of white symbolizes the suffragist movement and underscores their ongoing commitment to women's rights, particularly in response to what they perceive as direct attacks on voting access. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández, who chairs the 96-member Democratic Women's Caucus, cited concerns over proposed legislation such as the SAVE America Act. Democrats argue this bill could disenfranchise tens of millions of eligible voters, including women whose last names have changed, thereby limiting their participation in democracy.

60/100

The U.S. military carried out a strike on an alleged drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, resulting in the deaths of three men, marking the third such incident within a week. U.S. Southern Command confirmed the vessel was transiting known narco-trafficking routes and identified the deceased as "male narco-terrorists." This operation is part of the Trump administration's intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. However, the legality of these military strikes has drawn criticism from international legal scholars and national security experts, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Critics argue that using military force to kill civilians suspected solely of crimes is "flagrantly illegal" under both U.S. and international law.

15/100

A buyer has finally emerged for the notorious, graffiti-covered Oceanwide Plaza towers in downtown Los Angeles, a stalled $1.2-billion project. KPC Development Co., led by Riverside County developer Kali P. Chaudhuri, has partnered with the original contractor Lendlease to file an initial purchase agreement for $470 million in federal bankruptcy court. Construction on the prominent residential, hotel, and retail complex halted in 2019 due to financial issues with the original Beijing-based developer, leading to the towers becoming a highly visible "eyesore" and target for graffiti artists. The new ownership intends to prioritize removing the graffiti, renaming the complex, and completing the project to revitalize the key downtown location.

70/100

Karen Bentham and Kelly Lees have bravely waived their anonymity to recount their experiences of sexual assault suffered at Skircoat Lodge children's home in Halifax. Malcolm Phillips, the home's former manager, was found to have sexually abused four girls and two boys between 1976 and 1994; though unfit for trial, a trial of facts confirmed his actions. His assistant, Linda Brunning, was convicted of indecent assault and facilitating abuse. Both women described living in constant fear, attempting to run away, and facing disbelief from authorities when trying to report the crimes. Their courage in speaking out aims to ensure accountability for perpetrators and to empower other survivors by shifting the narrative of shame.

60/100

British number one Jack Draper made a triumphant return to the ATP Tour at the Dubai Tennis Championships, securing a straight-set victory over Frenchman Quentin Halys. This match marked Draper's first competitive singles appearance on the men's tour since he withdrew from the US Open last August due to a left arm injury. The 24-year-old, whose ranking had fallen to 15th in the world, expressed profound pride in his comeback, acknowledging the significant challenges encountered during his eight-month recovery period. His winning performance in Dubai is a crucial step towards regaining his form and climbing back up the professional tennis rankings.

85/100

The stock market experienced a notable sell-off on Monday, primarily driven by intense investor apprehension regarding the disruptive potential of artificial intelligence, even in response to what was described as a "fanciful" research firm report. This report, considered an "alarmist hypothetical" rather than a realistic scenario, suggested that AI could devastate a wider array of industries than previously thought, including credit-card companies and delivery apps. Consequently, shares of companies like American Express and DoorDash saw significant declines. This reaction exemplifies the market's current "shoot first, ask questions later" attitude toward AI disruption news. The AI-induced jitters, alongside lingering tariff uncertainties, contributed to a broader market pullback. (not investment advice)

20/100

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei is slated to meet with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon to deliberate on the military's application of the startup's artificial intelligence models. Recent negotiations have encountered obstacles, as Anthropic seeks guarantees against the use of its AI for autonomous weapons or surveillance of American citizens. Conversely, the Department of Defense insists on using Anthropic's models for "all lawful use cases" without limitation. Anthropic, which currently holds a $200 million contract with the DOD and is the only AI company to deploy its models on classified networks, aims for this high-stakes meeting to resolve the ongoing conflict and chart a future course for AI integration in national security.

50/100

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has declared a "greater calm" throughout the nation, following a day of intense violence that erupted after the killing of notorious drug lord "El Mencho." Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed during a Mexican operation in Jalisco, which subsequently triggered widespread cartel-organized attacks, including numerous vehicle torchings and extensive road blockages across several states. President Sheinbaum reassured the public that all blockades have been cleared and normal activities have largely resumed, emphasizing her government's commitment to safeguarding peace and security. Despite this, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico continues to recommend that American citizens in affected regions shelter in place.

40/100

Domino's Pizza shares rose after the company reported better-than-expected quarterly results and outlined ambitious plans to double its market share. CEO Russell Weiner stated that the pizza chain's success stems from offering value on its core menu items, attracting lower-income diners. This growth comes as major competitors, Pizza Hut and Papa John's, face struggles and sales rumors. Domino's achieved same-store sales growth of 3.7%, surpassing analyst projections, and saw increased customer traffic rather than just higher order values. The company believes its "profit power" strategy allows it to maintain competitive pricing while growing profitability and market share. (not investment advice)

75/100