Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk is navigating a dramatically volatile year in the obesity drug market, marked by the explosive launch of its GLP-1 pill and intense competition. The company is suing telehealth provider Hims & Hers for alleged patent infringement over compounded semaglutide versions and received an FDA warning for misleading advertising claims. Despite a conservative 2026 sales outlook, Novo Nordisk aims to aggressively crack down on copycats, sustain demand for its new oral treatment, and build U.S. prescription volumes. Its CEO acknowledges challenges but emphasizes anticipated patient growth and increased production. (not investment advice)

50/100

Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica reported a substantial increase in sales of its Meta artificial intelligence glasses in 2025, tripling figures from the prior year. The company sold over 7 million AI glasses, marking a significant leap from the combined 2 million units moved in 2023 and 2024. This success, encompassing both Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, signals a growing consumer appetite for wearable AI devices. EssilorLuxottica views this as a key driver in the evolving AI-glasses market, despite Meta's decision to delay the international launch of Ray-Ban Display glasses due to high U.S. demand.

80/100

Chinese AI company Zhipu AI has launched its new flagship model, GLM-5, featuring significantly enhanced coding capabilities. The company claims GLM-5 achieves industry-leading scores for open models in coding and agentic performance, even surpassing Google DeepMind's Gemini 3 Pro in internal tests. Doubling its predecessor's size with 744 billion parameters and adopting a new efficient architecture, the model is available open-source. While it lags Anthropic's Claude in some benchmarks, this release signifies a competitive push in China's AI sector and a shift towards 'agentic engineering'.

75/100

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has undergone a reorganization to improve execution speed, resulting in departures of some co-founders and employees. This restructuring follows xAI's acquisition by SpaceX and comes as the company faces regulatory probes in multiple jurisdictions over its Grok AI chatbot. The investigations concern the mass creation and syndication of non-consensual, explicit images, including those of children. Despite these challenges, Musk stated the company is aggressively hiring to strengthen its team.

30/100

Shopify reported fourth-quarter results that surpassed revenue expectations and provided strong first-quarter guidance, yet its stock closed down 6%. The e-commerce company announced a $2 billion share buyback program and anticipates low-thirties percentage revenue growth for Q1. CFO Jeff Hoffmeister attributed a slightly lower free-cash-flow margin to continued investments in AI tools, which the company aims to leverage as internet infrastructure. Fears about AI's disruptive potential in software have impacted tech stocks, including Shopify, despite its positive holiday shopping season performance. (not investment advice)

50/100

WNBA player Rickea Jackson has expressed willingness to testify against Atlanta Falcons player James Pearce Jr. following an alleged domestic violence incident. Pearce was arrested near Miami for allegedly fleeing officers and crashing his car after a dispute with Jackson. He faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated stalking, for allegedly striking Jackson's vehicle and a police officer. Pearce's attorneys maintain his innocence, stating allegations do not present the full, complete story and that he will be vigorously defended.

10/100

Andrew Paul Johnson, previously pardoned by Donald Trump for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack, has been found guilty of multiple child sexual assault charges in Florida. Johnson was convicted on five counts, including molesting children under 12 and 16, and lewd and lascivious exhibition. Police documents suggest Johnson used his "Jan 6er" status and a supposed $10 million award to manipulate one child into silence. He now faces a possible life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for a later date.

5/100

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense questioning from House Democrats regarding the Trump administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein's files. Democrats accused her of a "massive Epstein cover-up" for failing to release all legally required documents and redacting alleged co-conspirators' names while exposing victims' information. Bondi countered by highlighting strong economic indicators, such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassing 50,000, and accused Democrats of political theatrics. The hearing devolved into partisan clashes over the Justice Department's transparency and accountability in the Epstein case.

20/100

Lithia Motors, the largest U.S. auto dealer, is currently not interested in selling China-based car brands in the domestic market. CEO Bryan DeBoer cited the significant cost, return-on-investment, and extensive infrastructure required due to strict U.S. franchise laws as primary hindrances. Unlike the UK, where Lithia already sells Chinese brands in existing showrooms, U.S. regulations would necessitate establishing entirely new retail and service operations. While acknowledging the global growth of Chinese automotive brands, Lithia remains cautious about early adoption in the U.S. and Canada.

60/100

McDonald's reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that surpassed analysts' forecasts, largely attributed to its effective value-focused strategy. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted improved traffic and strengthened value and affordability scores, leading to a 2% rise in shares. The fast-food giant saw a 5.7% increase in same-store sales globally, with U.S. domestic sales growing by 6.8% due to buzzy promotions and expanded Extra Value Meals. This performance demonstrates the company's success in winning back customers and boosting both traffic and sales for the period.

85/100

Yale University has suspended professor David Gelernter from teaching computer science classes pending a review of his communications with Jeffrey Epstein. Released Epstein files revealed an October 2011 email where Gelernter mentioned a "perfect editoress" — a Yale senior — for a software project to Epstein, three years after Epstein's prostitution conviction. Yale stated it does not condone the professor's actions or his manner of student recommendations. This action follows similar fallout for former Harvard President Larry Summers over his Epstein contacts, highlighting ongoing repercussions from the Epstein files.

25/100

Casey Wasserman will continue as chairman of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games following a board review of his mentions in the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. The LA28 executive committee concluded that Wasserman's relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell did not extend beyond publicly documented interactions, including a 2003 flight on Epstein's plane for a humanitarian mission. Wasserman has expressed regret for his emails with Maxwell and denied a personal relationship with Epstein. Despite calls for his resignation and client departures, the board affirmed his leadership, citing his strong performance over the past decade.

45/100

The CNBC Investing Club has increased price targets for several AI data center infrastructure stocks, including Eaton, GE Vernova, and Corning, following strong performance and positive industry revisions. Vertiv's reported 252% organic year-over-year growth in orders highlighted the sector's momentum. Eaton provides power management, GE Vernova offers energy solutions for data centers, and Corning supplies fiber optic cabling. The Club is holding off on adjusting Qnity Electronics' target until its upcoming earnings report, despite a recent 15% rally to new record highs. (not investment advice)

70/100

The 10-year Treasury yield increased by over 2 basis points to 4.174% in response to January's nonfarm payrolls report, which significantly exceeded economists' expectations. The U.S. economy added 130,000 new jobs, more than double the consensus estimate, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.3%. This robust jobs data has led to reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later in the year. Analysts suggest that while the report is positive for the economy, it gives the Fed more flexibility to maintain current rates and may temper urges for immediate cuts. (not investment advice)

65/100

A group of women alleging sexual assault by the late former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed are demanding their cases be investigated as human trafficking. The Metropolitan Police is already probing individuals who may have facilitated Al Fayed's alleged abuse of hundreds of women and girls. Victims' advocacy group, No One Above, argues that "multiple perpetrators" and organized systems were involved, extending beyond isolated sexual abuse. They believe the Met's current inquiry, which has seen 146 people report crimes, is too narrow given the scale and multi-jurisdictional nature of the alleged exploitation.

15/100

James Van Der Beek, known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in the hit TV show "Dawson's Creek," passed away peacefully this morning at the age of 48. His family confirmed his death, stating he met his final days with courage, faith, and grace after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in late 2023. The actor had publicly shared his health journey, hoping to encourage early screenings for the disease and emphasizing self-worth beyond external definitions. He was a prominent face in late 90s and 2000s television.

10/100

American skier Breezy Johnson is carefully handling her repaired gold medal, won in the women's downhill at the 2026 Winter Games, after the original broke due to its weight. Johnson, an avid knitter, plans to create a special pouch for the medal and auction off her unique, handknit race hats for charity, having only worn each once. Despite a team slalom setback with Mikaela Shiffrin, Johnson remains focused on her skiing, avoiding political commentary, and understanding the inherent dangers and pressures of her high-speed sport. She also shared well wishes for injured teammate Lindsay Vonn, acknowledging the challenges of defying odds in competitive sports.

80/100

Millions of Americans who purchased new cars last year could benefit from a new tax break allowing deductions for auto loan interest. Included in the Trump administration's "big, beautiful bill," this initiative aims to make car ownership more affordable and boost domestic auto production. Experts estimate the deduction could save eligible taxpayers hundreds or thousands of dollars, applying to new American-made vehicles purchased between 2025 and 2028. Income limits and final assembly location in the U.S. are key eligibility criteria, and the deduction is available for both standard and itemized filers. (not investment advice)

70/100

Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for the Metropolitan Police to "urgently" re-examine its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's activities and interview Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Brown's call follows a BBC investigation revealing 87 Epstein-linked flights to the UK, some carrying British women who allege abuse. He believes a deeper inquiry into these flights would uncover the scale of potential human trafficking and the role of "male predators and their enablers." Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in his associations with Epstein, but Brown insists British authorities had little idea who was being trafficked.

20/100

Cardi B's appearance during Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime show has ignited a debate among prediction market users over whether she officially "performed." While she danced alongside other celebrities, it was unclear if she was singing, creating ambiguity for platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. Kalshi's decision to issue partial payouts based on the last traded price led to a complaint filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, with one user seeking $3,700 in compensation. The dispute highlights the challenges of defining "performance" in event contracts, even as Super Bowl wagering reached record highs.

50/100

Tropical Cyclone Gezani has resulted in at least 31 deaths and 36 injuries in Madagascar, with 29 fatalities concentrated in Toamasina, the island's second-largest city. The storm, packing speeds up to 270 kilometers per hour, displaced 6,870 people and affected over 250,000, severely damaging or destroying 75% of infrastructure in the Atsinanana region. President Michael Randrianirina visited the devastated area, as videos depicted flooded neighborhoods and widespread destruction. Gezani is the second cyclone to hit Madagascar this year, following Tropical Cyclone Fytia, which also caused significant loss of life and displacement just 10 days prior.

0/100

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI are actively pursuing leads in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, following 18,000 calls to investigators. The FBI released doorbell-camera images of an "armed individual" at Guthrie's home, leading to 4,000 tips in 24 hours. A man, Carlos, was detained and questioned in Rio Rico after being identified through electronic investigative tools, but later released without charge and is under no law enforcement restrictions. Authorities are intensifying law enforcement activity across Pima County and meticulously analyzing video evidence for identifying features in this high-profile case.

20/100

At least nine people were killed and dozens injured in shootings at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a linked residence in British Columbia, Canada. The suspected shooter, 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who identified as female, was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Six victims, including students and an educator, died at the school, and two more, believed to be the shooter's mother and brother, were found dead at a residence. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended travel plans, expressing devastation over the rare mass shooting event in the small, close-knit community.

0/100

Maite Celis Silva, a 27-year-old Chilean national, pleaded guilty to federal charges for her role in a sophisticated ATM robbery crew that stole over $5.5 million across the West Coast. The 10-person crew utilized disguises, blowtorches, and cellphone jammers to target banks and ATMs between May and October 2024. Silva admitted to renting vacation properties near target banks to serve as staging areas for the heists. She faces a maximum of 20 years for bank robbery and five years for conspiracy, with prosecutors recommending lower sentencing guidelines as part of her plea deal.

20/100

Following a three-hour meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump stated he is still seeking a deal with Iran to prevent nuclear weapon development. Trump indicated that negotiations would continue, emphasizing that a deal is preferred, but warned of potential consequences if one is not reached, referencing past "Midnight Hammer" strikes. Netanyahu had advocated for a more forceful intervention and broader concessions, including limits on ballistic missiles and an end to support for regional allies. Iran's president, Masoud Pezeshkian, denied seeking nuclear weapons and expressed readiness for verification, despite UN nuclear watchdog concerns.

40/100

Bruce Mouat led Team GB's men's curling rink to a strong 9-4 victory against China in their opening match at the Winter Olympics. This accomplished display comes after Mouat's disappointment in the mixed doubles bronze-medal match just over 24 hours earlier. The Scots, who are world champions in three of the past five years and silver medalists in Beijing, established an early lead with a classily compiled three points in the third end. They will face a tougher challenge against Sweden, their 2022 final opponents, in their next match.

80/100

The Food and Drug Administration has refused to consider Moderna's application for a new mRNA flu vaccine, citing issues with its 40,000-person clinical trial design. The FDA stated the trial did not compare the vaccine to "the best-available standard of care" for seniors, despite earlier feedback that Moderna claims allowed its chosen comparator. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a critic of mRNA technology, has previously rolled back vaccine recommendations and cancelled related funding. Moderna has requested an urgent meeting and is pursuing approval in other countries, condemning the decision as hindering innovation.

25/100

Stellantis has issued an urgent "do not drive" warning to owners of approximately 225,000 U.S. Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles equipped with unrepaired defective Takata air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) emphasized the severe danger, stating that even minor crashes can cause these air bags to explode, leading to fatal or gruesome injuries. This alert is part of the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, with 28 fatalities and 400 injuries linked to Takata air bags to date. Owners are urged to seek immediate repair.

5/100

January saw a surprisingly strong gain of 130,000 nonfarm payrolls and a drop in the unemployment rate to 4.3%, indicating some stability in the labor market. However, economists warn the overall picture remains "muddy," with job growth concentrated in a few sectors and significant downward revisions for 2025's previous estimates. Concerns persist about muted income growth for many families and the sustainability of GDP growth without stronger hiring. Federal Reserve policymakers also show divisions on future interest rate decisions, making the economic outlook complex and uncertain. (not investment advice)

55/100

The abrupt, temporary closure of El Paso's airspace and airport sparked confusion, with conflicting explanations emerging from U.S. authorities. While the Trump administration cited a Mexican cartel drone incursion, local officials and congressional representatives questioned this narrative. Reports also suggested the incident stemmed from the military's uncoordinated testing of new counter-drone laser technology near Fort Bliss, possibly exacerbated by a drone incursion. The event highlights potential interagency communication failures, reminiscent of past incidents, and raises concerns about military operations against cartels near the border.

20/100

The wife of Seamus Culleton, an Irish man detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for five months, is pleading for his immediate release from "dire conditions." Culleton, who runs a plastering business in Boston, was arrested despite possessing a valid work permit obtained after marrying a U.S. citizen and applying for lawful permanent residence. His lawyer states he faces potential removal, despite having started the process for adjusting his status. The case highlights concerns about ICE's targeting of immigrants and the challenging conditions within detention centers, with his wife calling the experience heartbreaking.

15/100

Germany's state-owned railway, Deutsche Bahn (DB), has halted its humorous social media campaign, "Boah, Bahn," citing that it no longer "suit[s] the times." The decision follows persistent public complaints about train delays, hygiene issues, and dysfunctional facilities, alongside a fatal attack on a ticket inspector that reignited safety debates. Lawmakers and union leaders criticized the reported €7 million campaign cost, suggesting funds could have been better spent on security staff or employee facilities. A new DB chair, Evelyn Palla, is implementing radical restructuring and has warned of continued delays due to decades of underfunding.

30/100

The U.S. government reported a smaller deficit in January, partly due to a more than 300% surge in tariff collections, totaling $30 billion for the month. These customs duties, levied by President Trump since April 2025, have accumulated $124 billion fiscal year-to-date. A pending Supreme Court decision challenging the tariffs' legal basis creates significant uncertainty, as a negative ruling could mandate reimbursement of collected duties. Despite tariff revenues, interest on the $38.6 trillion national debt remains a substantial financial burden, totaling $426.5 billion year-to-date. (not investment advice)

60/100

The European Union is implementing a new strategy to enhance its resilience and cooperation against malicious drone activity, prompted by a series of foreign drone incursions in 2025. The plan focuses on improving coordination among member states, strengthening drone detection systems, and tightening civilian drone regulations. Proposals include a counter-drone center of excellence and joint procurement of technology, aiming to push Europe's drone industry. The strategy also seeks to deepen civil-military coordination to protect critical infrastructure and borders, signaling a stronger EU focus on defense and security amid rising geopolitical tensions.

70/100

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, Juliette Bryant, has called on Buckingham Palace to proactively search files and emails related to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's association with the convicted paedophile. While welcoming King Charles's statement of readiness to support police, Bryant urged the Royal Family to take further action to uncover the truth. She emphasized that authorities had scrutinized her information regarding Epstein, and it was time for Andrew's records to be similarly examined. Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing, and the Palace has expressed profound concern over the allegations, stating specific claims are for him to address.

20/100

The Washington Post, owned by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, is undergoing mass layoffs that will fundamentally alter its news coverage. Despite Bezos's initial promise of a "new golden era" and the slogan "Democracy Dies in Darkness," the cuts reflect a strategic shift based on data-driven valuation. This move raises questions about the influence of money and its impact on U.S. media, particularly given the paper's historical significance in investigative journalism. The article explores whether financial pressures or other factors are at play in these significant organizational changes, which have prompted public debate.

35/100

Tottenham Hotspur has sacked manager Thomas Frank after an eight-month tenure, a decision made swiftly following a loss to Newcastle. Despite initial optimism, Frank's reign was plagued by player indiscipline, a divided executive team, and persistent doubts about his tactical approach. While some players appreciated his efforts to build a positive culture and enforce consequences for poor behavior, others found him indecisive and too focused on adapting to opposition. The club's leadership, now tasked with appointing a new manager, is considering interim options given the changing managerial landscape post-World Cup and the need for stability.

40/100

Scientists have successfully used artificial intelligence to decode the rules of a mysterious Roman-era board game, previously baffling researchers. A smooth, white limestone unearthed in the Netherlands, featuring diagonal and straight lines, was analyzed using 3D imaging to reveal wear patterns indicating piece movement. An AI program, Ludii, trained on rules of 100 ancient games, generated possible rule sets. Cross-referencing these with the stone's wear, researchers deduced the likely objective: to hunt and trap opponent's pieces in a "deceptively simple but thrilling strategy game." This research offers new insights into ancient leisure activities.

90/100