Home Depot surpassed Wall Street's revenue and earnings expectations for its fiscal fourth quarter, marking its first beat in a year, despite a 4% sales decline. This dip is linked to a stagnant housing market and homeowners' selective spending, though the company maintained its full-year forecast of 2.5% to 4.5% sales growth. Chief Financial Officer Richard McPhail highlighted persistent consumer uncertainty and concerns over housing affordability. Despite these challenges, Home Depot is gaining market share and sees potential for recovery with moderating mortgage rates and a strong spring selling season ahead. The company also faces ongoing analysis regarding new tariffs. (not investment advice)

70/100

Dozens of Democratic lawmakers are boycotting President Trump's State of the Union address, choosing instead to participate in counterprogramming events outside the Capitol. This year's approach emphasizes "silent defiance" or non-attendance, contrasting with previous in-chamber protests. Events like the "People's State of the Union" and "State of the Swamp" will feature several prominent Democratic figures. While House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the boycott as "detestable" and disrespectful to the office, Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, argue that the administration is not in a position to lecture on decorum. Some Democrats, however, plan to attend to confront Trump directly.

40/100

A tragic incident in Gig Harbor, Washington, saw a man fatally stab four individuals in the street on Tuesday morning. The 32-year-old suspect was also killed after being shot by law enforcement. Three victims died at the scene, with a fourth passing away later at a hospital from their injuries. Officers initially responded to a call regarding a no-contact order violation before receiving multiple emergency reports of a man stabbing people at the same address. Witnesses observed at least one victim being attacked in public. Pierce County officials are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this devastating event.

0/100

Canada's AI Minister has summoned senior OpenAI staff following a mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, which killed eight, including six children. OpenAI had banned the suspect's ChatGPT account six months prior for violent posts but did not alert authorities, stating it didn't meet a "serious harm threshold." The minister seeks clarification on safety protocols and when harmful content is escalated to law enforcement. OpenAI confirmed its senior safety team will meet with Canadian officials to discuss their approach to safety and safeguards. The incident highlights concerns about AI companies' responsibilities in preventing real-world violence.

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The official account of Ruben Ray Martinez's fatal shooting by an ICE agent in March 2025 is now being challenged by his close friend and passenger, Joshua Orta. Federal officials asserted Martinez struck an agent with his vehicle, prompting "defensive shots." However, Orta's declaration, provided to Martinez's lawyers before Orta's own recent death in a separate car accident, explicitly states Martinez "did not hit anyone" and that his car was only "coasting" when the agent fired without warning. This conflicting eyewitness testimony raises serious questions, with Martinez's family contemplating a wrongful death claim as the investigation continues.

15/100

The United States and China are both significantly altering their foreign aid strategies, leading to a complex dynamic of convergence and competition for global influence. The Trump administration has moved the U.S. towards a more transactional aid model, dismantling much of its traditional systems. Meanwhile, China is transitioning from large-scale bilateral infrastructure projects, which faced criticism for creating debt and lacking sustainability, to smaller, more targeted "small and beautiful" projects and increased involvement with the United Nations. Experts observe China positioning itself to expand global health and development influence as the U.S. reduces its traditional aid footprint.

50/100

American rapper Snoop Dogg, a co-owner of Swansea City FC, delighted employees at Au Vodka's Swansea headquarters by performing an unexpected hour-long private concert in their canteen. The event, initially planned as a DJ set, evolved into a "back to back classics" performance for over 400 attendees, transforming the office space into a vibrant nightclub. This surprise gig occurred just before his inaugural visit to the club's stadium, where he engaged fans by requesting them to twirl towels during a pre-match lap of honor. Club executives highlight Snoop Dogg's global celebrity as a significant asset for elevating Swansea's international profile and commercial opportunities.

90/100

Rapper Flavor Flav has stepped forward to offer the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team a celebratory trip to Las Vegas, following President Trump's perceived snub. Trump had invited the gold-medal-winning men's team to the White House, making a joke about inviting the women's team to avoid impeachment, which drew criticism. The women's team subsequently declined the official invitation. Flav, who has consistently championed female athletes and their often under-resourced sports, aims to provide a "real celebration" for their achievements, highlighting a growing public sentiment against gender disparity in sports recognition.

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Former NBA player Patrick Beverley will not face felony assault charges after a Texas grand jury found insufficient evidence to proceed with accusations made by his teenage sister. The charges, including assault and impeding breath/circulation, stemmed from an alleged altercation at their mother's home last November. Beverley was arrested but consistently denied the claims, posting on social media, "Please don’t believe everything you see on the internet." His legal team expressed confidence in his exoneration, highlighting his non-violent nature and stating that the initial affidavit presented only one side of an emotionally charged story.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reportedly withheld documents from its public Epstein files database, including FBI interview memos concerning a woman who alleged President Donald Trump sexually assaulted her as a minor. MS NOW reported that this allegation, detailing forced oral sex and physical assault when she was 13 or 14, appeared in a 2025 PowerPoint and a spreadsheet of unconfirmed tips. Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia criticized the DOJ, stating it appears to have " illegally withheld" evidence and announced a parallel investigation. The DOJ, however, claims nothing has been deleted and documents are restored after necessary redactions.

5/100

President Trump's State of the Union address presents a pivotal chance to reverse declining approval ratings and ease Republican anxieties ahead of the midterms. Recent polls show significant public disapproval of his economic and immigration policies, despite some positive indicators like job growth. Political analyst Jonathan Lemire argues that Trump must depart from his usual rhetoric, acknowledge the affordability crisis for many Americans, and avoid divisive claims to broaden his appeal. A strong, more unifying speech could galvanize his party and improve fundraising, whereas a typical combative address risks exacerbating voter discontent and potentially leading to substantial Democratic gains in Congress.

45/100

Novo Nordisk's stock declined after its next-generation obesity drug, CagriSema, demonstrated slightly less weight loss than Eli Lilly's Zepbound in a phase three trial. This outcome has led analysts to question CagriSema's commercial viability against a more potent market leader, despite Novo's CEO Mike Doustdar asserting its strong efficacy. Novo has already filed for FDA approval and anticipates a decision by late 2026, hoping future trials, including REDEFINE 11 and a higher-dose study, will showcase its full potential. The company is under significant pressure to develop or acquire a strong competitor to Lilly's increasingly dominant portfolio of obesity treatments. (not investment advice)

40/100

Host cities for the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. are urgently concerned about a $625 million federal funding shortfall, stalled by the ongoing partial Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. With only months until the tournament, representatives from Miami, Kansas City, and New Jersey testified that the delay in FEMA-administered grants threatens crucial security preparations and large-scale fan events. The funding freeze is linked to a congressional dispute over immigration enforcement. Cities are rapidly approaching deadlines for financial decisions, with warnings that some planned events, like Miami's fan fest, could face cancellation without immediate resolution.

30/100

President Trump plans to highlight a resilient U.S. economy in his State of the Union, but millions of Americans remain deeply concerned about affordability, particularly the costs of food, housing, and healthcare. While conventional metrics show low unemployment and cooling inflation, prices for essentials like ground beef and coffee continue to climb. Proposed administration remedies, such as capping credit card rates or boosting beef imports, have shown limited impact. Experts note that underlying issues like housing shortages and expiring healthcare subsidies contribute to persistent financial strain, challenging the president's optimistic economic narrative. (not investment advice)

40/100

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon revealed that artificial intelligence is actively reshaping the bank's workforce, necessitating "huge redeployment plans" for employees affected by automation. While the bank's overall headcount remained stable, operational and support staff roles saw a reduction, offset by growth in client-facing positions, driven by AI-powered efficiency gains. Dimon, who compares AI's transformative potential to that of electricity, voiced broader societal concerns about the rapid adoption of AI leading to widespread job displacement. He emphasized the urgent need for businesses and governments to plan for worker assistance and retraining to address these impending challenges. (not investment advice)

55/100

The U.S. men's Olympic hockey team visited the White House to celebrate their historic gold medal victory over Canada, their first since 1980. President Trump greeted the team, congratulating them on their 2-1 overtime win and inviting them to his State of the Union address. The article mentions Trump's controversial joke about inviting the women's team to avoid impeachment, which has drawn public criticism. Players Dylan Larkin and Zach Werenski shared their profound pride in representing the United States, emphasizing the honor derived from their training and experiences playing for the national team.

70/100

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has issued an ultimatum to Anthropic, demanding full military access to its AI model, Claude, by Friday, amid escalating tensions over usage policies. Anthropic seeks to implement guardrails, preventing the AI from being used for mass surveillance or autonomous targeting in military operations, citing ethical concerns and the AI's unreliability. Hegseth, however, insists the Pentagon should have unrestricted use, likening it to purchasing aircraft. If Anthropic fails to comply, the Defense Department is considering invoking the Defense Production Act or labeling the company a "supply chain risk," potentially forcing them out of government contracts.

30/100

A recent parliamentary debate saw Members of Parliament openly criticize Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, signaling a notable shift in the traditional deference accorded to the Royal Family. The debate, initiated by Liberal Democrats, focused on his 2001 appointment as UK trade envoy and serious allegations that he shared sensitive information with convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. MPs questioned the oversight during his decade-long tenure and how concerns were addressed at the time. This public scrutiny reflects a growing demand for transparency and accountability, challenging historical conventions that typically shielded the Royal Family from direct parliamentary criticism.

40/100

A widely circulated Facebook post, featuring a distressed dog named Lumi and claiming it faced imminent euthanasia at a San José shelter, has been exposed as an AI-generated hoax. The San José Animal Care and Services confirmed the post was entirely false, clarifying that Lumi had already been adopted and was never at risk. The Facebook page, "Saving Shelter Dogs from Euthanasia," which published the misleading content, appears to be an AI-generated entity with a history of sharing inaccurate information about shelter animals. Officials stressed that such misinformation causes undue public alarm and diverts valuable staff time from genuine animal welfare efforts.

50/100

Republican Representative Tony Gonzales is facing bipartisan calls for resignation amidst allegations of an affair with a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, who later died by suicide. Sexual text messages between them have surfaced, prompting concern among lawmakers. Gonzales denies the affair and refuses to resign, claiming political attacks ahead of his primary election. House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged the "very serious" allegations but urged allowing investigations to unfold. The situation is complicated by the Republican party's slim House majority and the sensitive nature of Santos-Aviles' death, with her husband's lawyer alleging workplace harassment exacerbated her mental health decline.

10/100

The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against the University of California, specifically targeting UCLA, alleging that administrators have "routinely ignored" and "failed to report" employee complaints of antisemitism. The 81-page suit claims a "severe and pervasive" hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli employees, citing pro-Palestinian protests following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack as anti-Jewish or anti-Israel. This action marks a significant escalation in the administration's scrutiny of UC, which previously included civil rights investigations and a demand for a substantial settlement. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the Department of Justice's stance against antisemitism.

20/100

AMD secured a multi-year deal with Meta Platforms for over $60 billion in AI chip sales, but the agreement includes Meta receiving a path to nearly 10% equity in AMD. This structure, similar to AMD's deal with OpenAI, suggests AMD is operating from a position of relative weakness compared to market leader Nvidia. Nvidia recently announced its own significant chip deal with Meta without offering equity, instead investing in companies like OpenAI. The article argues that while AMD's deals are accretive to earnings, Nvidia's technological dominance allows it to command terms without diluting shareholders, reinforcing its market strength. (not investment advice)

60/100

The United Kingdom is experiencing unseasonably warm, spring-like weather, with Tuesday marking the warmest day of the year so far across England and Scotland. Temperatures soared to 16.6C in regions like Essex and Kent, and 13.7C in Moray, Scotland, driven by mild south-westerly winds from the Atlantic. Forecasters anticipate even higher temperatures on Wednesday in southeast England, potentially reaching 18C. While the north and west of the UK will still see more cloud and some rain, these temperatures remain significantly above average for late February, providing a pleasant, albeit temporary, preview of spring before returning to more typical conditions by Friday.

80/100

Saving $10,000 is a significant achievement, but choosing the right savings account is crucial for maximizing returns in 2026. This article outlines four primary options: traditional savings, money market accounts, high-yield savings accounts, and certificates of deposit (CDs). Illustrative calculations show that a $10,000 deposit could earn between $29.24 in a traditional account and $305.21 in a high-yield savings account over nine months, assuming constant variable rates. Money market accounts and 9-month CDs offer comparable returns, with CDs providing guaranteed rates but restricting access. Savers are advised to avoid traditional accounts due to low interest rates. (not investment advice)

75/100

Lord Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the U.S. and Labour minister, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with his lawyers asserting the action was based on a "baseless" and false claim that he was a flight risk. His legal team emphasized that an agreement for a voluntary interview next month was already in place and that Mandelson has no plans to leave the UK. The arrest is linked to an investigation into allegations that he shared market-sensitive government information with convicted sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson denies any criminal behavior and is fully cooperating with the police to clear his name.

35/100

A new ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll indicates that immigration stands as President Trump's most polarizing issue, simultaneously viewed as his greatest accomplishment and most significant failing since assuming office in January 2025. A substantial majority of Trump's supporters lauded his efforts on border security and increased immigration enforcement. In stark contrast, a significant portion of his detractors cited these same policies, including controversial ICE operations and related fatalities, as his worst actions. This profound partisan divide underscores the contentious nature of his immigration agenda, contributing to his current 60% overall disapproval rating, the highest of his second term.

40/100

Spirit Airlines plans a significant restructuring to emerge from its second bankruptcy, focusing on a smaller fleet and network by late spring or early summer. The strategy involves concentrating on high-demand routes from key Florida, New York, and Detroit airports, reducing less profitable cross-country and some Latin American flights. The airline aims to cut debt and lease obligations from $7.4 billion to $2.1 billion, and annual fleet costs by $550 million. Spirit also plans to enhance premium-class offerings and its loyalty program, potentially positioning itself for future industry transactions despite a challenging budget airline market. (not investment advice)

50/100

The Trump administration's foreign policy approach in its second term is characterized by a significant departure from traditional diplomacy, marked by sweeping cuts at the State Department and USAID. President Trump relies heavily on a small circle of advisers like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff for quick, headline-grabbing international deals, often bypassing established diplomatic channels and allied consultations. This informal, personality-driven approach has led to declining morale among career foreign-service officers, who feel sidelined, and confusion among foreign diplomats. Critics warn this erosion of trust and process risks long-term instability in international relations and alliances.

25/100

AI startup Cursor has announced significant updates to its artificial intelligence coding agents, aiming to maintain its competitive edge against rivals like Anthropic, OpenAI, and Microsoft. The enhancements include agents that can test their own code changes and record their work through videos and screenshots, operating in parallel on virtual machines for higher throughput. Cursor, valued at $29.3 billion with $1 billion in annualized revenue, is focusing on empowering developers to offload complex tasks, allowing them to concentrate on higher-level design and judgment. This advancement aims to transform how software developers interact with AI tools. (not investment advice)

70/100

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's "TODAY" show, has announced an emotional $1 million reward for any information that leads to the recovery of her missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Her mother disappeared from her Tucson home on January 31, and authorities believe she was abducted. Despite FBI efforts and video footage showing a masked man near the home, leads remain scarce. Guthrie expressed the family's enduring hope for her mother's return, while also acknowledging the difficult possibility of her death, stressing the paramount need for closure. The family is also donating $500,000 to support other families with missing loved ones.

15/100

Apple announced it will move some Mac Mini production to the U.S. later this year, as part of its $600 billion commitment to boost domestic manufacturing. CEO Tim Cook confirmed production will begin at a new factory in Houston, where AI servers are already being made. This move aligns with Apple's efforts to expand its U.S. supply chain and comes despite the company paying significant tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. The announcement follows a Supreme Court ruling against some of Trump's tariffs, though the president has since vowed new levies. Apple also plans to open an advanced manufacturing training center in Houston. (not investment advice)

70/100

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) over his controversial and deadly "war on drugs," which human rights organizations estimate resulted in up to 30,000 fatalities. The ICC accuses Duterte of crimes against humanity, alleging his role as an "indirect accomplice" in systematic killings and inciting police to use lethal force. Preliminary proceedings are underway, with a decision on whether to proceed to a main trial anticipated in May 2026. This potential trial would mark Duterte as the first former Asian head of state to face justice in The Hague, underscoring persistent global concerns regarding human rights abuses under his leadership.

30/100

The Louvre Museum's director, Laurence des Cars, has resigned following intense pressure sparked by a brazen jewel heist in October and broader scrutiny of security and management failures. Her departure follows a challenging year for the institution, marked by the high-profile theft, water damage to collections, and staff strikes protesting overcrowding and understaffing. Additionally, a suspected decade-long ticket fraud scheme, potentially costing millions, further amplified calls for accountability. President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation, aiming to bring "calm" and new impetus to security upgrades and modernization efforts for the world's most visited museum.

40/100

This article features a compelling photo essay that chronicles four years of the devastating war in Ukraine, offering a visual narrative of the ongoing conflict. The collection of images powerfully depicts the relentless bombardment, intense frontline fighting, and widespread destruction that have profoundly impacted the nation. Each photograph serves as a poignant testament to the immense human suffering and loss of life endured throughout this protracted military engagement. The photo essay aims to provide viewers with a visceral understanding of the harsh realities and the enduring struggle faced by the Ukrainian people amidst the continuous conflict.

10/100

The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled that the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is immune from lawsuits, even in cases where its employees intentionally fail to deliver mail. Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for the majority, interpreted a 1946 law as broadly barring complaints related to lost or missing mail, irrespective of employee intent. This ruling impacts individuals like Lebene Konan, who had sued the USPS alleging intentional mail withholding and racial discrimination. Both the Biden and Trump administrations had advocated for limiting such lawsuits, citing concerns about overwhelming litigation given the USPS's vast annual mail volume.

40/100

Microsoft and SpaceX's Starlink have partnered to expand global internet connectivity, signaling Microsoft's willingness to collaborate with Elon Musk's ventures despite his ongoing legal dispute with Microsoft partner OpenAI. The collaboration, announced by Microsoft's chief sustainability officer, aims to combine Starlink's low-Earth orbit satellite connectivity with community-based deployment models. Their initial project involves connecting 450 community hubs in Kenya. This partnership is expected to boost demand for Starlink and builds on Microsoft's long-standing efforts to connect underserved populations, having already extended internet coverage to over 299 million people since 2022. (not investment advice)

75/100

Anthropic has released a major update to its Claude Cowork AI tool, expanding its enterprise capabilities with new connectors and plugins for existing business applications like Google Drive and Gmail. This move transitions Claude Cowork from a research tool to an enterprise-grade product designed to significantly boost office worker productivity. The update allows organizations to embed institutional knowledge and workflows, offering customizable plugins for various domains. Anthropic, valued at $380 billion, is competing fiercely in the enterprise AI market and aims for Claude Cowork to become an indispensable tool for knowledge workers, similar to its Claude Code for engineers. (not investment advice)

70/100