The Justice Department reinstated a photo of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein's island, following its brief removal from official files that sparked public inquiry. Authenticated by CBS News, the image was part of a larger document release and was temporarily taken down for review due to nudity flags, with the department affirming no files were deleted. Lutnick has publicly acknowledged a 2012 family visit to the island for lunch, testifying he saw nothing untoward, but faces ongoing scrutiny over his past associations and business dealings with Epstein. This article underscores the persistent public interest and official investigations into Epstein's extensive network.

40/100

President Donald Trump issued an immediate order directing all U.S. federal agencies to cease using artificial intelligence technology developed by Anthropic. This unexpected command emerges amid ongoing tension where the Defense Department pressured Anthropic to remove restrictions on its AI models, which the company sought to prevent use in fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. Trump publicly accused Anthropic of "strong-arming" the Department of War and jeopardizing national security, initiating a six-month phase-out period for agencies utilizing their products. This article underscores a significant and escalating conflict between the government and a prominent AI company over the ethical boundaries of advanced technology.

20/100

Dell's shares experienced a significant 22% surge following the company's announcement of a strong fiscal fourth-quarter earnings beat and optimistic future guidance. The technology giant projects its artificial intelligence server revenue will reach $50 billion by 2027, representing a substantial increase. Despite industry-wide pressures from a historic memory shortage that has elevated component costs, Dell has proactively raised PC prices and collaborated with memory partners to manage these challenges effectively. This article highlights Dell's robust financial health and strategic positioning to capitalize on the booming AI hardware sector. (not investment advice)

80/100

Anthropic expressed concerns that the Pentagon's latest contract language does not fully prevent its artificial intelligence technology from being used for fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. Despite a looming deadline and threats from the Defense Department, Anthropic's CEO affirmed the company's refusal to drop these key demands, citing that new contract language could allow safeguards to be disregarded. The Pentagon, while claiming no intention for such uses, argues Anthropic's guardrails could jeopardize military operations. This article details the ongoing ethical and contractual dispute between a leading AI firm and the U.S. military.

25/100

U.S. Treasury yields fell Friday, with the benchmark 10-year yield dropping below 4%, as investors reacted to a stronger-than-expected January wholesale inflation report. Core wholesale prices rose 0.8%, significantly exceeding economists' expectations, fueling fears of stagflation—a combination of rising prices and slowing economic growth. The stock market also tumbled, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average falling over 500 points, as concerns mounted that artificial intelligence could lead to widespread job losses and economic disruption. This article highlights growing investor anxiety over inflation, potential AI-driven economic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, pushing investors towards safer assets. (not investment advice)

15/100

Nvidia's stock experienced a challenging week, falling for a second consecutive day and nearly 7% overall, despite reporting strong earnings and an optimistic growth forecast. Investors appear increasingly focused on rising competition rather than the company's accelerating growth rates. Major clients like OpenAI and Meta are exploring alternatives to Nvidia's GPUs, with OpenAI committing to Amazon Web Services' Trainium chips and Meta exploring AMD and Google's Tensor Processing Units. This shift suggests a potential slowing of Nvidia's growth trajectory in the coming years as hyperscalers diversify their AI chip suppliers. (not investment advice)

40/100

CoreWeave CEO Mike Intrator defended the company's substantial spending plans for AI infrastructure, despite an 18% plummet in its stock following disappointing revenue guidance. Intrator emphasized that the company is intentionally investing heavily to meet an "enormous" backlog and "once in a generation moment" for capacity demand, asserting that debt costs are declining. Concerns have risen over CoreWeave's reliance on debt to finance Nvidia chip purchases and its concentration of revenue from a few hyperscalers. This article highlights the company's strategy to prioritize growth and market share over short-term profitability in a volatile AI sector. (not investment advice)

30/100

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. launched a "national BBQ tour" in Austin, Texas, visiting the renowned Terry Black’s Barbecue to promote "real food" as part of the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative. This tour aligns with the Trump administration's new dietary guidelines and Kennedy's advocacy for whole, nutrient-dense foods over ultra-processed alternatives. He discussed proposed changes to nutrition education in medical schools, military meals, and baby formula regulation, also thanking ranchers for producing "nutrient-dense food." The article highlights Kennedy's personal carnivore-centric diet and efforts to reshape national health perspectives.

70/100

In a deeply emotional interview, Tim Ganger, the father of Renee Good, conveyed his profound grief and an overwhelming desire to have shielded his daughter, who was tragically shot and killed by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis. Alongside Good's mother and brothers, Ganger articulated that he would "take those bullets a thousand times" to protect her, a sentiment echoed by the entire family. His poignant remarks underscore the immense personal devastation and lasting sorrow inflicted by the incident. This article highlights the raw human impact and enduring pain experienced by Good's loved ones following her death.

5/100

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth granted Scouting America a six-month reprieve, demanding the organization align with the Trump administration's anti-DEI agenda and reconsider its gender-inclusive policies. Hegseth criticized Scouting for allegedly "watering down" its focus on God and promoting "woke ideology," explicitly stating his preference for the group to return to being exclusively male. While Scouting America CEO Roger Krone rejected changing the name or removing girls, the organization did concede to dropping a diversity merit badge and adding a military service badge. This article highlights a contentious political standoff impacting a century-old youth organization's core values and military ties.

20/100

Former President Bill Clinton, during his historic closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, vehemently denied any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein's crimes and asserted he "did nothing wrong." Clinton acknowledged his frequent use of "I do not recall" due to the passage of time but emphasized his lack of awareness of Epstein's illicit activities. He also strongly criticized the committee for compelling his wife, Hillary Clinton, to testify, stating she had "nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein." This article details the former president's testimony and his defense against associations with the convicted sex offender.

35/100

Hip-hop icon Flavor Flav is organizing a four-day "SHE GOT GAME Weekend" in Las Vegas this summer, dedicated to celebrating all female U.S. Olympians and Paralympians. The initiative gained momentum after President Trump made a dismissive comment about the gold medal-winning U.S. women's hockey team. Flav, a staunch supporter of women's sports, has partnered with MGM Resorts to provide extensive hospitality for over 100 medalists, and has launched a fundraiser to support female athletes. This article highlights a powerful grassroots effort to recognize and empower women in sports, countering political slights with positive community action.

75/100

Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham performed in Washington, D.C., emphasizing music's profound ability to bridge cultures and transcend political divides in a fractured world. At 28, fresh from a major international competition win, Sham views his instrument as a powerful platform for global connection, stating that music helps people realize their shared humanity. His diverse recital program, including a world premiere by a Hong Kong composer, aimed to offer unique experiences unavailable through other forms of media. This article highlights the artist's significant role in cultural diplomacy and his compelling message of unity through shared artistic expression.

85/100

Despite a decline in overall interest rates from recent highs, individuals can still strategically earn $500 in interest before the end of 2026 through various savings vehicles. The article outlines four methods: depositing $17,000 into a 9-month CD at 4.00%, $25,000 into a 6-month CD at 4.05%, $15,000 into a money market account at 4.00%, or $18,500 into a high-yield savings account at 4.09%. These options offer varying levels of access and fixed versus variable rates, allowing savers to choose based on their financial goals. This article provides practical guidance for maximizing returns in the current economic environment. (not investment advice)

70/100

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a "vigorous" antitrust review of the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasizing that the deal is "not a done deal." This scrutiny follows Netflix's withdrawal from its own takeover bid and comes amidst concerns over potential job cuts and reduced competition in the entertainment industry. The merger, valued at nearly $111 billion, will require approval from U.S. and European regulators, including the Justice Department's antitrust division. This article highlights significant regulatory and public backlash against media consolidation and its potential economic impact.

30/100

U.S. stocks experienced a significant decline on Friday, with the S&P 500 falling 0.9% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbling 1.4%, driven by higher-than-expected wholesale inflation data. The Producer Price Index rose 2.9% annually, signaling potential delays in Federal Reserve rate cuts. Simultaneously, mounting fears about artificial intelligence's disruptive economic impact, including job displacement, further rattled investors. Block's CEO, Jack Dorsey, announced nearly 4,000 job cuts, citing AI's role in reshaping company operations, intensifying concerns about a broader "AI jobs apocalypse." This article details a volatile market reacting to inflationary pressures and the evolving economic implications of AI. (not investment advice)

10/100

House Democrats convened at their annual retreat to strategize against President Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric and potential actions regarding U.S. elections, calling the situation a "five-alarm fire." Lawmakers expressed concerns over Trump's push for nationalized voter-ID requirements and proof of citizenship for registration, fearing these changes could disenfranchise voters. With a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act also pending, Democrats are exploring litigation, legislation, and mobilization efforts to counter what they perceive as threats to democratic processes. This article highlights the Democratic Party's urgent focus on safeguarding election integrity and voter access.

20/100

NASA has redirected its Artemis moon mission program, postponing a planned human landing and adopting a new approach to accelerate its launch schedule. Administrator Jared Isaacman announced that the Artemis III mission will now remain in Earth's orbit to practice rendezvousing with the lunar landing system, with human landings deferred to Artemis IV and V. Citing issues with the SLS rocket's helium pressurization system and liquid hydrogen leaks, the agency aims to standardize rocket design, increase workforce, and push commercial partners to accelerate lander development. This article details NASA's strategic shift to overcome technical challenges and achieve its long-term lunar exploration goals.

50/100

The Atlantic published an article criticizing the populist right for adopting tactics previously associated with the left, particularly in manufacturing racial controversies on social media. The article details how California Governor Gavin Newsom was falsely accused of racism based on an out-of-context video clip from an event, with prominent right-wing figures amplifying the misleading narrative. This incident is presented as an example of the right "becoming what it hates" by engaging in frenzied social-media pile-ons and disseminating misinformation. This article highlights the escalating political polarization and the erosion of factual discourse in contemporary public debate.

15/100

Tony- and Emmy-winning composer Marc Shaiman's memoir, "Never Mind the Happy," provides an intimate account of his half-century in showbiz, culminating in a memorable performance at the 91st Academy Awards with his idol, Bette Midler. The excerpt vividly recounts Shaiman's persistent efforts to ensure his Oscar-nominated song, "The Place Where Lost Things Go," was included in the ceremony after producers initially planned to cut several nominated musical numbers. Through strategic appeals to influential figures like Bradley Cooper and Kevin Feige, he successfully advocated for the inclusion of all five songs. This article offers a personal glimpse into the dedication and triumphs of a celebrated artist navigating the complexities of Hollywood.

80/100

An Israeli court has issued an injunction temporarily pausing a ban threat on 37 international aid organizations operating in Gaza and the West Bank, providing a crucial lifeline to vulnerable populations. Israel's government had previously mandated these groups to renew registrations under new transparency rules, which aid organizations rejected as politically motivated and a breach of data protection. These groups, including Médecins Sans Frontières and Oxfam, are vital for providing food, medical care, and water in the war-torn regions, with many accusing Israel of trying to limit independent witnesses. This article highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the complex political challenges faced by aid efforts.

35/100

The Atlantic published an article exploring the portrayal of sex in contemporary literary fiction, noting a perceived prudishness in depicting straight intimacy compared to queer narratives. The article suggests that frank sex scenes are crucial for character development, revealing vulnerabilities and communication dynamics between partners. It references Jan Saenz’s forthcoming novel, "200 Monas," as an example of a book that uses sexual scenarios to advance plot and deepen character understanding. This article contributes to a broader discussion on how authors can effectively use intimacy to provide wealth of information about characters and their relationships.

60/100

England's cricket team secured a thrilling T20 World Cup victory against New Zealand, sparking a renewed sense of optimism and recalling past successes. Young talents Will Jacks and Rehan Ahmed were instrumental in chasing down a challenging target, with Ahmed's aggressive batting after a "play like Sehwag" instruction proving decisive. This win marks England's fifth consecutive victory, instilling confidence after a period of struggles and identity issues. The article highlights a resurgence of fighting spirit and belief within the team, positioning them strongly for the semi-finals. The team's current score reflects a positive shift.

90/100

Two-time undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk is set to defend his WBC heavyweight title against former kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven in May, in a bout dubbed 'Glory in Giza' at the Pyramids of Giza. Usyk, undefeated in 24 professional boxing matches, expressed respect for Verhoeven's kickboxing achievements but emphasized the different rules of boxing. Verhoeven, making his boxing debut since 2014, views this as the "highest challenge." This article highlights the highly unusual and potentially mismatched contest for a world heavyweight title, raising questions about the logic behind such a significant fight.

60/100

Major League Soccer's experimental rule changes, designed to reduce time-wasting and accelerate play, are set to be adopted globally by the International Football Association Board (Ifab). These rules include a timed substitution rule, penalizing teams if a player takes over 10 seconds to leave the pitch, and an off-field treatment rule for injuries. After proving staggeringly effective in MLS Next Pro and MLS, significantly decreasing injury-related stoppages, these innovations are being embraced internationally. This article highlights the success of American soccer's pioneering approach to rule adjustments and its growing influence on the global game.

85/100

President Donald Trump's administration faces contradictions as advisers scramble to justify a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran, which would be the largest intervention since the Iraq war. Trump's claim that Iran is "working to build missiles that will soon reach the United States" lacks evidence, with intelligence reports suggesting a decade for such development. The White House has attempted to reconcile boasts of crippling Iran's nuclear program with the ongoing case for war, while Iranian officials dismiss Trump's claims as "big lies." This article highlights the deep inconsistencies in the administration's rationale for a potentially devastating conflict.

10/100

The average IRS tax refund has increased by 10.2% so far this filing season compared to the previous year, reaching $3,804 for individual filers as of February 20. This rise in refunds, which follows the Trump administration's "big beautiful bill," is partly attributed to changes enacted via the 2025 tax cuts. While the total amount refunded is up, the total returns processed have slightly decreased. Experts caution that individual refunds vary, but Oxford Economics estimates an almost 20% jump this year, benefiting middle- and upper-income households. This article provides an update on early tax filing trends and their potential economic impact. (not investment advice)

70/100

The Atlantic published an article exploring the portrayal of sex in contemporary literary fiction, noting a perceived prudishness in depicting straight intimacy compared to queer narratives. The article suggests that frank sex scenes are crucial for character development, revealing vulnerabilities and communication dynamics between partners. It references Jan Saenz’s forthcoming novel, "200 Monas," as an example of a book that uses sexual scenarios to advance plot and deepen character understanding. This article contributes to a broader discussion on how authors can effectively use intimacy to provide wealth of information about characters and their relationships.

25/100

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) employees are expressing widespread fear of job losses and cultural upheaval following Paramount Skydance's successful bid to acquire the company, surpassing Netflix's offer. Employees cite significant overlap in news, sports, and film divisions, with Paramount executives previously indicating plans for $6 billion in "cost synergies" through eliminating "duplicative operations." Concerns also extend to potential shifts in corporate culture and leadership, particularly at CNN, given reported promises by Paramount's CEO to President Trump regarding network changes. This article highlights the deep anxiety and uncertainty within WBD's workforce as a major corporate merger looms.

20/100

Kirk Jones, director of the Bafta-winning film "I Swear," stated that Tourette's campaigner John Davidson was "let down" after his racist slur was broadcast during the BBC's coverage of the Bafta ceremony. Jones initially believed the slur, shouted while Black actors were onstage, was contained within the auditorium and only learned of its broadcast hours later. Both the BBC and Bafta have apologized for the incident, acknowledging the harm caused and initiating comprehensive reviews. This article highlights the controversy surrounding the broadcast, the impact on Davidson, and the broader discussion about preventing such incidents.

25/100

President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could undertake a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, citing the island nation's financial troubles and ongoing talks with its government. Trump's comments, made as he left the White House, follow intensified U.S. pressure on Cuba's regime after the capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro and an oil blockade on the island. The president alluded to the Cuban exile community's desire to return, framing a takeover as "something good." This article highlights Trump's aggressive rhetoric and the escalating tensions in U.S.-Cuba relations, raising historical concerns about U.S. financial domination.

10/100

Canada's oil-rich province of Alberta is projecting a C$9.4 billion deficit, citing the combined pressures of low oil prices and a rapidly increasing population. Finance Minister Nate Horner stated the province will break its fiscal restraint laws and cannot balance its budget for the next three years. The economic outlook comes as Alberta prepares for referendums, including one proposing fees for newcomers accessing social services, amidst a separate secession movement. This article highlights the significant financial challenges facing Alberta and the controversial political measures being considered to address them. (not investment advice)

30/100

President Donald Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with the latest nuclear talks with Iran, stating he is "not happy" with their unwillingness to meet U.S. demands and reiterated that military force remains an option. The breakdown in negotiations in Geneva prompted several countries, including the UK, China, and Germany, to issue warnings and advise citizens to leave Iran and Israel due to potential hostilities. Trump has ordered a significant U.S. military build-up in the Middle East, while Iran has vowed a forceful response to any attack. This article details the escalating diplomatic failure and the heightened risk of military conflict in the region.

5/100

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly stated his company shares Anthropic's "red lines" regarding the military use of AI models, specifically opposing their deployment in fully autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance. This declaration comes amidst Anthropic's escalating dispute with the Pentagon, which has threatened to label Anthropic a "supply chain risk" for refusing to drop these restrictions. Altman's intervention could complicate the Pentagon's efforts to replace Anthropic if the contract is terminated. This article highlights a growing industry consensus on ethical AI development and the challenges of balancing national security with responsible technology use.

35/100

Federal authorities have arrested 25 more individuals, bringing the total to 39, for their alleged involvement in an anti-ICE protest at Cities Church in Minnesota in January. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the unsealed indictment, emphasizing that attacking a house of worship is unacceptable and that the Justice Department "STANDS for Christians and all Americans of faith." The demonstration aimed to highlight a pastor allegedly serving as an acting ICE field director, following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. This article details the government's crackdown on protestors and the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.

15/100

Jack Dorsey's decision to cut nearly half of Block's workforce, approximately 4,000 jobs, has intensified the debate among economists about artificial intelligence's potential impact on employment. Dorsey framed the layoffs as a fundamental shift in company operations driven by AI, predicting similar moves across industries. While some economists view these cuts as company-specific adjustments rather than a broader labor market trend, others acknowledge AI's potential to disrupt jobs and prompt companies to reallocate investments from labor to technology. This article explores the varying perspectives on whether these layoffs signal an impending "AI jobs apocalypse" or a redefinition of work. (not investment advice)

25/100

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, pledged to "keep on fighting" after his party suffered a devastating by-election loss in Gorton and Denton, Greater Manchester, to the Green Party. This historic victory marks the Greens' first parliamentary seat in northern England, with plumber Hannah Spencer becoming their fifth MP. The defeat, which saw Labour slump to third place, has intensified criticism of Starmer's leadership ahead of crucial May elections. Starmer accused the Greens of "divisive, sectarian" politics, while the Greens emphasized uniting voters on cost-of-living and public service concerns. This article highlights a significant political upset and growing pressure on the Labour leader.

45/100

CoreWeave shares declined 8% in extended trading after the artificial intelligence-focused cloud infrastructure provider issued lower-than-expected revenue guidance for the current quarter. The company reported $1.57 billion in fourth-quarter revenue but projected $1.9 billion to $2 billion for the first quarter, below analyst consensus. Despite strong year-over-year revenue growth and ambitious capital expenditure plans for 2026, CoreWeave CEO Mike Intrator noted the ongoing short supply of Nvidia graphics chips. This article highlights investor concerns about the company's profitability and the challenges of scaling infrastructure in a high-demand, high-cost AI market. (not investment advice)

30/100

Netflix announced its withdrawal from the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), declining to match Paramount Skydance's increased $31 per share offer, valued at approximately $110 billion. Netflix co-CEOs stated the higher price made the deal no longer "financially attractive," clearing the path for a massive merger between Paramount Skydance and WBD. The proposed union will require approval from federal antitrust enforcers, with Netflix having met with Justice Department officials regarding potential antitrust concerns. This article details a major strategic shift in the entertainment industry, reshaping the competitive landscape for streaming and content creation.

60/100

As U.S. mortgage rates reach their lowest levels in years, falling below 6% for a conventional 30-year loan, experts advise homebuyers to shop around extensively to save tens of thousands of dollars. The average gap between the lowest and highest APR can be significant, with a difference of 0.74 percentage points potentially saving borrowers nearly $58,000 over the loan's lifetime. Factors like credit record, down payment, and loan duration influence rates, but comparing offers allows for better negotiation. This article provides crucial financial guidance for prospective homeowners to maximize savings in the current market. (not investment advice)

75/100

Several longtime journalists at KTLA-TV, including weatherman Mark Kriski and midday anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, were "blindsided" by recent layoffs announced by Nexstar Media Group. These cuts are part of corporate restructuring as Nexstar pursues a merger with Tegna, aiming to cut costs and expand its station ownership across the U.S. Viewers and fellow journalists have expressed shock and disappointment, while SAG-AFTRA, representing the laid-off staff, condemned the actions and accused Nexstar of eroding local news resources. This article highlights the human impact of media consolidation and its implications for local journalism.

20/100

The CNBC Investing Club, led by Jim Cramer, provided a comprehensive update on its portfolio, with a special focus on "Fourth Industrial Revolution" stocks heavily involved in the artificial intelligence trade. Cramer highlighted chipmakers like Nvidia, Corning, and Eaton as "clear-cut winners" benefiting from the AI buildout. The update also covered other tech giants like Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft, acknowledging their strategic positioning while noting varying levels of investor concern. This article offers insights into the Club's investment strategy, identifying key growth drivers and challenges across its diverse holdings. (not investment advice)

65/100

Rayna Greenberg, co-host of the highly successful "Girls Gotta Eat" podcast, is embarking on a national stand-up comedy tour, stepping into her "biggest fear" at age 40. Her one-woman show, which delves into her dating experiences with graphic detail, is intentionally structured as a story with a beginning, middle, and end, offering commentary on how dating has evolved. Greenberg, known for her savvy and thoughtful approach to career risks, sees this new venture as a fulfilling challenge after achieving over 150 million podcast downloads. This article highlights her journey of personal growth and artistic ambition.

90/100