Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) reported fourth-quarter earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, yet its first-quarter revenue forecast fell short of some projections, causing an 8% drop in stock value. Despite achieving $1.53 EPS and $10.27 billion in revenue, the anticipated $9.8 billion for Q1, while above consensus, disappointed those expecting stronger guidance amidst the AI spending boom. AMD, a key player in AI chip manufacturing, confirmed significant customer acquisitions, including OpenAI and Oracle, with its data center segment experiencing a robust 39% increase in sales. This performance highlights the company's strong position in the growing AI market. (not investment advice)

40/100

Carolina Panthers stars Bryce Young and Rico Dowdle expressed significant optimism after the team's improved performance led them to the playoffs, viewing the season as a crucial "starting point" for the franchise. Young achieved career highs with 23 touchdowns and over 3,000 passing yards, demonstrating clear progress in his development. Dowdle, a new addition, also highlighted the team's growth despite their Cinderella run ending in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Rams, emphasizing excitement for future seasons.

75/100

The U.S. Department of Justice has released an extensive collection of files pertaining to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, encompassing three million documents and photos. This substantial disclosure comes after prolonged public and legal pressure for greater transparency regarding Epstein's network and his pattern of abuse. The release is anticipated to provide further, deeply disturbing insights into the breadth of his activities and the individuals associated with his illicit operations, marking a significant, albeit challenging, step towards accountability.

20/100

Arsenal has ended a nearly six-year wait for a major final appearance, triumphing over Chelsea with a 4-2 aggregate victory in the Carabao Cup semi-final. This significant win, their first under Mikel Arteta since the 2020 FA Cup, is viewed as a crucial psychological boost for the team. Players and staff celebrated enthusiastically, hoping this success helps shed the club's "nearly men" reputation and builds vital momentum for their pursuit of further silverware across other competitions this season, demonstrating their readiness to compete at the highest level.

80/100

A reported $100 billion deal between AI giants Nvidia and OpenAI appears stalled, with no formal contract signed and some internal doubts cited by Nvidia regarding OpenAI's business model. Despite this friction, both companies publicly maintain a "foundational" relationship, acknowledging their mutual dependence as OpenAI needs Nvidia's chips for growth and Nvidia relies on major customers like OpenAI to drive sales. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirmed future investment, while OpenAI CEO Sam Altman dismissed "insanity" surrounding their partnership. (not investment advice)

55/100

President Trump has suggested that Republicans should "nationalize" voting, citing unsubstantiated claims of widespread voter fraud, particularly involving non-citizens, and urging his party to "take over the voting" in multiple states. This proposal directly challenges constitutional provisions that delegate election authority to individual states. The suggestion has met with significant pushback from Republican leaders in Congress, who uphold the existing decentralized election system, raising concerns about federal overreach and election integrity.

30/100

U.S. President Donald Trump and Colombian President Gustavo Petro held a "constructive" White House meeting, signaling a significant thaw in relations after months of mutual insults and diplomatic tensions. The leaders discussed critical issues including energy, Venezuela, and collaborative efforts to combat drug trafficking, with both describing the conversation as positive. This encounter appeared to ease strains that had escalated over immigration policies and U.S. aid, marking a renewed effort at cooperation despite their considerable political differences.

65/100

California wildlife officials have approved a controversial plan to eradicate Catalina Island's entire mule deer population, estimated at over 2,000, as part of a comprehensive ecosystem restoration effort. The Catalina Island Conservancy argues this is vital for the recovery of native plants, wildfire risk reduction, and groundwater replenishment. Professional hunters will cull the non-native deer over several years, a decision that has ignited fierce opposition from hunters, animal welfare advocates, and some local residents who cherish the deer.

35/100

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has relocated from his Royal Lodge residence to the Sandringham Estate, following the removal of his princely title last October. This move occurs amidst persistent pressure for him to provide evidence in the U.S. concerning his association with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with recent document releases including images and emails linking him to the disgraced financier. Andrew continues to deny any wrongdoing, and the King will cover the expenses for his new temporary home.

30/100

China has implemented a new regulation, effective 2027, requiring all car doors to be mechanically openable from either side, aiming to enhance rescue efforts during crashes. This mandate addresses the safety risks associated with electrically powered, hidden door handles, a design popularized by Tesla and adopted by many automakers. Such handles can malfunction after accidents or battery failures, trapping occupants, and have been linked to fatalities, prompting similar investigations and legislative proposals in the United States.

60/100

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of "Today," will withdraw from NBC's 2026 Winter Olympics coverage to prioritize her family during the ongoing police investigation into the suspected abduction of her mother. Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Arizona home, with authorities believing she was taken against her will, leaving behind her phone, wallet, and crucial medication. NBC News has expressed profound support for Guthrie and her family during this deeply distressing and urgent search.

15/100

The Pima County Sheriff confirmed that a ransom note is under investigation in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie. The note, received by a local news station, contained specific details about Nancy's home and attire, leading investigators to treat it seriously. Authorities are also working to recover surveillance footage from her home, as the 84-year-old, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, is believed to have been abducted.

10/100

Chipotle Mexican Grill's stock experienced a significant decline after the company reported a fourth consecutive quarter of falling restaurant traffic and issued a conservative flat same-store sales growth forecast for 2026. Despite surpassing Q4 earnings and revenue expectations, the weak guidance signals ongoing challenges, marking the chain's first annual same-store sales decline since 2016. Executives attribute this to unpredictable consumer trends and are focusing on operational improvements and new menu items to attract customers. (not investment advice)

40/100

Apple is integrating advanced agentic coding capabilities from Anthropic's Claude Agent and OpenAI's Codex into its flagship Xcode development tool, marking a significant embrace of AI in software development. This update empowers AI software to independently write, build, test, and resolve code, thereby enhancing programmer productivity. Developers will connect their AI accounts via an API key, enabling Xcode to handle complex, multi-step tasks and leverage open standards for compatibility with various AI tools.

70/100

Authorities are intensively searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, who is believed to have been abducted from her Arizona home. Police confirmed the discovery of blood at the scene, which is currently undergoing testing, though no ransom demand has been publicly confirmed. Nancy, who requires daily medication and has limited mobility, was reported missing after failing to attend church, intensifying fears for her safety as the FBI assists in the urgent investigation.

5/100

A growing number of companies, including Pinterest and Dow, are increasingly attributing recent job cuts to their expanding investment in artificial intelligence, signaling a significant shift in workforce dynamics. In 2025, AI was cited in 55,000 layoffs, a substantial increase from previous years, predominantly within the tech sector. While economists continue to debate AI's broader impact on employment, some experts suggest that companies may be utilizing AI as a strategic justification for layoffs, aiming to demonstrate efficiency gains and streamline operations.

35/100

A devastating light aircraft crash on farmland in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, resulted in the deaths of two men aboard. The small Cirrus SR 20 plane, which had departed Birmingham Airport, came down near the M62, with images showing a yellow parachute canopy caught in a nearby pylon. Emergency services, including the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, are on scene to determine the full circumstances of the incident. No other individuals were reported to have been on board or injured on the ground.

0/100

Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos faced intense questioning in a Senate hearing regarding the company's proposed $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros., addressing antitrust concerns and potential impacts on jobs and production. Sarandos committed to maintaining a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films and pledged to increase U.S. film and TV production spending to $26 billion. He emphasized that the deal would strengthen the industry and that Netflix and HBO Max are complementary services, despite ongoing competition from Paramount.

60/100

William "Bill" Stevenson, the former husband of First Lady Jill Biden, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Linda Stevenson. Police discovered Linda unresponsive in their Wilmington home in December, initiating a weeks-long investigation that culminated in a grand jury indictment. Stevenson, 77, was taken into custody without incident and is being held on $500,000 bail. The specific cause of death and additional details surrounding the case have not yet been publicly released.

0/100

The Trump administration has controversially introduced "Coalie," a cartoon lump of coal mascot, to promote its "American Energy Dominance Agenda" and boost the struggling U.S. coal industry. Climate activists and community members have strongly criticized the initiative as "sick," highlighting coal's significant contribution to climate change and severe public health issues like black lung disease. Despite efforts to rebrand coal as "clean, beautiful," its economic decline persists due to market forces favoring cheaper renewable energy sources and natural gas.

25/100

At least 14 migrants have died after a speedboat carrying them collided with a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel off the coast of the Greek island of Chios. The incident occurred during a pursuit, with the speedboat reportedly executing dangerous maneuvers in the Chios Strait. Twenty-four individuals were rescued, some with serious injuries, while others are still missing. A large-scale search and rescue operation, involving multiple coastguard vessels, a private boat, and a helicopter, is currently underway to locate survivors.

0/100

A California doctor faces a lawsuit under a new Texas law that permits private citizens to take civil action against anyone providing abortion medication in Texas. The lawsuit alleges Dr. Remy Coeytaux mailed pills to a Texas woman, violating state prohibitions on out-of-state providers. This case intensifies the legal battle between states with differing abortion laws post-Roe v. Wade, as Texas seeks to restrict access while California implements "shield laws" to protect its doctors.

30/100

NASA plans an on-pad repair for a hydrogen fuel leak that interrupted the Artemis II moon rocket's dress rehearsal, delaying its piloted flight to March at the earliest. The leak, located in an umbilical plate, emerged during the final six minutes of the countdown, stopping the test before all major objectives were met. While a setback, NASA officials consider the test invaluable for identifying system issues and ensuring astronaut safety before the historic mission around the moon.

60/100

A highly classified whistleblower complaint, alleging wrongdoing by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, has finally been shared with top congressional leaders after an eight-month delay. The complaint, filed in May 2025, raised concerns about a classified report's limited distribution and a potential crime not being referred to the Justice Department, allegedly for political reasons. The intelligence community Inspector General cited classification complexities, a government shutdown, and leadership changes as reasons for the prolonged holdup.

40/100

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's sexual assault have vehemently condemned the U.S. Department of Justice's handling of recently released files, citing "extreme redactions" and the inadvertent exposure of victims' personal information. Jess Michaels, a survivor, labeled the redaction efforts an "embarrassment" and suggested they felt deliberately intimidating. The DOJ acknowledged the error and is working to remove inadvertently produced documents, while survivors continue to demand full accountability and testimony from powerful individuals linked to Epstein's network.

15/100

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed profound emotional distress over images of child victims in global conflict zones, asserting his commitment to "speak up to be a better society." During a news conference, he referenced ongoing conflicts in Palestine, Ukraine, Sudan, and recent shootings by ICE agents in the United States, emphasizing the universal human suffering. Guardiola stressed the moral imperative to protect human life and advocate against injustices, urging collective compassion and action.

50/100

The sexual assault trial of Marius Borg Høiby, son of Norway's Crown Princess, has commenced, featuring a tearful account from a woman alleging she was sexually assaulted at a 2018 party. Høiby pleaded not guilty to four sexual assault charges and other offenses, while admitting to minor infractions. The trial also brings renewed scrutiny to his mother's past correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, for which she has previously admitted "poor judgment" amidst ongoing public scrutiny.

10/100

Bitcoin briefly dropped below $73,000, hitting its lowest price in nearly 16 months, as heavy selling resumed amidst growing geopolitical concerns. The cryptocurrency's value has fallen 16% year-to-date, with investor jitters exacerbated by delays in crucial U.S. economic data and uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency regulation. Despite this pullback, experts from Dragonfly Capital maintain that the crypto market's underlying fundamentals remain strong, projecting a constructive medium to long-term outlook as markets continue to restructure. (not investment advice)

45/100

The intensive search continues for Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, who authorities believe was abducted from her Arizona home over the weekend. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated they have no leads on her whereabouts or suspect information, confirming the home is a crime scene. Nancy, 84, has limited mobility and requires daily medication, intensifying fears for her safety as the FBI assists in the urgent investigation and appeals for public tips.

5/100

A federal court has issued a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration's attempt to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for over 350,000 Haitian immigrants, marking a significant, albeit temporary, legal victory. Judge Ana Reyes cited the Homeland Security Secretary's "hostility to nonwhite immigrants" and a likely violation of the Administrative Procedure Act. This decision offers a crucial reprieve for Haitians, who face severe crisis in their home country, amidst the administration's broader efforts to end TPS for numerous immigrant groups.

60/100

Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify in the House congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, thereby averting a contempt of Congress vote. Bill Clinton, who previously denied knowledge of Epstein's sexual offending, will provide a deposition on February 27, with Hillary Clinton testifying the day before. The Clintons had initially resisted the summons, labeling it a political ploy, but ultimately conceded to the committee's demands for filmed and transcribed testimony.

50/100

President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding bill, officially ending a partial government shutdown that began last Friday, following its approval by the House. The shutdown occurred after Democrats demanded restrictions on Trump’s mass deportation campaign, prompted by fatal shootings involving federal agents in Minneapolis. While most departments are now funded through September, the Department of Homeland Security's funding remains temporary, pending negotiations over agent conduct, accountability measures, and body camera requirements.

55/100

President Trump's "big beautiful bill" has retroactively increased the federal deduction limit for state and local taxes (SALT) to $40,000 for 2025, up from $10,000, which could lead to higher refunds for certain filers. This expanded tax break primarily benefits higher earners who itemize deductions, particularly those in high-tax states like New York and California. While the change might encourage more filers to itemize, the deduction begins to phase out for incomes exceeding $500,000. (not investment advice)

60/100

New York's Attorney General, Letitia James, announced the formation of a team of legal observers to monitor and document the Trump administration's immigration enforcement officers during ICE raids. These volunteer employees will observe without interference, ensuring federal actions adhere to legal bounds, a direct response to recent violent incidents and accusations of lawless tactics in other states. The initiative aims to enhance transparency and accountability, with gathered information potentially used for legal challenges against federal actions.

50/100

The Metropolitan Police has launched a criminal investigation into former Labour minister Peter Mandelson over allegations of misconduct in public office, stemming from claims he leaked market-sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein. Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice reportedly show Mandelson forwarding details about the 2008 financial crash and a €500bn EU bailout to Epstein. Mandelson denies criminal wrongdoing but has reiterated regret for his association with Epstein and plans to resign from the House of Lords.

20/100

U.S. citizens testified before congressional Democrats, recounting violent encounters with immigration agents, including shootings and forceful detentions, amidst urgent calls for Department of Homeland Security reform. Witnesses, including relatives of those killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, shared harrowing experiences of alleged excessive force and constitutional rights violations. Democrats are demanding a complete overhaul of DHS, including body cameras, officer identification, and independent investigations into violence, threatening to withhold further funding without these critical reforms.

15/100

A report by Democratic members of a U.S. House committee accuses the White House and Department of Homeland Security of a cover-up regarding the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis. The report alleges that the Trump administration's extreme policies and tactics led to the deaths and that subsequent claims about the victims were false. It concludes that the administration is impeding investigations and attempting to conceal misconduct, demanding accountability for these preventable killings.

10/100

The unexpected removal of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia has raised questions about the battle readiness of China's military and its capacity for large-scale operations, particularly concerning Taiwan. Analysts suggest that despite deteriorating cross-strait ties, Beijing's assessment indicates Taiwan's movement towards formal independence remains contained. Under President Donald Trump, the United States appears focused on maintaining the Taiwan Strait status quo and consolidating its strategic position within the Western Hemisphere.

45/100