After a bruising week that saw over $1 trillion wiped from their market caps, major technology stocks like Oracle and Microsoft began to show signs of recovery on Monday. Oracle surged 9% following an upgrade from D.A. Davidson, while Microsoft gained 3%, and other tech giants also saw increases. The recent market jitters were primarily attributed to investor concerns over escalating capital expenditures related to AI bets, with companies like Amazon and Alphabet reporting substantial Q4 investments that exceeded expectations. Despite potential stock volatility amid macro headwinds, management teams express confidence in their ability to forecast demand and fully utilize capacity by 2026. (not investment advice)

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President Trump's executive order to increase U.S. beef imports from Argentina, aiming to reduce consumer costs, is unlikely to have a significant impact, according to agricultural economists. The additional 80,000 metric tons of tariff-free lean beef trimmings represent only 0.6% of the overall U.S. beef supply, a quantity deemed too small to meaningfully influence market prices. Elevated ground beef prices, which reached $6.69 a pound in December and are up 19% from a year ago, are primarily driven by extreme weather conditions that have shrunk the nation's cattle supply. Rebuilding this supply is a multi-year process, suggesting no immediate relief for consumers. (not investment advice)

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Workday announced that CEO Carl Eschenbach is stepping down, with co-founder Aneel Bhusri immediately reassuming the top leadership role. This change comes as software stocks, including Workday, face significant pressure due to investor fears about artificial intelligence disrupting the sector, with Workday shares down more than 25% year-to-date. Bhusri emphasized that AI represents a transformative moment that will define future market leaders, a perspective contrasting Eschenbach's previous dismissal of AI concerns. The company had already cut approximately 1,750 jobs last year to bolster its investments in the evolving technology landscape.

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Monday.com's stock fell sharply by 21% on Monday after the project management platform issued weak revenue guidance, intensifying investor concerns about artificial intelligence disrupting the software business model. The company's full-year revenue forecast of $1.452 billion to $1.462 billion fell short of analyst expectations, contributing to a significant decline in its market value this year, which has already lost about half its value. Despite management defending their market position and highlighting new AI capabilities like agents and a vibe feature, they anticipate ongoing market choppiness. This reflects a broader trend where software stocks are selling off due to worries that new AI tools could replace existing solutions. (not investment advice)

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Starbucks has launched new internationally inspired menu items, including six bakery products and two permanent fruit-flavored matcha beverages, as part of CEO Brian Niccol's "Back to Starbucks" turnaround initiative. This comprehensive effort aims to reverse consecutive quarterly declines in the company's same-store sales and significantly improve the overall customer experience. Recent results show some positive traction, with same-store sales rising 4% in the most recent quarter. The strategy also includes eliminating non-dairy milk charges, adding personal touches, and revamping the loyalty program, all in direct response to customer feedback for more relevant offerings.

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Super Bowl LX weekend saw several celebrities, including Kim Kardashian and F1 racing star Lewis Hamilton, fueling romance rumors after being spotted together in a suite during the big game. This follows previous sightings in Paris, suggesting a potential new relationship for Kardashian. Additionally, influencer Alix Earle and retired NFL star Tom Brady were seen getting flirty at a pre-Super Bowl party, weeks after initial canoodling reports on New Year's Eve. Meanwhile, fans speculated about a possible breakup between Cardi B and Stefon Diggs after her cryptic comments and their apparent social media unfollowing. This article highlights the various celebrity interactions and speculative relationships surrounding the major sporting event.

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Footballer Jack Grealish has confirmed undergoing surgery for a foot stress fracture, prematurely ending his season-long loan at Everton. The injury, sustained on January 18 during a match against Aston Villa, also extinguishes his hopes of making England's World Cup squad this summer, despite recent form suggesting a potential recall. Grealish, who previously won multiple titles with Manchester City, expressed his disappointment but vowed to return fitter, stronger, and better than before. He also thanked Everton staff, teammates, and fans for their incredible support, highlighting his affection for the club despite his curtailed tenure.

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"Today" host Savannah Guthrie has issued a desperate public plea for help in locating her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted over a week ago from her Arizona home. Authorities are intensely investigating the case, which includes ransom demands for Bitcoin and a Monday deadline from someone claiming to be the kidnapper. Despite the family's stated willingness to pay, investigators have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the ransom notes and continue to pursue all leads without identifying any suspects or vehicles. The family and law enforcement are urging anyone with information to contact authorities immediately to aid in her safe return.

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Families of the Hillsborough disaster victims have denounced a recent apology from South Yorkshire Police as "hollow" and "beggars belief," demanding concrete action to correct official court records. Trevor and Jenni Hicks, who lost two daughters in the 1989 tragedy, are campaigning to amend records that falsely state their girls died "swift and sudden deaths," despite later evidence proving prolonged suffering. While Chief Constable Lauren Poultney issued an "unreserved apology" for contesting the original civil case in 1991, the force has not committed to calling for a new court hearing to rectify the inaccuracies. This ongoing fight highlights the importance of implementing the delayed Hillsborough Law to ensure public officials tell the truth.

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A bipartisan package of bills aimed at boosting housing affordability is set to advance in the House, with strong support from both parties and President Donald Trump. The legislation seeks to incentivize construction and reduce regulations, offering grants to local governments for streamlining processes and updating definitions for manufactured housing. The Department of Housing and Urban Development would also develop best practices for zoning guidelines to ease building. While the Senate passed a similar bill, differences remain, particularly regarding community bank provisions, but lawmakers are optimistic about reaching a consensus to address rising home costs and get a bill to the President's desk this year. (not investment advice)

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Morgan Stanley suggests buying Microsoft and Salesforce, seeing "attractive entry points" after a recent sell-off driven by fears of AI disruption in software. Analysts believe AI's promise of improving efficiency proves software's value, and companies can adapt pricing models as they have in the past. While acknowledging the AI coding threat, they note developer productivity has always improved, and third-party software has flourished alongside open-source alternatives for decades. CNBC's Investing Club agrees on Microsoft due to its cloud strength, but holds Salesforce, citing concerns about its declining price-to-earnings multiple despite earnings, indicating ongoing investor worry about the future. (not investment advice)

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Beloved Los Angeles taqueria Villa’s Tacos made a surprise primetime appearance during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show, delighting its loyal patrons and the owner. Bad Bunny's 13-minute performance was a vibrant tribute to Puerto Rican culture, featuring various vendors before stopping at the taco stand. Owner Victor Villas, a first-generation Mexican-American immigrant, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to represent his people, culture, and family on such a global stage, especially given the current political climate. The cameo was praised by LA's mayor and underscored Bad Bunny's broader message of diversity, multiculturalism, and love for the Americas.

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Target announced plans to significantly increase store staffing and invest more hours in frontline employees, while eliminating approximately 500 jobs in distribution centers and regional offices. This strategic shift, one of the first under new CEO Michael Fiddelke, aims to address persistent customer complaints about messy shelves, out-of-stock items, and longer checkout lines. The company seeks to restore its reputation for attentive service and trendy merchandise, having faced flat annual sales for four years and prior corporate layoffs. This move also intends to simplify operations that have become increasingly complex for store managers balancing in-store guest support with growing fulfillment businesses.

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Southern California's unusually warm and dry weather pattern, which extended from January into early February, is set to end after Monday, with forecasters predicting cooler temperatures and showers later in the week. Downtown Los Angeles, which saw highs around 80 degrees, will drop into the 60s on Tuesday as a series of storms approaches from the ocean. The first storm is expected late Tuesday night into early Wednesday, bringing light to moderate rain of half an inch to one inch, potentially causing minor road flooding and increased traffic. Strong winds are also anticipated, especially in mountain areas, along with snow at elevations above 5,000 feet, prompting travel advisories.

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The Pentagon announced on Monday that U.S. forces boarded and seized a sanctioned Panama-flagged oil tanker, the Aquila II, in the Indian Ocean. The vessel was tracked from the Caribbean, operating in defiance of President Trump's established quarantine of sanctioned ships. This tanker was transporting Russian oil and was one of at least 16 ships to depart Venezuela last month following the U.S. capture of former-President Nicolás Maduro. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. effort under the Trump administration to disrupt "shadow fleets" used by countries like Venezuela, Iran, and Russia to evade sanctions and cut off vital oil deliveries, particularly to Cuba.

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Emerald Fennell's new film adaptation of Emily Brontë's "Wuthering Heights" is described as a "heaving, rip-snortingly carnal" and "gooey, grimy mess," marking her best work to date. The article highlights Fennell's distinctive aesthetic of clashing beauty and filth, which perfectly suits the novel's desolate themes of Victorian propriety versus wild, baser nature. The film, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, condenses the sprawling plot to focus intensely on Cathy and Heathcliff's unbalanced, quasi-feral bond. Using glossy, MTV-esque visuals and flamboyant theatricality, Fennell successfully brings the book's simmering sexual repression to a passionate, thuddingly blunt boil.

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The Department of Justice has released a massive trove of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, comprising three million documents and photos. This extensive release follows a law passed by Congress last year, aiming to shed further light on Epstein's years-long sexual abuse of underage girls and his intricate connections to high-profile figures. The collection is expected to provide crucial details and context surrounding the disgraced financier's illicit activities and the network that allegedly enabled his crimes. This ongoing disclosure continues to fuel investigations and intense public scrutiny into the scandal.

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King Charles has made his first intervention in the Epstein scandal, expressing "profound concern" and stating Buckingham Palace's readiness to support police investigating allegations against his brother, Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Thames Valley Police are currently assessing a complaint regarding suspected misconduct in public office and breach of official secrets, following emails in the newly released Epstein files. These emails reportedly show Andrew passing confidential investment details and official reports to Epstein. The King and Queen extended their thoughts and sympathies to victims of all forms of abuse, while pressure mounts on the former prince amid new claims and photographs.

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The Super Bowl halftime featured both Bad Bunny's performance and an alternative show by Turning Point USA, led by Kid Rock, inadvertently highlighting unexpected thematic overlaps despite their intended contrast. Both acts, for instance, celebrated working-class values, the joys of partying, and patriotism, with Bad Bunny even hosting a wedding on stage. While Turning Point's show delivered grievances against elites, Bad Bunny's performance also subtly critiqued political neglect in Puerto Rico, using sparking power poles as a symbol. This article suggests that despite right-wing backlash, many Americans share relatable values, fostering potential understanding across cultural divides.

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Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse have guaranteed the United States its first Olympic medal in mixed doubles curling, advancing to the gold medal match at the Milano Cortina Games. The duo secured their spot with a thrilling 9-8 victory over host Italy in the semifinal. Dropkin, making his first Olympic appearance, and Thiesse, a veteran of the 2018 Games, won the world title in 2023, showcasing their strong partnership. They will now face Swedish siblings Isabella and Rasmus Wrana on Tuesday, marking a significant and historic milestone for U.S. curling, with both athletes having deep family ties to the sport.

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Team GB's Mia Brookes narrowly missed an Olympic medal, placing fourth in the snowboard big air final after a near-perfect backside 1620 trick resulted in an over-rotation and a heel edge catch. Despite the disappointment, the 19-year-old, a world champion and two-time X Games gold medallist, expressed excitement for her upcoming slopestyle event, which starts with qualifying on February 16. The day also saw the British mixed doubles curling team miss a guaranteed medal, suffering a surprise semi-final defeat to Sweden. Brookes remains a composed figure at the Games, maintaining a good headspace and focusing on future opportunities.

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The financial value of 2026 Winter Olympics gold medals has increased significantly due to soaring gold and silver prices, with their "melt value" now estimated around $2,500. Modern Olympic gold medals are primarily composed of 500 grams of silver plated with six grams of pure gold, while silver medals are solid silver. Despite this material value, the collectible value of a medal, especially if sold soon after the games, can range from $50,000 to $80,000, far exceeding its intrinsic worth. Some athletes, like Ryan Lochte, have auctioned their medals for charity, emphasizing their historical and personal significance over monetary value. (not investment advice)

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For individuals facing substantial tax debt, engaging a tax relief company can offer crucial assistance in negotiating with the IRS, especially when facing liens or levies. This article highlights top firms for 2026, such as Larson Tax Relief for small businesses and Community Tax Relief for value, categorized by their standout features. It advises taxpayers to first attempt direct communication with the IRS, understand minimum debt thresholds for services, and be wary of unrealistic guarantees from firms promising specific outcomes. Transparency in fee structures, strong credentials, and a proven track record are essential for choosing the right professional help. (not investment advice)

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Cuba announced that international airlines can no longer refuel on the island due to a severe aviation fuel shortage, expected to persist for the next month and affect all international airports. This critical situation follows increased pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba and conducted military operations against its ally Venezuela. Russia has acknowledged the "truly critical" situation, while Mexico's President plans humanitarian aid and seeks a diplomatic solution for resuming oil shipments. The fuel scarcity has prompted extensive measures within Cuba to ration supplies and protect essential services, including shortening school days and reducing the working week.

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The precious metals market has seen significant shifts, prompting investors over 50 to reconsider gold and silver as retirement approaches, balancing stability and upside potential. Gold is favored for its relative stability, liquidity, and downside protection, especially amid market uncertainty and strong central bank demand. Silver, despite recent volatility, retains strong industrial demand from sectors like solar manufacturing and electric vehicles, making it appealing for those seeking growth and comfortable with bigger price swings. Ultimately, the smarter choice depends on individual risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment goals, with many opting for a blend of both metals to achieve a balanced portfolio. (not investment advice)

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Seventeen individuals were arrested after the Garden Grove Police Department raided DD Cafe, which was operating as a "bikini cafe," in response to complaints of illegal activity. The business, located on McFadden Avenue, allegedly served customers while employees wore bikinis and was not permitted to sell alcohol, violating public nudity codes. Investigators served a search warrant, leading to the arrests and the business being red-tagged. The Yelp page for DD Cafe, which previously described its offerings as "adult entertainment," now states that it is permanently closed as of this month.

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Atlanta Falcons linebacker James Pearce Jr. was arrested on five felony charges after allegedly striking a police officer while evading arrest and intentionally crashing his Lamborghini SUV into a vehicle driven by WNBA player Rickea Jackson. Jackson, his ex-girlfriend, reported that Pearce followed her, tried to open her car door at a red light, and then rammed her car after she ended their three-year relationship. Pearce resisted arrest after a pursuit and subsequent crash, leading to his medical treatment. The Falcons organization stated they are aware of the incident and are in the process of gathering more information on the open legal matter.

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The quadruple jump, or quad, has become an indispensable element in men's competitive ice skating, requiring immense precision, rotational speed, and power for at least four mid-air revolutions. Timothy Goebel, the first skater to land three quads in a program, highlights the intense physical and mental fortitude required for these less-than-a-second maneuvers. The even more daring quad axel, involving four-and-a-half revolutions from a forward takeoff, was first landed in competition by Ilia Malinin, an achievement previously thought impossible. With analytics aiding training, the standard for jumps has dramatically risen since 2002, continuously pushing the boundaries of human ability in the sport.

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The Food and Drug Administration has issued a letter to Novo Nordisk, stating that its TV advertisement for the newly launched obesity pill Wegovy contains "false or misleading" claims. The FDA alleges the ad misleadingly implies superior benefits beyond physical weight loss, such as emotional relief, reduced psychological burden, and solutions to broader life challenges, without sufficient supporting evidence. Furthermore, the agency flagged the ad for failing to properly present risk information in both audio and text, a critical requirement for television drug advertising. This regulatory action adds to the mounting hurdles for Novo Nordisk, which is also suing Hims & Hers over compounded versions of its GLP-1 drugs.

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Cadillac has made history as the first American auto giant with a dedicated Formula One team, unveiling its black and white livery for the inaugural 2026 season during the Super Bowl. Led by team principal Graeme Lowdon, the team has hired over 500 people and signed veteran drivers Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez, who bring significant experience. Despite the excitement and high expectations among U.S. fans, F1 insiders like Ross Brawn and David Croft advise patience, as developing a winning F1 car and team typically takes several seasons of consistent investment. The move capitalizes on F1's growing popularity in the U.S., fueled by shows like "Drive to Survive" and additional races in American time zones.

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The Munich Security Conference (MSC) report for 2026 warns of President Donald Trump's "wrecking-ball politics" impacting global governance, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads a sizable delegation to the event. Conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger aims to repair transatlantic trust and foster a more self-reliant Europe, acknowledging the damage done to international cooperation. The report notes eroding public trust in institutions and the rise of radical parties across Western democracies, attributing a shift towards transactional, interest-driven global politics to Trump's disruptive approach. Prominent U.S. critics of the president, including several governors and a representative, are also scheduled to speak, highlighting the diverse perspectives at the conference.

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Cori Broadus, Snoop Dogg’s daughter, and her fiancé Wayne Polk laid their infant daughter, Codi, to rest over the weekend, less than a year after her premature birth. Broadus shared emotional scenes from the memorial on Instagram, including a moving eulogy where she expressed profound grief and questioned the tragedy, while also finding comfort in Codi's peace. Codi had faced significant health issues, with Broadus detailing her daughter's struggles and her own guilt over potential lupus inheritance, an autoimmune condition she was diagnosed with in childhood. The family’s public mourning follows Broadus’s earlier announcement in January of her baby's passing.

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The White House has expressed confidence in Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, rejecting calls for his resignation from several lawmakers. This follows revelations from the recently released Epstein files, which suggest Lutnick's business and personal dealings with deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein were more extensive than previously disclosed. Lawmakers like Sen. Adam Schiff and Rep. Thomas Massie accuse Lutnick of lying about his ties to Epstein, demanding his resignation or dismissal. The Trump administration, however, stated its focus remains on delivering for the American people, amidst similar political fallout and resignations of British officials named in the Epstein files.

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American speedskater Brittany Bowe finished fourth in her strongest event, the 1,000-meter race, at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, narrowly missing an Olympic medal by six-tenths of a second. Despite falling short of the podium, Bowe, who is competing in her final Olympics, expressed profound joy and perspective from having her mom, dad, and sister in the stands cheering for her. This experience contrasted with her 2022 bronze medal win in an empty Beijing arena, which she described as feeling "empty." The Netherlands' Jutta Leerdam set an Olympic record to claim gold, while Bowe will still compete in the 500 meters and team pursuit, finding more joy in group events.

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Eddie Bauer's retail operator in the U.S. and Canada has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking the third time the 106-year-old outdoor apparel retailer has sought such relief. The Bellevue, Washington-based company's approximately 180 stores will continue operations while some are wound down, though its e-commerce and wholesale divisions remain unaffected as they are operated separately. CEO Marc Rosen cited dwindling sales, persistent supply-chain issues, and ongoing tariff uncertainty as significant factors. He acknowledged that efforts to revitalize the brand could not overcome years of accumulated challenges quickly enough, leading to this difficult decision for the retail company.

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New England Patriots receiver Mack Hollins arrived at Super Bowl LX in a distinctive maroon prisoner's jumpsuit, complete with shackles on his wrists and ankles, and a plastic mask reminiscent of Hannibal Lecter. The outfit, featuring "Range 13" (a reference to a Supermax federal prison) and his jersey number, is entirely consistent with Hollins' well-known reputation for quirky fashion and unconventional habits. Known for rarely wearing shoes, avoiding vegetables, and preferring watermelon juice to water, Hollins' unique personality has been noted by teammates. This pre-game statement adds to his history of memorable game-day attire, showcasing his individuality.

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Successful violinist Ben Gunnery received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for sending hundreds of unsolicited nude images of himself to two women he had never met. These offenses occurred in November, just four months after he was found guilty of sending similar explicit content to another woman, causing significant distress and trauma to his victims. At Bromley Magistrates' Court, Gunnery's defense attributed his behavior to drug use, but the judge emphasized his deliberate acts, stating it was "not the drugs speaking." Gunnery, whose career has been devastated, was also placed on the sex offender's register for 10 years and given a five-year sexual harm prevention order, alongside drug and alcohol rehabilitation requirements.

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Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend and confidant, declined to answer questions from a U.S. congressional committee investigating Epstein's extensive sexual abuse of underage girls. Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in response to every question posed during the deposition. Her lawyers had previously indicated she was prepared to testify in exchange for clemency from President Donald Trump, who has not ruled out a pardon. Lawmakers expressed deep disappointment, with some accusing Maxwell of campaigning for clemency and criticizing Trump for not dismissing the possibility, hindering the investigation.

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The highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup cricket fixture is officially set to proceed as scheduled on Sunday after the Pakistan government rescinded its earlier order for a boycott. The initial boycott was in solidarity with Bangladesh, whose request to move their matches out of India was rejected, leading them to withdraw from the tournament. Following constructive discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Pakistan's government prioritized the "spirit of cricket" and the sport's global continuity. This resolution averts potential long-term financial consequences for cricket, especially for smaller nations reliant on ICC revenue, and follows a period of heightened political tensions between the two countries.

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Lyft has officially introduced teen accounts nationwide, allowing passengers aged 13-17 to use the ridesharing service, following competitor Uber's earlier launch. CEO David Risher highlighted Lyft's meticulous focus on safety, including features like pin verification, real-time tracking, and in-ride audio recordings, with drivers for teens requiring high ratings and specific eligibility. This expansion into new markets is part of Lyft's broader strategy amidst growing competition, particularly from driverless ride services like Waymo and Tesla. While autonomous rides present an emerging challenge, Lyft aims to be a key platform for AV tech deployment, though widespread adoption of such services is still projected to be years away.

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