Kalshi, a prediction market platform, has fined and suspended Artem Kaptur, an editor for popular YouTuber MrBeast, for insider trading, marking a significant disciplinary action in the burgeoning prediction market industry. Kaptur allegedly leveraged non-public information from his job to place highly successful wagers on outcomes in MrBeast's videos, prompting Kalshi's surveillance team to flag his "near-perfect trading success." The company imposed a $15,000 fine and a two-year suspension from the site, while also reporting the case to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This article highlights the growing scrutiny on prediction markets and their efforts to prevent illicit activities.

40/100

Cuban authorities reported that border guards shot and killed four individuals on a US-registered speedboat after the vessel allegedly opened fire on a coast guard boat. Six additional passengers were wounded in the incident, which occurred near Cayo Falcones off Cuba's northern coast. The Cuban Interior Ministry stated its commitment to protecting territorial waters amid heightened tensions with the US, which has imposed a fuel blockade on the island. Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez has demanded an urgent investigation into what he called a "massacre," raising concerns about potential US citizens or legal residents among the victims. This event further strains the already tense relations between the two nations.

10/100

Recently released Department of Justice documents indicate that Jeffrey Epstein successfully concealed a significant amount of potential evidence from investigators for over ten years. Internal correspondence and previously sealed court filings reveal Epstein's legal team and private investigators removed computers, phone directories, and sexually explicit material from his Palm Beach mansion just before a 2005 police raid. This trove of evidence, which prosecutors seemingly never accessed, potentially allowed Epstein to evade justice for a prolonged period. A 2020 DOJ report concluded these computers contained "potentially critical" information, underscoring how these actions may have critically altered the trajectory of the original investigation and prolonged his ability to commit further crimes.

5/100

A former Yosemite National Park employee, Shannon "SJ" Joslin, is suing the federal government for alleged unlawful termination after being fired for hanging a transgender pride flag from El Capitan. Joslin, a wildlife biologist, argues their dismissal violated First Amendment rights, as the flag was displayed outside work hours to celebrate the transgender community amidst political attacks. The lawsuit challenges the Park Service's definition of the act as a "demonstration" without a permit, asserting selective enforcement due to the Trump administration's stance on trans rights. Joslin's attorneys seek immediate reinstatement, contending that speech favored by the administration would have been tolerated, highlighting a broader debate on free expression in public spaces.

35/100

Republican strategists are seizing on Democratic lawmakers' decision to remain seated during President Trump's State of the Union address when he asked those who prioritize American citizens over undocumented immigrants to stand. GOP figures like Ryan James Girdusky and Tim Murtaugh view this moment as a significant "misfire" for Democrats, potentially providing powerful advertising material for upcoming midterm elections. They argue it portrays Democrats as prioritizing non-citizens, while Democrats contend they seek comprehensive immigration reform without resorting to harsh enforcement. This article highlights the political fallout and strategic framing of a key State of the Union moment, with both sides anticipating its impact on voter sentiment and election outcomes.

30/100

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is reportedly visiting the White House for discussions concerning his company's bid to acquire parts of Warner Bros. Discovery, as Paramount intensifies its rival offer. This visit follows President Trump's recent demand for Netflix to fire former Obama official Susan Rice from its board, linking her to the WBD deal and calling her "racist." The acquisition fight has become entangled with presidential politics, with antitrust concerns also being investigated by the Department of Justice regarding potential impacts on competition. The article highlights the complex interplay of corporate mergers, political influence, and regulatory scrutiny in Washington.

50/100

This article examines the potential interest earnings for a $50,000 deposit across various savings account types in 2026's competitive interest rate environment. It highlights that traditional savings accounts offer minimal returns (around 0.39%), yielding only about $146 over nine months, which doesn't keep pace with inflation. In contrast, high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and 9-month Certificates of Deposit (CDs) offer significantly better rates, potentially earning over $1,490 in the same period. The article advises savers to carefully evaluate options like fixed-rate CDs versus variable-rate high-yield accounts based on their financial goals and need for flexibility. (not investment advice)

65/100

The Metropolitan Police has apologized to Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle for inadvertently revealing him as the source of information leading to Lord Mandelson's arrest. Sir Lindsay had passed on details suggesting Lord Mandelson might be a flight risk, which he deemed his "duty and responsibility." Lord Mandelson's lawyers have criticized his detention, arguing he had agreed to a future interview and the flight risk claim was "baseless." This incident, considered a serious breach of protocol by the Met, adds a layer of political controversy to the ongoing investigation into Lord Mandelson's alleged misconduct in public office related to Jeffrey Epstein.

40/100

Leading technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, xAI, Oracle, and OpenAI, are scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House next week. They are expected to sign a pledge to supply their own power for new artificial intelligence data centers, aiming to prevent increases in Americans' electricity bills. This initiative follows concerns about the massive energy consumption of data centers, which have faced opposition in communities blaming them for rising utility costs. The Trump administration, closely embracing the AI industry for economic growth, is seeking to mitigate potential public backlash over energy prices, as illustrated by recent election outcomes influenced by utility costs.

60/100

The U.S. Treasury Department has eased restrictions, permitting the resale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, specifically for the benefit of the Cuban private sector rather than the government. This policy shift comes as Cuba faces a severe fuel crisis, worsened by previous US blockades, leading to widespread power outages and humanitarian concerns. Canada has also pledged CAN $8 million in aid to Cuba through UN agencies to address urgent needs. The article notes that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending a Caribbean summit where regional leaders express unease over Trump's aggressive policies and the potential for a destabilized Cuba to trigger migration.

60/100

Alberto Carvalho, the highly acclaimed superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is now the subject of an FBI investigation, with search warrants executed at his San Pedro home and LAUSD headquarters. The specifics of the "white-collar" investigation remain under court seal, and Carvalho has not yet commented. This development has significantly impacted the nation's second-largest school district, which serves over 500,000 students. The article provides context on Carvalho's background, including his successful tenure in Miami-Dade schools, his advocacy for immigrants, and recent challenges with an AI chatbot provider accused of fraud, highlighting his prominent role in education.

25/100

Nvidia is scheduled to report its fiscal fourth-quarter results, with analysts expecting substantial revenue growth of 68% to $66.2 billion, marking an eleventh consecutive quarter of over 55% growth. This surge is largely driven by the artificial intelligence boom, as Nvidia dominates the market for AI chips, supplying major tech companies and startups. The company's data center business is projected to grow 70% to $60.7 billion. Investors will closely monitor gross margins for indications of how Nvidia is managing soaring memory prices, a critical component for its AI systems, and its ability to pass these costs on to customers, with analysts expecting margins around 75%. (not investment advice)

75/100

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers announced his resignation from all academic and faculty appointments at Harvard University, effective at the end of the academic year. This decision comes "in connection with the ongoing review by the University of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein" that were recently released. Summers, who previously served as Harvard's president, had already stepped back from public life in November, acknowledging his "misguided decision to continue communicating with Mr. Epstein." Although not accused of wrongdoing, his prolonged association with the late sex offender, including flights on Epstein's aircraft and Harvard receiving gifts, led to this resignation.

30/100

TJX Companies, parent to T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter results, with revenue up 8.5% to $17.7 billion and earnings per share at $1.58, both exceeding analyst expectations. Same-store sales increased 5%, demonstrating the success of its off-price business model in attracting cost-conscious shoppers prioritizing value. Despite conservative guidance for the upcoming year, the company's ability to acquire excess inventory from high-quality brands and sell at a discount continues to drive robust performance across all segments. Analysts are reiterating a "buy" rating and raising the price target to $180 from $160, acknowledging the company's consistent "treasure hunt" shopping experience. (not investment advice)

80/100

Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital reportedly invested approximately $1 billion in OpenAI in December, valuing the artificial intelligence startup at $285 billion. This preferential deal positions Thrive, a long-standing major financial backer of OpenAI, for further involvement in the company's ongoing massive funding round, which could reach over $100 billion and boost its valuation to $800 billion. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has a close relationship with Kushner, praised Thrive's commitment. The article highlights the significant capital flowing into the AI sector and the deep connections between venture capital, tech leadership, and political spheres, including Kushner's family ties to the White House. (not investment advice)

70/100

Nexstar Media Group is undertaking company-wide cost reductions, leading to layoffs of numerous local TV journalists, including veteran anchors Glen Walker and Lu Parker, and meteorologist Mark Kriski from Los Angeles' KTLA. These cuts are part of Nexstar's strategy to adapt to declining traditional TV viewership and pressure on advertising revenue as consumers shift to streaming platforms. The media giant, which is the largest TV station ownership group in the U.S., is seeking savings amidst a proposed $6.2-billion merger with Tegna. SAG-AFTRA has condemned the layoffs, warning against the erosion of local news resources and talent that communities rely on for trusted information.

20/100

The BBC is facing severe criticism after broadcasting a racial slur during the Bafta Film Awards, an incident deemed "completely unacceptable and harmful" by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy. The slur, shouted by Tourette's campaigner John Davidson, was audible during a delayed broadcast while black actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo were on stage. The BBC has apologized, launched a fast-tracked investigation, and removed the ceremony from iPlayer, acknowledging a "serious mistake" and taking "full responsibility." This article highlights the public outcry and calls for accountability, with questions raised about editing protocols and whether lessons have been learned from previous similar incidents.

20/100

German police have arrested an 81-year-old suspect in the sexual assault and murder of 24-year-old American tourist Amy Lopez, whose body was found in 1994 near Koblenz. Advances in DNA technology allowed investigators to reopen the cold case, leading to a match with the suspect's DNA, which was on file from a 1999 sexual assault conviction. Chief Public Prosecutor Manfred Mannweiler emphasized that "such cases are never forgotten," highlighting law enforcement's commitment to solving serious crimes regardless of time passed. The arrest, made at a retirement home, brings relief and potential closure to a decades-old tragedy for Lopez's family and the community.

70/100

Bill Gates reportedly apologized and admitted to two affairs during a candid town hall meeting with employees of the Gates Foundation, addressing his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Gates stated he "did nothing illicit" with Epstein and never stayed overnight, despite recently released emails detailing their interactions on philanthropic fundraising and other matters. The Microsoft co-founder also disclosed affairs with a Russian bridge player and a nuclear physicist, which an associate allegedly discussed with Epstein. This article highlights Gates taking responsibility for his actions amidst renewed public scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related documents, and his foundation's stance on never having paid Epstein.

30/100

A suspect has been arrested in Germany by Spanish and German police in connection with the 2025 killing of Andrii Portnov, a former Ukrainian pro-Russian politician. Portnov, a senior aide to ousted Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, was shot multiple times outside the American School of Madrid in June 2025. The Spanish National Police confirmed the arrest in Heinsberg, Germany, stating that the investigation points to the individual as the shooter. This article provides context on Portnov's background, including facing treason accusations and U.S. sanctions for alleged bribery, highlighting the ongoing international efforts to bring justice in politically sensitive cases.

55/100

A federal judge in Massachusetts has ruled that the Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security policy allowing deportations to "third countries" without prior notice or opportunity to object is unlawful. U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy sided with noncitizens who filed a class-action lawsuit, asserting the policy violates federal immigration law and due process rights. The policy, which targeted migrants for removal to countries other than their origin, often without assessing fear of persecution, was criticized by Judge Murphy for its lack of transparency and disregard for legal protections. The ruling, paused for 15 days for appeal, highlights a significant challenge to immigration enforcement practices.

60/100

Samsung has unveiled its Galaxy S26 series, prominently featuring Alphabet's Gemini artificial intelligence, offering an early glimpse into the capabilities expected for a revamped Apple Siri. The S26 integrates three AI engines: Google's Gemini for agentic tasks, Perplexity for web queries, and Samsung's upgraded Bixby. This multi-agent approach highlights the fierce AI competition in smartphones. The deep partnership with Google allows Gemini to perform autonomous actions within third-party apps on the S26, a significant advancement. This article positions Samsung as a crucial platform for Google's consumer AI, ahead of Apple's anticipated Siri overhaul powered by Gemini.

75/100

President Trump's "no tax on tips" policy, enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is expected to result in larger tax refunds for tipped workers this year, with a deduction of up to $25,000 on tipped wages. Many, like waitress Ashlee Armstrong, anticipate financial relief, potentially preventing higher tax brackets. However, workers like bartender Joe McGuirk express skepticism about the long-term impact, noting that the deduction expires in 2028 and may not significantly offset rising living costs like housing and healthcare. This article highlights the immediate benefits versus the enduring financial pressures faced by middle-class Americans. (not investment advice)

55/100

President Trump has reiterated his call to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes, blaming them for driving up housing prices and "stealing away" the American dream from individual homebuyers. Concurrently, Democrats have proposed legislation to limit tax deductions for large-scale homebuyers. While both initiatives aim to improve housing affordability, experts like Alex Blackwood of Mogul argue neither plan addresses the core issue: a severe shortage of housing supply. The article highlights that these proposals, though politically appealing, may offer limited solutions to the fundamental imbalance between housing demand and availability, which requires building millions more homes. (not investment advice)

50/100

Spain's government has released dozens of classified documents related to the 1981 attempted coup, a pivotal moment when armed officers stormed parliament aiming to overthrow the nascent democracy. The declassification, coinciding with the death of coup leader Antonio Tejero Molina, aims to address persistent conspiracy theories, including those questioning King Juan Carlos's role. The files, which include police reports and international reactions, are intended to provide transparency and reinforce the country's rejection of authoritarianism, six years after dictator Francisco Franco's death. This article underscores Spain's commitment to historical clarity and democratic values, with the government stating the release poses no risk.

70/100

Big Bear's celebrity bald eagle couple, Jackie and Shadow, have laid a new egg, offering renewed hope for eaglets this season after their previous clutch was tragically devoured by ravens. The news follows a period of anxious anticipation from their legions of fans, who closely follow the eagles via a nonprofit's camera. The article notes the recent passing of Sandy Steers, executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, who was instrumental in the eagles' public profile and conservation efforts. This new egg brings a moment of triumph and continuity for the beloved avian pair and their dedicated observers, with hopes for more eggs to follow.

85/100

President Trump announced a proposal to create new retirement accounts for the approximately 56 million Americans lacking employer-sponsored savings plans, aiming to address a "gross disparity" in the current system. Modeled after the federal Thrift Savings Plan, these accounts would include a U.S. government match of up to $1,000 annually. This initiative expands on the Secure Act 2.0 and seeks to ensure all Americans can benefit from the stock market, including those without 401(k)s. Financial experts generally applaud the focus on expanding retirement coverage, though some question funding mechanisms and predict only partial adoption among low-income workers due to other financial pressures. (not investment advice)

65/100

This article explores whether debt collectors will settle for as little as 20% of an owed balance, concluding it's possible but uncommon and rarely an opening offer. Factors influencing such low settlements include the age and ownership of the debt, with older, charged-off accounts held by third-party collectors offering more flexibility. The debtor's provable financial hardship and the ability to pay a lump sum significantly improve the odds of a deep discount. Debt collectors are less likely to accept aggressive reductions if they believe they can successfully pursue legal action. The article advises strategic negotiation, documenting hardship, and considering debt relief experts for the best possible outcome. (not investment advice)

60/100

Oliver "Power" Grant, a crucial affiliate of the Wu-Tang Clan and the driving force behind their successful Wu Wear fashion line, has died at 52. Grant, a childhood friend of RZA's brother, was instrumental in structuring the group's finances and record deals, enabling their autonomy and creative control during hip-hop's commercial rise in the 1990s. Though not a performing member, his work helped raise capital for early recordings and ensured financial support for group members, setting a precedent for artist empowerment. Tributes from Wu-Tang members acknowledge his profound impact, stating the group "wouldn't have come to fruition without Power."

20/100

The University of Southern Maine (USM) abruptly withdrew support for a conference on Palestine, citing the participation of UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who is under Trump administration sanctions. USM claimed hosting a sanctioned speaker would violate federal law, despite guidance from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) clarifying that such participation, without honorariums or training, does not require authorization. Conference organizers are scrambling for a new venue and considering legal action, arguing the university is suppressing free speech under external pressure from Republican lawmakers. This article highlights concerns over the chilling effect of broad US sanctions on academic freedom and political discourse.

25/100

Recent surveys, including the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers and the New York Federal Reserve's consumer survey, indicate that higher-income workers are experiencing increased job insecurity, largely attributed to the growing threat of artificial intelligence. Confidence in the labor market among top earners is at historic lows, while turnover rates in white-collar professions are also at record lows, suggesting caution. UBS chief economist Arend Kapteyn posits "AI fear" as a partial explanation, as these jobs may be more susceptible to displacement. This article highlights a significant shift in labor market sentiment, particularly among professional groups, contrasting with more stable sentiment among lower-income workers. (not investment advice)

40/100

As the U.S. population ages, many individuals in midlife are questioning whether cognitive changes, such as forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating, are due to normal aging or undiagnosed ADHD. This article highlights that ADHD, historically associated with children, affects an estimated 3% of people over 50. Diagnosing adult ADHD is challenging due to limited medical training, overlapping symptoms with other midlife conditions like depression or early dementia, and hormonal changes in women. Increased awareness, partly driven by social media, is leading to more diagnoses and stimulant prescriptions, potentially improving the aging experience and impacting future brain health.

70/100

Dr. Casey Means, President Trump's surgeon general nominee, faced questioning from a Senate committee regarding her views on vaccines, birth control, and potential financial conflicts. Means, a wellness influencer and author, echoed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" agenda. While stating "vaccines save lives," she emphasized patient-doctor conversations for vaccination decisions and avoided directly contradicting Kennedy's skepticism on vaccine efficacy. Concerns were raised about her lack of clinical experience, inactive medical license, and alleged past failures to disclose financial relationships for promoted products. This article highlights the contentious nature of her confirmation hearing.

30/100

Americans are now paying nearly 20% more for digital app subscriptions like streaming, music, and news compared to 2020, according to a DepositAccounts analysis. Services like Disney+ and Apple TV have seen price surges of over 100% when adjusted for inflation, with Disney+ ad-free plans more than doubling. This increase means the average subscriber pays $84 monthly for 4.5 services, totaling over $1,000 annually. The rising costs have led one-third of consumers to cancel at least one paid digital subscription in the last six months, highlighting the growing financial burden of digital services on consumers.

45/100

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared India's "full conviction" in standing with Israel during an address to the Knesset, expressing condolences for the October 7 attacks by Hamas. Modi highlighted India's shared grief and affirmed support for Israel's normalization of relations with Arab countries and President Trump's Gaza peace plan. He did not mention Palestinian casualties in the ongoing conflict, which has seen over 70,000 Palestinians killed according to Israeli media. The article also notes the strong economic ties between India, one of the world's fastest-growing economies, and Israel, a tech hub, with both leaders committed to expanding trade and technological cooperation.

40/100

The U.S. government's release of millions of new files from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein has lengthened the list of prominent individuals with ties to the late sex offender. This article highlights several notable figures and their responses, including Bill Gates, who discussed philanthropic fundraising with Epstein, and Lord Mandelson, who was arrested for alleged misconduct in public office related to Epstein. Others mentioned include Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Larry Summers, all of whom have either denied wrongdoing, expressed regret, or faced scrutiny. The article underscores the ongoing revelations and the wide-ranging impact of Epstein's network and the continued fallout from his crimes.

15/100