Figma's stock surged 19% after the design software company reported better-than-expected quarterly results and an optimistic outlook, exceeding Wall Street predictions. The company's revenue grew 40% year-over-year in Q4, and it anticipates 38% growth in Q1 2026, surpassing LSEG consensus, demonstrating robust performance. Figma is strategically leveraging artificial intelligence, with its Make tool interpreting text to craft app prototypes, and plans to introduce AI credit limits and subscriptions in March to monetize this adoption. This forward-thinking strategy aims to capitalize on AI for design innovation, addressing broader investor concerns about AI impacting software company growth and solidifying its market position.

90/100

Etsy's shares climbed over 17% after announcing the sale of its secondhand clothing reseller, Depop, to eBay for approximately $1.2 billion in cash. This transaction occurs nearly five years after Etsy initially acquired Depop for about $1.62 billion, a move intended to attract younger consumers. Etsy CEO Kruti Patel Goyal stated the deal allows the company to concentrate on growing its core marketplace. This strategic divestment aligns with Etsy's "house of brands" strategy, aiming to streamline its focus and enhance its competitive edge amid rivalry from larger online platforms like Amazon.

85/100

A state-commissioned audit of Minnesota's Medicaid program by Optum State Government Solutions identified extensive financial vulnerabilities across 14 high-risk service areas. The heavily redacted report, which withholds specific vulnerability descriptions and fraud-detection methods, suggests clearer policies and stronger pre-payment safeguards could save taxpayers over $1 billion. Lawmakers expressed significant disappointment over the extensive redactions, questioning what crucial information is being concealed from the public. The report, despite its limitations, outlines a roadmap for the Minnesota Department of Human Services to recover improper payments and modernize its fraud detection infrastructure, following a Trump administration announcement to audit and defer payments for these programs.

30/100

Mikaela Shiffrin, considered one of alpine skiing's greatest, won her second Olympic slalom gold medal, ending an eight-year medal drought and achieving her first Olympic gold since her father's death in 2020. The victory, by a significant margin, marked a full circle in her career, which has included overcoming major crashes, self-doubt, and post-traumatic stress. Shiffrin described the win as a new beginning after grief, emphasizing her acceptance of life without her father and finding a spiritual connection. This triumph silences critics and reasserts her dominance in the sport, built on effort, preparation, and integrity.

95/100

Eight backcountry skiers have been found dead, and one remains missing, following a devastating avalanche in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, making it the deadliest U.S. avalanche in 45 years. Search crews, battling "highly dangerous" winter storm conditions, rescued six other skiers from the same guided group. The deceased include three guides, with ages ranging from 30 to 55. Authorities are working to recover the bodies, and the Sierra Avalanche Center had issued a "high" avalanche danger warning for the area, raising questions about the group's decision to proceed with the trip. Recovery efforts are ongoing amidst challenging weather.

10/100

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a landmark Los Angeles trial, defending Instagram's beauty filters and the company's approach to user engagement and underage users. He stated Meta consulted stakeholders on filters, citing "free expression" despite expert concerns about harm to teenage girls. Zuckerberg pushed back on claims that increasing time spent on Instagram was a primary company goal, asserting it's used for competitive benchmarking against rivals like TikTok. He also addressed the challenge of enforcing age restrictions, acknowledging that millions of underage users access the platform by misrepresenting their age, a difficult rule to enforce.

40/100

NYPD Harbor Unit officers successfully rescued an injured and distressed bald eagle from the ice on the Hudson River, a rare and challenging operation for the department. Officer Michael Russo spotted the bird during a training exercise, and after consulting with environmental authorities, the team used a catch noose and cloth to safely subdue and bring the eagle aboard their boat. The officers expressed awe at the majestic creature, despite its injured state, highlighting its impressive size and beauty. The bald eagle, found wet and bloody, is now in serious but stable condition at The Raptor Trust rehabilitation center in New Jersey, receiving critical care.

85/100

A new report by Junior Achievement indicates that 73% of surveyed teens are optimistic about AI's impact on their future job prospects, or believe it will have no effect, even as entry-level job opportunities for college graduates decline. While the overall unemployment rate is low, it remains higher for younger workers aged 16-24, creating a disconnect. Large employers are reducing some entry-level positions due to AI, particularly in tech and finance, prompting more college-age students to consider two-year degrees or shorter-term career training. Experts emphasize the need for proper preparation to ensure this optimism is well-founded and sustainable.

65/100

The Trump administration has appealed a judge's order to reinstate slavery exhibits at the President's House Site in Philadelphia, which were removed in January. Senior Judge Cynthia M. Rufe's ruling mandated the restoration of displays detailing the enslaved people who lived with Presidents Washington and Adams, citing that the federal government cannot "dissemble and disassemble historical truths." Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro lauded the ruling as a victory for acknowledging history. The Interior Department, however, argues it was updating exhibits in line with President Trump's executive order on American history, leading to an ongoing legal battle.

35/100

Brad Reese, grandson of the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups inventor, publicly criticized The Hershey Co., accusing it of "quietly replacing" milk chocolate with compound coatings and peanut butter with "peanut butter-style crème" in many Reese's products. He claims this erosion of brand integrity jeopardizes consumer trust. Hershey defended its "product recipe adjustments" as necessary for innovation, allowing for new shapes and sizes while maintaining the core taste, though it confirmed the original Peanut Butter Cups remain unchanged. This controversy highlights consumer concerns about ingredient quality and the impact of elevated cocoa prices on candy manufacturing practices.

45/100

Billionaire Lex Wexner, former CEO of Victoria's Secret, testified before a House committee, stating he was "naive, foolish, and gullible" for trusting Jeffrey Epstein, whom he accused of stealing "vast sums" from his family. Wexner, previously identified as a potential co-conspirator in FBI documents, denied any wrongdoing or knowledge of Epstein's abuse, asserting his relationship was limited. Lawmakers questioned his role in Epstein's wealth accumulation, highlighting the financier's dependence on Wexner's support for his operations. Wexner's testimony comes amid the release of thousands of documents related to Epstein's actions, intensifying scrutiny on their past ties.

20/100

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly urged the UK not to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, specifically opposing the lease-back arrangement for the crucial Diego Garcia military base. Trump called the deal a "big mistake" and a "blight" on a key ally, despite Washington's official backing of the UK's plan. His comments, made on Truth Social, preceded U.S.-Mauritius talks and also linked the base's importance to potential military action against Iran. This marks another rapid U-turn in Trump's stance on the issue, creating political friction and criticism for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

35/100

The Trump administration released $127 million in previously withheld funds for the New York-New Jersey Gateway tunnel project, following a federal judge's order. This release, comprising $98 million for the project and $30 million in reimbursements, ends a funding suspension that had halted construction and threatened nearly 1,000 jobs. New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the federal government's legal obligation to fully fund Gateway and called for long-term certainty. President Trump had previously criticized the $16 billion project as a "future boondoggle" and denied reports of linking its funding to renaming Penn Station after himself, highlighting the political contention.

60/100

Arianna Fontana, the 35-year-old Italian short track speed skater, made history at her home Olympics in Milan, winning three medals to become Italy's most decorated Olympian of all time with a total of 14. Fontana secured gold in the mixed team relay and two silvers in the 500m and 3000m relay, marking her sixth consecutive Winter Games with a podium finish. Despite pre-Games injuries and feeling impeded in the 1000m, her mental fortitude and love for the sport propelled her to success. She now eyes the all-time Winter Olympics record of 15 medals, demonstrating her enduring excellence.

90/100

Cadence Design Systems stock increased over 6% after the chip design software company reported fourth-quarter 2025 earnings that surpassed analyst expectations, with adjusted EPS and revenue up 6% year-over-year. CEO Anirudh Devgan noted that "system companies," including hyperscalers and major tech firms, now account for 45% of its business as they increasingly design custom chips optimized for their specific workloads. This trend, exemplified by Apple and Google's custom AI silicon, is expected to accelerate significantly. The company also provided an optimistic revenue forecast for the next fiscal year, aligning with the growing AI-driven R&D efforts in the tech industry.

85/100

FDA Commissioner Marty Makary warned that the U.S. is falling behind China in early-stage drug development, attributing this to bottlenecks in hospital contracting, ethical reviews, and Investigational New Drug application processes. Makary called for reforms to streamline trial approvals, noting that China conducted more phase one clinical trials in 2024. China's biotech sector has rapidly grown due to state investment, talent, and regulatory reforms, now conducting more trials than the U.S. and on track for 35% of FDA approvals by 2040. The Trump administration is urged to partner with industry to boost domestic innovation and competitiveness.

40/100

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon emphasized the critical need for a codified, rule-based system for cryptocurrency operations in the United States. Speaking at the World Liberty Forum, Solomon stated that markets require clear rules to operate safely and soundly, and the banking system must coexist with technological innovation. He echoed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's support for the CLARITY Act, a proposed bill to establish a national regulatory structure for crypto, which has stalled in Congress. Solomon affirmed Goldman Sachs' interest in crypto-related business, including digitization and tokenization, to serve client needs and adapt to evolving financial landscapes.

70/100

The high-profile kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has attracted an "army" of internet sleuths, psychics, and livestreamers, creating friction with official law enforcement. While the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department are flooded with tips, the rampant online speculation, rumors, and conspiracy theories are consuming valuable resources and forcing police to debunk misinformation. The sheriff even issued a statement clearing Guthrie's family as suspects due to online attacks. This phenomenon, seen in other cases, raises questions about whether amateur online investigations ultimately help or hinder complex criminal inquiries, despite good intentions from some participants.

25/100

Team USA figure skater Ilia Malinin, a gold medal favorite, reflected on his eighth-place finish in the individual men's event at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, stating he believes "you learn a lot more from failure than you do winning." Despite not performing his signature quadruple axel, the 21-year-old is focused on pushing the sport's boundaries and increasing jump difficulty. Malinin hopes his experience helps people understand the immense physical, mental, and emotional challenges of the sport. He is committed to competing in the upcoming 2026 World Figure Skating Championships, ready to "get up and skate the next day" with renewed determination.

75/100

Donald Trump’s immigration policies are negatively impacting the U.S. hospitality industry, according to Unite Here, the largest hospitality union. A report indicates a drop of 98,000 employed hospitality workers and a $1.2 billion decline in tourism revenue from December 2024 to December 2025. Union leaders state the crackdown has scared immigrant workers and deterred international tourism, leading to staffing shortages and reduced tips across the sector. The White House and DHS defended the policies, citing job growth for American workers and safer communities from criminal removals, presenting a stark contrast in perspectives on the economic and social effects.

25/100

President Donald Trump is concerned about the Potomac River's stench potentially affecting America 250 celebrations in Washington, D.C., following a massive sewage pipe collapse. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the federal government is ready to assist but awaits a formal request from local Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. authorities. Trump has repeatedly blamed Democratic leadership for the spill, singling out Maryland Governor Wes Moore. Moore, in turn, challenged Trump to "do your job," highlighting a political dispute over jurisdiction and responsibility for the environmental crisis and its potential impact on national celebrations.

30/100

The NHS is facing disruptions in joint surgery, including knee, hip, and shoulder replacements, due to a temporary halt in production by Heraeus Medical, its primary bone cement supplier. The German firm, which provides about three-quarters of the NHS's bone cement, experienced a critical machine failure, impacting over 1,000 operations weekly. Hospitals are advised to prioritize emergency patients, such as those with broken hips, exacerbating existing waiting lists. This shortage is a "crushing blow" for patients on long waiting lists and poses a significant challenge to government targets for reducing backlogs, as the NHS urgently seeks alternative suppliers.

20/100

Legendary U.S. ski racer Lindsey Vonn revealed that her beloved dog, Leo, died the day after her violent crash at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, adding to an "incredibly hard few days." Leo, adopted after Vonn's ACL injury in 2014, had battled lung cancer and heart failure, and was in pain. Vonn, who suffered a complex tibia fracture in her crash and is recovering from multiple surgeries, shared her profound grief over Leo's passing, describing him as her "first love." This personal tragedy compounds her Olympic disappointment, as she had returned to compete in her fifth and final Games after a six-year break from racing.

15/100

Great Britain's men's and women's curling teams have dramatically revived their Winter Olympics medal hopes by winning three must-win matches in Cortina, showcasing remarkable resilience. Bruce Mouat's men's team secured a dominant 9-2 victory against the United States, while Rebecca Morrison's women's team achieved an extraordinary 8-7 triumph with a final-end steal, followed by a 9-3 win over Japan. These critical victories, coupled with favorable results elsewhere, have positioned both rinks on the brink of semi-final qualification. The teams now face anxious waits and another crucial match for the women to determine their advancement, intensifying their pursuit of Olympic glory.

80/100

AI startup Anthropic is in dispute with the Department of Defense regarding the terms of use for its artificial intelligence models, with its Pentagon work currently "under review." Anthropic, which secured a $200 million contract, seeks assurances that its models won't be used for autonomous weapons or mass surveillance, reflecting ethical concerns. The DOD, however, insists on unrestricted use for "all lawful use cases," fearing limitations could hinder urgent applications in national security. This conflict, set against a backdrop of the Trump administration's criticism of Anthropic's "woke AI" stance, could lead to the company being labeled a "supply chain risk" if an agreement isn't reached.

35/100

Minutes from the January Federal Open Market Committee meeting reveal divided Federal Reserve officials on the future direction of interest rates, with a consensus to pause cuts for now but uncertainty about resuming them later in the year. While some members believe further cuts are appropriate if inflation declines, others suggest holding steady or even considering rate hikes if inflation persists. The committee debated focusing on inflation versus supporting the labor market, with a new voting cast of regional presidents showing a hawkish stance. This internal split and political pressure from the Trump administration for lower rates highlight the complex and uncertain economic outlook.

50/100

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has proposed a two-year suspension of tax incentives for new data centers, reflecting growing public concern over the facilities' resource consumption and impact on local communities. The proposal, part of his state of the state address, aims to ensure growth doesn't undermine affordability and stability for residents. Pritzker also demanded that the power grid operator, PJM, mandate data center developers internalize their additional power costs, aligning with a broader political focus on affordability. This move positions Illinois at the forefront of states addressing the societal impacts of the AI boom and resource allocation.

60/100

The IRS offers several programs for taxpayers genuinely unable to pay their tax debt due to financial hardship, which is defined as being unable to meet basic living expenses. These programs, including Currently Not Collectible status and Offers in Compromise, can temporarily halt collection efforts, reduce debt, or allow payment of less than the full amount. Qualification depends on meeting strict collection financial standards, requiring extensive documentation of income and expenses. The article advises consulting professional tax relief companies for those with significant debt, as navigating these complex processes can be challenging but offers a path to resolution.

70/100

The Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise has officially commenced a sale process, following its Super Bowl win earlier this month. The team, owned by the estate of late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, is being sold in accordance with his directive to direct all proceeds to philanthropy. Valued at approximately $7 billion, this sale could become one of the largest in NFL history, reflecting the team's significant worth and recent success. The process, managed by investment bank Allen & Co. and law firm Latham & Watkins, is expected to continue through the 2026 offseason, with finalization pending NFL owners' ratification.

80/100

California regulators have decided not to suspend Tesla sales in the state, ruling that the electric vehicle company has ceased misleading customers about its driver assistance features. The California DMV had previously found Tesla in violation for exaggerating "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" capabilities, which require an attentive human driver. In response to the threat of license suspension, Tesla stopped using "Autopilot" in California and added "supervised" to its "Full Self-Driving" mode. This resolution ensures compliance with state consumer protection laws, despite past controversies and legal actions against the company regarding its autonomous driving claims, allowing sales to continue unimpeded.

65/100

Alphabet has launched Lyria 3, its latest generative music model, within the Gemini app, allowing users to create 30-second music tracks with custom cover art from song ideas, photos, and videos. This new feature aims to deepen engagement across Alphabet's product ecosystem, including improving YouTube Shorts soundtracks. The company hopes Lyria 3 will attract more content creators to its platform, potentially drawing them away from rival short-form video platforms like TikTok and Meta's Instagram Reels. This initiative underscores Alphabet's strategy to leverage frontier AI tools for increased user interaction and competitive advantage in the dynamic content creation space.

80/100

A new analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that nearly 90% of President Trump's tariffs in 2025 were passed on to U.S. consumers and businesses as higher costs. This finding challenges the Trump administration's claim that foreign companies bear the majority of the burden. White House economic advisor Kevin Hassett strongly criticized the research, calling it "an embarrassment" and questioning its methodology. Despite economists' predictions that tariffs would drive up inflation, the Consumer Price Index remained stable. The report concludes that U.S. firms and consumers continue to bear the bulk of the economic burden, with future tariff authority uncertain.

40/100

Regina Santos-Aviles, an aide to Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales, died by suicide months after reportedly texting a colleague about an affair with the congressman. Santos-Aviles, 35, was found critically burned, and her death was ruled a suicide. Gonzales, a married father of six, denied the affair, calling the rumors "untruthful" and accusing a primary opponent of using a disgruntled former staffer to smear her memory. The allegations have led to calls for Gonzales's resignation from political rivals, as he seeks his fourth term in a safe Republican seat, creating a significant political and personal scandal.

5/100

Oil prices surged over 4% after Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran failed to address U.S. "red lines" in recent nuclear talks, and President Donald Trump reserves the right to use military force. Despite Iran describing discussions as "constructive," Vance's comments indicated a lack of progress on core U.S. demands. The market is concerned about potential disruptions to global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran conducted war games, if military action occurs. The U.S. has deployed two aircraft carriers to the Middle East, signaling readiness for intervention if diplomacy fails, escalating regional tensions.

15/100

Ikea is set to open its first "city-center" store in Los Angeles, occupying a 40,000-square-foot space in Culver City's historic Helms Bakery complex this spring. This marks the company's 11th location in California and is part of a strategy to open smaller urban stores closer to customers, addressing commuting and affordability challenges. Unlike larger suburban outlets, this store will feature showrooms tailored for local L.A. audiences and a food court, but will maintain the Art Deco building's exterior. Ikea aims to open 10 new stores in its 2026 fiscal year, focusing on affordability and accessibility to expand its market presence.

75/100

In a podcast discussion, David Frum and Mona Charen, former Reagan-era conservatives, reflect on their political evolution and the profound changes within the Republican Party since Donald Trump's rise. They discuss how Trump's presidency has challenged their foundational beliefs in institutions, free markets, and principled leadership, leading them to re-evaluate many long-held conservative tenets. Charen expresses regret over underestimating racism's persistence and the destruction of conservative virtues, while both lament the party's shift away from traditional values. They ponder whether former conservatives can bring new perspectives to the Democratic Party, seeking a new political home.

45/100

President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace," described as "the most consequential international organisation ever," is holding its inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C. The podcast episode provides an overview, detailing the Board's purpose, membership, and Trump's objectives for the initiative. It also touches upon prominent Democrats at the Munich Security Conference reassuring Europe of future strong U.S. partnership, despite Trump's current influence. The discussion aims to inform listeners about this new international body and its implications, alongside broader geopolitical assessments, offering context for this developing international engagement strategy.

50/100

King Taco, the Los Angeles taqueria credited with popularizing soft tacos in the U.S. starting 50 years ago, is on track to become a city-designated historic-cultural site. Its original 1975 storefront is being considered for its significant contributions to Mexican cuisine and taco culture across the country, influencing generations of Angelenos. The Cultural Heritage Commission unanimously approved the designation, which would help preserve the building's original state. Co-founder Raúl Martinez, who started with a food truck in 1974, is honored for bringing al pastor tacos to L.A., with his legacy continuing through the chain's nearly two dozen locations and enduring cultural impact.

85/100

Brazil has imposed anti-dumping duties of up to US$670 per tonne on a range of Chinese steel products and hypodermic needles, following investigations that found these imports were being sold at unfairly low prices. The measures, approved by Brazil's foreign trade committee and signed by Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, will apply for up to five years. The probe, initiated after a petition from a major Brazilian steelmaker, concluded there was sufficient evidence of dumping and harm to the domestic industry. This action aims to protect local producers from unfair competition and ensure fairer trade practices in the market.

60/100