Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup xAI in a deal valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion, driven by Musk's belief that space-based data centers are necessary to meet the growing energy demands of AI; this acquisition, which consolidates Musk's private ventures, comes as SpaceX prepares for an initial public offering despite previously valuing itself at $800 billion and xAI raising $20 billion at a $230 billion valuation.

Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup xAI in a deal valuing the combined entity at $1.25 trillion, driven by Musk's belief that space-based data centers are necessary to meet the growing energy demands of AI; this acquisition, which consolidates Musk's private ventures, comes as SpaceX prepares for an initial public offering despite previously valuing itself at $800 billion and xAI raising $20 billion at a $230 billion valuation.

Multiple news sources highlight diverse events, including Square Enix's release of "Dragon Quest VII Reimagined" aimed at new players, the controversy surrounding Meta's VR studio closures, renewed interest in M83's early post-rock album, and John Romero's reunion with id Software founders to revisit "Catacomb 3D." These developments span gaming, music, and virtual reality, showcasing a range of current trends and nostalgic revisitations.

Multiple news sources highlight diverse events, including Square Enix's release of "Dragon Quest VII Reimagined" aimed at new players, the controversy surrounding Meta's VR studio closures, renewed interest in M83's early post-rock album, and John Romero's reunion with id Software founders to revisit "Catacomb 3D." These developments span gaming, music, and virtual reality, showcasing a range of current trends and nostalgic revisitations.

Multiple news sources report that Notepad app users may have unknowingly downloaded a malicious update between June and December 2025 after the app's servers were hijacked, potentially by a Chinese state-sponsored group. The attack selectively targeted users, particularly those with interests in East Asia, and could have given hackers remote access to their keyboards, but the developer has since terminated the attacker's access and implemented stronger security measures.

Multiple news sources report that Notepad app users may have unknowingly downloaded a malicious update between June and December 2025 after the app's servers were hijacked, potentially by a Chinese state-sponsored group. The attack selectively targeted users, particularly those with interests in East Asia, and could have given hackers remote access to their keyboards, but the developer has since terminated the attacker's access and implemented stronger security measures.

The Indian rupee and stock market are expected to surge following the U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, a move prompted by India's agreement to cease Russian oil purchases. This tariff reduction reverses previous penalties imposed in response to India's crude oil imports from Russia, signaling a positive shift in trade relations.

The Indian rupee and stock market are expected to surge following the U.S. decision to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 18%, a move prompted by India's agreement to cease Russian oil purchases. This tariff reduction reverses previous penalties imposed in response to India's crude oil imports from Russia, signaling a positive shift in trade relations.

Fintech CEO Gökçe Güven, founder of rewards platform Kalder and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, faces federal charges including securities and wire fraud related to a $7 million seed round. The DOJ alleges Güven misled investors by inflating client lists and revenue projections, impacting the burgeoning fintech sector and raising concerns about due diligence in venture capital. Kalder, which aims to help companies monetize rewards programs through affiliate sales, claimed partnerships with major organizations like Godiva and IATA.

Fintech CEO Gökçe Güven, founder of rewards platform Kalder and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, faces federal charges including securities and wire fraud related to a $7 million seed round. The DOJ alleges Güven misled investors by inflating client lists and revenue projections, impacting the burgeoning fintech sector and raising concerns about due diligence in venture capital. Kalder, which aims to help companies monetize rewards programs through affiliate sales, claimed partnerships with major organizations like Godiva and IATA.

Multiple news sources report that Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas criticized the Chicago White Sox for omitting him from their Black History Month graphic, despite his significant contributions and record-breaking stats during his 16 years with the team. Thomas expressed his disappointment on X, highlighting his feeling of being forgotten despite his impact on the organization's success.

Multiple news sources report that Baseball Hall of Famer Frank Thomas criticized the Chicago White Sox for omitting him from their Black History Month graphic, despite his significant contributions and record-breaking stats during his 16 years with the team. Thomas expressed his disappointment on X, highlighting his feeling of being forgotten despite his impact on the organization's success.

Multiple news sources report that on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2026, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, continuing a tradition rooted in European farming customs that draws large crowds to Gobblers Knob in Pennsylvania. This year's prediction aligns with weather experts' expectations of continued cold conditions in the eastern United States.

Multiple news sources report that on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 2026, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter, continuing a tradition rooted in European farming customs that draws large crowds to Gobblers Knob in Pennsylvania. This year's prediction aligns with weather experts' expectations of continued cold conditions in the eastern United States.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Waymo has secured a $16 billion investment, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to over 20 new cities in the US and abroad, increasing its fleet size and valuing the company at $126 billion. Despite the high costs associated with autonomous vehicles, this funding round, which includes both new and returning investors, positions Waymo as a leading company in the driverless ride-hailing market.

Drawing from multiple news sources, Waymo has secured a $16 billion investment, led by Dragoneer Investment Group, to expand its robotaxi service to over 20 new cities in the US and abroad, increasing its fleet size and valuing the company at $126 billion. Despite the high costs associated with autonomous vehicles, this funding round, which includes both new and returning investors, positions Waymo as a leading company in the driverless ride-hailing market.

Multiple news sources report that Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age, citing the Online Safety Act's age verification requirements as driving users to unregulated sites, though some suspect the move is a tactic to pressure lawmakers and increase sign-ups, similar to actions taken in numerous US states. The restrictions, effective February 2nd, limit access to explicit content for unverified users, prompting debate about the law's effectiveness and Pornhub's motivations.

Multiple news sources report that Pornhub is restricting access for UK users who haven't previously verified their age, citing the Online Safety Act's age verification requirements as driving users to unregulated sites, though some suspect the move is a tactic to pressure lawmakers and increase sign-ups, similar to actions taken in numerous US states. The restrictions, effective February 2nd, limit access to explicit content for unverified users, prompting debate about the law's effectiveness and Pornhub's motivations.

Multiple news sources confirm that Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which had been largely closed since May 2024, allowing a limited number of sick and wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza for treatment and some residents to return. The reopening, overseen by EU supervisors and Palestinian staff with remote Israeli security checks, follows delays related to disagreements over return quotas and is intended to alleviate the suffering of thousands awaiting medical care.

Multiple news sources confirm that Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, which had been largely closed since May 2024, allowing a limited number of sick and wounded Palestinians to leave Gaza for treatment and some residents to return. The reopening, overseen by EU supervisors and Palestinian staff with remote Israeli security checks, follows delays related to disagreements over return quotas and is intended to alleviate the suffering of thousands awaiting medical care.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include the concerning disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, escalating geopolitical tensions with explosions in Iran and a Ukrainian blackout, and a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's visa freeze. Domestically, the housing market remains sluggish despite potential slight mortgage rate decreases, while entertainment sees surprising success with the "Melania" documentary and renewals for NBC shows, alongside a promising lineup of new book releases in February.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent global events include the concerning disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, escalating geopolitical tensions with explosions in Iran and a Ukrainian blackout, and a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's visa freeze. Domestically, the housing market remains sluggish despite potential slight mortgage rate decreases, while entertainment sees surprising success with the "Melania" documentary and renewals for NBC shows, alongside a promising lineup of new book releases in February.

Multiple news sources report that a Democrat flipped a Texas State Senate seat, narrowing the House Republican majority to a precarious one-vote margin, creating challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson as the House attempts to navigate a government shutdown and upcoming funding votes. While some downplay the impact, the slim majority necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to pass legislation, further complicated by a large number of House members heading for the exit.

Multiple news sources report that a Democrat flipped a Texas State Senate seat, narrowing the House Republican majority to a precarious one-vote margin, creating challenges for Speaker Mike Johnson as the House attempts to navigate a government shutdown and upcoming funding votes. While some downplay the impact, the slim majority necessitates near-unanimous Republican support to pass legislation, further complicated by a large number of House members heading for the exit.