Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup xAI, known for its Grok chatbot, in a deal valuing the combined entity as the world's most valuable private company at over $1 trillion. This merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though xAI's Grok has faced scrutiny over its AI image generation capabilities and is under investigation by European regulators.

Multiple news sources report that Elon Musk's SpaceX is acquiring his AI startup xAI, known for its Grok chatbot, in a deal valuing the combined entity as the world's most valuable private company at over $1 trillion. This merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though xAI's Grok has faced scrutiny over its AI image generation capabilities and is under investigation by European regulators.

Drawing from multiple news sources, a 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, swam for four hours to get help after his family was swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia while paddleboarding; his mother and siblings were eventually rescued after drifting 14km offshore, with the ordeal lasting 10 hours, and Austin's actions were described as "superhuman" by rescuers. Despite his heroic efforts, Austin humbly stated he "just did what I did."

Drawing from multiple news sources, a 13-year-old Australian boy, Austin Appelbee, swam for four hours to get help after his family was swept out to sea off the coast of Western Australia while paddleboarding; his mother and siblings were eventually rescued after drifting 14km offshore, with the ordeal lasting 10 hours, and Austin's actions were described as "superhuman" by rescuers. Despite his heroic efforts, Austin humbly stated he "just did what I did."

Multiple sources indicate that Disney's board is expected to choose Bob Iger's successor soon, with Josh D'Amaro, head of theme parks, cruises, and video games, considered a front-runner alongside Dana Walden, who oversees Disney television and streaming. Iger has reportedly solicited extensive feedback on both candidates from executives, suggesting a more rigorous selection process than the previous, unsuccessful attempt in 2020.

Multiple sources indicate that Disney's board is expected to choose Bob Iger's successor soon, with Josh D'Amaro, head of theme parks, cruises, and video games, considered a front-runner alongside Dana Walden, who oversees Disney television and streaming. Iger has reportedly solicited extensive feedback on both candidates from executives, suggesting a more rigorous selection process than the previous, unsuccessful attempt in 2020.

PepsiCo is reducing prices on its snack products, including Lay's and Cheetos, by up to 15% to address consumer concerns about inflation and declining brand loyalty. This move, starting this week, aims to boost sales volumes as consumers increasingly opt for cheaper store-brand alternatives amid persistent inflationary pressures. The company hopes to regain market share by offering more affordable options.

PepsiCo is reducing prices on its snack products, including Lay's and Cheetos, by up to 15% to address consumer concerns about inflation and declining brand loyalty. This move, starting this week, aims to boost sales volumes as consumers increasingly opt for cheaper store-brand alternatives amid persistent inflationary pressures. The company hopes to regain market share by offering more affordable options.

Russia hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow' so far this year2 hours agoShareSaveSarah RainsfordEastern and Southern Europe correspondent in KyivShareSaveAFP via Getty ImagesKyiv residents shelter at a train station during Russian air raidsRussia has used a record number of ballistic missiles to target Ukraine's energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The combined missile and drone strikes hit power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations causing "the most powerful blow" so far this year, according to private energy company DTEK.The strikes were launched as temperatures dropped to -20C (-4F) and left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair.Zelensky said Russia was "choosing terror and escalation" rather than diplomacy to end this war and called for "maximum pressure" on Moscow from Ukraine's allies.The attack comes after a so-called "energy truce" agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend.Ukraine's president suggested that Russia had simply used the time to stock up on missiles and prepare for the next attack.It also came on the day Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament.Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance.

Russia hits Ukraine energy sites in 'most powerful blow' so far this year2 hours agoShareSaveSarah RainsfordEastern and Southern Europe correspondent in KyivShareSaveAFP via Getty ImagesKyiv residents shelter at a train station during Russian air raidsRussia has used a record number of ballistic missiles to target Ukraine's energy sector, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said. The combined missile and drone strikes hit power plants and infrastructure in Kyiv and multiple locations causing "the most powerful blow" so far this year, according to private energy company DTEK.The strikes were launched as temperatures dropped to -20C (-4F) and left more than 1,000 tower blocks in the capital without heating once again and damaged a power plant in the eastern city of Kharkiv beyond repair.Zelensky said Russia was "choosing terror and escalation" rather than diplomacy to end this war and called for "maximum pressure" on Moscow from Ukraine's allies.The attack comes after a so-called "energy truce" agreed by Donald Trump with Vladimir Putin expired at the weekend.Ukraine's president suggested that Russia had simply used the time to stock up on missiles and prepare for the next attack.It also came on the day Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte was in Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and to address the national parliament.Donald Trump's initiative was meant to give diplomacy a chance.

Multiple news sources report on the release of over 3 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing a network of powerful figures and unredacted victim information, sparking controversy. Additionally, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to reopen nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions.

Multiple news sources report on the release of over 3 million files related to Jeffrey Epstein, revealing a network of powerful figures and unredacted victim information, sparking controversy. Additionally, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to reopen nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions.

Multiple news sources report that the Pentagon's Northern Command stood down over 1,500 federal troops, including those from Alaska and the Texas National Guard, who had been placed on alert for potential deployment to Minneapolis following President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act. This de-escalation comes after fatal shootings involving federal officers and signals a potential shift in the administration's approach to unrest in the city.

Multiple news sources report that the Pentagon's Northern Command stood down over 1,500 federal troops, including those from Alaska and the Texas National Guard, who had been placed on alert for potential deployment to Minneapolis following President Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act. This de-escalation comes after fatal shootings involving federal officers and signals a potential shift in the administration's approach to unrest in the city.

Multiple news sources report on two separate events: first, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea, underscoring the importance of water safety; second, a University of Utah study using century-old hair samples revealed a 100-fold decrease in lead concentrations since 1916, demonstrating the positive impact of EPA regulations. Additionally, WIRED reports on shower filters and their potential benefits for hair and skin health by removing chlorine and other contaminants from shower water.

Multiple news sources report on two separate events: first, a 13-year-old Australian boy swam for four hours to save his family after they were swept out to sea, underscoring the importance of water safety; second, a University of Utah study using century-old hair samples revealed a 100-fold decrease in lead concentrations since 1916, demonstrating the positive impact of EPA regulations. Additionally, WIRED reports on shower filters and their potential benefits for hair and skin health by removing chlorine and other contaminants from shower water.

Multiple news sources indicate a world navigating geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks, contrasted by the positive anticipation surrounding the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Amidst these challenges, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, highlighting privacy settings and First Amendment rights.

Multiple news sources indicate a world navigating geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks, contrasted by the positive anticipation surrounding the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Amidst these challenges, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, highlighting privacy settings and First Amendment rights.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, the world is grappling with geopolitical instability, social debates, and rapidly advancing AI risks that are outpacing mitigation efforts, as highlighted in a new international report. Meanwhile, a leaked guide is empowering community organizers with secure communication strategies via Signal, and the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics offer a positive counterpoint amidst these complex global challenges.

Multiple sources indicate that in the current high-interest rate environment, home equity loans and HELOCs offer a more affordable borrowing option for homeowners compared to personal loans and credit cards, with average rates around 7-8% as of February 2026. While these rates are subject to change based on market conditions and individual factors, leveraging substantial home equity can provide access to large sums of money at a comparatively lower cost, especially with potential future rate decreases.

Multiple sources indicate that in the current high-interest rate environment, home equity loans and HELOCs offer a more affordable borrowing option for homeowners compared to personal loans and credit cards, with average rates around 7-8% as of February 2026. While these rates are subject to change based on market conditions and individual factors, leveraging substantial home equity can provide access to large sums of money at a comparatively lower cost, especially with potential future rate decreases.

Drawing from multiple news sources, speedskater Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Games gold medal, and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, an Army sergeant with Italian roots, have been selected as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. This marks Jackson's third Olympics and Del Duca's second, with the opening ceremony set to be a unique event spread across several Italian cities.

Drawing from multiple news sources, speedskater Erin Jackson, the first Black woman to win an individual Winter Games gold medal, and bobsledder Frank Del Duca, an Army sergeant with Italian roots, have been selected as the U.S. flagbearers for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. This marks Jackson's third Olympics and Del Duca's second, with the opening ceremony set to be a unique event spread across several Italian cities.