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.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent developments include the release of over 3 million Jeffrey Epstein files by the Justice Department, the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited evacuations and reunions, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's planned nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey to de-escalate regional tensions. Additionally, news sources reflect on the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Tehran in 1979 and the subsequent establishment of a totalitarian theocracy in Iran.

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent developments include the release of over 3 million Jeffrey Epstein files by the Justice Department, the partial reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt for limited evacuations and reunions, and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's planned nuclear negotiations with Iran in Turkey to de-escalate regional tensions. Additionally, news sources reflect on the anniversary of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's return to Tehran in 1979 and the subsequent establishment of a totalitarian theocracy in Iran.

Multiple news sources report that investigations initiated after UBS acquired Credit Suisse in 2023 have uncovered 890 Nazi-linked accounts, prompting a Senate Judiciary hearing led by Senator Chuck Grassley to examine connections between Swiss banks and the Nazi regime. UBS, having hired a U.S. prosecutor to investigate, is prioritizing the completion of the review and release of findings, as stated by UBS Americas President Robert Karofsky.

Multiple news sources report that investigations initiated after UBS acquired Credit Suisse in 2023 have uncovered 890 Nazi-linked accounts, prompting a Senate Judiciary hearing led by Senator Chuck Grassley to examine connections between Swiss banks and the Nazi regime. UBS, having hired a U.S. prosecutor to investigate, is prioritizing the completion of the review and release of findings, as stated by UBS Americas President Robert Karofsky.

Multiple news sources report that PayPal is replacing CEO Alex Chriss with HP's Enrique Lores, who will also serve as President, due to the company's disappointing financial performance and slow pace of change amid a rapidly evolving payments landscape. The leadership change comes after PayPal reported lower-than-expected Q4 revenue and a disappointing full-year profit forecast, leading to a significant drop in share value.

Multiple news sources report that PayPal is replacing CEO Alex Chriss with HP's Enrique Lores, who will also serve as President, due to the company's disappointing financial performance and slow pace of change amid a rapidly evolving payments landscape. The leadership change comes after PayPal reported lower-than-expected Q4 revenue and a disappointing full-year profit forecast, leading to a significant drop in share value.

Drawing from multiple news sources, approximately one million people in the UK missed the January 31st deadline to file their self-assessment tax returns with HMRC and now face penalties, including an initial £100 fine. While a significant number, over 11 million people did file on time, with a surge of submissions in the final hours, and HMRC urges those who missed the deadline to file as soon as possible to minimize further charges.

Drawing from multiple news sources, approximately one million people in the UK missed the January 31st deadline to file their self-assessment tax returns with HMRC and now face penalties, including an initial £100 fine. While a significant number, over 11 million people did file on time, with a surge of submissions in the final hours, and HMRC urges those who missed the deadline to file as soon as possible to minimize further charges.

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.

Consumer Reports' 2026 top car picks, drawing from road tests, crash tests, reliability surveys, and other sources, favor electrified vehicles (hybrid or EV) for their fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. The Honda Civic Hybrid, praised for its value, fuel economy (44 mpg), and acceleration, is a new entrant to the top 10, exemplifying the trend towards quieter and more powerful hybrid options.

Consumer Reports' 2026 top car picks, drawing from road tests, crash tests, reliability surveys, and other sources, favor electrified vehicles (hybrid or EV) for their fuel efficiency, performance, and safety. The Honda Civic Hybrid, praised for its value, fuel economy (44 mpg), and acceleration, is a new entrant to the top 10, exemplifying the trend towards quieter and more powerful hybrid options.