U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is challenging Google's new Gemini AI checkout feature, raising concerns about potential privacy violations and data exploitation through the Universal Commerce Protocol, a system developed with major retailers. The inquiry highlights growing global scrutiny over data privacy and the ethical implications of AI-driven commerce, as international regulatory bodies grapple with similar issues of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is challenging Google's new Gemini AI checkout feature, raising concerns about potential privacy violations and data exploitation through the Universal Commerce Protocol, a system developed with major retailers. The inquiry highlights growing global scrutiny over data privacy and the ethical implications of AI-driven commerce, as international regulatory bodies grapple with similar issues of consumer protection in the digital marketplace.

Snooker world mourns the loss of John Virgo, dead at 79, a former UK Champion and beloved BBC commentator known for his iconic "where's the cue ball going?" catchphrase. Tributes pour in from legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby as the sport remembers Virgo's 18-year playing career and his influential role in popularizing snooker through shows like "Big Break," leaving a legacy comparable to Ted Lowe's impact on the game. A minute's silence was held at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong to honor the snooker icon.

Snooker world mourns the loss of John Virgo, dead at 79, a former UK Champion and beloved BBC commentator known for his iconic "where's the cue ball going?" catchphrase. Tributes pour in from legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Mark Selby as the sport remembers Virgo's 18-year playing career and his influential role in popularizing snooker through shows like "Big Break," leaving a legacy comparable to Ted Lowe's impact on the game. A minute's silence was held at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong to honor the snooker icon.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have tragically killed 19 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. This escalation has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the disproportionate impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The rising death toll underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts towards a lasting and equitable peace that protects all civilians.

Israeli strikes in Gaza have tragically killed 19 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. This escalation has sparked outrage and renewed concerns about the disproportionate impact of the conflict on vulnerable populations, particularly women, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The rising death toll underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts towards a lasting and equitable peace that protects all civilians.

Senate Democrats Wyden and Van Hollen are criticizing the Trump administration's tariff exclusion process, alleging it unfairly favors companies with close ties to the president. They claim the opaque process lacks transparency and could lead to corruption and economic harm, raising concerns about potential cronyism. The senators are calling for greater oversight and a more equitable approach to tariff relief.

Senate Democrats Wyden and Van Hollen are criticizing the Trump administration's tariff exclusion process, alleging it unfairly favors companies with close ties to the president. They claim the opaque process lacks transparency and could lead to corruption and economic harm, raising concerns about potential cronyism. The senators are calling for greater oversight and a more equitable approach to tariff relief.

Drawing from a 2026 blog post, the author expresses concern over the diminishing opportunities for deep, prolonged thinking, a trait they value alongside building and creating. Reflecting on their university experience, the author contrasts students who seek immediate help with those who persevere independently through challenging problems, lamenting the loss of these difficult mental struggles.

Drawing from a 2026 blog post, the author expresses concern over the diminishing opportunities for deep, prolonged thinking, a trait they value alongside building and creating. Reflecting on their university experience, the author contrasts students who seek immediate help with those who persevere independently through challenging problems, lamenting the loss of these difficult mental struggles.

Following Russia's largest aerial attack on Ukraine this winter, which targeted civilian energy infrastructure, trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia talks are scheduled in Abu Dhabi, though Ukraine's delegation's position will be adjusted in response to the attack, according to President Zelenskyy. These developments, reported across multiple news sources, highlight the ongoing tensions and the Ukrainian president's assertion that Russia is prioritizing terror and escalation over diplomacy, using a proposed halt to attacks to stockpile missiles.

Following Russia's largest aerial attack on Ukraine this winter, which targeted civilian energy infrastructure, trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia talks are scheduled in Abu Dhabi, though Ukraine's delegation's position will be adjusted in response to the attack, according to President Zelenskyy. These developments, reported across multiple news sources, highlight the ongoing tensions and the Ukrainian president's assertion that Russia is prioritizing terror and escalation over diplomacy, using a proposed halt to attacks to stockpile missiles.

Multiple news sources indicate a growing trend of "wellness" focused Super Bowl ads, with telehealth company Ro leading the charge by featuring Serena Williams in an ad promoting the broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, aiming to destigmatize obesity treatments and position them as a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Drugmakers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also planning campaigns around the Super Bowl to further address the stigma surrounding these drugs, potentially leading to wider adoption.

Multiple news sources indicate a growing trend of "wellness" focused Super Bowl ads, with telehealth company Ro leading the charge by featuring Serena Williams in an ad promoting the broader health benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond weight loss, aiming to destigmatize obesity treatments and position them as a foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Drugmakers like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are also planning campaigns around the Super Bowl to further address the stigma surrounding these drugs, potentially leading to wider adoption.

Multiple news sources report that despite months of trading insults, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting at the White House, resulting in an agreement to collaborate on combating drug trafficking. The meeting, marked by pleasantries and a signed copy of Trump's book, signals a surprising shift in relations after Trump had previously made hostile remarks about Petro.

Multiple news sources report that despite months of trading insults, Colombian President Gustavo Petro and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a closed-door meeting at the White House, resulting in an agreement to collaborate on combating drug trafficking. The meeting, marked by pleasantries and a signed copy of Trump's book, signals a surprising shift in relations after Trump had previously made hostile remarks about Petro.

Multiple news sources report that the Trump administration is exploring measures to address housing affordability concerns, including allowing Americans to use 401(k) funds for home down payments, despite the president's reservations. These proposals come amid growing economic anxieties, with a significant portion of Americans describing current conditions as poor and anticipating further deterioration, despite relatively low unemployment and moderate inflation.

Multiple news sources report that the Trump administration is exploring measures to address housing affordability concerns, including allowing Americans to use 401(k) funds for home down payments, despite the president's reservations. These proposals come amid growing economic anxieties, with a significant portion of Americans describing current conditions as poor and anticipating further deterioration, despite relatively low unemployment and moderate inflation.

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 at over $1 trillion, making it the most valuable private company ever. This merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though it faces scrutiny regarding Grok's AI image generation capabilities and regulatory investigations into X (formerly Twitter).

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 at over $1 trillion, making it the most valuable private company ever. This merger aims to integrate AI, space exploration, internet, and media under one umbrella, though it faces scrutiny regarding Grok's AI image generation capabilities and regulatory investigations into X (formerly Twitter).

Multiple news sources report on the brothers of Renee Good urging Congress to address violence related to immigration enforcement following her death and that of another protester, while another source describes the unique and complex soundscape of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, including both everyday and supernatural elements alongside distinctive smells. The brothers spoke at a congressional hearing held by Democrats, but did not specify particular policy requests.

Multiple news sources report on the brothers of Renee Good urging Congress to address violence related to immigration enforcement following her death and that of another protester, while another source describes the unique and complex soundscape of Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, including both everyday and supernatural elements alongside distinctive smells. The brothers spoke at a congressional hearing held by Democrats, but did not specify particular policy requests.

J.K. Rowling has denied inviting Jeffrey Epstein to the 2018 Broadway opening of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," clarifying that while Epstein received an invitation, it was sent by the show's producers at the request of an associate, Peggy Siegal, without Rowling's knowledge or involvement, according to Variety and DOJ documents. This denial comes in response to online speculation fueled by the release of Epstein files.

J.K. Rowling has denied inviting Jeffrey Epstein to the 2018 Broadway opening of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," clarifying that while Epstein received an invitation, it was sent by the show's producers at the request of an associate, Peggy Siegal, without Rowling's knowledge or involvement, according to Variety and DOJ documents. This denial comes in response to online speculation fueled by the release of Epstein files.