Amazon announced plans to spend $200 billion this year on data centers, satellites, and other large-scale projects, fueling the ongoing race in artificial intelligence, according to the New York Times. The announcement, which exceeded Wall Street's expectations by $50 billion, underscored the aggressive investment strategies of major tech companies in the AI sector. Meanwhile, the NBA trade deadline passed without a deal for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and US and Iranian officials prepared for direct talks in Oman amid escalating tensions. Additionally, bipartisan Senate talks regarding immigration enforcement stalled, risking a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
Amazon's substantial investment in AI infrastructure follows similar announcements from other tech giants. Alphabet, Google's parent company, stated it would spend up to $185 billion this year, and Meta indicated its capital expenses, largely for AI support, could reach $135 billion, as reported by the New York Times. Despite investor concerns about the long-term returns on these massive expenditures, these companies showed no signs of slowing down their AI investments.
In the world of sports, the NBA trade deadline passed without a deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo, as reported by Fox News. The Milwaukee Bucks appeared ready to keep the two-time MVP, informing teams of their decision shortly before the deadline. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors were among the teams that explored a potential trade for Antetokounmpo.
On the international front, US and Iranian officials were expected to meet in Oman for direct talks, as reported by the BBC World. These discussions come amid a crisis that has heightened fears of a military confrontation between the two countries. The talks are part of a diplomatic effort following a US military build-up in the Middle East in response to Iran's actions.
Domestically, bipartisan Senate talks regarding immigration enforcement appeared to falter, potentially leading to a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, according to the New York Times. Senators left Washington without opening serious talks on a measure needed to keep the department running past a February 13 deadline. Democrats demanded changes to immigration enforcement operations, while Republicans opposed measures to curb the Trump administration's deportation drive. Senator Katie Britt of Alabama, the Republican chairwoman of the panel overseeing homeland security spending, stated she had made overtures to meet with Democrats, which had gone unacknowledged.
In other news, the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college sports is keeping top NFL Draft prospects in school longer, according to a former NFL agent, Ben Dogra, as reported by Fox News. Dogra cited Oregon quarterback Dante Moore returning to college instead of declaring for the NFL Draft as an example of how NIL is changing the landscape. "I think you're seeing, based on what happened with [Dante Moore]," Dogra said.
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