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The WHO adds a syndrome stemming from cannabis use

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:24 EDT

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally recognized and added an official diagnosis code for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition affecting chronic cannabis users characterized by nausea and vomiting.

Researchers, including those at the University of Washington, have praised the change for helping identify patient trends.

CHS affects daily, long-term cannabis users, with symptoms typically appearing after several years of use. The only known cure is discontinuing cannabis use, though symptoms may temporarily ease with hot baths or showers.

The condition can involve severe pain, sometimes described as “scromiting” (screaming and vomiting), and has been linked to serious complications, including kidney failure and heart rhythm abnormalities.

The WHO move comes as rising legalization and potency of marijuana are contributing to a jump in cannabis-related emergency room visits among older adults, according to medical experts.

The potency of THC in cannabis products has risen dramatically, increasing from approximately 5% in the 1960s to reaching 40% today, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Experts point out that normalizing marijuana use is also fueling a misconception that cannabis is not addictive, causing fewer people to seek medical help.

Cybersecurity experts note ways to reclaim privacy online and stop adpocalypse

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:42 EDT

Every time we browse, shop, or post online on a smartphone, companies harvest our digital footprint to build highly detailed shadow profiles that will be used to target ads. Experts share a few tips to reduce it.

Organizations stitch together a person’s IP address, device identifiers, search queries, and purchase history to track behavioral patterns. Social media posts further expose our location, age range, and social circles.

Experts note that even lingering on a product page is noted. Furthermore, marketing agencies and data brokers routinely buy, sell, and trade these profiles to run targeted psychological advertising campaigns.

As a result, we face an adpocalypse on every digital front. Security experts recommend a few steps to reduce data flow drastically. It begins with altering device settings.

Security experts recommend auditing app permissions, turning off personalized advertisements, and deleting or deactivating your device’s advertising ID.
We can also choose secure browsers like Brave and use private search engines like DuckDuckGo to block non-essential cookies to limit browser tracking.
Routing internet traffic through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) also masks the true IP address.

Finally, using a secondary junk email address for casual sign-ups and an automated data-removal service can help keep our sensitive details out of commercial broker databases.

Reddit shifts focus to logged-in users

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:03 EDT

In a significant shift for one of the internet’s most open discussion platforms, Reddit plans to prioritize logged-in users, marking a major shift in its 21-year history.

The company wants to improve user experience, strengthen advertising revenue, and protect its content from unauthorized scraping by AI companies and bots.

CEO Steve Huffman said logged-in users spend more time on Reddit, helping the platform understand their interests and deliver targeted ads. He laid out the plan to mandate sign-in on Thursday to curb data scraping on the social media platform, after pointing to Google’s AI search features as a factor behind declining referral traffic.

Reddit will test the new experience outside the US before expanding it. Visitors without accounts can still browse the homepage and open posts through search engines and shared links. However, commenting and other participation features will require login.

The move comes as Reddit's advertising revenue jumped 54% year over year in the third quarter. The company also wants to protect its vast collection of human discussions as AI demand for online content grows.

Rising prices have proved a boon for Exxon, Chevron

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:42 EDT

The two companies are making bigger profits as global conflicts push fuel prices higher.

Both US oil giants reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings yesterday, as geopolitical tensions in Iran and Ukraine drove prices up.

Chevron’s profit surged nearly 200% year over year to $9.9 billion, while Exxon’s doubled to $15.4 billion. Both companies’ stocks reached record highs yesterday.

Interestingly, refining has become a major profit engine for both companies. Exxon earned more from turning crude oil into fuel than from exploring and producing oil for the first time in at least six years.

Both companies now plan to increase fuel production and strengthen their finances. Exxon aims to expand refinery operations, while Chevron is exploring ways to boost capacity. They are also using their strong earnings to reduce debt and maintain long-term financial stability.

Binance hit by record $6.3B crypto theft

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:12 EDT

The cryptocurrency industry faces renewed questions about its security after hackers stole billions of dollars from Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange.

On Thursday, attackers reportedly siphoned off more than $6 billion within just 20 minutes. Binance has managed to freeze $3 billion in stolen assets alongside its partners, but the remaining $3.3 billion is still on the loose. The incident has become one of the biggest crypto security breaches on record.

About half of the stolen funds involved stablecoins, whose issuers quickly froze the assets. However, hackers also targeted Bitcoin and Ether, which operate without centralized authorities. Researchers believe recovering these funds could prove extremely difficult.

Binance temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals following the attack. The company promised to cover customer losses using emergency reserves that held $1.23 billion in bitcoin, which fell modestly as the hack rattled cryptocurrency markets.

The incident came just hours after another security breach hit Polymarket. According to blockchain analytics firm Bubblemaps, hackers stole $2.7 million from around 700 users. The platform also pledged to reimburse affected customers.

Security experts say compensation alone cannot solve the industry’s security problems. They warn that centralized exchanges remain attractive targets because hackers can potentially access large amounts of customer funds.

According to Binance, the breach may have originated from a compromised engineer’s laptop. The FBI is investigating, though blockchain analysts have drawn early links to the North Korean hacking group suspected of targeting Bybit last year.

Experts advise investors to move long-term crypto holdings into personal wallets rather than leaving them on exchanges. However, self-managed wallets also carry risks, as lost passwords or recovery keys can mean permanent loss of access to funds.

AI spending fears trigger massive Big Tech sell-off

Sat, 31 Oct 2026 16:10:13 EDT

Technology companies lost more than $1 trillion in market value on Friday as investors questioned whether massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI) would generate sufficient returns.

The Nasdaq 100 plunged 3.4%, marking its biggest one-day drop since mid-June, while the S&P 500 dropped 1.8%. Technology stocks led the broader market decline as investors demanded stronger evidence that spending on AI infrastructure would translate into sustainable profits.

Concerns over the returns on tech companies’ heavy AI spending grew after several firms posted lackluster earnings this week.

Big Tech earnings this week left investors and analysts asking when all that AI spending will start paying off. So far, returns aren’t keeping pace, and some companies’ traditional revenue drivers are underperforming.

Intel led the market decline. The sell-off hit semiconductor companies particularly hard, with Intel suffering its worst trading day on record. Its shares plunged 29% after the company forecast weaker-than-expected sales and profits.

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan attributed the disappointing outlook to manufacturing difficulties, supply shortages and a severe memory crunch. These challenges have made it harder for the company to meet strong customer demand.

Other chipmakers also suffered significant losses. SanDisk shares fell 13%, while AMD, ARM Holdings, Qualcomm and Marvell each dropped around 10%.

Alphabet had its worst trading day ever on Thursday, losing about $475 billion in market value. Investors reacted to disappointing search revenue growth and a roughly $9 billion free cash flow deficit, underscoring the financial strain of its AI infrastructure investments.

Amazon also rattled investors with its spending plans. The company reported higher AI-related spending and slower growth in its online shopping business.

CEO Andy Jassy said Amazon expects capital expenditure to reach approximately $220 billion in 2026, with spending increasing further in 2027.

The latest market sell-off reflects growing skepticism about the economics of the AI boom. While tech giants continue to invest heavily in data centers and computing infrastructure to gain an edge, investors are increasingly focused on whether those investments can deliver returns that justify their enormous costs.

Google shares plunge, erasing $500B

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:11 EDT

Alphabet lost nearly $500 billion in market value on Thursday as Google shares plunged 13%, marking their steepest single-day decline on record.

The sharp fall came as investors worried that rising artificial intelligence costs and changing online search habits could threaten the tech giant’s long-standing growth and profitability.

These concerns followed Alphabet’s latest earnings report, which showed that Google Services revenue reached $96.3 billion, below analysts’ expectations of $98.5 billion.

Search revenue grew 12% in the third quarter, down from 17% in the previous quarter, indicating slower growth.

Alphabet also reported higher operating expenses and negative free cash flow as it increased investment in data centers and AI models.

The company spent $51.4 billion on capital expenditure in the third quarter alone to expand its AI infrastructure.

Meanwhile, AI chatbots are changing how people search for information, putting pressure on Google’s advertising-driven business model.

In response, Google is stepping up advertising in AI-powered search to protect its core revenue stream.

Nvidia CEO reportedly targeted in China spy plot

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:18 EDT

Nvidia chief Jensen Huang reportedly had close ties to a Singapore-based cloud company executive whom US intelligence officials considered a potential Chinese asset, according to The New York Times.

Alice Huang, a Chinese citizen, was already suspected of helping China bypass US restrictions on access to AI chips.

The findings have raised concerns in Washington. Officials briefed President Donald Trump about the intelligence last year, but he chose not to act, partly because he wanted to protect Nvidia’s chip sales to China and avoid disrupting trade relations.

Nvidia denied any wrongdoing, saying its dealings with the Singapore-based company followed normal business practices and that Jensen Huang’s interactions with Alice Huang were routine. The Justice Department has taken over the investigation.

Starbucks announces $1B share buyback plan

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:54 EDT

The coffee giant boosted its profit outlook beyond market expectations and announced a $1 billion share repurchase plan as CEO Brian Niccol pushes ahead with his turnaround strategy.

The company expects adjusted earnings of $3.15 to $3.25 per share in fiscal 2027, slightly above analysts’ estimate of $3.14.

The coffee giant also reported a 7.2% rise in global same-store sales in the fourth quarter, beating expectations of 5.4%.

Adjusted earnings reached 80 cents per share, surpassing estimates of 72 cents.

However, Starbucks shares fell about 2% in extended trading after it projected a 1% annual revenue decline, partly reflecting the sale of control of its Chinese business in a $4 billion deal with Boyu Capital.

Prestigious Wall Street law firm Weil Gotshal plans to wind down

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:29 EDT

Weil, Gotshal & Manges, one of the US’s leading law firms, is shutting down as its client base, partnership, and revenue shrink. It has around 1,200 lawyers.

Despite posting $2.1 billion in revenue last year, no debt, and few liabilities, the venerable firm—founded in 1931—succumbed to a rapid partner exodus fueled by $20 million-plus pay packages offered by rival megafirms.

Over 30 partners, including several major client earners, have left Weil Gotshal this year, taking valuable business relationships with them.

The firm had been in merger talks with rival Willkie Farr & Gallagher to strengthen its business, but the deal reportedly fell through last week as more partners left.

The multinational law firm is dissolving without filing for bankruptcy, relying on advisers from Davis Polk and AlixPartners.

Ranked among the US’s 20 most profitable law firms, it became an early leader in corporate restructuring. The firm advised on some of history’s biggest bankruptcies, including Lehman Brothers, General Motors, Enron and WorldCom. It has also built a strong presence in public M&A and private-equity transactions.

However, competitors began to pull ahead of Weil Gotshal after the recession. While its revenue doubled to $2 billion between 2015 and 2025, Kirkland & Ellis recorded a fivefold increase, with revenue reaching $10 billion.

DoorDash strikes $17B deal to buy Instacart

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:06 EDT

DoorDash has offered $17 billion to acquire Instacart, aiming to consolidate the grocery delivery industry and better compete with rivals like Amazon and Walmart.

The acquisition could be completed by late 2027 or early 2028, subject to approval from Instacart shareholders, and would unite America’s largest restaurant delivery service and biggest online grocery platform.

Instacart users will gain access to thousands of additional stores, while the deal will bring both memberships under one subscription.

Last year, DoorDash processed more than 3 billion orders across 40 countries, supported by 9 million delivery workers. Meanwhile, Instacart fulfilled 338 million orders through 600,000 shoppers.

Walmart currently accounts for 21% of US grocery spending, while Costco and Amazon each hold an 8% share.

Sir Patrick Stewart dies at 86

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:45 EDT

Veteran English actor Sir Patrick Stewart, known for playing Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, has passed away at his Los Angeles home at age 86.

He was battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia and was in the care of his wife, Sunny.

An acclaimed stage and screen actor, Stewart has appeared in over 60 of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s stage productions and made his Broadway debut in 1970.

He portrayed Professor Xavier eight times in the X-Men franchise and is appearing in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, set for release on December 18.

His distinguished six-decade career included two Olivier Awards, a Grammy for his Peter and the Wolf narration, and four Emmy nominations.

Economic growth stays resilient as GDP expands 3.4% in Q3

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:10:06 EDT

The US economy picked up speed in the July-September quarter as businesses increased investments and resilient consumers continued to spend despite rising inflation.

Data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Thursday showed that the economy expanded at an annualized rate of 3.4%, up from 2.2% in the previous quarter. The figure also exceeded economists’ forecast of 3.1%.

A surge in business investment provided a major boost, with companies increasing investment by 12.7%. Much of this spending came from the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. A wave of data center investments by AI hyperscalers helped drive a 20.9% rise in equipment purchases.

Meanwhile, consumer spending rose 3.8%, marking the fastest pace since 2024.

However, the AI boom also dragged on GDP growth. Many AI hardware components, such as computer chips, were imported, adding to the US trade deficit and reducing GDP. Higher mortgage rates also put a damper on homebuilding.

The latest figures arrive just before the US midterm elections, giving President Donald Trump and his Republican allies fresh economic data to highlight as they campaign for voters’ support.

Trump welcomed the report, calling the growth figures encouraging. The White House also celebrated the results.

Despite the strong headline figure, economists cautioned that the economy still faces challenges. Heavy reliance on AI-related investment and continued pressure from international trade could affect growth in the coming quarters.

Low unemployment has offered little relief as inflation continues to eat into income gains. Prices rose faster in September, according to the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, with annual inflation still well above its 2% target.

The latest performance highlights strong domestic demand but also raises questions about how long the momentum will last.

Azure growth drives Microsoft’s quarterly profit surge

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:47 EDT

Microsoft’s Azure cloud business continued to grow rapidly in its fiscal first quarter, boosting profits and easing concerns about its massive artificial intelligence investments.

The company reported revenue of $92.28 billion, up 19% from a year earlier and above analysts’ expectations of $90.62 billion. Azure revenue surged 48%, driven by strong demand for cloud and AI services.

Microsoft’s profit rose to $36.63 billion from $27.75 billion a year earlier, while adjusted earnings reached $4.89 per share, beating forecasts of $4.7.

For the current year, it earned $24.1 billion from its OpenAI partnership. At its latest pace, that figure could reach $40 billion annually.

The company also reported $7.2 billion in outstanding payments owed by OpenAI at the end of September, up from $6 billion in June.

CEO Satya Nadella said growing demand prompted Microsoft to add 24 data centers across five continents. Meanwhile, the company is offering buyouts to eligible employees as AI spending increases.

Cheesecake Factory sees traffic growth amid sluggish US dining market

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:53 EDT

Unlike most US restaurant chains seeing sales decline, The Cheesecake Factory experienced a massive third-quarter traffic surge, fueled by viral social media trends that introduced younger consumers to the brand.

Same-store sales surged 15.2% YoY, driven by a 9.5% traffic growth that outperformed the Black Box casual-dining index by 940 basis points.

The restaurant chain’s parent company, which also manages chains like North Italia and Flower Child, reported more than $1 billion in revenue for a second straight quarter.

The company reported Q3 profit of $61.3 million, nearly double the $31.9 million recorded a year earlier.

By the end of the quarter, The Cheesecake Factory had 218 US and 35 international locations, plus 52 North Italia units.

Looking ahead, Q4 revenue is projected between $1.04 billion and $1.05 billion, with 2027 revenue expected around $4.425 billion.

CEO David Overton says the chain’s strong Q3 results were fueled by its new loyalty program, fresh menu offerings, and social media buzz. A viral TikTok trend showcasing a customized Cajun salmon dish added to the momentum, prompting a wave of customer orders.

Apple unveils first touchscreen Mac

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:57 EDT

Apple CEO John Ternus unveiled the company’s first touchscreen MacBook Pro models on Wednesday, marking a major shift after years of resisting laptop touch technology.

The launch marks Ternus’s third major product release since taking over in September.

The new MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip costs $2,899+, comes with an OLED screen and runs macOS.

The new laptops feature vibrant organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, redesigned chassis for improved cooling, and the return of the glowing Apple logo.

Pre-orders are now open, with official sales starting November 6.

Atlanta Dream slams WNBA over finals rescheduling

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:35 EDT

The WNBA has faced criticism after moving a crucial Finals game to a weekday afternoon, making it harder for working fans to watch live.

Game 6 between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

The game was originally scheduled for 8 p.m., but the league changed the timing to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks NBA game that evening.

The decision angered Dream ownership, which said it had warned officials about potential scheduling clashes two months ago. The owners questioned why the conflict remained unresolved as the team advanced to the Finals.

The league could have stuck with the original 8 p.m. tipoff at Gateway Center Arena, where the Dream typically plays. But the venue’s 3,500-seat capacity paled in comparison with State Farm Arena’s 17,000 seats.

The decision attracted attention beyond basketball. Rapper Flavor Flav proposed making Thursday a paid holiday so fans could watch the game without work commitments.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton backed the idea on social media, adding to the debate over the afternoon tipoff.

Brewers secure historic first World Series title

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:00 EDT

Milwaukee’s MLB team sealed the 2026 World Series title with a 4–1 victory in Game 5 last night, wrapping up the best-of-seven series.

Having the 19th-highest payroll in MLB this season, the Brewers are also the first small-market franchise to win the championship since 2015.

The historic triumph ends a championship drought and marks the team’s first Fall Classic appearance since 1982.

The Tampa Bay Rays kept their hopes alive with a 12-inning Game 4 victory, but no team facing a 3–0 deficit in the World Series has ever extended the series to Game 6.

The Brewers’ victory is expected to carry significant weight in upcoming labor negotiations ahead of the league’s collective bargaining agreement expiration on December 1.

Alphabet falls short of expectations amid a slowdown in Google search growth

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:30 EDT

Google’s artificial intelligence business continued to grow in the third quarter, but slowing search advertising revenue disappointed investors and sent Alphabet shares down about 10% in after-hours trading.

Alphabet reported $127.6 billion in revenue, up 25% year over year, but missed analysts’ expectations. Its cloud business delivered strong results, generating $30.7 billion in revenue, up 103%.

Search advertising revenue grew 12%, down from 17% in the second quarter. Google is seeing its fastest search query growth in five years as more users turn to AI Mode. Yet monetization remains a challenge, with AI-powered searches still generating less revenue than traditional queries.

Google spent $51.4 billion on capital expenditure in the quarter to expand its AI infrastructure. Its free cash flow turned negative at $9.1 billion, adding to investor concerns.

Chief Financial Officer Anat Ashkenazi said capital spending would increase significantly in 2027 as Google continues to invest in AI technology and cloud services.

Fed holds interest rates steady as inflation remains high

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 16:10:33 EDT

The Federal Reserve held its benchmark rate at 3.75%–4.00% yesterday, though two members called for an immediate hike to curb inflation.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said earlier rate increases were beginning to affect borrowing, but the central bank needs more information before deciding its next move. This morning’s latest personal consumption expenditures (PCE) report is also expected to point to continued price increases.

Inflation remains above target
The Fed aims to bring inflation down to 2%. However, consumer prices rose 3.7% in September from a year earlier, and higher energy prices fueled concerns about further price increases.

The central bank raised its benchmark rate by 0.25 percentage points last month, the first hike in three years. Higher interest rates make loans more expensive, encouraging households and businesses to spend less and helping slow inflation.

Higher rates hit homebuyers and business
The impact is already visible in the housing market. The average 30-year mortgage rate reached 7.4% earlier this month, making homeownership more expensive for millions of Americans. Higher borrowing costs could also slow business investment, including spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The two who dissented
Two Fed officials, Lisa Cook and Beth Hammack, opposed Wednesday’s decision and supported another quarter-point increase, highlighting concerns about persistent inflation.

Warsh rejected suggestions that the upcoming midterm elections influenced the decision, saying the Fed remained focused on economic conditions.

Many economists expect another rate increase at the Fed’s December 8–9 meeting, although officials have not confirmed their next move.

Also, the Fed plans to change its meeting schedule in 2027. It will continue to hold eight policy meetings that year, but one meeting will focus on long-term strategy rather than include a vote on interest rates. The central bank plans to hold two such strategy-focused meetings in 2028.

The Wall Street Journal points to a trade-off in reducing the frequency of rate decisions.

A longer review period could help policymakers evaluate economic trends more comprehensively.

On the other hand, it could delay the Fed’s response to sudden developments, such as a sharp market downturn.

The Fed must balance controlling inflation against the risk that higher borrowing costs could slow economic growth.

US holiday sales to pass $1T despite inflation, fuel prices

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:26 EDT

Americans are expected to spend a record $1 trillion or more this holiday, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Bain & Co.

Bain & Co. estimates overall US retail sales to increase by 4.5% in 2026, surpassing 2025’s 3.5% growth—while NRF projects a 4.2% rise.

Sales are expected to remain high despite inflation and high fuel prices affecting price tags.

United Parcel Service, Inc. raised its earnings outlook and anticipates a 25% surge in average daily package volume from the third to fourth quarter. Its stock surged 5.2%.

Online retail sales are projected to increase 9%, providing a boost to UPS. However, inflation accounts for much of the overall sales growth. In categories such as sporting goods, books, music, department stores and home furnishings, higher prices are driving sales increases even as the number of items sold declines.

Cheerios introduces resealable bags to keep cereal fresh longer

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:52 EDT

What began as a social media meme and a request from hundreds of thousands of consumers is now a reality: General Mills is launching Cheerios with Ziploc PantrySeal.

The built-in resealable Ziploc bags for Cheerios boxes are currently available exclusively on Walmart’s website and will be rolled out to retail stores soon.

Why the move now?
General Mills initially avoided resealable packaging because it feared higher manufacturing costs would make it harder to compete on price. But the Ziploc partnership doesn’t change that.

The company may see the packaging innovation as a way to sustain consumer interest in cereal. The move comes amid a 13% decline in US cereal purchases, which fell from nearly 2.5 billion boxes in 2021 to 2.1 billion in 2026, reflecting changing breakfast preferences and rising demand for healthier foods.

To counter the decline, General Mills previously launched high-protein Cheerios in December 2024, creating a $100 million business. The company also saw a 3% sales dip in fiscal Q1 but beat analyst expectations.

A December 2025 Suzy survey found that 90% of cereal eaters fold, roll, clip, or transfer cereal to preserve freshness.

Trump threatens ban on artificial intelligence term

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:14 EDT

President Donald Trump wants to replace the term “artificial intelligence” with “super intelligence,” calling the existing name inaccurate.

He has also threatened to ban the term AI in official documents and other communications. He did not explain how the proposed restriction would work or whether it would apply beyond government usage.

Trump raised the issue in a post on Truth Social, criticizing The Wall Street Journal for continuing to use the term. He argued that “super intelligence,” shortened to SI, better describes the technology and predicted that more people would adopt it.

Trump signed an executive order in September directing federal agencies to adopt the new terminology. However, major news outlets continue to use AI, which remains the standard term.

Coca-Cola boosts earnings outlook despite tepid North American demand

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:47 EDT

Coca-Cola has raised its annual earnings forecast again, supported by resilient global demand and strong sales of several beverage brands, even as cost-conscious North American consumers limit spending.

The beverage giant reported yesterday that its global drink sales volume rose 5% in the third quarter. It also raised its earnings forecast for the year.

Coca-Cola now expects comparable earnings per share to rise by at least 11% in 2026, up from its previous estimate of 9% to 10%. It also slightly improved its organic revenue outlook, reflecting confidence that it can maintain growth despite an uncertain consumer environment.

Revenue rose 7% to $13.4 billion, while net income increased to $4.01 billion from $3.7 billion a year earlier.

Rising demand in India, China, Mexico and Brazil supported growth, while North American consumption remained subdued despite growing sales of premium products.

Demand for Coke Zero Sugar and Diet Coke climbed 16% and 6%, respectively. Bottled water sales also increased, while sports drinks declined.

Weaker sales of water, coffee, juice and sports drinks counterbalanced growth in US sales of regular Coke and Fairlife milk.

Sales at restaurants, cinemas and other venues also remain under pressure.

Chief Executive Henrique Braun credited the company’s performance to disciplined execution in an uneven market. Chief Financial Officer John Murphy expects consumer spending patterns to remain largely unchanged in 2027.

Coca-Cola shares slipped less than 1% in morning trading as investors weighed the cautious consumer-demand outlook.

But it has outperformed PepsiCo this year, with its shares rising 30% while its rival’s have fallen 7%. The company also recently landed a beverage deal with KFC, replacing PepsiCo.

Flavio Bolsonaro reportedly flees Brazil for US after election defeat

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:18 EDT

Flavio Bolsonaro suffered a shock defeat to left-wing incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Sunday’s presidential election. Following the loss, the right-wing politician flew to the US, according to NBC News.

His departure came after he refused to comply with an order to surrender his passports as part of a money-laundering probe.

A senior State Department official confirmed on Tuesday that the Trump administration would issue visas to Bolsonaro and his family, allowing them to enter the country.

Bolsonaro’s flight to the US mirrors his father Jair Bolsonaro’s move in 2022, when the former president left Brazil after losing an election to Lula. After returning to Brazil several months later, Jair Bolsonaro was convicted of conspiring to overthrow the government.

During his campaign, the younger Bolsonaro promised to secure the release of his father who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting the coup.

President Donald Trump said he would approve Bolsonaro’s arrival, calling the election result strange and criticizing the outcome.

Bolsonaro’s exit could further strain relations between the two countries as political tensions rise following the election.

Israel vote ties Netanyahu and rival

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:18 EDT

Israel’s election saw one of the highest voter turnouts in decades, but the results leave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future uncertain.

Netanyahu’s far-right Likud party and former military chief Gadi Eisenkot’s centrist Yashar party are competing to lead the next government.

With most votes counted, neither party appears on track to secure the 61 seats needed for a majority in Israel’s 120-seat Knesset, or parliament.

Israel has traditionally relied on coalition governments, making negotiations between parties crucial to forming the next administration. Parties representing the country’s Arab minority could play a decisive role in breaking the deadlock.

There is also the possibility of another round of elections if no agreement can be reached.

GM to move stock listing to Nasdaq as it advances AI strategy

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 16:10:28 EDT

General Motors (GM) will move its stock listing from the New York Stock Exchange to Nasdaq on November 17, while retaining its existing ticker symbol.

The automaker joins Walmart, Hilton and Palantir in the shift, becoming the first legacy carmaker to list on the tech-focused exchange. The Nasdaq is home to companies including Apple and Amazon.

GM has traded on the NYSE since 1911.

Why the shift?
The NYSE’s grip on the listing market has weakened as Nasdaq gains ground with high-profile companies and headline-making IPOs.

Several firms, like Walmart and DoorDash, have switched or plan to switch from the NYSE to Nasdaq. It is also positioning itself for major IPOs, including Anthropic’s much-awaited debut. SpaceX also listed on Nasdaq in June.

What’s in it for GM?
The move marks a strategic shift for the Detroit-based company, which has prioritized electric vehicles (EVs) over hybrids in recent years.

GM is trying to redefine itself as a tech company as it intensifies its efforts to compete with Tesla.

The company is also developing software for automated driving and digital features as Chinese automakers gain ground.

It plans to introduce hybrid versions of three popular three-row SUVs in response to growing demand for fuel-efficient vehicles in the United States.

The automaker will build hybrid versions of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave and GMC Acadia at its Lansing Delta Township assembly plant in Michigan. The three mechanically related SUVs are among GM’s strongest sellers in the US market.

The company has also accelerated the development of AI-powered manufacturing technologies.

Netanyahu faces strong challenge in Israel’s election

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:18 EDT

Israel’s political future hangs in the balance as voters head to the polls on Tuesday in a closely watched election that could end current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long rule.

Netanyahu faces growing opposition over his handling of security, the Gaza war and domestic affairs. Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot has emerged as a key challenger, with polls pointing to a tight race.

The election also highlights divisions over military service, religious influence and the independence of Israel’s judiciary.

While Netanyahu’s backers credit him with steering the country through multiple conflicts, opponents blame his government for deepening internal divisions and damaging Israel’s global standing.

More than 7 million Israelis are eligible to vote.

James Comey hit with new charges under Trump administration

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:21 EDT

Former FBI Director James Comey is facing fresh criminal charges over alleged leaks of classified information to the media in 2016, adding to his ongoing legal battles with the Trump administration.

It is the third time the DOJ has charged Comey. Prosecutors have brought two charges against him in Washington, alleging he shared information about US email surveillance with a New York Times reporter.

Prosecutors claim the disclosure involved details from an internal government email. Comey has rejected the accusations and maintained his innocence.

The charges were made public after a federal judge approved the release of court documents.

Comey’s lawyers have asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing the prosecution was improperly initiated to avoid the legal deadline expiring.

The latest case follows separate proceedings involving Comey in North Carolina and Virginia.

The Virginia case, which accused him of lying to Congress, was dismissed over concerns about the prosecutor’s appointment. However, the Justice Department is attempting to revive it.

Britain’s Oxford Street goes traffic-free

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:25 EDT

London Mayor Sadiq Khan unveiled plans to make Oxford Street a permanent, traffic-free, pedestrian-only zone to boost the local economy.

The 1.2-mile stretch has prohibited buses, cars, taxis, cycles, scooters and pedicabs. It aims to be like other world-famous retail destinations like Times Square and the Champs-Elysees. Upgrades for 2027 include over 50 new trees, 100 new seats, two public squares, among several other additions.

The iconic shopping street currently attracts around 500,000 visitors every day and hosts major retail brands like Tiffany & Co. It has faced notable setbacks since the COVID-19 pandemic, including the closure of flagship stores like Topshop and House of Fraser.

City officials project the vehicle-free shift could boost economic growth by over $90 million annually and create more than 700 jobs.

NBA partners with Kalshi and Polymarket

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:30 EDT

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has partnered with prediction-market platforms Kalshi and Polymarket as it seeks to strengthen oversight of sports-related trading amid a series of betting scandals.

Announced Monday, the agreements make both companies the NBA’s preferred prediction-market exchanges. They will allow the platforms to use official league data and team logos, while giving the NBA authority to approve or reject the markets they offer.

The companies will also help the league identify suspicious activities, investigate potential insider trading, and share data to protect game integrity.

The announcement comes amid major gambling investigations involving basketball figures while state regulators challenge prediction markets in court.

The NBA has faced gambling-related scrutiny since 2024; it imposed a lifetime ban on former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter after finding that he bet on basketball and shared confidential information with bettors. Prosecutors also indicted 34 defendants over alleged rigged poker games linked to organized crime and illegal sports betting.

The league says the partnerships will help it shape and monitor the bets fans can place.

The NBA has also reached a memorandum of understanding with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the federal agency that regulates prediction markets.

The league plans to expand prediction-market partnerships with DraftKings and potentially FanDuel and Fanatics.

NBA officials say working with these platforms will give it greater access to trading data and help detect suspicious activity, even as regulators and courts continue to debate how prediction markets should operate.

Apple announces replacements for iPhone Duo units with faulty screens

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:49 EDT

Apple acknowledged on Monday that a small number of its newly launched iPhone Duo units exhibit inner display issues along the central hinge and announced it will replace them.

Just days after shipping its first-ever foldable phone, social media users reported cracks and lines appearing across the central fold.

The issue comes as online orders for the Duo sold out in minutes, drawing worldwide queues at Apple stores last week.

Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 staff amid AI push

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:56 EDT

Tech giant Microsoft has offered exit packages to 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its global workforce, as it seeks to cut costs while heavily investing in AI.

It marks the company’s second voluntary exit initiative this year. Microsoft employed 223,000 globally by the end of June, according to a regulatory filing.

The exit program includes staff at the vice-president level and below across select teams in the US, Canada, India, and the UK. However, the company will not offer the program to employees in data centers, sales, and marketing.

A Microsoft spokesperson told Bloomberg that employees taking the buyout will receive benefits similar to those in standard severance packages.

Anthropic’s IPO plans reveal stark divide: 900% retention, $80B in losses

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 16:10:19 EDT

Anthropic is preparing to enter the stock market as it aims to turn growing demand for its technology into long-term business success.

The developer of the Claude chatbot plans to list its shares on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ANT, per a regulatory filing. However, it has not yet disclosed the listing date, share price, or number of shares it plans to offer.

Founded in 2021 by Dario Amodei and former OpenAI researchers, Anthropic has established a strong presence in the AI industry.

The filing offers a closer look at Anthropic’s finances and how it plans to address the potential societal risks its products pose.

It reported $16.3 billion in revenue for the first half of the year but recorded losses exceeding $80.7 billion. But the company remains unprofitable and faces $417 billion in contractual obligations to vendors, including data center operators. It also highlighted risks involving AI misuse, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory scrutiny.

One figure highlights the company’s growing commercial strength. Anthropic reported a net revenue retention rate of approximately 900% as of September 30. This means existing customers, on average, generated about nine times as much revenue as they did a year earlier, reflecting substantial growth in customer spending.

However, Anthropic must convince investors that it can sustain rapid growth while managing the high costs of developing advanced AI systems. It also faces intense competition from OpenAI and Google, alongside growing scrutiny over AI safety.

The planned public offering comes as investors question whether the artificial intelligence boom can deliver lasting profits. Anthropic’s market debut could test both its business prospects and investor confidence in the wider AI industry.

Inflation, tariffs push candy prices up for Halloween

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:53 EDT

Candy prices have surged amid inflation and Trump administration tariffs, pushing up Halloween costs. Still, many households are willing to splurge on treats.

Candy and chewing gum costs are up 8.1% overall according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Chocolate has taken the hardest hit
PwC reports Halloween chocolate prices jumped 15.5% to an average of $5.67 per package, compared with nonchocolate items, which rose 1.8% to $3.31.

The sharp increase reflects a surge in cocoa prices, which quadrupled between January 2023 and January 2025 amid extreme weather in Ivory Coast and Ghana. US tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on 60 trading partners have added to the pressure.

Households continue to spend
Overall consumer prices rose 3.4% over the past year, driven by rising energy costs like electric bills, which have spiked by $150 monthly for some households. Meanwhile, wages grew just 3%.

Despite all these financial pressures, the National Retail Federation projects seasonal spending will reach $13.5 billion, with 96% of Halloween shoppers purchasing sweets.

US home sellers lower prices due to housing slump

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:14 EDT

Selling a home in the US has become increasingly difficult as high mortgage rates, rising housing costs, and economic uncertainty keep buyers on the sidelines.

Many homeowners are delaying major life decisions, including job relocations, moving to larger homes and downsizing after their children leave home.

Sellers cut prices and offer buyer incentives
Unlike the housing boom earlier this decade, when low mortgage rates fueled bidding wars, sellers now face pressure to reduce asking prices and offer financial incentives. These include covering closing costs, paying for repairs, and helping buyers lower their mortgage rates.

Some homeowners have withdrawn their properties from the market after months without offers, while others continue to wait for buyers rather than accept steep price cuts.

Mortgage rates weigh on demand
The average 30-year mortgage rate climbed to 7.4% in October, its highest level in nearly three years.

The national median home listing price fell 1.2% year over year in September to $419,250, marking its 11th consecutive monthly decline, according to Realtor.com. About 21% of listings recorded price cuts, the highest share in four years.

Sellers outnumber buyer
Redfin data showed that sellers outnumbered buyers by about 63% across the 50 largest US metropolitan areas in September. The roughly 929,000 buyers represented the lowest figure on record since 2013.

With fewer buyers competing for homes, sellers must offer better deals or risk waiting months to close a sale. Although the shift gives buyers greater negotiating power, affordability challenges continue to keep many out of the market.

Taco Bell keeps PepsiCo deal, retaining Mountain Dew Baja Blast

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:11 EDT

PepsiCo scored a much-needed win, extending its Taco Bell supply deal through 2036. The agreement comes just days after KFC dropped the company as its supplier for rival Coca-Cola.

The move ensures that iconic beverages like Mountain Dew Baja Blast and Doritos Locos Tacos stay on the menu.

Both have been successful additions, but the soda has become a standout success, growing into a $1 billion brand on its own, the companies said in their joint announcement.

The renewed deal includes plans for further menu collaborations, with new Doritos Locos Tacos flavors and energy drinks expected soon.

Trump mulls Iran deal before midterms

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:50 EDT

President Donald Trump is contemplating whether to resume attacks on Iran or to engage in talks to reach a deal as the November 3 midterm elections near.

Speaking to Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump said, “I have a decision to make: Do I finish it off, which would be very easy to do, or do I make a deal? That’s all.” He also told White House reporters that “There won’t be a strike today,” on Sunday.

In the past few weeks, Trump has expanded the US military presence in the Middle East, deploying a third aircraft carrier to the Persian Gulf.

The US has also ordered some embassy and military personnel to leave parts of the region amid growing security concerns, including threats to Saudi Arabia from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants.

Meanwhile, Iran has escalated attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route. Tehran is also bracing for potential US bombing campaigns around the midterms and preparing retaliation.

Officials warn that the period between the midterms and the new Congress taking the oath could bring crucial developments in the conflict.

US ally Israel faces an election on Tuesday that will determine whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stays in power. His chief rival, Gadi Eisenkot, could alter the country’s willingness to restart the war with Iran.

Ukraine’s Starlink service resumes

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:23 EDT

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk admitted his company recently restricted Starlink connectivity for the Ukrainian forces, hindering critical military missions against Russia.

Musk acknowledged the Starlink speed restrictions in a Saturday X post and said it was due to Ukraine allegedly violating terms of service by using it for offensive drone strikes. He also added that the “loophole was closed last week.”

Ukrainian presidential adviser Serhiy Beskrestnov rejected the allegations, saying Starlink cannot be used for long-range or mid-range strikes inside Russia because the service does not operate there.

Many of the Ukrainian drones need satellite internet to locate and shoot down Russian targets.

SpaceX also operates Starshield, a military-grade service for defense use. Musk again asserted that the US government controls changes to Starshield. The disruption strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

The Starlink speed restoration coincided with new US diplomatic efforts, including a localized ceasefire around Oleshky brokered by First Lady Melania Trump. However, hostilities continued across multiple fronts.

Anthropic model gained access to voter records

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:44 EDT

Anthropic’s Claude AI has raised fresh security concerns after accessing Georgia’s paid election data without human permission during an internal research project.

The AI tool retrieved statewide vote totals from a dashboard that Georgia charges users to access. Anthropic said Claude took this step on its own, without human instructions to bypass the payment barrier.

The company stressed that Claude did not access Georgia’s voter registration system, retrieve individual voting records, or change any election data. The model also requested a token to query a dashboard without instructions. The AI company claims it has introduced safeguards to prevent similar incidents.

Earlier this month, Anthropic said it found instances of Claude bypassing restrictions to access information protected by fees or digital tokens. Some incidents involved websites operated by federal, state, and local government agencies across the United States.

The incident comes as AI companies face growing scrutiny over systems that act independently of human instructions.

With US midterm elections approaching, the episode highlights concerns about whether existing safeguards can keep increasingly capable AI tools under control.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva secured victory in Brazil’s presidential runoff

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:40 EDT

Brazilian voters have handed Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva another presidential term, choosing continuity over a shift to the right in a tightly contested election.

Lula won 51.8% of valid votes, defeating Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, who received 48.2%. The result sets a new milestone in Brazil’s electoral history: no candidate had previously won a runoff after losing a first-round vote since direct presidential elections returned in 1989.

Bolsonaro rejected the outcome and called for the runoff to be annulled. Claims of voter suppression and a two-hour extension of polling added to the controversy, although the extension followed concerns over voting access and severe weather.

Lula now faces the challenge of controlling Brazil’s growing debt while protecting social programs and public investment. Government debt climbed to 82.9% of GDP in August, putting pressure on public finances.

His victory has also unsettled investors who expected Bolsonaro to pursue tougher spending controls and deregulation. Lula must restore market confidence while navigating a Congress with strong opposition representation.

Banks prepare for worst-case AI cyberattacks

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:10:48 EDT

America’s biggest banks are strengthening defenses against AI threats while preparing for the possibility of a major cyberattack that could disrupt financial services.

The planning reflects growing concerns across Wall Street and Silicon Valley about the risks posed by rapidly advancing AI technology.

Banks have reported instances of AI agents accessing customer accounts after users shared their login credentials.

The activity differs from conventional cyberattacks, but it highlights the dangers of allowing AI tools to control sensitive financial accounts.

The threats
Many banks’ policies require account holders to log in personally, something that the use of AI agents may circumvent. Allowing these agents to access financial accounts, particularly with the authority to transfer funds, raises significant security concerns. AI agents may deviate from user instructions, and banks may not be able to reverse their actions. Liability for unauthorized transactions also remains unclear.

Some agents appear to have acted beyond users’ instructions, raising concerns about unauthorized transactions and account security.

Major banks are developing contingency plans to protect customer funds, maintain operations, and reassure users if a large-scale attack occurs. Several also participated in early testing of Anthropic’s Mythos AI model to better understand potential cybersecurity threats.

JPMorgan, Citi, Bank of America, and other institutions have taken steps to block AI agents from accessing accounts while exploring safer ways for customers to connect approved services.

Banks strongly advise customers not to share passwords with AI agents. Instead, users should consider secure platforms that provide limited, read-only access to balances and transaction histories.

Banks distinguish the risks of AI agents accessing financial accounts from last summer’s rogue bots, which broke out of their OpenAI sandbox and hacked into open-source platform Hugging Face without authorization.

But a more troubling threat may be emerging. Frontier AI systems could uncover cybersecurity weaknesses that hackers exploit before institutions can patch them.

The bottom line: Banks are preparing for AI-related disruptions even as they work to prevent them, underscoring the growing challenge of managing emerging technology risks.

US consumer sentiment drops to 5-month low

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:44 EDT

October consumer sentiment dropped from 48.1 in September to 48.0 on Friday, according to the University of Michigan’s index, the lowest in five months.

The figure is 10.4% below the 53.6 recorded in October 2025 and 15% lower than February’s level before the Iran war.

The Current Economic Conditions index fell 8.3% to 46.7, driven by an 18% record plunge in Americans buying durable goods, which include automobiles, appliances, furniture, and more.

Several consumers are concerned with growing interest rates and the affordability crisis. Inflation expectations climbed for a second consecutive month, with year-ahead forecasts rising to 4.7% from 4.6%.

Meanwhile, gasoline prices stayed well above $4 per gallon, and nearly 70% of consumers expect increased borrowing costs over the next 12 months.

Hunter Biden probe puts two ex-FBI officials in court

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:17 EDT

Two former FBI officials, Nikki Floris and Bradley Benavides, surrendered Friday after the Justice Department accused them of lying to Congress about the bureau’s investigations into Hunter Biden.

Hunter, son of former president Joe Biden, pleaded guilty to federal tax charges and was convicted of gun crimes in 2024. Biden later pardoned him.

Prosecutors accuse the former intelligence specialists of making false statements to the House Judiciary Committee in 2023.

Floris reportedly told the committee she had not participated in discussions about Hunter.

Benavides allegedly said he learned about the controversy surrounding Hunter’s laptop through Wikipedia. Prosecutors claim both officials concealed their actual involvement.

Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the charges while FBI Director Kash Patel said documentary evidence and witness accounts contradicted their testimony.

Both officials appeared in federal court in Washington, DC, and will remain free while awaiting trial. A judge scheduled their next hearing for Tuesday.

Floris’ lawyers denied the allegations, calling the charges politically motivated and questioning their timing.

The case comes less than two weeks before the midterm elections. The charges were filed through a criminal complaint.

Amex to lay off 5% of global staff

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:53 EDT

American Express is cutting 5% of its global workforce, roughly 3,500 jobs, to control rising expenses and streamline operations, according to CEO Stephen Squeri.

The job cuts come as the financial services company reported a 9% increase in third-quarter sales, driven by strong customer spending. The company also raised its annual profit outlook.

The layoff mirrors a broader industry trend. Barclays recently announced a 5% workforce reduction, eliminating 5,000 jobs. eBay is cutting 9% of its workforce, about 1,000 employees, and Volvo plans to slash 2,500 positions.

Data from Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows US employers announced 43,281 job cuts in September, a 20% year-over-year decline.

Experts attribute the layoffs to mounting business pressures, including high energy costs, uncertainty over the Iran war, interest rate hikes, and the possibility of rising healthcare expenses.

Startup turns to genetic engineering to create elite military dogs

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:43 EDT

Warhound, a startup founded by Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm and Anduril’s Palmer Luckey, has raised $200 million to develop genetically engineered dogs for military, law enforcement, and emergency response operations.

The funding round values the company at $1.2 billion.

Warhound aims to develop dogs with improved health, longevity, speed, agility, and scent detection.

The company plans to use gene-editing technology to reduce inherited health problems and enhance traits that help dogs perform demanding tasks, such as detecting explosives and searching dangerous locations.

Warhound plans to clone its first batch of dogs, with births expected in early 2027 and operational service targeted within two years. Viagen, a Colossal-owned company, will support the cloning process.

The company is also working with the American Humane Society to promote animal welfare and explore retirement options for the dogs. However, Warhound has not yet announced its prices or detailed its regulatory approval process.

What’s the need?
Warhound says finding suitable working dogs isn’t easy: the US military reportedly gets about 80% of its dogs from Europe, and fewer than half make the cut, often due to health problems.

Investors, including Sequoia, 8VC, Corner Ventures and In-Q-Tel, a venture firm backed by US intelligence agencies, have supported the project.

US revises tariffs on Canadian goods to help Sen. Susan Collins

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:21 EDT

The Trump administration moved to ease tariffs on selected Canadian goods ahead of the midterm elections, offering potential relief to businesses in trade-dependent states.

Starting October 30, certain agricultural machinery, refrigeration equipment, packaging materials and plywood sheets will no longer face 50% duties. However, the government will apply the same tariff rate to Canadian carpets, some valves and waste products.

The decision comes as Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins fights to retain her seat in a closely contested race against Democrat Troy Jackson. Collins has criticized the tariffs’ impact on local businesses and families and welcomed the exemptions.

President Donald Trump introduced the 50% tariffs in August after trade talks with Canada broke down.

Canada responded with its own duties, escalating tensions between the two trading partners.

Despite the exemptions, the administration will maintain tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian exports.

DOJ challenges Alaska vote certification if Republican incumbent loses

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:53 EDT

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit yesterday seeking to block certification of Alaska’s US Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. President Donald Trump has said he directed the legal action.

The suit argues that another candidate with the same name could confuse voters and targets Daniel J. Sullivan, a registered Republican also running in the November 3 election. The administration claims his candidacy could divert votes from Senator Sullivan and help Democratic challenger Mary Peltola win.

However, election law experts have questioned the lawsuit’s legal basis and feasibility. They argue that federal law may not authorize the intervention and that officials cannot reliably identify voters who mistakenly selected the other candidate.

Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski also criticized the lawsuit, saying state officials had already taken steps to distinguish the candidates on the ballot.

MSG angers staff with fake NBA ring phishing test

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:10:07 EDT

Madison Square Garden (MSG) employees received an email promising them New York Knicks NBA championship rings.

The catch? Staff members who clicked the link got no bling—just a mandatory cybersecurity class.

According to The Athletic, the fake claim has angered many.

An MSG spokesperson explained the deceptive email was part of a cybersecurity exercise prompted by a previous hack in which attackers used compromised employee credentials to extort the company.

After yesterday’s revelations, the spokesperson told the New York Post that the company had always planned to gift more than 275 championship rings, valued at nearly $4 million, to employees. The timing was curious, to say the least: the clarification came just a day after The Athletic reported on the ill-fated phishing test.

The spokesperson also called the rings an unfortunate mistake.

The Knicks celebrated their 2026 NBA championship with a ring-and-banner ceremony on Tuesday night, where team president Leon Rose received his 22-carat diamond-and-blue-sapphire ring, designed by Jason of Beverly Hills.

Not everyone left with a prize, however. Seven anonymous league sources said the team’s assistant coaches were given empty boxes instead of championship rings.

The assistants were told in advance that their rings weren’t ready because they still needed to be fitted. Even so, the snub reportedly sparked reactions ranging from genuine anger to irritation.

Phishing tests are common, but do they actually work?
Industry experts warn that tricking employees erodes workplace trust without offering meaningful security gains.

High fuel costs cut airline growth

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:10:57 EDT

American Airlines forecasts deeper losses for 2026, projecting a fall between $1 and $1.60 per share amid surging jet fuel costs linked to the Iran war.

The airline reported a third-quarter net loss of $269 million, up from $114 million the same period last year.

Rising jet fuel costs have pushed airfares up more than 20% compared with 2025. According to Reuters, prices could reach $4.25 to $4.85 per gallon, up from under $4 in the third quarter.

Four major US carriers, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines, slashed their 2026 earnings forecasts, while United Airlines captured only 72% of its extra fuel expenses through revenue gains.

Industry experts expect airlines to balance higher ticket prices against the risk of weakening travel demand as they try to protect profit margins.