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The modern federal government's policies and agencies, shaped by major historical movements, are facing disruption under President Trump's administration. The administration's efforts to transform or eliminate vast sections of the executive branch and alter the balance of power toward the presidency have significant implications for the present and future. This overhaul is also raising concerns about accountability, executive authority, and the role of technology in public administration.

Spirit Airlines has secured court approval to leave bankruptcy under a lender-backed take-private deal, allowing top bondholders to acquire the Florida-based discount airline for approximately $1.6 billion less than its pre-bankruptcy debt. The company's restructuring plan aims to boost its business through new premium options, including wider seats and free alcoholic beverages for passengers with certain tickets. By rejecting a takeover offer from rival Frontier Group Holdings Inc., Spirit Airlines has secured control of its future.

Stocks fell from all-time highs due to a disappointing forecast from Walmart, adding to concerns about the economy's main engine, and were also weighed down by a slide in banks. The world's largest retailer sank 6.5% after its chief financial officer acknowledged "uncertainties related to consumer behavior and global economic and geopolitical conditions." This sentiment is further exacerbated by retail sales signaling an abrupt pullback by consumers, who are dealing with stubborn prices and high borrowing costs.

The ViewSonic XG2737 is a superfast gaming monitor with an extremely high refresh rate of 520 Hz, but it only offers Full-HD resolution. The screen focuses on the most important essentials without compromising image quality, which may make it less versatile compared to QHD monitors. This new gaming monitor features an IPS panel and supports native 6-bit + FRC color.

Trump's recent trade posturing, including his threat to impose reciprocal tariffs on US trading partners as soon as April, could have significant ramifications for inflation, with the potential to push prices higher. The proposed tariffs on imported automobiles could also impact the automotive industry's production capacity and lead to supply chain disruptions. As a result, the Federal Reserve may need to reassess its interest rate policies in response to these changes.

MercadoLibre's strong Q4 sales, driven by significant year-on-year growth of 37.4%, exceeded analyst estimates and propelled the company's stock price up 12.3%. The surge in revenue is attributed to the increasing popularity of e-commerce and fintech services in Latin America. MercadoLibre's ability to maintain its market leadership position and attract new customers suggests a promising long-term growth trajectory.

Tesla will implement a virtual queuing solution at its Supercharger station, with pilot tests starting in Q2 2025. This comes after a video of fighting Supercharger users goes viral. The system will determine the order in which the drivers use the chargers, most likely based on a first-in-first-out approach.

Newmont's quarterly earnings exceeded analyst estimates as the company benefited from rising gold prices and increased production. Higher demand for gold, driven by uncertainties surrounding the U.S. presidential election and Middle East tensions, fueled a surge in bullion prices. Newmont's adjusted earnings per share rose to $1.40, up from analysts' average estimate of $1.08.

As the demand for artificial intelligence continues to grow in the corporate world, startups like Together AI are seeing rapid growth and valuations soar. The company's platform allows developers to access open source AI models and compute power necessary to build AI applications, providing a crucial tool for innovation. With its latest valuation of $3.3 billion, Together AI is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI solutions.

Together AI’s valuation increase reflects a growing trend of corporate demand for artificial intelligence, with startups positioned to capitalize on this growth by providing accessible and user-friendly solutions. The company's platform allows developers to access open source AI models and compute power necessary to build AI applications, enabling rapid deployment and scalability. As the technology continues to advance, Together AI aims to further expand its offerings and increase its workforce.

Target was sued on Thursday by the state of Florida for allegedly concealing the risks of diversity and social initiatives that led to a customer backlash and wiped billions of dollars from the retailer's market value. The securities fraud lawsuit filed in the federal court in Fort Myers, Florida, accuses Target of making false and misleading statements in financial reports and proxy statements about its DEI mandate and environmental, social and governance mandate. Target has repeatedly warned investors about the risk of consumer boycotts from its social and environmental initiatives.

Rivian projected a surprise drop in electric vehicle deliveries for the year but said it expected to post a modest gross profit, as it slashed raw material and supply chain costs in its drive for efficiency. The company's annual deliveries are expected to be between 46,000 and 51,000 vehicles, lower than Wall Street expectations of 55,520, according to 15 analysts polled by Visible Alpha. Rivian's cautious approach may be a sign of the broader challenges facing electric vehicle manufacturers in an uncertain economic and political climate.

McConnell's retirement will bring an end to a decades-long career that significantly shaped American politics, allowing the Republican Party to move further to the right under President Donald Trump. His influence on the Supreme Court and ability to pass conservative legislation have been significant factors in this shift. McConnell's departure will give Kentucky an open Senate seat in 2026.

If you're having trouble with Android Auto, a specific version of the app may be to blame. Any time you try to use Android Auto, your phone reboots in most cases, particularly when interacting with voice commands or playing songs. This glitch is not widespread but has been reported on support forums and Google's official page, indicating that something is amiss with the affected version.

B.C.'s Forests Minister Ravi Parmar warns that the expected 14% tariff on Canadian softwood lumber would "absolutely be devastating" for the country's industry, threatening the livelihoods of forestry workers. The U.S. Commerce Department is set to issue anti-dumping duties by Friday, adding to the current 14.4% duty, which will make it nearly impossible for Canadian lumber to compete with American products. The government's inability to effectively protect its industries highlights the growing vulnerability of domestic sectors to global trade tensions.

Alibaba's quarterly earnings report highlighted its robust AI momentum, with AI-related product revenue sustaining triple-digit growth for the sixth consecutive quarter. The company's CEO Eddie Wu stated that the AI era presents a massive demand for infrastructure, and Alibaba will aggressively invest in cloud and AI infrastructure over the next three years. This investment plan is expected to exceed what the company has spent over the past decade.

U.S. stocks declined on Thursday as sector-specific headwinds continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The downturn was particularly pronounced in sectors tied to travel and leisure, where companies including Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean, and Viking Holdings all saw their shares sink following Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's comments on potential crackdowns on cruise operators' tax payments. Meanwhile, Alibaba surged after posting strong earnings driven by its AI-powered strategies.

NordVPN is one of the most widely used VPNs around, and for most users, it ticks all the boxes. It's secure, fast, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you'll likely need. We've found it's one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speeds and rapid connectivity, although rival ExpressVPN tends to be slightly faster.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's plan to reduce projected US military spending by 8% over the next five years would spare southwest border enforcement, the Air Force's newest drone program, nuclear weapons modernization, and preparations for a clean audit, according to a new memo. The proposal is part of a broader effort to cut waste and excessive bureaucracy within the Defense Department. Hegseth's plan aims to reallocate funds from various programs and initiatives to align with President Trump's priorities.

Alibaba and Ryan Cohen's increased stake in the Chinese e-commerce giant represents a significant investment from the billionaire investor, who has been pushing for share buybacks and a long-term relationship with the company. Cohen's position also underscores his interest in investing in undervalued shares, particularly in emerging sectors like AI and cloud computing. The news comes as Alibaba's U.S.-listed shares have surged in recent days, driven by strong year-end sales and plans to invest more in these areas.

The U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff's decision to allow The Intercept's core case to proceed highlights the growing concerns about the misuse of news articles in training AI models, potentially setting a precedent for similar lawsuits against other tech companies. The ruling also underscores the importance of copyright management information and its impact on property-based harms traditionally actionable in copyright suits. As the use of AI-generated content becomes increasingly prevalent, the boundaries between fair use and copyright infringement are likely to be tested.

PepsiCo has joined a growing list of major U.S. companies that are making changes to their diversity, equity and inclusion programs as President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle these practices across the federal government and private sector. The company's revisions include ending its workforce representation goals and transitioning its chief DEI officer to a broader role focused on associate engagement and leadership development. PepsiCo is also introducing a new "Inclusion for Growth" strategy in 2025, which marks the end of its five-year diversity initiative.

Florida's lawsuit against Target highlights the increasing scrutiny of corporate diversity and inclusion efforts, which have become a lightning rod for conservative backlash. The state's new attorney general claims that Target's DEI initiatives misled investors, potentially hurting sales and shareholders. However, the extent to which these initiatives were genuinely misleading remains unclear.

Google's new AI-powered search feature, Ask Photos, has been met with disappointment from users who were expecting a more seamless experience. To improve it, Google needs to differentiate it from its classic search interface, which is already highly efficient, and make the feature significantly faster, as even minor delays can be frustrating. Expanding the "beyond search" offerings, such as integrating it with other AI tools like Gemini, could also enhance the user experience.

Airbus's decision to acquire part of Spirit AeroSystems' European operations is expected to bring stability to the aerostructures manufacturer, but it also raises concerns about the impact on the aerospace industry's supply chain and labor market. The deal, which is nearing completion, will allow Airbus to consolidate its supply chain and reduce dependence on Spirit Aero, but it may also lead to job losses in Northern Ireland. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, companies must adapt to changing regulations and consumer demands.

The Valerion StreamMaster Plus 2 is a high-end 4K laser projector that promises excellent picture quality and smart features, making external media players obsolete. The device's exterior design may be impractical for some users, but its advanced color reproduction capabilities make up for it. However, the projector's reliance on pixel shifting to achieve native 4K resolution may raise concerns among gamers and videophiles.

Walmart may pass along price increases to consumers if costs rise due to looming tariffs and its conservative outlook. The company's recent profit beat is overshadowed by investors' fears of tariffs and a cautious approach to pricing. Walmart's reliance on domestic production and private brands positions it to mitigate the impact of tariffs.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the social media platform X owned by billionaire Elon Musk to pay a fine of 8.1 million reais ($1.42 million) for noncompliance with judicial orders, according to a ruling made public on Thursday. The decision stems from a legal process last year in which the court ordered X to take down a profile it determined had spread misinformation as well as provide registration data for the user. Failure to comply triggered a daily fine of 100,000 reais and exposed the local legal representative of the social media giant to criminal liability.

St. Louis Fed president Alberto Musalem has urged caution before making any further adjustments to interest rates, citing concerns about inflation and its impact on the economy. The Fed kept its rates on hold at its last meeting, despite a full percentage point of easing in recent months. Musalem emphasized the importance of monitoring economic conditions and inflation outlook before making any policy changes.

I've always been fascinated by the impact that small changes in my daily life can have on my wallet and the environment. The switch from traditional incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LED lighting has saved me hundreds of dollars on electricity bills over the years, largely due to its significant power savings. Additionally, LEDs are also more environmentally friendly than traditional bulbs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing electronic waste. Furthermore, they have a longer lifespan, requiring replacement every 25,000 hours or more, compared to incandescent bulbs that last around 1,200 hours.

NIST is facing a significant restructuring as part of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) purge, with at least 500 employees expected to lose their jobs. The agency's leadership has been targeted by Musk's efforts to overhaul the federal government, leading to concerns about the impact on scientific research and innovation. As the purge continues, NIST's ability to maintain its independence and carry out its mission is uncertain.

Hyperscale capital expenditures from big cloud providers like Amazon and Microsoft are expected to climb 40% in 2025, reaching more than $300 billion, up from $220 billion in 2024. The H200 GPU is surpassing sales projections, accounting for thirty percent of NVIDIA's product range this year. NVIDIA's artificial intelligence accelerators remain indispensable for high-performance AI applications despite attempts by cloud providers to create specialized AI application-specific integrated circuits.

The Lenovo Legion Go S offers an immersive gaming experience with powerful hardware and a rich, booming sound system, but its low battery life and expensive price tag are notable drawbacks. The device's compact size and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold, but software issues and incompatibility problems may hinder its use. Ultimately, the question remains whether this handheld is sufficient for travel or if other devices should be considered.

The best floodlights for outdoor security of 2025 offer advanced features such as motion detection, cameras, and adjustable brightness, providing peace of mind for homeowners. These floodlights can be customized with dusk-to-dawn modes and come with dual camera options, making them a valuable addition to any home's exterior. The top-rated floodlight is the Eufy Security E340, which combines high brightness with ease of use and security features.

Gold prices surged to a record high on Thursday, as fears of a global trade war sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats fueled safe-haven demand for the precious metal. Spot gold rose 0.1% to $2,936.38 an ounce as of 02:36 p.m. ET (1936 GMT), hitting $2,954.69 earlier in the session — its tenth record high so far this year. The uptrend is supported by central bank buying and ETF flows into the gold market.

The latest iPhone 16e launch marked the end for several familiar products and services, including the iPhone 14 series, Lightning ports on iPhones, Product Red colorways, 'SE' branding, and physical home buttons. Apple's decision to remove these products streamlined its overall iPhone experience, allowing it to focus on a more consistent and uniform 2025 lineup. The move may also signal a shift towards USB-C ports as the standard for new iPhones.

The re-release of the 1959 50mm f/1.4 Summilux lens on modern Leica M cameras raises questions about the role of nostalgia in the photography industry and whether it is possible to balance preservation of heritage with advancements in technology. While the lens's unique character and aesthetic appeal may resonate with some, its limitations in terms of optical quality may be seen as a hindrance by others. Ultimately, the decision to re-introduce a classic lens like this one depends on the value placed on tradition versus innovation.

Oil extended a string of marginal gains to settle above $72 a barrel amid uncertainty over global supplies and a slumping dollar that made commodities priced in the currency more attractive. The market remains cautious despite a lack of substantial catalysts, with prices likely remaining rangebound as traders position themselves closer to average prices. Despite this, concerns about supply chain disruptions continue to underpin sentiment.

Garmin's latest software update brings a plethora of enhancements to its popular Fenix 8 smartwatch, including the introduction of new features like Body Battery TrueUp, CIQ System 8 support, and Passcode functionality. The update, which is now rolling out to Enduro 3 and Fenix E users as well, promises to deliver more than 80 changes across all three devices. With this latest software refresh, Garmin aims to improve the overall user experience and address various issues that were present in the previous version.

Gaming enthusiasts are left wondering why Nintendo is sticking to its guns regarding pricing as a new Switch OLED bundle emerges, potentially overshadowing an impending Switch 2 release date. The lack of a discounted price tag for the new bundle may not be enough to entice buyers, especially if the rumored $399 MSRP materializes for the Switch 2. As gamers weigh their options, the future of console sales hangs in the balance.

The Epic Games Store is giving away two new surprise free games, including Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic and its sequel, KOTOR II: The Sith Lords. These classic RPGs are available for Android and iOS users, with a total value of almost $50. The giveaway will run until March 20.

The best kids' tablets of 2025 prioritize durability, educational value, and parental controls, offering a great balance between entertainment and safety for children. These devices are designed to withstand the rigors of childhood use, with durable materials and robust construction that can handle accidental drops and spills. By investing in a high-quality kids' tablet, parents can provide their children with access to a wide range of educational and entertaining content.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are widely regarded as the best ANC earbuds for Android, delivering outstanding noise cancellation and premium sound. At 46% off, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an absolute steal, offering top-notch features like multipoint connectivity, Bluetooth 5.4, USB-C, wireless charging, and IPX7 water resistance.

The US Senate has confirmed Kash Patel, a loyal defender of President Donald Trump and frequent critic of the FBI, as the director of the most prominent US law enforcement agency. This move is likely to raise concerns about the impartiality of the FBI under Patel's leadership, given his close ties to Trump and history of criticizing the bureau. The appointment could have significant implications for investigations and counterterrorism efforts, potentially affecting national security.

The BenQ LK835ST 4K short throw laser projector has been unveiled ahead of its launch next month. This is a 4K laser model designed for use in various commercial settings, with a white balance adjustment tool. Other features include up to 4,000 lumens brightness, a range of input ports and an optional wireless dongle.

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Washington next Monday to try to convince President Donald Trump that his interests are in line with European allies. Macron believes showing weakness to Russia's Vladimir Putin would harm credibility with China and Iran, and make it harder to deal with Beijing on Taiwan. The French leader emphasizes the importance of being credible in international negotiations, as weak positions can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to offer an improved writing experience with its new S Pen accessory. The stylus will be thicker than its predecessor but is said to provide a superior writing experience thanks to upgraded pen tips. However, the exact design and functionality of the new S Pen are still under wraps.

The expansion of ECG eligibility across the European Union marks a significant step forward in promoting digital health innovation. Garmin's move is likely to increase user trust and confidence in its products, particularly among consumers who value advanced health features. By making ECG functionality available globally, Garmin can tap into a broader market and establish itself as a leader in the wearables industry.

Family Dollar is facing a potential sale or spinoff, with private equity firms Apollo Global Management, Sycamore Partners, and Brigade Capital Management expressing interest in acquiring the discount retail chain. The retailer has struggled with performance since its acquisition by Dollar Tree in 2015, and is seeking new owners to revive its growth. A deal could value Family Dollar at several billion dollars, but no immediate agreement is expected.

The new Ring Outdoor Camera Plus boasts a high image quality even in poor lighting conditions, thanks to its advanced sensor technology and improved processing algorithms. The camera's ability to capture colors in low-light situations is particularly notable, making it a valuable asset for homeowners and businesses looking to enhance their outdoor security setup. With its compact design and solar panel-powered option, the Ring Outdoor Camera Plus offers flexibility and convenience.