US producer prices unexpectedly surged 0.5% in January, significantly surpassing economists' predictions and signaling persistent inflationary pressures. This larger-than-anticipated increase was primarily driven by escalating services costs, impacting wholesalers and retailers nationwide.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton recently underwent a six-hour, closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee concerning the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, vehemently denying any prior acquaintance with the disgraced financier. She characterized the questioning as "repetitive" and expressed a desire for the proceedings to have been public, as former President Bill Clinton is also expected to testify in the ongoing inquiry into the Epstein files.
OpenAI has secured a staggering $110 billion in new investment, propelling its pre-money valuation to an incredible $730 billion and signaling immense market confidence. This massive capital infusion, backed by major contributions from Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank, is strategically aimed at expanding its global reach and making frontier AI accessible worldwide.
Pakistan has launched devastating airstrikes on major Afghan cities, including Kabul, with its defense minister declaring "open war" amidst escalating border tensions. This dramatic escalation follows a cycle of tit-for-tat attacks, where Afghan forces retaliated against Pakistani border troops after earlier Pakistani airstrikes, with both nations claiming significant casualties.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is introducing landmark legislation to prohibit large investment firms from purchasing single-family homes, directly addressing the nation's pressing housing affordability crisis. This significant move, following calls for limits on institutional investors, aims to curb big investors' market influence and make homeownership more accessible for individuals.
Indirect nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran concluded in Geneva with mediator Oman reporting "significant progress" and scheduling further technical discussions for next week in Vienna. Amidst a significant U.S. military buildup and escalating tensions, both nations, however, expressed a preference for a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear standoff.
