1. Bybit Hack: Bybit, a major cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a hack resulting in losses of nearly $1.5 billion, making it the largest crypto theft in history. (Source:
Engadget
Bybit hacked for almost $1.5 billion in the biggest crypto theft ever
A hacker took control of one of the exchange's offline wallets, transferring it to an unknown party. One expert says it's likely the all-time bigge...
) 2. Trump-Gaza Plan: The Trump administration's proposed plan for resettling Palestinians from Gaza to the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries has faced criticism and opposition, with some Arab leaders discussing an alternative plan at a Saudi Arabia meeting. (Source:
Al Jazeera
Arab leaders discuss alternative to Trump Gaza plan at Saudi Arabia meet
Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain seek to hash out plan to avoid Palestinian displacement.
) 3. US-China Tensions: OpenAI detected an AI-powered Chinese surveillance tool, prompting concerns over data privacy and security between the two nations. Additionally, OpenAI banned Chinese accounts using ChatGPT for social media surveillance. (Source:
Engadget
OpenAI bans Chinese accounts using ChatGPT to edit code for social media surveillance
A campaign with likely affiliations with China saw a company attempt to use ChatGPT to edit code for a social media surveillance tool.
) 4. Stock Market: The stock market reached record highs, with the S&P 500 hitting 4,900 for the first time, as the Federal Reserve indicated it would maintain its current monetary policy. (Source:
Barrons
Stock Futures Falling After Record High. The Fed Is Helping By Standing Still.
U.S. stock futures were falling early Thursday after hitting record highs in the previous session. The big question is how much bad news traders ca...
) 5. Crypto Market: Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies experienced a significant price increase, with some analysts suggesting support for a potential rally to $100,000 and higher. (Source:
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin comes back to life — Does data support a rally to $100K and higher?
Bitcoin continues to face headwinds near $100,000. Cointelegraph explains why.
)
1. ICE raid on bakery and charges against owners for harboring illegal immigrants: This event involves the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raiding a bakery in the US and charging the owners with harboring illegal immigrants. The link for this event is
Fox News
ICE, Homeland Security raid bakery, charge owners with harboring illegal immigrants
Bakery owners in Texas are facing felony charges after ICE and HSI arrested eight suspected illegal immigrants employed by the shop.
 2. US business activity stalling and consumers' inflation expectations surging: This event refers to a report indicating that US business activity is stalling, while consumers' inflation expectations have surged. The link for this event is
Yahoo Finance
US business activity stalling, consumers
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. business activity nearly stalled in February amid mounting fears over tariffs on imports and deep cuts in federal govern...
 3. Tesla recalls more than 375,000 vehicles due to power steering issue: This event involves electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla recalling over 375,000 vehicles due to a power steering issue. The link for this event is
Fortune
Tesla recalls more than 375,000 vehicles due to power steering issue | Fortune
The loss of power could require more effort to control the car by drivers, particularly at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
 4. Trump administration takes aim at $4B in funding for California High-Speed Rail: This event refers to the Trump administration aiming to cut funding for California's High-Speed Rail project, which is worth $4 billion. The link for this event is https://www.inc.com/associated-press/trump-administration-takes-aim-at-4b-in-funding-for-california-high-speed-rail/91150729 5. Bitcoin faces $100K test: Bull trap or "bonafide" BTC price breakout?: This event involves the price of Bitcoin reaching a potential $100,000, with analysts debating whether it represents a bull trap or a "bonafide" price breakout. The link for this event is
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin faces $100K test: Bull trap or
Bitcoin edges closer to six figures with BTC price strength benefiting from dollar weakness.
1. Trump ends deportation protection for 500,000 Haitians: The U.S. President Donald Trump has announced an end to temporary protected status (TPS) for around 500,000 Haitians living in the United States. The decision means that around 55,000 Haitians will lose their work permits and protections from deportation by July 2021. The move has raised concerns about the future of these individuals and their families. Link:
Trump ends deportation protection for 500,000 Haitians
The move comes amid deteriorating conditions in the Caribbean country.
 2. Japanese energy company to prioritize oil and gas investment: Japan's largest oil and gas exploration and production company, Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (Japex), has announced plans to prioritize oil and gas investment through 2030. The company aims to increase its crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production by 10% over the next five years. Link:
Yahoo Finance
In a major shift, Japex to prioritise oil and gas investment through 2030
Japan Petroleum Exploration (Japex) is prioritising investment in oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) through 2030 - revising an earlier p...
 3. Israeli-Palestinian tensions escalate: Tensions between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have escalated following a series of bus explosions in Israel and the return of an unknown body instead of a captive Israeli soldier. The Israeli military has announced plans to step up operations in the West Bank, while Hamas has accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement. Link:
Al Jazeera
Israel to step up West Bank attacks after bus explosions
Israel says it will step up attacks on the occupied West Bank after bombs exploded on three empty buses in Tel Aviv.
 4. German elections: Voters in Germany are heading to the polls this weekend in a closely-watched election that could have implications for the country's relations with the United States and Europe. Many are hoping for a leadership comeback as the country grapples with issues such as trade wars, Russia, and Ukraine. Link:
Fortune
German voters head to the polls this weekend where many hope for a leadership comeback: 'All Europe is watching this election' | Fortune
"We are sometimes afraid of German leadership," said a European diplomat. "But it is difficult to live without it".
 5. South Korea seeks exemption from U.S. tariffs: South Korea has asked the Trump administration to be excluded from proposed tariff increases on imports due to the fact that it already has low tariffs on U.S. goods. The request comes as the two countries continue to negotiate over trade and other issues. Link:
Down Arrow Button Icon
1. Canada vs. US Hockey Game: Canada beat the United States in a highly anticipated hockey game, known as the 4 Nations Championship. This event was widely covered due to its political significance, as the match took place amid ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. (Link:
Canada-US 4 Nations finals game: Trudeau swipes at Trump after win
Trudeau posted on social media "You can't take our country - and you can't take our game".
) 2. Jack Ma's Return to the Spotlight: Alibaba founder Jack Ma returned to the public eye after a nearly three-year hiatus, causing a stir in China's business community. (Link:
What does Jack Ma's return to the public spotlight mean?
Analysts say the Alibaba founder's re-emergence could signal a policy change in Beijing.
) 3. Hong Kong's Opposition Party Dissolves: The main opposition party in Hong Kong, Demosisto, announced its plan to dissolve, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape. (Link:
Democratic Party: Hong Kong's main opposition party to dissolve
Once Hong Kong's largest opposition party, the Democratic Party has suffered since China's crackdown.
) 4. Trump Administration's Deportation Policies: The Trump administration announced it would be removing deportation protections for half a million Haitians, sparking controversy and discussion on immigration policies. (Link: https://time.com/7260145/trump-deportation-immigration-haiti-tps/) 5. Rio Tinto's Profit and Dividend: Mining giant Rio Tinto reported a rise in profits for the 2024 financial year, but also announced a cut in its dividend due to weaker underlying earnings. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/rio-tinto-2024-profit-rises-but-miner-cuts-dividend-on-weaker-underlying-earnings-c3f5d706?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Multiple Bus Explosions in Israel (World Events): Three buses exploded in the Israeli city of Bat Yam in a suspected terror attack, causing significant damage and injuries. The incident has sparked concerns about security in the region. Link:
Al Jazeera
Three buses explode in Israel’s Bat Yam
Three explosions took place on empty buses in separate car parks near Tel Aviv in the city of Bat Yam.
 2. Inside Out 2 Dethroned as Top Grossing Animated Movie (Business and Economy): The animated movie "Inside Out 2" has been dethroned as the highest-grossing animated movie ever, after being surpassed by another film. Link:
Gizmodo
Inside Out 2 Just Got Dethroned as the Highest-Grossing Animated Movie Ever
Step aside, Pixar: China's Ne Zha 2 just made the 2024 blockbuster second-best on the all-timer list.
 3. Trump's Policy Reversals Regarding Ukraine (Politics): Former U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and accused Ukraine of starting the conflict with Russia, a significant reversal from previous American policy. Link: https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/g-s1-49858/reversing-u-s-policy-trump-attacks-zelenskyy-blames-ukraine-for-war-with-russia 4. Garmin Leads S&P 500, Trading at All-Time High (Business and Economy): Garmin has seen a significant increase in its stock price, reaching an all-time high, following strong earnings reports and positive market sentiment. Link: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-02-19-2025/card/garmin-leads-s-p-500-trading-at-all-time-high-nOYqJzB8GKbwkk5XFOx5?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo 5. Rivian Beats Wall Street Expectations, Posts Fourth-Quarter Profit (Business and Economy): Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, beating Wall Street expectations and indicating promising trends for the company's future. Link:
CNBC
Rivian beats Wall Street's fourth-quarter expectations, but expects lower deliveries in 2025
Rivian beat Wall Street's fourth-quarter earnings expectations and achieved its first gross quarterly profit but is forecasting lower sales in 2025.
1. Walmart Earnings Report and Guidance: Walmart reported lower than expected fourth-quarter earnings due to higher costs and slower sales growth, leading to a stock drop. The company also provided conservative guidance for the future, citing uncertain economic conditions. [Link: https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/walmart-wmt-q4-earnings-report-2025-a3632bdc?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo] 2. Elon Musk's DOGE Cuts and Lawsuits: Elon Musk's layoffs at Twitter, announced via tweet, are facing legal challenges. Several lawsuits have been filed alleging Musk violated federal and state labor laws. Additionally, a judge ruled that Musk's DOGE token-related actions, such as changing Twitter's logo to a meme of the Shiba Inu dog, were not illegal. [Link: https://fortune.com/2025/02/20/elon-musk-doge-cuts-illegal-most-judges-say-no/] 3. Chinese Warships Near Australia: Chinese warships were reported to have made an "unusual" voyage near Australia, raising concerns among the country's military and political leaders. [Link:
Fox News
Chinese warships make 'unusual' voyage near US ally Australia
As Chinese military ships voyage near Australia, Australian Minister for Defense Richard Marles described it as an "unusual event," and said that t...
] 4. FBI Director Nominee Kash Patel's Confirmation Vote: The Senate held a critical vote on Kash Patel's nomination to become the FBI director. Patel, a former Trump aide, faced opposition from Democrats who argued he was not suited for the role due to his political ties. [Link:
Fox News
FBI nominee Kash Patel confirmed in narrow Senate vote
President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday in a mostly party-line vote of 51-49, with tw...
] 5. Alibaba's Earnings Report: Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba reported strong revenue growth for its third quarter, driven by strong demand for its digital media and entertainment services. [Link: https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/alibaba-group-baba-q3-earnings-report-2025-f1ea9c35?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo]
1. Trump's Support for Federal Government Taking Over DC: President Donald Trump has expressed his support for the federal government taking over Washington D.C., suggesting that he believes it would help combat corruption. (Link:
Fox News
Trump throws support behind federal government taking over DC
President Donald Trump said he supports putting Washington, D.C., back under direct federal control while complaining to reporters about crime and ...
) 2. Australian and New Zealand Monitor Chinese Warships: Australia and New Zealand have reportedly been monitoring the unusual movement of three Chinese warships near their coasts. (Link:
Al Jazeera
Australia, New Zealand monitor ‘unusual’ movement of three Chinese warships
Three Chinese navy ships have charted a course along Australia's eastern coast in a move described as 'unusual'.
) 3. Ukraine War Reaches 3-Year Mark: The conflict in Ukraine between Russia and Ukrainian forces has reached its third year, with Russia reportedly having the time and resources on its side. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/ukraine-war-reaches-3-year-mark-russia-time-118995084) 4. Google Data Exposing DC Corruption: Trump supporters have been claiming that Google search data is revealing corruption in Washington D.C. (Link:
Al Jazeera
Why are MAGA followers claiming Google is exposing crimes by the DC elite?
Trump supporters are seizing on Google searches to claim Washington elites are fearful of being exposed for crimes.
) 5. Farmers Announce Losses Due to California Fires: Farmers in California have reported initial losses of $600 million from the recent wildfires in the state. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Farmers announces initial $600-million loss for Los Angeles fires
Farmers Insurance said claims from the Los Angeles fires will cost it at least $600 million, a substantially smaller initial estimate than some oth...
)
1. Trump Executive Order on Regulations: President Trump is set to sign an executive order instructing federal agencies to hunt down regulations that violate the Constitution. The order aims to promote regulatory reform and ensure compliance with the Constitution. (Link:
Fox News
Trump to sign executive order instructing agencies to hunt down regulations that violate Constitution
The executive order will require federal agencies to submit a list to the Office of Management and Budget of regulations that could violate the Con...
) 2. Microsoft's Quantum Computing Chip: Microsoft has revealed its first quantum computing chip, the Majorana, which could potentially solve complex problems that are beyond the reach of classical computers. (Link:
CNBC
Microsoft deploys new state of matter in its first quantum computing chip
Microsoft claims that building its first quantum-computing chip required that it create a new state of matter, which it is referring to as a topolo...
) 3. Wisconsin Bans Trans Athletes in Girls' Sports: Wisconsin has become the latest state to ban transgender athletes from participating in girls' sports, following President Trump's executive order on the issue. (Link:
Fox News
Wisconsin bans trans athletes from girls' sports, following Trump's executive order
Wisconsin's high school athletics association announced Wednesday it is banning trans athletes from girls' sports in order to comply with Trump's r...
) 4. Ukraine-Russia Tensions: Tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, with President Trump demanding elections in Ukraine and accusing Zelenskyy of being a "thug" and a "dictator." (Link:
Fox News
GOP senators back Trump's demand for Ukraine elections, but won't call Zelenskyy 'dictator'
Republican lawmakers are backing President Donald Trump’s insistence that Ukraine hold elections, even if they don’t share his belief that Volo...
) 5. Gold Prices: Gold prices are expected to continue rising, with analysts predicting further record-breaking highs in 2025. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/gold-price-prediction-goldman-ubs-4093cecf?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Italian Prime Minister Meloni visits Pope Francis in Hospital: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in the hospital and said he was in good spirits (
Fox News
Italian Prime Minister Meloni visits Pope Francis in hospital, says he's in good spirits
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni visited Pope Francis in hospital on Wednesday and reported he was full of good humor following his diagnosis of pneu...
) 2. Trump and Zelenskyy Rift Widens: Former U.S. President Donald Trump called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," escalating their ongoing feud (
Fox News
Trump calls Ukraine's Zelenskyy a 'dictator without elections' as rift widens
President Donald Trump called a Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “dictator without elections" after U.S.-Russia peace talks in Saudi ...
) 3. Apple Unveils New iPhone 16e: Apple introduced a new iPhone model, the iPhone 16e, which is powered by Apple Intelligence and has a starting price of $599 (
Engadget
Here's how to pre-order the new Apple iPhone 16e
The company's most affordable iPhone starts at $599.
) 4. FOMC Minutes Preview: Wither Tariffs: The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes are expected to be released, and analysts are focusing on the potential impact of tariffs on the economy (
FOMC Minutes Preview: Wither Tariffs | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) 5. DOGE Uncovers Over 4M Government Credit Cards: A report revealed that the cryptocurrency Dogecoin (DOGE) has discovered over 4 million government credit cards responsible for 90 million transactions (
Fox News
DOGE uncovers over 4M government credit cards responsible for 90M transactions
The Department of Government Efficiency announced on X Tuesday that it had uncovered over four million government credit cards that spent nearly $4...
)
1. Tensions between the United States and Russia: Several headlines mention discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine, with the EU also stepping up sanctions on Russia. This event highlights geopolitical tensions and potential conflicts in Europe. (Link:
As Moscow and Washington Talk, Russians Hope the Result Is Normalcy
Many people in Russia expressed relief that an end to the conflict in Ukraine seemed nearer and that the hardships of war, and the shunning of thei...
) 2. Inflation in the UK: Multiple headlines report on the surprise increase in UK inflation, which is dealing a blow to the Labour government. This event discusses economic issues and potential impacts on political stability in the UK. (Link:
Fortune
Surprise U.K. inflation surge deals another setback to Labour government | Fortune
The Consumer Prices Index jumped to 3 percent in January, up from 2.5 percent in December.
) 3. Trade and manufacturing costs: Headlines mention the higher costs and longer timelines for building a chipmaking fab in the US compared to Taiwan. This event highlights international trade and manufacturing issues, specifically in the tech industry. (Link:
Tom
US fab construction costs twice as much, takes twice as long as Taiwan
U.S. and Europe need to adopt new construction techniques to be competitive.
) 4. New trans-athlete policy in NCAA: Headlines discuss the NCAA's new policy on transgender athletes and the response from critics, who call out potential loopholes in the policy. This event relates to sports and social issues, specifically addressing equality and fairness in athletics. (Link:
Fox News
NCAA responds as critics call out potential loopholes in its new trans-athlete policy
The NCAA has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing complaints from women's rights activists over potential loopholes in its new gende...
) 5. Inflation and economic issues in various countries: Headlines mention inflation surges in the UK and potential tariff challenges for Walmart, as well as economic concerns in India and other countries. This event highlights broader global economic issues and potential challenges for various industries and governments. (Link:
Fortune
Surprise U.K. inflation surge deals another setback to Labour government | Fortune
The Consumer Prices Index jumped to 3 percent in January, up from 2.5 percent in December.
;
Yahoo Finance
Walmart faces some tariff challenges as Wall Street awaits record-breaking sales
Penny-pinching Walmart shoppers focus much more on getting the lowest prices than on whether products are made in the U.S., Canada, China or elsewh...
)