Business

In a significant shift for the airline industry, Southwest Airlines has announced plans to start charging for checked bags, a move that could reshape its business model and influence competitors. This decision, unveiled at a recent J.P. Morgan investor conference, has sparked discussions regarding the future of air travel pricing and customer loyalty.

Starting May 28, Southwest will implement checked bag fees for new bookings. While the exact cost of these fees has not yet been disclosed, it is expected to align with the industry standard of approximately $35 for the first checked bag. The only passengers exempt from these fees will be top-tier A-List Rapid Rewards frequent flyers, travelers who purchase full Business Select fares, and holders of its cobranded credit card. There is currently no indication that carry-on bag fees will be introduced.

On the evening of March 7, 2025, SpaceX’s highly anticipated Starship rocket met with a dramatic fate, exploding less than ten minutes after its launch from Texas. The incident sent debris cascading over the Caribbean and western Atlantic, creating a breathtaking spectacle that captivated skygazers across Florida and the Bahamas.

The explosion was witnessed firsthand by many, including @GeneDoctorB, who filmed the event from a catamaran anchored off Hog Cay in the Bahamas. “Incredible sight here in Bahamas,” they remarked, sharing the experience with the world while noting the need to take cover after the explosion. Another observer, Johathon Norcross, also captured the moment, adding to the chorus of awe and excitement surrounding the incident.

In a groundbreaking announcement, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the leading global producer of AI chips, has revealed plans to invest an impressive $100 billion in expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the United States. This strategic move is expected to significantly bolster chip production on American soil, aligning with former President Donald Trump’s vision of enhancing domestic manufacturing.

During a recent event at the White House, TSMC’s Chief Executive Officer, C.C. Wei, joined Trump to unveil the ambitious plan that aims to solidify the company’s presence in the U.S. market. TSMC’s commitment to investing in U.S. plants is not only a testament to the company’s growth but also a pivotal moment for the American technology sector, which has increasingly relied on foreign manufacturing for semiconductor needs.

In a startling incident that highlights the vulnerabilities within large financial institutions, Citigroup made headlines last year when it mistakenly credited a customer’s account with an astonishing $81 trillion. The error, which occurred in April, was intended to be a mere $280 payment. Fortunately, the mistake was identified just 90 minutes after it was posted, and the funds were reversed several hours later. This incident was reported to the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a “near miss,” illustrating the delicate balance banks must maintain in their operational processes.

In a recent announcement that has captured public attention, Shivon Zilis, an executive at Neuralink, revealed on X that she and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk have welcomed their fourth child together. The news comes as a surprise to many, especially given Musk’s busy schedule and his ongoing ventures in the tech and space industries.

Zilis shared her joy in a heartfelt post, stating, “Discussed with Elon and, in light of beautiful Arcadia’s birthday, we felt it was better to also just share directly about our wonderful and incredible son Seldon Lycurgus. Built like a juggernaut, with a solid heart of gold. Love him so much.” Musk, known for his succinct yet impactful social media presence, responded to the announcement with a simple heart emoji, signaling his support and affection.

As of February 22, 2025, the stock market has experienced a significant downturn, primarily driven by the decline of high-profile growth stocks like Palantir, Axon, and Tesla. Investors are now bracing for Nvidia’s upcoming earnings report, which is expected to play a crucial role in shaping market sentiment in the days to come.

Last week witnessed a notable sell-off in the tech sector, with stocks that had previously enjoyed inflated valuations facing sharp corrections. Palantir, known for its data analytics and software solutions, has seen its stock price plummet, raising concerns about its long-term growth prospects. Similarly, Tesla, the electric vehicle giant, has faced scrutiny as investors reevaluate the sustainability of its aggressive expansion plans and profitability.

In a significant turn of events in the global financial landscape, hedge funds are increasingly pivoting their investments back to Chinese equities, driven by the recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence from DeepSeek. This surge in interest marks the fastest inflow of capital into Chinese stocks in several months, as investors are buoyed by the potential for economic stimulus alongside technological advancements.

The rise of DeepSeek’s innovative AI technology has ignited optimism among investors, who are betting on a robust technological rally that could catalyze broader economic growth in China. As the country continues to navigate its post-pandemic recovery, the anticipation of government-driven economic stimulus is further fueling this bullish sentiment. Investors are keenly aware that advancements in AI could play a pivotal role in enhancing productivity and driving innovation across various sectors, making Chinese equities an attractive option once again.

In a significant shift in regulatory oversight, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the leadership of Chairman Brendan Carr is intensifying scrutiny on major media companies such as NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, NPR, and KCBS radio. This increased focus comes as Carr, a Republican, aligns with the Trump administration’s stance against perceived bias in media, particularly targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Recently, NBCUniversal and its parent company, Comcast, received a letter from Carr stating that the FCC’s enforcement bureau would investigate whether the company was contravening FCC regulations and civil rights laws by prioritizing DEI efforts. Carr’s letter emphasized that promoting discrimination in any form is incompatible with federal law, urging Comcast to provide a detailed account of its DEI initiatives. In response, Comcast expressed its commitment to cooperate with the investigation, highlighting its long-standing dedication to integrity and respect for all employees and customers.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the spotlight is increasingly shifting from established giants like Tesla to emerging players such as BYD, a Chinese automaker that is redefining the electric vehicle (EV) market. With a market valuation that has often been attributed to its AI and robotics capabilities, Tesla’s focus has shifted from merely selling cars to creating autonomous driving technology. However, BYD is rapidly proving that it can compete on both price and technological innovation, challenging the very foundations of Tesla’s dominance.

In today’s world, where personal hygiene is paramount, understanding the best practices for bathroom cleanliness is essential. Renowned anal surgeon Dr. Evan Goldstein has provided some eye-opening insights into the most effective methods of cleaning up after using the restroom, emphasizing that traditional wiping techniques may not be the best approach.

Dr. Goldstein, who is also the CEO and founder of Bespoke Surgical, argues that the common practice of wiping can actually do more harm than good. He explains that the skin around the anus is delicate and prone to irritation, especially when subjected to frequent wiping motions that can lead to micro-tears. Instead of wiping, he advocates for alternatives that promote better hygiene without causing damage.