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Nvidia has authorized an additional $150 billion for its stock buyback program, which the New York Times describes as the largest ever undertaken. The move signals continued confidence from the chipmaker at the center of the AI boom and returns cash to shareholders on a historic scale. Markets and business commentators are weighing what the unprecedented size means for the company's outlook.

Classified budget estimates indicate the National Security Agency is paying billions of dollars to test artificial intelligence models, according to a new report. The spending suggests US intelligence agencies are moving aggressively to evaluate advanced AI systems, raising questions among readers about surveillance uses, oversight of classified AI programs, and how government testing compares with private industry efforts.

Samsung has committed $1.0 billion to an AI infrastructure company backed by KKR and Nvidia, according to the Wall Street Journal. The investment signals Samsung's push to deepen its role in the AI buildout, aligning itself with major players financing data centers and computing capacity. The move adds to a wave of large corporate investments flowing into AI infrastructure as demand for computing power surges.

Researchers have found that ordinary cleaning sponges shed trillions of microplastic fibers during use, sending the tiny particles into wastewater and the environment. The finding adds everyday household cleaning to the growing list of routine activities contributing to microplastic pollution, prompting discussion about safer alternatives and how much plastic people unknowingly release in their homes.

The Reserve Bank of India's heavy intervention in foreign exchange markets has drained close to $20 billion from the country's surplus liquidity, according to bankers. The central bank has been selling dollars to support the rupee, absorbing rupee funds in the process and tightening cash conditions in the banking system.

Apple has agreed to a $250 million class-action settlement that clears the way for payments to iPhone owners. Under the deal, eligible customers who bought certain iPhone models will receive payouts, with claims expected to open once the settlement receives final court approval. The agreement follows years of litigation brought on behalf of consumers.

AMD has agreed to an $8.2 billion deal to bring in Fei-Fei Li, the Stanford AI researcher widely known as the 'Godmother of AI'. The move signals AMD's push to compete more aggressively with Nvidia in artificial intelligence chips and computing. Analysts are weighing what the deal means for the AI hardware race.

Washington State imposed a tax on high earners, and wealthy residents are now pushing to have it repealed. The debate touches on whether the tax drives millionaires out of the state, how much revenue it actually raises, and whether states can tax capital mobility without losing their richest taxpayers.

Attention is on Brisbane Lions midfielder Will Ashcroft and discussion of the Norm Smith Medal, the award for the best player in the AFL grand final.SEN coverage outlines how selector Michael Voss approaches his Norm Smith voting, putting the spotlight on which players, including Ashcroft, are under consideration for the honour.

Consultancy Bain & Company warns that the massive investment required to build out AI infrastructure — estimated at $6 trillion — cannot be funded through current financing models alone. The firm argues new financial innovation will be needed to close the gap between capital demands and available funding, as data centers, chips and energy capacity scale up faster than traditional investment structures can support.

Forbes reports that Indian billionaires are investing heavily in cricket, putting large sums into the sport's teams and leagues. The story examines what is driving wealthy industrialists to commit capital to cricket franchises and related ventures, a trend that reflects the sport's growing commercial power and its appeal as both a business asset and a prestige purchase among India's richest families.

The Detroit Pistons have removed a weight clause from their $200 million contract offer to young center Jalen Duren, according to The Athletic. The clause had reportedly tied portions of the deal to Duren maintaining a specified weight. The change signals a softened stance from the franchise as negotiations continue over the restricted free agent's future in Detroit.

The artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency industries are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on advertising campaigns across the United States. The money aims to shape American public opinion on the two technologies and to elect allies to Congress and key state offices ahead of the midterm elections. The effort reflects how deeply both sectors now invest in politics as regulation of AI and digital assets becomes a live issue in Washington.

Collingwood forward Jack Ginnivan has commented on a hit from Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale, drawing attention as the incident circulated among AFL fans. The discussion comes at a notable moment, with Neale confirmed to be leaving the Lions and nominating Collingwood as his next club, placing the pair at the same potential team.

Around 100 million Americans are under flood alerts as remnants of Tropical Storm Polo, which struck Mexico, push heavy rain northward into the United States. Forecasters have issued flood watches and warnings across a wide area, with forecast maps showing the storm's moisture spreading over multiple states and raising concerns about flash flooding and travel disruptions.

President Trump has reportedly told congressional leaders he is canceling billions of dollars in previously approved federal funding. The move would affect programs Congress already authorized, raising immediate questions over executive authority and the power of the purse. Late-night coverage and political commentators seized on the report, with critics calling it an overreach and supporters framing it as cutting waste.

The US Treasury has launched a new student loan support center, following fresh data showing that 9.3 million federal student loan borrowers are now in default. The move aims to give borrowers a single point of help for repayment options and resolving delinquency, as the number of Americans behind on their loans reaches some of its highest levels on record.

California has $13.5 million in funding available for nutrition incentive programs, according to the Ag Information Network of the West. Such programs typically help low-income shoppers buy more fruits and vegetables at farmers markets and grocery stores by matching their benefits. The announcement matters to growers, food access advocates and families relying on nutrition assistance across the state.

The UK government says half a million trees will be planted in England over the next three years. Environment Secretary Angela Eagle is set to announce the pledge, presenting it as part of efforts to protect communities against extreme weather such as flooding. The commitment adds to ongoing debate about whether England is planting enough trees to meet its climate and nature targets.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has purchased a $9.6 million mansion in Southampton, Long Island, reportedly paying cash. The purchase of the high-end Hamptons property is drawing attention given Cuomo's political profile and continued speculation about his future in New York politics, with observers weighing in on the former governor's financial standing.

Eric Gullichsen, a former early advisor to Nvidia, says a 1993 stock option grant was mishandled and that he is owed roughly $1 billion in stock as a result. He says he pursued a settlement with the company, but Nvidia rejected it, setting up a potential legal dispute over one of the tech industry's most valuable equity claims.

E-commerce platform Shopify has purchased the shop.com domain in a deal reported to be worth around $100 million. The acquisition gives Shopify one of the most generic and valuable web addresses in online retail. Commenters are debating the steep price for a domain name and what it signals about Shopify's branding and growth ambitions.

Synopsys and Amazon Web Services have signed a chip design licensing agreement valued at more than $1 billion. Under the multi-year deal, AWS gains broad access to Synopsys semiconductor design tools and technology, deepening the cloud provider's push into custom silicon for its data centers. The announcement is drawing attention across the semiconductor and cloud computing industries.

The United States has released the last 40 million barrels from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve, exhausting the emergency oil stockpile built up over decades. The drawdown, begun after price spikes and supply disruptions, leaves the reserve at its lowest level and raises questions about how quickly the government can refill it and what it means for future energy security.

Holiday retail sales are forecast to exceed $1 trillion for the first time, with analysts noting that inflation is inflating the total even as shoppers remain active. The milestone highlights resilient consumer spending during the holiday season, though higher prices mean the figure partly reflects rising costs rather than a surge in the volume of goods sold.