Alphabet Joins Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple in $4T Market Cap Club
Alphabet became the fourth company to reach a $4 trillion market value after its stock rose on news that Apple will use Google’s Gemini AI to power future Siri models. It joins Nvidia, Microsoft, and Apple as the only companies to ever eclipse the mark, though Apple and Microsoft have since fallen back below $4 trillion. Alphabet’s shares surged 65% in 2025, its strongest performance since 2009, driven by an AI turnaround and easing regulatory pressures. Key boosts included the launch of its Ironwood AI chip and the well-received Gemini 3 model.
‘Sinners’, ‘Bel-Air’ Top NAACP Image Awards Nominations
Sinners and Bel-Air lead this year’s NAACP Image Awards nominations, with Sinners earning 18 nods and Bel-Air topping television shows with seven. Nominees for Entertainer of the Year include Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, Kendrick Lamar, Michael B. Jordan, and new Golden Globes winner Teyana Taylor. The awards ceremony will air Feb. 28 on BET and CBS. This year also introduces two new categories recognizing journalism and editing in film and television.
Paramount Skydance Demands Transparency in Warner Bros.-Netflix Deal
Paramount Skydance has escalated its fight for Warner Bros. Discovery by planning to file a lawsuit to block Warner Bros.’ proposed merger with Netflix. Paramount is seeking more transparency around Netflix’s $82.7 billion takeover agreement, arguing that shareholders were not given adequate disclosures. Warner Bros. has rejected multiple Paramount bids over four months and instead agreed in December to sell its studio and streaming assets to Netflix for $27.75 per share. Paramount is also pushing for a bylaw change that would require shareholder approval for Warner Bros.’ planned cable spinoff.
Muhammad Ali’s Legacy Sealed with U.S. Postage Stamp
Muhammad Ali is being honored for the first time with a commemorative U.S. postage stamp, fulfilling his famous joke about becoming a stamp. A first-day-of-issue ceremony for the Muhammad Ali Forever Stamp will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, featuring a 1974 black-and-white photo of Ali in his iconic boxing pose. Each sheet of 20 stamps also includes an image highlighting his humanitarian work, with 22 million stamps printed and no reprints planned. Pre-orders are available now with a scheduled issue date of Thursday.
Andrea Bocelli to Join Mariah Carey for Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
Andrea Bocelli will headline the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Feb. 6, joining previously announced performer Mariah Carey. The three-hour event will take place at Milan’s San Siro stadium and feature the Parade of Athletes along with major entertainment. Organizers say about 60,000 spectators are expected in the stadium, with millions more watching worldwide.
Apple Partners with Google’s Gemini AI for Siri Update
On Monday, Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership to use the Gemini AI model and cloud technology to power a more personalized version of Siri. Apple said Google’s AI provides the strongest foundation for its future Apple Foundation Models. The upgraded Siri is designed to better understand personal context and perform actions for users. The update was delayed last year as Apple said development was taking longer than expected.
USWNT Captain Lindsey Heaps Brings Star Power to Denver Summit FC
Denver Summit FC confirmed Monday the signing of U.S. Women’s National Team captain Lindsey Heaps ahead of the club’s inaugural 2026 NWSL season. A Colorado native, Heaps will join the club in June 2026 after completing the 2025-26 season with OL Lyonnes. The highly decorated midfielder has won multiple league titles in France, a UEFA Women’s Champions League title, and an NWSL championship with Portland Thorns FC.
Actor Josh O’Connor Joins Jonathan Anderson at Dior
Josh O’Connor has been named a Dior brand ambassador, continuing his long creative relationship with Jonathan Anderson. O’Connor previously served as Anderson’s first menswear ambassador at Loewe and appeared in several campaigns, so his move to Dior is a natural fit. The actor, known for roles in The Crown and Challengers, has recently worn Dior at major appearances and events. This year, look for him starring in upcoming films by Steven Spielberg and Joel Coen.
Mary J. Blige Announces Inaugural Las Vegas Residency in May
Mary J. Blige is opening her first-ever Las Vegas residency, My Life, My Story, which begins May 1 at Dolby Live at Park MGM and runs for 10 dates through July. Ticket pre-sales start Tuesday for Citi/AAdvantage cardmembers, followed by fan and MGM Rewards pre-sales, with general sales opening Friday. The announcement follows the release of her 15th album, Gratitude, and a highly successful For My Fans Tour, which ranked as the fifth highest-grossing R&B tour of 2025, earning $37.1 million.
Rare Superman Comic Fetches Record-Breaking $15M Price
A rare copy of Action Comics No. 1, which first introduced Superman, sold privately for a record $15 million, surpassing the previous comic book sales record. The comic, originally priced at 10 cents in 1938, is considered the beginning of the superhero genre and has only about 100 known surviving copies. The sale was brokered by Metropolis Collectibles/Comic Connect, with both buyer and seller remaining anonymous. The comic was once stolen from actor Nicolas Cage’s home, adding to its notable history.
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