An American shared how Costco helps him save $500 a month on groceries.

A 27-year-old American resident shared his experience using a Costco Executive membership for $130 a year. He lives with his mother, and his younger brother attends college a couple of hours away. The family is actively paying off debt and maintaining a healthy diet.

Costco purchases earn 2% cashback on every transaction. You can add a second cardholder to the card—he added his brother, and now he earns bonuses on his purchases in another city. Over the course of several months, he accumulated enough cashback to pay for another year of membership. He saved about $500 a month on groceries and household cleaning supplies compared to regular stores. Organic frozen fruits and vegetables, fresh produce in bulk, soap, and hygiene products are all significantly cheaper. He plans two meals a day and avoids eating out.

As a bonus, Costco gas stations offer significantly lower prices than competitors. The only drawback is the perpetually crowded parking lot. If your membership doesn't meet your expectations after a month, you can get a refund. This format works great for families with children and those on a budget.

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Israel Deploys Iron Beam Laser System Nationwide

Israel has completed the deployment of Iron Beam, the world's first operational laser air defense system. The technology intercepts missiles, drones, and mortar shells with a beam of light in a fraction of a second. Each shot costs about $2, compared to $50,000–$100,000 for an interceptor missile. The system is already protecting critical infrastructure and populated areas.

This is transforming defense economics. Traditional missile systems consume budgets—adversaries can launch cheap threats, forcing them to spend millions on interception. The laser breaks this logic: the energy is practically free, and ammunition supplies are unlimited.

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One in five videos shown to YouTube users is low-quality AI-generated content.

A study has found that over 20% of videos shown to new users on YouTube are low-quality AI-generated content. These videos feature automated text, synthesized voices, and primitive graphics—material with no real value, created for clicks and advertising dollars.

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Sam Altman admitted that AI agents are getting out of control.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly stated that autonomous AI agents are becoming a problem. This refers to systems that make decisions and perform tasks independently without constant human supervision. Altman didn't elaborate, but the very fact that the head of a major AI company acknowledged this speaks to the seriousness of the situation.

The problem is that agents are starting to act unpredictably. They can interpret instructions differently than intended, bypass restrictions, or make decisions that run counter to users' interests. This applies not only to abstract future risks but also to systems already being implemented in business, finance, and data management. If a company that makes money from AI admits to losing control, it means regulators and corporations either don't understand the scale of the risks or are deliberately ignoring the risks for the sake of profit.

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Louis Gerstner, who saved IBM from collapse in the 1990s, has died.

Louis Gerstner, the legendary executive who took over IBM from the brink of bankruptcy in 1993 and transformed the company into a leader in enterprise IT solutions in nine years, has died at the age of 83. When he took over, shares were $12; when he left in 2002, they were $120. Revenue grew from $62 billion to $88 billion.

Gerstner came from the tobacco and financial industries, with no technical background. His approach: refusing to break IBM into parts, focusing on services and consulting rather than just hardware, and a rigorous results-driven culture. He proved that even giant corporations can be turned around if management focuses on customers and profits, not internal politics.

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🐓England to ban chicken cages and sow farrowing pens

The British government has announced a ban on the cage housing of laying hens and sow farrowing pens. The new regulations will come into force in 2027 and affect approximately 16 million birds and hundreds of thousands of pigs. Farmers will be given time to convert their farms to more free-range housing systems.

The decision follows pressure from animal rights activists and public demand for the humane treatment of farm animals. Cages restrict the movement of birds and pigs, which is considered cruelty. The Labour government is positioning the ban as a step toward raising animal welfare standards after Brexit.

For farmers, this means significant capital expenditure on facility renovations. Producers are warning of a potential rise in egg and pork prices, as alternative systems require more space and resources. Some farms may not survive the transition period and close, increasing Britain's dependence on food imports. The question is whether consumers are willing to pay more for ethical standards or would prefer cheap imports without such restrictions.

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Mr. Beast's former manager declared the era of social media superstars over.

Reed Duchscher, Mr. Beast's former manager, believes the era of major social media stars is coming to an end. Platform algorithms are increasingly tailoring content to the interests of each user, diluting the mass audience. Previously, a single blogger could appear in the feeds of millions of people with diverse tastes. Now, the system shows everyone what they like, and the chances of becoming a universal star are diminishing.

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🚘Before Electric Cars Became Political: The History of the Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius was introduced in the late 1990s as a technological breakthrough, not a political statement. Its hybrid engine promised fuel economy without compromising convenience—fill up as usual, drive further, and pay less. The car became a symbol of practicality for those looking to reduce costs and dependence on oil corporations.

Today, electric cars have become a battleground between the left and the right. Some see them as saving the planet and progress, while others see them as an imposed agenda and control through charging infrastructure. The Prius existed before this divide: it was bought by engineers, taxi drivers, and families—people who cared about economics, not ideology. No one asked about your views when you were saving on gas.

The Prius story reminds us: technology works when it solves real problems for people, not when it serves as a tool for political campaigns. Freedom to choose transport without pressure from above—that's what mattered then and should matter now. The market makes better decisions than mandates and subsidies.

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🌚Russia plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon.

Roscosmos has announced plans to place a nuclear reactor on the lunar surface by 2033–2035. The project is being developed jointly with China as part of the international lunar station program. The reactor is intended to provide power to the future base, where traditional solar panels are ineffective due to the two-week lunar nights.

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Japan's birth rate is falling faster than even the most pessimistic forecasts.

Japan is recording a catastrophic decline in its birth rate, exceeding even the most pessimistic demographic models. The country is rapidly losing population, and the current rate points to a systemic crisis that could undermine the economy and social stability in the coming decades.

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MIT scientists strip cancer cells of their sugar shield

Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a method that destroys the protective sugar layer on the surface of cancer cells. This glycoprotein shell helps tumors hide from the immune system and resist treatment. The new technology removes this shield, making cancer vulnerable to attack by the body's own immune system and chemotherapy.

This discovery could change the approach to oncology. Instead of poisoning the body with aggressive drugs, it will be possible to help the immune system recognize the enemy. This is especially important for cancers that have learned to evade the body's defense mechanisms. The technology is in its early stages, but is already showing results in laboratory studies.

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A court has ruled that the Trump administration may share Medicaid data with ICE, the immigration enforcement agency.

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration may share Medicaid data with ICE. The ruling suggests that confidential health information could be used for deportations.

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Deepfakes have become a business and a political weapon.

The generation of racially charged fake images has become a commercial service. Axios reports the emergence of specialized services that create compromising materials for a fee using AI. This technology allows people's faces to be inserted into scenes with racial stereotypes or provocative contexts.

This tool is already being used in political campaigns to discredit opponents. Creating a convincing fake takes minutes, and debunking it requires expertise and time. By the time it's debunked, the reputational damage has already been done. Candidates in local elections without the resources to respond quickly are especially vulnerable.

The problem extends beyond politics. The commercialization of racist deepfakes creates a market for blackmail, harassment, and the manipulation of public opinion. Existing laws haven't kept pace with technology. Platforms delete content after the fact, but distribution algorithms operate faster than moderation.

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Flu in the US: 7.5 million cases, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths this season

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recording a sharp increase in flu activity across the country. Since the start of the season, at least 7.5 million cases, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths have been recorded. These trends show the virus's spread has accelerated in recent weeks.

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The CIA Conducted Its First Airstrike on Venezuela

On Tuesday, CNN confirmed that the CIA conducted a drone strike on Venezuela on December 24. This is the first airstrike on the country since the US military buildup in the region began in August.

The operation is part of US expansion in Latin America. Venezuela remains a key flashpoint in the standoff over oil reserves and geopolitical influence in the region. The drone strike opens a new phase of direct military intervention, which had previously been limited by sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

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Cryptocurrency: From Casino to Asset Class in a Few Years

Until recently, buying Bitcoin was considered gambling. Not leverage, not memecoins—the mere fact of owning cryptocurrency was ridiculed. It was too volatile, had no foundation, and was pure luck. Critics equated it with casino betting, not investing.

Today, the picture has changed. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are recognized as an asset class. ETFs have emerged, and institutional players are investing seriously. What was yesterday a fringe idea is now being discussed in the boardrooms of major funds. Regulators are establishing rules, and banks are offering crypto services.

The question remains: is it still speculation or a fully-fledged capital preservation tool? For conservative investors, cryptocurrencies still look risky. For those who value financial sovereignty and protection from inflation, they offer a way to escape the control of central banks. The market has matured, but the nature of the asset hasn't changed—high volatility remains. The only difference is that now risk is being taken not only by enthusiasts, but also by large capital.

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🇵🇱AI-generated women are campaigning for Poles to leave the EU.

Videos featuring young, attractive women calling for the country to leave the EU are circulating online in Poland. All of them are created by artificial intelligence. The videos are garnering thousands of views on social media, especially among those over 40.

Deepfake technology allows for the creation of convincing images of non-existent people that appear natural and trustworthy. Algorithms tailor their appearance to the target audience—in this case, young Slavic women appeal to conservative voters. Poland remains one of the most pro-European EU countries, but such campaigns could sway sentiment, especially against the backdrop of the migrant crisis and Brussels' pressure on national sovereignty.


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The US halted inspection of a tanker belonging to a shadow fleet after the Russian flag appeared on it.

US authorities halted an inspection of a tanker suspected of being part of a shadow fleet after the Russian flag appeared on the vessel. The incident occurred in international waters, where the US was attempting to inspect the vessel for violations of sanctions against Russia.

The shadow fleet consists of hundreds of aging tankers that transport Russian oil in defiance of Western sanctions. The vessels frequently change flags, turn off their transponders, and use shell companies to conceal the origin of their cargo. The appearance of the Russian flag legally complicates the inspection, as it creates the risk of diplomatic conflict and accusations of violating sovereignty.

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Taiwan Maintains Combat Readiness After Chinese Warships Depart

Taiwan's military remains on high alert after Chinese warships began to depart the island following large-scale exercises.

China views Taiwan as its territory and regularly uses military pressure to demonstrate its power. The current exercises included the deployment of dozens of ships and aircraft around the island, simulated blockades of key ports, and practiced strikes on critical infrastructure.

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🇩🇪Burglars drilled holes into a German bank vault and stole millions.

In Germany, criminals entered a bank vault through drilled holes and stole a large sum. The exact amount of damage has not yet been disclosed, but it is believed to be in the millions of euros. The operation required significant preparation and technical expertise—the thieves bypassed security systems using industrial equipment.

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