top of page
![[HERO] Brief: Tech Giants](https://cdn.marblism.com/miuiDFgEB0f.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Tech Giants](https://cdn.marblism.com/miuiDFgEB0f.webp)
Tech Giants' $600B AI Bet: Investors Weigh Progress against Costs
Quick Take What's happening with AI spending? Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Oracle are collectively investing over $600 billion in AI infrastructure during 2026: a 36% increase from 2025. Why are investors concerned? Stock prices declined following spending announcements. Amazon fell 7-9%, Alphabet dropped 3%, and analysts are questioning whether returns will justify the massive capital expenditure. What does the Bible say about this kind of investment? Proverbs 21
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Digital Companionship: The rise of AI pets in response to social isolation](https://cdn.marblism.com/yYu66ZZczLT.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Digital Companionship: The rise of AI pets in response to social isolation](https://cdn.marblism.com/yYu66ZZczLT.webp)
Digital Companionship: The rise of AI pets in response to social isolation
Quick Answers What's happening with AI pets? Young people in China and globally are increasingly turning to AI-powered digital pets for emotional companionship, with the market projected to grow from $2.14 billion in 2024 to $8.67 billion by 2033. Why the rise in digital companionship? Social isolation rates are climbing: 30% of adults report feelings of loneliness: and AI pets offer accessible, low-stakes emotional support without the complexities of human relationships o
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago4 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Federal Reserve maintains interest rates amid](https://cdn.marblism.com/Ebx-wbaQlY-.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Federal Reserve maintains interest rates amid](https://cdn.marblism.com/Ebx-wbaQlY-.webp)
Federal Reserve maintains interest rates amid 'sticky' inflation concerns
Quick Context What happened? The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate at 3.5%–3.75% on February 6, 2026, pausing its rate-cutting cycle after three consecutive cuts in 2025. Why does it matter? This decision affects borrowing costs for mortgages, business loans, and credit cards: impacting families, small businesses, and anyone navigating financial stress. What's the tension? Inflation remains above the Fed's target, but holding rates higher for too long could
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago4 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Amazon shows off warehouse robotics as automation expands](https://cdn.marblism.com/KSGfbyieUfq.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Amazon shows off warehouse robotics as automation expands](https://cdn.marblism.com/KSGfbyieUfq.webp)
Amazon shows off warehouse robotics as automation expands
The Facts Amazon has deployed more than 1 million robots across its fulfillment network since acquiring Kiva Systems in 2012. The company recently showcased its expanding automation infrastructure, including eight different robotic systems operating in its 2024 Shreveport, Louisiana fulfillment center. The specialized robots include Sequoia, which uses AI and computer vision to consolidate inventory up to 75% faster and transport items to employee workstations; Hercules, whi
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago3 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at](https://cdn.marblism.com/HPk01JAuhnd.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at](https://cdn.marblism.com/HPk01JAuhnd.webp)
Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at 'industrial scale'
The Facts A new study has documented that deepfake fraud operations have evolved into highly professionalized, industrialized networks operating at unprecedented scale. According to the Chainalysis 2026 Crypto Crime Report, major scam operations now function as structured businesses with distinct specialized divisions: developer groups supplying phishing software, data broker groups providing victim lists, spammer groups handling mass communications, theft groups monetizing
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: EU tells TikTok it may need to change](https://cdn.marblism.com/HlzQ-piKDJD.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: EU tells TikTok it may need to change](https://cdn.marblism.com/HlzQ-piKDJD.webp)
EU tells TikTok it may need to change 'addictive design' features
The Facts The European Commission issued preliminary findings on February 6, 2026, stating that TikTok has breached the Digital Services Act through design features the regulator describes as addictive. The Commission is demanding changes to the platform or ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, could face fines reaching up to 6% of its global annual turnover. The investigation identified specific mechanisms that EU regulators say violate online safety rules. The infinite scrol
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago4 min read
![[HERO] Study says deepfake scams are growing fast and becoming easier to deploy](https://cdn.marblism.com/wq2sFmm_99_.webp)
![[HERO] Study says deepfake scams are growing fast and becoming easier to deploy](https://cdn.marblism.com/wq2sFmm_99_.webp)
Study says deepfake scams are growing fast and becoming easier to deploy
"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps." : Proverbs 14:15 What happened An analysis cited by The Guardian said deepfake-enabled fraud is occurring at an "industrial" scale as tools become cheaper and easier to use. The report referenced examples of impersonation and scam content using AI-generated video or audio. Between 2022 and 2025, deepfake fraud attempts increased by 2,137% , with the volume of deepfake content projected to grow b
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Only seven new petrol-powered cars sold in Norway in January](https://cdn.marblism.com/CsjYR2Dbb66.webp)
![[HERO] Only seven new petrol-powered cars sold in Norway in January](https://cdn.marblism.com/CsjYR2Dbb66.webp)
Only seven new petrol-powered cars sold in Norway in January
"The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1) What happened Norway's vehicle registration data for January 2026 showed seven new petrol-only cars sold during the month, according to figures reported by The Guardian and confirmed by Norway's road traffic authority. The data also showed 29 hybrid vehicles and 98 diesel cars registered in January, compared with more than 2,000 battery electric vehicles (BEVs) . Over
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago6 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Mosque bombing in Pakistan](https://cdn.marblism.com/WSR3_0VTx4m.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Mosque bombing in Pakistan](https://cdn.marblism.com/WSR3_0VTx4m.webp)
Brief: Mosque bombing in Pakistan's capital kills at least 31, reports say
"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." : Psalm 34:18 There are days when the news makes the world feel fractured and dangerous. This is one of them. A suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Islamabad on Friday killed at least 31 people and injured more than 160 during prayer services. The attack occurred in the Tarlai area of Pakistan's capital, and authorities have declared a state of emergency. International officials, including th
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago6 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at](https://cdn.marblism.com/jlth8uxgaYs.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at](https://cdn.marblism.com/jlth8uxgaYs.webp)
Brief: Study warns deepfake fraud is happening at 'industrial scale'
"The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence." : Proverbs 14:16 (NLT) What Happened Researchers and financial security experts are reporting that deepfake fraud: the use of AI-generated audio, video, or images to impersonate real people: has reached what they describe as "industrial scale" in 2025 and early 2026. According to studies cited by The Guardian and industry reports, approximately 8 million deepfakes were shared in 2025, a
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Minneapolis update: 700 immigration agents withdrawn as local concerns continue](https://cdn.marblism.com/7rRJpRnhURV.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Minneapolis update: 700 immigration agents withdrawn as local concerns continue](https://cdn.marblism.com/7rRJpRnhURV.webp)
Brief: Minneapolis update: Hundreds of immigration agents withdrawn as local concerns continue
What You Need to Know CBS News Minnesota reported that the administration’s border/immigration official, Tom Homan , said hundreds of federal immigration enforcement personnel would be pulled from the Minneapolis area Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt reported the monthlong operation cost her department over $500,000 in overtime Local concerns remain : residents are still weighing what increased enforcement means for stability, trust, and daily life Facts CBS News Min
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago3 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Norway](https://cdn.marblism.com/IGij1NgAi24.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Norway](https://cdn.marblism.com/IGij1NgAi24.webp)
Brief: Norway's new car market nears all-electric as petrol sales hit single digits
The Facts Norway registered just seven new petrol-powered passenger cars in January 2026, marking what may be the final chapter of the internal combustion engine in the Scandinavian nation's automotive market. The figure represents a dramatic endpoint to a multi-decade transition: battery-electric vehicles now account for 94 percent of all new car registrations in the country, with diesel vehicles adding only 98 units and hybrids contributing 29, according to data reported b
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: WHO reports Nipah virus death in Bangladesh](https://cdn.marblism.com/6_8Rn0nU_HL.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: WHO reports Nipah virus death in Bangladesh](https://cdn.marblism.com/6_8Rn0nU_HL.webp)
Brief: WHO reports Nipah virus death in Bangladesh
The Facts The World Health Organization reported a fatal Nipah virus case in Bangladesh on February 7, 2026. The case originated in the Rajshahi Division in northwestern Bangladesh, an area with a documented history of Nipah outbreaks. Health authorities confirmed the infection through PCR and ELISA laboratory testing on January 29, 2026. Bangladesh has recorded 348 Nipah virus cases since the first documented case in 2001, with 250 deaths: a case fatality rate of 72 percent
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Bangladesh reports a Nipah virus death; WHO says contacts tested negative](https://cdn.marblism.com/OYqXTH0zZ1T.webp)
![[HERO] Bangladesh reports a Nipah virus death; WHO says contacts tested negative](https://cdn.marblism.com/OYqXTH0zZ1T.webp)
Bangladesh reports a Nipah virus death; WHO says contacts tested negative
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." : Psalm 46:1 What happened The World Health Organization reported a confirmed Nipah virus death in northwestern Bangladesh on January 28, 2026. The patient was a woman between 40 and 50 years old from Naogaon District in Rajshahi Division who developed symptoms on January 21. Her initial symptoms included fever, headache, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, weakness, and vomiting. The condition progressed to hyp
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: Amazon warehouse tour highlights growing role of robots in logistics](https://cdn.marblism.com/5BWcF-FrKiK.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: Amazon warehouse tour highlights growing role of robots in logistics](https://cdn.marblism.com/5BWcF-FrKiK.webp)
Brief: Amazon warehouse tour highlights growing role of robots in logistics
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." : Colossians 3:23 What Happened Amazon opened its warehouse doors to the public and media this week, offering tours that showcase the company's growing reliance on robotics in its fulfillment operations. The Guardian reports that visitors are now seeing orange robots transport towers of merchandise across facilities that can span the equivalent of 28 football fields. The tour
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago4 min read
![[HERO] Mosque bombing in Pakistan capital kills at least 31 people](https://cdn.marblism.com/qic9fuz7FlR.webp)
![[HERO] Mosque bombing in Pakistan capital kills at least 31 people](https://cdn.marblism.com/qic9fuz7FlR.webp)
Mosque bombing in Pakistan capital kills at least 31 people
Scripture (anchor): "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) What happened An explosion struck a Shia mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad during Friday prayers on February 6, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 160, according to Pakistani officials. The attack occurred at the Khadija Tul Kubra Mosque in the Tarlai Kalan area. Police reported that a gunman opened fire at the mosque's gates before detonating explosives
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago6 min read
![[HERO] Amazon warehouse tour offers glimpse of robotics future](https://cdn.marblism.com/nIZQs3Povgp.webp)
![[HERO] Amazon warehouse tour offers glimpse of robotics future](https://cdn.marblism.com/nIZQs3Povgp.webp)
Amazon warehouse tour offers glimpse of robotics future
Scripture (anchor): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." (Colossians 3:23) What happened The Guardian reported from a public tour of an Amazon fulfillment facility in Stone Mountain, Georgia, describing multiple types of warehouse robots and automation systems currently in operation. The piece framed Amazon's tours as serving dual purposes: recruiting potential employees and managing public relations amid ongoing criticism of working condition
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago7 min read
![[HERO] TikTok could be forced to change app](https://cdn.marblism.com/pXQVFwiMuqo.webp)
![[HERO] TikTok could be forced to change app](https://cdn.marblism.com/pXQVFwiMuqo.webp)
TikTok could be forced to change app's 'addictive design' by European Commission
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful… "I will not be dominated by anything." (1 Corinthians 6:12) What happened The European Commission issued a preliminary ruling stating that TikTok may have breached the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA) due to what regulators called "addictive design" features built into the platform. The Commission said TikTok had not adequately assessed how its design features could harm users' physical and mental wellbeing, in
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago6 min read
![[HERO] Brief: EU may push TikTok to change app design over](https://cdn.marblism.com/UmcHchRslac.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: EU may push TikTok to change app design over](https://cdn.marblism.com/UmcHchRslac.webp)
Brief: EU may push TikTok to change app design over 'addictive' features
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable: if anything is excellent or praiseworthy: think about such things." : Philippians 4:8 (NIV) What happened The European Commission has preliminarily found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act due to what regulators call "addictive design" that may harm users' mental and physical wellbeing. The investigation focused part
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
![[HERO] Brief: WHO reports one death from Nipah virus in Bangladesh](https://cdn.marblism.com/NrFgt4a5WlN.webp)
![[HERO] Brief: WHO reports one death from Nipah virus in Bangladesh](https://cdn.marblism.com/NrFgt4a5WlN.webp)
Brief: WHO reports one death from Nipah virus in Bangladesh
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." : Psalm 91:4 (NIV) What Happened The World Health Organization confirmed one fatal case of Nipah virus infection in Bangladesh on February 3, 2026, following laboratory confirmation on January 29, 2026. The patient was a woman between 40 and 50 years old residing in Naogaon District, Rajshahi Division, in northwestern Bangladesh. She developed
Layne McDonald
19 hours ago5 min read
bottom of page
