Newsweek is starting a new discussion series called "AI Impact Forum" to explore how businesses can effectively use artificial intelligence (AI) for real results. The series will be led by Dr. Ranjit Tinaikar and will include discussions with executives and investors on AI’s role in changing various industries. The series will tackle the challenges of implementing AI in companies and how it affects competition and business models.
Key Facts
Newsweek is launching "AI Impact Forum" to discuss AI's impact on business.
The forum is hosted by Dr. Ranjit Tinaikar, former CEO of Ness Digital Engineering.
The focus is on practical ways to turn AI potential into business results.
Many companies face challenges in scaling AI projects beyond early stages.
Existing technology infrastructures often limit successful AI implementation.
AI advancements could increase competition by lowering entry barriers in industries.
Businesses must navigate adopting AI without harming current revenue.
The first session will discuss AI's impact on the IT services industry and features Francisco D’Souza.
Saks Global is closing 12 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 3 Neiman Marcus stores as part of a plan to improve its business after filing for bankruptcy in January. The company aims to focus on its strengths and serve luxury customers better by closing some locations.
Key Facts
Saks Global is the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue, a luxury retailer.
The company filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in January.
Saks Global plans to close 12 Saks Fifth Avenue stores and 3 Neiman Marcus stores.
The closures are part of a strategy to optimize their store locations.
Saks aims to improve its service to luxury customers and increase full-price sales.
CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck mentioned the closures help create a stronger business platform.
The company plans to continue evaluating their remaining store locations with landlords.
The Chicago Bears wanted to bring NFL player Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders to their team for the 2026-27 season. However, Crosby was instead traded to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for draft picks. The Bears made an offer but decided not to outbid the Ravens.
Key Facts
The Chicago Bears finished the 2025-26 season at the top of the NFC North.
Bears' management aimed to improve their team by targeting Maxx Crosby from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Maxx Crosby is a five-time Pro-Bowl defensive player.
The Ravens secured Crosby by offering two future first-round draft picks from 2026 and 2027.
The Bears matched the Raiders' asking price but did not outbid the Ravens.
The trade of Crosby to the Ravens cannot be finalized until the following week.
Glasgow Central Station, Scotland's busiest train station, closed after a fire started in a nearby vape shop. The fire did not severely damage the station but caused disruptions, with no trains running in or out until safety checks are done. Authorities expect the situation to impact passengers for several days.
Key Facts
A fire started in a vape shop next to Glasgow Central Station at about 15:45 on Sunday.
The fire spread through a Victorian building but was controlled by Monday morning.
The station itself did not suffer major damage but remains closed for safety checks.
ScotRail announced no train services would run at the station on Tuesday, with disruptions expected for several days.
Emergency services, including 18 fire vehicles, worked overnight to manage the fire.
Police closed several roads around the station due to safety concerns.
Replacement transportation options, like buses, are limited but available for some services.
A preliminary investigation into the fire's cause has started, involving multiple agencies.
Coby Bryant, a safety who was part of the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning team, is joining the Chicago Bears. He signed a three-year deal worth $40 million with the Bears, who are looking to strengthen their defense.
Key Facts
Coby Bryant played for the Seattle Seahawks and helped them win the Super Bowl.
He has joined the Chicago Bears on a $40 million contract for three years.
The Bears need to improve their defense after their performance in the playoffs last season.
Bryant is a former fourth-round draft pick from Cincinnati.
In the last two seasons, he caught seven interceptions.
The Seahawks wanted to keep him, but the Bears' offer was more attractive.
The Bears are losing their previous safeties, Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, to free agency.
Bryant transitioned from playing cornerback to safety in 2024.
The Los Angeles Rams have become the top favorites to win the next Super Bowl following recent moves in the NFL free agency. The Rams strengthened their defense by acquiring top players, making their secondary one of the best in the league, which shifted the betting odds in their favor.
Key Facts
The Los Angeles Rams are now the favorites to win Super Bowl LXI, according to DraftKings.
The Rams improved their defense by trading for Trent McDuffie, a highly-rated slot cornerback.
They also agreed to terms with Jaylen Watson, another top cornerback.
These moves have significantly strengthened the Rams’ previously weak secondary.
The Seattle Seahawks, the previous favorites, are now considered the second favorite.
The Buffalo Bills are listed as the third favorite following a trade for wide receiver DJ Moore.
The Rams' recent adjustments to their team were in response to weaknesses exposed in the last playoff game against the Seahawks.
New York City's Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed an incident involving anti-Islam protests and counter-protests outside his residence, where two men were arrested for trying to use explosive devices that did not detonate. Authorities are treating this as an ISIS-inspired terrorism attempt. Mayor Mamdani emphasized the city's commitment to free speech and non-violence.
Key Facts
An anti-Islam protest and a counter-protest occurred outside Gracie Mansion in New York City.
The protest was organized by Jake Lang, while the counter-protest had about 125 people.
Emir Balat and Ibrahim Kayumi were arrested for using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that failed to explode.
The devices were meant to cause harm, but thanks to police action, they were confiscated, and the men were arrested.
Police and federal authorities are treating the incident as an act inspired by the ISIS terrorist group.
Mayor Mamdani stressed the importance of peaceful protest rights and the city's intolerance for violence.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also called the event a terrorist attack.
Demario Davis, a linebacker, will rejoin the New York Jets in 2026 after leaving nearly a decade ago. The Jets offered him a two-year contract worth $22 million, with $15 million guaranteed. Davis previously played for the Jets, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the New Orleans Saints.
Key Facts
Demario Davis was originally drafted by the New York Jets in 2012.
He has agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with the Jets, including $15 million guaranteed.
Davis played for the New Orleans Saints from 2018 to 2025 and earned multiple All-Pro honors during his time there.
The linebacker has 1,536 tackles, 45 sacks, and nine fumble recoveries in his career.
In five seasons with the Jets, Davis recorded 483 tackles and 11.5 sacks.
Davis is 37 years old and has shown durability, playing at least 16 games each year since 2017.
He will work under Jets coach Aaron Glenn in Glenn’s second season.
The Lebanese government asked the United States to help start direct peace talks with Israel to end ongoing conflict. The conflict began when Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran, attacked Israel, causing a strong military response. Both the U.S. and Israel are skeptical about the negotiations, and fighting continues to escalate.
Key Facts
Lebanon proposed direct negotiations with Israel through the U.S. government.
The war escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel, leading to Israeli airstrikes.
Over 600,000 Lebanese people have fled due to the fighting in southern Lebanon.
The Lebanese government approached U.S. ambassador Tom Barrack to mediate talks.
The Israeli government rejected Lebanon's outreach, focusing on targeting Hezbollah.
Lebanon's leaders were upset by Hezbollah's actions and lack of control over the group.
The Lebanese Army has not acted against Hezbollah, increasing tensions within the government.
Representative Kevin Kiley from California is leaving the Republican Party to become an Independent. This change reduces House Speaker Mike Johnson's narrow majority. Kiley will still meet with Republicans but may not always vote with them.
Key Facts
Kevin Kiley is a representative from California.
He announced he is leaving the Republican Party to become an Independent.
Kiley will still meet with Republicans for administrative reasons.
His departure makes House Speaker Mike Johnson's majority smaller.
Kiley did not warn party leaders before his announcement.
He says his decision is a reaction to increased partisanship and gerrymandering.
Kiley has not promised to consistently support Johnson's votes.
Kiley is well-funded and facing multiple opponents in California's 6th District race.
A new Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is expected to be announced by Microsoft soon. A tech journalist suggested it could cost at least $999 due to high hardware costs. The console aims to let players use both Xbox and PC games.
Key Facts
Project Helix is the codename for Microsoft's upcoming gaming console.
The console will follow the Xbox Series X|S, which launched six years ago.
A tech journalist estimated its price could be around $999.
Hardware costs, like RAM and GPUs, have been rising.
Valve announced plans for a new Steam Machine, creating market competition.
Project Helix has been in development for about a decade.
The console aims to combine features for Xbox and PC gaming.
It could set a record as one of the most expensive gaming consoles when released.
The Indianapolis Colts made several notable moves, including trading wide receiver Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers and agreeing to a four-year contract with wide receiver Alec Pierce. Sauce Gardner, a cornerback for the Colts, expressed his excitement over these developments. Pierce has been a top-performing deep threat since joining the team and will remain with the Colts for the foreseeable future.
Key Facts
The Indianapolis Colts traded for cornerback Sauce Gardner by giving two first-round picks to the New York Jets.
NFL teams are currently able to agree to terms with free agents, though deals are official starting March 11.
Alec Pierce has agreed to a four-year, $116 million contract with the Colts.
This contract implies that Michael Pittman was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cornerback Sauce Gardner jokingly celebrated Pierce’s contract on social media.
Alec Pierce has been one of the league's top deep-ball receivers, with impressive average yards per reception.
The Colts aim to secure a long-term contract with quarterback Daniel Jones, who might otherwise play under a transition tag.
China has urged for the restoration of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amidst tensions from a U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This area is crucial for global oil trade, and any blockage affects many countries, including China. China is in talks with Iran but has not blamed them directly for the current situation.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is important for global oil trade, with over a quarter of the world's sea-borne oil passing through it.
China relies heavily on oil that travels through the Strait of Hormuz but has large reserves to manage disruptions.
China is communicating with Iran about resuming safe oil passage and has not directly assigned blame to Tehran.
The U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran has increased risks for ships passing through the strait, affecting over 200 vessels.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has emphasized the need for stable energy supplies globally amid the conflict.
Global oil prices surged, with Brent crude reaching nearly $120 per barrel due to the tensions.
The U.S. Navy is preparing to help escort commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz for safety.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has threatened Western tankers in the area, leading to increased insurance costs for ship operators.
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III, a former Seahawks running back and reigning Super Bowl MVP. Walker's contract includes $28.7 million in guaranteed money, making him one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. Some people think the Chiefs may have paid too much for Walker.
Key Facts
The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to their team.
Walker is the reigning Super Bowl MVP and a former Seattle Seahawks player.
His contract includes $28.7 million in full guarantees.
Walker will earn an average of $15 million per year.
Some believe that the Chiefs overpaid for Walker's contract.
In 2025, Walker had 1,309 scrimmage yards and a 4.6-yard per carry average.
The addition of Walker is expected to strengthen the Chiefs for the 2026-27 season alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.
The Miami Dolphins have released quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. There are several NFL teams that could be interested in signing him, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, and Cleveland Browns.
Key Facts
The Miami Dolphins released Tua Tagovailoa, who played as their quarterback.
Tagovailoa spent his entire professional career so far with the Dolphins.
The Las Vegas Raiders might want Tagovailoa for a year to help their new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
The Los Angeles Rams could let Tagovailoa learn from quarterback Matthew Stafford before Stafford retires.
The Cleveland Browns are exploring multiple options to find their next key quarterback.
The Browns could consider signing Tagovailoa during their search for a strong quarterback lineup.
Travis Kelce, a seasoned player for the Kansas City Chiefs, will return for his 14th NFL season, despite interest from other teams. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes shared his excitement about Kelce's decision on social media.
Key Facts
Travis Kelce is returning to the Kansas City Chiefs for his 14th season.
Kelce was considering retirement but chose to stay with the Chiefs.
He reportedly intends to take a pay cut to continue with the team.
The expected deal is a one-year contract worth about $15 million.
Patrick Mahomes reacted to Kelce's return by posting on Instagram.
Mahomes and Kelce have played together since Mahomes became the full-time starter in 2018.
Together, they have won three Super Bowls and reached five Super Bowls.
There is concern about Mahomes' health due to a past injury, though it did not affect Kelce's decision.
The article discusses whether lower-ranked football teams should always play at home in the FA Cup. It examines how playing at home may impact the chances of lower-league teams to cause upsets against higher-ranked teams.
Key Facts
The FA Cup recently saw lower-ranked teams causing surprises against Premier League teams.
Playing at home can give lower-ranked teams advantages like familiar grounds and supportive local fans.
Since replays were removed in the 2024-25 season, there have been equal numbers of upsets at home and away.
Historically, most memorable FA Cup upsets occurred when lower-ranked teams played at home.
Port Vale recently defeated Sunderland, benefiting from home conditions.
While home games can drive local excitement and modest revenue, away games might offer higher financial gains from larger venues and broader broadcasts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. This move may influence Aaron Rodgers' decision on whether to return for another NFL season, as Pittman Jr. is a top-performing player.
Key Facts
The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts.
The trade involved swapping late-round draft picks.
Michael Pittman Jr. signed a new three-year, $59 million contract with the Steelers.
Pittman Jr. has achieved over 1,000 receiving yards in multiple seasons.
He has caught 80 or more passes in four of the last five seasons.
Pittman Jr. is known for being a reliable target, averaging 129 passes thrown his way each year since 2021.
The trade may impact Aaron Rodgers, who is considering retirement or another NFL season.
President Donald Trump predicted strong economic growth for 2026, but the year started with job losses and rising gas prices. The job market has shown signs of weakness, and recent tensions with Iran have led to increased oil prices, causing potential inflation concerns.
Key Facts
President Trump predicted strong economic growth for 2026 in his State of the Union address.
Job losses were reported, with February seeing a decrease of 92,000 jobs.
The unemployment rate for U.S.-born people increased from 4.4% to 4.7% over the past year.
Gas prices rose by 19% in the past month, influenced by U.S. and Israel's actions in Iran.
The national average for gas is now $3.45 per gallon.
Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.
Economic worries include the potential for inflation due to rising energy costs.
Newsweek reports that several major lakes in the western United States are experiencing significant declines in water levels. The lakes most affected include Lake Mead, Lake Powell, the Great Salt Lake, Salton Sea, and Walker Lake. These changes threaten water supplies, hydroelectric power, and agriculture.
Key Facts
Five major U.S. lakes are experiencing rapid declines in water levels: Lake Mead, Lake Powell, Great Salt Lake, Salton Sea, and Walker Lake.
Falling water levels in these lakes affect water supplies, power generation, and agriculture for millions of people.
Lake Mead, the largest U.S. reservoir, is nearing critical water-shortage levels.
Lake Powell is currently 25% full, affecting its role in the Colorado River water system.
The Great Salt Lake has lost about 73% of its water and 60% of its surface area since the mid-1980s.
The Salton Sea in California continues to lose more water to evaporation than it receives.
Walker Lake's volume has decreased by 90% due to water diversions for agriculture.
