Rich American Express customers continue to spend freely, with one exception In recent years, American Express has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, catering to a wealthy clientele that enjoys the finer things in life. This demographic has been known for its willingness to spend freely, indulging in high-end experiences, gourmet dining, and lavish travel. However, there is an interesting trend emerging among these affluent customers: while they continue to splurge on many aspects of their lives, there is one notable exception to their spending habits. To understand this phenomenon, we need to delve into the mindset of these rich American Express customers. Many of them are successful professionals, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals who have worked hard to achieve their financial status. They often view their spending as a reflection of their success and a way to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Luxury brands, exclusive events, and premium services are all ...

Google is down for thousands — live updates on outage affecting Gmail, Google Drive and more On July 18, 2025, Google experienced a significant service outage that affected thousands of users across various platforms, including Gmail, Google Drive, and other popular services. This incident is not the first of its kind, as Google has faced outages in the past, but the scale and impact of this particular event have drawn considerable attention. The outage began around 1:50 p.m. ET, with reports flooding in from users who were unable to access their emails, documents, and other essential services. According to Downdetector, a website that tracks service outages, there were over 14,000 reports of issues with Google Cloud within the first hour of the outage. This disruption not only affected individual users but also businesses that rely heavily on Google’s suite of tools for their daily operations. As the situation unfolded, users took to social media platforms to express their frustration...

Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps Is "Extraordinary" According To MCU Actor Marvel's "Fantastic Four" has been a beloved franchise for decades, capturing the hearts of comic book fans and moviegoers alike. The upcoming film, "Fantastic Four: First Steps," has generated a lot of buzz, especially with comments from actors involved in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) who describe the project as "extraordinary." This excitement stems from the potential of the Fantastic Four to bring fresh stories and characters into the MCU, which has been expanding rapidly over the years. ### The Legacy of the Fantastic Four The Fantastic Four, created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, first appeared in "The Fantastic Four" #1 in 1961. The team consists of four members: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), who can stretch his body into incredible shapes; the Invisible Woman (Sue Storm), who can become invisible and create force fields; the ...

 Metaplanet buys additional 797 BTC for nearly $94 million as bitcoin extends all-time high rally   On July 14, 2025, Metaplanet made headlines by purchasing an additional 797 Bitcoin (BTC) for approximately $94 million. This move comes as Bitcoin continues its impressive rally, reaching all-time highs. With this latest acquisition, Metaplanet's total Bitcoin holdings now stand at 16,352 BTC, solidifying its position as a significant player in the cryptocurrency market. ### The Bitcoin Surge Bitcoin has been on a remarkable upward trajectory, with its price soaring above $97,000 recently. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including increased institutional adoption, growing interest from retail investors, and a general shift towards digital assets as a hedge against inflation. As more people recognize Bitcoin's potential as a store of value, demand has surged, driving prices higher. ### Metaplanet's Strategic Move Metaplanet's decision to buy 797 BTC is a ...

 Bonds Circle The Wagons Ahead of High Risk NFP Bonds are often seen as a safe haven for investors, especially during times of uncertainty in the financial markets. As we approach a high-risk Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) report, which is a key economic indicator in the United States, bond markets tend to react in specific ways. This article will explore how bonds "circle the wagons" in anticipation of such reports, the implications for investors, and the broader economic context. ### Understanding Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) The Non-Farm Payroll report is released monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and provides insights into the employment situation in the country. It includes data on the number of jobs added or lost in the economy, excluding farm workers, government employees, and a few other job categories. The NFP is crucial because it can influence monetary policy decisions made by the Federal Reserve, impacting interest rates and overall economic growth. ### The Importa...

 ### A $348 Million Mega Millions Win in Virginia: What You Need to Know In a thrilling turn of events, a lucky ticket holder in Virginia has won a staggering $348 million in the Mega Millions lottery. This life-changing win has captured the attention of many, sparking excitement and curiosity about the lottery, the winning ticket, and what comes next for the fortunate winner. Let’s break down this incredible story in a way that’s easy to understand. #### What is Mega Millions? Mega Millions is one of the most popular lottery games in the United States. Players choose five numbers from a set of balls numbered 1 to 70 and one Mega Ball number from a separate set of balls numbered 1 to 25. To win the jackpot, a player must match all six numbers. The odds of winning the jackpot are quite low, approximately 1 in 302 million, which makes this win even more remarkable. #### The Winning Ticket The winning ticket for the $348 million jackpot was sold at a convenience store in Virginia. Thi...

Supreme Court Live Updates: Trump Hails Ruling to Limit Nationwide Injunctions  On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling that has garnered attention across the political spectrum. In a 6-3 decision, the Court limited the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, particularly in cases involving President Donald Trump's executive orders. This ruling is particularly relevant in the context of Trump's controversial birthright citizenship order, which sought to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. ### Understanding Nationwide Injunctions Nationwide injunctions are court orders that prohibit the enforcement of a law or policy across the entire country. They have become a powerful tool for federal judges, allowing them to block executive actions that they deem unconstitutional or unlawful. However, the use of these injunctions has sparked debate about judicial overreach and the balance of power among the branc...

 Should Idaho Power get another \$200 million from us? Not so fast | Opinion Idaho Power's request for an additional $200 million in revenue has sparked significant debate among residents and stakeholders. This proposed rate hike comes on top of the company's already substantial annual revenue of $1.83 billion. As the conversation unfolds, it’s essential to consider various factors that influence whether this increase is justified or not. ### Understanding the Request Idaho Power, a major utility provider in the region, has filed an application for a rate increase. The company argues that the additional funds are necessary to maintain and improve its infrastructure, invest in renewable energy sources, and meet the growing demand for electricity. They claim that these investments are crucial for ensuring reliable service and supporting the transition to cleaner energy. ### The Impact on Customers For many Idaho residents, the prospect of a rate hike raises concerns about afforda...

  Small real estate investors reach record market share, now dominate 59% of investor purchases n recent years, the landscape of real estate investment in the United States has undergone a significant transformation. Small real estate investors have emerged as a dominant force in the market, now accounting for an impressive 59% of all investor home purchases. This shift marks a notable change in the dynamics of the housing market, where smaller investors are increasingly taking the lead over larger institutional buyers. ### The Rise of Small Investors Historically, large institutional investors, such as real estate investment trusts (REITs) and private equity firms, have played a significant role in the real estate market. They often have substantial capital at their disposal, allowing them to purchase multiple properties at once. However, recent trends indicate that small investors are gaining ground, and their market share has reached record levels. In 2024, small investors purch...

 How to decode the shifting politics of the anti-Trump protests The anti-Trump protests have been a significant part of American political discourse since Donald Trump first announced his candidacy in 2015. These protests have evolved over time, reflecting the changing political landscape and the diverse motivations of those involved. Understanding the shifting politics of these protests requires examining their origins, the various groups involved, and the broader societal context. ### Origins of the Protests The anti-Trump protests began in earnest after Trump's election in November 2016. Many people were shocked by his victory, which they viewed as a threat to democratic values and social justice. The Women's March in January 2017, which drew millions of participants across the country, was one of the first large-scale protests against Trump. It focused on issues like women's rights, racial equality, and LGBTQ+ rights, setting the tone for future protests. As Trump's...

 Why Rooftop Solar Could Crash Under the G.O.P. Tax Bill Image : Gimini  The recent Republican tax bill has raised significant concerns about the future of rooftop solar energy in the United States. This legislation proposes to eliminate the residential solar tax credit by the end of 2025, a move that could have dire consequences for the solar industry and its growth. The tax credit has been a crucial incentive for homeowners to invest in solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible and affordable. Without this financial support, many potential solar customers may reconsider their options, leading to a potential crash in the rooftop solar market. ### The Importance of the Residential Solar Tax Credit The residential solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), allows homeowners to deduct a percentage of the cost of installing solar energy systems from their federal taxes. This incentive has been instrumental in driving the growth of the solar indus...