Stories that are getting the most attention from our readers this week.
Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway now has over $300 billion in cash reserves, a war chest that has analysts speculating about his next blockbuster investment. Shareholders flock to Omaha this week for Berkshire’s annual meeting, marking Buffett’s 60th anniversary at the helm. Historically, the “Oracle of Omaha” has pounced on undervalued opportunities during market turmoil, whether it was picking up Japanese trading companies or Apple shares at opportune moments. But with ongoing tariff threats, inflation jitters, and a rocky stock market, some wonder if Berkshire might be waiting for even deeper discounts or scouting new sectors altogether. As usual, the famously tight-lipped Buffett offers no direct hints—fueling still more anticipation for a reveal that could shift entire sectors.
Mother’s Day is just around the corner, yet many find themselves anxious about what to get the mom who insists she doesn’t need anything. From thoughtful gifts under $100 to creative new “experience” ideas, multiple sources are sharing how to celebrate without breaking the bank. The holiday remains a prime moment for family bonding—where a little planning ensures a memorable experience for moms, grandmothers, and mother figures everywhere.
An AI tool called Cluely has gone viral for helping users “cheat” during virtual interviews and coding assessments. The founder, a Columbia student recently suspended for similar software, frames it as a necessary hack to bypass what he sees as unfair testing platforms. Critics argue it undermines genuine skill evaluation and fosters mistrust between employers and candidates. While Cluely has drawn investor backing, questions about ethics and workplace authenticity hover over its rapid ascent.
Volkswagen and Uber announced plans to introduce electric self-driving microbuses in Los Angeles, aiming for a late 2026 rollout. By blending VW’s vehicle engineering with Uber’s popular ride-hailing platform, the partnership seeks to accelerate adoption of on-demand, zero-emission transit. Though supporters champion efficiency and environmental gains, skeptics question regulatory hurdles and how quickly consumers will trust fully autonomous rides.
Serious threats toward U.S. federal judges more than doubled from 2021 to 2023, with many aimed at women jurists, reports The 19th. Judges cite social-media attacks and high-profile political criticism as accelerants; a new judiciary task force will assess security gaps.
Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan stands accused of aiding an undocumented defendant in evading ICE agents at her courthouse. Federal prosecutors allege she obstructed law enforcement, while supporters frame her actions as protecting the judiciary’s independence by preventing “courthouse ambushes.” This unusual arrest highlights the deep rift between local sanctuary-type stances and the Trump administration’s vigorous immigration enforcement. If Dugan is found guilty, it may instill fear in judges who feel morally inclined to shield defendants from deportation arrests in a legal setting. Immigration advocates argue that using courtrooms for ICE operations scares away witnesses and victims, harming the broader justice system.
The Kentucky Derby, launching the Triple Crown, arrives this week. The Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes form a gauntlet for three-year-old thoroughbreds across just five weeks. Only 13 horses in history have conquered all three, underscoring the series’ difficulty and mystique. Each race has its own culture—from Kentucky’s lavish hats and mint juleps to Black-Eyed Susans at the Preakness and white carnations at the Belmont. Millions watch globally, recalling legends like Secretariat and Seattle Slew. Despite occasional doping headlines, stronger regulations aim to preserve fairness. Whether you love the spectacle, the wagering, or the grandeur, this year’s competition promises fresh storylines and the possibility of a new champion.
Netflix chief Ted Sarandos reignited the streaming-versus-cinema clash by calling traditional theatrical moviegoing “an outmoded idea” for most viewers. Though Netflix occasionally grants limited theatrical releases for prestige films, Sarandos insists the global streaming audience far outweighs box-office returns. His bold statement rattles Hollywood studios and theater owners, who argue that box-office hits remain cultural events unmatched by at-home streaming.
Michigan-based Slate Auto has introduced a starkly minimalist electric pickup with a $20,000 base price—far below most EV competitors. The standard model omits extras like power windows or fancy infotainment, but buyers can add upgrades from a catalog of 100+ modular accessories. Billed as the “Blank Slate,” it delivers about 150 miles of range, extendable to 240 miles at higher cost. While rumors swirl of partial investment by Jeff Bezos, no official word confirms it. Analysts caution that achieving mass production of a sub-$20K EV is notoriously challenging, given battery and safety compliance costs. Still, if Slate’s approach works, it could disrupt the notion that electric vehicles must be premium-priced.
Allergies have become noticeably worse for millions, with warming climates lengthening pollen seasons and urban landscaping favoring high-pollen tree varieties. Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels can also intensify pollen potency, leaving even mild sufferers gasping or sneezing. Over-the-counter medications offer some relief, but allergists note soaring demand for immunotherapy. Both the US and Europe face similar challenges, with city-dwellers encountering particularly dense allergen loads. As symptoms escalate, people seek new treatment avenues, from telehealth consults to high-tech air purifiers. This seasonal struggle underscores the interplay between environmental changes and public health concerns.
A 19-year-old faces charges for allegedly sparking New Jersey’s largest wildfire in nearly two decades, burning more than 15,000 acres so far. Investigators say he failed to fully extinguish a bonfire in the Pine Barrens, creating ideal conditions for a blaze fueled by wind and drought. With evacuation orders and widespread smoke alerts, firefighters rely on controlled burns to contain the threat, currently about halfway under control.
Scientists intrigued by anomalies like the interstellar object ‘Oumuamua and puzzling radio bursts wonder if advanced alien tech could be lurking near Earth’s cosmic neighborhood. While mainstream astronomy generally expects natural explanations for these phenomena, a small group posits that certain evidence—like unexplained accelerations—might hint at artificial origins. No definitive proof has emerged, yet new telescopes and advanced data mining accelerate the search. Critics caution that sensational claims often outrun facts. Still, the possibility of discovering signals or debris from an extraterrestrial civilization captivates both researchers and the broader public, fueling a rush to gather more data.