Stories from New York · United States

Media members were forced to huddle on the floor during a loud noise in a ballroom on Saturday night. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt instructed attendees to get down immediately following the sound. The president later suggested the noise may have been caused by a falling tray.

A company is set to acquire the US-based firm Organon for $11.75 billion. The Wall Street Journal reports that a group of budget airlines, including Frontier, are involved in a deal. This deal values the New Jersey-based company at nearly $12 billion.

NGOs estimate the private sector invested over $700 billion in military nuclear technology between 2023 and 2025. This investment occurs amid threats regarding the use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The findings coincide with the opening of a treaty review conference at the United Nations. The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) focuses on disarmament, non-proliferation, and peaceful atomic use. The private sector is increasingly investing in small nuclear reactors to meet high energy demands. Large artificial intelligence and industrial entities are driving interest in this technology due to their energy-intensive operations. This shift marks a transition where nuclear technology is no longer reserved solely for state use. Challenges remain regarding the economic and environmental costs of nuclear waste decommissioning.

Warner Bros Discovery shareholders have approved a merger with Paramount Skydance. Paramount is expected to acquire the company in its entirety, including its film studio, cable networks, and streaming services.

Bain Capital is reportedly preparing to offload its majority stake in Tyger Capital.

Law enforcement officials are investigating a suspect named Alan following an alleged attack. The perpetrator was immediately subdued by security personnel. All attendees were successfully moved to safety during the incident.

A new study from financial website Money Lion indicates a week-long vacation for a family of four can exceed $6,800. Expensive destinations include Anchorage, New York City, and Santa Barbara. Florida locations such as Key West and Miami also rank among the most costly options. The study suggests staycations may be a more viable alternative for summer travel.

An individual wearing a shirt featuring the Iranian flag assaulted three Jewish men in New York City. Local sources report the incident as an antisemitic attack.

A new illustrated book explores the history of the Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan. The collection is described as being both anarchic and closely connected to its subjects. The text features photographs and accounts of figures such as Patty Smith, Robert Maple Thorpe, and filmmaker Rosa von Braunheim. It explores the underground scene and specific historical moments like the Christopher Street Liberation Day on June 28, 1970. It highlights the presence of underground scene figures and drag performers like Hollywood Lan and Candy Darling. Photographer Skopin is noted for capturing the hotel's environment. The work includes imagery of figures such as Andy Warhol and Wim Wenders from the early 1970s. A new 176-page photography book by Jonas Kühlberg has been released by Kerber Verlag. The book is priced at 38 Euro.

The first quarter earnings season is projected to be one of the busiest on record with 180 companies reporting. The period will include financial results from five of the 'Magnificent Seven' tech companies, specifically Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. Traders are monitoring bond prices and potential year-end rate cuts amid Middle East energy supply risks. Market analysts expect high earnings performance from Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta during the upcoming Q1 season. Higher oil prices and sticky inflation may impact the broader economy, potentially making big tech stocks more attractive. Analysts note that while tech stocks faced early-year declines due to overspending concerns, lowered valuations have increased their appeal. Hen Kunhao of UOB assesses whether these companies remain insulated from geopolitical and economic volatility.