Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, continues to reshape industries from space exploration to artificial intelligence, with his recent acquisition of xAI by SpaceX marking one of the most significant corporate consolidations in history.

The February 2026 merger, which valued the combined entity at $1.25 trillion — SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion — has positioned Musk’s ventures as a vertically integrated powerhouse spanning rockets, satellites, AI development, and social media through X (formerly Twitter). Musk described the move in a SpaceX blog post as creating “the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth,” with plans to deploy AI data centers in orbit powered by limitless solar energy and Starlink connectivity.

The deal comes amid Musk’s push to overcome terrestrial constraints on AI compute, including energy shortages, regulatory hurdles, and land limitations. Experts have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of orbital data centers due to launch costs, radiation risks, latency issues, and maintenance challenges, but Musk has doubled down, stating in recent comments that SpaceX is shifting focus toward building a “self-growing city” on the moon within the next decade.

Musk’s net worth, estimated by Forbes at around $845 billion to nearing $900 billion as of late February 2026, edges closer to trillionaire status, driven largely by SpaceX’s valuation surge and Tesla’s ongoing role in the electric vehicle and autonomy markets. A new Oxfam analysis highlighted Tesla’s contribution to U.S. inequality as a factor in Musk’s wealth accumulation, noting his extreme fortune amid broader economic disparities.

Tesla faces headwinds, including a first-ever annual revenue decline reported earlier in 2026 and a federal judge’s decision upholding a $243 million verdict in a fatal Autopilot crash case from 2019. Despite these, Musk has teased advancements in Full Self-Driving software, including upcoming voice commands, and progress on the Cybercab robotaxi. He recently claimed Tesla has “solved” dry electrode manufacturing, a key hurdle for next-generation batteries.

In AI, Musk’s xAI — now under the SpaceX umbrella — continues developing Grok, facing scrutiny from regulators. The European Union launched probes into Grok’s features over deepfake capabilities, including nonconsensual undressing images, while U.S. House Democrats opened an investigation into similar concerns on X. Musk has countered criticisms, including accusing rival Anthropic of large-scale data theft for training its Claude model, sharing Community Notes alleging a $1.5 billion settlement over pirated books.

Musk’s political influence remains prominent. He has advocated for stricter election laws, endorsing the SAVE Act with photo ID requirements ahead of the 2026 midterms, warning that without it, democracy could end. On X, he frequently comments on Senate proceedings, criticizing delays on voter integrity bills and mocking what he called a “dog parade” in the chamber instead of legislative action.

Other ventures show momentum. The Boring Company is tunneling simultaneously in Nevada, Texas, and Tennessee at costs reportedly 99% lower than traditional methods, expanding projects like the Vegas Loop and Nashville Music City Loop. Neuralink’s brain-computer interface work has inspired a surge in similar efforts in China.

Musk’s public statements on X often spark controversy. He recently called Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum a potential “cartel plant” without evidence following a major cartel leader’s death, prompting her government to consider legal action. He also reignited his feud with Bill Gates, posting “Karma is real” in response to reports about Gates and linking it to Tesla short sellers, while warning that Tesla’s potential dominance could bankrupt even Gates.

In a recent all-hands meeting at xAI, Musk emphasized speed in AI development, massive compute scaling, and future breakthroughs like code-free binary generation. The Pentagon reached a deal to use Grok in classified systems, underscoring xAI’s growing role in defense applications.

As Musk’s companies intertwine more tightly, questions persist about governance in his sprawling empire, potential conflicts of interest, and the long-term viability of ambitious goals like lunar cities and orbital AI. Yet his track record of defying skeptics — from reusable rockets to mass-market EVs — keeps investors and observers watching closely.

The SpaceX-xAI merger, ahead of a potential SpaceX IPO later in 2026, may redefine how private conglomerates operate in emerging tech frontiers. For now, Musk’s focus remains outward — toward the stars, where he sees the future of intelligence unbound by Earth’s limits.

Roofing Supplies Group expanding at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone

Plans for a huge new storage and distribution centre which could bring in extra jobs have been given the green light.

Blackpool Council’s planning committee, meeting on Tuesday February 25, unanimously approved the reserved reserved matters application for the construction of the new 1,742sqm facility at Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

Applicants Roofing Supplies Group Ltd are looking to expand further, having become one of the leading independent roofing merchants in the North West.

The firm already has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility.

The Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone is a 144-hectare economic development area spanning Blackpool and Fylde, established in 2016 to create up to 5,000 jobs by 2041.

It already features over 200 businesses, specialising in aviation, advanced manufacturing, and digital technology, but it is undergoing a major expansion, with a new £18.5m access road and infrastructure works set to complete this year, opening up 10.5 hectares of new development land. The new storage and distribution centre is part of that developing landscape.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicants stated: “Roofing Supplies Group Ltd were established in 2001 and have since grown to become a leading independent roofing merchant in the North West.

“The company specialises in supplying a comprehensive range of roofing materials for both pitched and flat roof developments.

“They currently have branches in St Annes, Manchester, St Helens, Morecambe, Carlisle, Deeside and Burnley and are looking to improve the efficiency of their business.

“The company has two existing depots close to the application site and it is intended to amalgamate the operations of both onto the new development with a modern, fit for purpose facility. “

The proposals comprise a double heighted storage and distribution facility with mezzanine floor, with the ridge height of the building measuring 7.902m.

The scheme also includes a service yard to the rear of the site, containing the bin store as well as open storage racking, and extensive landscaping.

The earlier outline planning consent, which was approved last year, included several conditions which the applicants agree will be adhered to throughout the development of this project.

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans agreed Thursday to a player-for-player swap that sends edge rusher Jermaine Johnson to Tennessee for nose tackle T’Vondre Sweat, a deal that reunites Johnson with his former coach Robert Saleh while giving the Jets a promising young run-stuffer on a cost-controlled contract.

The trade, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and confirmed by multiple sources including NFL Network, ESPN and the Associated Press, cannot be officially processed until the start of the new league year in March. Both players must pass physicals for the deal to become final.

Johnson, 27, was the Jets’ first-round pick (No. 26 overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft under Saleh, who was then New York’s head coach. The Florida State product spent four seasons with the Jets, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2023 after recording a career-high 7.5 sacks. Last season, he appeared in 14 games with 13 starts, finishing with 43 combined tackles, six quarterback hits and 3.0 sacks. Over his career, Johnson has 131 tackles, 27 quarterback hits and 13 sacks in 47 games.

The move marks the latest exodus of a former first-round pick from New York. The Jets previously traded star cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys at last year’s trade deadline, signaling a significant roster overhaul under new leadership.

For the Titans, the acquisition brings back a familiar face. Saleh, hired as Tennessee’s head coach this offseason after his Jets tenure, now reunites with the player he helped draft. Johnson will play the 2026 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, providing immediate pass-rush help for a Titans defense looking to rebound from a 3-14 campaign in 2025.

Sweat, 24, was selected by the Titans in the second round (No. 38 overall) of the 2024 draft out of Texas. The 6-foot-4, 366-pound defensive tackle played in 12 games last season, recording 34 tackles, four tackles for loss, two sacks and three quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus ranked him among the top run-stoppers at his position in 2025, with the sixth-best grade among defensive tackles as a run defender.

Analysts have praised the Jets for acquiring Sweat, who has two years remaining on his rookie deal and cannot be extended until after the 2026 season. Trading Johnson, whose fifth-year option carries a cap hit of approximately $13.4 million in 2026, allows New York to create salary-cap flexibility while adding a high-upside interior defender to pair with existing pieces like Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs.

Sweat is expected to fit well in the scheme new Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn plans to implement in 2026. Glenn, who will also call plays, has emphasized building a stout run defense, and Sweat’s size and quickness make him an ideal nose tackle in a 4-3 alignment.

Trade grades from major outlets leaned toward the Jets as the winners in the exchange. CBS Sports highlighted New York’s gain in contract control and positional value, noting Sweat’s youth and production against the run. Sports Illustrated suggested the deal positions the Jets to target a top edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft with their high selection, potentially the No. 2 overall pick.

For Tennessee, the trade represents a bet on Johnson’s upside under Saleh’s guidance. Despite a dip in production last season, Johnson’s athletic traits and experience make him a potential reclamation project for a Titans team rebuilding after a disappointing year. The move adds veteran presence to an edge group needing reinforcement.

This swap is one of the earliest significant player trades in recent NFL history, occurring well before free agency and the draft. It reflects both teams’ strategic priorities: New York shedding salary and repositioning for youth and draft capital, Tennessee leveraging a coaching reunion to bolster its pass rush.

Neither team has commented officially on the deal as of Thursday afternoon. The trade underscores the Jets’ continued transformation, with multiple high-profile departures reshaping the roster ahead of what could be a pivotal offseason.

As the league year approaches, attention will turn to how both players integrate into their new schemes and whether this exchange proves beneficial long-term. For now, it’s a notable early move in what promises to be an active period for NFL transactions.

Despite mortgage rates just dipping below the 6% mark, American homebuyers aren’t retreating just yet.

While high mortgage rates have historically chilled demand, the latest data reveals a defiant consumer base: new home sales remain higher than year-ago levels, and a massive surge in refinancing suggests homeowners are pouncing on any slight dip in borrowing costs.

Recent data from the Census Bureau reveals that while new home sales dipped slightly by 1.7% in December, the market remains surprisingly resilient, with annual sales outpacing 2024 levels by nearly 4%. 

The Mortgage Bankers Association additionally reported Wednesday that refinance applications are 150% higher than the same week last year, and up 4% from the previous week, potentially signaling that homeowners who bought at 7% or 8% are racing to lower their monthly overhead.

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“The growth in mortgage demand reflects the gradual erosion of the lock-in effect, which began in early 2022 with the Fed [pivoting] to higher interest rates. Rising inventory in many markets has brought more choices to consumers and slowed home price growth,” StreetMatrix real estate analyst Jonathan Miller told Fox News Digital.

“While many potential homebuyers are still hoping for mortgage rates to fall sharply,” he continued, “there is a growing recognition that they won’t return to the rock-bottom levels coming out of the pandemic and that home prices are only getting higher.”

It’s a potential sign that buyers are still acclimating to a new normal of borrowing costs, even as the median price tag for a new build jumped to $414,400 last month.

“The existing home market… remains constrained by the lock-in effect, with many owners unwilling to trade a 3% mortgage for a 6% one,” Palm Beach-based RWB Construction Management’s Robert Burrage chimed in. “So while both markets are supply-limited, new construction has been more agile in stimulating demand.”

Housing supply currently sits at 7.6 months. Anything over six months typically cues a buyer’s market, giving shoppers more leverage to negotiate for concessions.

“Because we build exclusively for end users, not as a spec developer, our pipeline looks very different from what you see in the national new home sales data,” Burrage noted.

“When a custom home starts, it’s typically tied to a committed client who has already secured financing or is paying cash. That removes a lot of the speculative risk from the equation,” he expanded. “So even if new home sales tick down nationally, that doesn’t necessarily translate into excess inventory in the true custom segment. These homes aren’t sitting on the market waiting for a buyer, they’re being delivered to one.”

“The opportunity cost isn’t just about the rate, it’s about price trajectory and competition. Buyers and sellers get the same memo when rates are falling. The perception of improved affordability for buyers with lower rates are offset with sellers believing that can get a higher price because buyers have more financial strength to purchase. If we learned anything during the housing boom five years ago, [it’s] that lower rates push housing prices higher,” Miller added.

StreetMatrix’s analyst also noted that beneath the national surface, Florida is seeing a 2.7% year-over-year price cooling as national averages remain resilient. That decline could be tied to high insurance and maintenance costs.

“Across the Sun Belt, states like Florida are experiencing a housing market reset after a prolonged period of price growth, and inbound migration is waning. Expect a period of more modest sales and price growth going forward,” Miller said.

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On the national level, Miller advises keeping a close eye on U.S. jobs and wage numbers throughout 2026.

“We’ve been in a rapid housing growth period where affordability remains strained, but distressed sales remain limited so far,” he said. “Thankfully, mortgage lenders didn’t lose their minds like they did during the great financial crisis. If jobs and wages hold, the market is more likely to grind sideways than correct.”

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Iran’s ruling regime is facing what opposition leader Prince Reza Pahlavi describes as its most vulnerable moment as economic pressure and anti-regime demonstrations continue across the country.

Pahlavi, the former crown prince and a leading voice of the democratic opposition, joined FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to argue that financial sanctions are compounding internal unrest and weakening Tehran’s grip on power.

“Clearly, the regime that is on its last leg and about to collapse would … be even more a challenge as a result of economic sanctions, and it would precipitate its downfall,” he said, describing a government he believes is running out of options.

He framed the current moment as a decisive turning point.

“This is a moment in time where the circumstances are the most favorable for this to happen,” Pahlavi said, adding that he doubts Tehran will change course voluntarily.

“I doubt that this regime will ever come clean. It has always been this disingenuous and dishonest,” he said.

Pahlavi’s strategy hinges on what he calls “maximum support for the people parallel to maximum pressure on the regime,” a combination he says would trigger “maximum defections from the regime elements to the people” and a smooth post-collapse transition. He argued that momentum inside the country has reached a critical threshold.

“The Iranians are unified today more than ever in understanding how pivotal, how critical it is for this regime to no longer be in place,” Pahlavi said.

Beyond the immediate political crisis, Pahlavi is pitching what he calls the “Iran Prosperity Project,” a post-regime roadmap aimed at rebuilding the economy and reopening Iran to Western investment.

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“We anticipate that, as a result of a fundamental change in Iran, this will probably represent an over $1 trillion worth of revenue to the American market in the span of the first ten, 15 years,” he said.

Framing the stakes as both economic and geopolitical, Pahlavi urged Western leaders to rethink their approach.

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“Your best bet is to trust the Iranian people and not trust more this regime,” he said, arguing that the outcome of this moment will determine whether Iran remains aligned with authoritarian powers or pivots toward a secular democratic future.

Pahlavi argues that now is not the time to give Tehran another opportunity to survive.

“Just push the regime over the cliff, because it’s on its way down, and not throw it yet again another lifeline,” he said.

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Vishal Mega Mart‘s promoter entity Samayat Services LLP is expected to sell 6.5% stake in the company via a block deal. The shares are likely to be sold at a price of Rs 115 apiece, which implies a 10% discount from today’s closing price, according to ET Now report.

Samayat Services held 54.09% (252.74 crore) in Vishal Mega Mart as of December 31, 2025 and under the stake sale, 3.05 crore shares will be offloaded, the report said.

Shares of Vishal Mega Mart today ended at Rs 127.53 on the NSE, up by Rs 4.56 or 3.71% from the Wednesday closing price. The stock today traded amid strong volumes with over 4 crore shares changing hands.

Vishal Mega Mart shares have surged 24% over a one year period, which is an outperformance over Nifty’s 13% and BSE Sensex’s 10% in the same period.

The stock is currently trading above its 50-day simple moving average (SMA) of Rs 127 while below its 200-day SMA of Rs 136, according to Trendlyne data.

The company’s consolidated net profit for the December ended quarter stood at Rs 313 crore, which is a growth of 19% over Rs 263 crore in the year ago period. Its total revenue in the quarter under review stood at Rs 3,695 crore, up 17% 3,155 crore in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year.
Vishal Mega Mart is one of the leading Indian fashion-led hypermarket chain with over 780 stores, focusing on affordable fashion, general merchandise, and grocery for middle-income customers.In another news, Home First Finance Company India’s promoter entities Aether (Mauritius) Limited and True North Fund V LLP today sold stakes worth Rs 326 crore and Rs 334 crore in separate bulk deals on Thursday. The buyers were French multinational bank Societe Generale and PICTET – Indian Equities.

Between them they sold shares worth Rs 660 crore.

The stock fell sharply today, closing at Rs 1,176.25, down nearly 6% from Wednesday’s closing price.

Read more: Home First Finance bulk deal alert: Promoters sell stake worth Rs 660 crore; Societe Generale among buyers

(Disclaimer: The recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times.)

Pop superstar Justin Bieber turned heads courtside at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night, Feb. 24, 2026, as he cheered on the Los Angeles Lakers during their narrow 110-109 loss to the Orlando Magic — but the real highlight came from a wholesome interaction with NBA icon LeBron James that quickly went viral across social media.

Bieber, 31, arrived solo for the matchup, dressed casually in a green hoodie with white polka dots and sunglasses, and took his spot in prime courtside seats. Videos and photos shared by the Lakers’ official X account and outlets like TMZ captured the singer sipping a beverage, flashing smiles and reacting energetically to the action on the floor. His enthusiasm peaked during James’ plays, with Bieber jumping to his feet, pumping his fists and hyping the crowd after one of the forward’s signature drives and jumpers that gave the Lakers an early 16-10 lead.

The most talked-about moment occurred before tipoff when James, 41, made his way over to Bieber’s seat for a friendly dap — a quick handshake and greeting that fans described as “pure love” and “respect between legends.” Clips of the exchange, including James interrupting Bieber’s hydration break mid-sip, spread rapidly on Instagram, TikTok and X, amassing millions of views within hours. One viral reel from Bleacher Report showed Bieber “hyped” for James, with captions calling it “JB 🤝 LBJ.”

NBA fans flooded social media with reactions, praising the crossover between music and basketball royalty. Comments ranged from “Two GOATs linking up” to jokes about Bieber being James’ biggest cheerleader. The interaction underscored the long-standing mutual admiration: Bieber has frequently attended Lakers games and expressed fandom for James, while the four-time NBA champion has previously shouted out the Canadian singer in interviews and on social platforms.

Despite the celebrity spotlight, the game itself was a thriller. The Lakers battled the Magic in a back-and-forth contest, with James delivering strong performances but missing a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds. The defeat dropped Los Angeles in the Western Conference standings amid a competitive playoff push, though postgame conversation largely centered on the Bieber-James moment rather than the outcome.

Bieber’s appearance comes as he prepares for a high-profile return to the stage. Reports indicate the “Sorry” hitmaker is headlining Coachella 2026, marking his first major festival performance in years following a hiatus focused on family life with wife Hailey Bieber and personal health. His courtside outing appeared relaxed and joyful, a contrast to recent quieter public sightings.

The viral clip highlights how celebrity attendance continues to amplify NBA games’ cultural reach. Courtside stars like Bieber draw massive online engagement, blending sports, entertainment and fan culture. Similar moments — from previous sightings of Bieber with other athletes to James’ interactions with Hollywood figures — have become staples of Lakers home games at Crypto.com Arena.

As clips continued circulating Thursday, Feb. 26, outlets including Yahoo Sports, People, TMZ and AOL ran features on the “sweet” and “wholesome” exchange. Fans noted Bieber’s transformation from reserved sips to full-on cheering once engaged with James, with one viral description calling it “LeBron showing love for us.”

The moment also fueled lighthearted online banter about cross-industry friendships in Los Angeles, where stars from music, film and sports frequently intersect. Bieber’s energy injected extra buzz into an otherwise standard midseason game, reminding observers why celebrity sightings remain a beloved — and sometimes overshadowing — part of the NBA experience.

Neither Bieber nor James has publicly commented on the interaction beyond the shared visuals, but the footage speaks volumes about their camaraderie. For Lakers faithful, it was a bright spot in a tough loss; for pop culture observers, proof that the worlds of hoops and hits still collide in memorable ways.

As the Lakers gear up for their next slate of games and Bieber eyes his Coachella comeback, this courtside dap serves as the latest viral reminder of celebrity’s enduring pull in sports.