Conan O'Brien will host the 99th Oscars live from the Dolby Theatre, marking his third consecutive year in the role. Producers aim to maintain high audience engagement amid fluctuating TV ratings.

In North Carolina, voters are deciding between Trump-era tax cuts and rising inflation impacts ahead of midterms. The race is seen as a referendum on the economy, with costs and policies influencing voter sentiment.

Recent data reveals a sluggish national reading recovery with only five states and Washington, D.C., showing significant score improvements. Success stories like Modesto and Compton highlight targeted interventions and consistent assessments as keys to educational gains, while Detroit emphasizes attendance and staff investments for progress.

McDonald's has acquired naming rights for Chicago Fire FC's new stadium, McDonald's Park, set in the $750 million The 78 development, opening in 2028. The deal emphasizes community impact but faces criticism over potential gentrification and displacement concerns.

Brandon Clarke, beloved Memphis Grizzlies forward, tragically passed away at 29, casting a shadow over the NBA community. His career, marked by promise and positivity, was recently marred by limited play due to injury and a notable arrest; authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Microsoft is set to launch Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery, allowing Windows to automatically revert to stable drivers without user or manufacturer intervention. The feature aims to enhance system stability by addressing faulty drivers remotely through the Windows Update infrastructure, with a full rollout expected by September.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio's casual Nike tracksuit on Air Force One en route to China sparked a viral moment, drawing comparisons to Venezuela's Maduro. The incident, part of Trump's first China visit in nearly nine years, highlighted the intersection of diplomatic style and serious geopolitical discussions.

Workable unveils the MCP Server, empowering AI assistants like ChatGPT to interact directly with HR data for tasks without cumbersome data exports. The platform aims to streamline HR workflows by enabling natural language queries and actions within secure, user-permissioned environments, heralding a shift towards AI-driven HR processes by 2027.

Prosecutors revealed a $6.5 million fraud scheme involving bogus bankruptcy auctions in Freehold, NJ, implicating former judge King and financier Sprei. Both face serious charges with potential 20-year sentences, highlighting ongoing federal investigations into similar fraudulent activities.

North Carolina's AG charged Holly Christina Photography with fraud, freezing assets and stopping operations amid complaints of undelivered services and deceptive practices. The civil case seeks consumer refunds, permanent closure, and has a claims portal for affected clients, highlighting the AG's consumer protection focus in digital markets.