In Short:
– Oracle shares rose 43% to $345.69, nearing a trillion-dollar valuation after multi-billion-dollar contracts were announced.
– Co-founder Larry Ellison’s net worth increased to $392.6 billion, making him a contender for the world’s richest person.

Oracle shares surged 43% to a record high of $345.69, putting the company close to joining the trillion-dollar club.

This spike follows the announcement of four multi-billion-dollar contracts on Tuesday, indicating a shift towards increased computing capacity necessary for AI development.

The surge boosts co-founder Larry Ellison’s net worth to approximately $392.6 billion, making him a contender for the world’s richest person, currently held by Elon Musk at $439.9 billion.

Oracle expects to see a market valuation around $913 billion if gains hold, contributing an additional $234 billion.

Market Dynamics

Oracle’s significant contracts include one with OpenAI for about $300 billion in computing power over five years.

The partnership is critical as Oracle aims to expand its market share, currently dominated by Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, which collectively hold 65%.

The company also supports AI startups, including xAI, founded by Musk, affirming its essential role in upcoming large-scale AI infrastructure projects, projected to reach $500 billion.

In Short:
– Charlie Kirk, conservative commentator, was shot during a speech at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
– Authorities are investigating the incident, with the community showing strong support for Kirk.

Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative commentator, has died after he was shot while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around noon local time, with video footage circulating on social media showing the moment shots were fired.Kirk is the founder and CEO of Turning Point USA, a significant conservative youth organisation active across 3,500 college campuses.

He has been influential on the right and is known for his podcast and “Prove Me Wrong” debates.

Kirk, 31, also played a key role in Donald Trump’s outreach to young voters during the 2024 election.

The university, located in Orem, Utah, is home to over 46,000 students, making it the largest in the state.

Ongoing Updates

Authorities are actively investigating the shooting, and further developments are expected.

Community response has been strong, with calls for prayers and support for Kirk following the incident.

In Short:
– Poland shot down Russian drones violating airspace, recognising the incidents as acts of aggression.
– Prime Minister Tusk confirmed military readiness and convened emergency meetings to address aerial incursions.

Poland has shot down suspected Russian drones following repeated violations of its airspace amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced military actions against the drones, labelling the incidents as acts of aggression.Tusk convened emergency government meetings to address the aerial incursions and confirmed that Poland is prepared to repel future provocations.

Reports indicate that a damaged drone was found in the Lubelskie province, about 170 kilometres from Warsaw.

The incident coincides with substantial drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the consequences Russia must face for escalating the conflict.

Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz stated the country is in constant contact with NATO and has ramped up military readiness.

Multiple Polish airports were temporarily closed due to security concerns but have since reopened.

Global Response

Leaders across NATO have condemned the violations. French President Emmanuel Macron and Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala expressed concerns over Russian aggression, citing threats to European security.

The United States also perceives these actions as a direct challenge to NATO’s resolve.