CONGRESS.NET

Streaming services are largely stepping back in June 2026, ceding primetime real estate to the FIFA World Cup, the most-watched sporting event on the planet. A handful of major exceptions are mounting a challenge, including HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” Apple TV+’s “Cape Fear,” and Hulu’s “The Bear,” which each carry significant audience expectations heading…

The U.S. stock market suffered its worst single day since October as a sweeping sell-off in major technology companies dragged down the broader market. A stronger-than-expected jobs report intensified fears that the Federal Reserve could be forced to raise interest rates at some point this year. The S&P 500 dropped 2.6%, marking its steepest one-day…

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) has become the first ETF in history to surpass $1 trillion in assets under management, a landmark milestone for passive investing. A $1.7 billion inflow in a single session pushed VOO above the $1 trillion threshold, according to data compiled by Bloomberg, making it the only ETF ever to…

The quarterly rebalancing of the S&P 500 remains one of the most closely watched scheduled events for traders and long-term investors across Wall Street. A committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices rebalances the S&P 400, 500, and 600 on the third Friday of March, June, September, and December each year. Index funds are required to…

SpaceX is moving forward with what is expected to be the largest initial public offering in history, targeting a staggering $1.77 trillion valuation at launch. The company plans to raise $75 billion in fresh capital by selling more than 555 million shares priced at $135 apiece, setting an ambitious benchmark for the offering. Only 5%…

Many retirees believe they have secured a comfortable, worry-free future when they sign contracts with continuing care retirement communities, known as CCRCs. These communities promise a full continuum of care, from independent living to skilled nursing, all in exchange for a substantial upfront entrance fee. However, a growing number of residents are discovering that the…

The state of California is once again at the center of a national debate over wealth taxation, with a newly proposed billionaire tax generating fierce opposition. Critics argue the measure is poorly designed and would likely trigger an exodus of high-net-worth individuals from the state. California has long relied heavily on its wealthiest residents to…

The FDA approved the first blood test designed to screen for colorectal cancer, called Shield, in July 2024 for adults 45 and older at average risk. Shield offers a far more convenient alternative to colonoscopy, requiring only a simple blood draw rather than an invasive procedure requiring full bowel preparation beforehand. A clinical study found…

Walmart (WMT) built one of the most impressive stock runs of the past decade, rewarding long-term investors with steady gains that outpaced much of the broader retail sector. The retail giant transformed itself from a traditional brick-and-mortar heavyweight into a technology-forward enterprise, earning a premium valuation that once rivaled some of the most celebrated growth…

Medicare beneficiaries who take large withdrawals from their retirement accounts may face unexpectedly higher premiums, even if the income spike is temporary. The mechanism behind these higher premiums is known as IRMAA, which stands for Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount, a surcharge applied when income exceeds certain thresholds. Social Security determines IRMAA eligibility by looking at…