Good morning. Oracle's massive AI deals and startup wisdom couldn't be further from Utah's campus shooting, yet all shape America's future.
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TOP STORY TODAY
Charlie Kirk Assassination
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot Wednesday while speaking at Utah Valley University. The 31-year-old Turning Point USA founder was struck by a single gunshot to the neck during his "American Comeback Tour" event before approximately 3,000 attendees.
Authorities believe the shooter fired from a nearby rooftop in what Utah Governor Spencer Cox called a "political assassination." Kirk was transported to Timpanogos Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. No suspects remain in custody (see video of man on nearby roof).
President Trump ordered flags lowered to half-staff. Politicians from both parties condemned the violence. Utah Valley University remains closed through Sunday as the investigation continues with federal resources deployed.
BUSINESS
Oracle Shares Skyrocket
Oracle shares surged 36% Wednesday after reporting $455 billion in contract revenue, the company announced. The database giant signed four multibillion-dollar AI contracts during the quarter, CEO Safra Catz told investors. Shares hit $328.33.
The company initially missed cloud computing's rise but AI provided new opportunities. Oracle secured major clients including OpenAI, xAI, and Meta through partnerships. Co-founder Larry Ellison's fortune increased over $100 billion from the surge (Oracle signs $300B Cloud deal).
Oracle expects cloud revenue to grow 77% this year to $18 billion, reaching $144 billion within five years. Most targets are secured in the contract backlog, making projections achievable, analysts said.
TECHNOLOGY
Chinese EV Tech
Global automakers are increasingly licensing Chinese electric vehicle technology to accelerate development. Audi built its E5 Sportback using SAIC technology in just 18 months. Toyota, Volkswagen, Renault and Ford are pursuing similar partnerships with Chinese firms.
Chinese companies offer complete EV platforms including batteries, software and chassis systems. This "China Inside" strategy helps traditional automakers save billions in development costs while providing revenue streams for Chinese firms facing domestic price wars.
Industry experts warn against over-reliance on third-party technology, noting risks to brand differentiation. However, partnerships allow legacy automakers to compete with agile Chinese EV makers who developed modular platforms inspired by Tesla's approach (read more).
Get 1% Better
Sam Altman’s Wealth Rules
OpenAI CEO reveals the unconventional strategies that built billion-dollar companies, in a blog called “What I Wish Someone Had Told Me.”
Key Success Principles:
"Concentrate your resources on a small number of high-conviction bets." Most entrepreneurs spread too thin instead of doubling down on winners
"It is easier for a team to do a hard thing that really matters than to do an easy thing that doesn't really matter." Ambitious goals actually motivate teams more than simple tasks
"Fast iteration can make up for a lot; it's usually ok to be wrong if you iterate quickly." Speed beats perfection in wealth building
"Compounding exponentials are magic." Build businesses with scale advantages that multiply returns over time
"Inspiration is perishable and life goes by fast. Inaction is a particularly insidious type of risk." Waiting costs more than failing fast
Bottom line: Concentrated bets and rapid execution beat diversified caution every time.
Does AI Sabotage Learning?
Cognitive psychologist reveals using ChatGPT for homework creates "metacognitive laziness" that weakens thinking skills. Students researching with AI showed lower cognitive load but worse reasoning abilities. Those using ChatGPT scored higher initially but showed zero knowledge transfer versus peers working without AI. Mental effort builds mastery where shortcuts create long-term skill stagnation.
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