Stocks Open Down; Bank Revenues, Google Disappoint

Melinda French Gates, formerly married to Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, spends much of her time and wealth on philanthropic endeavors. Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency via Getty ImagesMelinda French Gates is one of the world's richest women, even after her divorce from Bill Gates. Bill and Melinda Gates first met at Microsoft, and were married for 27 years.

The Consumer Technology Association is projecting record consumer tech spending in 2025 without Trump's tariffs. Kevin Carter/Getty ImagesConsumer tech spending could hit $537 billion in 2025, the Consumer Technology Association said. However proposed tariffs by President-elect Donald Trump could cut into that projected revenue. The CTA said tariffs could increase tech prices and lower consumer purchasing power by billions.

Samsung is set to reveal its new Galaxy S phone series in two weeks, with the company announcing that it will host its next Unpacked event on Jan. 22. The follow up to Samsung's current Galaxy S24 model, the Galaxy S25 range is expected to be revealed in the showcase staged in San Jose, along with other gadgets, wearables, and more.

The author, not pictured, discovered that teaching wasn't right for her after six years in the classroom.kali9/Getty ImagesI chose to be a teacher to connect with and help children — the job wasn't what I expected. As a teacher I valued student relationships, but job evaluations focused on other metrics.

President Jimmy Carter, who had served in the US Navy, was instrumental in countering the Soviet Union and rising extremism in the Middle East. PhotoQuest/Getty ImagesPerceptions of weakness dogged Jimmy Carter's presidency and legacy. Carter inherited a struggling economy and a US military adrift after Vietnam. But his administration played key parts in countering the Soviets and rising extremism.

CES 2025 is filled with weird, new robot vacuum innovations. Dreame, a Chinese tech company, has unveiled its new X50 Ultra, a "stair-climbing" robot vacuum. But before you start dreaming (pun intended) of a bot that can clean your steps, here’s the reality: the X50 Ultra doesn’t actually climb stairs. SEE ALSO: Samsung at CES 2025: You can't escape the smart house Well, not exactly.