The S&P 500 moved higher as Wall Street extended its rebound despite ongoing uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict. Major indexes posted modest gains, while rising oil prices continued to influence sentiment across sectors. Even as energy markets remained volatile, consumer-focused stocks and airlines showed strength, suggesting investors are cautiously regaining confidence.

The Breakdown:

• Broad gains: Major indexes advanced as markets stabilized
• Oil volatility: Crude prices climbed amid geopolitical tensions
• Sector strength: Energy led gains, while travel and consumer stocks also rose

The Angle: Markets are learning to live with geopolitical risk. While oil volatility lingers, investors appear increasingly willing to look beyond short-term shocks.

Kennedy Center Approves Two-Year Closure for $250M Renovation

The Kennedy Center's board has approved a two-year closure to allow for a $250 million renovation project. Former President Donald Trump said the overhaul will focus on high-quality upgrades aimed at modernizing the iconic cultural venue.

Chilean Architect Smiljan Radić Wins 2026 Pritzker Prize

Smiljan Radić Clarke has been awarded the 2026 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the field's highest honor. Known for his experimental designs and use of natural materials, Radić becomes the fifth Latin American architect to receive the award.

Japan's Cherry Blossom Season Officially Begins

Japan has confirmed the first cherry blossoms of the season in Kochi, Gifu, and Yamanashi. Officials declared the start after benchmark trees produced the required number of blooms, signaling the arrival of the country's iconic spring tradition.

Costco is turning heads with a massive 10-pound chocolate bunny made from layers of milk, dark, and white chocolate. The oversized treat even comes with instructions recommending a hammer or mallet to break it open, making it as much an experience as it is a dessert. The seasonal showpiece is listed for about $112.97.

Meanwhile, Pizza Hut is offering a dream gig for carb lovers by hiring a "Hut Crust Connoisseur." The role includes a year of free pizza, a playful "pi"-themed salary, and official recognition that your crust opinions are, in fact, correct.

Electrolytes—sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride—regulate hydration, nerve function, muscle contraction, and pH balance. When electrolytes fall out of balance, symptoms like fatigue, cramps, headaches, and poor performance quickly follow. Active individuals and heavy sweaters often need far more electrolytes than they realize, especially sodium, which is lost rapidly through sweat.

Prioritize sodium for hydration (2,000–5,000 mg/day depending on activity), potassium for muscle and heart function, and magnesium for recovery and sleep. Use electrolyte mixes during long workouts, hot-weather training, or sauna sessions. Avoid dehydration by drinking consistently throughout the day—not all at once. Proper electrolyte balance enhances endurance, cognitive clarity, and overall training output.

CEOs think in systems, not tasks. Research from Harvard Business School shows that executive-level thinking focuses 80% on long-term strategy and 20% on execution, while individual contributors invert this ratio. The skill gap isn't intelligence—it's perspective. CEOs ask "What would change everything?" while most employees ask "What's next on my list?" Learning to think at the systems level before you reach the C-suite accelerates your path to getting there by making you indispensable to leaders who already operate this way.

Start every project by asking: "What outcome matters most?" then work backward to build the strategy. Think in second-order effects—how does this decision impact other departments, quarters, or initiatives? Develop financial acumen by understanding P&L statements and how your work affects the bottom line. Read earnings calls and annual reports from competitors to understand market dynamics. Propose solutions, not problems—frame everything as "Here's the issue, here are three options, here's what I recommend and why." CEOs reward people who think like owners, not employees.

Festivals are more fun when you're prepared for long hours, crowds, and changing weather.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—no exceptions.

Warsaw's food is Polish comfort cuisine—hearty, dumpling-forward, and designed for cold winters. Pierogi reign supreme: ruskie (potato-cheese), mięsne (meat), z kapustą i grzybami (cabbage-mushroom). Zapiecek serves them perfectly in Old Town, or hit Pierogarnia Mandu for Korean-Polish fusion (yes, really—it works). Żurek, sour rye soup served in bread bowls, is hangover cure and national treasure.

Don't miss bigos (hunter's stew with sauerkraut and meats), kotlet schabowy (Poland's schnitzel), and barszcz (beet soup). Milk bars like Prasowy offer authentic Communist-era dining. For upscale, Atelier Amaro earned Poland's first Michelin star with modern Polish tasting menus. Hala Koszyki, a renovated 1906 market hall, offers food stalls from Vietnamese pho to Georgian khachapuri—Warsaw's diversity on display. Vodka culture is serious; try flavored varieties at Bubbles Bar or Warszawa Wschodnia. Pączki (Polish donuts) on Fat Thursday cause citywide frenzy. The food is unpretentious, generous, and meant to fortify—this is survival cuisine elevated to art.

Tomorrow: Where to rest your head...