FIVE MINUTE DAILY

NASA pushed humans deeper into space than any mission in decades, researchers uncovered a potential reason some people never catch the flu, and major shifts across entertainment and tech signaled how fast industries are evolving.

It’s a reminder that even in a noisy news cycle, discovery, progress, and creativity are still moving things forward. Forward this to a friend who wants the world in five minutes.

INVEST TODAY BEFORE THE SHARE PRICE CHANGES.

Apple is rolling out Face-ID door locks and robotic smart displays. Elon Musk is quietly building the Tesla Smart Home. A.I. and robotics are driving the next wave of smart home innovation — and the window is open to invest in the companies that can define it.

One category is far bigger than most people realize: window shades. There are billions across homes, offices, and hotels — and almost all of them are still manual.

The last wave created major outcomes. Google bought Nest for $3.2 Billion. Amazon bought Ring for $1.2 Billion. Investors are now hunting for the next category leader — the one that can deliver real exit potential.

RYSE is leading this market with 10 patents, $15 million in revenue, and 200% annual growth. They're a prime acquisition target in a massive, untouched market. And RYSE is pre-IPO with a reserved Nasdaq ticker, giving investors exposure to multiple potential exit paths.

At $2.35 per share, this is your moment to get in before the next wave hits.

_{Please support our sponsors!}

A new Pentagon policy backed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will allow broader access to personal firearms on U.S. military bases, expanding rules that previously restricted where and how service members could carry weapons. The shift is designed to give troops more flexibility for personal protection, especially on domestic installations.

Base gun rules have long been tightly controlled, with most firearms stored in armories and strict limits on carrying outside of duty use. Recent concerns about base security and isolated incidents have pushed leaders to reconsider whether those restrictions still make sense in a changing threat environment.

Supporters argue the move aligns military bases more closely with civilian self-defense norms and could improve response times in emergencies. Critics warn it may increase risks of accidental shootings, escalation in conflicts, and enforcement challenges across installations, leaving commanders to balance readiness with safety in a more heavily armed environment.

U.S. travelers are facing new risks and rising costs, with warnings about potential attacks and sharply higher border exit fees. Together, these changes are forcing people to rethink international travel at a time when global instability is already disrupting movement and planning.

Security concerns at popular destinations are adding a deeper layer of uncertainty. As conflicts and regional tensions extend beyond traditional hotspots, travelers are weighing personal safety more heavily alongside cost, convenience, and timing, making decisions more complex than in previous years.

At the same time, rising fees and stricter rules are making cross-border trips more expensive and harder to manage. Governments are trying to balance revenue and security, but the result is a travel environment that feels more restrictive, with added friction shaping how and when people choose to travel.

Iranian missiles and drones struck targets across Israel and several Gulf countries overnight, with fires reported at a Kuwait oil refinery and explosions near Tel Aviv as U.S. and Israeli forces continued hitting sites inside Iran. One month into the war, the pace of attacks shows no real sign of slowing, with both sides continuing to trade strikes rather than move toward negotiations.

Trump escalated his rhetoric on Thursday, threatening to target Iran’s bridges and power plants unless Tehran reopens the Strait of Hormuz. The comments suggest a willingness to expand the scope of targets beyond military sites, raising concerns about further disruption to civilian infrastructure and regional stability.

Efforts to contain the situation diplomatically also faltered, as a UN resolution to authorize a multinational force to secure the strait failed after Bahrain blocked the vote under Iranian pressure. The collapse of the measure underscores how fragmented international coordination has become as the conflict spreads across borders and into global energy markets.

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing was elected president by a parliament dominated by his allies, cementing his control after the 2021 coup. The move formalizes four years of military rule during a prolonged and violent civil war.

Cuba said it will release 2,010 prisoners, including people detained after the 2021 protests, as part of talks with Washington. The move marks one of the country’s largest mass releases in years.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have begun a new round of peace talks in Beijing, marking China’s most visible effort yet to mediate tensions along its western border. The talks come as cross-border militant attacks have risen sharply, straining ties between Islamabad and Kabul.

A new breach notice says hackers got into a third-party customer support platform used by Hims & Hers. Sensitive support data can be revealing even when core medical records stay untouched, which makes the incident notable for telehealth users across the sector.

A federal ruling ordered Amazon to bargain with workers at its Staten Island warehouse, handing a key win to the union. The decision could influence how future organizing efforts turn election victories into real contracts.

Deaths in ICE custody are running at a record pace this year, with one South Texas facility accounting for a disproportionate share of fatalities. Advocates say chronic understaffing and inadequate medical care are the primary drivers.

DEBT HACK

Did you know some credit cards could actually help you get out of debt faster?

Yes, it sounds crazy.

But it's true.

The secret: Find a card with a "0% intro APR" period for balance transfers.

Then, transfer your debt balance and pay it down as much as possible during the intro period.

No interest means you could pay off the debt faster.

Find the right card for you here.

_{Please support our sponsors!}

Italy is pushing for flexibility on EU deficit limits if the Middle East conflict continues to drive up energy costs. The proposal reflects growing pressure on governments to balance fiscal discipline with economic support as war-driven shocks ripple through Europe.

The latest trade data showed both imports and exports holding up despite repeated policy shifts, pointing to steady underlying demand. The numbers suggest the economy is more resilient than recent sentiment surveys indicate.

Equity markets are pacing for their first positive week since the Iran war started after a partial Thursday recovery on hopes for a Hormuz ceasefire. Industrial gas giant Linde led gains as investors rotated into defensive energy names.

NASA’s four Artemis II astronauts carried out a translunar injection burn Thursday, pushing the Orion capsule beyond Earth orbit for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew is set to loop around the far side of the Moon early next week before heading back to Earth.

Researchers identified a peptide in the upper airways that appears to block flu viruses in people who seem resistant to seasonal influenza. The discovery could point toward a new class of broad-spectrum antivirals within the decade.

A fresh Microsoft model push adds three foundational systems to the company’s AI lineup. Competition is shifting from chatbot polish to deeper control over the model stack itself, which matters for pricing, speed, and enterprise lock-in.

Luka Doncic exited early with a left hamstring strain as the Los Angeles Lakers suffered one of their heaviest losses of the season to Oklahoma City Thursday. An MRI is scheduled for Friday; Doncic has already missed significant time this year with a calf injury.

Phil Mickelson pulled out of the Masters on Thursday, citing an undisclosed injury, joining Tiger Woods on the sidelines. This year's Augusta will be the first without either player since 1994.

James Harden turned in a historic performance for Cleveland, adding another record to his career in a win over Golden State. The night underscored his continued impact and how late-season play is shaping playoff expectations.

A judge dismissed 10 of 13 claims in Blake Lively's harassment lawsuit against "It Ends With Us" director Justin Baldoni. Three claims survived, meaning a civil trial is still expected next month.

Ryan Gosling has exited the next film from Oscar-winning directing duo the Daniels, which was in development at Universal. No reason was given for his departure from the hotly anticipated project.

J.J. Abrams is downsizing Bad Robot and relocating his production company from Los Angeles to New York. Details on staff cuts and the transition timeline are still emerging, per Variety.

SMART STRATEGY

Balance Transfer cards can help you pay off high-interest debt faster.

The FinanceBuzz editors reviewed dozens of cards with 0% intro APR offers for balance transfers and found the perfect cards.

Take a look at this article to find out how you can pay no interest on balance transfers until nearly 2026 with this top credit card.

_{Please support our sponsors!}

What it is: President Trump unveiled 100% drug tariffs Thursday, timed to Liberation Day's one-year anniversary — a signal his trade war is entering a new phase. Liberation Day 2025 disrupted global manufacturing; Thursday's target is branded pharmaceuticals, where US prices commonly run two to five times higher than in other wealthy nations.

The detail: These tariffs target patented medications specifically — biologics, specialty drugs, and cancer treatments that can cost US patients tens of thousands annually. Unlike Liberation Day's broad manufacturing levies, Thursday's action zeroes in on the drug category where US pricing diverges furthest from comparable countries.

Why it matters: Drug tariffs don't automatically lower pharmacy prices — added costs flow through insurers, benefit managers, and manufacturers before they reach the patient. Pharma companies face a choice: announce US factory investments (Trump's stated goal) or raise prices to protect margins, which would undercut the exercise entirely.

What to watch: Pharmaceutical lobby groups are expected to challenge the tariffs in court and on Capitol Hill, where drug pricing legislation has stalled for decades. Watch for drug company announcements of US factory investments — Trump has used tariff threats to extract manufacturing commitments before, and pharma executives know the playbook.

An escaped emu led police on a chase through Virginia neighborhoods, turning a routine call into a chaotic pursuit.

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un appeared in newly released images cuddling puppies, presenting a softer public image amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Christians around the world are observing Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and its lasting significance in faith and tradition.

That’s your Five Minute Daily — fast, sharp, and actually worth reading. Share it with someone who wants to stay informed without the noise.

—The Five Minute Daily Team