Feb 15, 2018 - Technology

Report: FBI warned in September about Florida shooter

Photo by Carlos Miller/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

YouTube vlogger Ben Bennight contacted the FBI in September after a user named Nikolas Cruz commented, "I'm going to be a professional school shooter," on one of his videos, according to BuzzFeed News. The FBI interviewed Bennight the following day to ask if he knew anything about Cruz, and contacted him again Wednesday after the 19-year old allegedly killed at least 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.

Why it matters: Details about Cruz's background and disturbing social media presence continue to emerge, painting a picture of a troubled teenager who struggled with mental health and disciplinary problems.

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Sara Fischer, Neal Rothschild

28 mins ago - Economy & Business

"Hamilton" is a streaming hit for Disney+

Data: Google Trends; Chart: Andrew Witherspoon/Axios

The debut of "Hamilton" on Disney+ last Friday sent downloads of the app soaring over the weekend.

Why it matters: With theaters closed until 2021, "Hamilton" is the biggest litmus test for whether Broadway will ever be able to successfully transition some of its iconic hits.

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Dion Rabouin

47 mins ago - Economy & Business

Wall Street is no longer betting on Trump

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

Betting markets have turned decisively toward an expected victory for Joe Biden in November — and asset managers at major investment banks are preparing for not only a Biden win, but potentially a Democratic sweep of the Senate and House too.

Why it matters: Wall Street had its chips on a Trump win until recently — even in the midst of the coronavirus-induced recession and Biden's rise in the polls.

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Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian

58 mins ago - World

With new security law, China outlaws global activism

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

The draconian security law that Beijing forced upon Hong Kong last week contains an article making it illegal for anyone in the world to promote democratic reform for Hong Kong.

Why it matters: China has long sought to crush organized dissent abroad through quiet threats and coercion. Now it has codified that practice into law — potentially forcing people and companies around the world to choose between speaking freely and ever stepping foot in Hong Kong again.