Pelican Press

Threkka is out now on the App Store in the ***, taking you on a new kind of fitness journey Threkka is out now on the App Store in the ***, taking you on a new kind of fitness journey Fitness-tracking app that converts your workouts into in-game progress Build a better gym and learn more about the champs who will join your journey Threkka runs on fitOS which allows you to manage all data Indie studio Chock Hoss has just released Threkka on the *** App Store, bringing a combination of real-world exercise and gym-building adventure to the sideworld of Liminalia. This fitness-hacking train-’em-up works with Apple Health, meaning your usual workouts, whether running, lifting, or Pilates, power your progress. You’ll start with Humbert, a struggling Minotaur actor in desperate need of training. His world’s once-thriving Gym Between has fallen into ruin, and he’s nowhere near ready for its Workout Challenges. The only way to rebuild? Earn Sweat by exercising in the real world and using it to train Humbert and a crew of Champs, each with their own backstory and personal hurdles to overcome. Building a better Gym Between means unlocking new equipment, completing challenges, and bringing in more members. Each session you log, whether through an Apple Watch, another fitness app, or even a fitness-based RPG, feeds into your progress. Threkka isn’t limited to a single workout style. However you choose to move, the app turns it into measurable progress. Plus, your Champs aren’t just training partners – they each have their own journeys. Humbert might be first, but you’ll also meet Kaiya, a Yurei with a complicated past, and Wally, a Windigo influencer trying to make it big. As they grow stronger, so do you. Before you go on, check out this list of the top adventure games to play on iOS right now! Threkka runs on fitOS, a parallel universe operating system on your in-game phone. You’ll use it to track your Champs, manage workout data, and even take PhaseTime calls from Liminalia. Expect some guidance and occasional sarcasm from Ray the Unicorn, whose navigation skills leave a lot to be desired. Begin your fitness journey now by downloading Threkka on the link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. Visit the official website for more information. Source link #Threkka #App #Store #kind #fitness #journey Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Cuts Target Next Generation of Scientists and Public Health Leaders Trump Cuts Target Next Generation of Scientists and Public Health Leaders The notices came all weekend, landing in the inboxes of federal scientists, doctors and public health professionals: Your work is no longer needed. At the National Institutes of Health, the nation’s premier biomedical research agency, an estimated 1,200 employees — including promising young investigators slated for larger roles — have been dismissed. At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, two prestigious training programs were gutted: one that embeds recent public health graduates in local health departments and another to cultivate the next generation of Ph.D. laboratory scientists. But the agency’s Epidemic Intelligence Service — the “disease detectives” who track outbreaks around the world — has apparently been spared, perhaps because of an uproar among alumni after a majority of its members were told on Friday that they would be let go. President Trump’s plan to shrink the size of the federal work force dealt blows to thousands of civil servants in the past few days. But the cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services — coming on the heels of the coronavirus pandemic, the worst public health crisis in a century — have been especially jarring. Experts say the firings threaten to leave the country exposed to further shortages of health workers, putting Americans at risk if another crisis erupts. Public health officials, for instance, have been tracking a lethal strain of bird flu that they say remains a low risk to Americans. In recent weeks, however, it claimed its first victim in the United States — a patient in Louisiana who had been exposed to a backyard flock. “It’s not canceled,” Elon Musk, the billionaire in charge of the downsizing, wrote on social media in response to the blowback about the purported dismantling of the Epidemic Intelligence Service. The firings have also excised the next generation of leaders at the C.D.C., the N.I.H., the Food and Drug Administration, and other agencies that the department oversees. “It seems like a very destructive strategy to fire the new talent at an agency, and the talent that’s being promoted,” said Dr. David Fleming, the chairman of an advisory committee to the C.D.C. director. He added, “A lot of energy and time has been spent in recruiting those folks, and that’s now tossed out the window.” The form-letter emails told recipients they were “not fit for continued employment” because their “ability, knowledge and skills do not fit the agency’s needs” and their “performance has not been adequate.” On Monday, eight officials who led health agencies under President Joseph R. Biden Jr. — including the heads of the C.D.C., the N.I.H. and the F.D.A. — issued a joint statement denouncing the cuts. It listed a string of initiatives, from combating the opioid epidemic to bringing primary care to rural communities, that are “vital to the economic security of our nation” and are carried out by public servants. “These individuals are not numbers on a spreadsheet,” they wrote, adding, “We owe them a debt of gratitude, not a pink slip.” The dismissals have also rattled graduate students eyeing careers in public health and the biomedical sciences. “I just lectured to 42 graduate students this morning whose whole future at this point is not clear,” said Dr. Michael T. Osterholm, the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “Will they have jobs? Will there be public health employment in the future?” A spokesman for the Health and Human Services Department said it was following administration guidance and “taking action to support the president’s broader efforts to restructure and streamline the federal government.” “This is to ensure that H.H.S. better serves the American people at the highest and most efficient standard,” the spokesman, Andrew Nixon, said in an email on Friday. As with the rest of the government, the cuts are aimed at probationary employees with less than a year on the job. But the cuts come as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the prominent vaccine skeptic and newly confirmed health secretary, is starting in his job. Officials at the N.I.H. are especially concerned that he might target more senior employees by asking for their resignations. Mr. Kennedy has repeatedly said he intends to clean house at various federal agencies. He warned that he would cut 600 jobs at the health institutes. In October, after merging his presidential campaign with that of Mr. Trump, he instructed F.D.A. officials to “preserve your records” and “pack your bags.” About 700 staff members were cut at the F.D.A., including lawyers, doctors and doctorate-level reviewers in the medical device, tobacco, food and drug divisions. The cuts over the weekend have touched all manner of health workers. They are not only scientists and disease hunters but also administrators who oversee grant proposals, analysts figuring out new ways to cut health care costs and computer specialists who try to improve the government’s antiquated systems for tracking health information. Arielle Kane was hired in May to worked on a new project that aimed to improve maternal health outcomes in Medicaid. She was assured by a manager on Friday that her job at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was safe. On Saturday afternoon, she received an email that she had been fired for poor performance. “I was just so excited to be working on maternal health and on Medicaid,” Ms. Kane said. “It feels extra enraging to have finally gotten the job I wanted, to have just had a good performance review and then be so unceremoniously fired for poor performance.” The Laboratory Leadership Service, a prestigious training fellowship at the C.D.C., was hit hard, according to three people familiar with the program. Of its 24 fellows, four were protected because they are in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, a uniformed branch whose members work across government. The other 20 were let go. The program, begun in 2015 in response to quality and safety concerns in laboratories, is a sister program to the more prominent Epidemic Intelligence Service, or E.I.S. It was developed to strengthen ties between epidemiologists and laboratory scientists. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in microbiology, organic chemistry or another laboratory-related discipline. Some of the fellows are assigned to state and local public health laboratories. Others work at C.D.C. in Atlanta. During outbreaks like the coronavirus pandemic, they are sent into the field with E.I.S. officers. “E.I.S. has such a strong culture and alumni; the response will be, ‘Thank God E.I.S. was spared,’” said Dr. Michael Iademarco, who helped create the Laboratory Leadership Service when he was at the C.D.C. “And my response will be, ‘Yeah, but we just killed the promising half of field investigation, because nobody knows about it.’” The agency has also lost its presidential management fellows, who were assigned to the C.D.C. under a decades-old government initiative that describes itself as “the premier leadership development program for advanced degree holders across all academic disciplines.” Veterans of the health agencies said they were troubled by the seemingly random nature of the cuts. “If there’s a need to reduce the budget, that happens at all levels of government, but there should be a thoughtful approach,” said Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein, a former deputy commissioner of the F.D.A. He added, “For some of these roles, there is very specialized knowledge.” Dr. Fleming, a former deputy C.D.C. director, said many health professionals can earn more in the private sector but choose to join the government because they are drawn to public service. The terminations would make it harder to attract new talent, he said. “We’re cutting off our hand to spite our face,” he said. Christina Jewett, Roni Caryn Rabin and Sarah Kliff contributed reporting. Source link #Trump #Cuts #Target #Generation #Scientists #Public #Health #Leaders Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How a Memecoin Could Lead to the Impeachment of a President How a Memecoin Could Lead to the Impeachment of a President It seems that the delineation between and cryptocurrencies continues. The latest blow to the altcoin market comes from another dubious memecoin called LIBRA, birthed on the general-purpose blockchain , known for its fast performance and low transaction fees. As with many memecoins, LIBRA suffered a “rug pull” event, having reached a market cap of over $4 billion on Saturday, only to collapse to $0.3 billion by Monday. As of press time, LIBRA trading activity surged, pushing its market cap above $500 million. Image credit: DexScreener But this time around, the memecoin collapse story is unusual for multiple reasons. First, Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his libertarian roots and cutting down government waste, promoted LIBRA from his official X account on Friday. At first glance, this stands to reason as LIBRA is linked to Viva La Libertad (Long Live Freedom), the main theme of Milei’s presidential campaign. Within 4 hours, however, Milei posted that he was unaware of the token’s origin, having deleted his endorsement tweet. This was the ******* that boosted LIBRA value, triggering the subsequent rug pull. Most recently, President Milei ordered the Anti-Corruption Office to investigate LIBRA launch for alleged fraud. This was after Milei’s political opponents called for his impeachment over the weekend, amid fraud complaints. But this may be just the start of the scandal. The second reason why the LIBRA scandal is so unusual is that its creators may be the same ones behind MELANIA and other memecoins. Memecoins: Coordinated Wealth Extraction Scheme? In collaboration with popular crypto investigator Stephen Findeisen, aka Coffeezilla, and Bubblemaps platform, there appears to be onchain evidence that links MELANIA with LIBRA creators. The baseline for that assertion comes from this wallet address (OxcEA), previously associated with MELANIA memecoin. Another address sent funds to that wallet, but from an activity called sniping. This is when an asset is bought using bots at its lowest price just prior to potential value surge. From sniping, funds funnelled between the two addresses account for over $2.4 million. Coffeezilla and Bubblemaps charted the onchain pathways between the MELANIA sniper and LIBRA creator across multiple transactions and exchanges. Onchain mapping of LIBRA’s capital retreat. Image credit: Bubblemaps As shown on the chart, the aforementioned OxcEA wallet is funding DEfcyK wallet, tied to LIBRA launch. On Saturday, Bubblemaps had already reported that the LIBRA team is cashing out by draining USDC and SOL tokens from liquidity pools, worth $87 million at the time. Spanning out from the scope of MELANIA and LIBRA, onchain trails also point out to other pump and dump memetokens: KACY, VIBES, TRUST and HOOD (NASDAQ:). In this evolving story, Coffeezilla (rebranded to voidzilla) most recently interviewed Hayden Davis, one of LIBRA creators, together with Julian Peh (Kip Protocol), Mauricio Novelli (Tech Forum Argentina) and Manuel Godoy (Tech Forum Argentina). Hayden Davis appears to claim that this was not a rug pull but “a plan gone miserably wrong”. Most importantly, Davis claimed emphatically that President Milei is not going to make money from LIBRA launch, which Milei retweeted. In the meanwhile, although it seemed that KIP Protocol was tightly involved, as the Web3 facilitator, the clarification from KIP Protocol paints a different picture. “KIP did not initiate the project, it did not manage or direct the token launch process, and it did not receive any tokens pre or post launch, and it did not profit from the token launch.” Rather, the responsibility for the LIBRA token launch is in the hands of Kelsier Ventures and Hayden Davis. Lessons from Another Failed Memecoin As Hayden Davis put it in the interview with voidzilla, “it’s a memecoin, if you are turbo-nuking your whole portfolio into a memecoin…it’s foolish,” The underlying assumption behind this is that memecoins hold unsubstantive, ephemeral value. Voidzilla further pointed out that there is a blurry line between “unfair value extraction” and rug pulls, given that people knowingly engage with an asset of such low quality. In a nutshell, this entire dynamic can be summed as follows: Unlike Bitcoin, which is grounded in the proof-of-work mining network, memecoins and most altcoins can be created ad-infinitum and ex-nihilo. Given the near-zero cost of creating more crypto coins, this only serves to further dilute the altcoin market. In turn, there is more traction for short-lived pump and dump efforts. This creates a layer of traders who treat the entire crypto space as lottery-sniping opportunities, with wealth extractors on the top. Suffice to say, this is completely divergent from the entire point of blockchain and decentralized money. Milei: Scathed but Successful Now that libertarian President Javier Milei is tainted with memecoins, it is likely that memecoin mania will take a few steps back. For Milei, this is doubly embarrassing since he has been the chief promoter of sound money and free enterprise, having called the Central Bank of Argentina as “one of the greatest thieves in the history of mankind.” As with memecoins, central banks create money from nothing, causing inflation as the currency erodes into oblivion. Comparatively, is the least eroded one owing to its status as a global reserve currency. Since President Milei took office, Argentina’s inflation fell to the lowest in five years, to 2.2%. In conjunction with massive spending cuts and eliminating subsidies, Milei made many enemies. The calls from impeachment should be viewed from that angle, rather than an honest attempt at tackling potential corruption. Nonetheless, even the hint of Milei impeachment dropped Argentina’s benchmark S&P Merval (IMV (OTC:)) nearly 5% on Monday. That’s because the previous ruling class, one that drained Argentina’s currency and economy, is a known quantity. Therefore, a return to the old rule would be a return to poor economy. Ironically, this market signal is likely to further drive support for Milei’s presidency, regardless of the LIBRA scandal. At the end of the line, it may turn out that LIBRA surges again if the investigation result is framed as natural market forces. But even if that is shown, traders would be better off staying away from market forces circling such weak fundamentals. *** Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions. This article was originally published on The Tokenist. Check out The Tokenist’s free newsletter, Five Minute Finance, for weekly analysis of the biggest trends in finance and technology. Source link #Memecoin #Lead #Impeachment #President Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Huawei Mate XT trifold launches outside of China: Price, specs Huawei Mate XT trifold launches outside of China: Price, specs A Huawei Technologies Mate XT smartphone arranged in Hong Kong on Sep. 24, 2024. Lam Yik | Bloomberg | Getty Images Huawei launched its trifold smartphone outside of China on Tuesday, as it plots a comeback in international markets after getting hammered by U.S. sanctions. The Mate XT will have a starting price tag of 3,499 euros ($3,660). Huawei has yet to announce in which countries the model will be available, but the company has told users to look out for local announcements. The handset was first released in China last year and drew global intrigue for being the first ever trifold phone. Normal foldable devices can be folded once in half either vertically or horizontally. The Mate XT has two points at which it can fold and can display content on a single, double or triple screen. Huawei was once the biggest smartphone player in the world and challenged Apple and Samsung in the premium segment of the market. U.S. sanctions beginning in 2019 cut off Huawei’s access to advance chips and Google’s Android operating system, causing its market share to plunge. It was all but wiped out from international markets as other brands filled the gap. Huawei’s smartphone market share outside of China stands at just 0.3%, according to data from research firm International Data Corporation. However, in China, Huawei’s market share grew to 17% in 2024 from 12% the year before, according to the IDC, thanks to a comeback that began late in 2023 when it released a smartphone containing a fairly advanced chip. The component surprised many because U.S. sanctions over the past few years have sought to cut China’s access to advanced semiconductor technology. Huawei is hoping to bring that momentum to its overseas market, focusing on high-end devices. Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for data and analytics at IDC, told CNBC that the the Mate XT will not be sold in large volumes and is likely aimed at those wanting to show off that they can afford such a pricey device. “I think what they [Huawei] believe that the trifold can be a unique value proposition and because it is very expensive, they aim to target wealthy individuals who are more keen on showing off they have the money versus having the best experience you can get,” Jeronimo said. Still, even if Huawei were to sell half a million units of the Mate XT, it could generate $1.5 billion in revenue, Jeronimo added. The Mate XT will be a test of Huawei’s appeal outside of China. For one, it will not be using Google’s Android operating system, which is the most popular in the world. While users of Android phones can access millions of apps via the Google Play Store, Huawei’s app store does not offer some of the most popular Google apps that people outside of China rely on, which could hamper the Mate XT’s appeal. “Lack of Google still is a ‘gaping hole’ for mainstream international market especially those who will pay top dollar for a tri-fold hardware but which want to run Netflix or Google’s Play Store or the latest cutting edge GenAI Google Gemini features,” Neil Shah, partner at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC. Gemini is Google’s artificial intelligence chatbot. Source link #Huawei #Mate #trifold #launches #China #Price #specs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sniper Elite: Resistance review – Still Snipin’ | TechStomper Sniper Elite: Resistance review – Still Snipin’ | TechStomper NoobFeed editor Joy writes – Sniper Elite: Resistance doesn’t make many changes to the series, but it isn’t supposed to. Rebellion’s World War II series is about sound, alternative gameplay, and efficient fighting, not Hollywood dramatization. Resistance adheres to that premise but doesn’t do anything extra special to stick out. Source link #Sniper #Elite #Resistance #review #Snipin #TechStomper Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Novo Nordisk Shares Near New 52-Week Low: Analysts See Big Upside Novo Nordisk Shares Near New 52-Week Low: Analysts See Big Upside Shares of weight loss and diabetes medication maker Novo Nordisk (NYSE:) have slumped precipitously over the past 52 weeks. Shares are down 34% over that ******* as of the Feb. 13 close. The new year hasn’t provided a respite, with shares down over 8%. Shares are now trading less than 1% above their 52-week low. This big drop raises the question: Have shares of this pharma stock become attractive? Some big-bank analysts give a resounding yes to that question. I’ll analyze key metrics from the company’s better-than-expected recent financial report, along with other important developments to give my take. Novo Nordisk Reports Strong Q4 Revenue and Profit Growth In Q4, revenue and net profit at Novo both grew solidly by 30% and 29%, respectively. The company’s well-known Ozempic drug, used to treat type 2 diabetes, showed moderate sales growth of 12%. However, that’s much slower when compared to the 60% growth Eli Lilly (NYSE:) competing drug, Mounjaro, achieved. On the other hand, sales of Wegovy were blisteringly hot, rising 107%. This is the same drug as Ozempic, but it treats obesity. A 329% increase in non-U.S. revenue helped achieve this enormous total growth. This is one area where Novo certainly has an advantage over Lilly. Lilly’s competing drug versus Wegovy, known as Zepbound, has yet to record any sales outside the United States. Compared to total sales growth of 26% in 2024, Novo is forecasting growth of 16% to 24% in 2025. On the Horizon: Production Increases and the Cagrisema Dilemma Overall, Novo has two particularly big initiatives for 2025. First is being able to supply more of the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, semaglutide. Semaglutide remains on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) shortage list. This has restricted growth in sales, allowing compounders like Hims Hers Health (NYSE:) to sell the product in the meantime. The FDA took Lilly’s competing formula, Tirzepatide, off the list in Oct. 2024. Novo has been investing billions to ramp up production. The company has made significant strides in boosting supply. It plans to serve 30% more patients in 2025 by expanding operations. The second task is to clarify the details about its upcoming weight loss and diabetes treatment, Cagrisema. The injectable showed just barely higher placebo-adjusted weight loss of 20.4% compared to Zepbound’s 20.1%. The results sent shares of Novo plummeting in Dec. 2024 as they failed to show significantly higher weight loss than Zepbound. An abnormal part of the study was that patients could reduce their dose if they needed to. Curiously, patients who ended their treatment on a lower dose lost 3% more weight than those who ended on the higher dose. Many consider this counterintuitive, as higher doses often lead to higher weight loss. Novo is initiating a new trial that will start in the first half of 2025. It looks to explore how longer treatment duration and changing dosing over time could affect efficacy. Current results show that tailored dosing for each patient might boost Cagrisema’s effectiveness. Ultimately, it seems probable to me that the potential market for Cagrisema is being underappreciated. There is significant reason to believe that the drug works very well for certain patients, an angle the company can lean into. However, further results will need to come out to confirm this. Analyst Ratings and Lower Valuation Compared to Lilly Suggest Upside MarketBeat hasn’t tracked any analyst price target updates for Novo Nordisk since earnings. These ratings can sometimes be difficult to come by because Novo is a Danish firm. However, two updates quoted in Danish currency provide an average price target of 988 Danish kroner (DKK), approximately $136.70 USD. Compared to the stock’s 566 DKK (about $78.34 USD) price as of Feb. 13, that target implies a huge upside of nearly 75%. Currency fluctuations and other factors will cause differences in return and upside figures compared to Novo’s American Depository Receipt (ADR). Although I see this amount of upside as optimistic, Novo’s shares do seem somewhat undervalued. Its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21x is around 45% lower than Lilly’s 38x. In my view, both provide reasonable ways to play in this space for different reasons. Lilly is higher growth, while Novo’s comparative valuation and depressed sentiment offer upside. Original Post Source link #Novo #Nordisk #Shares #52Week #Analysts #Big #Upside Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk debuts Grok 3 chatbot as OpenAI battle heats up – Axios Musk debuts Grok 3 chatbot as OpenAI battle heats up – Axios Musk debuts Grok 3 chatbot as OpenAI battle heats up AxiosMusk Debuts Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Rival OpenAI, DeepSeek BloombergGrok 3 Launch Time, Live Demo Details: Elon Musk says xAI’s Grok 3 chatbot to be unveiled on Tuesday The Indian ExpressElon Musk says Grok 3 in final stages, outperforming all chatbots ReutersGrok 2 vs. Grok 3: What’s new in Elon Musk’s latest release Hindustan Times Source link #Musk #debuts #Grok #chatbot #OpenAI #battle #heats #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II sales top two million Kingdom Come: Deliverance II sales top two million Total sales for Kingdom Come: Deliverance II have surpassed two million units, publisher Deep Silver and developer Warhorse Studios announced. Source link #Kingdom #Deliverance #sales #top #million Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

“No Kings on Presidents Day” rallies in cities nationwide target Trump, Musk “No Kings on Presidents Day” rallies in cities nationwide target Trump, Musk Protesters march against Trump administration, DOGE cuts on Presidents Day Protesters march against Trump administration, DOGE cuts on Presidents Day 03:00 Protesters against President Trump and his policies braved frigid temperatures in parts of the U.S. Monday, shouting “No kings on Presidents Day” in East Coast cities and attempting to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill that would bolster fast-changing federal immigration enforcement. In Florida and California, local media outlets reported on hundreds of protesters carrying out “Not my Presidents Day” protests. The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement and marked the second set of protests criss-crossing the nation in less than two weeks. A similar nationwide event on Feb. 5 drew participants in dozens of cities. Both sets of rallies denounced Mr. Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, which the administration says is designed to slash federal spending. Demonstrators march holding posters during a rally against President Trump’s policies on Presidents Day, Feb. 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. Etienne Laurent / AP Nearly 1,000 people marched in the snow from the Statehouse in Boston to City Hall, chanting “Elon Musk has got to go” and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills in the teens. Boston protesters, some dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, carried signs saying such things as “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying “I Want You to Resist.” “I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for,” said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. “American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.” Organizers of Monday’s protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting “anti-democratic and ******** actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” One sign at the rally that attracted hundreds in the nation’s capital said, “Deport Musk Dethrone Trump.” People participate in a National Day of Protest on Presidents’ Day at Washington Square Park in New York on Feb. 17, 2025. Eduardo Munoz / REUTERS Many demonstrations were slated for cities where temperatures were well below freezing as a polar vortex worked its way across the country. The rallies followed a series of executive orders from Mr. Trump and came just days after layoffs across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce. In Phoenix, hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Capitol carrying signs reading “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.” Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy. Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protestor back through the doorway. “We’re trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we’re here to make a statement, not be the statement,” Archer said. A Senate committee heard the measure in a packed room and it passed in a party-line vote, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reports. The station quoted the bill’s sponsor, Senate President Warren Petersen, as saying that, “After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of ******** immigration. Arizona is a border state, and as such, we need to empower our sworn agents to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration’s efforts on this front.” Critics say the measure, and several other anti-******** immigration bills, promote racial profiling and family separation and waste taxpayer dollars. “These types of bills are created and put forth to politicize with an issue of our humanity,” ex-state lawmaker Raquel Terán told KPHO. “That is the last priority of the voters in Arizona.” Among many other cities, demonstrators turned out in Denver; Dallas; Annapolis, Maryland; Oakland and San Francisco; Los Angeles and Miami. CBS News Miami reports that counter-demonstrations were held in support of Mr. Trump in West palm Beach, including a gathering outside Trump International Golf Club. “50501,” which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” is a grassroots attempt to protest the policies and actions of the second Trump administration. Source link #Kings #Presidents #Day #rallies #cities #nationwide #target #Trump #Musk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stephen Colbert Salutes The 1 Unexpected Company Defying Trump’s ‘Stupid’ Obsession Stephen Colbert Salutes The 1 Unexpected Company Defying Trump’s ‘Stupid’ Obsession “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert on Monday called out “petty and vindictive” President Donald Trump for going after the Associated Press after the news agency refused to use the term “Gulf of America.” “The Associated Press keeps calling it the Gulf of Mexico because that’s what it’s called,” Colbert pointed out. But Trump is so angry over the refusal to go along with his name change for the body of water that he’s banned the AP from the Oval Office and Air Force One indefinitely. “You can’t get mad at the AP for not using your stupid name,” Colbert said. “The thing you should get mad at the AP about is not using the Oxford comma in their style guide, OK?” As Colbert pointed out, a number of other companies including Google, Apple and Axios have gone along with the name-change. “But, ladies and gentlemen, a lone hero stands tall,” Colbert said. “Because MapQuest continues to list it as the Gulf of Mexico.” Colbert offered an exaggerated salute to the often overlooked company, then made some references to the time when MapQuest was launched ― a pre-Google and pre-smartphone era in which the mapping company was far better known. “Pack up the Buick LeSabre, we’re going back to 1996,” he said. “Grab your collection of Beanie Babies and get ready to dip-frost your Dunkaroos, because MapQuest is showing us the shining path to revolution and it is an eight-page printout that you accidentally did in full color and your mom’s gonna ******** kill you for it.” Of course, he acknowledged that there could be a reason other than an “outrageous act of rebellion” for MapQuest’s decision. “Deep in my heart, I want to believe that this stand they’re taking is because of the noble convictions of everyone at MapQuest,” he said. “But it is possible that there aren’t enough people still working at MapQuest to update anything.” See more in his Monday night monologue: Source link #Stephen #Colbert #Salutes #Unexpected #Company #Defying #Trumps #Stupid #Obsession Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

France’s 2026 budget to be ‘demanding’ undertaking: economy minister France’s 2026 budget to be ‘demanding’ undertaking: economy minister Ironing out the 2026 budget of the euro zone’s second-largest economy will prove a “demanding” task, French Economy Minister Eric Lombard told CNBC’s Charlotte Reed, after lawmakers earlier this month finally adopted 2025’s financial plan after a spate of tumultuous, government-toppling attempts. France has charted a trajectory to reduce its public deficit, aiming to reach 5.4% of the national GDP in 2025 and to dip below 3% in 2029, Lombard said. Under European Union spending rules, member states must keep their deficits below 3% of GDP. “2026, yes, it is a very demanding budget, because we will continue to diminish the deficit and to be below, of course, below 5.4%, and probably below 5%,” the economy minister told CNBC on Monday, noting that the final target hadn’t been set in stone. “We are going to work with all the political parties … to discuss, to talk with us. We are going, also, to work with the unions, with the employers, in order to reach a consensus on the main policies that are key for the country, and policies on which we can make adjustments that will allow us to spend less in 2026,” he said. The absence of a budget and broader instability in French politics has bled into markets over recent months. Lombard conceded a “negative impact on growth,” expressing hope that investors will now return to France. The country’s economic performance shriveled with a 0.1% contraction in the fourth quarter, from from 0.4% growth in the preceding three months, with the Bank of France expecting a meager 0.1-0.2% rise in the national GDP in the first quarter amid anticipated increases in market services and the energy sector, according to its latest monthly business survey. The International Monetary Fund anticipates the French economy will expand by 0.8% across the full-year 2025 *******. Pension reform Now the budget has been finalized, focus has returned to the fate of discussions over French President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial — and highly contested — 2023 pension reform, which seeks to gradually lift the retirement age from 62 to 64 in a bid to keep the system solvent. France’s new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou has signaled that the legislation could return to the agenda — providing something of a litmus test for those watching France’s efforts to rein in its deficits. “I totally trust the representatives of the workers and of the employers,” Lombard told CNBC’s Reed. “And so they know that their responsibility is to find adjustment … And they have three months to do that, I am confident they can reach an agreement on that, and if they reach an agreement, of course, it will be put in front of the parliament, hopefully to be in the law as soon as this year.” Fitch Ratings earlier this month struck a negative tone over a potential repeal of the legislation. “Any rolling back of the reform could undo some of the planned fiscal consolidation over the medium term and would be moderately negative for the medium-term fiscal outlook, in our view. France’s pension-related expenditures are among the highest in the EU,” FitchRatings warned in a Feb. 10 note. Source link #Frances #budget #demanding #undertaking #economy #minister Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******** Stock Rally Resumes as Xi Vows Support for Private Firms – Bloomberg ******** Stock Rally Resumes as Xi Vows Support for Private Firms – Bloomberg ******** Stock Rally Resumes as Xi Vows Support for Private Firms BloombergView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #******** #Stock #Rally #Resumes #Vows #Support #Private #Firms #Bloomberg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Quantum Computing Stocks: Hype Vs. Reality Quantum Computing Stocks: Hype Vs. Reality On Thursday, Californian supplier of commercial quantum computers, D Wave Quantum (NYSE:), announced the ***** of its top-end system to ******* Jülich Unified Infrastructure for Quantum computing. JUNIQ is the first high-performance computing (HPC) center to make such an investment, which will be integrated into Europe’s first exascale supercomputer called JUPITER. “With D-Wave’s innovative technology, the integration of the system into JUNIQ and its future coupling with the exascale supercomputer JUPITER, we will take the use of quantum technology in Jülich, and on behalf of Germany and Europe, to a new level,” Prof. Kristel Michielsen, head of JUNIQ & Quantum Computing at Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC) For quantum computing stock investors, this is a big deal as it suggests the first step towards scaling. Over one year, the passively managed Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:), holding a broad spectrum of over 70 quantum and semiconductor-related stocks, tracked 46.78% performance. However, D-Wave Quantum, having 2.16% weight within the ETF, gave shareholders 255% return on its own in the same *******. Over the last month, QBTS stock is again on the rise, having outperformed QTUM ETF at 43% vs 8% respectively, now priced at $6.53 per share. But is quantum computing more hype than substance for long-term value investors? Let’s dive deeper into the deal between D-Wave and Jülich to find out. What Does Quantum Computing Bring to the Table? Quantum computing represents a shift from deterministic to probabilistic computing, in which simultaneous parallel processing of 2n states becomes possible. In other words, a classic computer would have to process a function for each possible 2n state sequentially, while a quantum computer can run them at the same time. But, because of its probabilistic nature, the output is more of a distribution of possible outcomes. In turn, algorithms have to be deployed to extract meaningful information from that distribution. Or to put it differently, quantum computers use quantum interference to suppress incorrect outputs and amplify the correct ones. Consequently, on a practical level, quantum computing companies like D-Wave have to solve the massive problem of coherence in such a probabilistic system. Case in point, in 2023 this academic paper determined the longest qubit coherence at 1.48 ms. If this is the window before decoherence occurs, quantum computing is inherently for short-computation uses. The necessary quantum error correction (QEC) further eats away that tiny window, delegating QC to small-scale quantum simulations in cryptography or material science. In other words, the fundamental challenge of qubit destabilization due to environmental interactions (decoherence) places quantum computing in a complementary role, plugged into larger deterministic systems. Does D-Wave Have a Quantum Breakthrough? D-Wave’s system (Advantage 2) acquired by JUNIQ offers 5,000 qubits computing power. This is a substantial increase from Rigetti’s latest 84-qubit Ankaa-3. For scaling purposes, D-Wave’s 15-way to 20-way connectivity also has a more robust baseline to correct for errors, which QEC requires. Moreover, D-Wave’s quantum annealing approach is distinct from Rigetti’s discrete gate-based superconducting qubits. While annealing leverages lowest energy states, making it more suitable for optimization tasks, Rigetti’s approach is heading into greater versatility by plugging into classic computers. For example, portfolio optimization would be better suited for D-Wave’s quantum computer because annealing itself is suited for quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problems. Rigetti’s approach still has much maturing to do, as a universal QC approach for general-purpose computing that relies more on error correction and high-fidelity qubits. In contrast, D-Wave’s quantum annealing is suited for good-enough, approximate solutions given its higher error sensitivity. Therefore, it’s not that D-Wave has a major quantum breakthrough, but its annealing approach developed the farthest for combinatorial optimization use-cases, making it a prime pick for Europe’s supercomputing center. “Our strategic decision to focus development efforts on enhancing the connectivity and coherence of our next annealing quantum computing system has proven successful,” Trevor Lanting, chief development officer at D-Wave Quantum Nonetheless, Advantage 2 represents a major performance improvement, with doubled qubit coherence time and 5x better performance on problems that need a high degree of precision. So far, D-Wave seems to be the go-to solution for quantum-powered applications, having found itself across the board, from Mastercard (NYSE:) and Deloitte to Lockheed Martin (NYSE:) and Los Alamos National Laboratory. The Bottom Line Although quantum computing has fundamental problems, noted as such in early January by Nvidia (NASDAQ:) CEO, even its incipient stage holds enough potential to be widely considered for use. However, those use cases are likely to remain at top-level research centers and corporate R&D divisions tackling specific problems. As such, it is exceedingly unlikely that quantum computing companies will ever churn out systems at scale like Intel (NASDAQ:). Rather, this field should be understood as one of quantum prestige, one that is derived from solving problems intractable for classic computers. In the meantime, hyperscalers like IBM (NYSE:), Google (NASDAQ:) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:) are offering cloud-based quantum computing services for experimentation and problem-solving. As it happened with AI, Nvidia has been the main beneficiary of that AI data center growth. D-Wave seems to be on the same track as a commercial quantum computer supplier, but at a much smaller scale. Yet, at this still early stage, one should not dismiss Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ:), IONQ (NYSE:) and other quantum companies. When it comes to D-Wave, the average QBTS price target is $7.33, close to its current level of $6.53, according to WSJ. However, if more adoptions of Advantage 2 pop up in the news, one shouldn’t be surprised to see QBTS stock go up as high as $9 per share. *** Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions. This article was originally published on The Tokenist. Check out The Tokenist’s free newsletter, Five Minute Finance, for weekly analysis of the biggest trends in finance and technology. Source link #Quantum #Computing #Stocks #Hype #Reality Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Dubois vs Parker: What next for Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and the rest of the heavyweight division Dubois vs Parker: What next for Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, and the rest of the heavyweight division Joshua, like many of his rivals, is biding his time. One thing we do know is the two-time heavyweight champion will carry on fighting after being knocked out by Dubois last September. He has endless options, including Martin Bakole or Wilder, but it seems Joshua will focus his attention on fighting Fury or the winner of Dubois-Parker. But it seems he will have competition because WBA, WBC, and WBO champion Usyk has said he would also want to fight the winner. Should Parker beat Dubois, Joshua would certainly not turn down the chance to become a three-time world champion against an opponent he has already beaten while Dubois would likely prioritise a rematch with Usyk over Joshua should he retain his title. At 35, Joshua is in the latter stages of his career, but Wardley is convinced he can “reach the heights” he once did. “He isn’t done yet,” Wardley said. “Regardless of whether is Fury or not, there is more to give. There’s more to prove to other people rather than more to achieve, maybe. “He has done everything you can think of but in our own brains, us boxers are not always the most methodical. “A lot of us make decisions on heart and instinct, and in his soul he may feel there is more to his career and legacy.” As for Usyk, the 38-year-old has said he expects to fight just twice more before retiring. It appears to rule out a mooted return to cruiserweight to face the big-hitting Jai Opetaia, but don’t expect any quick decisions from the Ukrainian. Source link #Dubois #Parker #Tyson #Fury #Anthony #Joshua #rest #heavyweight #division Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Airbnb: Grounded Guidance Not Enough to Sour Sky-High Financial Results Airbnb: Grounded Guidance Not Enough to Sour Sky-High Financial Results Airbnb’s (NASDAQ:) stock price surged over 14% on February 14, 2025, following the release of the company’s impressive Q4 2024 financial . However, the company’s cautious forward-looking guidance tempers this enthusiasm, suggesting a more complex outlook for investors. While Airbnb’s past performance is strong, future opportunities are balanced by potential challenges. Airbnb Stock Erupts as Earnings Data Exceeds Forecasts The market’s response to Airbnb’s earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2024 (Q4 2024) was unequivocally positive. After the release of the report, Airbnb’s stock price jumped dramatically. A surge in trading volume accompanied this price movement. Approximately 15.46 million shares exchanged hands, dwarfing the average trading volume of 4.74 million shares. This heightened activity and price appreciation reflect firm market conviction in the company’s recent performance and near-term prospects. Furthermore, this positive sentiment was reinforced by a wave of analyst upgrades and price target revisions from prominent financial institutions, further solidifying the bullish reaction to Airbnb’s Q4 results. Airbnb’s Q4 Earnings Metrics Outperform Expectations Airbnb’s financial results for the final quarter of 2024 demonstrated healthy growth and profitability, exceeding market expectations across key performance indicators. For Q4 2024, the company reported revenue of $2.50 billion, a 12% increase from the same ******* last year. This figure surpassed Airbnb’s analyst community’s consensus estimates of $2.42 billion. Earnings per share (EPS) also impressed, reaching $0.73, notably higher than the anticipated $0.61. Gross Booking Value (GBV), a critical metric reflecting the total dollar value of bookings, reached $17.6 billion, a 13% year-over-year increase exceeding the $17.2 billion forecasted. Nights and Experiences Booked, a measure of platform activity, totaled 111 million, a 12% increase year-over-year and above the estimated 108.7 million. Profitability metrics were equally compelling. Net income for the quarter stood at $461 million, translating to a 19% net income margin, a significant swing to profit compared to a loss in the prior year’s quarter. Adjusted EBITDA reached $765 million, with a 31% adjusted EBITDA margin, while free cash flow generation remained strong at $458 million, representing an 18% free cash flow margin. For the full fiscal year 2024, Airbnb’s revenue reached $11.1 billion, a 12% increase year over year. Adjusted EBITDA totaled $4.0 billion, with a healthy 36% adjusted EBITDA margin. Free cash flow for the full year reached $4.5 billion, achieving an impressive 40% free cash flow margin. Airbnb’s Strategic Playbook Several key factors underpinned Airbnb’s strong Q4 2024 performance. Product optimizations played a significant role in driving user engagement and conversion. Initiatives such as “Guest Favorites” and the “Co-Host Network,” alongside enhanced search functionality and a focus on mobile app improvements, contributed to a more seamless and effective user experience. The Co-Host Network, in particular, has demonstrated rapid growth, reaching 100,000 listings under management within a short ******* and contributing to increased host earnings and supply growth. Global expansion efforts also yielded positive results. The company highlighted healthy growth in Latin America, particularly in Brazil and Asia Pacific, driven by increased cross-border travel and a resurgence in outbound travel from China. Furthermore, Airbnb’s strategic emphasis on its mobile platform continued to pay off, with mobile bookings accounting for a substantial 60% of total bookings during the quarter, indicating successful user adoption and platform optimization. These strategic initiatives, combined with favorable travel sector trends, propelled Airbnb’s impressive financial performance in Q4 2024. Airbnb’s Cautious Stance on Near-Term Revenue Growth Despite the resounding success of Q4 2024, Airbnb’s revenue guidance for the first quarter of 2025 presented a somewhat conservative outlook. The company projected revenue between $2.23 billion and $2.27 billion for Q1 2025. This range, while still indicating year-over-year growth of 4% to 6% (or 7% to 9% excluding foreign exchange headwinds), fell slightly below analyst consensus estimates of $2.3 billion. The primary reasons for this more moderate guidance are the unfavorable year-over-year comparisons due to the timing of Easter and the extra day in Q1 2024 from Leap Day, which inflated the previous year’s figures, and the negative impact of foreign exchange headwinds on reported revenue growth. It’s important to note that when these calendar and currency effects are excluded, the underlying revenue growth remains strong, estimated at 10% to 12%, consistent with the previous quarter’s performance. While the headline guidance might appear cautious at first glance, the core business momentum remains strong, suggesting a temporary and explainable moderation in reported growth rates for the upcoming quarter. A Crossroads of Success and Uncertainty Airbnb’s Q4 2024 earnings report provides a picture of a company operating at a high level, exceeding expectations, and demonstrating significant progress in its strategic objectives. However, the slightly cautious revenue guidance for Q1 2025 introduces a degree of uncertainty in the near-term outlook. For investors, these conflicting signals necessitate a balanced approach, carefully considering the company’s impressive recent performance and the potential headwinds and valuation considerations that lie ahead. Airbnb’s long-term trajectory will likely depend on its ability to sustain its growth momentum, successfully execute its expansion strategies, and navigate the evolving dynamics of the global travel market. Original Post Source link #Airbnb #Grounded #Guidance #Sour #SkyHigh #Financial #Results Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Market wrap: ASX200 falls on big bank tumble, Woodside woes Market wrap: ASX200 falls on big bank tumble, Woodside woes The *********** stock market declined for a second consecutive session on Tuesday as oil and gas giant Woodside Energy booked another tumble, the big banks continued to fall sharply and the RBA struck a note of caution following its decision to cut interest rates. The benchmark ASX200 lost 56.1 points, or 0.66 per cent, to close at 8481 points, while the broader All Ordinaries Index declined 55.2 points, or 0.63 per cent, to settle at 8756.7 points. The All Technology Index shed 0.3 per cent to end at 4103.1. The sell-off was broadbased, with seven of 11 industry sectors ending in the red, led by energy with a sharp 1.44 per cent fall and financials, which lost 1.4 per cent. Woodside led the fall in energy stocks, shedding 1.47 per cent to finish at $23.49. Investors are rotating out of the stock on fears higher-than-expected cost estimates revealed on Monday might impact dividends when the company releases its full year results on February 25. Santos slipped 0.14 per cent to $6.89 while Beach Energy fell 1.05 per cent to $1.42. The big banks also extended their Monday losses, with Westpac falling another 3 per cent fall to $32.31. Commonwealth Bank lost 1.44 per cent to $162.60, NAB declined 2.49 per cent to $39.51 and ANZ retreated 1.77 per cent to $30.61. The market spiked briefly at 2.30pm when the RBA announced its decision to cut the cash rate to 4.1 per cent, but then drifted downwards again in late afternoon trading. Camera IconThe ASX200 lost 56.1 points on Tuesday. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Hawkish rhetoric from RBA governor Michele Bullock that markets were “far too confident” of future cuts may have dampened sentiment. But Betashares chief economist David Bassanese said there was “every reason to expect” cuts in May and August if inflation data continued to trend lower. “Assuming this continued trend lower in underlying inflation, there’s every reason to expect the RBA will also continue to ease the degree of policy restrictiveness with further interest rate cuts,” he said. “My base case is the RBA will cut rates again in May and August, following the release of the March and June quarter CPI reports, respectively. “Assuming, of course, these show underlying inflation trending lower in line with RBA forecasts.” Bourse heavyweight BHP delivered its half-year earnings for the six months to December 31, 2024, announcing a 23 per cent fall in underlying profits to $8bn from the prior year. The $207bn behemoth climbed higher 0.42 per cent across the day after a fall in morning trade to settle at $40.97. “CEO Mike Henry’s optimism about demand from other major economies provides some reassurance but the challenges from declining commodity prices and Cyclone Zelia (in Western Australia) remain worrisome,” Saxo Asia Pacific Senior sales trader Junvum Kim said on the results. “Despite these issues, BHP’s continued low-cost production advantage and ambitious plans to expand to 330Mtpa (in production) demonstrate a strategic focus on resilience and growth, positioning the company to capitalise on future opportunities.” Camera IconRBA governor Michele Bullock warned on Tuesday the Board remained cautious about Australia’s inflation outlook. NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia Rio Tinto slipped 0.23 per cent to $120.66 while Fortescue lifted 0.82 per cent to $19.57. In corporate news, the ACCC announced it would authorise a proposed alliance between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways, which would result in 28 new weekly return services between Doha and Perth, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Shares in Qantas slipped 1 per cent by midday but climbed in the afternoon to end the day flat at $9.20. Jobs platform Seek jumped 1.82 per cent to $24.67 after announcing an interim dividend of 24c a share, a 26 per cent boost on the 19c a share it delivered in H124. The $8.8bn company posted a 4 per cent slide in revenues to $536.2m. The US markets were closed overnight on Monday for the Presidents’ Day holiday. The Aussie dollar gained 0.02 per cent to buy US63.5c at the closing bell. The top gainer on the ASX200 was casino giant Star Entertainment, which soared 14.8 per cent to hit 15.5c, adding to Monday’s 12.5 per cent lift. The embattled company is surging on hopes asset manager Oaktree Capital could buy up its debt. The largest laggard was annuity provider Challenger, slumping 9 per cent to $5.58. Source link #Market #wrap #ASX200 #falls #big #bank #tumble #Woodside #woes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Technical View: Nasdaq, S&P 500 Positioned for New All-Time Highs This Week Technical View: Nasdaq, S&P 500 Positioned for New All-Time Highs This Week It was subtle but significant; the was able to go beyond the breakdown gap and make a push towards all-time highs, closing above 20,000 in the process. Technicals are net positive. This was the best of Friday’s action heading into the long weekend. The did its hard work on Thursday, not much on Friday (on low volume), but at least managed to stay above 6,050 support. The index is underperforming relative to the Nasdaq, which in the long run should prove bullish for index. The () stayed pegged to its converged 20-day and 50-day MAs, as it has done for the last few weeks. With the exception of stochastics, technicals are bearish. The other benefit coming off the gain in the Nasdaq is the push inside the breakdown gap for the ($SOX). Now, this is a trading range ‘gap’, so it may not close as quick, but there should be some vacuum effect. For this week, I would like to see a reassertion of the bull market with clear breaks to new highs in the and S&P 500. Source link #Technical #View #Nasdaq #Positioned #AllTime #Highs #Week Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

“No Kings on Presidents Day” rallies in cities nationwide target Trump, Musk “No Kings on Presidents Day” rallies in cities nationwide target Trump, Musk Protesters march against Trump administration, DOGE cuts on Presidents Day Protesters march against Trump administration, DOGE cuts on Presidents Day 03:00 Protesters against President Trump and his policies braved frigid temperatures in parts of the U.S. Monday, shouting “No kings on Presidents Day” in East Coast cities and attempting to enter the Arizona Statehouse to oppose a bill that would bolster fast-changing federal immigration enforcement. In Florida and California, local media outlets reported on hundreds of protesters carrying out “Not my Presidents Day” protests. The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement and marked the second set of protests criss-crossing the nation in less than two weeks. A similar nationwide event on Feb. 5 drew participants in dozens of cities. Both sets of rallies denounced Mr. Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the head of the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE, which the administration says is designed to slash federal spending. Demonstrators march holding posters during a rally against President Trump’s policies on Presidents Day, Feb. 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. Etienne Laurent / AP Nearly 1,000 people marched in the snow from the Statehouse in Boston to City Hall, chanting “Elon Musk has got to go” and other slogans. The temperature was below freezing, with wind chills in the teens. Boston protesters, some dressed in Revolutionary War-style clothing, carried signs saying such things as “This is a Coup” and “Cowards Bow to Trump, Patriots Stand Up.” One sign had a depiction of Uncle Sam saying “I Want You to Resist.” “I thought it was important to be here on Presidents Day to demonstrate for what America stands for,” said Emily Manning, 55, a Boston engineer who came to the rally with her two teenage sons. “American values are not the values of the plutocracy or the limited few rich people.” Organizers of Monday’s protests, which were focused on state capitals and major cities including Washington, D.C.; Orlando, Florida; and Seattle, said they were targeting “anti-democratic and ******** actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic allies.” One sign at the rally that attracted hundreds in the nation’s capital said, “Deport Musk Dethrone Trump.” People participate in a National Day of Protest on Presidents’ Day at Washington Square Park in New York on Feb. 17, 2025. Eduardo Munoz / REUTERS Many demonstrations were slated for cities where temperatures were well below freezing as a polar vortex worked its way across the country. The rallies followed a series of executive orders from Mr. Trump and came just days after layoffs across federal agencies as part of an effort to reduce the government workforce. In Phoenix, hundreds of protestors gathered in front of the Capitol carrying signs reading “No Kings” and “Resist Fascism.” Security barred protesters from entering the building after a few tried to get inside. Demonstrators were seeking access to a state Senate committee hearing on legislation that would require law enforcement officers across the state to support federal immigration policy. Protest organizer December Archer said her goal was to keep the event civil. She quickly came between someone trying to enter the Statehouse and a security guard who pushed the protestor back through the doorway. “We’re trying to make sure everything stays civil and stays respectable because again, we’re here to make a statement, not be the statement,” Archer said. A Senate committee heard the measure in a packed room and it passed in a party-line vote, CBS Phoenix affiliate KPHO-TV reports. The station quoted the bill’s sponsor, Senate President Warren Petersen, as saying that, “After the past four years of lawlessness at our border, it is imperative that every level of government supports efforts to safeguard our communities from the harms of ******** immigration. Arizona is a border state, and as such, we need to empower our sworn agents to enforce our laws and assist the Trump Administration’s efforts on this front.” Critics say the measure, and several other anti-******** immigration bills, promote racial profiling and family separation and waste taxpayer dollars. “These types of bills are created and put forth to politicize with an issue of our humanity,” ex-state lawmaker Raquel Terán told KPHO. “That is the last priority of the voters in Arizona.” Among many other cities, demonstrators turned out in Denver; Dallas; Annapolis, Maryland; Oakland and San Francisco; Los Angeles and Miami. CBS News Miami reports that counter-demonstrations were held in support of Mr. Trump in West palm Beach, including a gathering outside Trump International Golf Club. “50501,” which stands for “50 protests, 50 states, one day,” is a grassroots attempt to protest the policies and actions of the second Trump administration. Source link #Kings #Presidents #Day #rallies #cities #nationwide #target #Trump #Musk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe pushes for a role in Ukraine’s peace talks Europe pushes for a role in Ukraine’s peace talks European officials attend extended Weimar talks on Ukraine at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d’Orsay) in Paris on Feb. 12, 2025. Christophe Petit Tesson | Afp | Getty Images As the U.S. took a break (from wild overhauls in government policies and its bureaucracy), across the Atlantic, Europe was springing into action to carve a place for the continent in this new world order. On Monday, European leaders hastily assembled in Paris to discuss plans for peace in Ukraine after they were left out of U.S.-led talks, due to begin Tuesday, between Washington and Moscow on the near three-years Russia-Ukraine war. The gathering of European heads comes just a day after the conclusion of the Munich Security Conference, which ran Feb. 14 to Feb. 16. At the defense summit, European Union President Ursula von der Leyen gave member states the green light to ramp up spending on defense, amid NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte saying Europe needs to do more if it wants to be heard by the U.S. Investors, however, clearly got the message about higher defense spending. Shares of Europe defense companies jumped on Monday, pushing Europe’s regional Stoxx 600 index to another record high — even as concerns mount that the continent may not be involved in the highest-level negotiations. What you need to know today Emergency meeting by EuropeEuropean leaders gathered Monday in Paris for an emergency summit, hastily assembled by French President Emmanuel Macron after it appeared that Europe would be left out of the negotiating table in U.S.-led Russia-Ukraine peace talks. Washington and Moscow are set to meet this week in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, said Monday that “Ukraine will not take part. Ukraine did not know anything about it.” European defense stocks surgeOn Monday, the Stoxx Europe Aerospace & Defense index hit a record and shares of Europe defense companies, such as Renk Group and Saab, jumped. They were juiced by European Union President Ursula von der Leyen saying at the Munich Security Conference that member states will be allowed to increase their spending on defense and security without breaching the bloc’s rules on budget deficit spending. Australia’s central bank cut ratesU.S. markets were closed Monday for Presidents Day. Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose Tuesday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose around 0.4%. Shares of Nissan Motor and Mitsubishi Motors advanced on news of a possible resumption of a merger with Honda Motor. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, however, closed 0.66% lower, even as the Reserve Bank of Australia lowered its benchmark interest by 25 basis points to 4.1%, its first cut in over four years. Trump-related terms in earnings callsU.S. companies are fielding growing questions on how U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies on international trade, immigration and diversity will affect business. A CNBC analysis shows words related to those issues are increasingly popping up on the earnings calls of S&P 500-listed companies. Here’s how companies are responding to queries around Trump-related words, such as “tariff,” “DOGE” and “Gulf of America.” [PRO] More defense stocks to watchAt the Munich Security Conference held last weekend, the European Union appeared more open to increase defense spending after pressure from Trump to do so. Aside from the defense stocks that soared on Monday, these are the companies that stand to benefit from the EU’s higher military expenditure, according to Citi. And finally… Cars and trucks drive along a country road in stormy weather. Jan Woitas | Picture Alliance | Getty Images Wind energy just had a record year in Germany — but the federal election could shake things up 2024 was a strong year for aeolian energy in Germany, with permit awards for onshore wind turbines accelerating, according to industry data — but the upcoming Feb. 23 election means the sector now faces uncertainty. Friedrich Merz, the leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union, told public broadcaster ZDF late last year that he hoped “ugly” wind turbines could be dismantled eventually, “because they do not fit into the landscape.” The far-right Alternative fuer Deutschland’s chancellor candidate Alice Weidel has threatened to tear down all wind turbines, which she reportedly labeled as “windmills of shame.” Source link #Europe #pushes #role #Ukraines #peace #talks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Death of South Korean actor at 24 sparks discussion about social media and internet culture – The Associated Press Death of South Korean actor at 24 sparks discussion about social media and internet culture – The Associated Press Death of South Korean actor at 24 sparks discussion about social media and internet culture The Associated PressNetflix star Kim Sae-ron, who was forced into hiding after DUI ******, found dead at 24 Yahoo EntertainmentKim Sae-ron, a Young South Korean Actress, Is Found Dead The New York TimesNetflix Star Kim Sae-ron’s Cause of Death Revealed After She Is Found Dead at 24: Reports PEOPLE Source link #Death #South #Korean #actor #sparks #discussion #social #media #internet #culture #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Champions Trophy 2025: England need Brendon McCullum to bring back the smiles Champions Trophy 2025: England need Brendon McCullum to bring back the smiles That pointed to a wider uncertainty around England, who have not looked close to establishing each player’s role. Their XI looked a batter light for much of the series – Jamie Overton copping criticism for struggling at number seven despite a decent showing with the ball – but was flipped for the final match, in favour of a batting-heavy approach. The result was Root and Liam Livingstone combining to fill the role of the fifth bowler and conceding 104 runs between them. Problems appeared wherever England turned. McCullum and Buttler can point to injuries to Jacob Bethell and Jamie Smith as reasons for the confusion but a squad packed with as many six-foot-plus quicks as frontline batters always had little space to go. Two of McCullum’s Test bankers, Atkinson and Harry Brook, also struggled badly, further suggesting McCullum may have to call on his other skills. Reducing McCullum to a ‘vibes man’, does not do justice to a coach regarded as having one of the smartest brains in the modern game. He was chased for England’s white-ball job long before the term ‘Bazball’ first piqued the interest of bristling Australians and, in leading New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup final, McCullum set the template Morgan would carry to Lord’s four years later. By the time England lifted the trophy, McCullum was beginning a coaching career that would bring success in the Caribbean and an Indian Premier League final within the first three years. Now is the time for McCullum to take a firmer grip on a ship that needs a hands-on captain, not someone to plot the course. So much of his work since arriving in England has been good but a dark winter has left goodwill running dry. England were annoyed by suggestions they did not train enough in India. The initial claims – that Buttler’s squad were only in the nets once – were unfounded and, while practice may be optional under McCullum, intensity when they do train is not. But something still struck a chord with the public back home. Amid talk of golf and Sydney beach walks, English cricket is in danger of developing an image problem. Supporters’ resolve has been tested – an Ashes defeat, plus losses in Pakistan, West Indies and India mean an impressive victory in New Zealand has been lost in the minds of many. The Champions Trophy may feel like a tournament from a bygone age – one from before T20 was king – but for England these are an important three weeks, before the whites return for era-defining series against India and then Australia. Solace should be found from flatter pitches in Pakistan, where runs flow and Brook averages 83 across 13 matches, while injuries to Pat Cummins, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Anrich Nortje and a host of others have left most teams weakened. England need victories to change the mood, starting against a depleted and out-of-form Australia on Saturday. It is not just Buttler who wants his smile back. England fans need it too. Source link #Champions #Trophy #England #Brendon #McCullum #bring #smiles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Energy Drain Shooter is an arcade-y bullet hell shooter that will release on Android and iOS next month Energy Drain Shooter is an arcade-y bullet hell shooter that will release on Android and iOS next month Fast-paced 3D bullet hell shooter Absorb energy by narrowly avoiding enemy fire Five stages to tackle Ruchiruno Games has just revealed their latest project, Energy Drain Shooter, which is set to release on Japanese storefronts next month. This fast-paced shooter challenges you to absorb energy from enemy bullets while dodging waves of attacks and striking back with powerful homing lasers. Pre-registrations for Energy Drain Shooter are currently open on the App Store and Google Play. The core mechanic lies in the name itself. Energy Drain rewards you for narrowly avoiding enemy fire. The closer you get, the more energy you absorb, which fills your gauge and boosts your score. If you play aggressively and master this system, you can unlock Hard Mode, where enemy attacks become even more intense. You have three attack options – melee strikes, normal shots, and homing lasers. Normal shots can be powered up by passing through special gates, while the homing laser locks onto multiple enemies at once, wiping them out in a chain reaction. At the end of each stage, a boss fight awaits, filling the screen with a complex bullet pattern that forces you to react quickly and manoeuvre strategically. Each of the five stages features different enemy formations, obstacles, and attack patterns. Surviving means more than just dodging – you need to manage your energy, position yourself wisely, and time your attacks. Bullet hell encounters range from laser barrages to blade-like projectiles, keeping each battle unpredictable. Here’s a list of the top shooters to play on Android right now! If you’re looking for an extra challenge, Hard Mode unlocks after achieving a high score in Normal Mode. With faster enemies and more complex bullet patterns, it will push your reflexes and strategy to the limit. Energy Drain Shooter is set to release on March 15th. You can pre-register by clicking on your preferred link below. It is a premium game, available for ¥480. Visit the official website for more information. Source link #Energy #Drain #Shooter #arcadey #bullet #hell #shooter #release #Android #iOS #month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Zealand’s Ferguson out of Champions Trophy New Zealand’s Ferguson out of Champions Trophy New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been ruled out of the Champions Trophy with a foot injury in a major blow for the ****** Caps on the eve of the tournament opener against hosts Pakistan. Ferguson felt pain in his right foot after bowling in Sunday’s warm-up match against Afghanistan and an initial medical assessment suggested the 31-year-old would not be fit to take part in the entire tournament, New Zealand Cricket said. New Zealand have decided to send him home and bring in Canterbury Kings fast bowler Kyle Jamieson, who will soon leave for Pakistan. “We’re really disappointed for Lockie,” head coach Gary Stead said on Tuesday. “Lockie is a key part of the bowling group and brings a lot of major tournament experience and we know how much he was looking forward to representing New Zealand at another major event.” Jamieson returned to domestic cricket in December after 10 months on the sidelines due to a stress fracture in his back. “Kyle brings plenty of pace and extra bounce which will suit the conditions here in Pakistan,” Stead said of Jamieson. “He’s shown since returning … how effective he can be in the shorter forms of the game, and he’s bowled with real pace and energy which is what you’re looking for from a pace bowler, especially at a pinnacle event.” New Zealand are also without quick Ben Sears due to a hamstring injury. Ferguson, who also plays for the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, is the latest fast bowler to miss out on the Champions Trophy, with injuries depriving the tournament of India’s Jasprit Bumrah, Anrich Nortje of South Africa and *********** duo Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. Source link #Zealands #Ferguson #Champions #Trophy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Columbine shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter dies Columbine shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter dies DENVER (KDVR) — Anne Marie Hochhalter, a survivor of the Columbine High School mass shooting, died Sunday, her former principal Frank DeAngelis told FOX31 on Monday. Hochhalter, 43, was shot and paralyzed during the tragedy on April 20, 1999, and used a wheelchair in the 25 years since. During the massacre, two seniors shot and killed 12 students and one teacher, then killed themselves. Another 21 people were injured by the gunfire. Columbine 25 years later: We remember the 13 lives lost Hochhalter spoke out in 2016 in support of the mother of one of the shooters who released a book reflecting on the mass shooting, especially concerning her relationship with grief and battles with shame. Hochhalter wrote at the time in a lengthy Facebook post that she wasn’t sure she would ever read the book, but said she had forgiven the mass *********’s mother. In 2012, Hochhalter also spoke publically in support of the families and survivors of the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting in Newton, Connecticut. Anne Marie Hochhalter, 30, center, and her friend Roxy Chesser, 30, right, attend a prayer vigil held to remember the lost and injured in Friday’s mass shooting at a movie theater, in a park outside the Aurora Municipal Center in Aurora, Colo., Sunday, July 22, 2012. Hochhalter, a paralyzed victim of the Columbine High School tragedy over 12 years ago, and other survivors of the 1999 massacre reached out to people who survived the theater shooting. Twelve people were killed and dozens were injured in a shooting attack early Friday at the packed theater during a showing of the Batman movie, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Police have identified the suspected shooter as James Holmes, 24. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez) Columbine High School shooting survivor Anne Marie Hochhalter reacts during a vigil remembering the 25th anniversary of the mass shooting, Friday, April 19, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) Anne Marie Hochhalter, 30, center, and her friend Roxy Chesser, 30, right, attend a prayer vigil, Sunday, July 22, 2012, held to remember the lost and injured in Friday’s mass shooting at a movie theater, at the Aurora Municipal Center in Aurora, Colo. Hochhalter, a paralyzed victim of the Columbine High School tragedy over 12 years ago, and other survivors of the 1999 massacre reached out to people who survived the theater shooting. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez) “I really hope the good stories will come out and show a community can come together just like Littleton did after Columbine,” Hochhalter said. “I feel kind of helpless when I hear about these things and I want to help, I just don’t really know how.” Her brother, Nathan, spoke during a 2024 memorial event about being trapped in a classroom with about 30 students while hearing gunfire nearby. After four hours, SWAT officers rescued them, Nathan said. His mother took her own life six months after the shooting. “I just want to use this moment to let everyone know that it’s OK to ask for help, whatever your situation is whether, either as a survivor 25 years later or someone struggling with any part of their life. These things come in waves, and they can hit you when you least expect it. You should all know that we’re all here for you and that you’re not alone,” Nathan said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Source link #Columbine #shooting #survivor #Anne #Marie #Hochhalter #dies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk Debuts Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Rival OpenAI, DeepSeek – Bloomberg Musk Debuts Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Rival OpenAI, DeepSeek – Bloomberg Musk Debuts Grok-3 AI Chatbot to Rival OpenAI, DeepSeek BloombergMusk debuts Grok 3 chatbot as OpenAI battle heats up AxiosWatch Musk’s xAI Debuts Grok-3 AI Model BloombergGrok 3 Launch Time, Live Demo Details: Elon Musk says xAI’s Grok 3 chatbot to be unveiled on Tuesday The Indian ExpressElon Musk says Grok 3 in final stages, outperforming all chatbots Reuters Source link #Musk #Debuts #Grok3 #Chatbot #Rival #OpenAI #DeepSeek #Bloomberg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]