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It’s true, TikTok is back It’s true, TikTok is back TikTok is once again available in Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store in the United States. The app disappeared from both Apple and Google’s stores January 19, 2025, as a nationwide ban took effect. Briefly. What will ultimately happen to TikTok remains unclear. President Trump wants to strike a “deal” that will allow the company to remain operational in the US, including arrangements that would give the US government a stake in the company. You know who’s probably furious? Every other social media company. — Mat Smith Get this delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here! The biggest tech stories you missed On February 19, maybe a new iPhone SE and a 2nd-gen AirTag. Apple In a tweet on Thursday, CEO Tim Cook told Apple aficionados to “get ready to meet the newest member of the family. ”What that product is remains a slight mystery, though we won’t have to wait too long to find out. The reveal will take place on Wednesday, February 19. While we’ve focused on a next-gen iPhone SE, Cook’s tweet also featured an animated image of a shimmering Apple logo on what appears to be the outline of an AirTag. There have been rumors for a while that Apple would introduce a second-gen tracker sometime this year. Also: AirTags have changed my life. Or at least stopped me getting locked out of my apartment multiple times in the last few years. It’ll be intriguing to see what else a tracker can offer. Please don’t make it AI. Continue reading. No Honsan. No Ninda. The tech love story of 2025 is over. Honda and Nissan have ended merger plans. If they’d gone through with it and also brought Nissan-controlled Mitsubishi on board, the new entity would’ve had a net worth of around $50 billion. The Financial Times reported in early February that Honda presented a new company structure that would make Nissan its subsidiary as a “take it or leave it” offer. Nissan decided to leave it. Continue reading. Ask Engadget: Where is the best place to buy a cheap iPad? Ask Mat Anything. Thanks to all the early question-askers (hit me up on askmat(at)engadget.com), including a timely question in the face of new Apple hardware. From Matt Ali: What’s the cheapest way to get an iPad? And which one should I get in early 2025? Instead of doing my own research or asking unhinged AI chatbots, I tapped our iPad expert (and reviewer), , for an answer: Engadget “Apple hardware is known for being expensive, but the company has a store packed with high-quality refurbished products that can save you some serious cash. I’ve bought many devices there over the years and have never had a problem — everything is in like-new condition and has the same warranty as a brand-new product.” At the time of writing, there are a few good options in Apple’s refurbished store if you want an iPad nearly as capable as the newest models but want to save some cash. If you want the largest screen possible, you can grab a with an M2 chip and 256GB of storage for $979. Considering the latest 13-inch iPad Pro starts at $1299, this merits consideration — especially if you’re an artist who wants a large canvas. If you don’t need that large screen, consider the . For $529, you’ll get an 11-inch display, M1 chip and 256GB of storage. That’s $170 less than the current M2 iPad Air with the same amount of storage. Apple’s standard iPad is also available refurbished, but you can often find a brand-new version of it on ***** on Amazon. Between that and the rumors of a new basic iPad coming this spring, I’d avoid this one, for now. If you want to upgrade the storage or get a model with cellular connectivity, that should also be doable for extra cash. For me, 256GB or 512GB is the sweet spot for storage — given the ubiquity of the cloud, having a ton of local storage doesn’t feel particularly necessary. Similarly, cellular connectivity is probably not worth the extra cash unless you plan to travel with your iPad. Most of the time, you can easily tether an iPad to your phone if you need to get online quickly. But, those refurb options are available if you want them.” Thanks Nate! Other tech dilemmas? Modern texting etiquette? The best way to make your wearable nag you into your new year fitness goals? Hit. Me. Up! If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Source link #true #TikTok Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Zuckerberg’s rightward policy shift hits Meta staffers, targets Apple Zuckerberg’s rightward policy shift hits Meta staffers, targets Apple Priscilla Chan, left, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez are among guests attending Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2025. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images Mark Zuckerberg kicked off 2025 with an Instagram video that outlined his vision for what he called restoring “free expression” to Meta‘s platforms and for working with President Donald Trump to push back on governments Zuckerberg said have gone after American companies and stifled innovation. What Zuckerberg didn’t say in his five-minute monologue was that Meta would use its own internal moderators to censor employee criticism of his plan. He also didn’t say that by cozying up to the new president, his company might be able to shift Trump’s ire in the direction of Meta’s loathed rival Apple. For Meta’s staff of almost 75,000 people, the singular power of its 40-year-old founder and CEO is more evident than ever in the company’s rightward shift since Trump’s election victory in November and inauguration in January. On Feb. 6, Zuckerberg visited the White House in order “to discuss how Meta can help the administration defend and advance American tech leadership abroad,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post on X. Based on interviews with over a dozen current and former employees who asked not to be named in order to speak candidly on what they see happening inside the company, there’s a profound sense of uncertainty as to how Meta’s culture will change in the coming years of Trump’s second presidency. At headquarters in Silicon Valley, tensions are palpable as Meta goes through its latest round of job cuts. In January, the company announced plans to lay off its lowest performers, or 5% of its overall workforce, and began the cuts this week. Meta has been trying to thwart pushback from employees by censoring criticism within its Workplace in-house social network, people familiar with the matter said. Employees who left comments that management viewed as negative on Workplace were told that their statements would be used in performance reviews, potentially affecting their employment, they said. Sources also told CNBC that employees who might otherwise leave because of their disillusionment with policy changes are concerned about quitting now because of how they will be perceived by future employers given that Meta has said publicly that it’s weeding out “low performers.” Meta, like many of its tech peers, began downsizing in 2022 and has continued to trim around the edges. The company cut 21,000 jobs, or nearly a quarter of its workforce, in 2022 and 2023. Among those who lost their jobs were members of the civic integrity group, which was known to be outspoken in its criticism of Zuckerberg’s leadership. Some big changes are now taking place that appear to directly follow the lead of Trump at the expense of company employees and users of the platforms, the people familiar with the matter said. Most notably, Meta recently ended its diversity, equity and inclusion program and relaxed content-moderation guidelines, both areas that Trump has attacked in his war on “woke policies.” When Meta filed its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission in late January, the document noted its drastic shifts, listing them in the section about business risks. “In January 2025, we announced certain changes to our content policies and enforcement efforts to further free expression on our platform and mitigate over-enforcement of certain of our content policies,” Meta said. “If we are not able to maintain and enhance our brands, our ability to maintain or expand our base of users, marketers, and developers may be impaired, and our business and financial results may be harmed.” Meta declined to comment. Taking aim at Apple Zuckerberg is willing to take on such risks because of the potential benefits that come with smoothing his relationship with Trump, the people familiar with the matter said. In contrast to Meta’s previous strategy of advocating for an even playing field across the tech industry, Zuckerberg now sees opportunities to gain a strategic advantage for his company, the people said. One major concern for Zuckerberg is Elon Musk’s central position in the Trump administration, where he’s focused on slashing regulations. Meta competes with Musk’s X and is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, an area of particular interest to Musk and his startup xAI. Musk’s role in the White House could put Meta at a disadvantage when it comes to policies surrounding AI. But more than AI and Musk, Zuckerberg is looking for a leg up on Apple, the people said. Apple CEO Tim Cook, center left, attends Apple’s iPhone 16 launch in New York City, Sept. 20, 2024. Timothy A. Clary | Afp | Getty Images Zuckerberg hopes that Meta’s improved relationship with the White House could help put pressure on the iPhone maker, after a yearslong battle between the two tech heavyweights. Both companies were targets of antitrust suits from the U.S. government. The Meta founder is still upset about Apple’s 2021 iOS privacy update, which made it harder for Meta to track users across the internet and which put a $10 billion dent in the company’s 2022 advertising revenue. Internally, this ******* has come to be known among some Meta employees as “the Tim Cook recession.” Many app developers, including Spotify and Epic Games, have battled Apple either in public or in court over the company’s app store rules and control over its ecosystem. Zuckerberg has been one of the loudest critics of Apple in the past, but he has become even more antagonistic toward the company in recent public interviews. Sources told CNBC that it’s all part of an effort to shift antitrust scrutiny off Meta and onto Apple. In a January interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg claimed that Apple is becoming less innovative and that it’s putting resources toward preventing third parties from creating hardware peripherals that integrate smoothly into Apple’s mobile operating system. “They build stuff like Air Pods, which are cool, but they’ve just thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way,” Zuckerberg said. Meta’s business has recovered from its downdraft that followed the iOS changes, due mostly to the company’s investments in AI and the new capabilities they’ve provided to advertisers. In January, the company reported $160.6 billion in advertising revenue for 2024, up nearly 40% from 2021. The company’s shares have been on a huge upswing since a brutal 2022, quadrupling over the past two years and closing at a record $728.56 on Thursday. Zuckerberg told Rogan that Meta’s profit would double if Apple stopped applying “random rules” that tax his company. Meta’s actions against Apple aren’t limited to the U.S. In one of the company’s first steps this year to apply more policy pressure on Apple, Meta filed a complaint against the iPhone maker in late January with Brazil’s competition regulator, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense. In the complaint, Meta alleged that Apple’s iOS update unfairly singles out third-party apps but not its own. Meta has been considering an antitrust complaint against Apple in Brazil since last year, a source familiar with the matter said. Apple and X did not respond to requests for comment. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, right, and Joel Kaplan, the company’s vice president of global public policy, leave the Elysee Palace in Paris after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, May 23, 2018. Aurelien Morissard | IP3 | Getty Images News | Getty Images Not afraid to ruffle some feathers Leading Meta’s new policy charge is Joel Kaplan, a former White House deputy chief of staff under former President George W. Bush with longstanding ties to the Republican Party. Kaplan took over Meta’s top policy position from Nick Clegg, a former U.K. deputy prime minister, who said in January that he would step down after seven years at the company. Other notable Republicans at Meta include Vice President of Global Public Policy Kevin Martin, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman under President George W. Bush, and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead, whom Trump previously appointed as a legal advisor at the State Department. Kaplan’s ascendency at Meta coupled with the company’s policy changes has solidified a political shift to the right, multiple sources said. Since joining Meta in 2011 as a policy vice president, Kaplan has built a reputation as an executive who takes calculated risks even if it means upsetting some people internally, the people said. In 2018, Kaplan made headlines for attending Brett Kavanaugh’s highly contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearing as a personal friend. His appearance caused so much controversy that Meta was forced to address the matter in a statement, saying the “leadership team recognizes that they’ve made mistakes handling the events of the last week and we’re grateful for all the feedback from our employees.” What may have been a problem for Kaplan at the time is now viewed as a strength. That’s because the executive is seen as an ally to the Republicans in charge, the people said. Clegg, by contrast, represented a more center-left position, they said. He was vocal in his support of banning Trump from Facebook’s platform after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, while Kaplan was noticeably more reluctant about such a move, a person familiar with the matter said. Kaplan has also favored less strict content moderation policies, the person said. Meta in January agreed to pay $25 million as part of a settlement with Trump over the company’s decision to suspend his accounts following the Capitol riot. In January 2023, Meta said it was reinstating Trump on its platform after the two-year suspension. The company’s efforts to win favor with Trump seem to be working, at least based on what the president has publicly said. After Kaplan announced Meta’s major content-moderation and related policy shifts in early January on “Fox and Friends,” Trump appeared to be impressed. “Honestly, I think they’ve come a long way. Meta, Facebook, I think they’ve come a long way,” Trump told reporters during a Jan. 7 press conference. About Kaplan, Trump said, “The man was very impressive.” — CNBC’s Salvador Rodriguez contributed to this report. Watch: Zuckerberg feels he’s beyond criticism anymore, says Wired’s Steven Levy Source link #Zuckerbergs #rightward #policy #shift #hits #Meta #staffers #targets #Apple Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Children’s Picture Books About Wearing Eyeglasses Children’s Picture Books About Wearing Eyeglasses We’re all influenced by how we see the world. Sometimes that view is clear and sometimes it’s a bit fuzzy. Adjusting our “lens” can help us better understand one another, and ourselves. How appropriate to find three recent picture books that look at eyeglasses from different perspectives. Anyone who wears glasses and forgets where they put them will appreciate BEAR’S LOST GLASSES (Gecko, 40 pp., $18.99, ages 4 to 6), by the award-winning Belgian author-illustrator Leo Timmers. Its boldly colored art makes it obvious from the first page that Bear’s red glasses are perched on top of his head. Obvious, that is, to everyone but Bear, who thinks he left them with his friend Giraffe. On his journey to retrieve them he has delightful Mr. Magoo-like encounters. Walking by a leafless tree, he remarks, “Hey, a deer. I’ve never seen one here before.” Looking at a green, low-to-the-ground, horizontally spreading bush, he wonders, “Where did this crocodile come from?” Without his glasses, Bear even mistakes Giraffe, lazing in a long, almost fully reclined deck chair, for a snake. And he remains clueless when his friend hands the glasses to him, exclaiming triumphantly that he knew he’d left them at Giraffe’s house — before dragging Giraffe off to show him the animals he “saw” on his way to meet him. We of course know there wasn’t a deer or a crocodile, and now that his “sight” has been restored Bear doesn’t see them either: “I don’t get it. There must be something wrong with my glasses.” Timmers is a master of “Show, don’t tell.” Giraffe’s facial expressions in response to Bear’s bafflement say it all. In the end, Bear returns the glasses to the top of his head and excitedly declares, “Three LIONS!” upon approaching a trio of bright sunflowers. The perfect denouement. Timmers’s stunning mixed-media images, with clever details and surprises that make multiple readings a treat, are a playful reminder that it’s not just what we see that matters but how we choose to see it. CHARLIE’S EYEGLASSES (NubeOcho, 40 pp., $14.99, ages 3 to 7), written by Margarita del Mazo and illustrated by Guridi — Spanish creators who collaborated on the witty counting book “The Flock” — is a sweet story that explores the deeper theme of wanting to be seen versus truly seeing. Del Mazo grasps the importance of rhythm for the page turn, and her pacing is spot-on. After an endearingly quirky introduction (“This is Charlie. People call him Charlie because he is very small. One day he’ll grow up, and then people will call him Charles, like his dad”), I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. At school Charlie is smitten with the wryly named Iris, a girl who doesn’t notice him — even though he beats a drum, wears disguises, walks on stilts. When Iris announces she’s getting glasses, Charlie is thrilled, believing she’ll finally see him. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. But since her glasses are “the talk of the class,” Charlie decides he needs some, too. While his visit to the eye doctor to get a pair of his own is a leap, it serves the plot. Then comes a lovely twist. A different girl calls Charlie’s name, and he discovers Rose, who had been there the whole time, hidden in Iris’s shadow. “It turns out he really had needed those eyeglasses to see, after all.” What a treat to return to the start of the book and see what we also missed (e.g., a tiny lovebird who has many cameos). Guridi’s tender and funny artwork adeptly captures the heart of the tale, blending lively, loose line drawings with just the right touch of color and texture. In GEORGE WASHINGTON’S SPECTACULAR SPECTACLES: The Glasses That Saved America (Calkins Creek, 32 pp., $18.99, ages 7 to 10), Selene Castrovilla recounts a little-known historical moment with humor, compassion and suspense. For many years, General Washington kept the fact that he wore glasses a secret. He worried his spectacles made him look weak, and made his nose look big. The fact that the man who would be our nation’s first president had such concerns is a great message for children of all ages. By 1783, America had defeated the British, and Washington’s officers knew the army would soon be disbanded. Tired, battle-scarred and angry that they hadn’t been paid in years, they conspired to storm Congress. In an effort to prevent the planned uprising, of which he’d gotten wind, Washington obtained a letter from a congressman promising the officers they’d be paid when the government’s coffers were replenished, and thanking them for their service. But how could he read it to them without his glasses? Despite intense embarrassment, Washington rose to the occasion: “Gentlemen, you must pardon me. I have grown gray in your service and now I find myself growing blind,” he began. Before he moved on to the letter, his men were already crying: “Seeing George’s glasses made them realize how much he had sacrificed for America. … They pictured how much they had been through with their general.” And they reaffirmed their loyalty to the country they loved. Castrovilla’s story reminds us that even the most revered figures have insecurities — and revealing them can be the bravest act of all — while Jenn Harney’s illustrations balance a child-friendly aesthetic with timeless charm. All three books invite us to embrace curiosity, vulnerability and a broader view of the world — with or without glasses. Source link #Childrens #Picture #Books #Wearing #Eyeglasses Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis Is Hospitalized for Bronchitis Pope Francis Is Hospitalized for Bronchitis Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday for diagnostic tests and to treat an ongoing case of bronchitis, the ******** said, reviving concerns about the 88-year old pontiff’s health. In a brief statement, the ******** said that Francis had held his audiences as usual on Friday morning and was then taken to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, a medical facility in Rome, so that he could be treated “in a hospital environment.” The ******** announced in early February that Francis had bronchitis, and that “in order to continue his activities” he would be holding his audiences at the Casa Santa Marta, the ******** guesthouse where he lives, instead of at the Apostolic Palace. In recent weeks, he has complained of respiratory problems, and ******** aides have been reading his homilies and other addresses in his stead at events. Francis has had a full schedule since the New Year’s Eve opening of the 2025 Jubilee, held every 25 years in the Roman Catholic Church. Apart from his usual agenda, he has been presiding over audiences on many Saturdays with hundreds of pilgrims who have come to Rome for the Jubilee, and celebrating Mass at the ******** on many Sundays. Last weekend, so many people attended one Jubilee event that the Mass was instead celebrated outdoors, in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Francis was admitted to the hospital after several audiences this morning, including with Robert Fico, the prime minister of Slovakia, and with Mark Thompson, the chief executive of CNN. Francis had a part of one lung removed as a young man, and in recent years, he has been battling a number of health problems, using a wheelchair or a cane to move around. He was hospitalized with bronchitis in 2023, and again a few months later to undergo abdominal surgery for a hernia. He underwent diagnostic tests at the Gemelli hospital last year after a slight flu. He has also fallen twice in his suite in recent weeks, bruising his chin in December and injuring an arm last month. During his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Francis stopped reading his prepared remarks and asked the reader to take over. “With my bronchitis I can’t, I hope I will be able to next time,” the pope said. Source link #Pope #Francis #Hospitalized #Bronchitis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moderna (MRNA) Q4 earnings 2024 Moderna (MRNA) Q4 earnings 2024 Moderna on Friday posted fourth-quarter revenue that beat estimates, but lost more than expected for the *******, as the biotech company continues to slash costs and demand for its Covid vaccine falls. It marks another quarter of growing pains for the company, which is racing to launch new products and recover from the rapid decline of its once-booming Covid business. Shares of Moderna fell more than 4% in premarket trading Friday. Moderna posted a net loss of $1.12 billion, or $2.91 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. That compares with net income of $217 million, or 55 cents per share, reported for the year-ago *******. The company said the quarterly loss includes a roughly $238 million non-cash charge related to ending a contract manufacturing agreement. In an interview, Moderna CFO Jamey Mock said one of the most important takeaways from the company’s full-year 2024 results is that it reduced costs by 27% compared to 2023. By the end of 2025, Moderna expects to cut costs by $1 billion compared to 2024. Moderna reiterated its full-year 2025 product sales guidance of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion, most of which will come in the second half of the year. Moderna expects only $200 million in sales to come in during the first half of the year due to seasonal demand for respiratory products, which typically rises in the fall and winter. The company slashed its 2025 sales guidance by roughly $1 billion in January, causing its shares to plummet. The stock is now down more than 20% for the year. At the time, Moderna pointed to increased competition in the Covid market, falling vaccination rates, timing around manufacturing contracts with a handful of countries and uncertainty around what advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will recommend for revaccination of respiratory syncytial virus shots. “Should those potential headwinds all hit, that’s what would bring us to the low end of our guidance,” Mock told CNBC, adding that the company is hoping to “combat” the challenges. Here’s what Moderna reported for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG: Loss per share: $2.91 vs. an expected loss of $2.68Revenue: $966 million vs. $942.8 million expected Moderna posted fourth-quarter sales of $966 million, less than half of the $2.8 billion it recorded during the same ******* a year ago. The vast majority of that total came from its Covid shot, which raked in $923 million, down 66% from the prior year. That includes $244 million in U.S. sales and $679 million from international markets. Analysts had expected the jab to pull in $909 million in sales for the quarter, according to estimates compiled by StreetAccount. Moderna said the decrease was mainly due to the earlier launch of the newest iteration of its Covid shot last year, which shifted sales into the third quarter. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new vaccine three weeks earlier than in 2023, allowing Moderna to “meet demand more effectively ahead of the fourth quarter,” the company added. Covid vaccine sales fell internationally because the company continued to phase out advance purchase agreements with certain countries, according to Moderna. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue also included $15 million in U.S. sales of its RSV shot, which rolled out to seniors in the fall and winter after winning approval in May. It is Moderna’s second approved product after its Covid vaccine. Analysts had expected sales of $13 million for the RSV vaccine, according to StreetAccount estimates. Moderna’s RSV shot is so far approved for adults ages 60 and above in the U.S., European Union, Canada, Norway, Iceland and Qatar, among other countries. The company is betting on a pipeline built around its messenger RNA platform, which is the technology used in both of those products. Moderna plans to beef up its portfolio with 10 new product approvals over the next three years. During the fourth quarter, Moderna submitted three mRNA products for regulatory approval, including its “next-generation” Covid shot, combination shot targeting Covid and the flu and RSV vaccine for high-risk adults ages 18 to 59. Moderna expects a decision from the FDA on the next-generation Covid shot in May, and a potential expanded approval for the RSV shot in June, according to Mock. Moderna is also developing a standalone flu shot, a personalized ******* vaccine with Merck and shots for latent viruses, among other products. Some of those products will have data readouts later this year, Mock noted. Cost of sales for the fourth quarter was $739 million, down 20% from the same ******* a year ago. That includes $193 million in writedowns of unused doses of the Covid vaccine, among other costs. Research and development expenses dropped by 20% to $1.1 billion compared with the same ******* in 2023. Moderna said that decline was primarily due to lower clinical development and manufacturing expenses on its Covid, RSV, flu and combination shot programs, and partially offset by increased spending on other new experimental products. Meanwhile, selling, general and administrative expenses for the ******* fell by 25% to $351 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. SG&A expenses usually include the costs of promoting, selling and delivering a company’s products and services. Source link #Moderna #MRNA #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moderna (MRNA) Q4 earnings 2024 Moderna (MRNA) Q4 earnings 2024 Moderna on Friday posted fourth-quarter revenue that beat estimates, but lost more than expected for the *******, as the biotech company continues to slash costs and demand for its Covid vaccine falls. It marks another quarter of growing pains for the company, which is racing to launch new products and recover from the rapid decline of its once-booming Covid business. Shares of Moderna fell more than 4% in premarket trading Friday. Moderna posted a net loss of $1.12 billion, or $2.91 per share for the fourth quarter of 2024. That compares with net income of $217 million, or 55 cents per share, reported for the year-ago *******. The company said the quarterly loss includes a roughly $238 million non-cash charge related to ending a contract manufacturing agreement. In an interview, Moderna CFO Jamey Mock said one of the most important takeaways from the company’s full-year 2024 results is that it reduced costs by 27% compared to 2023. By the end of 2025, Moderna expects to cut costs by $1 billion compared to 2024. Moderna reiterated its full-year 2025 product sales guidance of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion, most of which will come in the second half of the year. Moderna expects only $200 million in sales to come in during the first half of the year due to seasonal demand for respiratory products, which typically rises in the fall and winter. The company slashed its 2025 sales guidance by roughly $1 billion in January, causing its shares to plummet. The stock is now down more than 20% for the year. At the time, Moderna pointed to increased competition in the Covid market, falling vaccination rates, timing around manufacturing contracts with a handful of countries and uncertainty around what advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will recommend for revaccination of respiratory syncytial virus shots. “Should those potential headwinds all hit, that’s what would bring us to the low end of our guidance,” Mock told CNBC, adding that the company is hoping to “combat” the challenges. Here’s what Moderna reported for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31 compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG: Loss per share: $2.91 vs. an expected loss of $2.68 Revenue: $966 million vs. $942.8 million expected Moderna posted fourth-quarter sales of $966 million, less than half of the $2.8 billion it recorded during the same ******* a year ago. The vast majority of that total came from its Covid shot, which raked in $923 million, down 66% from the prior year. That includes $244 million in U.S. sales and $679 million from international markets. Analysts had expected the jab to pull in $909 million in sales for the quarter, according to estimates compiled by StreetAccount. Moderna said the decrease was mainly due to the earlier launch of the newest iteration of its Covid shot last year, which shifted sales into the third quarter. The Food and Drug Administration approved the new vaccine three weeks earlier than in 2023, allowing Moderna to “meet demand more effectively ahead of the fourth quarter,” the company added. Covid vaccine sales fell internationally because the company continued to phase out advance purchase agreements with certain countries, according to Moderna. The company’s fourth-quarter revenue also included $15 million in U.S. sales of its RSV shot, which rolled out to seniors in the fall and winter after winning approval in May. It is Moderna’s second approved product after its Covid vaccine. Analysts had expected sales of $13 million for the RSV vaccine, according to StreetAccount estimates. Moderna’s RSV shot is so far approved for adults ages 60 and above in the U.S., European Union, Canada, Norway, Iceland and Qatar, among other countries. The company is betting on a pipeline built around its messenger RNA platform, which is the technology used in both of those products. Moderna plans to beef up its portfolio with 10 new product approvals over the next three years. During the fourth quarter, Moderna submitted three mRNA products for regulatory approval, including its “next-generation” Covid shot, combination shot targeting Covid and the flu and RSV vaccine for high-risk adults ages 18 to 59. Moderna expects a decision from the FDA on the next-generation Covid shot in May, and a potential expanded approval for the RSV shot in June, according to Mock. Moderna is also developing a standalone flu shot, a personalized ******* vaccine with Merck and shots for latent viruses, among other products. Some of those products will have data readouts later this year, Mock noted. Cost of sales for the fourth quarter was $739 million, down 20% from the same ******* a year ago. That includes $193 million in writedowns of unused doses of the Covid vaccine, among other costs. Research and development expenses dropped by 20% to $1.1 billion compared with the same ******* in 2023. Moderna said that decline was primarily due to lower clinical development and manufacturing expenses on its Covid, RSV, flu and combination shot programs, and partially offset by increased spending on other new experimental products. Meanwhile, selling, general and administrative expenses for the ******* fell by 25% to $351 million compared with the fourth quarter of 2023. SG&A expenses usually include the costs of promoting, selling and delivering a company’s products and services. Source link #Moderna #MRNA #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis to be hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, ******** says – CNN Pope Francis to be hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, ******** says – CNN Pope Francis to be hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and checks, ******** says CNNPope Francis to be admitted to Rome hospital for bronchitis, ******** says BBC.comPope Francis to be admitted to Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment ******** News – EnglishA look at Pope Francis’ previous hospitalizations and health problems Yahoo Source link #Pope #Francis #hospitalized #bronchitis #treatment #checks #******** #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** men and women can expect to live longer, data show *** men and women can expect to live longer, data show Boys born in the *** in 2023 can expect to live on average to the age of 86.7, and girls to 90, latest data suggest. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says figures show a continued trend of longer life expectancy for men and women. The survival gap between the sexes is narrowing, partly down to men leading healthier lifestyles, experts say. Projections suggest more than one in 10 boys and one in six girls born in 2023 will live to at least 100 years old. The ONS report is based on the most up-to-date survival figures for 2023, and makes predictions for the future based on trends and projections. For example, one in four baby girls and nearly one in five baby boys born in 2047 might expect to live to 100. Overall, men born in 2047 could have a life expectancy of 89.3 years, and women 92.2 years. The estimates could change though, and the life expectancy figures are for populations – they do not mean that each individual person will live into old age. Men aged 65 years in the *** in 2023 can expect to live, on average, a further 19.8 years. For women who were 65 in 2023, the figure is 22.5 more years of life. Projections suggest that by 2047, this could to rise to 21.8 more years of life for 65-year-old men and 24.4 more years for mid-60s women. Kerry Gadsdon from the ONS said the statistics show that the life expectancy gap between men and women is closing, and has been for decades. “This is likely due to improvements in lifestyle, for example reduction in smoking rates and the working conditions of men over several decades, as well as advances in healthcare, for example the prevention and treatment of heart disease. The gap is projected to be down to 2.5 years by 2072.” Source link #men #women #expect #live #longer #data #show Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rock solid performance from winners of 2025 Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA Women in Resources Awards Rock solid performance from winners of 2025 Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA Women in Resources Awards Resilience in the face of big changes, hard work and a solid network of backers have proved a triumphant combination for two-time Chamber of Minerals and Energy Award winner Irene Chandra. Source link #Rock #solid #performance #winners #Chamber #Minerals #Energy #Women #Resources #Awards Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dopples World, a creative sandbox adventure for children, is out now on Android and iOS Dopples World, a creative sandbox adventure for children, is out now on Android and iOS 2D sandbox adventure for kids, tweens, and teens Create your own avatar and design your surroundings Solve puzzles, make drawings, and practice problem-solving TutoToons has officially launched Dopples World, a 2D sandbox experience designed for kids, tweens, and teens. Now available on iOS, Android, and Amazon, it offers a safe and engaging space where you can create, explore, and tell your own stories. Dopples World is an open-ended world that gives you complete creative freedom. You can customise avatars, decorate spaces, and interact with different environments. Whether you’re designing a dream home, roleplaying with characters, or discovering hidden surprises, there’s always something new to explore. The universe includes a variety of themed locations, each packed with interactive elements. At Floof Café, you can whip up recipes step by step, while the YumYum Market is filled with quirky finds. Glam Studio lets you experiment with fashion and style, and Dopples High is the perfect place for school-themed adventures. On the lookout for similar education experiences for children? Here’s a list of the best educational kids games to play on your iPhone and iPad right now! With so many spaces to explore, you can create different stories every time you play. Beyond customisation, Dopples World features mini-games and challenges that make learning fun. You can solve puzzles, try drawing activities, and even practice problem-solving skills through hidden collectibles and rewards. Each interaction encourages creativity while keeping things engaging. As of now the sandbox adventure features only solo play, but a multiplayer mode is currently in the works. Soon, you’ll be able to connect with friends, roleplay together, and share your ventures in this growing universe. Finally, if you signed up early, then you will also receive several bonuses on launching the game. Show off your imagination by downloading Dopples World now by clicking on your preferred link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can also stay updated on all the latest developments by visiting the official Facebook page. Source link #Dopples #World #creative #sandbox #adventure #children #Android #iOS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

9 Pictures About Love – Greece Is 9 Pictures About Love – Greece Is Refined Flirtation? Iakovos Rizos, On the Terrace 1897 This large, sumptuous canvas, now returned from the Louvre after the 2022 exhibition “Paris-Athens, The Birth of Modern Greece, 1675–1919,” has an illustrious history, having won the silver medal in the 1900 Paris World’s Fair. It offers the National Gallery’s most detailed depiction of aristocratic Belle Époque Athens: a veranda at sunset, a carafe and delicate glasses of refreshment on an ornate table, the Parthenon glowing in the distance, and fashionable young women in cultured attire, contrasted by the sharp uniform of a handsome cavalry officer. Positioned on the left, his dynamic pose and the striking contrast of his ****** uniform against the softer hues around him suggest he is the scene’s protagonist, gesturing to engage the ladies. Though there may be flirtation in the air, the women’s expressions are more reserved – perhaps a product of their era’s etiquette, or perhaps the lingering heat, which even as dusk falls, remains oppressive. Farewell at Sounion, 1863, Theodoros Vryzakis Farewell at Sounion, 1863, Theodoros Vryzakis Stoic Love Farewell at Sounion, 1863, Theodoros Vryzakis Vryzakis’ works stir the patriotic soul, reflecting his own story, which mirrors the history of Modern Greece. He was touched directly by the revolution, as his father was killed by the Ottomans in 1821. Later, he attended the Panellion in Munich, a school established by Ludwig I for orphans of the Greek war for independence, where he began to paint. He was accepted at the Munich School of Fine Arts, where he was trained in the western academic style. Vryzakis traveled to Greece from 1848 to 1851 to study the landscape and people in his desire to depict key events of the revolution with integrity. His iconic works, such as The Bishop of Old Patras Germanos Blesses the Flag of the Revolution and The Exodus from Missolonghi, both displayed at the National Gallery, have become key visual narratives of Greek history. He also painted portraits of several revolution heroes and created a stirring allegorical piece, Greece Expressing Gratitude. These deeply impactful works were widely circulated and became, for many Greeks, a definitive visual narrative of their history. Included in his body of work are depictions of scenes with universal, personal relevance, such as the couple in Farewell at Sounion. Stoic, brave, yet tender, their intimacy and restraint – magnificently portrayed in traditional dress, with him wearing the fustanella of an armatolos (a revolutionary fighter) – move the viewer as deeply as the illustrious protagonists in his dramatic monumental scenes. One can only hope that they were reunited. Sailor and Cupids (Fan), 1943, Yiannis Tsarouchis Sailor and Cupids (Fan), 1943, Yiannis Tsarouchis Object and Allegory Sailor and Cupids (Fan), 1943, Yiannis Tsarouchis Tsarouchis had a distinct way of depicting men in uniform. Some of his most well-known and finest works feature uniformed men, particularly sailors, though occasionally a police officer or soldier appears. If we were unsure how to interpret this particular sailor, whose pose is relaxed yet not overtly provocative, the cupids flanking him help provide context. These figures are far from the chubby infant putti often associated with Cupid; instead, they are winged young men in their prime, hovering on either side of the sailor, drawing the viewer’s eye with their well-defined pectorals, triceps, thighs, and glutes. Objects of desire themselves, their wings and gentle poses highlight the innocence of the scene set in a bucolic meadow. In this case, the medium reinforces the message: the scene, with its floral border, is not painted on a canvas but rather on a fan – an inherently flirtatious personal accessory, whose motion mimics the fluttering of the cupids’ wings. Tsarouchis’ sensually charged depictions of men evoke a directness that resonates today. Viewed within the social mores of the time, this honesty sparks admiration. Tassos (Alevizos Anastasios), Song of Songs. Song II, 1965 Tassos (Alevizos Anastasios), Song of Songs. Song II, 1965 Yannis Moralis, Couple, 1942 Yannis Moralis, Couple, 1942 Refresh me with apples…. Tassos (Alevizos Anastasios), Song of Songs. Song II, 1965 Tassos’ woodcut of a couple in an erotic embrace offers a striking contrast to Moralis’ work. The man holds the woman from behind, and rather than conveying a moment of passion, they seem to share a deep contentment – a serene union of hearts and minds, as reflected in their aligned expressions and the perfect harmony of their noses. One of Greece’s foremost printmakers, Tassos combined Byzantine idioms with contemporary expression. His Song of Songs series, which includes this piece inspired by Song II, features the beautiful line: “Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples, for I am faint with love.” Desire Yannis Moralis, Couple, 1942 Moralis, a master of discreet erotic expression, captures desire in the least supple of mediums: woodcut. There are no flowing curves or subtle shading; instead, strokes and cross-hatchings convey vitality and depth. The figures are beautifully posed, leaning toward each other with tenderness – heads inclined, hands lightly touching arms. This decisive moment, the understanding between them, is a consummation in itself. The small work is breathtaking, and the palpable intimacy makes one look away briefly. Fotis Kontoglou, Wall Painting for his home, 1932 Fotis Kontoglou, Wall Painting for his home, 1932 Domestic Bliss Fotis Kontoglou, Wall Painting for his home, 1932 This work alone makes a visit to the National Gallery worthwhile. Kontoglou, a master of Byzantine art, was a deeply influential figure for the “Generation of the ‘30s.” Many notable artists, including the surrealist Nikos Engonopoulos and modern painter Yannis Tsarouchis, apprenticed under him – Tsarouchis also helped paint this vast fresco on the walls of Kontoglou’s home. The central focus of this multi-faceted work is the artist himself, flanked by his wife, Maria, and their young daughter, Despoula (Depoina), at the heart of the composition. The inscription beneath is particularly poignant, proclaiming his Asia Minor roots as a son of “Aivali” (or “Kydonia” – both names referring to “the land where the quinces grow,” in Turkish and Greek), expressing gratitude to his collaborators, and affirming his dedication to the purity of the Byzantine idiom. First Crush The Kiss, 1878, Nikephoros Lytras A key figure in modern Greek painting, Lytras offers a window into late 19th-century Greek society. His works divide into two distinct themes: fine portraits in the academic style for the urban elite, and pioneering genre painting of everyday Greek life. Among these, The Kiss is particularly evocative. This innocent kiss between two young people, though not passionate or lustful, is charged with **********. The girl, on tiptoe, barely reaches the boy’s lips. She seems to be in a root cellar, while he crouches to meet her lips, awkwardly leaning into the ground-level window. The simplicity of the setting – laundry spilling from a basket, a braid of garlic hanging from a rafter, and a forgotten slipper – pulls the viewer right into the moment. A flower on the left may symbolize their innocence, though we would have grasped that without it. Yannis Moralis, Love Scene, 1982 Yannis Moralis, Love Scene, 1982 Love, Abstracted Yannis Moralis, Love Scene, 1982 To fully appreciate the development of Moralis’ work – both stylistically and thematically – it helps to view a wide range of his pieces spanning several decades, which you can do at the National Gallery. The collection is primarily displayed together (with the woodcut mentioned above included in the print section). Here, you can trace his early figurative works and portraits, followed by the key transitional phase of stylized figures, such as in the ******** Compositions of the late 1950s. Then, there is this remarkable abstract work – although, upon closer inspection, it isn’t truly abstract. Once again, we see two figures interacting within a dynamic composition, full of energy that justifies the painting’s title. Sachinis Xenis (Xenophon), Xenis with his wife Louis Corinth, 2011 Sachinis Xenis (Xenophon), Xenis with his wife Louis Corinth, 2011 A Sophisticated, Contemporary Urban Flirtation Sachinis Xenis (Xenophon), Xenis with his wife Louis Corinth, 2011 This clever, multi-layered work, both literally and figuratively, engages the viewer provocatively. A linocut on paper with pointe sèche on plexiglass, it depicts the artist with a martini glass in one hand, fondling his wife’s breast with the other. The familiarity of the composition – reminiscent of Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe and Gabrielle d’Estrées et une de ses sœurs – adds layers of cultural reference. The background evokes a bucolic mood, while the expressive blue line sketches a narrative that is both gently erotic and sophisticated. Source link #Pictures #Love #Greece Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ukraine’s drone makers are turning up production for a weapon they once thought would never work Ukraine’s drone makers are turning up production for a weapon they once thought would never work Ukraine’s defense industry is boosting the production of fiber-optic drones. These drones are a major threat in combat because they’re immune to electronic warfare defenses. Ukrainian drone makers say there was initial skepticism of this tech, but now it’s in high demand. Ukraine’s expanding defense industry is now ramping up production of new fiber-optic drones that can be converted into unjammable flying bombs. They can evade electronic shields and deliver precision strikes. These drones have emerged as a solution to electronic warfare, which Ukraine and Russia use to render enemy weapons ineffective. Electronic systems interference is a major element of the high-stakes technology race driving combat innovation. Business Insider spoke with several people directly involved in Ukrainian efforts to scale up the fiber-optic drone production. Some said there was skepticism at first about how the tech would perform in practice, but these weapons are now in high demand. They are seen as an essential part of a rapidly evolving battlefield. Fiber-optic drones are first-person view drones that can carry a small explosive payload, but instead of relying on a radio frequency connection that is vulnerable to electronic signal jamming, these drones are equipped with spools of long, thin cables that offer them a stable connection over a range of several miles. The fiber-optic cables maintain a reliable link between the drone and the operator, making them quite dangerous because they are resistant to traditional electronic warfare practices. They are difficult to defend against and provide high-quality video transmissions. Russia introduced fiber-optic drones on the battlefield last year, and the technology became more prominent by the fall. The possibilities were clear, and it wasn’t long before the Ukrainians started operating the drones in combat. A Ukrainian serviceman prepares a fiber-optic drone in the Kyiv region in January.AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky Ukrainian developers first started working on fiber-optic drone tech in 2023, Nataliia Kushnerska, a senior executive in Ukraine’s defense industry, told ***. “That year saw the creation of the first prototypes and initial testing conducted by the manufacturers themselves,” said Kushnerska, the chief operating officer of Brave1, a Ukrainian government operation that facilitates innovation within the defense industry. “Today, Ukrainian producers have already transitioned to serial production of these systems,” she said. Brave1 works with fiber-optic drone manufacturers, giving them support, such as providing testing sites and organizing demonstrations. It also connects Ukrainian security and military forces with companies so they can place orders. Kushnerska said dozens of teams across the country are working on fiber-optic drones now, and the number is only growing. She said some of the companies can produce thousands of these drones each month. An essential part of a changing battlefield Max, the CEO of the Kyiv-based company BattleBorn, which develops and makes fiber-optic drones, told *** that he first heard about these drones last spring but was skeptical about the tech because he did not think it would be practical in combat. A fiber-optic drone is seen in the Kyiv region in January.Tetiana DZHAFAROVA / AFP Many of the Ukrainian industry figures *** spoke with requested anonymity due to the security situation in their country. *** verified their roles in the industry. Volodymyr, co-founder of a Ukrainian drone-making company called Fold, said that the military and industry were suspicious of the fiber-optic drone technology. “At first, no one believed in this idea,” he said in translated remarks shared with ***. The big concerns were that environmental obstacles like trees or buildings would cut the fiber-optic cables and that drones would only be able to operate along straight roads. But as time went on, drone manufacturers began to realize that the addition of fiber-optic cables would be a suitable modification to their drones, said Volodymyr. By mid-2024, it was clear they were a necessary addition to the modern battlefield. “As it turned out, they were much more practical than expected,” Max shared. Companies like BattleBorn and Fold are turning up production and trying to improve their operations — and they are not alone. Oleksii, a representative of Warbirds of Ukraine, a Kyiv-based company, told *** that it took a while for fiber-optic drones to become popular because there wasn’t enough demand. Manufacturing and scaling up production also presented technical challenges. A Ukrainian servicewoman in a headset operates a fiber-optic drone during a test flight in the Kyiv region in January.Global Images Ukraine/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images But as electronic warfare tactics increasingly interfered with typical communication channels, a need for some sort of solution became apparent. Warbirds of Ukraine started developing fiber-optic drones in the fall, and now it can produce 700 systems a month. Fiber-optic drones are not without their hassles, though. Producing the thin cables is a complicated and technical process, and they are fragile, making them physically vulnerable to damage in a warfighting environment. Manufacturers also have to leave room on their drones for the spools that carry the fiber-optic cables, reducing their explosive payload. Additionally, the drones are slower and less maneuverable than those that use radio communication. But these weapons have the potential to be game changers. Oleksii said that the fiber-optic drones “are essential because they remain operational in electronic warfare environments. When used with the right technology, they can significantly improve the accuracy of strikes.” “This is one of the evolutionary steps in developing new approaches to counter electronic warfare systems,” he added. Fiber-optic drones are just one new area of focus for Ukraine’s booming defense industry. The country is also producing homemade artillery, missiles, and other weapons to meet front-line demands. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Ukraines #drone #makers #turning #production #weapon #thought #work Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Senior Republican senator ‘puzzled and disturbed’ by Hegseth’s Ukraine remarks – POLITICO Europe Senior Republican senator ‘puzzled and disturbed’ by Hegseth’s Ukraine remarks – POLITICO Europe Senior Republican senator ‘puzzled and disturbed’ by Hegseth’s Ukraine remarks POLITICO EuropeNATO membership for Ukraine not off the table, US official says ReutersAnalysis | Hegseth stumbles out of the gate The Washington PostNATO is in disarray after the US announces that its security priorities lie elsewhere The Associated PressListen Closely to What Hegseth Is Saying The Atlantic Source link #Senior #Republican #senator #puzzled #disturbed #Hegseths #Ukraine #remarks #POLITICO #Europe Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dolphins thrash Cowboys to give Woolf a great headache Dolphins thrash Cowboys to give Woolf a great headache Sean O’Sullivan and Kurt Donoghoe starred to inspire the Dolphins’ so-called second-string spine to a sensational 50-8 thrashing of North Queensland and send a warning shot to the NRL that there is life after Wayne Bennett. Queensland under-19s gun LJ Nonu scored a hat-trick on the wing to stamp the Ipswich junior as a star in the making. Captain O’Sullivan, playing at No.7, was instrumental in most of the side’s six first-half tries as fullback Donoghoe, five-eighth Jake Averillo and hooker Harrison Graham created havoc in the NRL Pre-Season Challenge clash in Cairns. Dolphins prop Josh Allen, the son of Brisbane and Queensland front-rower Gavin Allen, made a statement in the first 40 minutes that he is an NRL player of the future. Second-rowers Aublix Tawha and James Walsh were also enormous. O’Sullivan, off-contract at the end of the year, made a compelling claim to be considered for the round-one NRL clash with South Sydney with his organisation, kicking and passing game on-song. Averillo scored a first-half try with skill and speed, and versatile PNG international Donoghoe had two try assists and showcased blistering speed . Nonu, a Queensland under-19 representative, crossed for two first-half tries to give the visitors a 34-4 lead at the break, then scored the first try of the second stanza with brute strength. New coach Kristian Woolf, who has clearly had a key influence on how the Dolphins played, was in the coaches’ box with his assistant Nathan Fien, who had been given oversight of the team for the trial. Woolf has now got a tougher selection call to make for the NRL season opener after so many of his fringe top-17 players shone. It was a perplexing and poor night for the Cowboys. Coach Todd Payten will have to write it off as a match where everything went wrong on both sides of the ball. Second-rower Kai O’Donnell, formerly of Leigh Leopards, was one of their best. PNG international Robert Derby, who had a tough evening, scored a second-half try with a clinical finish. Source link #Dolphins #thrash #Cowboys #give #Woolf #great #headache Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A ‘Preferred’ Path Through the Tariff Minefield and Yields Up to 10.5% A ‘Preferred’ Path Through the Tariff Minefield and Yields Up to 10.5% President Trump has been talking about tariffs since 1989, when he advocated for a 15% to 20% tax on imports from Japan because of unfair trade practices. This is how he describes Canada, China, Mexico and Europe today. Trump has already imposed a 10% levy on ******** imports. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada have secured a 30-day reprieve from planned 25% tariffs, contingent upon their commitments to bolster border security and curb the flow of illicit drugs into the United States. More tariffs are coming. Trump says he is willing to take the short-term pain for potential benefits. We, contrarians, don’t have to grit our teeth and suffer with stocks that are suddenly tariff losers. We will continue to sidestep companies with supply chain risk as we load up on a ********* bullish play: bonds. The has traded lower since the initial tariff news. Here’s why—tariffs are a short-term headwind on growth. Contrary to popular belief that these levies are inflationary, a recent study shows otherwise. The Centre for Economic Policy Research found that tariffs do not boost inflation because rising prices depend on a hot economy—and a trade war does the opposite. The Financial Times recently reached a similar conclusion. Yes, tariffs compress company margins due to upward wage pressure and higher costs. But these are typically absorbed by the firms—and their shareholders! Bond investors agree. The 10-year yield has yet again hit its head just below the “5% ceiling.” If tariffs were really inflationary, wouldn’t the bond market have freaked out and demanded higher yields? The opposite has happened: Did Tariffs Cement the Top in Rates? In a steady-to-falling long-rate environment, we are happy to own bonds and their proxies—such as preferred stocks and their **** payouts. Preferreds are called “hybrid” investments because they share qualities of both common stock and bonds. For instance, we buy preferred on a stock exchange (like common stocks), and they represent ownership in a company (like common stocks). But their dividends are fixed (like bonds), they’re extremely sensitive to (like bonds), and their price activity is much more similar to bonds. And as a general rule, as bonds go, so go preferreds. However, our best way to buy isn’t through individual preferreds, but closed-end funds (CEFs). Preferred CEFs not only enable us to diversify across hundreds or thousands of preferred shares by purchasing a single fund—they also allow us to buy those preferreds at a discount to their net asset value (NAV). Plus, rather than doing the digging ourselves, we’re offloading the work to one or more expert managers. Not a bad deal! For example, here are three preferred CEFs currently yielding between 6.9% and 10.5% that we can buy on the cheap. 1. Cohen & Steers Limited Duration Preferred and Income Fund (LDP) Distribution Rate: 7.5% Discount to NAV: 4.9% I want to start with an oddity in the preferred space: the Cohen & Steers Limited Duration Preferred and Income Fund (NYSE:). The view from 10,000 feet isn’t anything abnormal. LDP isn’t U.S.-centric, but a “global” preferred portfolio, split roughly 55/45 between domestic and international preferreds. It’s heavy in financials, which is par for the course. Credit quality is similar to a standard vanilla preferred fund. Where things start to get weird is the “limited duration” objective. The average preferred stock is perpetual in nature. In other words, it doesn’t have an expiration date, so duration isn’t really part of the picture. But LDP owns preferreds that do have listed maturities, and it explicitly targets those preferred shares that have low duration, which should help reduce interest-rate risk. Gauging that is a little difficult. This Cohen & Steers fund’s average modified duration is 4.5 years (an oversimplified explanation: a percentage-point hike in interest rates would clip LDP’s price by 4.5%). Well, many preferred funds don’t even list a duration, though for what it’s worth, the Morningstar category average for preferred-stock funds is nearly 6 years, and that’s riskier than LDP. We also get a couple of other meaningful differences: A heaping helping of debt leverage (33%) that helps LDP’s managers really swing for the fences on its high-confidence calls, not to mention juices its 7%-plus monthly dividend. A roughly 5% discount to NAV that’s a little cheaper than its historical discount. Historically, all of the above has led to a more turbulent chart than its ETF peers, but a ******* pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. ******* Risk, ******* Reward 2. Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities (FFC) Distribution Rate: 6.9% Discount to NAV: 6.8% Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities (NYSE:) is a pretty standard-issue preferred CEF. The financial sector is about 80% of assets, but 25% is wrapped up in insurance companies, which don’t have the same liquidity issues some banks can run across if customers decide to withdraw all at once. It’s also a global fund—FFC has a larger U.S. allocation (70%), but there are still plenty of big foreign financials from developed countries represented here, including BNP Paribas, Banco Santander and Societe Generale. Overall credit quality is a little lower than DFP and most standard preferred ETFs, with about 5-10 percentage points less in investment-grade preferreds. And management is downright aggressive with leverage, which is just south of 40% right now. As one might imagine, lower credit quality and high leverage has historically led to a lot of wobble in this fund, but long-term, the wobble has been more than worth it. We Lose Preferreds’ Defensive Properties, But the Returns Are Outstanding FFC’s pricing has been all over the place—its five-year average is just 1%, but it traded at a double-digit discount within the past year. It currently sits roughly in between right now, at about 93 cents on the dollar. 3. Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NPFD) Distribution Rate: 10.5% Discount to NAV: 4.9% Preferreds offer high yield, but it’s still extremely rare to see a double-digit payout in the space. But that’s not the only reason Nuveen Variable Rate Preferred & Income Fund (NYSE:) is so interesting. While many preferred stocks pay a fixed dividend, some are issued with variable rates. NPFD homes in on these and other variable-rate income-producing securities. That said, the lion’s share of its assets aren’t in true floating-rate securities. Roughly three-quarters of assets are invested in “fixed-to-fixed rate securities,” which step from one rate to another based on a set schedule. Another 15% or so are in fixed-to-floating rate securities, which start with a fixed coupon that it pays for a few years before switching to a variable-rate coupon. Only about 4% of the fund is invested in pure variable-rate preferreds. Past that, the portfolio is a 65/35 U.S./international blend of primarily financial stocks. Credit quality is quite high—nearly 75% of assets are investment-grade, including nearly 10% in A-rated preferreds. And it’s also happy to use plenty of debt (37% leverage at present) to double down on its investments and boost its monthly distribution. Yet at first glance, it would appear that this Nuveen fund isn’t quite up to snuff with FFC and LDP. Outperformance, Sure, But Still Not Much Performance But context is key. Remember: 2022-23 was brutal for preferreds as a whole! This CEF simply had the misfortune of coming to life on Dec. 15, 2021, just before the market for preferred stocks took a nosedive. In fact, it’s the only one of these three funds to sport a positive total return since NPFD’s inception date. That said, Wall Street isn’t sleeping on NPFD anymore. Within the past year, shares could be bought for 85 cents on the dollar—but now that discount sits at a slimmer 5%. Disclosure: Brett Owens and Michael Foster are contrarian income investors who look for undervalued stocks/funds across the U.S. markets. Click here to learn how to profit from their strategies in the latest report, “7 Great Dividend Growth Stocks for a Secure Retirement.” Source link #Preferred #Path #Tariff #Minefield #Yields Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Judge orders US to restore funds for foreign aid programs – Reuters Judge orders US to restore funds for foreign aid programs – Reuters Judge orders US to restore funds for foreign aid programs ReutersJudge orders temporary reversal of Trump admin’s freeze on foreign aid Fox NewsJudge extends pause on Trump dismantling of USAID through February 21 CNNJudge extends order blocking USAID leave notices and evacuations Government Executive Source link #Judge #orders #restore #funds #foreign #aid #programs #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NASA’s Curiosity Rover Captures Stunning Feather-Shaped Iridescent Cloud on Mars NASA’s Curiosity Rover Captures Stunning Feather-Shaped Iridescent Cloud on Mars A striking cloud formation was observed in the Martian sky by NASA’s Curiosity rover, revealing a feather-shaped structure tinged with iridescent colours. The phenomenon was recorded on January 27, 2023, shortly after sunset. Scientists analysing the image have indicated that such formations help in understanding cloud particle sizes and their growth over time. The event was part of a research initiative focused on noctilucent, or night-shining, clouds. A renewed observational campaign in January 2025 resulted in a video recording of twilight clouds exhibiting red and green hues drifting across Mars. Cloud Formation and Composition According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, these iridescent clouds are composed of either water ice or carbon dioxide ice particles. Their presence in the planet’s atmosphere provides insights into the weather patterns and climatic conditions of Mars. The interaction of sunlight with ice particles leads to the distinct colour variations seen in the images captured by Curiosity. Observations like these contribute to the broader understanding of how clouds form and evolve on the Red Planet. Significance of Iridescence in Martian Clouds Experts have noted that the iridescence seen in the Martian clouds is an indication of uniform particle sizes, which allows light to scatter in a way that produces a spectrum of colours. Research led by Mark Lemmon, an atmospheric scientist with the Space Science Institute in Boulder, Colorado, suggests that these optical phenomena provide valuable information on cloud particle growth. Scientists have also observed that twilight clouds made of carbon dioxide ice are appearing in specific locations on Mars, prompting further investigations. Continued Atmospheric Studies on Mars Monitoring cloud activity remains an essential part of Mars exploration. Researchers continue to track seasonal patterns, atmospheric conditions, and their potential impact on future missions. The Curiosity rover’s ongoing imaging efforts contribute to a better understanding of Martian meteorology and its evolving climate system. These findings add valuable data to existing research on extraterrestrial weather dynamics. NASA’s Perseverance rover, located in the northern hemisphere, has yet to observe similar cloud formations, raising questions about regional atmospheric differences. Source link #NASAs #Curiosity #Rover #Captures #Stunning #FeatherShaped #Iridescent #Cloud #Mars Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US politicians furious at *** demand for encrypted Apple data US politicians furious at *** demand for encrypted Apple data Graham Fraser Technology Reporter Getty Images Two US lawmakers have strongly condemned what they call the ***’s “dangerous” and “shortsighted” request to be able to access encrypted data stored by Apple users worldwide in its cloud service. Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Andy Biggs have written to national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard saying the demand threatens the privacy and security of the US. They urge her to give the *** an ultimatum: “Back down from this dangerous attack on U.S. cybersecurity, or face serious consequences.” The BBC has contacted the *** government for comment. “While the *** has been a trusted ally, the US government must not permit what is effectively a foreign cyber-attack waged through political means”, the US politicians wrote. If the *** does not back down Ms Gabbard should “reevaluate U.S.-U.K. cybersecurity arrangements and programs as well as U.S. intelligence sharing”, they suggest. What is the *** seeking? The request for the data emerged last week. It applies to all content stored using what Apple calls “Advanced Data Protection” (ADP). This uses end-to-end encryption, where only the account holder can access the data stored. Apple itself cannot see it. It is an opt-in service, and not all users choose to activate it. The demand was first reported by the Washington Post, quoting sources familiar with the matter, and the BBC has spoken to similar contacts. The Home Office said then: “We do not comment on operational matters, including for example confirming or denying the existence of any such notices.” Apple declined to comment, but says on its website that it views privacy as a “fundamental human right”. The order has been served by the Home Office under the Investigatory Powers Act, which compels firms to provide information to law enforcement agencies. Under the law, the demand by the Home Office cannot be made public. Getty Images Senator Ron Wyden, the Democrat who represents Oregon, is one of the signatories on the letter to Tulsi Gabbard Senator Wyden and Congressman Biggs say agreeing to the request would “undermine Americans’ privacy rights and expose them to espionage by China, Russia and other adversaries”. They state that Apple does not make different versions of its encryption software for each country it operates in and, therefore, Apple customers in the *** will use the same software as Americans. “If Apple is forced to build a ********* in its products, that ********* will end up in Americans’ phones, tablets, and computers, undermining the security of Americans’ data, as well as of the countless federal, state and local government agencies that entrust sensitive data to Apple products.” The move by the *** government has stunned experts and worried privacy campaigners, with Privacy International calling it an “unprecedented attack” on the private data of individuals. However the US government has previously asked Apple to break its encryption as part of criminal investigations. In 2016, Apple resisted a court order to write software which would allow US officials to access the iPhone of a gunman – though this was resolved after the FBI were able to successfully access the device. That same year, the US dropped a similar case after it was able to gain access by discovering the passcode of an alleged drug dealer. Similar cases have followed, including in 2020, when Apple refused to unlock iPhones of a man who carried out a mass shooting at a US air base. The FBI later said it had been able to “gain access” to the phones. Getty Images Congressman Andy Biggs is a Republican who represents the state of Arizona It is understood that the *** government does not want to start combing through everybody’s data. Rather it would want to access it if there were a risk to national security – in other words, it would be targeting an individual, rather than using it for mass surveillance. Authorities would still have to follow a legal process, have a good reason and request permission for a specific account in order to access data – just as they do now with unencrypted data. Apple has previously said it would pull encryption services like ADP from the *** market rather than comply with such government demands – telling Parliament it would “never build a back door” in its products. WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has also previously said it would choose being blocked over weakening message security. But even withdrawing the product from the *** might not be enough to ensure compliance – the Investigatory Powers Act applies worldwide to any tech firm with a *** market, even if they are not based in Britain. Source link #politicians #furious #demand #encrypted #Apple #data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Avanti West Coast Sunday strikes suspended for talks Avanti West Coast Sunday strikes suspended for talks Strikes planned by Avanti West Coast train managers have been suspended to allow negotiations in a long-running dispute over rest day working. Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) were planning to walk out on the next three Sundays. Before Christmas the union said a revised proposal put to them was rejected by 83% of the 400 members involved in the dispute, before announcing new strike dates. The RMT described the latest postponement as a “breakthrough”, while Avanti said it remained open to working with the union to resolve the dispute. RMT general secretary Mick ****** said: “This breakthrough has been achieved through the strength and determination of our members, whose industrial action has forced Avanti to engage seriously with this dispute. “As a result, strike action has been suspended to allow space for constructive talks. “We are fully committed to using the next three weeks productively to secure a negotiated settlement in good faith.” But Mr ****** warned that Avanti must “demonstrate a real willingness to compromise” if it wanted to avoid an escalation of this dispute. Avanti West Coast said it was pleased the strikes had been suspended. “We remain open to working with the RMT to resolve this dispute and will continue to work together to find a resolution,” a spokesperson said. “This means that tickets will be back on ***** for the dates concerned and we will be able to operate our normal Sunday timetable.” Source link #Avanti #West #Coast #Sunday #strikes #suspended #talks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hundreds turn up to get early glimpse of Indigenous All Stars as fan favourites turn out Hundreds turn up to get early glimpse of Indigenous All Stars as fan favourites turn out Hundreds of fans flocked to Optus Stadium to get a glimpse of the best Indigenous footballers in the great *********** game. SEE THE PICS. Source link #Hundreds #turn #early #glimpse #Indigenous #Stars #fan #favourites #turn Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roku gets upgrades from two Wall Street shops after big earnings beat Roku gets upgrades from two Wall Street shops after big earnings beat Roku could be poised for even more upside following its latest quarterly results, according to Pivotal Research and Wells Fargo. The firms upgraded the streaming platform, with Pivotal moving to buy from hold and Wells Fargo now rating it overweight, up from equal weight. They also increased their price targets on Roku: Pivotal nearly doubled its target to $125 from $65 — implying 44% upside from Thursday’s close — while Wells Fargo upped its target to $129 from $74, which reflects more than 48% upside potential. The moves come on the back of a stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter report from Roku. Roku posted adjusted EBITDA of $77.5 million and revenue of $1.20 billion. That’s well above the $34.7 million in adjusted EBITDA and $1.15 billion in revenue that analysts polled by FactSet were expecting. The company also issued guidance for the current quarter and full year in line with expectations. Shares rallied more than 13% in the premarket on Friday. ROKU 1D mountain ROKU, 1-day Even though Roku’s first-quarter and full-year forecasts were what analysts were anticipating, Pivotal thinks they’re “overly conservative” and that the company’s current growth setup might be underappreciated by the market. “While clearly NFLX and SPOT (BUY) are materially better positioned than ROKU the reality is they both have proven out that focus/product and scale can allow one to be successful against dramatically larger competitors and we think ROKU’s best-in-class product, a solid ’25, already large N. American market share and a successful international expansion set-up ROKU on a path to continued success that does not appear to be properly valued by the market,” analyst Jeffrey Wlodarczak wrote in a note to clients. As for Wells Fargo, analyst Steven Cahall sees multiple bullish catalysts, such as inventory growth and homescreen innovation with the inclusion of brand ads and video. “ROKU is accelerating as [advertising-based video on demand], homescreen and subscription revenues leverage the nearly 100mm Roku CTV households,” the analyst wrote in a Thursday note. “Operating leverage is expanding EBITDA margins and generating strong [free cash flow], and ROKU has no debt.” On top of that, there could be political tailwinds in store in both 2026 with the midterm elections and 2028 with the presidential election, as Cahall anticipates that campaigns and political action committees will look to reach younger audiences. In 2026 specifically, he estimates that the company’s political revenues could be more than $200 million, which would mean “a long-term shift in ad share” for the company, he said. However, most analysts on Wall Street are on the sidelines with the name. LSEG data shows that 17 out of the 34 total who cover it have a hold rating. Another 14 have a strong buy or buy rating. Additionally, the stock’s average target of around $81 implies more than 6% downside ahead. While the stock has outperformed the broader market in this young year, rising nearly 17% year to date, it’s underperformed in the last 12 months. In that *******, shares have fallen almost 5%, substantially less than the S & P 500’s gain of more than 22% seen in the last year. Source link #Roku #upgrades #Wall #Street #shops #big #earnings #beat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Republicans Get A Taste Of How Wrong They Were About Michelle Obama’s Plan Republicans Get A Taste Of How Wrong They Were About Michelle Obama’s Plan Critics called out what they saw as yet another instance of conservative hypocrisy and made former first lady Michelle Obama’s name trend online. The backlash to right-wingers came after newly appointed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed school lunches in an interview with Fox News’ Laura Ingraham. “We want to do a number of things but not take away choice from people,” said Kennedy, a vaccine skeptic who has promoted a “Make America Healthy Again” agenda and who President Donald Trump has said well be allowed to go “wild” on health in his role. “The one place that I would say that we need to really change policy is the SNAP program and food stamps and school lunches,” Kennedy said. “Because there the federal government, in many cases, is paying for it, and we shouldn’t be subsidizing people to eat poison.” While the call for healthier school meals has been largely welcomed across the aisle, critics have pointed out the double standard of when Michelle Obama led a similar initiative during her husband Barack Obama’s presidency, but faced conservative anger and accusations of pushing a “nanny state.” Many questioned why the same goal is being backed by the right without the same indignation. Related… Source link #Republicans #Taste #Wrong #Michelle #Obamas #Plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis to be admitted to Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment – ******** News – English Pope Francis to be admitted to Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment – ******** News – English Pope Francis to be admitted to Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis treatment ******** News – EnglishView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Pope #Francis #admitted #Gemelli #Hospital #bronchitis #treatment #******** #News #English Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for February: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor PlayStation Plus Game Catalog for February: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Travis Bruno of Capsule Computers writes: “When it comes to Nippon Ichi Software the first game series that many will think of is Disgaea, and rightly so since not only is that their first major game to make a mark in the West, but it is also one that they have tapped into consistently throughout the years, be it sequels, spin-offs, enhanced editions, and more. This has left quite a few of their other RPGs lost to the past or rarely touched to the point that not too long ago the company brought some of these RPGs out again through classics collections. One such game that was included in those collections happened to be Phantom Brave, an oft revisited title by Nippon Ichi that saw various enhancements through the years but never was given a chance at a sequel. Until now that is. Arriving over twenty years after the first game, Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero gives fans a chance to see how Marona and Ash’s story will continue, but will it be for the best?” Source link #PlayStation #Game #Catalog #February #Star #Wars #Jedi #Survivor Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super-man Suaalii soars as Waratahs grab last-gasp win Super-man Suaalii soars as Waratahs grab last-gasp win Code-crossing superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has made an impressive debut as the NSW Waratahs snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in their Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Highlanders. A rousing last-minute try to replacement prop Siosifa Amone earned the Waratahs a thrilling 37-36 win in a rollercoaster enounter that featured 10 lead changes at Allianz Stadium. The Tahs had looked gone after the Highlanders hit the front for a fifth time shortly after Amone bagged his first try of a memorable Friday night double in the 66th minute. But the nuggety front-rower had fans in raptures when he finished off a desperate multi-phase attack seconds before the fulltime siren sounded to give last year’s wooden spooners a hard-earned winning start to 2025. While he was far from his brilliant best, the Waratahs almost certainly would have lost without Suaalii and his series of classy touches. The prized signing showcased his freakish aerials skills first, then kept the Tahs in the contest with his silky running game. New coach Dan McKellar was hoping Suaalii could get his hands on the ball as much as possible and, debuting at fullback, the 21-year-old wasted no time making his mark on the match. He soared high in the second minute to steal a Jake Gordon box kick from the clutches of Highlanders winger Michael Mansen. Suaalii repeated the effort shortly after, only for his tap-back this time falling straight into the arms of Highlanders halfback Nathan Hastie, who promptly sent winger Caleb Tangitau on a virtual free run down the left sideline to open the scoring. The Waratahs replied with a 10th-minute penalty goal from Tane Edmed, before Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai scurried over from close range to extend the visitors’ lead to 12-3. The home team finally bagged their opening try of the season 33 minutes into the game following the sin-binning of Highlanders lock Mitchell Dunshea for a shoulder to David Porecki’s head, then some more Suaalii input. The one-time NSW State of Origin star was taken out of play after his probing chip and chase, and the Waratahs cashed in on the ensuing field position as prop Taniela Tupou, also on debut for NSW, proved the unlikely provider for flanker Rob Leota to touch down out wide. Suaalii was also instrumental in the home team snatching a 13-12 halftime lead after his 30-metre burst led to centre Joey Walton being pulled down just short of the line. Referee Angus Gardner nabbed Tangitau for not releasing Walton, yellow-carded the winger and allowed Edmed to boot the penalty in the shadows of halftime. Despite being down a man, the Highlanders quickly regained the lead with a penalty goal from Sam Gilbert, before Porecki nudged the Tahs back in front with a driving maul try. Things again looked grim for the hosts when Veveni Lasaqa scored but, again, Suaalii came to the rescue, beating three Highlanders defenders in a dazzling 20-metre run before Max Jorgensen crossed on the next phase. Suaalii also pulled off a try-saving tackle on Highlanders centre Tanielu Tele’a, but it was Amone who ultimately proved the unlikely hero with his late brace to save the Waratahs’ blushes. Source link #Superman #Suaalii #soars #Waratahs #grab #lastgasp #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]