Pelican Press

Blood Strike celebrates 100 million downloads with exclusive rewards Blood Strike celebrates 100 million downloads with exclusive rewards NetEase’****** battle-royale shooter Blood Strike has hit 100 million downloads To celebrate, there’s a bevvy of free rewards on offer for loyal fans Including a very meme-worthy little spinning cat While NetEase has been making headlines recently for some major new launches, it’s one of its longer-running releases that now has something to celebrate. That’s because NetEase’****** battle royale shooter Blood Strike has now hit over 100 million downloads, with a bevvy of free rewards for loyal players to celebrate the milestone! You certainly will be celebrating if you’re a longtime Blood Strike fan, because there’s plenty of great new content to enjoy and being offered for free now and over the next few weeks. Be that the Galil’s Violet Gold Camo, the Epic Orange Yellow for Striker Nova or 10 Empyrean Stash Vouchers just for logging in. Of course, the big reward that the folks at Blood Strike are eager to highlight is none other than the Spinning Cat. Based on the hit meme of months past, this adorable feline twists and turns in comfortingly janky fashion in the palm of your character’s hand. Dangerous? Maybe not. Adorable? Certainly. Spin me right round But it’s not all newfangled items and shiny skins either! If you’re looking for something more concrete to help you celebrate, there’s also the addition of the new Hot Zone Showdown mode. In this mode, players are split into five squads, with three ‘hot zones’ and one ‘safe zone’ available to them. Your job is, of course, to survive and make it to the end. And you’ll also be able to nab new challenges to complete in both this and existing modes by interacting with the new mission terminals dropped around the map! But while these are all exciting additions, maybe you’re thinking about whether or not there are other options for shooting on mobile? Well, you’re in luck. Be sure to check out our lists of the top shooting games on iOS and Android for some of our own picks! Source link #Blood #Strike #celebrates #million #downloads #exclusive #rewards Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dozens injured in chaos at new Gaza aid site, UN says Dozens injured in chaos at new Gaza aid site, UN says The UN Human Rights Office has said it believes 47 people were injured in Gaza on Tuesday when crowds overwhelmed an aid distribution centre run by a controversial new group backed by the US and Israel. A senior official said the UN was still gathering information but that most of the injuries were due to gunshots and that “it was shooting from the IDF [Israel Defense Forces]”. Gaza’s ******-run health ministry said one person was killed and 48 others were wounded. The IDF said it was checking the reports. A spokesman said troops fired “warning shots” into the air in the area outside the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s site in the southern city of Rafah but that they did not fire towards people. The GHF’s aid distribution system uses US security contractors and bypasses the UN, which has rejected it as unethical and unworkable. The US and Israeli governments have said it is preventing aid from being stolen by ******, which the armed group denies doing. UN agencies have warned that Gaza’s 2.1 million population is facing catastrophic levels of hunger after an almost three-month Israeli blockade that was eased last week. On Tuesday, thousands of Palestinians desperate for aid headed to the GHF distribution centre in Rafah, which is under full Israeli military control. In the late afternoon, videos showing chaotic scenes as thousands of men, women and children streamed into the site, walking over torn-down fences and earth berms. In one clip, some people are seen running as what appear to be gunshots ring out. On Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Office in the ************ territories said it had received information that about 47 people were injured during the incident. “It is through gunshots,” Ajith Sunghay told reporters in Geneva. “We are trying to confirm what has happened to them in the sense of seriousness [of the injuries]. What we know is that it was shooting from the IDF.” A spokesman for Gaza’s health ministry said one man, Salem Abu Moussa, died after being shot at the aid distribution centre. He was initially taken to the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah before being transferred to Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, where he succumbed to his wounds. Another 48 people were injured, he added. “We are checking information from the UN. At the time we are speaking, we have no information on this matter,” IDF spokesman Colonel Olivier Rafowicz told AFP news agency. Israeli troops “fired warning shots into the air, in the area outside” the GHF centre, he said, adding that “in no case [did they fire] towards the people”. The GHF said on Tuesday that at one point its team “fell back to allow a small number of Gazans to take aid safely and dissipate”, adding that this was “in accordance with GHF protocol to avoid casualties”. It also said it could confirm that no shots were fired at the site. “What we saw yesterday is a very clear example of the dangers of distributing aid in the way GHF is doing this,” said Mr Sunghay. “Exposing people to death and injury trying to get food.” He added that many people in Gaza were fearful of traveling south to try access the aid, because of the security concerns during the long journey, and because they feared detention by Israeli forces when they got there. Many others, he said, were unable to travel: women with small children, the elderly, and those who are sick or injured. Asked whether at least some food, as distributed by GHF, was better than no food at all, Mr Sunghay said: “There is a right to food, but also to distribution of food and humanitarian supplies in a safe and dignified manner.” The UN and other established aid agencies have refused to co-operate with the GHF, arguing that its operation does not comply with the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality. They have said they have tonnes of supplies ready to enter Gaza, and a detailed plan to distribute them that minimises looting. Gaza’s ******-run Government Media Office said Israel’s efforts to distribute aid had “failed miserably”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech on Tuesday that his government had “worked out a plan with our American friends to have controlled distribution sites” for aid where it would be “very hard for ****** to steal it, especially because we guard these positions”. He acknowledged that there had been “some loss of control momentarily” at the GHF site in Rafah, but added: “We brought it back under control. We’re going to put many more of these.” “And the idea is basically to take away the humanitarian looting as a tool of war of ****** to give it to the population. Eventually to have a sterile zone in the south of Gaza where the entire population can move for its own protection.” A senior Trump administration official meanwhile said: “Aid is getting to the people in need, and through their secure distribution system, Israel is kept safe and ****** empty handed.” Israel imposed a total blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza on 2 March and resumed its military offensive two weeks later, ending a two-month ceasefire with ******. It said the steps were meant to put pressure on the armed group to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, up to 23 of whom are believed to be alive. On 19 May, the Israeli military launched an expanded offensive that Netanyahu said would see troops “take control of all areas” of Gaza. The following day, he said Israel would also temporarily ease the blockade and allow a “basic” amount of food into Gaza. Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response ******’ cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 54,084 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 3,924 since Israel resumed its offensive, according to the territory’s health ministry. Source link #Dozens #injured #chaos #Gaza #aid #site Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sorry Sony, Next Week Is Huge for Gamers Who Love Nintendo & Xbox Sorry Sony, Next Week Is Huge for Gamers Who Love Nintendo & Xbox If you’re a Nintendo or Xbox fan, the next week is about to be very exciting. Gamers are about to get a treat with the upcoming release of the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, the Summer Game Fest on June 6, and the Xbox Games Showcase on June 8. You’ll notice that Sony and PlayStation fans don’t have a lot to look forward to. From the launch of Nintendo’s next-gen console to every new game that we’re about to see, the first week of June 2025 is going to be big. With SGF host Geoff Keighly bringing us back to yet another year of gaming reveals, let’s all get ready for a week of fun ahead. Next week is going to be big, but Sony is sitting it out Nintendo is first out of the gate on Thursday, June 5, with the long-awaited release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Available worldwide, the Switch 2 comes in two versions: a standalone console for $449.99 and a bundle that includes a digital code for the brand-new Mario Kart World at the same price. Mark your calendar for Friday, June 6 — @SummerGameFest returns to @youtubetheater in LA to showcase what’s next from the entire video game industry. Streaming live everywhere. Followed by SGF Play Days from @iam8bit for media + Influencers in downtown LA. pic.twitter.com/mfViX89hDu — Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) January 30, 2025 But Nintendo isn’t the only one making noise next week. On Friday, June 6, Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest 2025 kicks off at 5 PM ET, streaming live from Los Angeles. Over 40 game publishers will showcase new trailers, exclusive reveals, and world premieres, all across platforms. We’ve even gotten confirmation from Keighley himself that Hideo Kojima is confirmed to appear on stage. Maybe he’ll give us new details on Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, or maybe even updates on his mysterious Xbox project, OD. Nintendo and Rockstar typically sit out SGF, but the event is still a must-watch for us gamers. JUST ANNOUNCED: Hideo Kojima will join us live on stage for #SummerGameFest next Friday, June 6 at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Livestream at 5p ET / 2p PT / 9p GMT / 6a JST. Limited fan tickets available here: pic.twitter.com/TYtFtstJCr — Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) May 27, 2025 Sunday, June 8, belongs entirely to Xbox. At 10:00 AM PT (1:00 PM ET), the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 will stream live across Xbox’s YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms in over 40 languages, including American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL). This is the biggest gaming event in 2025 so far PlayStation will have its time later. | Image Credit: Sony We have no news yet about the games we’re gonna see on the Xbox Games Showcase, but we can make some guesses. One thing we are excited about is that SGF will immediately be followed by a special showcase for Outer Worlds 2. We can expect to see an in-depth look at Obsidian Entertainment’s highly anticipated sci-fi RPG sequel. While Sony has its own projects in the making, the next seven days won’t be about PlayStation. The headlines are about to be dominated by the Nintendo Switch 2 and all the new games about to get new trailers and announcements. Between the Switch 2 launch, Summer Game Fest, and the Xbox event, Nintendo and Xbox fans are walking into a dream weekend. June 5 through June 8 will set the tone for the rest of 2025. If GTA 6 wasn’t delayed to next year, we could’ve expected more footage of it, but now other developers and games have the red carpet for any new reveals. Source link #Sony #Week #Huge #Gamers #Love #Nintendo #Xbox Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I was 22 and I knew I was dying, I screamed ‘I’m having a heart attack’ I was 22 and I knew I was dying, I screamed ‘I’m having a heart attack’ One day, when I was 17, my left leg suddenly felt tight and sore. I thought I must have a muscle injury because I was a hockey player and did a lot of running and weight training. But it started to go blue and get *******, so I went to the GP. He said I’d got an ankle injury and to go home and put a cold compress on it. I couldn’t sleep with the pain and, the next day, could barely walk, so I went back to the GP who told me, “You need to go to A&E right now” without explaining why. At the hospital, I had a scan, and doctors told me I had a massive deep vein thrombosis from the top of my hip to the bottom of my ankle. No one explained why it’d happened though, or warned me that it could lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. The consultant just told me: “You’ve got a blood clot, here’s some medication, go home.” Afterwards, I had to deal with the mental and physical toll. I couldn’t walk normally for eight weeks and the blood thinner I was prescribed made my hair start to fall out. My left leg was five inches wider than my right – it’s still two inches ******* now and still gets sore. I lived in fear that I might have another deep vein thrombosis, and kept getting upset when I was studying at sixth-form college. The truth was I’d become frightened of my own body. I was referred to a haematologist who suggested the blood clot had been due to my contraceptive pill, so told me to come off it and take blood thinners for the next six months. Faith had always been sporty and now works as a pilates teacher. (Supplied) A second blood clot A year later, when I was no longer taking the pill or the blood thinners, I felt a sudden pain in my groin. It turned out I had another blood clot and was put back on blood thinners, but my doctor didn’t seem to take it seriously and decided I was just unlucky to have had two blood clots. It frightened me that I didn’t have a reason for something so serious happening to me. For the next couple of years, though, life was great. My health was fine, I moved in with my fiancé and I was flourishing as an online fitness coach. That was until one day in January 2024. I was on my way to a hockey game when I felt a little nauseous, but I put it down to pre-match anxiety. Then, I was having coffee with the team after the game and suddenly came over all agitated and cold. On the drive home, I felt like my chest had started to crush me from front to back, and my left arm went completely numb. On the drive home, I felt like my chest had started to crush me from front to back, and my left arm went completely numb. I pulled into a lay-by, got out of the car, and started to swing my arms around and walk up and down. Of course, these are textbook heart attack symptoms but nobody in my position – a fit, young girl – is ever going to think that’s happening to them. I began to feel a sense of impending doom, but I didn’t think to call an ambulance because my normal human reactions had just gone out of the window. I called my partner saying: “I don’t know what’s wrong, but I just don’t feel like myself.” He was too far away to get me, so I drove home. I’ve no idea how I did it but I got to my parents’ house where I started to feel like I was being run over from head to toe. Both my arms were numb now and I started vomiting profusely. I went grey and was rolling on the bed trying to alleviate the pain, completely hysterical. After her own traumatic experience, Faith went on to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. (Supplied) Life or death situation My mum and dad dialled 999, told them what was happening and mentioned my previous DVTs, but the operator said: “She’s having a panic attack.” At this point, I knew I was dying and had to get help, so I screamed, “I’m having a heart attack!” Shockingly, I was denied an ambulance, so my partner and dad got me in the car and I walked, hunched over, into A&E. They said I had a stomach bug but that they would do blood tests and an ECG – at which point, the nurse ran off, they put the blue curtains around me, and a doctor spoke to my dad on the other side. I began hysterically crying and shouting, ‘What’s going on?’ but they put me on such a high dose of morphine that I didn’t really know what was happening. I heard him say, “Your daughter needs to go to Stoke [hospital] right now because she’s having a heart attack and could die.” I began hysterically crying and shouting, “What’s going on?” but they put me on such a high dose of morphine that I didn’t really know what was happening. They asked my dad and my partner if I was a ******** user because the ECG was so abnormal for a 22-year-old but I don’t do drugs or drink. I’ve never even smoked a **********. The paramedics got me in the ambulance to Stoke hospital which has a ******* cardio unit, put defibrillator pads on me, and took me to the coronary care unit where a surgeon asked me to sign a form, saying, “You need this surgery or you’re going to die.” A ‘widowmaker’ heart attack They brought my dad in who was completely distraught. Next I had an angiogram (a blood vessels x-ray) and a procedure called a thrombectomy. It showed that the biggest artery in the heart – the left anterior descending artery – was 100% blocked by a blood clot. Throughout all this, I was awake, on local anaesthetic, and felt the wires poking and prodding in every chamber of my heart as they removed the clot. It was what’s known as a ‘widowmaker heart attack’, a particularly serious attack with a less than 12% survival rate. I’d had a particularly serious heart attack with a less than 12% survival rate. Afterwards, I spent a week in the coronary care unit and was told I was in severe heart failure and may need a heart transplant. Then further tests showed I had something called a PFO, a hole in the heart that is more like a flap. You’re born with it – one in four people have one – and they’re meant to close six months after birth. Mine simply didn’t, but I’d never known I had it as I’d had no symptoms. This still didn’t explain the clots though. Then my vascular surgeon told me I also had a condition called May-Thurner Syndrome, which is where an iliac artery, a major artery that directly meets with the heart, compresses on to an iliac vein. Essentially it’s like a hose pipe being squashed every time your heart beats, disrupting the blood flow and increasing the risk for deep vein thrombosis. Faith has now recovered and is enjoying planning her wedding, pictured with fiancé Sam. (Supplied) A ticking time bomb I had two congenital problems and they’d clashed horribly. It was a relief to finally know what was wrong. Doctors told me, “Faith, you were basically a ticking time bomb, and that bomb went off, but we’re never going to let that bomb go off again.” The unknown had been the most frightening thing so their words made me feel like I could start rebuilding myself. My surgeon said the best thing I could do was to manage my conditions through medication and lifestyle. I’m now on blood thinners for life and have regular tests. I’ve worked hard to strengthen myself in every way, from eating well and getting plenty of sleep to boosting my confidence. I also had cognitive behavioural therapy because I didn’t want to live in fear and anxiety. I also had cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) because I didn’t want to live in fear and anxiety. I still have bad days, but I’ve got to a point where I’m completely in control. Now, my heart functions the same as a normal heart and I’ve gone from nine out of 17 segments being damaged to six. My healthy lifestyle helped my heart to repair itself, so I won’t need a heart transplant after all. If my DVTs had been taken seriously and I’d had a diagnosis earlier, the heart attack would never have happened. I’m only 23 and was very lucky to survive – now I have my whole life to live. I’m planning my wedding, I’ve qualified as a Pilates teacher and am opening my own studio, Heart and Harmony Wellness, next month. I’d like to think that my story can bring positivity and hope to people who are in a tough place mentally, to show that the bad times don’t last. Faith is a British Heart Foundation ambassador, raising money to support the charity’s research. What are the symptoms of a heart attack? Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, however the NHS says common signs can include: Pain that feels like it’s spreading form your chest to your arms (most commonly the left), jaw, neck, back and stomach If you think you or someone else might be experiencing a heart attack, call 999 immediately. Read more on heart health: Source link #knew #dying #screamed #heart #attack Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Dead by Daylight Update 3.45 Rolls Out Patch 8.7.2 Dead by Daylight Update 3.45 Rolls Out Patch 8.7.2 The blue tint of frozen skin complements quite nicely with all that red, doesn’t it? Dead by Daylight’s Bone Chill Event is back, offering up a gift of holiday horror alongside all those cookies and milk. We’ve got you covered with new Unlockable Cosmetics, winter-themed Collections, and the most ******-to-the-wall Snowman shenanigans yet. Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer action/horror game where one player takes on the role of a brutal Killer and the other four play as Survivors. As a Killer your goal is to sacrifice as many Survivors as possible. As Survivors your goal is to work together to evade, escape, and most importantly – stay alive. Source link #Dead #Daylight #Update #Rolls #Patch #8.7.2 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* six-year-olds could soon have retirement funds ******* six-year-olds could soon have retirement funds Girl Child Putting a Coin in a Piggy Bank. Natalia Lebedinskaia | Moment | Getty Images Most people begin saving for retirement when they start full-time jobs — but primary school kids in Germany could get an early start. The country’s new government has made plans to introduce a so-called early start pension, setting up kids as young as six years of age with a retirement pot. Under the new plan, 6-18-year-olds who visit educational institutions could receive 10 euros ($11) each month from the government — coming to a total of 1,440 euros per kid across 12 years of eligibility, plus any profits that could accrue from the cash being invested. From the age of 18, people can add personal funds to the account within annual limits. Any profit is set to be tax-free until the age of retirement, when the cash becomes accessible to accountholders. Germany’s current retirement age is 67 — and could always rise — meaning that the savings would accrue over a ******* of more than 60 years. Policymakers have also argued that beyond just setting young people up for the future, the initiative would also help them become more aware and knowledgeable about money, saving and investing. A realistic plan? Many details are still uncertain. There has so far been no guidance on how the savings will be invested and who will manage them. Some experts say the total of these investments might not actually amount to a lot of money for each individual person, with Johannes Geyer, deputy head of the public economics department at research institute DIW Berlin, telling CNBC that the sum is ultimately mostly symbolic. Ideally, he says, the policy could motivate people to think about long-term financial security earlier in life and introduce them to capital markets, including in households where the topic might otherwise not come up in conversation. But Geyer points out that this scenario isn’t necessarily realistic. “It is unclear if it increases the motivation to save for old age or improves financial knowledge,” he said, according to a CNBC translation. “When people receive money passively and basically don’t have to make any investment decisions themselves, it isn’t obvious how their financial knowledge is meant to be improved. Simply being in ‘contact’ with investment decisions does not necessarily lead to good choices,” Geyer explained. Christoph Schmidt, president of the RWI Leibniz Institute for Economic Research, struck a similar tone. “A fundamental error of the plan is that the actual lesson of saving — doing without now to have more tomorrow — gets totally lost,” he told CNBC in translated comments. The funds would be better off used in the ******* education system, he added. “The basic idea of the early start pension, so giving young people starting capital when they enter adult life, is well-intentioned, but when looking more closely there are hardly any convincing benefits of the concept,” he concluded. Source link #******* #sixyearolds #retirement #funds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

These 5 Bloodborne Bosses Would’ve Killed It in Elden Ring Nightreign These 5 Bloodborne Bosses Would’ve Killed It in Elden Ring Nightreign If you ever wanted to play a game that featured Soulsborne levels of difficulty, a convoluted storyline that escalates way too quickly, and the added pleasure of gothic architecture mixed with some of the most grotesque bosses you’ll ever see, Bloodborne is right there for you. We would even go further to say that Bloodborne is the only experience out there that will cater to all your needs. It is a literal masterpiece in every sense, from the visuals to the bosses; this 2015 game is what gave birth to the Soulsborne genre in the gaming industry. The bosses from Bloodborne have a charm of their own, which is sort of missing from the newer games. And that is why we bring you 5 bosses that would have slapped if they were in Elden Ring Nightreign. 1 Rom, The Vacuous Spider Rom is just straight up annoying to fight against | Image Credits: FromSoftware Let’s be honest here, no one wants to fight with a spider in a video game, let alone a spider that is absolutely massive and can teleport. Well, Rom from Bloodborne is exactly that. Although Rom does not have that much health, what truly makes him annoying is his ability to teleport when he’s receiving damage. And if that feels infuriating, Rom also has an army of spiders that will dive-bomb the second they see you and can easily take one-third of your health or even just one-shot you. 2 Moon Presence Moon Presence is one of the coolest bosses in the game | Image Credits: FromSoftware Given the theme of Elden Ring Nightreign, Moon Presence would be the perfect choice as a boss for finishing the day with your teammates. Moon Presence is an eldritch being from the world of Bloodborne, who is mostly composed of human flesh and bones, and because of the large tentacles on its head, it sort of resembles Cthulhu. According to the game’s lore, Moon Presence is one of the great ones, and while its origin is largely unknown, this eldritch being is the one who controls and manipulates the Hunter’s dream, making him a formidable foe. 3 Ebrietas, Daughter of the Cosmos How did members of the Healing Church study Ebrietas without laughing | Image Credits: FromSoftware If you thought Moon Presence looked kinda gross, wait till the Daughter of the Cosmos grabs you with her tentacles to put you in her mouth and start chewing. Ebrietas is exactly what you’d expect from a game that has promised the concept of ‘Eldritch Horror’. Apart from looking like a date night gone wrong, Ebrietas is also one of the most annoying bosses in Bloodborne, and that is because of her ranged tentacle whip attacks and her blood *****, which deals massive amounts of Frenzy. 4 Orphan of Kos Orphan of Kos is both hard and scary looking | Image Credits: FromSoftware Orphan of Kos is part of the Bloodborne: The Old Hunters DLC, and he is infamous for being the hardest boss in the entire game. Apart from giving the players actual nightmares with its grotesque body and ear-piercing shriek, Orphan of Kos’s long-range attacks and unpredictability have literally altered players’ psyches. And as if the boss wasn’t gross enough, FromSoft decided to make the boss wield its own solidified placenta as a weapon, where every now and then it will throw a chunk at you (yuck!). He is one of the best bosses in the game, and if added to Nightreign, he could have shone brighter in the open-world map of the game. 5 Mergo’s Wet Nurse Don’t underestimate Mergo’s Wet Nurse | Image Credits: FromSoftware Mergo’s Wet Nurse is a strange, towering creature with six skeletal arms, and although this weird hooded creature is sort of looked over in the Bloodborne community, it could be a looming spectre of death in Elden Ring Nightreign. The creature uses six curved swords with surprising range and speed, shredding anyone who is close enough to get sliced. Apart from wielding six swords with incredible speed, Mergo’s Wet Nurse also has the power to create pocket dimensions with multiple copies of itself, plus it can also teleport. Although any experienced Souls player can just dodge all her attacks, she would truly reign supreme in an open world map like in Nightreign, where her teleportation and ranged attack become an advantage. Source link #Bloodborne #Bosses #Wouldve #Killed #Elden #Ring #Nightreign Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Mortgage rates rose to the highest level since January Mortgage rates rose to the highest level since January A home is seen for ***** on April 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell | Getty Images Mortgage rates rose for the third straight week last week to the highest level since January, but some homebuyers were undeterred. Mortgage applications to purchase a home climbed 2% compared with the previous week and were 18% percent higher than the same week one year ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. This as the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances, $806,500 or less, increased to 6.98% from 6.92%, with points decreasing to 0.67 from 0.69, including the origination fee, for loans with a 20% down payment. “Purchase applications were up over the week and continue to run ahead of last year’s pace as increased housing inventory in many markets has been supporting some transaction volume, despite the economic uncertainty,” said Joel Kan, an MBA economist. Applications to refinance a home loan took the rate increase harder, falling 7% for the week. Refinance demand was, however, still 37% higher than the same week one year ago. “Conventional refinances were down 6%, and VA refinances dropped 16%,” added Kan. Mortgage rates edged slightly lower to start this holiday-shortened week, after a monthly report on consumer confidence. “The Consumer Confidence Index was stronger than expected, but one of its components raised concern over the labor market,” wrote Matthew Graham, chief operating officer at Mortgage News Daily. “Weaker labor conditions tend to push rates lower, all else equal. The underlying bond market improved after that and several mortgage lenders issued revised rates in response.” Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #Mortgage #rates #rose #highest #level #January Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paris Charles de Gaulle and Stuttgart Airports for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Announced Paris Charles de Gaulle and Stuttgart Airports for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Announced Aerosoft announced its roadmap for 2025, with interesting content in store for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and even MSFS 2020. Source link #Paris #Charles #Gaulle #Stuttgart #Airports #Microsoft #Flight #Simulator #Announced Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Harvard Relents After Protracted Fight Over Slave Photos – The New York Times Harvard Relents After Protracted Fight Over Slave Photos – The New York Times Harvard Relents After Protracted Fight Over Slave Photos The New York Times Source link #Harvard #Relents #Protracted #Fight #Slave #Photos #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple to launch ‘dedicated video game app’ around Switch 2 launch Apple to launch ‘dedicated video game app’ around Switch 2 launch Apple is reportedly planning to launch its own dedicated gaming app “within days” of the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 in an effort to bolster its position in the gaming space. The app will come pre-installed across Apple‘s suite of products in an effort to unify the tech giant’s push into the gaming space. According to Bloomberg, the app will feature a centralized achievement system, leaderboards, and other communication tools. The app will be announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference on June 9, 4 days after the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. This new app will replace Game Center, Apple’s current gaming social offering. Game Center debuted in 2010, and while it has remained part of Apple’s video game infrastructure since then, it has received few meaningful updates. Apple’s gaming app would also integrate Apple Arcade, the company’s subscription gaming service, which offers access to new and classic titles for a monthly fee. Editorial content about games on the Apple platform will also reportedly be a feature of this new app. This week, Apple made its first video game acquisition. RAC7, the two-person developer behind Apple Arcade’s 2019 hit Sneaky Sasquatch, will continue its partnership with Apple as an internal studio, it announced on Tuesday. Speaking to Digital Trends last year, Apple Arcade’s senior director Alex Rofman cited RAC7’s Sneaky Sasquatch as one of the service’s major success stories. “We hear from customers all over the world whose kids want Sneaky Sasquatch birthday parties,” he said. Source link #Apple #launch #dedicated #video #game #app #Switch #launch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk ‘disappointed’ by Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill Elon Musk ‘disappointed’ by Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill Watch: Elon Musk says he is “disappointed” with Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”, in interview with CBS Sunday Morning Elon Musk has criticised one of the signature policies of his close ally, US President Donald Trump. Last week, the US House of Representatives narrowly passed what Trump calls his “big, beautiful” bill, which includes multi-trillion dollar tax breaks and a pledge to increase defence spending. It will now head to the the Senate. Tech titan Musk told the BBC’s US partner CBS News he was “disappointed” by the plan, which he felt “undermines” the work he did for the president on reducing spending. Musk was enlisted as Trump’s cost-cutting tsar – ending funds for US foreign aid among other projects – before announcing he would step back. He also recently said he would cut his political spending. “I was disappointed to see the massive spending bill, frankly,” Musk said in the interview with CBS Sunday Morning, a clip of which was released by the broadcaster before transmission. He went on to argue that Trump’s plan “increases the budget deficit, not just decreases it”. It is thought that the legislation could increase the deficit – or the difference between what the US government spends and the revenue that it receives – by about $600bn (£444bn) in the next fiscal year. Furthermore, the bill “undermines the work that the Doge team is doing”, Musk said, using the acronym of the cost-cutting advisory body the Department of Government Efficiency. Referring to Trump’s moniker for the bill, Musk told CBS: “I think a bill can be big or beautiful. I don’t know if it can be both.” Musk’s intervention highlights the ongoing tension within Trump’s Republican Party over the tax and spend plans, which faced an uneasy passage through the House due to opposition from different wings of the party. Long a policy priority of Trump’s, the legislation pledges to extend soon-to-expire tax cuts passed during his first administration in 2017, as well as provide an influx of money for defence spending and to fund the president’s mass deportations. Musk’s comments on the issue imply a growing distance from Trump, who he helped to propel back to the White House last year with donations of more than $250m. They come after the billionaire recently pledged to step back from Doge. He also said last week that he planned to do “a lot less” political spending in the future, and that he was committed to leading electric car company Tesla for another five years. Tesla faced protests, boycotts and a drop in sales over Musk’s work as the Doge chief, including his controversial efforts to lay off thousands of federal workers and curb foreign aid. Musk defended his actions during last week’s comments, saying: “I did what needed to be done.” Trump and his allies justified the cuts as a matter of weeding out what they saw as fraud and abuse within federal spending. Source link #Elon #Musk #disappointed #Donald #Trumps #big #beautiful #tax #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Are They Duelist or Vanguard? Are They Duelist or Vanguard? The Marvel Rivals community has been dissecting every datamine and leak like it’s the Rosetta Stone. And two names keep surfacing with increasing frequency: Scott Summers (aka Cyclops) and Jean Grey (aka Marvel Girl/Dark Phoenix). These iconic X-Men characters have dominated wishlist discussions since launch, and recent leaks suggest both mutants are finally making their debut in Season 3. So, the burning question here isn’t whether they’re coming; it’s what roles they’ll fill. Will NetEase stuff them into the already bloated Duelist category? Or will they show some mercy to tank and support players? Cyclops speculation runs wild with zero concrete leaks Cyclops appears headed for Duelist territory, though that’s based more on educated guessing than actual leaks. His optic blast powers scream damage dealer, but the lack of concrete datamined abilities leaves everything open to interpretation. Community speculation runs rampant about precision-based mechanics. Players imagine abilities like focused beams requiring pinpoint accuracy, continuous damage streams, and ricochet shots that reward map knowledge. The fantasy of a tactical marksman who punishes poor positioning sounds incredible on paper. His rumored ultimate involves removing his visor for maximum destruction. The idea of trading mobility for devastating area control fits his comic persona perfectly. But here’s the thing: none of this comes from actual leaks. Unlike other characters with datamined voice lines and ability names, Cyclops remains frustratingly mysterious. The community fills this void with wishful thinking and logical assumptions based on his comic powers. That uncertainty makes him either the most exciting or most disappointing upcoming reveal, depending on how reality matches expectations. Jean Grey’s datamined kit breaks all the rules Finally, a character that rewards your feeding. | Image Credit: Marvel Comics Jean Grey sits in completely different territory because her abilities have been properly leaked. And yes, they are wild enough to justify the hype. Her human form packs Psychic Explosion, Telekinetic Transfer, and Shattered Star Impact. Standard Marvel Rivals Duelist fare, right? Wrong. Her rumored “Psychic Block” suppress ability changes everything by locking enemies out of their normal abilities entirely. Think about that for a second. No more Spider-Man web swinging. No more Wolverine leaps. And perhaps most satisfying of all, no more Iron Fist and his gravity-defying “cheaper townhall” nonsense. Just pure, helpless panic as your main mobility tool vanishes. Phoenix form cranks the chaos to eleven. Phoenix Ray, Phoenix Punishment, and Phoenix Wings turn her into an aerial nightmare. But here’s the truly insane part—she might need to die with full ultimate charge to trigger the transformation. A game developer revealed that Jean Grey in Marvel Rivals will have two forms. Her base form and Phoenix form. Confirmed ability in base form: Psychic block – mutes enemies/prevents abilities for 3 seconds Phoenix form: Resurrection – burns the area for 5secs before respawn pic.twitter.com/wznz1rlY0T — Yasul | Phoenix Updates (@twicelab) February 25, 2025 Dying on purpose to gain power? That’s either brilliant game design or the most tilting mechanic ever conceived. Imagine intentionally feeding to unlock your strongest state while teammates collectively lose their minds in voice chat. Leakers/dataminers like RivalsLeaks, X0XLEAK, and Miller Ross deserve credit for digging up many of the details discussed in this article. Their track record speaks for itself, though everything remains speculation until NetEase confirms it officially. Which X-Men legend are you more excited about? Share your thoughts below, and let’s see who wins this popularity contest! Source link #Duelist #Vanguard Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

CarX Street coming to Xbox, pre-orders begin June CarX Street coming to Xbox, pre-orders begin June The open-world street racer hit PC last August, but now a more complete version is on the way, and to Xbox consoles. Source link #CarX #Street #coming #Xbox #preorders #June Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jersey Telecom goes live with 5G Standalone network Jersey Telecom goes live with 5G Standalone network The next-generation roll-out programme by Jersey Telecom (JT) to install a 5G Standalone (SA) network has entered its final phase. JT is said to be the first provider to complete a full-fibre network across a jurisdiction in the British Isles, and is currently rolling out the Channel Islands’ first 5G network, with completion expected by the end of 2025, claiming to be “well ahead” of other regional operators. While telecoms is its core business, JT also plays a role in global digital security, with its mobile intelligence services supporting real-time fraud prevention and identity verification for banks and enterprises. The first sites of the Ericsson-powered multimillion-pound infrastructure have now gone live, marking a significant first for the Channel Islands. Ericsson also noted that the roll-out marks the beginning of a new era for Jersey on a broader business perspective, enabling the island to become a true incubator for innovation across many sectors. This comes just two years on from JT partnering with Ericsson to upgrade its network with end-to-end 5G services. The 5G SA network is designed to provide JT’s Channel Islands customers with world-leading connectivity, continuously enhancing reliability, latency and security. The telco’s focus has been on building an infrastructure that can adapt to future technologies, and meet both anticipated and unforeseen data demands. This process of rolling out the new network will take place over several months, with areas going live in a phased approach. The full 5G SA experience will only be available once all phases are completed, which is expected by the end of 2025. After months of trials, JT’s engineers worked in sync with Ericsson’s Global Network Operations Centre to successfully migrate the old network on sites in Area One in St Ouen and transition to the newly built network. Predictions based on early testing were said to have shown significant signal strength and coverage improvements, culminating in “further significant” increases in average download speed compared with the previous connectivity. The deployment will see JT joining 60 leading operators globally with the launch of 5G SA. “Networks are never complete; the work never stops because technology is always improving, so our focus will always be on enabling the technology of tomorrow, for our customers today,” said JT Group CEO Daragh McDermott. “We are constantly looking ahead while addressing current needs, providing the best possible connectivity, and working with partner organisations and businesses to help them get the most out of the network,” he said. “It’s about taking the right risks and making prudent investments so everyone can thrive and innovate, advancing the digital economy across the Channel Islands.’’ Lyndon Farnham, chief minister of Jersey, added: “We welcome the roll-out across the island of the new 5G network and the potential for enhanced service, security, resilience and innovation it brings. I was able to visit JT’s Network Operation Centre for the official launch, and look forward to hearing more about the performance of the new network and the impact on customers in Jersey.” In addition to its home island, JT has already invested in core network equipment in neighbouring island Guernsey as part of the 5G SA initiative, and stands ready to switch the radio network to match Jersey’s capabilities once the Guernsey Regulator establishes a spectrum licensing framework for the deployment of 5G and future technologies. Source link #Jersey #Telecom #livewith #Standalone #network Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

West Coast recruit Tom McCarthy was told Eagles would call his name with first pick in mid-season draft West Coast recruit Tom McCarthy was told Eagles would call his name with first pick in mid-season draft Tom McCarthy knew he would land at West Coast well before his name was read out with the No.1 pick in the mid-season draft. But says it didn’t take anything away from the moment he became an Eagle. Source link #West #Coast #recruit #Tom #McCarthy #told #Eagles #call #pick #midseason #draft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** closes entrance ramp to US-127 in Lansing ****** closes entrance ramp to US-127 in Lansing LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A ****** involving at least two cars closed an entrance ramp to US-127 on the east side of Lansing for almost three hours Tuesday night. The ****** happened near the intersection of E. Grand River Ave. and Homer St., right in front of the entrance to US-127, prompting officials to close the ramp at around 8:05 p.m. It reopened at 10:43 p.m. (WLNS) (WLNS) (WLNS) (WLNS) 6 News on the scene saw East Lansing police responding and two cars with moderate damage. At this time, 6 News does not know how the ****** happened or if anyone was injured. We will keep you updated with the latest. 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 WLNS 6 News. Source link #****** #closes #entrance #ramp #US127 #Lansing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia to boost AI server racks to megawatt scale, increasing power delivery by five times or more Nvidia to boost AI server racks to megawatt scale, increasing power delivery by five times or more Nvidia is developing a new power infrastructure called the 800 V HVDC architecture to deliver the power requirements of 1 MW server racks and more, with plans to deploy it by 2027. According to Nvidia, the current 54 V DC power distribution system is already reaching its limit as racks begin to exceed 200 kilowatts. As AI chips become more powerful and demand more electricity, these existing systems would no longer be able to practically keep up, requiring data centers to build new solutions so that their electrical circuits do not get overwhelmed. For example, Nvidia says that its GB200 NVL72 or GB300 NVL72 needs around eight power shelves. If it used 54 V DC power distribution, the power shelves would consume 64 U of rack space, which is more than what the average server rack can accommodate. Aside from this, it also said that delivering 1 MW using 54 V DC requires a 200 kg copper busbar — that means a gigawatt AI data center, which many companies are now racing to build, would need 500,000 tons of copper. This is nearly half of the U.S.’s total copper output in 2024, and that’s just for one site. So, instead of using the 54 V DC system, which is installed directly at the server cabinet, Nvidia is proposing to use the 800 V HVDC, which will connect near the site’s 13.8 kV AC power source. Aside from freeing up space in the server racks, this will also streamline the approach and make power transmission within the data center more efficient. It will also remove the multiple AC to DC and DC to DC transformations used in the current system, which added complexity. You may like The 800 V HVDC will also reduce the system current for the same power load, potentially increasing the total wattage delivered by up to 85% without the need to upgrade the conductor. “With lower current, thinner conductors can handle the same load, reducing copper requirements by 45%,” said the company. “Additionally, DC systems eliminate AC-specific inefficiencies, such as skin effect and reactive power losses, further improving efficiency.” According to Digitimes [machine translated], the AI giant is working with Infineon, Texas Instruments, and Navitas to help develop this system. Furthermore, it’s expected that they will deploy wide-bandgap semiconductors like gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) to achieve the high power densities needed by these powerful AI systems. The 800 V HVDC is a technical challenge that data centers must solve for power efficiency, especially as they start to breach 1 GW capacity and more. This solution should help them reduce wasted power, which, in turn, would reduce operating costs. Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Nvidia #boost #server #racks #megawatt #scale #increasing #power #delivery #times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Not Godwyn, the Most Hideous Giant Corpse of Elden Ring Still Has No Explanation Not Godwyn, the Most Hideous Giant Corpse of Elden Ring Still Has No Explanation Elden Ring is considered one of the greatest video games in the entire history of gaming. The title literally provides you with the OG Soulsborne gameplay experience with one of the most complex lore and an open world that can’t be found in any other game. One of the core aspects of Elden Ring is that it leaves a lot of information up to the interpretation of the players, where instead of just outright telling you what happened, they will give you little to no information about it at all. While there are a lot of things that are left unexplained, what perplexes players the most is the giant skeletons that are found around the map. Let’s delve deeper into them. Elden Ring is riddled with enigmatic lore and countless mysteries Elden Ring is an action-adventure role-playing game that was released back in 2022. The game is made by FromSoftware, who are notorious for their high difficulty and environmental storytelling, especially through the use of flavor texts (like item descriptions). The game has sold more than 30 million copies since its release, and a new spin-off is set to release on May 30. Although there are lots of unexplained elements in the game, Elden Ring features these giant skeletons throughout the map that have made a lot of players look through wikis and guides without any sort of concrete proof of why they are there. In the game, they are known as Colossal Remains and can be found in a variety of locations, with the most prominent one being in Caelid. According to the speculations going around on the internet, these Colossal Remains are skeletal vestiges of a long-extinct species of giants, whose size surpassed the trolls and even the Fire Giant from the game. While the Caelid skeletons are much more visible because of their deeply overgrown roots and thick fungal growth, these giants can also be found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, but are fully exposed. The most hideous Colossal Remains can be found just north of Sellia, Town of Sorcery, and while some say that these super giants are remnants of the war between the dragons and the giants, some suggest that these are giants who are being born from the scarlet rot, which is rotting cycle of decay and rebirth. FromSoftware might have just added those skeletons because they looked cool The Colossal Remains from Caelid, north of Sellia | Image Credits: FromSoftware In the end, the presence of these massive skeletons across the Lands Between does more than just raise questions for the players to endlessly follow. They breathe life into the world of Elden Ring and hint at a past so vast and forgotten that even the characters in the game have no clue why the remains are actually there. This feeling of stepping foot on something that existed long before you were there, and something that will continue to exist even after you’re long gone, is exactly why players keep coming back to this game. Not just for answers, but also to feel like they are part of something *******. While all these fan theories with wars against dragons, and ancient races being rebirthed by scarlet rot do sound fun, maybe the skeleton remains are there just because Hidetaka Miyazaki thought that it looked cool, and honestly, that is what makes Elden Ring special, it’s a game where even a half-buried giant skeleton can bring out stories. Source link #Godwyn #Hideous #Giant #Corpse #Elden #Ring #Explanation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to recover financially as school year ends How to recover financially as school year ends Jose Luis Pelaez Inc | DigitalVision | Getty Images It’s officially “Maycember,” a term making the rounds on social media to sum up the chaos and high costs of May — which mimic those of December, minus the holiday cheer. Although May is typically a month of endings and new beginnings, inflation and social pressure have helped drive up the prices for many of the expenses that fall within its 31 days. From graduation gifts and prom attire to camp payments, dance recitals and sports tournaments, the gauntlet of events has left parents feeling particularly strained. Why ‘Maycember’ is ‘a storm of financial stress’ “May often feels like a second December because so many expenses pile up at once,” said Isabel Barrow, executive director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines. “Graduations, school events, weddings and summer travel plans all converge, creating a storm of financial stress.” More from FA Playbook: Here’s a look at other stories impacting the financial advisor business. The key is not to panic, Barrow said. “It’s important to remember that a long-term plan requires long-term perspective, and one month of overspending doesn’t have to derail your financial goals.” How to bounce back in June Most financial experts recommend going back to a basic budget. “The first step towards recovery is to take the time to review your spending and reassess your financial plan,” Barrow said. “Financial well-being begins with awareness and the feeling that you are regaining control.” If you’ve racked up credit card debt, start addressing that immediately, Barrow said. To stay motivated, try picking a repayment strategy, such as the avalanche method or the snowball method, which respectively prioritize paying off the highest-interest debt first or paying off your debt from smallest to largest balance. At the same time, automating your savings is one of the best ways to rebuild after a heavy spending *******, Barrow said: “Set up a recurring transfer to your emergency fund or savings account.” If your employer offers direct deposit splitting, use that to route a portion of your paycheck directly into savings, she advised. The start of summer is also a good time to scale back, according to certified financial planner Lazetta Rainey Braxton, founder and managing principal of the Real Wealth Coterie. Pack a picnic lunch for a day at the park, or “find free events such as museum days and public events.” There may also be more opportunities to pick up a side gig this time of year, she added, such as babysitting or tutoring over the long break from school. Those funds can help turbocharge debt repayment. Plan ahead for next ‘Maycember’ “Know that Maycember is a stretch month that doesn’t represent the pace of your entire life,” said Braxton, who is a member of CNBC’s Financial Advisor Council. “Use your experience as a guide with a rearview mirror.” Tally what you’ve spent on activities and celebrations such as Mother’s Day, graduations and vacations, as well as any payments towards camps or summer activities. Use that total to make a plan for next year, she advised. “Start a Maycember fund by creating a separate savings account and setting aside $25 a month or more,” she said. That advance planning can also come in handy to make the most of sales holidays later in the year, such as ****** Friday and Cyber Monday, she added. Still, “It’s important to remember that you don’t need to overspend or go beyond your budget to give meaningful gifts,” cautioned Kelli Smith, a director of financial planning at Edelman Financial Engines. “Thoughtfulness and creativity can make a big impact.” Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #recover #financially #school #year #ends Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Macy’s (M) Q1 2025 earnings Macy’s (M) Q1 2025 earnings Macy’s logo is seen on a store in Manhattan, New York, United States of America, on July 5th, 2024. Beata Zawrzel | Nurphoto | Getty Images Macy’s cut its full-year profit guidance on Wednesday even as it beat Wall Street’s quarterly earnings expectations. In a news release, the department store operator said it reduced its earnings outlook because of higher tariffs, more promotions and “some moderation” in discretionary spending. Macy’s stuck by its full-year sales forecast, however. For fiscal 2025, Macy’s now expects adjusted earnings per share of $1.60 to $2, down from its previous forecast of $2.05 to $2.25. It reaffirmed its full-year sales guidance of between $21 billion and $21.4 billion, which would be a decline from $22.29 billion in the most recent full year. Here’s how Macy’s did during its fiscal first quarter, compared with what Wall Street was anticipating, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG: Earnings per share: 16 cents adjusted vs. 14 cents expectedRevenue: $4.60 billion vs. $4.50 billion expected In the three-month ******* that ended May 3, the company’s net income was $38 million, or 13 cents per share, compared with $62 million, or 22 cents per share, in the year-ago *******. Sales dropped from $4.85 billion in the year-ago quarter. Excluding some one-time charges including restructuring charges, adjusted earnings per share were 16 cents. Economic uncertainty – including President Donald Trump’s on-again-off-again tariff announcements – has complicated Macy’s turnaround plans. The New York City-based legacy retailer is more than a year into a three-year effort to become a smaller, but healthier business. It’s shuttering weaker stores and investing in stronger parts of the company, including luxury department store Bloomingdale’s and beauty chain Bluemercury. It has also tried to improve the customer experience, including by speeding up online deliveries and adding staff to stores. Macy’s plans to close about 150 underperforming namesake stores across the country by early 2027. In the fiscal first quarter, Macy’s namesake brand remained its weakest. Comparable sales across Macy’s owned and licensed business, plus its online marketplace, declined 2.1% year over year. When Macy’s took out the stores that it plans to shutter, however, trends looked slightly better. Comparable sales of its go-forward business, including its owned and licensed business and online marketplace, declined 1.9% On the other hand, comparable sales at Bloomingdale’s rose 3.8% year over year, including its owned, licensed and marketplace businesses. Comparable sales at Bluemercury rose 1.5% year over year. To try to turn its namesake stores around, Macy’s has invested in 50 locations – dubbed the “First 50” – with more staffing, sharper displays and changes to its mix of merchandise. It has expanded that initiative to 75 additional stores, bringing the total to 125 locations that have gotten increased attention. That’s a little over a third of the 350 namesake locations that Macy’s plans to keep open. Those 125 locations performed better than the overall Macy’s brand. Comparable sales among those revamped stores owned and licensed by Macy’s were down 0.8% compared with the year-ago *******. Macy’s may provide more specifics on its tariff and pricing strategy on an earnings call, which is scheduled for 8 a.m. ET. On Macy’s earnings call in March – before Trump made several sudden tariff moves that baffled companies and investors – CEO Tony Spring said the company’s guidance “assumes a certain level of uncertainty” about the economic outlook. He said even Macy’s affluent customer “is just as uncertain and as confused and concerned by what’s transpiring.” Earlier this spring, Macy’s announced a few key leadership changes – including a new chief financial officer. Macy’s new CFO, Thomas Edwards, will begin on June 22. He previously served as the chief financial officer and chief operating officer of Capri Holdings, the parent company of Michael Kors. He will succeed Adrian Mitchell, who is leaving Macy’s. As of Tuesday’s close, Macy’s shares are down about 29% so far this year. That trails the S&P 500’s nearly 1% gains during the same *******. Macy’s stock closed on Tuesday at $12.04 per share, bringing the retailer’s market value to $3.35 billion. This is breaking news. Please check back for updates. Source link #Macys #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘We’re in a holding pattern’: Home sales and building slump in the face of uncertainty – NPR ‘We’re in a holding pattern’: Home sales and building slump in the face of uncertainty – NPR ‘We’re in a holding pattern’: Home sales and building slump in the face of uncertainty NPRThe 9 largest commercial construction starts of April 2025 Construction DiveNAHB Members Cite Impact of Tariff Uncertainty on Home Building National Association of Home Builders | NAHBStarts jump nearly 30% YOY for buildings with 5 or more units Multifamily DiveReport: Tariffs driving up cost of new home construction The Center Square Source link #holding #pattern #Home #sales #building #slump #face #uncertainty #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk says Trump tax bill weakens Doge cost-cutting efforts | Elon Musk Elon Musk says Trump tax bill weakens Doge cost-cutting efforts | Elon Musk Elon Musk has publicly criticised Donald Trump’s tax bill, saying the US president’s spending plan undermines cost-cutting efforts that the Tesla boss spearheaded, in comments likely to widen a rift between the two men. The remarks by the billionaire businessman were made to CBS as part of a longer interview due to run on its Sunday Morning programme this weekend. In a preview posted on social media, Musk said he was “disappointed to see the massive spending bill, which increases the budget deficit … and undermines the work that the Doge team is doing”. Musk had been leading the “department of government efficiency” (Doge) since January, which was given the task of cutting state spending. He later announced in April he would be stepping back from the Trump administration after Tesla’s earnings plunged. Musk now appears to be hitting out at Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was approved last week by the House of Representatives. The bill pushes ahead with a number of Trump’s campaign promises, including extending tax cuts for individuals and corporations and ending clean energy incentives enacted under Joe Biden. However, the bill also funds the construction of a wall along the border with Mexico, as well as staff and facilities for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Even when taking cuts into account, the bill is expected to add about $2.3tn (£1.7tn) to the deficit, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. Musk told CBS: “I think a bill can be big, or it can be beautiful. But I don’t know if it can be both. My personal opinion.” skip past newsletter promotion Get the most important US headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion The comments will fuel rumours of a growing rift between the billionaire and the US president, whom Musk helped bankroll last year. In total, Musk’s super political action committee donated $200m (£148m) to Trump’s presidential campaign before the November election, which many credit with helping return Trump to the White House. Source link #Elon #Musk #Trump #tax #bill #weakens #Doge #costcutting #efforts #Elon #Musk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Daniel Pastorelli paid out eye-watering $345k when he left senior staffing role after election to Parliament Daniel Pastorelli paid out eye-watering $345k when he left senior staffing role after election to Parliament Daniel Pastorelli was paid out an eye-watering $345,000 when he left his senior staffing role after his election to Parliament in March. Source link #Daniel #Pastorelli #paid #eyewatering #345k #left #senior #staffing #role #election #Parliament Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wall Street Investors Mock Trump With A Brutal 4-Letter Code Word Wall Street Investors Mock Trump With A Brutal 4-Letter Code Word Wall Street investors have cooked up a new term for betting against President Donald Trump ― and some have used it to score big gains at a time when the markets are behaving erratically due to the president’s on-again, off-again tariffs. It’s called “TACO,” which is code for “Trump Always Chickens Out,” and it refers to the president’s tendency to announce massive tariffs, causing the markets to plunge, only to back off days later, causing them to rise again. Most credit Financial Times commentator Robert Armstrong for coining the term. The New York Times noted that it happened again in recent days, with Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on Europe causing major indexes to sink on Friday. But on Sunday he announced that he would delay those tariffs amid a new round of trade talks ― leading to major gains when the markets reopened on Tuesday. Ted Jenkin, president of Exit Stage Left Advisors, told The New York Post there’s now a simple strategy on Wall Street based on those shifts. “Once he delivers bad news, investors are buying those stocks when they are beaten down waiting for him to chicken out and watching those stocks rebound in value,” he explained. Analysts said the situation is unique to Trump. “Under no previous presidency did we have active markets betting on the president’s resolve,” University of Michigan economist Justin Wolfers told Barron’s. “There was no BACO trade, no CACO trade, nothing. It was always taken as a given that when the president spoke on Monday, he would likely still mean it on Tuesday. That’s no longer true. But what’s really hard is that it’s not even obvious when it’ll be true, and when it won’t be. Madness.” Armstrong, the writer who coined the term, had his own tongue-in-cheek takeaway. “Acronyms are very powerful, especially when they remind people of foodstuffs,” he said on the Unhedged podcast. “That is what I’ve learned from this experience.” Source link #Wall #Street #Investors #Mock #Trump #Brutal #4Letter #Code #Word Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]