Silicon Valley’s ‘scale at all costs’ model: A profile of OpenAI
Silicon Valley’s ‘scale at all costs’ model: A profile of OpenAI
00:00 Speaker A
OpenAI is eyeing global expansion, partnering with UAE’s G42 to build an AI data center in Abu Dhabi. This comes as the company is also making a move to buy Johnny Ive’s AI device startup company, making a push into hardware. For more on the ChatGPT maker’s strategic moves, we have investigative journalist Karen Hao, who began covering OpenAI back in 2019, and recently came out with a new book. It’s called Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Altman’s OpenAI. Karen, great to have you here on set. I don’t think, Karen, you could have picked a better week to come out with a new book on OpenAI. The news flow has been constant. I want to get your take on some of that news, but first, just broadly, you’ve got this new book. Why did you write the book, Karen? The point and purpose? What was the message you were trying to get across to readers?
01:55 Karen Hao
Yeah, absolutely. I think everyone, a lot of people in the public, their introduction into AI was really a ChatGPT moment. And there was sort of a lot of contextlessness around the discourse of AI where it sort of felt like this technology just landed from the sky and it wasn’t really clear where it came from, who it came from, what it was going to do to society. And because I’ve been covering the company since 2019, and AI since 2018, I really wanted to put some context behind this moment, and really show that technology is not actually inevitable. And that the way that it’s being developed right now, we should actually have serious concerns about, but we have a role to shape the way AI will continue to be developed in the future.
03:05 Speaker A
And I want to get to some of those concerns you outline. But first, I do want to get your take because I’m just curious, the news flow this week, and there’s been a lot of it. We had, as we mentioned, OpenAI, they decided to buy one of Johnny Ive’s startups for an impressive price tag. Then this morning they announced Stargate UAE. You add it up, as someone who’s thought a lot about Altman and the company, what is Altman trying to achieve here? When you see that news, what does it tell you about where the company is, where he wants to take it?
04:02 Karen Hao
Altman said recently in an interview that his strategy is to cover the field. He’s trying to do as much as possible. And with the Johnny Ive thing, I mean, he’s been a Steve Jobs fanboy for a really long time. He’d been talking with Johnny Ive because he’s the icon that worked with Steve Jobs, and he’d been trying to close the deal. So that’s kind of the culmination of those two intersecting forces, Altman really trying to put his tentacles in all of these different spaces and trying to really get closer to that Jobs dream. Um, but with the UAE stuff, I mean, this really goes back to some of the things that I highlighted in my book about the costs of the technology where there is so much computational resources, data centers, supercomputers that need to be built to serve Silicon Valley’s particular conception of what AI should be, which is very much a model of scale at all costs. And that’s why they are starting to move all around the world to build these huge pieces of infrastructure such as in the UAE.
05:50 Speaker A
By the way, it’s a very interesting take you had on Johnny Ive because the take that’s out there as well, he wants to move into hardware, so of course he goes with Sir Johnny Ive, Silicon Valley titan, legend. But also it’s your point, maybe to get closer to the legend that is Steve Jobs as well. That’s interesting. Let me ask you this, when you think about OpenAI’s role and kind of place in that broader LLM market, large language market, is it still, is Altman still in number one? He has the gold and everybody else is still trying to fight for number two, or is the market evolving?
06:54 Karen Hao
It’s a great question because if you think about OpenAI’s lead in terms of household name recognition, it’s number one. You know, everyone knows ChatGPT. But from a research capabilities perspective, I talk with application developers now who use these technologies all the time, and they’re trying to build their applications to be model vendor agnostic because they don’t actually think any company has a lead anymore. And they want to be able to plug into OpenAI one day, plug into Anthropic the next day, and plug into Google the third day.
07:43 Speaker A
And what does that mean, Karen, then ultimately for that market? It becomes all commoditized?
07:48 Karen Hao
It’s going to be completely commoditized. But all of these companies are now moving towards a strategy where instead of differentiating themselves from the research and the capabilities, they’re trying to differentiate themselves from products. And that is again, kind of leads us back to why he’s trying to strike up this partnership with Johnny Ive. He’s really trying to move into even more intuitive user interfaces that hook people into his company.
08:30 Speaker A
I have to ask you, after researching this book, reporting this book, writing it all out, do you use ChatGPT?
08:42 Karen Hao
I don’t use ChatGPT.
08:45 Speaker A
Which is, that is interesting. Why, Karen? Why don’t you use that?
08:51 Karen Hao
First of all, I investigate the company, so I’m not going to willingly give a lot of my data to this company. But secondly, I really focus on how this particular vision of AI development has a supply chain that contains a lot of environmental, social, and labor harms. It’s sort of…
09:20 Speaker A
So what do you mean by that, the environmental, social, labor harms? Karen, spell that out.
09:28 Karen Hao
Yes, so because they are trying to pursue models that are really, really large, and have to train on an internet’s worth of data, and have to train on these huge supercomputers that are now hundreds of football fields in size, there are huge energy draws that these data centers use. They have to use a lot of water. They are now being powered by a lot of fossil fuel resources. Um, and ultimately, many of these technologies are labor-automating technologies. OpenAI’s definition of artificial general intelligence is highly autonomous systems that outperform humans in most economically valuable work. And so they’re trying to create something that will erode away job opportunities for people.
10:25 Speaker A
Given those concerns then, Karen, how do you address some of that? Is the smart way to address it, is it regulators, policymakers, lawmakers?
10:39 Karen Hao
I think it’s all of that. And I like to draw an analogy to the fashion industry, which also, for a very long time, had huge environmental, social, and labor harms in their supply chain. And not only was it top-down regulation, legislation, international human rights organizations drawing a limelight to this issue, but also consumers choosing to actually change their behaviors, not buy clothes from brands that might not care about these things, and thereby creating entire markets for ethical and sustainable fashion.
11:18 Speaker A
Final question is, you were reporting this out, did OpenAI, did they cooperate with you, Karen, in this? Did they participate in this project?
11:27 Karen Hao
They did not.
11:29 Speaker A
They did not. Did they give a reason why not?
11:32 Karen Hao
They, we’ve had a long history. I was the first journalist to ever profile the company. They did not like the profile because I drew my own conclusions. And since then, it’s, they haven’t really given access, but I’ve continued to report, and I’ve continued to talk to insiders. And insiders continued to talk to me because they said that my profile was actually really accurate.
12:00 Speaker A
Well, listen, Karen, congrats on the book, and we appreciate your time today. That was great.
12:05 Karen Hao
Thank you so much for having me.
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Clair Obscur’s Original Plan for My Favorite Expedition 33 Character Was Diabolical
Clair Obscur’s Original Plan for My Favorite Expedition 33 Character Was Diabolical
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has risen in the charts of popularity within a matter of weeks, and people can’t stop talking about it. However, what if I told you, the characters didn’t quite have the same roles are they do now? Surprising, right? But it’s true all the way.
While reading through the internet, I found myself coming across some really cool details that need to be shared. Did you know thought process for Sciel started out as her being a farmer? Yes, the badass Sciel with those Foretell cards. That’s absolutely diabolical!
Sciel was completely different during the early development state of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
She was good, but now she’s better! | Image Credit: Sandfall Interactive
Before diving into the deets, I’d like to state an interesting fact: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 wasn’t even supposed to be the original name. It was called “We Lost” and had a completely different setting. The gameplay idea was the same, but the narrative took place in a Steampunk world. As a matter of fact, character names like Lune, Maelle, and Verso still remain from that build.
So why isn’t Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 using the steampunk idea? Well, it was technically turned down by investors, which was revealed by Jennifer Svedberg-Yen. However, this isn’t the only time Svedberg-Yen has spilled the beans regarding the development phase.
If you don’t know much about Jennifer Svedberg-Yen, she is the lead writer of Expedition 33. During an interview with Polygon, the lead writer revealed some extra details that weren’t touched on before. Especially her involvement with a NASA simulation where she was an analog astronaut. How’s that relevant?
Due to her experience with the NASA simulation, she was able to gain some insightful knowledge about sending people on expeditions. It’s not always military folks who are going on a mission; rather, other roles are required, too. It involved people who have related skills that can help on the journey.
Our expedition wasn’t going to be all soldiers. There had to be people who had jobs and were transferring those skills into an expedition where it’s not just about killing things, but about understanding and figuring out who the Paintress is.
Which is why Gustave, the engineer, was born as a character, as he wasn’t there in the early build. Sciel was also added, but she was thought of as a farmer who’d take care of others. But, she was thought to be an archer too, who could help with the travels.
How did Sciel turn into a card maestra from being an archer?
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 doesn’t have a main character for the story. Through three parts, it’s about different characters. The ending, as well, is debatable for that reason. Which I personally loved as it breaks the main character trope in RPGs.
What’s great is I think they all share the spotlight and depending on who you identify with, that person’s story is the main character to you. I think it leaves something up for the players to interpret.
Jennifer Svedberg-Yen revealed that Sciel was “supposed to be an archer” for Expedition 33. She even had dialogues that referred to philosophies about archery; however, it was changed. Why is that? A cool archer was fine. Here’s where the CEO of Sandfall Interactive, Guillaume Broche, comes into play.
Since Sciel was supposed to be an archer, and talked about “seeing” things, the idea of Foretells came. That idea was morphed into a mechanic that we all know. This took time to polish, but it came out just fine.
Guillaume later took that and changed that into Foretells, he changed the mechanic. So there was a bit of back and forth with how things evolved.
The evolution from simple ideas to a big one, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, is surely a masterpiece. Sandfall, I thank you for not doing Sciel dirty. People may talk a lot about Lune and Maelle, but she’s easily the best that many don’t notice.
Who is your favorite character in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Would you have loved Sciel even if she were an archer? Tell us your opinions in the comments down below.
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With Knicks on the ropes, the Pacers let go — and let New York back into East finals – The New York Times
With Knicks on the ropes, the Pacers let go — and let New York back into East finals – The New York Times
With Knicks on the ropes, the Pacers let go — and let New York back into East finals The New York TimesPacers let opportunity slip: Didn’t play ‘our way’ ESPNThe Knicks’ 2 stars can’t play together, and it’s forcing uncomfortable choices in 2025 NBA Playoffs SBNation.comKarl-Anthony Towns’ Game 3 gem — a gift to his late mother The New York TimesKnicks vs. Pacers: With New York on the brink, Karl-Anthony Towns steps up to perhaps save the Knicks’ season Yahoo Sports
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*********** Energy Producers conference: Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill warns our ‘energy edge at risk’
*********** Energy Producers conference: Woodside Energy CEO Meg O’Neill warns our ‘energy edge at risk’
Australia will struggle to compete in new industries — including AI and critical minerals — unless the weight of red tape and uncertainty in the LNG sector is lifted, Woodside boss Meg O’Neill will declare.
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Be My Horde Update Sends Players To Hell
Be My Horde Update Sends Players To Hell
Last year, Polished Games’ top-down 2D survival roguelite Be My Horde introduced players to Moriana, a necromancer–or necromancess, if you prefer–who can make the dead serve as her army. She’s the villain of her own story, so it shouldn’t be too surprising that Moriana is heading to Hell in the game’s newest update. If anything, that’s bad news for demons, because Moriana might be taking over Hell one circle at a time.
The name of update is “Welcome to Hell,” and it adds the Hell level, which may be Moriana’s biggest challenge to date. As seen in the newly released trailer below, Moriana’s travels through Hell will bring her face-to-face with the ****** himself. That video also offers a more in-depth look at what awaits in Hell. Moriana and her undead minions will have to battle new enemies and survive the severe hazards of the underworld. Fire tornadoes, lava ponds, and explosive volcanoes all stand between Moriana and her destiny.
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Be My Horde : Welcome To Hell Official Trailer
Now Playing: Be My Horde : Welcome To Hell Official Trailer
As you may have noticed, Moriana’s powers thrive on death, and she can turn every fallen enemy into one of her new warriors. There’s no entrance test for this army. If Moriana can kill it, it’s her’s to command, even if it’s just an exploding sheep. However, Moriana is not invincible and she can be defeated in battle. But she always returns with a vengeance.
“Welcome to Hell” is also adding some tools to Moriana’s magical arsenal, including a new skill tree mechanic to enhance the minions and fresh attacks like Frost Nova, Frost Bolt, and Blizzard. Those are all very useful powers in Hell and beyond.
Be My Horde is still in early access on Steam, but the game is getting a temporary 20% discount that coincides with the arrival of “Welcome to Hell,” which is out today.
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Man arrested, firearm recovered in connection with incident that injured an officer
Man arrested, firearm recovered in connection with incident that injured an officer
A man has been arrested and a firearm has been recovered in connection with a struggle in Mattapan that injured an officer.
According to Boston police, around 12:19 p.m. on Sunday, an officer assigned to patrol in the area of Westmore Road and Gilmer Street observed a motor vehicle infraction, and a traffic stop was quickly conducted.
As the officer attempted to detain the suspect, a violent struggle ensued. The officer was now aware that the suspect, identified as Richard Raymond, 33, of Dorchester, was armed with a firearm.
During the struggle, the Raymond’s went off, but neither the suspect or the officer were struck by the gunfire.
Multiple other officers were called to the scene, and the suspect was safely placed into handcuffs.
The firearm recovered was determined to be a Canik TP9SFx with fourteen rounds in the magazine, police said. A spent shell casing was lodged in the firearm.
The vehicle was towed back to District B-3 pending a search warrant.
After further investigation, detectives recovered a live round, and a designer bag of ********** from the suspect’s jacket pocket. Detectives also recovered one plastic bag containing fourteen grams of Fentanyl, fifteen non-prescribed pills, and approximately $1,888 in U.S. currency.
Both the officer and Raymond were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Raymond is scheduled to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court on the following charges:
Unlawful Possession of a Large-Capacity Firearm
Possession of Ammunition Without an FID Card
Discharge a Firearm Within 500 Feet of a Building
Assault and Battery on a Police Officer
Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License
Motor Vehicle Operating Refuse to Identify Self
Possession with Intent to Distribute Class B
Officers also determined that Raymond had four active warrants for his arrest for various charges to include firearm, drug, and motor vehicle law offenses.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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The winners and losers from a wet and wild 2025 Indianapolis 500 – Motorsport.com
The winners and losers from a wet and wild 2025 Indianapolis 500 – Motorsport.com
The winners and losers from a wet and wild 2025 Indianapolis 500 Motorsport.com3-time IndyCar champ Palou wins 1st Indy 500 ESPNAlex Palou wins 109th Indy 500: Results, reaction NBC SportsIndianapolis 500 winner Alex Palou goes from winner’s circle to Pacers game on Sunday Yahoo SportsDoyel: Alex Palou cements legacy as best of his generation, one of best ever, at Indy 500 IndyStar
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Trump says he’s considering rerouting $3 billion in Harvard grants to U.S. trade schools
Trump says he’s considering rerouting $3 billion in Harvard grants to U.S. trade schools
President Trump on Monday escalated his attacks on Harvard University, saying he’s considering giving $3 billion the Ivy League institution receives in grant money to trade schools across the U.S.
“I am considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land. What a great investment that would be for the USA, and so badly needed!!!” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social. Trade schools focus on teaching practical skills for specific trades or professions.
It wasn’t immediately clear how Mr. Trump would shift the money, and if the grants come from the Harvard funding that his administration has already frozen.
Mr. Trump issued the fresh threat after he moved last week to block Harvard from enrolling international students and has taken other steps to freeze billions of dollars in Harvard’s federal funding, as he claims the institution has not done enough to address anti-semitism on campus.
Harvard didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
The university filed a lawsuit last month in response to Mr. Trump’s earlier move to strip it of $2.2 billion in federal funding, alleging that his action was unlawful.
Last week, Harvard filed a second lawsuit over the Trump administration’s attempt to bar it from enrolling foreign students. Harvard President Alan Garber had called it a “revocation” that “continues a series of government actions to retaliate against Harvard for our refusal to surrender our academic independence and to submit to the federal government’s ******** assertion of control over our curriculum, our faculty, and our student body.”
A federal judge later temporarily blocked the Trump administration from preventing Harvard from enrolling foreign students.The ruling was criticized by the White House.
“The American people elected President Trump – not random local judges with their own liberal agenda – to run the country,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said last week. “These unelected judges have no right to stop the Trump Administration from exercising their rightful control over immigration policy and national security policy.”
Mr. Trump has also said he wants to strip Harvard of its tax-exempt status as he attempts to exert control over the university’s policies, including halting Harvard’s diversity, equity and inclusion programs and changing its hiring practices. The Trump administration also wants to audit the student body and faculty for “viewpoint diversity.”
The White House has also taken aim at other high-profile universities, withdrawing federal funding from Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University, in what is being seen an effort to coerce them into complying with the Trump administration’s agenda.
Megan Cerullo
Megan Cerullo is a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch covering small business, workplace, health care, consumer spending and personal finance topics. She regularly appears on CBS News 24/7 to discuss her reporting.
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Swiatek launches French record bid as Osaka crashes out
Swiatek launches French record bid as Osaka crashes out
Defending champion Iga Swiatek has launched her quest for a record fourth straight women’s title in Paris by cruising past Rebecca Sramkova 6-3 6-3 and into the second round of the French Open.
The Pole, a four-times champion who is now on a 22-match winning run in Paris having won the last three titles, is looking to become the first female player to win four straight French Open crowns in the professional era since 1968.
For four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka it was a disappointing opener with an error-ridden performance that ended in defeat by Spain’s Paula Badosa 6-7 (1-7) 6-1 6-4.
Swiatek had arrived more than 10 days before the tournament to get sufficient training on the clay courts and she said it has so far paid off.
“It was the first time we had this situation (of arriving early),” Swiatek said in a post-match interview. “But I liked it. I knew I am going to have the best courts to practice on.”
Swiatek, unusually without a title on the tour this season, needed time to find her footing, with the Slovak initially offering greater resistance than in her 6-0 6-2 loss to the Pole at the *********** Open in January.
Sramkova held serve until Swiatek broke her to go 4-3 up before bagging the first set.
The 28-year-old world No.42 broke Swiatek at the start of the second to open up a 2-0 lead but her opponent quickly reined her in with two breaks of her own, winning six of the next seven games to wrap up victory.
Swiatek next faces Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who had to battle for more than 2.5 hours before securing a 7-5 4-6 6-3 win over China’s Wang Xinyu.
The former US Open champion, who has slipped down to 41st in the world, had to have her blood pressure checked during the first set but came back to win the match, helped also by the ********’s staggering 54 unforced errors.
Osaka, sporting a cherry blossom-themed outfit, complete with matching nails, had to work hard to snatch a first set from Badosa but the tables were turned with the 10th seed breaking her twice to race through the second set 6-1.
The Japanese former world No.1, who took a medical time out, ultimately paid the price for a slew of unforced errors – at 54, twice as many as Badosa.
Emma Navarro, the ninth-seeded American who reached the US Open semi-finals last September, bowed out quickly in Paris, eliminated 6-0 6-1 in just 57 minutes by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro of Spain.
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Former US Rep. Charles Rangel of New York has died at age 94
Former US Rep. Charles Rangel of New York has died at age 94
NEW YORK (AP) — Former Democratic U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel of New York, an outspoken, gravel-voiced Harlem Democrat who spent nearly five decades on Capitol Hill and was a founding member of the Congressional ****** Caucus, died Monday at age 94.
HIs family confirmed the death in a statement provided by City College of New York spokesperson Michelle Stent. He died at a hospital in New York, Stent said.
Rangel was one of the Gang of Four — African American political figures who wielded great power in New York City and state politics, along with David Dinkins, New York City’s first ****** mayor; Percy Sutton, who was Manhattan Borough president, and Basil Paterson, a deputy mayor and New York secretary of state.
A veteran of the Korean War, Rangel defeated legendary Harlem politician Adam Clayton Powell in 1970 to start his Congressional career. During the next 40-plus years, he became a legend himself — a founding member of the Congressional ****** Caucus, dean of the New York Congressional delegation, and in 2007, the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee.
He stepped down from that committee amid an ethics cloud, and the House later censured him. But he was reelected and went on to serve in Congress until 2017.
Few could forget Rangel after hearing him talk. His distinctive gravel-toned voice and wry sense of humor were a memorable mix.
That voice — one of the most liberal in the House — was loudest in opposition to the Iraq War, which he branded a “death tax” on poor people and minorities. In 2004, he tried to end the war by offering a bill to restart the military service draft. Republicans called his bluff and brought the bill to a vote, and even Rangel voted against it.
A year later, Rangel’s fight over the war became bitterly personal with then-Vice President ***** Cheney.
Rangel said Cheney, who has a history of heart trouble, might be too sick to perform his job.
“I would like to believe he’s sick rather than just mean and evil,” Rangel said. After several such verbal jabs, Cheney hit back, saying Rangel was “losing it.”
The charismatic Harlem lawmaker rarely backed down from a fight since he first entered the House in 1971 as a dragon slayer of sorts, having unseated Powell in the Democratic congressional primary in 1970. The flamboyant elder Powell, a city political icon first elected to the House in 1944, was ill and haunted by scandal at the time.
Rangel became leader of the main tax-writing committee of the House, which has jurisdiction over programs including Social Security and Medicare, after the 2006 midterm elections when Democrats ended 12 years of Republican control of the chamber. But in 2010, a House ethics committee conducted a hearing on 13 counts of alleged financial and fundraising misconduct over issues surrounding financial disclosures and use of Congressional resources.
He was convicted of 11 ethics violations. The House found he had failed to pay taxes on a vacation villa, filed misleading financial disclosure forms and improperly solicited donations for a college center from corporations with business before his committee.
The House followed the ethics committee’s recommendation that he be censured, the most serious punishment short of expulsion.
Rangel looked after his constituents, sponsoring empowerment zones with tax credits for businesses moving into economically depressed areas and developers of low income housing.
“I have always been committed to fighting for the little guy,” Rangel said in 2012 when he announced he was running for reelection.
He came back from the Korean War having earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star — and a sense of perspective. He would always say that he measured his days, even the troubled ones around the ethics scandal, against the time in 1950 when he survived being wounded as other soldiers didn’t make it.
It became the title of his autobiography: “And I Haven’t Had A Bad Day Since.”
A high school dropout, he went to college on the G.I. Bill, getting degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School.
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Matildas star Mary Fowler admits she has lost some of her ‘passion’ for football
Matildas star Mary Fowler admits she has lost some of her ‘passion’ for football
Football is no longer a “passion” for Matildas star Mary Fowler, who admits she doesn’t “feel bad” about being sidelined with a serious knee injury.
Fowler ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her knee playing for her English club Manchester City last month, leaving the 22-year-old playmaker in doubt for next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup.Despite crying after being told she had torn her ACL, Fowler admitted the sadness didn’t last.
“Getting injured … in my head I pull myself up at times (thinking) `am I supposed to feel more sh*t about this, about what’s happened’,” she told the Keegan and Company podcast.
“But I actually don’t feel bad about it.”
Camera IconMatildas star Mary Fowler is recovering from knee surgery. Instagram Credit: Supplied
Instead, Fowler has found some “positives” in being sidelined, as there are things outside of football she is “more passionate about”.
“Obviously, I enjoy playing football but I wouldn’t say it’s my passion,” she said.
“The way I look at football is I go there and I have to put my best in, and our job is to win games, so as long as I’m ticking the boxes of doing my job then I’m fine with that … but once I leave the club I’m leaving work, I don’t have to think about it, which is different to a lot of the other girls, how they think about it.
“I play it because there are a lot of things I enjoy about it. I really enjoy travelling, being with my teammates, the people that I’ve met through football, but if I finished it tomorrow I probably wouldn’t have any regrets.”
Camera IconThere is more to life than football for Fowler. Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia
That wasn’t always the case for Fowler, who previously put more pressure on herself to succeed.
“I have pictures from when I played under-20s national team and I have permanent marker on my arm (saying) ‘I will win’,” she said.
“I was so big on what I would feed my mind. I would wake up early in the morning, do my push-ups, I would watch video of the opposition or myself and just analyse it.
“I had a lot of success doing it like that, but then when I went to France (to play for Montpellier) and I wasn’t really enjoying being there, with the football I was (thinking) ‘why am I putting so much time into this when I don’t enjoy it’ and that’s where things started to change where I started to allow myself to look at other things I might enjoy off the field.
“It just got to the point where having all that structure actually made me play worse because I felt like I was over-thinking it, and now I just feel so chill on the field, I feel like I’m in my own little world because I don’t care.
“I think it’s helped me dealing with pressure because now I don’t think about it because I genuinely don’t care.
“If I make a mistake, I’m either going to laugh or I’m going to just forget about it in a second.”
Minus Fowler, the Matildas meet Argentina on Friday night in Melbourne and again next Monday in Canberra.
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4TB SSDs now as low as $0.05 per GB, Samsung at $0.06 per GB
4TB SSDs now as low as $0.05 per GB, Samsung at $0.06 per GB
In honor of Memorial Day, Amazon, Newegg, B&H and their competitors are having a slew of sales on PC components. While most SSDs are not at all-time lows, this is still a good time to buy a 4TB SSD, with prices hovering as low as 5 cents per GB for respectable brands such as TeamGroup, Silicon Power and Crucial.
If you want a Samsung drive, the 990 Evo Polus, which offers 7,250 MB/s reads and 6,300 MB/s writes is just 6 cents per GB. Here’s a complete list of 4TB drives you can get today and how much they cost.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Drive
Price
Cost Per GB
Read Speed
Write Speed
Silicon Power UD90
$204
0.05
5,000 MB/s
4,800 MB/s
PNY CS2241
$213
0.05
5,000 MB/s
4,200 MB/s
Crucial P3 Plus
$219
0.05
5,000 MB/s
5,000 MB/s
Silicon Power US75
$224
0.05
7,500 MB/s
6,500 MB/s
TeamGroup MP44
$242
0.06
7,400 MB/s
6,900 MB/s
Samsung 990 Evo Plus
$245
0.06
7,250 MB/s
6,300 MB/s
Addlink A93 PS5 SSD
$247
0.06
7,400 MB/s
6,500 MB/s
WD Blue SN5000
$249
0.06
5,500 MB/s
5,500 MB/s
Crucial P31
$259
0.06
7,100 MB/s
71,00 MB/s
WD ****** SN7100
$269
0.07
7,250 MB/s
6,900 MB/s
WD ****** SN850X
$284
0.07
7,300 MB/s
6,600 MB/s
Kingston Fury Renegade
$306
0.07
7,300 MB/s
7,000 MB/s
Samsung 990 Pro
$309
0.08
7,450 MB/s
6,900 MB/s
Crucial T705
$389
0.09
14100 MB/s
12,600 MB/s
Samsung 9100 Pro
$477
0.12
14,800 MB/s
13,400 MB/s
Not all of these are currently ***** prices, just the lowest price you can get them for right now. Prices may have been lower in the recent past, but again, we don’t know if they will go down anytime soon.
4TB is the ideal capacity for most people. While you can get by with 2TB or 1TB in a pinch, 4TB gives you plenty of room for games, video files and photos.
Most of these SSDs use the PCIe 4.0 interface and are good for both PS5 and laptop upgrades. If you’re willing to spend more money for performance, the Crucial T705 is a solid price at $389 for 4TB. Probably the best balance between performance and price is the Samsung 990 Evo for $245.
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Why Nigeria’s military is struggling to hold the line
Why Nigeria’s military is struggling to hold the line
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — A resurgence of Boko Haram attacks is shaking Nigeria’s northeast, as Islamic extremists have repeatedly overrun military outposts, mined roads with bombs, and raided civilian communities since the start of the year, raising fears of a possible return to peak Boko Haram-era insecurity despite the military’s claims of successes.
Boko Haram, Nigeria’s homegrown jihadis, took up arms in 2009 to fight Western education and impose their radical version of Islamic law. The conflict, now Africa’s longest struggle with militancy, has spilled into Nigeria’s northern neighbors, resulted in the death of around 35,000 civilians and the displacement of more than 2 million others, according to the United Nations.
In the latest attack late last week in the village of Gajibo in Borno state, the epicenter of the crisis, the extremists killed nine members of a local militia that supports the ********* military, after soldiers deserted the base when becoming aware of the insurgents’ advance, according to the group’s claim and local aid workers. That is in addition to roadside bombs and deadly attacks on villages in recent months.
Two factions
Boko Haram has since broken into two factions.
One of the them is backed by the Islamic State group and is known as the Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. It has become notorious for targeting military positions and has overrun the military on at least 15 occasions this year, killing soldiers and stealing weapons, according to an Associated Press count, experts and security reports reviewed for this story.
On the other hand, the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-******, or JAS, faction has increasingly resorted to attacking civilians and perceived collaborators, and thrives on robberies and abductions for ransom.
In May, ISWAP struck outposts in Gajibo, Buni Gari, Marte, Izge, Rann, and launched a twin assault on the Nigeria-Cameroon joint base in Wulgo and Soueram in Cameroon. Other attacks this year have hit Malam Fatori, Goniri, Sabon Gari, Wajiroko and Monguno, among others. The group often attacks at night.
Expansion and decentralization
Malik Samuel, senior researcher at non-profit Good Governance Africa, said that ISWAP’s success is as a result of its territorial expansion following gains against rival JAS as well as a decentralized structure that has enhanced its ability to conduct “coordinated, near-simultaneous attacks across different regions,” Samuel said.
“The unpredictability of attacks under this framework illustrates ISWAP’s growing strategic sophistication,” Samuel said.
External support from IS in Iraq and Syria is also a critical resource to the militants, said Samuel, who has interviewed ex-fighters. Such support is evident in ISWAP’s evolving tactics, including nighttime raids, rapid assaults with light but effective weaponry, and the use of modified commercial drones to drop explosives, Samuel said.
Outgunned and outnumbered military
Ali Abani, a local nonprofit worker familiar with the military operations in Borno’s strategic town of Dikwa, said that the army bases are understaffed and located in remote areas, making them vulnerable to attacks.
“When these gunmen come, they just overpower the soldiers,” Abani said.
Reinforcements, either in the form of air support or nearby ground troops, are often too slow to arrive, allowing the militants enough time to strip the outposts of weapons needed to bolster their arsenal, he added, recalling a May 12 attack during which soldiers fled as they were outnumbered, leaving the extremists to cart away weaponry.
There also have been reports of former militants who continued to work as informants and logistics handlers after claiming to have repented.
Nigeria losing ground ‘almost on a daily basis’
At its peak in 2013 and 2014, Boko Haram gained global notoriety after kidnapping 276 Chibok schoolgirls and controlled an area the size of Belgium.
While it has lost much of that territory on the back of military campaigns, the new surge in Boko Haram attacks has raised fears about a possible return to such a gloomy past.
Borno Gov. Babagana Zulum warned recently of lost gains after raising concerns that military formations in the state are being dislodged “almost on a daily basis without confrontation.”
Federal lawmakers continue to highlight the extremists’ growing sophistication and advanced weaponry, calling on the government to bolster the capabilities of the military.
The ********* military didn’t respond to a request for comment. Last Friday, senior commanders visited one of the troubled areas, Gamboru on the border with Cameroon, promising the deployment of more troops to combat Boko Haram.
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Will Team Fortress 2 Be Ported to Source 2? Latest Updates, Rumors, and What to Expect
Will Team Fortress 2 Be Ported to Source 2? Latest Updates, Rumors, and What to Expect
Eighteen years later, Team Fortress 2 still refuses to retire gracefully. The granddad of hero shooters keeps chugging along on the aging Source engine, defying logic and modern gaming conventions with equal stubbornness.
But whispers of a Source 2 port have grown louder since Counter-Strike made the jump. Could TF2 be next in line for an engine upgrade? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d hope. Valve’s mixed signals have left the community guessing and “coping” harder than they’d like to admit.
Current status of Team Fortress 2
Team Fortress 2 occupies a peculiar position in Valve’s portfolio. Despite launching in 2007, it consistently ranks among Steam’s Top 50 most-played games, proving that good design ages better than fine wine.
Yet Valve’s official stance on a Source 2 port remains frustratingly vague. The company hasn’t announced any plans for an engine upgrade, preferring to let the community speculate while they focus on Steam Deck optimization, VR experiments, and, of course, developing Deadlock.
The most telling incident occurred in early 2024 when Valve issued a DMCA takedown against a fan-made Team Fortress 2 remake built on Source 2. The project showed incredible promise, featuring enhanced graphics while maintaining the game’s distinctive art style.
But Valve’s legal hammer came down swiftly, crushing community hopes and raising questions about their true intentions:
Hello everyone. We have some unfortunate news to share with you.
Today, we received a DMCA takedown from Valve on all our public GitHub repositories and all its forks made by the community.[Hidden Content]
— Team Fortress: Source 2 (@TeamFortressS2) January 10, 2024
This heavy-handed approach contradicts Valve’s recent SDK release earlier this year. The company opened TF2′s source code to modders, enabling community-driven innovation and standalone game development. It’s a classic Valve move: give with one hand while taking with the other.
What a Source 2 port could mean for Team Fortress 2’s future
Community hopes, corporate reality. | Image Credit: Valve
A hypothetical Source 2 port would address TF2′s most persistent technical issues. The aging engine struggles with modern hardware, causing frequent crashes and performance hiccups that would make a Heavy main weep.
Source 2’s Vulkan renderer could dramatically improve frame rates, especially on mid-range systems. Better multi-threading support would eliminate the CPU bottlenecking that plagues competitive players. Enhanced networking could finally fix the hit registration issues that have frustrated Snipers for over a decade.
But technical improvements come with risks. Counter-Strike 2′s transition, for example, wasn’t exactly “universally praised”—many players complained about changed weapon behavior and lost features. And it goes without saying that TF2′s community is notoriously protective of the game’s unique feel, from rocket jumping physics to sticky bomb mechanics.
The visual potential is equally compelling. Source 2’s physically-based rendering could enhance TF2′s cartoon aesthetic without destroying its timeless charm. Imagine improved particle effects for explosions, better lighting for atmospheric maps, and enhanced texture quality that doesn’t compromise the game’s distinctive style.
However, Valve‘s track record suggests healthy skepticism is warranted. The company’s attention span for older titles is notoriously short. With limited development resources and competing priorities, TF2 might not warrant the massive investment a Source 2 port would require.
The SDK release, fortunately or unfortunately, might be Valve’s way of outsourcing innovation to the community while they focus on newer, shinier projects that generate more excitement and revenue.
What are your thoughts on a potential TF2 Source 2 port? Share your predictions and concerns in the comments below!
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EU countries push for swift trade deal with Donald Trump – Financial Times
EU countries push for swift trade deal with Donald Trump – Financial Times
EU countries push for swift trade deal with Donald Trump Financial TimesEU Plans to ‘Fast Track’ Trade Talks With US Amid Tariff Fight BloombergTrump drops tariff threat against EU after weekend call with bloc chief CBCEU sees ‘new impetus’ in US trade talks, businesses worry over uncertainty ReutersHalf time in EU/US trade bout – what’s the score 45 days in? Euronews.com
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#countries #push #swift #trade #deal #Donald #Trump #Financial #Times
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Galvin situation comes with more questions for Bulldogs
Galvin situation comes with more questions for Bulldogs
Lachlan Galvin’s mid-season move from Wests Tigers to Canterbury would be one of the biggest in NRL history, but it will leave several questions at Belmore.
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Wisconsin celebrates 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement
Wisconsin celebrates 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement
[Source]
Wisconsin commemorated the 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement on May 14, celebrating a statewide community that has grown to over 55,000 people since the first refugee families arrived following the Vietnam War in 1975.
Finding a new home: Hmong families first sought refuge in the U.S. after facing persecution for their alliance with American forces during covert operations in Laos. “Our families fled Laos and Thailand because of the American war in Southeast Asia,” Tammie Xiong, executive director of the Hmong American Women’s Association in Milwaukee, told the Wisconsin Public Radio.
Many navigated dangerous escapes across the Mekong River into Thailand before spending time in refugee camps. “We have to go through this hardship so we can live a better life in the U.S.,” Tsu Lor Xiong told WUWM, reflecting on his family’s journey.
A celebration of community: The Legislative Asian Caucus held ceremonies at the State Capitol last Wednesday, with community leaders honoring veterans and reflecting on their collective journey. As of 2024, just 3.3% of Wisconsin’s population identifies as Asian, though it is now home to the third-largest Hmong population in the U.S.
Trending on NextShark: ********* immigrant wins Canada’s largest-ever lottery jackpot
The state Assembly also passed two resolutions, including one “celebrating 50 years of strength and resilience of the Hmong, Lao, Cambodian and Vietnamese people.”
Ongoing challenges: The anniversary represents both achievement and ongoing challenges for the state’s Hmong residents. For one, community leaders say the milestone calls for continued investment in housing and culturally appropriate services. “As a medical anthropologist researching my own community, it has been a work of mourning,” UW-Madison professor Mai See Thao told WKOW, “to see that even after resettlement, Hmong people continue to face disparities and hardship as they age in their place of refuge.”
Looking ahead, a traveling exhibition presenting Hmong American experiences through interactive domestic spaces — titled “Los Tsev, Cia Siab,” meaning “Home, Hope” — will continue its journey to University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in September.
Trending on NextShark: Wisconsin celebrates 50th anniversary of Hmong resettlement
This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.
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I test laptops for a living and these are the Memorial Day laptop deals I'd grab – ZDNet
I test laptops for a living and these are the Memorial Day laptop deals I'd grab – ZDNet
I test laptops for a living and these are the Memorial Day laptop deals I’d grab ZDNetMemorial Day gaming laptop sales 2025 — here are the 8 deals I’d buy with my own money Tom’s GuideI dug through Dell’s Memorial Day ***** – these are the 8 deals I’d actually buy TechRadarDell’s Memorial Day deals bring RTX5090 Alienware machine prices down-to-Earth. Well, almost. PC GamerSave Up to $300 Off the Powerful Alienware Area-51 Gaming Laptops for Memorial Day IGN
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Escaped prisoner ran off like a 'jack-in-the-box'
Escaped prisoner ran off like a 'jack-in-the-box'
A 26-year-old man who escaped custody at a major hospital and was later found shot dead ran away while being guarded by two correctional officers.
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#Escaped #prisoner #ran #039jackinthebox039
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Ukraine’s Zelensky to visit Germany on Wednesday to meet Merz
Ukraine’s Zelensky to visit Germany on Wednesday to meet Merz
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selensky is expected to visit Berlin on Wednesday to meet Chancellor Friedrich Merz, ******* media reported on Monday.
Der Spiegel magazine said Merz wants to discuss possible steps towards further “technical” peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Merz is also set to inform the Ukrainian president about plans for a new EU sanctions package against Russia, intended to increase the pressure on Moscow to engage in serious negotiations.
The ******* chancellor, who took office earlier this month, has voiced support for the European Commission’s proposal to prevent the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea from resuming operations under the new sanctions.
During a visit to Kiev earlier this month, Merz, along with French President Emmanuel Macron, Britain’s Keir Starmer and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, had threatened further sanctions on Russia if Moscow did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire.
The pressure led Russian President Vladimir Putin to propose direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul for the first time in three years, but the negotiations did not produce any results apart from a prisoner exchange.
Zelensky is also due to meet ******* President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Berlin.
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NYT: Apple tax was Trump’s way of getting back at Tim Cook for skipping Middle East trip – 9to5Mac
NYT: Apple tax was Trump’s way of getting back at Tim Cook for skipping Middle East trip – 9to5Mac
NYT: Apple tax was Trump’s way of getting back at Tim Cook for skipping Middle East trip 9to5MacTech’s Trump Whisperer, Tim Cook, Goes Quiet as His Influence Fades The New York TimesApple CEO Tim Cook’s Bad Year Keeps Getting Worse WSJThis may be Donald Trump’s ‘problem No. 2’ with Apple CEO Tim Cook Times of IndiaDonald Trump invited Apple CEO Tim Cook for Middle East tour, Cook declined India Today
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Alcaraz eases to victory in French Open title defence
Alcaraz eases to victory in French Open title defence
Carlos Alcaraz has got the defence of his French Open title up and running with a straight-sets win over Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, looking for a second Roland Garros crown and a fifth grand slam title, won 6-3 6-4 6-2 in just under two hours on Monday.
Alcaraz was consigned to play on Court Suzanne-Longlen, presumably because he prefers not to play later in day, which he may have had to on the main court, Phillipe-Chatrier.
He also had to deal with a late change in opponent, having originally been drawn against former world No.4 Kei Nishikori.
“I think it was really, really solid,” he said. “The first round for every tournament is never easy and probably coming here as defending champion, it could be even tougher.
“But I just started pretty well, I kept my good pace during the match, which is great. I tried to be really focused on my game
“Hopefully I’ll keep going in the next round but I’m just really, really proud about my start here in Roland Garros.”
Former finalist Casper Ruud also got off to a flying start, the Norwegian seventh seed disposing of Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-3 6-4 6-2.
The first shock in the men’s draw saw world No.4 Taylor ****** knocked out by Daniel Altmaier.
American ****** lost 12 of the last 16 games against the ******* world number 47 in a 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-1 defeat.
******’s demise means Britain’s Jack Draper has climbed above him to fourth in the world in the live ATP rankings.
British No.2 Jacob Fearnley enjoyed a dream French Open debut with a straight-sets win over former champion Stan Wawrinka.
Fearnley, who was just three years old when Wawrinka made his first appearance at Roland Garros in 2005, won 7-6 (8-6) 6-3 6-2 in a little over two hours.
Wawrinka’s title came 10 years ago and now, aged 40, he is by no means the force he once was.
But this was still a major feather in Edinburgh-born Fearnley’s cap and with a dose of Scottish revenge for good measure – Wawrinka had knocked out Andy Murray in the opening round last year.
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Five RPGs That Will Help You Get Over Your Post-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Slump
Five RPGs That Will Help You Get Over Your Post-Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Slump
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33‘s brilliance has players finally putting aside their disdain for turn-based RPGs and realising that their contempt has held them from tapping into beautiful experiences. Combined with real-time elements, and with an insanely passionate team of developers behind, it was bound to be a success from the beginning.
If you’ve completed the highly acclaimed title and are itching to play similar games like it, here are five RPGs that’ll scratch the itch. While they may not be the same as Expedition 33, they’re amazing experiences that you should try if you loved the game.
1 Lost Odyssey
Experience Kaim’s journey | Image Credit: Microsoft Game Studios
Lost Odyssey checks off all its turn-based boxes gracefully as it features a combat system similar to Expedition 33 and some of the Final Fantasy titles, as players unleash melee attacks, exceptional abilities, and spells in combat to defeat monsters.
While the game doesn’t have real-time elements, it features somewhat of a somewhat quick-time mechanic in the form of the “Aim Ring System” using upgradable rings. This allows players to deal greater damage to monsters by lining up and intersecting two rings appearing on the screen by timing their button release.
So, wait no more as it’s time to get lost in the world of Lost Odyssey and get your turn-based RPG skills up.
2 Yakuza: Like a Dragon
A new kind of Yakuza | Image Credit: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
The Yakuza series’ transition into turn-based combat began with Yakuza: Like a Dragon, the eighth mainline title in the series. Ditching the traditional Yakuza beat ’em up combat system, Like a Dragon sailed the forbidden seas: it featured a turn-based combat system.
Being a departure from a traditional Yakuza title, this turn-based RPG features real-time elements as well, just like Expedition 33. Party members can use interactables from their surroundings to deal damage to enemies, an aspect that is interwoven from previous titles to fit the turn-based combat system.
Additionally, party members in Yakuza: Like a Dragon can call upon assists to strengthen your team and deal more damage, a feature that is also present in Expedition 33.
3 Final Fantasy X
Embrace your Final Fantasy with Tidus | Image Credit: Square Enix
Final Fantasy’s venture into a more traditional turn-based system resulted in Final Fantasy X, as it introduced the Conditional Turn-Based Battle (CTB) system, replacing the Active Time Battle (ATB) system featured in the series’ previous titles.
The CTB system works similarly to a usual turn-based system, and you can control three characters in battle, with the option of swapping them out for a character that’s not a part of your active party.
The similarities between both titles outshine the differences, which is why you should give Final Fantasy X a shot. It won’t disappoint you in the slightest, and a remaster is also available for purchase if you want to get that extra kick out of it.
4 Persona 5 Royal
Bring out your inner Persona | Image Credit: ATLUS
When speaking of turn-based RPGs, the Persona series comes to mind without question. Atlus’ genre-defining series has worn the turn-based crown for the longest time, with Persona 5 Royal being called one of the best games ever made by critics and players alike.
Much like Expedition 33, the game uses a turn-based combat system, and battles can be initiated when faced with an enemy. Here, the Personas come into play as they take form as the main character’s (Joker) manifestation of inner psyche, to launch special attacks.
Additionally, both games have a beautiful and visually appealing art direction that stands out from other similar titles and is bound to hook you the moment you start playing.
5 Metaphor: ReFantazio
Metaphor: ReFantazio is another one of Atlus’ turn-based RPGs, and it’s similar to the Persona games in more ways than one. But the major difference arises in the game’s combat system, as it combines a traditional turn-based system with real-time elements, akin to Expedition 33.
Real-time combat elements such as initiating battles, quick-time events, and switching Archetypes/skills mid-battle are something that are featured in both Metaphor: ReFantazio and Expedition 33. If you’re not sure about purchasing the game, give it a try when it comes to Xbox Game Pass later this week.
So, have you played any of the turn-based RPGs listed above? Or is Expedition 33 your first expedition into the world of turn-based RPGs? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.
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MercadoLibre Is Soaring—Should You Wait for a Better Entry?
MercadoLibre Is Soaring—Should You Wait for a Better Entry?
MercadoLibre (NASDAQ:), an e-commerce giant operating out of Latin America, has quietly evolved into one of the fastest-growing and most dominant companies on the global stage. Though it may not yet be a household name in the U.S., the company’s growth trajectory is impossible to ignore.
Earlier this month, MELI broke into the top 50 most valuable global brands, coming in at No. 50 on Kantar’s 2025 list, a significant milestone that underscores its rising international profile.
The stock has surged 53% so far in 2025, powered by strong earnings, broad-based growth, and increasing investor confidence. With the company firing on all cylinders both fundamentally and technically, prospective investors must decide whether now is the right time to jump in or if it’s better to wait for a more favorable entry point.
Let’s look at what’s behind MELI’s rise and where opportunities might lie for an entry.
MercadoLibre: South America’s E-Commerce Powerhouse
While best known for its e-commerce platform, MercadoLibre’s business extends beyond online retail. The company’s comprehensive digital ecosystem addresses Latin America’s structural gaps in logistics, financial services, and digital commerce. Its logistics network streamlines fulfillment and delivery.
Its payments platform, Mercado Pago, has become a key player in the region’s push toward digital finance. And its credit business, Mercado Credito, is opening up access to capital for consumers and small businesses that have historically been underserved.
This integrated strategy has helped the company grow deep roots in markets like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina, countries with large populations, rising internet penetration, and underdeveloped financial infrastructure. That combination continues to serve as a powerful long-term tailwind.
Q1 Earnings Underscore the Growth Story
MercadoLibre’s Q1 2025 results, reported on May 7, reinforced how well the company executes on all fronts. The company posted earnings per share of $9.74, beating estimates by nearly 18%. Revenue came in at $5.93 billion, up 37% year-over-year and well ahead of the $5.52 billion analysts expected.
Gross merchandise volume rose 17% to $13.3 billion, reflecting continued strength in e-commerce demand. Total payment volume jumped 43% to $58.3 billion, fueled by robust adoption of its fintech services. The company also added millions of new users, growing its unique active buyer base by 25% to 67 million.
Its fintech division stood out, with revenue climbing 43% and monthly active users up 31%. Credit card transaction volume surged 166%, showing increasing engagement with its broader financial ecosystem. Despite some margin pressure tied to logistics and credit expansion investments, operating income rose 37%, and net income jumped more than 43% to $494 million.
This kind of growth across multiple verticals in a challenging macro environment highlights MELI’s execution and resilience. Analysts remain bullish, with the stock carrying a consensus Moderate Buy rating.
At These Levels, Patience May Pay Off
There’s no denying that MELI’s stock has been on a tear. The 53% year-to-date rally has propelled it well above key resistance levels, and the stock’s RSI currently sits near 76, firmly in overbought territory. That’s not a red flag for long-term holders, but for new investors, it does suggest the potential for a short-term pullback.
Valuation is another consideration. MELI currently trades at a P/E ratio of 64, with a forward P/E of 38. While the company’s strong growth may justify that, it still represents a premium. A retracement to the $2,400 level, now a key technical support area after being significant resistance, could provide a more favorable risk-reward setup and entry for new investors.
A Long-Term Leader With Emerging Market Upside
MercadoLibre has firmly established itself as the digital backbone of Latin America, offering exposure to e-commerce, fintech, and logistics in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets. The company continues to fire on all cylinders, with rising brand value, strong earnings momentum, and a long growth runway ahead.
The story remains compelling for current shareholders. For investors looking to initiate a position, a pullback could present a golden opportunity to buy one of the most exciting growth stories in emerging markets at a better price.
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