Pelican Press

Influencer who attended Trump’s memecoin dinner says he got a ‘Walmart steak’—and no access to the president Influencer who attended Trump’s memecoin dinner says he got a ‘Walmart steak’—and no access to the president Nicholas Pinto, a 25-year-old social media influencer, accumulated more than $360,000 in President Donald Trump’s cryptocurrency to attend an “unforgettable Gala DINNER” with the commander-in-chief. The food, though, was forgettable. “Trash,” Pinto texted Fortune during the banquet. “Walmart steak, man.” The menu included a “Trump organic field green salad” and an “entrée duet” of filet mignon and pan-seared halibut. “Everyone at my table was saying the food was some of the worst food that they ever had,” said Pinto after the meal. But the real draw of the evening, of course, wasn’t steak or halibut. It was Trump himself. The top 220 holders of his memecoin were promised an exclusive evening with the 47th president in what critics have called one of the most blatant pay-for-access schemes in presidential history. In total, investors bought up $148 million of the cryptocurrency to attend the dinner, according to crypto analytics firm Inca Digital. “The President is working to secure GOOD deals for the American people, not for himself,” said White House spokesperson Anna Kelly in a statement. Was the price tag worth it? “I was hoping for either Big Macs or pizza,” Pinto said, referring to the president’s well-known taste for McDonald’s. “That would have been better than the food that we were served.” The ‘unforgettable’ gala In January, two days before his inauguration, Trump announced that he was launching his own memecoin, or cryptocurrency whose price trades on the virality of a joke or person, not its utility. Pinto, a Trump supporter who happened to be staying at the Trump National Doral hotel in Miami at the time, started buying up the token. “I saw it listed, and it was skyrocketing,” he said. He was already flush in cash. As a 13-year-old, Pinto netted $100,000 in one year through his launch of a company that made scooter wheels, and then he parlayed that success into a career as a social media influencer. He currently has 2.6 million followers on Instagram. While Trump’s memecoin initially jumped in price to a market capitalization of almost $8.8 billion, it eventually plummeted to now around $2.8 billion. To help increase enthusiasm for the token, the team behind the cryptocurrency announced in late April that the memecoin’s top 220 holders would be eligible for an exclusive dinner with the president at the Trump National Golf Club in Potomac Falls, Va. Pinto wanted to attend, so he bought up enough cryptocurrency to snag no. 72 on the leaderboard, which displayed each invitee’s $TRUMP holdings along with a pseudonym. Pinto’s nickname was “rich.” As the dinner neared, Pinto was so excited that he spray-painted his “G-Wagon,” a luxury SUV from Mercedes-Benz that costs around $150,000, with the $TRUMP ticker. But on the day of the memecoin extravaganza, he decided—in a nod to the crypto industry’s favorite symbol of wealth—to drive down from his home in New Jersey in his 2023 “Lambo,” or Lamborghini. Wearing a ****** tie and a suit, he wondered who else was coming. Justin Sun, a ******** crypto billionaire reportedly under investigation by the Justice Department during former President Joe Biden’s administration, had confirmed his attendance. Other attendees included the CEO of a Singaporean crypto startup and an *********** crypto investor. “I really would love to meet Elon Musk,” noted Pinto, referring to the Tesla CEO. “I don’t know if that’s gonna happen, but that’s definitely my top person.” When Pinto showed up to the dinner Thursday evening, he was instead greeted by a crowd of critics. The nonprofit Public Citizen had organized a protest, which included an appearance from Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.). “Trump’s crypto businesses constitute one of the most corrupt innovations in American political history,” Robert Weissman, copresident of Public Citizen, previously told Fortune. Inside the Trump National Golf Club, the sentiment was mixed. “Most of the ppl here are sketchy ngl [not gonna lie],” Pinto texted Fortune. Trump did appear and gave a speech, but Pinto described the president’s address as “pretty much like *********.” And most guests had no access to the commander-in-chief, he said. Even Caitlin Sinclair, the host of the dinner and an anchor on the conservative news network OANN, wasn’t able to get much face time with Trump. “She said, ‘Oh, Trump didn’t even give me a picture,’” Pinto remembered. As the gala ended around 10 p.m., Pinto, who didn’t meet Elon Musk, got a ride from his father back to a nearby hotel. He then readied himself for an after-party organized by the Singaporean crypto company at the Ciel Capitol Hill, a rooftop club in Washington, D.C. But first, he and his father needed to grab a bite to eat. Pinto was still hungry after the underwhelming meal. “The only good part,” he told Fortune, “[was] the bread and the butter.” This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #Influencer #attended #Trumps #memecoin #dinner #Walmart #steakand #access #president Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

All Six Team-Ups Added to Marvel Rivals With the Season 2.5 Update, and Four That Were Removed All Six Team-Ups Added to Marvel Rivals With the Season 2.5 Update, and Four That Were Removed Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 is set to go live on May 30, and you’d better get ready for one of the biggest updates we’ve seen. Not only are we getting a new Strategist character in Ultron, but there are several balance changes and new options in the Team-Up system. The mid-season update is going to six new Team-Ups and removing four existing ones. Your favorite characters might have new best friends very soon. So let’s take a look at all the new Team-Ups and ones that are leaving. All Six New Team-Ups in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 1. Symbiote Shenanigans – Jeff the Land Shark & Venom This Strategist-Vanguard combo gives Jeff the Land Shark a healing upgrade. With the help of Venom’s symbiote, Jeff can link to nearby allies with tendrils and give them a sort of AoE heal. Venom is the anchor in this pairing, and he gets a 150 health increase. If you and your duo are a tank/healer duo, then try this out. REMOVED TEAM UPS: – Symbiote Bond – Ammo Overload – Chilling Charisma – Allied Agents pic.twitter.com/m6qE1uC1da — Marvel Rivals Intel (@RivalsAssembled) May 22, 2025 2. Operation Microchip – ****** Widow & The Punisher ****** Widow gets a cool new ability in this Duelist-Duelist pairing. Thanks to The Punisher, her rifle gets a new firing mode that allows bullets to pierce enemies while aiming down sights. As for The Punisher, he gets a slight damage boost and an increase in max health. 3. Chilling Assault – Hawkeye & Luna Snow We’re switching to a more offensive combo for Luna Snow with this Hawkeye team-up. Hawkeye gets a new Ice Arrow ability that stuns enemies and deals bonus damage at range. Luna Snow is the anchor, and she gets a 15% healing effect bonus. 4. Rocket Network – Rocket Raccoon & Peni Parker These two tech-based characters are finally teaming up. Peni can now deploy an additional Bionic Spider-Nest that generates armor packs. Rocket Raccoon gets an upgraded Web Beacon, which spawns Spider-Drones and Arachno-Mines. Rocket also gains a small healing bonus, reinforcing his support potential. We’re excited to try this one. 5. Stark Protocol – Iron Man & Ultron Ultron is coming this season, and he gets a father-son combo. This Team-Up gives Ultron access to Iron Man’s Unibeam, which will heal and damage in one go. Iron Man, in turn, receives a damage output boost. If you’re looking to cosplay some lore events, this is perfect. NEW TEAM-UP “JEFF-NADO” Storm and Jeff Team-Up to create a hurricane that devours your enemies pic.twitter.com/c3NqZh8vlm — Marvel Rivals Intel (@RivalsAssembled) May 22, 2025 6. Jeff-nado – Jeff the Land Shark & Storm Now this is the team-up that everyone’s talking about. In this completely unnecessary but for fun team-up, Storm and Jeff’s ultimate come together to become a violent water tornado that ends with Jeff swallowing any enemy in it. Storm gains a new Shark Surge skill, and Jeff unlocks the ultimate “It’s Jeff-nado!”. Team-Ups Removed in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5 The old makes way for the new! | Image Credit: NetEase Games As you’d expect, new Team-Ups mean that some of the old ones have to go. Season 2.5 is removing four, and it will likely affect pick rates for several characters. 1. Chilling Charisma – Jeff the Land Shark & Luna Snow This support-focused Team-Up is being replaced by Jeff’s new combos with Storm and Venom. Seems like things are taking a more offensive turn for our favorite Land Shark. 2. Allied Agents – ****** Widow & Hawkeye This team-up was more for the lore aspect anyway, so it doesn’t hurt as much to see it go. Both characters get new ones that probably suit them better. 3. Ammo Overload – Rocket Raccoon & The Punisher This was one of the more used team-ups with Rocket Raccoon giving unlimited ammo to The Punisher. Both of them have new and interesting ones to replace them. 4. Symbiote Bond – Peni Parker & Venom This team-up was also more for the lore and thematic synergy, and like other characters, both of them have new options. The Team-Up mechanic in Marvel Rivals is one of the most unique things we’ve seen, and it’s great to see NetEase lean into it. Which team-up are you most excited for in Marvel Rivals Season 2.5? Source link #TeamUps #Added #Marvel #Rivals #Season #Update #Removed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Over half of Canadians say they understand Alberta separatism: poll Over half of Canadians say they understand Alberta separatism: poll A new poll suggests more than half of Canadians say they understand why Alberta might want to split from Canada — even if almost two-thirds say they don’t want that to happen. The Leger survey, which polled 1,537 Canadians between May 16 and 18, suggests that 55 per cent of Canadians understand Albertans’ desire for independence. Because the poll was conducted online, it can’t be assigned a margin of error. When it comes to Albertans, 70 per cent of them said they understand why their province might want to become an independent country. The poll suggests 63 per cent of men say they grasp what’s driving Alberta separatism, while 48 per cent of women report the same. While 77 per cent of Conservative voters said they understand the reasons behind the separatism movement, only 48 per cent of Liberal supporters responded the same way. Story continues below advertisement Sébastien Dallaire, Leger’s executive vice-president for Eastern Canada, said the survey suggests that there’s a “level of empathy” for Albertans. He added Canadians likely don’t think it’s a good idea for the province to separate, given the dire consequences it would have for the entire country. “If you’re in B.C., it means the country will be split in half from your perspective,” Dallaire said. “If one province leaves, then it may open up, you know, more discussion about, of course, Quebec possibly also wanting to do the same, or other provinces.” Only 26 per cent of respondents said they support the idea of Alberta becoming an independent country, with 12 per cent saying they “strongly” support it and 15 per cent saying they support it “somewhat.” On the other end of the spectrum, 62 per cent of respondents said they’re opposed, with 50 per cent saying they’re “strongly” opposed, and 11 per cent saying they “don’t know.” 2:13 Alberta group proposes anti-separatism referendum: ‘I’m thankful to this country’ Among respondents who support the province of Alberta becoming a country, 76 per cent say they understand why Alberta might want to become independent. Story continues below advertisement Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s government introduced a bill earlier this month to make it easier to launch a citizen-initiated referendum — including one on separating from Canada. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Smith has pointed to growing alienation in her province and frustration with Ottawa and has argued that those wanting to separate “are not fringe voices.” While she said she does not support separating from Canada, Smith is hoping to negotiate a new deal for the province with Prime Minister Mark Carney. She has said repeatedly that Albertans are frustrated that the province’s natural resources are landlocked and that its oil and gas exports are sold almost exclusively to the United States at a cut rate. Almost half of respondents in Alberta — 47 per cent — said they support separation. 1:50 Economists warn separatism driven uncertainty scaring investment in Alberta Just 29 per cent of Quebecers, 22 per cent of Ontarians and 14 per cent of people in B.C. said they think Alberta should split. Though the poll’s sample size for the two provinces was small, 30 per cent of people in Manitoba and Saskatchewan said they supported the idea. Story continues below advertisement At 43 per cent, Conservative supporters were far more open to the idea of separation than Liberal supporters, at only 12 per cent. Dallaire said the results of the recent federal election “did not satisfy everybody.” He also said the poll suggests that Albertans are very divided on the issue of separation. “We see that there is significant support for at least trying to shake things up,” he said, adding that previous referendums in Quebec have shown that numbers tend to move quite a bit once people learn the facts about what separation would mean. “Is this really a hard level of support? At this time, probably not, but it’s a clear indication that there’s a potential for the movement to really gain a strong foothold in the province and it’s something to really keep an eye on,” he said. “There’s a potential for this to grow even stronger, depending on what happens next.” 2:01 Indigenous chiefs accuse Premier Danielle Smith of stoking Alberta separatism talk Previous Video Next Video Story continues below advertisement The polling industry’s professional body, the ********* Research Insights Council, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. — With files from Sarah Ritchie, The ********* Press &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Canadians #understand #Alberta #separatism #poll Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Oblivion Remastered’s Strongest Sword Can Be Yours as Soon as You Step Out of the Sewers Oblivion Remastered’s Strongest Sword Can Be Yours as Soon as You Step Out of the Sewers What if there was a way to get The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered’s strongest sword right at the beginning of the game when you’re level 1? Sounds a bit far-fetched, right? Except it isn’t, which is the best part. Getting it isn’t like throwing rocks across a river, but it is still simple enough. If you didn’t know, Umbra is an extremely hard boss in Oblivion Remastered, and she wields the strongest sword in the game, so going against her right after you start your journey isn’t optimal. But the thing is, you won’t be fighting her directly, which makes the process of obtaining her sword way easier than it should be. Getting the Umbra Sword in Oblivion Remastered at level 1 is easier than you think The shortcut is too good to be true, but somehow it isn’t! Image Credit: Bethesda Thanks to user Aiming4Gaming0, we now know a way of getting Umbra’s sword very early on in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. Not only will you get the sword, but you’ll also receive her fantastic armor set after defeating her. All that equipment in your hands at level 1 will change your entire experience for the better, no doubt. Your work is to follow these steps below and make sure that you don’t mess up. Sounds easy enough? Well, let’s dive into the specifics then: After you begin your journey in Oblivion Remastered and step out of the sewers to enter free play mode, teleport to the Imperial City Waterfront. Once you get there, turn around, exit the city, and move southwest across the water. Vindasel is your destination, so head there. Upon reaching, defeat all the enemies guarding the place. Then head inside the dungeon and take care of the mudcrabs and rats you face. Tread lightly and steer clear of the spike trap in the first room and the poison trap in the second. Progress through the dungeon until you get to the final room, which has Umbra in it. Don’t start fighting just yet; instead, save the game, hit her once, and hot-tail it out of the dungeon. Once you’re outside, check if she’s still following you, and if she is, keep moving until you reach the Imperial City. After you reach the city, go to the dragon statue to make her follow you there. Once you’re both there, the guards will do the heavy lifting and start attacking Umbra, eventually defeating her. Once she’s down, loot her, and the strongest sword in Oblivion Remastered is now yours to have. Obtaining this kind of gear at just level 1 is quite the feat, and now it’s up to you to use it. That’s all you need to do to get the strongest sword and Umbra’s impressive armor set in the game, but do ensure that you follow the above steps correctly. What does the Umbra Sword do in Oblivion Remastered? The Umbra Sword in Oblivion Remastered is the strongest in the game, and obtaining it early on in the game can turn the tide of any battle you face, as you can kill enemies with just a few swings of the sword. A magic spell is nothing in front of the sharpness of a sword. Umbra’s Sword is also said to have the ability to capture the soul of any enemy killed with it. While you don’t have to worry about that, the sword will help you in filling up your Soul Gems, which is very helpful. Other than that, it’s a cool, lightweight, and powerful sword that’s fun to use and makes early game progression easier. The traditional way of getting the sword is by completing the related quest, but who cares about that when you can just follow the steps above, or kill Umbra at any point during your journey, and it’ll be yours to take, no offence to any Elder Scrolls purists out there. So, what do you think about the shortcut to getting the Umbra Sword in Oblivion Remastered at level 1? Will you be trying it out, or do you prefer to do things by the book? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below. Source link #Oblivion #Remastereds #Strongest #Sword #Step #Sewers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Boeing, DOJ reach deal to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes Boeing, DOJ reach deal to avoid prosecution over 737 Max crashes Ethiopian Federal policemen stand at the scene of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 plane ******, near the town of Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia March 11, 2019. Tiksa Negeri | Reuters The U.S. Justice Department said Friday that it has reached a deal with Boeing to avoid prosecution over two crashes of the plane maker’s 737 Max that killed 346 people. The so-called non-prosecution agreement would allow Boeing, a major military contractor and top U.S. exporter, to avoid being labeled a felon. The decision means Boeing won’t face trial as scheduled next month. The Justice Department said it reached a deal with Boeing in a letter to victims family members, which was seen bc CNBC. Boeing and the DOJ didn’t immediately comment. Boeing has been trying for years to put the two crashes of its best-selling Max planes — a Lion Air flight in October 2018 and an Ethiopian Airlines flight less than five months later — behind it. The Maxes were grounded worldwide for nearly two years after the second ******, a pause that gave rival Airbus a head start to recover from the Covid pandemic. But families of the ****** victims have criticized previous agreements as sweetheart deals for Boeing, called for more accountability from the company and said its executives should stand trial. In 2022, a former chief technical pilot for Boeing was acquitted on fraud charges tied to the Max’s development. The aerospace giant reached a settlement in 2021 in the final days of the first Trump administration that shielded it from prosecution for three years. Under that deal, Boeing agreed to pay a $2.51 billion fine to avoid prosecution. That included a $243.6 million criminal penalty, a $500 million fund for ****** victims family members and $1.77 billion for its airline customers. Rescuers work at the scene of an Ethiopian Airlines flight ****** near Bishoftu, or Debre Zeit, south of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Monday, March 11, 2019. Mulugeta Ayene | Reuters That 2021 settlement was set to expire two days after a door panel blew out of a nearly new 737 Max 9 operated by Alaska Airlines on Jan. 5, 2024, after the aircraft left Boeing’s factory without key bolts installed. But last year, U.S. prosecutors said Boeing violated the 2021 settlement, accusing the company of failing to set up and enforce a compliance and ethics program to detect violations of U.S. fraud laws. Last July, toward the end of the Biden administration, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to the criminal fraud charge in a new settlement. A federal judge later rejected the plea deal, citing concerns with a diversity, equity and inclusion requirements for choosing a corporate monitor. Under that 2024 deal, Boeing would have faced a fine of up to $487.2 million, though the Justice Department recommended that the court credit Boeing with half that amount it paid under the previous agreement. Family members hold photographs of Boeing 737 MAX ****** victims lost in two deadly 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people as Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg testifies before a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearing on “aviation safety” and the grounded 737 MAX on Capitol Hill in Washington, October 29, 2019. Sarah Silbiger | Reuters The U.S. had accused Boeing of conspiracy to defraud the government by misleading regulators about its inclusion of a flight-control system on the Max that was later implicated in the two crashes. “Boeing’s employees chose the path of profit over candor by concealing material information from the FAA concerning the operation of its 737 Max airplane and engaging in an effort to cover up their deception,” then-acting Assistant Attorney General David Burns of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division said at the time of the 2021 deferred prosecution agreement. Messages revealed in an investigation into the Max’s development showed the former top Boeing pilot who was found not guilty of fraud in 2022, Mark Forkner, told the FAA to delete the flight-control system known as MCAS from manuals and, in a separate email, he boasted about “jedi-mind tricking” regulators into approving the training material. Lawyers for victims’ family members railed against last year’s preliminary plea deal, equating it to a slap on the wrist for the corporate giant, which recently won a contract worth billions to built the next-generation fighter jet. This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. Source link #Boeing #DOJ #reach #deal #avoid #prosecution #Max #crashes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Apple Tariff Risk Grows: Analysts Say US iPhone Production Is a ‘Fairy Tale’ Apple Tariff Risk Grows: Analysts Say US iPhone Production Is a ‘Fairy Tale’ Apple (NASDAQ:) stock was trending about 3% lower on Friday as investors got jittery about new tariff threats from President Donald Trump on the iPhone maker. It started when news broke this week that Apple was planning to build a 300-acre, $1.5 billion iPhone manufacturing plant in India, as it plans to move more production out of China. On his trip to the Middle East last week, Trump met with Apple CEO Tim Cook and later said he didn’t want Apple building a manufacturing plant in India, according to the Times of India. That statement got stronger on Friday after the new $1,5 billion plant in India was reported by various news outlets. Trump took to Truth Social on Friday morning, posting that he “long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else. If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S.” Back in February, Apple announced that it was investing $500 billion in U.S. operations, including a server plant in Houston. “We are bullish on the future of American innovation, and we’re proud to build on our long-standing U.S. investments with this $500 billion commitment to our country’s future,” Cook said at the time. “From doubling our Advanced Manufacturing Fund, to building advanced technology in Texas, we’re thrilled to expand our support for American manufacturing.” Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, however, said back in April that it would take Apple at least three years to ramp up manufacturing in the U.S. an then it would only be about 10% of U.S. iPhone production. On Friday, Ives reiterated that notion. According to CNN, Ives said “the concept of Apple producing iPhones in the US is a fairy tale that is not feasible.” Ives told CNN that it would take five to 10 years to move all of Apple’s iPhone production to the United States. Ives also said iPhone would triple in price if made in the U.S., because of the costs of replicating the complex manufacturing process that already exists in Asia. “We see no chance that iPhone production starts to happen in the US in the near-term given the upside-down cost model and Herculean-like supply chain logistics needed for such an initiative,” Ives wrote in a research note on Friday, reported Barron’s. The Barron’s article suggested that even a 25% tariff would be cheaper than building manufacturing plants in the U.S. On the earnings call for the fiscal second quarter — the March quarter – Cook said “we do expect the majority of iPhones sold in the U. S. will have India as their country of origin and Vietnam to be the country of origin for almost all iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods products sold in the US.” It is not clear where this goes from here, and if it even materializes. But if it does, UBS analyst David Vogt said a 25% tariff would be a “modest headwind” for Apple, reported CNBC. Vogt said it would drop Apple’s annual earnings expectations by about 51 cents per share, compared to the 34 cents per share drop with the current tariffs in place. Apple investors should watch this closely, as new developments may arise. Original Post Source link #Apple #Tariff #Risk #Grows #Analysts #iPhone #Production #Fairy #Tale Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Billy Joel cancels tour after rare brain condition diagnosis – BBC Billy Joel cancels tour after rare brain condition diagnosis – BBC Billy Joel cancels tour after rare brain condition diagnosis BBCBilly Joel Announces Brain Disorder and Cancels All Concerts The New York TimesWhat to know on normal pressure hydrocephalus as Billy Joel cancels tour NBC NewsBilly Joel Cancels All Tour Dates and Reveals Health Diagnosis After Recent Stage Fall People.comBilly Joel cancels concert tour dates and reveals diagnosis with brain condition CBS News Source link #Billy #Joel #cancels #tour #rare #brain #condition #diagnosis #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Deckers Slashed in Half YTD as Market Questions Post-Pandemic Growth Model Deckers Slashed in Half YTD as Market Questions Post-Pandemic Growth Model Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:) Corporation shares plummeted over 21%, despite beating fourth-quarter earnings expectations. The UGG and HOKA footwear maker’s disappointing forward guidance and concerns about slowing growth in its key brands triggered a wave of analyst downgrades. Decker Brands: Mixed Q4 Results Overshadowed by Weak Forward Guidance Deckers delivered a strong fourth-quarter earnings beat but failed to convince investors about its near-term prospects. The company reported adjusted earnings per share of $1.00, significantly surpassing analyst estimates of $0.59 by 65.07%. Revenue came in at $1.02 billion, slightly above the consensus estimate of $1.01 billion and representing 6.5% year-over-year growth. The headline numbers, however, masked underlying concerns about brand momentum. HOKA, the company’s fast-growing athletic footwear brand, posted 10% year-over-year growth, falling short of the 14.3% consensus expectation. This deceleration is particularly concerning given HOKA’s role as a key growth driver for the company. UGG performed better than expected with 3.6% growth, ahead of the consensus expectation of a 4.9% decline, but the modest growth rate reflects the mature nature of the brand. For the full fiscal year 2025, Deckers posted record results with revenue increasing 16.3% to $4.99 billion and diluted earnings per share rising 30% to $6.33. CEO Stefano Caroti highlighted that “Deckers delivered another exceptional year of results in fiscal 2025, highlighted by the HOKA and UGG brands’ respective revenue growth of 24% and 13%, as well as record earnings per share.” The optimism from the annual results quickly evaporated when management provided disappointing guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The company expects earnings per share of $0.62-$0.67, well below analyst estimates of $0.79, representing a significant miss of approximately 20%. Revenue guidance of $890-910 million also fell short of the $925.3 million that analysts were anticipating. Perhaps most concerning, management cited macroeconomic uncertainty related to evolving global trade policies and chose not to provide full-year guidance for fiscal 2026, creating additional uncertainty for investors. Analyst Downgrades Reflect Growth Concerns The disappointing guidance triggered a wave of analyst downgrades as Wall Street reassessed Deckers’ growth trajectory. Evercore analysts downgraded the stock to In Line from Outperform, with analysts led by Jesalyn Wong stating, “We think DECK might be entering a new phase of lower growth profile as we see signs of deceleration across its two key brand growth engines – UGG and HOKA. We prefer to remain on the sidelines and wait for positive signals.” KeyBanc Capital Markets also cut its rating to Sector Perform from Overweight, citing “HOKA’s slowing trajectory, shift toward wholesale door growth, and potential demand erosion from price increases” as key concerns. The firm noted that “with U.S. awareness already high, we see limited near-term upside and lower our estimates accordingly.” Most dramatically, Telsey Advisory downgraded Deckers to Market Perform from Outperform while slashing its price target to $120 from $240 – a 50% reduction that reflects significantly lowered expectations. The firm cited multiple headwinds, including “the deceleration of the HOKA and DTC businesses, margin pressures from channel mix shifts towards wholesale, the potential for increased promotions against low levels in the prior years, and tariff costs, along with general challenges to overall global macro visibility.” The analyst concerns center on HOKA’s decelerating growth momentum, which has been a primary driver of Deckers’ outperformance in recent years. The shift toward wholesale distribution over direct-to-consumer sales is expected to pressure margins, while potential tariff impacts add another layer of uncertainty to the outlook. DECK Suffers Dramatic Decline Amid Broader Market Weakness The stock opened sharply lower at $97.93 and has traded in a range of $96.10 to $100.05 during the session, with exceptionally heavy volume of 6.72 million shares compared to the average daily volume of 3.22 million. The dramatic decline has significantly impacted Deckers’ market valuation, with the market capitalization falling to approximately $15.05 billion. The stock is now trading near its 52-week low range, with the annual low at $93.72 compared to the 52-week high of $223.98 reached earlier in the year. Year-to-date, DECK shares have now declined 51.19%, making it one of the worst-performing stocks in the Consumer Cyclical sector and significantly underperforming the S&P 500’s 1.44% decline. Over the past year, the stock has fallen 34.25% while the broader market has gained 10.05%. However, longer-term investors have still benefited, with the stock up 139.70% over three years and 231.83% over five years, reflecting the company’s successful brand-building efforts during its growth phase. The current trading multiples reflect the market’s reassessment of the company’s growth prospects. Despite the strong historical performance, investors are now pricing in slower growth expectations, with the forward P/E ratio at 21.23 and analyst price targets ranging from $100 to $240, with an average target of $141.71. Despite the near-term challenges, Deckers maintains a strong balance sheet with $2.24 billion in cash and minimal debt (9.77% debt-to-equity ratio). The company also announced an increase in its share repurchase authorization to $2.5 billion, signaling management’s confidence in long-term prospects despite current headwinds. However, with multiple analyst downgrades and concerns about both HOKA’s growth trajectory and macro pressures from tariffs, investors appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach until clearer positive signals emerge. *** Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions. This article was originally published on The Tokenist. Check out The Tokenist’s free newsletter, Five Minute Finance, for weekly analysis of the biggest trends in finance and technology. Source link #Deckers #Slashed #YTD #Market #Questions #PostPandemic #Growth #Model Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red Sox manager backs Hendriks after ‘vile’ messages Red Sox manager backs Hendriks after ‘vile’ messages One day after Boston Red Sox’s *********** pitcher Liam Hendriks used social media to condemn offensive messages made against him and his family, manager Alex Cora has thrown his support behind the player. “We’re in the public eye and people feel they have the right to say whatever they want,” Cora said before the Red Sox took on Baltimore in the first game of a double-header at Fenway Park on Friday. “Sometimes, it comes from real people. Other times, it comes from burner accounts … fake people. It puts everyone in a tough spot.” Hendriks, who was born and raised in Perth, took to social media on Thursday, after the team’s most recent loss to the New York Mets, saying a troll had written they wished he died of *******, while his wife had also received death threats. “Just as an FYI: Threats against me and my wife’s life are horrible and cruel. You need help,” the three-time All Star wrote in the post. “Leaving comments and telling me to commit suicide and how you wish I died from ******* is disgusting and vile.” Hendriks is in his second season with the Red Sox and is 0-1 with a 5.56 earned run average in 11 games. In 2023, he underwent treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Last year, after signing with Boston as a free agent, he missed the entire season with an elbow injury he picked up during spring training. “I understand what he’s trying to accomplish,” Cora said. “We have to protect our players and we have to voice what we think.” Cora found himself in the middle of a social-media storm on Monday after attending the graduation of his daughter from Boston College and missing that night’s home game against the Mets. Source link #Red #Sox #manager #backs #Hendriks #vile #messages Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to Get Noco Back in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 How to Get Noco Back in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become one of the best games to release this year. And there are a lot of reasons for Sandfall Interactive’s success. You can look at any part of the game and find excellence, the music, the graphics design, and the character art. But one place where this is especially true is the story and the writing. Speaking of which, were you also devastated by the death of Noco in Act 2? The little broomhead is one of the first gestrals we meet in the game and one of the purest souls. But did you know that you can resurrect him? You can do that by simply following Monoco’s relationship quest. How to revive Noco in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Noco first appears in Flying Waters after you leave the Manor with Maelle during Act I. He is a little Gestral with maroon and ****** hair. Noco is initially friendly, but he follows the Gestral tradition of valuing strength. So to access his special inventory, you must fight him and win. Meet Monoco, the friendly yet fiercely bloodthirsty Gestral who collects… feet. By looting the feet of defeated Nevrons, Monoco learns new skills. He can then transform into that monster, and unleash their signature attack in battle. pic.twitter.com/ouJ0wJOG9D — Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (@expedition33) January 27, 2025 In Act 2, Noco is eventually killed by Renoir, leaving both the player and his closest companion, Monoco, devastated. The loss is deeply personal for Monoco since he and Noco shared a father-son type bond. While the main storyline moves on, the chance to resurrect Noco comes later in Act 3, when Monoco’s relationship quest becomes available. To resurrect Noco, you’ll need to go through Monoco’s relationship arc. This becomes available once your bond with him reaches level 6. Before heading to the Sacred River, speak with Monoco at camp to trigger the correct dialogue. You’ll need Esquie’s flying ability to go to the Sacred River, which you get at the start of Act 3. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is shattering my perception of what can be done in a video game How is a 45$ usd masterpiece of a game, made by a Team of 30 core devs Composer from SoundCloud Writer from Reddit beating out so many triple A Studios and games globally? pic.twitter.com/IpeVcrrjAG — Unreal Dreamer (@Unreal_Dreamer) May 20, 2025 Once inside the Sacred River, you’ll find a pink glowing Gestral. This interaction will start a boss fight against Golgra, but only if Monoco’s relationship quest is active. Note that you can only use Verso and Monoco in this battle, so preparation is key. You can revive Noco, but should you? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has a lot of such moments. Image Credit: Sandfall Interactive Once Golgra is defeated, Noco is brought back to life and taken to the Gestral Village to be “reoriented”. But the resurrection isn’t without consequences. Noco no longer remembers Monoco or the Expedition crew. The once vibrant and playful merchant is now a shadow of his former self, stripped of the memories that made him beloved. Despite how emotional the ending is, resurrecting Noco is essential for completing Monoco’s storyline. It unlocks Monoco’s powerful Break Point Gradient skill and ties into the broader narrative theme of moving on from grief. Monoco doesn’t get back the Noco he once knew, and neither do we. From a pure gameplay perspective, resurrecting Noco is the correct choice. Monoco’s best skill is locked behind this quest, and the Sacred River provides high-value rewards including XP, catalysts, and rare items. But emotionally, it’s a tougher call. If you’ve already played through the game, let us know what your decision was! Source link #Noco #Clair #Obscur #Expedition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Goodbye Windows 11 – Valve’s SteamOS is now available on the Legion Go S, with some support for other AMD-powered handhelds Goodbye Windows 11 – Valve’s SteamOS is now available on the Legion Go S, with some support for other AMD-powered handhelds Valve’s SteamOS 3.7 stable has official support for the Lenovo Legion Go S It also features limited support for other AMD-powered handhelds It’s promised future support for other devices Microsoft’s Windows 11 has been present on most handheld gaming PCs, notably the Asus ROG Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. However, that may be on the verge of changing, with Valve’s Linux operating system first making its way to a new handheld. As reported by VideoCardz, Valve’s SteamOS 3.7 stable has been released with full Lenovo Legion Go S support, along with other AMD-powered handheld gaming PCs. While solutions like preview drivers or beta builds have been available, this is the first time Valve has provided gamers with installation instructions (specifically for the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally). Compatibility includes other AMD-powered handheld gaming PCs, but it’s important to note that Valve has stated that only the Legion Go S (and, of course, the Steam Deck) will have official SteamOS support. However, it highlights that it’s continually working on improved support for other handhelds. You may like Fortunately, gamers still have other options such as Bazzite, which is essentially a SteamOS clone with additional features like Handheld Daemon for greater handheld functionality; most importantly, it arguably has more support through updates for desktop PCs, laptops, and handhelds. It could be a while before we see SteamOS at its full capacity on non-Steam Deck devices, so Bazzite, ChimeraOS, and other SteamOS or Linux distros ideal for handheld gaming are certainly ones to look towards in the meantime. (Image credit: Future) Another reason for Microsoft to step it up for handhelds with Windows 11… Besides the issues with anti-cheat games not running on Linux (specifically SteamOS), running Microsoft’s Windows 11 on handheld gaming PCs has few benefits. Even with tools like Armoury Crate on the Asus ROG Ally, Microsoft has yet to acknowledge and support portable devices. Further, with the run of game-breaking bugs from Windows 11 24H2, I was convinced to install Bazzite. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. I must say, I’m glad I did, as the SteamOS user experience for handhelds is significantly better than Windows 11. It helped me further appreciate the sleep function on the Steam Deck, which is a pain to deal with on Windows, as games can ****** completely upon waking up your device. It’s not an issue now since it’s possible with other handhelds using SteamOS via distros or Valve’s SteamOS distribution. There are plenty of reasons why Microsoft should step it up with better Windows 11 features for handhelds, but now is the best time to act. Once devices other than the Legion Go S and Steam Deck have greater SteamOS support, I suspect even more PC gamers will turn away from the popular operating system… You may also like Source link #Goodbye #Windows #Valves #SteamOS #Legion #support #AMDpowered #handhelds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Deferred capital gains tax on mutual funds: Lawmakers pitch rule change Deferred capital gains tax on mutual funds: Lawmakers pitch rule change Artistgndphotography | E+ | Getty Images If you own mutual funds, year-end payouts can trigger a surprise tax bill — even when you haven’t sold the underlying investment. But some lawmakers want to change that. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, this week introduced a bill, known as the Generate Retirement Ownership Through Long-Term Holding, or GROWTH, Act. If enacted, the bill would defer reinvested mutual fund capital gains taxes until investors sell their shares. Bipartisan House lawmakers introduced a similar bill in March. Why mutual funds incur capital gains tax When you own mutual funds in a pre-tax 401(k) or individual retirement account, growth is tax-deferred. But if you hold assets in a brokerage account, capital gains distributions and dividends incur yearly taxes. More from Personal Finance: What the House GOP budget bill means for your money Tax bill includes $1,000 baby bonus in ‘Trump Accounts’ House GOP tax bill passes ‘SALT’ deduction cap of $40,000 Depending on performance, some mutual funds can ***** off substantial gains during the fourth quarter. In 2024, some paid double-digit distributions, Morningstar estimated. These payouts are subject to long-term capital gains taxes of 0%, 15% or 20%, depending on your taxable income. Some higher earners also pay an extra 3.8% surcharge on investment earnings. About $7 trillion of long-term mutual fund assets held outside of retirement accounts could be impacted by the legislation, according to the Investment Company Institute, which represents the asset management industry. Bill would ‘provide parity’ for mutual funds In a statement Wednesday, Cornyn described the mutual fund proposal as a “no-brainer” that would “help provide parity with other investment options.” If enacted, the proposal would “incentivize Americans to save and invest for their long-term goals” without the stress of an “unexpected tax bill,” Eric Pan, president and CEO of the Investment Company Institute, said in a statement following the bill’s introduction. However, it’s unclear whether the bill will advance amid competing priorities. Lawmakers are wrestling over President Donald Trump’s multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending package, which passed in the House on Thursday, and could face hurdles in the Senate. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has also asked Congress to raise the debt ceiling before August to avert a government shutdown. Switch to exchange-traded funds While deferring yearly taxes could benefit some investors, you could also make portfolio changes, financial experts say. You can avoid mutual fund payouts by switching to similar exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, which typically disburse less income, Tommy Lucas, a certified financial planner and enrolled agent at Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo in Orlando, Florida, previously told CNBC. Of course, the trade could also trigger taxes if the mutual fund has embedded gains, which may require some planning, he said. Alternatively, investors could opt to keep mutual funds in tax-deferred accounts, such as pre-tax 401(k)s or IRAs. Source link #Deferred #capital #gains #tax #mutual #funds #Lawmakers #pitch #rule #change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Firefighters battle a large fire at a vacant hotel near Houston Firefighters battle a large fire at a vacant hotel near Houston Firefighters battle a large fire at a vacant hotel near Houston Source link #Firefighters #battle #large #fire #vacant #hotel #Houston Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Twelve hurt in ******* train station stabbing: police Twelve hurt in ******* train station stabbing: police An assailant has stabbed people at the central railway station in the ******* city of Hamburg, injuring 12 people – six of them critically, authorities say. The person attacked people with a knife on the platform between tracks 13 and 14 in the station, according to police. They said on social network X that a suspect was arrested but did not give details. Bild newspaper reported that the suspect was a woman. Emergency services said six people sustained life-threatening injuries while another three were seriously injured and three had slight injuries. The station in downtown Hamburg, Germany’s second-biggest city, is a major hub for local, regional and long-distance trains. with DPA Source link #Twelve #hurt #******* #train #station #stabbing #police Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DGX B200 Blackwell node sets world record, breaking over 1,000 TPS/user DGX B200 Blackwell node sets world record, breaking over 1,000 TPS/user Nvidia has reportedly broken another AI world record, breaking the 1,000 tokens per second (TPS) barrier per user with Meta’s Llama 4 Maverick large language model, according to Artificial Analysis in a post on LinkedIn. This breakthrough was achieved with Nvidia’s latest DGX B200 node, which features eight Blackwell GPUs. Nvidia outperformed the previous record holder, SambaNova, by 31%, achieving 1,038 TPS/user compared to AI chipmaker SambaNova’s prior record of 792 TPS/user. According to Artificial Analysis’s benchmark report, Nvidia and SambaNova are well ahead of everyone in this performance metric. Amazon and Groq achieved scores just shy of 300 TPS/user — the rest, Fireworks, Lambda Labs, Kluster.ai, CentML, Google Vertex, Together.ai, Deepinfra, Novita, and Azure, all achieved scores below 200 TPS/user. Blackwell’s record-breaking result was achieved using a plethora of performance optimizations tailor-made to the Llama 4 Maverick architecture. Nvidia allegedly made extensive software optimizations using TensorRT and trained a speculative decoding draft model using Eagle-3 techniques, which are designed to accelerate inference in LLMs by predicting tokens ahead of time. These two optimizations alone achieved a 4x performance uplift compared to Blackwell’s best prior results. You may like Accuracy was also improved using FP8 data types (rather than BF16), Attention operations, and the Mixture of Experts AI technique that took the world by storm when it was first introduced with the DeepSeek R1 model. Nvidia also shared a variety of other optimizations its software engineers made to the CUDA kernel to optimize performance further, including techniques such as spatial partitioning and GEMM weight shuffling. TPS/user is an AI performance metric that stands for tokens per second per user. Tokens are the foundation of LLM-powered software such as Copilot and ChatGPT; when you type a question into ChatGPT or Copilot, your individual words and characters are tokens. The LLM takes these tokens and outputs an answer based on those tokens according to the LLM’s programming. The user part (of TPS/user) is aimed at single-user-focused benchmarking, rather than batching. This method of benchmarking is important for AI chatbot developers to create a better experience for people. The faster a GPU cluster can process tokens per second per user, the faster an AI chatbot will respond to you. 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 #DGX #B200 #Blackwell #node #sets #world #record #breaking #TPSuser Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

14-year-old girl accidentally shoots self, dies while filming social media video 14-year-old girl accidentally shoots self, dies while filming social media video A teenage girl in Washington, D.C., died after accidentally shooting herself while recording a video for social media, police said. The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia (MPD) announced the 14-year-old girl’s death, which occurred around 5:09 p.m. on May 21. After receiving reports of a shooting, MPD officers responded to the girl’s residence in northeast Washington, D.C., according to the department. When officers arrived at the apartment, they found the girl inside suffering from a gunshot wound, police said. Although lifesaving measures were performed, the girl succumbed to her injuries, the department added. “This is a devastating reminder of the dangers of weapons getting into the hands of young people in our city, and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the decedent,” Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith said in a statement. “Firearms are not toys or props and they must be properly secured in a place where they can only be accessed by lawful gun owners.” More news: Human remains found by hunter belong to missing Utah woman who disappeared in 2023 Was an adult in the home during the shooting? Police said their preliminary investigation indicates that the unidentified teen was handling a gun while recording her social media video when the firearm went off and struck her in the upper body. According to the department, multiple people, including at least one adult, were inside the apartment when the shooting happened. The gun used in the incident has been recovered, police said. How common are unintentional child gun deaths? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) compiles data on unintentional child gun deaths. The most recent data released on the issue is from 2023. Data from that year shows that 143 people ages 19 and younger died from unintentional injury from a firearm. A 2023 study done by the CDC found that roughly three-quarters of unintentional child gun deaths between 2003 and 2021 involved a firearm that was stored loaded and unlocked. Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teen girl accidentally shoots self, dies recording social media video Source link #14yearold #girl #accidentally #shoots #dies #filming #social #media #video Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The White House rejects a watchdog finding that it's breaking the law over halted funds – NPR The White House rejects a watchdog finding that it's breaking the law over halted funds – NPR The White House rejects a watchdog finding that it’s breaking the law over halted funds NPR‘Rearview mirror stuff’: Trump’s budget chief mocks GAO’s impoundment opinion PoliticoGAO: Transportation Department can’t withhold electric vehicle infrastructure program funds Government ExecutiveTrump Administration Wrongly Impounded Infrastructure Aid, Watchdog Finds The New York TimesStates and nonprofits sue feds for ******** withholding of $5B in EV charger funds Electrek Source link #White #House #rejects #watchdog #finding #it039s #breaking #law #halted #funds #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

12 people stabbed at Germany train station, suspect arrested: police – National 12 people stabbed at Germany train station, suspect arrested: police – National By Staff The Associated Press Posted May 23, 2025 2:13 pm 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size An assailant stabbed people at the central railway station in the ******* city of Hamburg on Friday, injuring 12 people — six of them critically, authorities said. The person attacked people with a knife on the platform between tracks 13 and 14 in the station, according to police. They said on social network X that a suspect was arrested, but didn’t give details. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Hamburg’s fire service said that six people sustained life-threatening injuries, while another three were seriously injured and three had slight injuries, ******* news agency dpa reported. Trending Now Police remain silent as Nova Scotia missing kids investigation hits Week 3 Kim Jong Un furious over ship launch ******, calls mishap a ‘criminal act’ The station in downtown Hamburg, Germany’s second-biggest city, is a major hub for local, regional and long-distance trains. Police cordoned off part of the complex. More on Crime More videos &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #people #stabbed #Germany #train #station #suspect #arrested #police #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Charts indicate this beaten-down beverage stock is rebounding, headed $10 higher, says Carter Worth Charts indicate this beaten-down beverage stock is rebounding, headed $10 higher, says Carter Worth (Check out Carter’s worthcharting.com for actionable recommendations and live nightly videos.) The encouraging recent price action in beaten-down beverage company Celsius Holdings (CELH) is important and bullish, by our work. Some would characterize the current CELH circumstance as a stock that’s basing — and so it is. Others would characterize the current CELH circumstance as a rounding bottom — and so it is. As long-time readers will know, the nomenclature of Worth Charting characterizes the current set-up in a stock like CELH as a ” bearish-to-bullish” reversal BUY. The two identical charts below show a heretofore bearish stock in an established downtrend that’s reversed… and now is in the early stages of a new uptrend. We’re buyers here… Price objective is $46 +/-. DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Source link #Charts #beatendown #beverage #stock #rebounding #headed #higher #Carter #Worth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oz rock icon Jimmy Barnes beats death and returns with Defiant new album and tour Oz rock icon Jimmy Barnes beats death and returns with Defiant new album and tour Cold Chisel and solo rock legend celebrates cheating death, again, with a hard-edged new album and tour. Source link #rock #icon #Jimmy #Barnes #beats #death #returns #Defiant #album #tour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PepsiCo Stock (PEP) Slips Into Buy-the-Dip Strikezone PepsiCo Stock (PEP) Slips Into Buy-the-Dip Strikezone PepsiCo (PEP) stock has been on a steady slide for two years, now trading at levels not seen since 2019. The company’s grappling with some real challenges, like slowing growth, shifting consumer preferences, and the lingering sting of recent U.S. tariff rollbacks that still complicate supply chains. On the bright side, following this rough patch, PEP’s valuation appears dirt cheap at 16.6x earnings, while its dividend yield just hit a record of 4.11%—well above the sector average of 2.4%. This setup has made me feel pretty optimistic about the stock’s prospects from its current levels. PepsiCo (PEP) PepsiCo, the powerhouse behind Doritos, Gatorade, and that classic cola, has seen its growth engine stall. Figures published last month showed a 1.8% revenue drop, with organic sales barely inching up 1.2%. North America’s been tough, with snack volumes down 2% and beverage sales flat, as budget-conscious consumers cut back. The rise of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic hasn’t helped, as people are snacking less, and Frito-Lay’s feeling it most. Globally, it’s a mixed bag. Emerging markets like India and Brazil posted 5% revenue growth, but it’s not enough to offset the U.S. slump. PepsiCo’s been investing heavily in marketing and acquisitions, like the prebiotic soda brand Poppi, to reignite demand, but results are slow to materialize. Investors are getting antsy, and the stock’s 27% drop over the past year clearly reflects that frustration. PepsiCo Earnings and Revenue History The company’s also dealing with internal hiccups, like supply chain software issues at Frito-Lay, which dented efficiency. While management is optimistic about fixing these, the lack of quick wins has kept pressure on the stock. In any case, I believe PepsiCo’s global scale and brand strength give it room to maneuver, even if growth’s stuck in low gear for now. The U.S.-China trade deal announced early last week may have, for now, sliced tariffs on ******** imports from 145% to 30% for 90 days, offering PepsiCo some relief on inputs like aluminum for cans. However, a 20% tariff tied to fentanyl concerns persists, and Canada and Mexico still face 25% tariffs on non-USMCA goods, impacting PepsiCo’s North American supply chain. These lingering costs and a now-expired de minimis exemption for low-value ******** imports keep margins under pressure. Story Continues PepsiCo Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) CEO Ramon Laguarta noted on the Q1 earnings call that trade volatility continues to squeeze profitability, with core operating profit down 1%. PepsiCo’s global supply chain, sourcing materials like corn and sugar across 200 countries, makes it vulnerable to these disruptions. Unlike Coca-Cola (KO), which has an edge here due to more domestic production, PepsiCo’s reliance on imports amplifies tariff impacts. PEP is now exploring alternative sourcing, but costs remain elevated for the time being. Another headwind worth noting is the ongoing trend of consumers rethinking their diets, and PepsiCo is feeling the squeeze. Weight-loss drugs and growing scrutiny of processed foods, amplified by figures like the U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has put snacks like Cheetos in the crosshairs of government regulators. And then, in India, water usage concerns have sparked backlash against PepsiCo’s operations, adding PR challenges. These shifts are denting demand for sugary drinks and salty snacks. PepsiCo’s trying to pivot with healthier options like Bubly and Gatorade Zero, but its core portfolio still leans on traditional snacks and sodas. The recent Poppi acquisition for $1.95 billion—a fast-growing prebiotic soda brand—targets health-conscious consumers, but it’s too small to move the needle yet. Meanwhile, rivals like Coca-Cola, with a stronger low-sugar lineup, are pulling ahead on margins. So naturally, investors worry PepsiCo’s slow shift could cede market share. However, it’s not all gloomy in PepsiCo’s investment case. After its two-year slide, the stock is now trading at just 16.6x forward earnings, one of its lowest valuations ever. For context, its five-year average P/E stands at roughly ~25, including high interest rates for most of this *******. For a company with iconic, recession-proof brands like Quaker and Tropicana, that’s a steal. To grab a Dividend King that has raised its payouts for 53 consecutive years, trading at a multi-year low valuation and an all-time-high yield of 4.11%, is a lucrative opportunity to capitalize. PepsiCo (PEP) Dividend Date & History PepsiCo (PEP) Dividend Amount Per Share​ Despite its prolonged underperformance, Wall Street analysts continue to have mixed feelings about PepsiCo’s prospects. Specifically, PEP stock features a Hold consensus rating based on three Buys and 10 Hold recommendations over the past three months. Still, it’s worth noting that no analyst rates the stock as a sell today. At $148.33, the average PEP stock price target implies an upside potential of ~14% from the current levels. See more PEP analyst ratings PepsiCo stock has had a tough run, with growth stalls, tariff headaches, and health trends dragging it back to 2019 prices. But at 16.6x earnings and a 4.11% dividend yield, it’s a blue-chip stock at a discount. Its global brands, 53-year dividend streak, and recession-proof business make it a safe long-term play. With trade talks potentially easing costs, I’m betting PEP’s poised for a rebound. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Source link #PepsiCo #Stock #PEP #Slips #BuytheDip #Strikezone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Stock Market Today: Dow, Nasdaq Drop After Trump Threatens 'Straight 50% Tariff' on EU — Live Update – WSJ Stock Market Today: Dow, Nasdaq Drop After Trump Threatens 'Straight 50% Tariff' on EU — Live Update – WSJ Stock Market Today: Dow, Nasdaq Drop After Trump Threatens ‘Straight 50% Tariff’ on EU — Live Update WSJTariffs live updates: Trump threatens new tariffs on Apple, EU in latest escalation of trade war Yahoo FinanceTrump threatens steep tariffs on European Union goods, targets iPhones; live updates Central New Jersey NewsGlobal markets tumble after Trump announces tariffs against European Union, Apple PBSTrump’s trade war de-escalation is over (for now) Axios Source link #Stock #Market #Today #Dow #Nasdaq #Drop #Trump #Threatens #039Straight #Tariff039 #Live #Update #WSJ Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chaos spreads as desperate Gazans wait for food aid Chaos spreads as desperate Gazans wait for food aid Rushdie Abualouf Gaza correspondent Alice Cuddy Reporting from Jerusalem EPA The limited amount of food that trickled into Gaza after an Israeli blockade was partly lifted has sparked chaotic scenes, as hunger continues to spread. Bakeries distributing food were overwhelmed by crowds and forced to close on Thursday, and armed looters attacked an aid convoy overnight – sparking a firefight with ****** security officials who, witnesses say, were then targeted by an Israeli drone strike. The incident in central Gaza, recounted to BBC News by eyewitnesses, local journalists and ****** officials, underscores the deteriorating security situation in Gaza, where governance has collapsed and lawlessness has spread. A convoy of 20 trucks, coordinated by the World Food Programme (WFP) and carrying flour, was en route from the Kerem Shalom crossing to a WFP warehouse in the city of Deir al-Balah. It was being escorted by six ****** security officers when it was ambushed by five unidentified gunmen, who fired at the tyres of the vehicles and tried to seize the cargo. The ****** security team engaged the attackers in a brief firefight, witnesses told BBC News. Shortly after the clash began, Israeli drones targeted the ****** unit with four missiles, killing six officers and wounding others. EPA ****** issued a statement condemning the attack as “a horrific massacre” and accused Israel of deliberately targeting personnel tasked with protecting humanitarian aid. BBC News has contacted the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment. A small amount of food has been allowed to cross into Gaza this week: around 130 lorries carrying aid have crossed the border in the last three days, after an 11-week blockade was partly lifted by the IDF. The UN says 500 to 600 trucks of supplies a day are needed in Gaza. International agencies, including the UN and the WFP, have repeatedly warned that the growing insecurity is hampering the delivery of desperately needed food and medical supplies to the population – the majority of whom are displaced. Israel says the blockade was intended to put pressure on ****** to release the hostages still held in Gaza. Israel has also accused ****** of stealing supplies, which the group has denied. The WFP said 15 of its aid trucks were looted overnight on Thursday, and that “hunger, desperation and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming is contributing to rising insecurity”. The organisation called on Israel to help ensure the safe passage of supplies. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, an agency that supports ************ refugees, wrote on X that no one should be “surprised let alone shocked” that aid had been looted because the “people of Gaza have been starved [and] deprived of the basics including water and medicines for more than 11 weeks”. Earlier on Thursday, angry and hungry Palestinians crowded outside bakeries in Gaza in a desperate attempt to obtain bread, but the situation quickly descended into chaos, forcing distribution to halt. It forced most bakeries to suspend operations, citing a lack of security. Many residents across Gaza voiced growing frustration over the aid distribution method and criticised the WFP, which oversees food deliveries. Some called for an immediate shift from distributing baked bread to handing out flour directly at a rate of one sack per family. Locals argue that distributing flour would allow families to bake at home or in tents – which, they say, would be safer than waiting at the overcrowded aid centres. EPA Palestinians on the ground have told of the deepening humanitarian crisis and the collapse of basic services facing people living among the fighting or forced from their homes, as the IDF continues to ramp up its military operations against ******. From a displacement camp in southern Gaza’s al-Mawasi, Abd al-****** Hussein told BBC News over WhatsApp that the situation is getting worse due to the number of people in the area. The father-of-two said there is “no room” in al-Mawasi, where people ordered by the Israeli military to leave their homes are being told to go for safety. “There is no electricity, no food, insufficient portable water, and no available medicine,” he said. “The repeated air strikes, especially during the night, add to the suffering.” He described the aid trucks coming in as a “drop in the ocean of Gaza’s needs”. When he announced some supplies would finally be allowed into the strip earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said only a “basic amount” would be able to cross. Humanitarian organisations have warned the amount of food entering Gaza in recent days is not close to what is needed to feed the 2.1 million people living there, while the UN has said about 500 lorries entered the territory on average every day before the war. Widespread famine, humanitarian groups have warned, looms over Gaza. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said 400 trucks had been cleared to enter Gaza this week, but supplies from just 115 had been collected. He said nothing had “reached the besieged north” so far. While some flour, baby food and medical supplies had made it into Gaza, and some bakeries in the south had begun operating again, Guterres said that amounted to a “teaspoon of aid when a flood of assistance is required”. “The supplies – 160,000 pallets, enough to fill nearly 9,000 trucks – are waiting,” he added. Rida, a midwife with charity Project HOPE in Deir al-Balah, said women come to her clinic suffering from fainting, having sought medical help without eating breakfast. Many of them eat only one meal a day and subsist on high energy biscuits given by the charity, she said. Project HOPE “Due to malnutrition they are always telling us, ‘my baby cannot take enough supplement from my breast… my baby won’t stop crying… they always need to be breastfed, but my breast is empty’.” Teenager Saba Nahed Alnajjar lives in Khan Younis, where the IDF ordered a mass evacuation earlier this week ahead of what it said would be an unprecedented military operation there. She said her family has stayed in their partially destroyed home. “An evacuation order has been issued for our area, but we have not been displaced because we have nowhere else to go,” she said. “There are not many citizens in the area… The displaced are sleeping in the street and there is no food. “The conditions are deteriorating and very difficult.” Speaking over WhatsApp messages – often the only way to speak to people in Gaza, which journalists are blocked from entering by the IDF – she said the “bombing continues in a brutal manner”. She and her family have little left, Saba said, adding: “We have no food, no flour – no basic necessities of life.” Source link #Chaos #spreads #desperate #Gazans #wait #food #aid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Legendary Brazilian photographer dies at 82 Legendary Brazilian photographer dies at 82 Ian Youngs Culture reporter Getty Images Salgado dedicated himself to photographing nature and indigenous life in his later years Sebastião Salgado, regarded as one of the world’s greatest documentary photographers, has died at the age of 81. The Brazil-born photographer was known for his dramatic and unflinching ******-and-white images of hardship, conflict and natural beauty, captured in 130 countries over 55 years. His hard-hitting photos chronicled major global events such as the Rwanda genocide in 1994, burning oilfields at the end of the Gulf War in 1991, and the famine in the Sahel region of Africa in 1984. “His lens revealed the world and its contradictions; his life, the power of transformative action,” said a statement from Instituto Terra, the environmental organisation he founded with his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado. Getty Images Salgado received the Sony World Photography Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography in 2024 Some of his most striking pictures were taken in his home country, including epic photos of thousands of desperate figures working in open-cast gold mines and striking images of the indigenous people of the Amazon. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva paid tribute, describing Salgado as “one of the best… photographers the world has given us”. Salgado’s final major project, Amazônia, spotlighted the rainforest’s beauty and fragility. Philip Reynaers/Photonews/Getty Images A lifelong advocate for the Amazon’s indigenous people, Salgado documented the daily lives of a dozen of the tribes scattered throughout the rainforest – from hunting and fishing expeditions, to dances and rituals. He spent seven years on an ambitious photographic journey, exploring the remote reaches of the Amazon rainforest and documenting its inhabitants. The project culminated in an exhibition showcasing over 200 ******-and-white images, offering a poignant glimpse into the region’s landscapes and communities. The Amazônia exhibition was displayed at the Science Museum in London and the the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester in 2021 and 2022. BENJAMIN CREMEL/AFP via Getty Images “Sometimes I ask myself, “Sebastião, was it really you that went to all these places?”‘ he said to an interviewer last year. “Was it really me that spent years travelling to 130 different countries, who went deep inside the forests, into oil fields and mines? “Boy, it really is me who did this. I’m probably one of the photographers who’s created the most work in the history of photography.” YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images) Salgado and his wife Lelia Wanick Salgado, walk around his exhibition Genesis on display in Rio de Janeiro’s Botanic Garden Born in 1944, Salgado left a career in economics to start as a photographer in 1973. He worked on international assignments for a variety of photography agencies before forming his own, Amazonas Images, with Lélia in 1994. He received the Sony World Photography Awards’ Outstanding Contribution to Photography in 2024. Other accolades included the Prince of Asturias Award and recognition as a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador. ALESSANDRO DI MARCO/EPA-EFE A visitor views images from Genesis – a collection of photographic essays that look at the landscape, wildlife and human communities Through the Instituto Terra, Salgado and Lélia also restored his father’s farm in Brazil to thriving rainforest by planting more than three million trees. The institute’s statement added: “Sebastião was much more than one of the greatest photographers of our time. “Alongside his life partner, Lélia Deluiz Wanick Salgado, he sowed hope where there was devastation and brought to life the belief that environmental restoration is also a profound act of love for humanity.” Source link #Legendary #Brazilian #photographer #dies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

England vs Zimbabwe: Ben Stokes and Brian Bennett shine at Trent Bridge England vs Zimbabwe: Ben Stokes and Brian Bennett shine at Trent Bridge Ben Stokes hinted at a return to his best and Brian Bennett struck a sparkling century before England made Zimbabwe follow on on the second day of the one-off Test at Trent Bridge. England captain Stokes, playing for the first time since having surgery on his hamstring, took 2-11 in a captivating spell of only 3.2 overs. Opener Bennett delighted the dancing visiting fans in Nottingham with Zimbabwe’s fastest Test hundred, from 97 ******. His 139 was the backbone of the tourists’ 265 all out. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir claimed 3-62 while Josh Tongue, in his first Test for two years, and Sam Cook, on debut, took a wicket each. Holding a monstrous lead of 300 in the four-day Test and with Saturday’s forecast looking mixed, England asked Zimbabwe to bat again, bowling for the second time to get 10 overs in before the close. Bennett could not repeat his heroics, trapped leg before by Gus Atkinson, while Craig Ervine lobbed Tongue to short leg to leave Zimbabwe 30-2, still 270 behind. England earlier declared on 565-6, pushing on from their overnight 498-3. Ollie Pope added only two more on Friday morning before edging behind for 171, while Harry Brook made a 48-ball half-century, despite having only nine runs from 27 deliveries. Brook whipped three sixes into the leg side before being bowled to give Blessing Muzarabani a third wicket, at which point Stokes called his team in. Source link #England #Zimbabwe #Ben #Stokes #Brian #Bennett #shine #Trent #Bridge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]