NASA has updated the likelihood of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth on December 22, 2032, to 3.1%, marking it as the most significant threat recorded to date. The asteroid, measuring between 40 to 90 meters in diameter, is traveling at approximately 38,000 mph. An impact could release energy equivalent to nearly 8 megatons of TNT, potentially devastating urban areas within a 30-mile radius. The projected impact zone includes regions spanning the eastern Pacific Ocean, parts of South America, the Atlantic Ocean, Africa, the Arabian Sea, and southern Asia. Despite the increased probability, scientists emphasize that there is still a 96.9% chance the asteroid will miss Earth. Ongoing observations, including data from the James Webb Space Telescope, aim to refine these calculations further.

thetimes.co.uk

2. Delta Airlines Plane Crash in Toronto

A Delta Airlines regional jet, operated by Endeavor Air, crash-landed at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down on a snow-covered runway. Remarkably, all 80 passengers and crew survived, though 21 individuals sustained injuries, with three in critical condition, including a child. The incident occurred during challenging weather conditions, featuring gusty crosswinds and blowing snow. Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black boxes to determine the cause of the crash. Delta’s CEO praised the flight crew’s professionalism and training, which were instrumental in the safe evacuation of all onboard.

reuters.com

3. Nike Collaborates with Kim Kardashian’s Skims

Nike has announced a partnership with Kim Kardashian’s brand, Skims, to launch a new line called “Nike Skims,” targeting the activewear market. This collaboration aims to enhance Nike’s appeal among female consumers, who currently represent 40% of its customer base. Skims, valued at $4 billion, reported $880 million in direct-to-consumer sales last year. Industry analysts speculate that this partnership could pave the way for an initial public offering (IPO) or potential acquisition.

4. Meta’s Ambitious Undersea Cable Project

Meta Platforms Inc. has unveiled plans to construct “Project Waterworth,” a 31,000-mile undersea cable system connecting the United States, India, South Africa, and other regions across five continents. This initiative aims to bolster Meta’s control over its internet infrastructure, enhancing data transmission speed and reliability. The project also addresses concerns related to undersea cable vulnerabilities, such as physical damage and geopolitical tensions. The strategic importance of this endeavor was underscored during a recent meeting between President Trump and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

5. OpenTable vs. Resy: The Battle for Restaurant Reservations

OpenTable is intensifying its competition with Resy in the restaurant reservation sector by introducing incentives designed to attract restaurants back to its platform. These initiatives include new credit card perk programs and the “Icons” program, aimed at high-profile dining establishments. This rivalry reflects a broader trend in the dining industry, where reservation platforms are partnering with credit card companies like Visa and American Express to offer exclusive benefits and capture market share.

6. XAI’s Grok 3 AI Model Launch

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, XAI, has released its latest AI model, Grok 3, claiming it surpasses competitors such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s GPT-4. A notable feature of Grok 3 is “Deep Search,” which delivers abstract responses to user inquiries. The model is integrated into X’s subscription service, potentially providing a new revenue stream for the platform.

7. Humane AI Pin Project Terminated

Startup company Humane, supported by investor Sam Altman, has decided to discontinue its AI pin project due to underwhelming sales, with only 10,000 units sold out of an anticipated 100,000. The company is selling parts of its business to HP for $116 million. Humane’s leadership and staff will transition to HP, focusing on developing an integrated intelligence ecosystem.

8. Coca-Cola Introduces Prebiotic Soda

Coca-Cola has launched “Simply Pop,” a prebiotic soda targeting the burgeoning gut health beverage market. This move follows competitor Ollipop’s recent $50 million fundraising round, which valued the company at $1.8 billion. Reports suggest that Pepsi is also developing a similar product, indicating increasing competition in this niche segment of the soda industry.

9. George Washington’s Revolutionary War Letter Up for Auction

A rare letter penned by General George Washington in 1777 during the Revolutionary War is set to be auctioned with an estimated value of $150,000. The correspondence offers unique insights into Washington’s strategies and his thoughts on the smallpox inoculation campaign. The sale reflects a growing interest in historical documents, highlighted by a recent auction where a copy of the U.S. Constitution sold for $43 million.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post ROI TV Daily Recap 02/19/2025 appeared first on ROI TV.

Argentine President Javier Milei is facing intense scrutiny after promoting the cryptocurrency $LIBRA, which experienced a catastrophic collapse shortly after his endorsement. The token’s value plummeted by 95% within hours, leading to financial losses for approximately 40,000 investors. Allegations suggest that insiders profited by $87 million through a scheme resembling a “rug pull.” Opposition parties are calling for Milei’s impeachment, accusing him of participating in fraudulent activities. Milei has denied any wrongdoing, stating he merely shared information about the cryptocurrency and did not promote it for personal gain.

wired.com

2. JPMorgan’s Fraud Trial Over Frank Acquisition

JPMorgan Chase is embroiled in a legal battle following its $175 million acquisition of the financial aid startup Frank. Founder Charlie Javice is accused of fabricating data to inflate the company’s user base, allegedly creating millions of fake accounts to entice JPMorgan into the purchase. The trial, set in a New York federal court, will delve into whether this constitutes criminal fraud or a severe oversight by the bank. Javice maintains her innocence, suggesting that JPMorgan is experiencing buyer’s remorse.

ft.com

3. IRS Data Access Concerns

In a controversial move, a young software engineer operating under the pseudonym “Doge” is slated to gain access to the IRS’s sensitive taxpayer system. This decision is part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing federal expenditures but has raised significant concerns regarding privacy and data security. Critics argue that granting such access to an individual with limited oversight could jeopardize the confidentiality of taxpayer information.

4. European Defense Spending Surge

European defense stocks have reached unprecedented highs following indications that the U.S. may reconsider its support for Ukraine and the broader transatlantic alliance. In response, European nations are poised to substantially increase their defense budgets, with projections suggesting expenditures could surpass 3% of GDP. NATO Secretary General Mark Rut has emphasized the necessity for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.

5. Four Nations Face-Off Hockey Tournament

The inaugural Four Nations Face-Off hockey tournament, featuring NHL players from the USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland, has garnered significant attention. The USA-Canada matchup attracted 4.4 million viewers, highlighting the event’s popularity. The tournament has been lauded for its competitive intensity and player dedication, offering a stark contrast to the NBA All-Star Game’s recent lackluster performances.

6. Upcoming Events

• Walmart’s Earnings Report: Anticipation surrounds Walmart’s forthcoming earnings report, which is expected to provide insights into the current health of the U.S. consumer market. Recent indicators have shown a decline in consumer sentiment and retail sales, making this report particularly significant.
• Apple’s New Product Announcement: Apple is poised to unveil a new product, with speculation suggesting it could be the iPhone SE4 or another innovative device. CEO Tim Cook has teased the announcement, generating excitement among consumers and investors alike.
• Baseball Spring Training Commences: Spring training for Major League Baseball is set to begin, with teams gearing up for the upcoming season. Notably, franchises such as the Dodgers and Mets have made substantial offseason investments, heightening expectations for the season ahead.

All writings are for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not provide investment or financial advice of any kind.

The post Business Daily Recap: February 18, 2025 appeared first on ROI TV.

Meta Platforms Inc. has initiated significant layoffs, terminating approximately 4,000 employees, which constitutes about 5% of its global workforce. This move aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s “year of efficiency” strategy, emphasizing enhanced performance management and a streamlined operational focus. Despite reporting robust financial health, the company is targeting underperforming employees for these cuts. Concurrently, Meta is accelerating its recruitment of machine learning engineers and other AI-related roles, signaling a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence initiatives. This trend mirrors similar performance-based reductions in other tech giants, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Salesforce.

businessinsider.com

Google Maps Renames Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America

In compliance with an executive order from President Donald Trump, Google Maps has updated its U.S. platform to display the “Gulf of Mexico” as the “Gulf of America.” This change, effective for users within the United States, reflects the administration’s directive to rename the body of water to honor American heritage. Users in Mexico will continue to see “Gulf of Mexico,” while users in other countries will see both names. This modification has sparked varied responses and raises questions about the consistency of geographic naming conventions across different platforms.

blog.google

President Trump Imposes Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum Imports

President Trump has announced the implementation of a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the United States, effective March 4th. This measure aims to protect and stimulate domestic production by making imported metals more expensive, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of American manufacturers. Countries such as Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam, which are significant suppliers to the U.S., are expected to be impacted by these tariffs. The announcement has already influenced market dynamics, with stocks of American steel and aluminum producers experiencing an uptick, while European producers face declines.

U.S. Treasury Ordered to Halt Penny Production

In a cost-saving initiative, President Trump has directed the Treasury Secretary to cease the production of new pennies. The production cost of a single penny stands at 3.69 cents, leading to a loss of $85 million last year from minting three billion pennies. However, it’s important to note that the authority to discontinue penny production resides with Congress, not the Treasury or the Federal Reserve. This decision has ignited debates concerning potential increased demand for nickels, which cost 14 cents each to produce, and the possible inflationary effects resulting from price rounding.

Emerging Trend: Ankle-Worn Apple Watches

A growing number of individuals are opting to wear their Apple Watches on their ankles. This practice caters to better fitness tracking or circumvents issues related to wrist sensors. Factors contributing to this trend include tattoos, skin conditions, occupational restrictions for healthcare workers, and the use of under-desk treadmills. However, tests have revealed inconsistencies in readings when the device is worn on the ankle, particularly in metrics like blood oxygenation and heart rate. This phenomenon underscores a potential market demand for wearables designed for alternative body placements.

Elon Musk’s Bid to Acquire OpenAI Rejected

Elon Musk, alongside a group of investors, has submitted a $97.4 billion offer to acquire the nonprofit entity overseeing OpenAI. However, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has declined the proposal, leading to a public discourse on social media platforms. This bid raises intricate questions about the valuation of nonprofit organizations and could potentially complicate OpenAI’s contemplated transition into a for-profit model. Musk’s substantial offer sets a high benchmark for OpenAI’s nonprofit sector, potentially inciting a competitive bidding environment.

Executive Order Halts Enforcement of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

President Trump has signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to cease enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a law prohibiting American companies from bribing foreign officials. The President contends that the FCPA places U.S. businesses at a competitive disadvantage and leads to unwarranted investigations. Critics argue that this order undermines global anti-corruption efforts and compromises the integrity of international business practices. Notably, the DOJ reported 24 enforcement actions under the FCPA in 2024, highlighting its ongoing relevance in combating corporate misconduct.

Super Bowl Achieves Record-Breaking Viewership

The recent Super Bowl has set a new benchmark in viewership, attracting 126 million viewers. This figure includes 111.5 million through Fox’s primary broadcast and an additional 13.6 million via its free streaming service, Tubi. The event featured a plethora of celebrities and continues to fuel post-game discussions and viral content across various platforms. The Super Bowl’s escalating viewership underscores its significance as a cultural phenomenon, even amidst the growing trend of cord-cutting.

Ed Sheeran’s Unplanned Performance Halted in Bangalore

International music sensation Ed Sheeran was interrupted by local authorities during an impromptu street performance in Bangalore, India, due to the absence of a required permit. This incident sheds light on the burgeoning demand for live music experiences in India, with other global artists like Dua Lipa and Coldplay also marking their presence in the country. Sheeran’s tour across India reflects the nation’s increasing appetite for live concerts and the expanding opportunities within its entertainment landscape.

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