Morpheus Research has taken a short position in Backblaze (NASDAQ: BLZE), citing concerns over the company's financial performance, accounting practices, and lack of transparency. Despite its claims of being a "shareholder-friendly company," Backblaze has failed to disclose material allegations of accounting irregularities, internal investigations, and lawsuits brought by former employees. The company's financials show cumulative losses of $181.3 million over the last four years, and its stock price has plummeted since its IPO in 2021. Morpheus Research alleges that Backblaze has engaged in aggressive accounting practices, including capitalizing internal-use software development costs, which has inflated its financial results. The company's capitalization of software costs is significantly higher than industry norms, and its use of adjusted EBITDA and other non-GAAP metrics has been questioned. The research firm also criticizes Backblaze's lack of transparency, including its failure to disclose customer metrics, its sudden stop in taking questions from retail investors, and its decision to only field questions from sell-side analysts. Additionally, Morpheus Research raises concerns over the background of Backblaze's new CFO, Marc Suidan, who previously worked at a company with a history of material weaknesses in financial controls. Overall, Morpheus Research believes that Backblaze is a failed growth business with an undifferentiated storage offering, and that its attempts to target larger customers and invest in new sales staff are unlikely to solve its issues. The firm concludes that Backblaze's stock price is likely to continue to decline, and that investors should be cautious of the company's accounting practices and lack of transparency.
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April 26, 2025 • By Ash Tiwari
Bitcoin (BTC) has surpassed $95,000 for the first time since February 2025, prompting analysts to predict potential growth to a new all-time high. The State of the Trend (SOTT) indicator has turned green, signaling a bullish change in momentum, similar to previous instances where BTC saw significant gains. Analysts cite a decline in selling pressure, with fewer addresses sending BTC to exchanges, and favorable macroeconomic developments, such as an increase in the global M2 money supply. Technical indicators suggest BTC could reach $130,000 to $135,000 by August 2025, while some estimates predict a surge to $450,000 by the end of the year. However, BTC must maintain its current price level to continue its upward trajectory. Currently, BTC is trading at $95,374, up 2.4% in the last 24 hours.
April 26, 2025 • By Torie Bosch
The article discusses the importance of patents in the biotech industry, with Hans Sauer, deputy general counsel at the Biotechnology Industry Organization, arguing that patents are essential for innovation and investment in the field. Sauer criticizes the idea of scrapping the patent system, citing the consequences of weakening patent protection, such as the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which shortened revenue timelines for innovative drugs. The article also touches on the role of philanthropy in supporting research and the need for private investment in biotech. Additionally, it mentions the alignment of public health goals and commercial incentives in areas like long-acting HIV prevention and rare diseases. Overall, the article emphasizes the importance of patents in driving biomedical progress and innovation in the biotech industry.
April 26, 2025 • By Monica Torres
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is using facial recognition technology in some US airports to verify identities. However, this program is optional for domestic flights, and travelers can opt out by telling an agent they do not want their photo taken. Privacy experts recommend opting out, citing concerns about the potential misuse of biometric data and the lack of transparency from the TSA. The TSA claims that photos are not stored after a positive ID match, but Customs and Border Protection may keep photos for up to 12 hours. Experts warn that this technology could be used for surveillance and other purposes beyond identity verification. By opting out, travelers can assert their individual privacy rights and send a message about the kind of treatment they will tolerate at airports.
April 26, 2025 • By Julia Ries
A new study by Apple found that playing pickleball is associated with lower rates of self-reported depression, with frequent players showing 60% lower depressive symptoms. The sport provides numerous physical and mental health benefits, including releasing endorphins, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health, and promoting social connections. Playing pickleball outdoors can also increase exposure to natural daylight, which can improve sleep quality and overall well-being. Experts recommend starting with a warm-up, watching videos to learn the rules, and considering lessons for new players. Moderation is key, and listening to one's body can help prevent injury or exhaustion. Even short bursts of pickleball activity can offer mental health benefits, making it a reliable stress reliever and coping skill.
April 26, 2025 • By Umair Irfan
Grid-scale battery storage is revolutionizing the energy system by harnessing the potential of solar and wind power. The US has seen a significant surge in energy storage capacity, with grid battery capacity increasing fivefold between 2021 and 2024. In 2024, the US installed 12.3 gigawatts of energy storage, and this year, new grid battery installations are on track to almost double. Battery storage capacity now exceeds pumped hydro capacity, totaling more than 26 gigawatts. This growth is driven by the decreasing cost of lithium-ion batteries, which have fallen from $3,000 per kilowatt-hour in 2008 to around $150-200 per kilowatt-hour today. The benefits of grid-scale battery storage include frequency response, peak shaving, and demand response, making it an essential tool for building smaller, localized versions of the power grid. However, there are still challenges to overcome, including the need for longer-duration energy storage and the impact of trade policies on battery imports. Despite these challenges, grid-scale battery storage is expected to continue growing, with the potential to become 20-30% of the installed power capacity in the future.
April 26, 2025 • By Noor Al-Sibai
A recent experiment on ChatGPT involved asking the AI to generate the most controversial image possible. The results varied, with some images being stylistically solid but haunted by an "edgelordism" that betrays the bot's training data. Some images were cringeworthy, such as a photorealistic image of Jesus Christ flipping the bird while the American flag burns in the background. Others were functional but highly derivative of existing popular memes. When a reporter asked ChatGPT for the most controversial image, they were presented with disclaimers and offered five "spicy" subjects, including a satirical take on AI taking over jobs. The resulting image, titled "The Algorithm Decides," was a cartoon that drew on training data from pro-labor protest art during the industrial revolution. The levels of controversy generated by ChatGPT seem to vary from user to user, and the AI's focus on technology and anxieties about it is curious. The experiment also generated some accidentally hilarious images, such as a robot sitting trial with a group of famous jurors. Overall, the results show that ChatGPT can generate controversial imagery, but its understanding of controversy is limited by its training data.
April 26, 2025 • By The Investor
A recent article in "This Is Money" featured a reader who was upset that their pension hadn't been transferred to lower-risk assets as they had hoped. The reader's pension provider had sent literature describing a de-risking process, but it didn't apply to their specific fund. The reader tried to manually switch their pension date and assets, but it ultimately didn't work out due to the pandemic's impact on the stock market. The Financial Ombudsman investigated the case and found the pension provider not accountable. This incident highlights the challenges individuals face when managing their defined contribution pensions, particularly when transitioning to drawing down their pot. The article suggests that the pension freedoms, while beneficial, have also introduced complexities and risks, such as sequence of return risk. The author argues that individuals are shouldering too much responsibility for their retirement, and that a private/public partnership pension model could help spread the risks. The article also mentions the potential benefits of no-hassle annuities in simplifying drawdown. However, the author notes that there is no easy solution and that individuals must take an active role in managing their pensions. The comments section features discussions from readers who share their own experiences with pension management, highlighting the frustrations and complexities of the process. Some readers suggest that employer-sponsored DC pensions could be the next misselling scandal, while others discuss the challenges of investing in cash versus other assets. Overall, the article and comments emphasize the need for greater awareness and education about pension management and the importance of taking control of one's retirement planning.
April 26, 2025 • By Simi Thambi, Contributor, Simi Thambi, Contributor https://www.forbes.com/sites/simithambi/
The article discusses the issue of phosphorus overuse and its environmental consequences. Phosphorus is a nutrient used in fertilizers, but excessive use can lead to eutrophication, causing algal blooms that harm marine life. The global phosphorus use is expected to double, exceeding the safe planetary boundary, and putting environmental stability and food security at risk. The article suggests several solutions to address the problem, including improving phosphorus use efficiency in farms, recycling phosphorus from waste streams, and implementing international agreements to regulate phosphorus use. It also highlights the need for targeted awareness and debate about phosphorus, as well as the importance of private sector involvement in scaling up phosphorus recovery efforts. Some key statistics mentioned in the article include: * Global phosphorus use is expected to reach 32.5 million tons per year, far exceeding the safe global planetary boundary of 11 million tons annually. * The US economy loses $2.2 billion annually due to phosphorus pollution, while England and Wales lose $105-160 million annually. * Around 85% of phosphorus is used for fertilizers, 10% for animal feed, and 2-3% for food additives. * Five countries (Morocco, China, Algeria, Syria, and Brazil) account for 85% of the world's phosphorous reserves. Overall, the article emphasizes the need for urgent action to address phosphorus overuse and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
April 26, 2025 • By Nick Papanikolopoulos
Honor has started rolling out a new update, MagicOS 9.0.0.169, for its Magic6 and Magic5 phones. The update brings improvements to the camera, Android Auto support, and tweaks to Wi-Fi connectivity and personal hotspot performance. It also includes the April 2025 security patches and enhanced haptic feedback. The rollout is gradual, so users may need to wait a few days to receive the update.
April 26, 2025 • By wedwards@businessinsider.com (William Edwards)
Bank of America's Chief Investment Strategist Michael Hartnett believes the era of high US stock valuations is ending. Since 2020, investors have paid a premium for stocks due to pandemic stimulus and AI excitement, with S&P 500 price-to-earnings ratios averaging 26x. However, Hartnett predicts that 2025 will mark a return to historical norms, with a average PE ratio of 20x. He expects valuations to trend downward, potentially leading to pain for stock prices, and is bullish on safer assets like bonds and gold. Hartnett recommends buying dips in these assets and selling rallies in the S&P 500 and US dollar. Investors can gain exposure to these trades through funds like the iShares Core US Aggregate Bond ETF and the SPDR Gold Shares.
April 26, 2025
CBC News has been speaking with Canadians across the country to understand what matters to them in the upcoming election. From coast to coast, voters are concerned about various issues, including housing, healthcare, jobs, and the cost of living. In British Columbia, voters are worried about crime, homelessness, and drug use, while in the North, housing and infrastructure are top priorities. In the Prairie provinces, inflation and the cost of living are major concerns, with many voters looking for ways to reduce taxes. In Ontario, the impact of US tariffs is a significant issue, particularly in the auto industry. Quebecers are concerned about the cultural threat posed by Trump's tariffs, while in the Atlantic provinces, healthcare is a top priority. Overall, the election is shaping up to be a complex and multifaceted contest, with different regions and communities having distinct concerns and priorities.
April 26, 2025 • By Erin Gloria Ryan
The US is experiencing a low fertility rate, with 1.6 children per woman, prompting concerns from the MAGA pro-natalist movement. However, their proposed solutions, such as tax credits for married couples with children and paying women a $5,000 bonus to have babies, are similar to existing center-left social programs. The Heritage Foundation's ideas, including investing in restorative reproductive medicine and teaching young women about their bodies, are also not new and have been proposed by Democrats and ecofeminists in the past. Researchers have found that environmental factors, such as air and water pollution, contribute to infertility, and that men doing more household chores can increase women's willingness to have children. The article suggests that the pro-natalist movement is "Columbusing" by rediscovering and rebranding existing ideas as their own.
April 26, 2025 • By Jen Psaki
Jen Psaki discusses recent news, including a reported "shouting match" between Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over who should lead the IRS. The incident allegedly occurred at the White House and was loud enough to be heard by the visiting Italian prime minister. Psaki also talks about the retirement of Senator Dick Durbin, which will lead to a rare open Senate seat in Illinois and a likely fierce Democratic primary. Additionally, Psaki announces that she will be hosting a new show, "The Briefing with Jen Psaki," starting May 6, and that this will be the last edition of her current newsletter.
April 26, 2025 • By ktangalakislippert@businessinsider.com (Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert,Grace Eliza Goodwin,Lakshmi Varanasi)
Experts warn that President Trump's tariffs are causing significant disruptions to the supply chain, leading to empty store shelves, price hikes, and potential product shortages. The effects are expected to worsen in the coming weeks, with four experts predicting higher domestic unemployment rates, global market instability, and increased geopolitical tensions by the end of the year. Ocean freight container bookings have seen a sharp decline since Trump's tariffs took effect, with imports into the US falling 64% and exports out of the US dropping 30%. Many companies had brought in extra inventory to mitigate the impact, but this buffer will soon run out. Canceled bookings of container shipments from Asia to the US are increasing drastically, indicating a significant disruption to the normal business cycle. Supply chain analysts predict short-term stockouts, particularly in retail, and a tighter selection of products in certain categories. If Trump makes a deal to lower tariffs, the impact on consumers could be minimal. However, if there's no deal, there will be big shortages, possibly worse than anything seen in recent history. The exact date when Americans could start seeing the effects of product shortages depends on how much pre-inventory companies have loaded up, but consumers could see price hikes as early as May or June. Higher prices could decrease consumer buying habits, exacerbating the negative effects on the economy. The longer it takes to work out a trade deal with China, the worse things could get for everyday Americans. A continued trade war could hurt US businesses, leading to small and medium-sized businesses closing and hundreds of thousands of jobs being lost. The international repercussions could be significant, with the potential to drag the global economy into a tailspin. However, some experts remain optimistic that Trump will use the 90-day pause to strike a deal with China and avoid the worst of the possible outcomes.
April 26, 2025 • By Sola Sanusi
Chude Jideonwo, a media personality, has launched a new concept called "With Chude Live," a live version of his talk show. He revealed that he started his journalism career in secondary school and recently turned 40. The live show will feature one-on-one interviews with notable guests, including Pastor Jerry, Funke Akindele, and Falz, followed by two panel sessions. Chude emphasized the importance of speaking up and sharing true life stories, citing how an interview with Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown changed his life. He also shared his mission for the talk show, which is to create a platform for people to share their stories and inspire others.
April 26, 2025 • By Lance Roberts
The article discusses the current market volatility and the importance of being unemotional when making investment decisions. It references the character Spock from Star Trek, who is known for his logical and detached approach to decision-making. The article suggests that investors should adopt a similar mindset, focusing on data and probabilities rather than emotions and speculation. The market has been experiencing a correction phase, with a decline in stocks and an increase in volatility. However, the article notes that this is not unusual and that markets often experience periods of high volatility followed by periods of low volatility. It also suggests that investors should not try to time the market or make emotional decisions, but instead focus on managing risk and maintaining a disciplined investment approach. The article references several investment strategies, including diversification, hedging, and rebalancing, and suggests that investors should focus on the long-term performance of their portfolios rather than short-term market fluctuations. It also notes that the current market environment is similar to that of 2022, with a high level of uncertainty and volatility, but that this does not necessarily mean that the market will continue to decline. Overall, the article suggests that investors should remain calm and focused on their long-term investment goals, rather than making emotional decisions based on short-term market movements. It also emphasizes the importance of having a disciplined investment approach and managing risk to achieve success in the markets. Key points: * Being unemotional when making investment decisions is crucial for long-term success * Focus on data and probabilities rather than emotions and speculation * Markets often experience periods of high volatility followed by periods of low volatility * Diversification, hedging, and rebalancing are important investment strategies * Focus on long-term performance rather than short-term market fluctuations * Remain calm and focused on long-term investment goals, rather than making emotional decisions based on short-term market movements.
April 26, 2025 • By Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY
More new-car shoppers are taking on seven-year loans, a trend that underscores the rising cost of financing a vehicle. Seven-year loans made up 19.8% of all new vehicle financing by dealers in the f…
April 26, 2025 • By Leonard David
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully touched down on the moon on March 2, 2025, and completed 14 days of surface operations. The mission carried 10 science instruments and technology demonstration gear, including the LISTER drill, which probed the moon's subsurface, and the Lunar PlanetVac, which collected lunar regolith. The lander's autonomous landing and operations were a success, with no communication outages or human errors. The mission revealed new discoveries, including the lunar temperature being hotter than expected, and the importance of modeling geographic features of the moon. Firefly is now preparing for annual missions to the moon, with the next mission, Blue Ghost Mission-2, planned to utilize the Blue Ghost lander and an orbital vehicle for operations on the far side of the moon.
April 26, 2025 • By mfox@businessinsider.com (Matthew Fox)
Investor Ross Gerber, president of Gerber Kawasaki Wealth and Investment Management, is skeptical about Tesla's future despite Elon Musk's planned return to the company. Gerber believes Musk's return could damage the brand and weigh on EV sales, citing protests against the company and Musk's unfavorable public image. He also questions the timeline for Tesla's robotaxi launch and the business sense of the initiative, suggesting that the company is better off selling cars. Gerber thinks Tesla's valuation needs to come down, with the stock trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of over 150x, and that the company is in decline. He would like to see Musk step back as CEO and become Chairman, allowing a new CEO to take over day-to-day responsibilities and help salvage the brand reputation. Gerber's firm has been trimming its position in Tesla, selling about 5% of its shares every quarter, and he plans to continue doing so.