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Oracle Remains a 'Strong Buy' Despite 39.7% Stock Decline
Oracle's stock has declined by 39.7% despite robust cloud and software growth. The company's cloud infrastructure revenue surged from $2.43B to $4.08B, with management raising 2030 cloud revenue guidance to $166B. Oracle's backlog has soared to $523B, supporting long-term revenue visibility and suggesting significant future upside. Although valuation appears high on current multiples, relative to peers and projected growth, Oracle could become a deep value play by the decade's end. The recent decline in Oracle's stock price has been challenging for shareholders. However, the company's strong cloud and software growth, combined with its significant backlog, make it an attractive investment opportunity. With a raised cloud revenue guidance and a substantial backlog, Oracle is well-positioned for long-term growth. Despite current valuation concerns, the company's potential for future upside makes it a 'strong buy' for investors. Oracle's cloud infrastructure revenue growth and increased guidance are key indicators of the company's success. The significant backlog also provides visibility into future revenue, making Oracle an attractive investment opportunity. As the company continues to grow and expand its cloud and software offerings, it is likely to become an increasingly valuable investment. With its strong fundamentals and growth potential, Oracle remains a 'strong buy' despite the recent stock decline.
Framework to Improve Alzheimer's Treatment Efficacy by Tracking Anti-Aβ Therapy Response
A new framework, called Treatment-Related Amyloid Clearance (TRAC), has been proposed to improve the efficacy of Alzheimer's disease treatment by tracking the response to anti-amyloid therapies. The framework uses amyloid-PET biomarkers to quantitatively assess the clearance of amyloid plaques in the brain. TRAC distinguishes between full and partial plaque clearance, with higher clearance rates correlating with greater clinical benefit in trials. The framework was developed by a workgroup of scientists and clinicians, led by Renaud La Joie, Ph.D., from the University of California, San Francisco. The workgroup found that higher doses and longer treatment duration of anti-amyloid therapies were associated with higher rates of full TRAC. The framework aims to guide treatment decisions and future research, providing a standard for clinicians to follow in the continued treatment of patients receiving these therapies. While the relationship between amyloid-PET changes and clinical benefit has not been established at the individual patient level, the framework provides a way to help patients and caregivers better understand the changes in the disease state. The authors suggest that future studies should investigate optimal treatment regimens after TRAC and establish if TRAC should trigger a change in patient management. The TRAC framework is designed to be adapted over time in response to evolving biomarker and clinical advances. It provides a terminology for clinicians and patients to use, to describe their treatment outcomes as related to the biological evidence in the brain. The framework has the potential to improve the efficacy of Alzheimer's disease treatment and provide a better understanding of the disease.
Recent Forum Posts on TechPowerUp
The TechPowerUp forum has seen a surge of new posts in the last hour. trparky posted about technical issues on the TPU main site and forum at 16:58. Around the same time, Harun8 created a post looking for a GPU, which has garnered 13 responses so far. Other topics of discussion include high platform power consumption on the 9800 X3D, with windwhirl's post at 16:51 attracting 10 comments. The Xeon Owners Club, posted by lexluthermiester at 16:42, is a long-running thread with over 8,961 responses. Additionally, Bobaganoosh asked questions about the Fractal Design R6 at 16:27, while lexluthermiester started a discussion about RGB and its first exposure in PC builds at 16:25, which has 56 comments. Other posts include troubleshooting for the Asus Prime B250M-A, the RX 9000 series GPU Owners Club, and a discussion on building a PC for a friend's son. The "What's your latest tech purchase?" thread continues to be popular, with over 25,803 responses.
FDA Approves Two New Oral Medicines to Treat Gonorrhea
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two new oral therapies, Nuzolvence (zoliflodacin) and Blujepa (gepotidacin), to treat uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhea in adults and children 12 years and older. Nuzolvence is approved for patients who weigh at least 77 pounds, while Blujepa is approved for those who weigh at least 99 pounds. These approvals mark a significant milestone in treating gonorrhea, a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Gonorrhea can cause painful urination, genital discharge, and swelling, and if left untreated, can lead to more widespread infection and infertility. The new treatments offer alternative options to the current standard treatment of a single shot of ceftriaxone. Clinical trials showed that Nuzolvence and Blujepa were effective in clearing the bacteria, with cure rates of 91% and 93%, respectively, compared to 96% and 91% for the standard treatment. Common side effects of Nuzolvence include low white blood cell counts, headache, and nausea, while Blujepa's side effects include diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. The FDA granted both medicines Fast Track, Qualified Infectious Disease Product, and Priority Review designations. Approvals were granted to Entasis Therapeutics for Nuzolvence and GSK for Blujepa. The availability of these new treatments is particularly important given the global rise in gonococcal drug resistance. The FDA's approval of these medicines provides patients with additional treatment options, which is crucial in combating this infection.
Illinois Becomes 12th State to Legalize Physician-Assisted Suicide
Illinois has legalized physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill adults, becoming the 12th state to do so. The law, signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, allows qualifying adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to receive a prescription for medication to end their lives. The law is set to take effect in September, giving state health officials and medical providers time to implement oversight and reporting requirements. Supporters of the measure argue that it expands end-of-life options for patients facing unbearable suffering, while opponents have raised concerns about potential risks to vulnerable populations. The legislation includes safeguards to prevent coercion and abuse, such as requiring two physicians to independently confirm the diagnosis and prognosis, and making it a felony to coerce someone into requesting the medication. Patients must also make written and oral requests for the medication and be able to self-administer it. The law makes exceptions for healthcare institutions that may prohibit the practice within their facilities. Illinois becomes the first state in the Midwest to legalize medical aid in dying, joining states such as Oregon, Washington, and California. The Illinois Department of Public Health will develop rules and oversight systems before the law takes effect in 2026.
Tourist Stabbed in Macy's Restroom, Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder
A 43-year-old woman from Massachusetts, Kerri Aherne, has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a tourist in a Macy's restroom in New York City. The incident occurred on the seventh floor of the Macy's Herald Square location, where the victim was changing her infant daughter's diaper. The victim, a California resident who works for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, was stabbed multiple times in the back and arm but is in stable condition at Bellevue Hospital. Her baby was uninjured. The suspect was disarmed by the victim's husband, who held her until police arrived. Aherne has been charged with two counts of assault, attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and endangering the welfare of a child. The attack appears to be unprovoked and is currently under investigation. Macy's has stated that the safety of its customers and colleagues is its top priority and has deferred further questions to local authorities. Aherne is expected to appear in court later on Friday.
OnePlus 15R Set to Launch with Unexpected Color Option and Impressive Specs
The OnePlus 15R is scheduled to launch on December 17, and the company has been dropping teasers to build up excitement. Initially, the global lineup was expected to feature two finishes - Charcoal Black and Mint Breeze - while the Electric Purple option was thought to be exclusive to China. However, OnePlus has now hinted that the Electric Purple Ace Edition may be available globally. The phone will run on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, which is a strong performer, although not the top-tier Elite chip. It will also feature a massive 7,400mAh battery, surpassing the battery capacity of other flagship devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra, and Google's Pixel 10 Pro. The screen will have a 6.8-inch display with a 165Hz refresh rate, similar to its flagship sibling. OnePlus is also emphasizing the phone's durability, with IP66, IP68, IP69, and IP69K protection. The device will ship with OxygenOS based on Android 16 and include Google's Gemini AI as the main assistant. Pricing is expected to be around $599, assuming no price increase from the previous model. With its impressive specs and potential affordability, the OnePlus 15R could be a standout in the mid-range market, competing with devices like the Pixel 9a and Samsung's Galaxy A56 5G.
Indiana Legislature Rejects New Congressional Map, Dealing Blow to Trump and Republicans
The Indiana legislature has rejected a new congressional map that would have added two Republican seats, marking a significant defeat for Donald Trump and the Republican party. Despite aggressive efforts by Trump to pressure lawmakers into supporting the map, including sending JD Vance to meet with them and setting up outside groups to apply pressure, the bill was voted down. The threats and intimidation tactics used by Trump allies, including a warning from Heritage Action that Indiana would lose federal funding if the map wasn't passed, may have backfired, with some Republican state senators saying they were turned off by the approach. The defeat complicates the picture for Republicans as they seek to redraw districts to shore up their majority in the upcoming midterm elections. Nationally, the effort to redraw districts has been marked by a series of moves and counter-moves, with Republicans in Texas and Democrats in California cancelling each other out by adding seats for their respective parties. Other states, including North Carolina, Missouri, and Ohio, have also redrawn their congressional districts, while Democrats are poised to pick up a seat in Utah and are considering adding seats in Virginia. The outcome of a supreme court case from Louisiana could also have significant implications for the redistricting process, potentially paving the way for southern states to redraw districts in a way that weakens the influence of Black voters. The rejection of the new map in Indiana is seen as a significant setback for Trump, with expert Dave Wasserman noting that it changes the trajectory of the redistricting war and makes it less likely that Republicans will gain a significant number of seats. With several other states still to finalize their maps, the outcome of the redistricting process remains uncertain, and the timing of the supreme court's decision in the Louisiana case could have a major impact on the final result.
Bengals' Tee Higgins Ruled Out Against Ravens Due to Concussion
The Cincinnati Bengals will be without wide receiver Tee Higgins when they face the Ravens this weekend. Higgins suffered a concussion in last Sunday's loss to the Bills and, despite returning for a limited practice on Thursday, was unable to participate in Friday's practice. As a result, Head Coach Zac Taylor announced that Higgins has been ruled out for the upcoming game. This is the second time in three weeks that Higgins has been sidelined due to a concussion. He was evaluated for a concussion twice during the Buffalo game but was cleared to return both times. However, he reported symptoms after the game, prompting his placement in the concussion protocol. In other injury news, defensive end Shemar Stewart, who is currently on injured reserve with a knee injury, is doubtful to be activated in time for the game against the Ravens. The Bengals will look to adjust their lineup accordingly to compensate for the absence of Higgins and potentially Stewart.
Rian Johnson's 'Wake Up Dead Man' Explores Spiritual Inquiry Through Murder Mystery
Rian Johnson's new film, Wake Up Dead Man, is a snarky murder mystery that uses mystery conventions to open up a spiritual inquiry. The story takes place in a small town in upstate New York, where a junior priest named Jud Duplenticy, played by Josh O'Connor, is assigned to serve under the angry fundamentalist firebrand Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, played by Josh Brolin. When Wicks is fatally stabbed in the church, suspicion falls on Jud, but he insists he's innocent. Private investigator Benoit Blanc, played by Daniel Craig, believes Jud is innocent and enlists him to help solve the murder. The film features a cast of characters, including Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, and Jeremy Renner, and takes sharp aim at the intolerance and insularity of the Christian right. The movie becomes a kind of theological debate, pitting Jud the earnest believer against Blanc the fierce skeptic. With its satisfyingly constructed puzzle, Wake Up Dead Man is a contemplative and satirical murder farce that explores themes of faith, morality, and the power of love. The film is the latest whodunit from Johnson, following Knives Out and Glass Onion, and features his signature genre geekery and clever plotting. Josh O'Connor delivers one of his best performances as Jud, elevating the film to a genuinely contemplative plane. Overall, Wake Up Dead Man is a clever and engaging murder mystery that uses its genre conventions to explore deeper themes and ideas.
Trump Considers Kevin Warsh to Succeed Powell as Fed Chair
Donald Trump has stated that former Federal Reserve governor Kevin Warsh is his top choice to succeed Jerome Powell as the central bank's chair. Powell's term is set to end in May, and Trump has been critical of his handling of interest rates. The president believes Warsh, who thinks interest rates should be lowered, would be a good fit for the role. Trump also mentioned Kevin Hassett, his economic adviser, as a potential candidate. The president has been vocal about his desire for the Fed to cut interest rates, and has publicly attacked Powell for not doing so. In an interview, Trump emphasized the importance of the next Fed chair listening to his views on the direction of interest rates. He argued that his voice should be heard, stating "I'm a smart voice and should be listened to." However, he acknowledged that this is not typically how the Fed operates. The Fed recently cut interest rates by a quarter point, but signaled reluctance to make further cuts due to uncertainty in the economy. Powell cited "significant downside risks" in the jobs market and inflationary pressures from Trump's tariffs as factors in the decision. Trump's comments come as part of an ongoing effort by the White House to exert greater control over the Fed's decisions. The president has launched a series of public attacks on the central bank's policymakers, prompting concerns about the independence of the institution. As the search for a new Fed chair continues, Trump's views on interest rates and the economy are likely to play a significant role in the selection process.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader María Corina Machado Escapes to Norway
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has escaped to Norway after being under a travel ban by the government of Nicolás Maduro. Her journey involved secret travel through Venezuela, a fishing boat ride in rough seas, and a flight from Curaçao to Oslo. Bryan Stern, a veteran who conducts evacuation missions, helped her leave Venezuela. Stern's organization, Grey Bull Rescue, described the operation as the "most high-threat and high-stakes mission we have ever done." Machado's escape took place amid a tense standoff between Maduro and the Trump administration. She had been in hiding since January, after being briefly detained while leaving a rally. Machado's dramatic journey lasted several days, with her making her way to a local fishing boat on the coast and sailing to a rendezvous point at sea. She then boarded Stern's boat, which headed toward Curaçao, from where she flew to Norway. Machado appeared in Oslo on Wednesday, hours after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. She has said little about her escape but expressed gratitude to those who helped her. Stern said Machado did not complain once about the long and tiring journey, which he said "very much speaks to her and who she is." Machado plans to return to Venezuela, despite the risks, and Stern has offered to help her if asked.
Kyle Whittingham Announces Retirement as Utah Utes Head Coach
After 21 years as the head coach of the University of Utah's football team, Kyle Whittingham has announced his retirement. Whittingham, the all-time winningest coach in Utah football history, will step down after the team's upcoming Las Vegas Bowl game against Nebraska on December 31. He finishes his career with 177 wins and 88 losses. Whittingham had previously stated that he wanted to leave the program on a high note, and this season's 10-2 record and No. 15 ranking in the final College Football Playoff rankings provided a successful end to his storied career. Morgan Scalley, the team's defensive coordinator, has been named as Whittingham's successor. Whittingham will transition into a role as a special assistant to the athletic department, where he will serve as a consultant and earn $3.45 million per year for two years. Throughout his career, Whittingham deflected praise and credited his success to the coaches and players he worked with. He will be remembered as a legend in Utah football history, with a legacy that includes two undefeated seasons, back-to-back Pac-12 championships, and a Sugar Bowl win. Whittingham's retirement marks the end of an era for Utah football, but he leaves behind a strong foundation for the program's future success. His impact on the team and the university will be felt for years to come, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in Utah football history.
Tariff Revenue Falls for the First Time Since Trump's Tariff Rollout, Threatening Debt Reduction Plans
The US government collected $30.75 billion in customs duties in November, down from $31.35 billion in October, marking the first month-over-month decline in tariff revenue since President Donald Trump imposed his import taxes in April. This decrease poses a challenge to Trump's plans to use tariff revenue to slash the $38 trillion national debt. The drop in revenue is attributed to the administration's decision to roll back levies on certain goods, such as bananas and coffee, as well as reduced import volumes due to waning demand for Chinese exports. The Congressional Budget Office forecasts that the reduction in levies will eliminate about $800 billion in expected debt reduction over the next 10 years. Independent research suggests that Trump's tariffs are bringing in far less revenue than expected, with estimates indicating $400 billion annually, $100 billion less than predicted. Experts warn that relying on tariffs as a permanent revenue stream could be costly, hurting consumers, productivity, and economic growth.
Reform UK Claims to Surpass Labour in Membership Numbers
Reform UK has announced that it now has more members than the Labour Party, with over 268,000 paid-up members. This claim is based on internal figures reported by The Times, which suggest Labour's membership has fallen below 250,000. Labour has refused to comment on the accuracy of these figures, stating that they will be published in the party's annual report. Reform UK tracks its membership using a live online counter, which only includes individuals who have paid an annual fee of £25 or £10 for under-25s. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has hailed this milestone, stating that the party has overtaken Labour to become the largest political party in British politics. He believes this marks the end of two-party politics. Labour's membership has been steadily declining since Sir Keir Starmer became leader in 2020, with the party shedding 37,000 members in 2024 alone. The party's standard membership fee is £70.50 a year, with reduced rates available for certain groups. In contrast, the Green Party has seen a surge in membership since Zack Polanski took over as leader, rising from around 70,000 to over 180,000. The Conservative Party does not routinely publish its membership figures, but reports suggest it has fallen to around 123,000. The Liberal Democrats have also experienced a decline in membership, with numbers dropping to around 60,000 over the past five years.
Paramount Launches Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery
Paramount has launched a hostile takeover bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, just days after Netflix announced a deal to purchase a large part of the media giant. The bid, valued at $108 billion, offers Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders $30 per share, a 139% premium to the stock price as of September 10, 2025. This move comes as a surprise, as Netflix had seemingly won the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery last week. A hostile takeover bid occurs when a company bypasses the target company's leadership and seeks support directly from shareholders, often through a tender offer or proxy vote. In this case, Paramount appears to be carrying out a tender offer, although the full details remain unclear. The success of hostile takeover bids is mixed, with notable examples including Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in 2022 and Kraft's acquisition of Cadbury in 2010. However, some bids have been unsuccessful, such as Carl Icahn's attempt to acquire Clorox in 2011. The outcome of Paramount's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery remains uncertain, with the company facing a potentially lengthy and complex process to acquire the media giant. The bid has significant implications for the media industry, with the potential to shape content viewed by hundreds of millions of people. Netflix, which has 301 million global subscribers, had agreed to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery at a lower price of $27.75 per share, excluding the company's cable channels. The rivalry between Paramount and Netflix highlights the intense competition in the streaming market, with major players vying for control of popular platforms and content. As the situation unfolds, it will be important to watch how Warner Bros. Discovery's shareholders respond to Paramount's offer and whether the company's leadership will ultimately accept the bid.
Wall Street Experiences Worst Day in 3 Weeks as Tech Stocks Decline
The S&P 500 fell 1.1% on Friday, marking its worst day in three weeks, as tech stocks, particularly those related to artificial intelligence, experienced significant declines. The Nasdaq composite dropped 1.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gave back 245 points, or 0.5%. Broadcom, a chip company, was a major contributor to the market's decline, tumbling 11.4% despite reporting a stronger profit than expected. Analysts attributed the drop to concerns over the company's financial forecasts and the potential exhaustion of momentum after a 75.3% surge in its stock price this year. Other AI-related stocks, such as Nvidia and Oracle, also experienced declines, with Nvidia falling 3.3% and Oracle dropping 4.5%. The bond market also played a role in the stock market's decline, as the yield on the 10-year Treasury climbed to 4.18%. Despite the declines, some stocks, such as those in the consumer spending sector, performed relatively well, with companies like Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonald's, and Norwegian Cruise Line experiencing gains. The S&P 500 ultimately fell 73.59 points to 6,827.41, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 245.96 to 48,458.05, and the Nasdaq composite slumped 398.69 to 23,195.17.
Thai and Cambodian Leaders Agree to Renew Ceasefire After Deadly Clashes
President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Thai and Cambodian leaders have agreed to renew a ceasefire after days of deadly clashes. The agreement was made following calls with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. Trump stated that the leaders have agreed to cease all shooting and return to the original peace accord made earlier this year with the help of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The original ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and pushed through by pressure from Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. Despite the deal, the two countries carried on a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence continued. The roots of the conflict lie in a history of enmity over competing territorial claims, which largely stem from a 1907 map created while Cambodia was under French colonial rule. Tensions were exacerbated by a 1962 International Court of Justice ruling that awarded sovereignty to Cambodia, which still riles many Thais. The conflict has resulted in the deployment of jet fighters and rocket launchers, with at least six Thai soldiers killed by rocket shrapnel. Trump has repeatedly claimed that he has helped solve eight conflicts, including the one between Thailand and Cambodia, since returning to office in January, as evidence of his negotiating prowess. The agreement to renew the ceasefire is a significant development in the conflict, and Trump's involvement has been seen as a key factor in bringing the two sides back to the negotiating table. However, the situation remains volatile, and it remains to be seen whether the ceasefire will hold. Trump's internationally endorsed plan to end the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is still not finalized and in limbo, with sporadic fighting continuing while a critical second phase remains a work in progress. Another ceasefire that Trump takes credit for working out, between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, is also under strain. The Great Lakes contact group has urged all sides to uphold their commitments under the deal signed last week and immediately de-escalate the situation. The situation in the region remains complex, with multiple conflicts and challenges that require ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve.
Former Michigan Football Coach Sherrone Moore Faces Charges of Stalking and Home Invasion
Former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been charged with felony third-degree home invasion and two misdemeanors: stalking in a domestic relationship and breaking and entering. The charges stem from an incident where Moore allegedly forced entry into a staff member's apartment after being fired from his position due to an "inappropriate relationship" with the staff member. Prosecutors detailed that Moore had an "intimate relationship" with the woman for "a number of years" before she ended the relationship, prompting a flurry of calls and texts from Moore that she did not return. Moore appeared in court via videoconference, where his bond was set at $25,000. The conditions of his bond include GPS tether monitoring, no contact with the woman, and orders not to go to the woman's residence. A probable cause conference has been set for January 22. Moore's defense attorney declined to comment on his state of mind or mental health, but stated that Moore had undergone a mental health evaluation. The incident led to Moore's firing from Michigan, with the school citing a violation of his contract and university policy. As a result, Michigan will not have to pay Moore the nearly $12.3 million remaining on his deal. The case has sparked concern over Moore's behavior, with prosecutors describing his actions as "a series of very, very threatening and intimidating and terrifying statements and behaviors."
Shakira Wears Stunning Metal Breastplate Dress in Buenos Aires Performance
Shakira recently performed at the Estadio Vélez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires, wearing a breathtaking metal breastplate gown designed by Gaurav Gupta. The icy electric-blue armored corset, sculpted as a protective she-wolf armor, was paired with a pale, wave-carved skirt that moved like ocean swirls with each step. The singer's hair was long and golden, and her makeup was soft and shimmering. She performed "Acróstico" with her sons Milan and Sasha, who wore matching blue suits. The audience reacted with warmth and awe, praising the beautiful family and Shakira's stunning outfit. The metal breastplate dress is a statement piece that aligns with Shakira's song "Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran" and showcases Gupta's futuristic signature style. The performance was a mythic spectacle that turned the stage into a work of art. Shakira's fans took to social media to express their admiration for the singer and her family, with one fan writing, "DAMN, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY." Another fan remarked, "This is so beautiful." The post has garnered a lot of attention, with many praising Shakira's unique sense of style and her ability to make a statement through her fashion choices.