➤ A federal judge declined to halt the Trump administration’s federal worker buyout program Wednesday, saying the unions who tried to block it had no standing to sue. (See Details)

➤ House Republicans unveiled their budget plan, calling for spending cuts totaling $2 trillion while pursuing tax cuts up to $4.5 trillion. The proposal wraps everything into one package to be reconciled with the Senate’s two-package proposal. (See Details)

➤ A group of GOP senators is calling for a $1,000 tax on new sales of electric vehicles to help pay for road repairs, which are typically funded through gas taxes. Electric cars don’t pay that tax. (See Details)

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You won’t find this AI stock on the Nasdaq

Everywhere you look, AI is moving markets. Palantir saw its stock surge 340% in 2024. NVIDIA's stock skyrocketed 171% in the same span. But what if you could invest in the next AI disruptor before they made headlines for explosive growth?

That’s the opportunity with Acres Technology. Founded by Hall of Fame gaming innovator John Acres, their casino AI technology provides real-time analytics and customer engagement.

This approach increases customer value by 3X. Currently, casinos give away 25% of their revenue failing to do what Acres AI excels at – making customers happy.

No wonder 30 different casino operators already use it, with deployment increasing industry wide 23% year over year.

But be aware – we’re officially in the final month of your chance to invest. Secure your stake in this fast-growing AI startup while you can.

➤ Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, fresh off Sunday's stunning Super Bowl defeat, told fans that he needs to take some time to decide if he will return to play next season. (More)

➤ Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant became the eighth player in NBA history to reach 30,000 career points on Tuesday night, joining LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Dirk Nowitzki, and Wilt Chamberlain. (More)

➤ Pitchers and catchers have reported to spring training for all 30 Major League Baseball teams. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | Soccer

➤ President Trump fired the top watchdog for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) after details resurfaced that the agency helped pay college bills for an Al Qaeda terrorist with ties to the 9/11 hijackers. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, eight federal government “watchdogs” previously fired by Trump filed suit Wednesday, claiming their terminations violate federal law. (More)

➤ Two top Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials have been reassigned from their jobs in a signal that arrests of illegal migrants are lagging behind the goals set by border czar Tom Homan. (More)

Daily Market Report 02/12/2025

➤ Big Stock Move: Upstart Holdings stock surged 32% Wednesday after delivering fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations for the lending platform. (More)

➤ Consumer prices rose 0.5% in January, higher than expected, as the annualized inflation rate rose to 3%. Market experts say they don't foresee new interest rate cuts until the last quarter of the year. (See Details)

➤ Joann, the national fabric and craft retail chain, announced plans to close 500 of its 800 stores across the U.S. as it works its way through its second bankruptcy reorganization. (More)

➤ Chevron plans to cut up to 20% of its workforce in a cost-cutting move aimed at saving between $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of 2026. (More)

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➤ Casinos waste 25% of revenue on arbitrary customer rewards. But AI is unlocking the industry’s most efficient, profit-maximizing system yet, creating unprecedented opportunities for startups – and investors who act before 3/13. (More)

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The father-son duo bringing AI to casino floors

It’s special when sons follow their fathers’ footsteps. For the Acres family, those led through Vegas, where Noah saw his father, John, earn Hall of Fame recognition. Now, they’re teaming up to bring the industry they love into the future.

Acres Technology uses artificial intelligence to provide casinos with real-time data analytics and personalized engagement for players. Their groundbreaking platform connects every machine, table, and property into a unified system. This delivers actionable insights and tailored incentives that keep players engaged and help casinos operate more efficiently. And it works—it has been proven to increase customer value by 3X.

No wonder 30+ casino operators already use it with preliminary interest from Asian markets. Join Acres Technology in revolutionizing the $511B global casino industry (and get up to 10% bonus stock).

➤ A wooden jacket made from finely laser-cut veneer has been unveiled by British company Vollebak. The $3,295 prototype explores new frontiers in material science. (See Jacket)

➤ NASA announced on Tuesday a new return date of March 12 for two astronauts stranded on the ISS since June 2024 due to Boeing Starliner malfunctions. (See Details)

➤ Researchers spotted a rare humpback anglerfish, known to live in the black darkness of the deep sea, swimming out in broad daylight for the first time. (See Video)

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➤ Crayola is bringing back eight retired crayon colors, including Dandelion, for a limited time. The nostalgic collection also includes Blizzard Blue, Magic Mint, and Mulberry. (See Colors)

➤ Celebrity weddings have been a staple of news coverage for as long as we've had celebrities. Here are wedding photos from yesteryear of famous stars from Elvis Presley to Liza Minnelli to Brigitte Bardot. (See Photos)

➤ These siblings surprised their parents by hilariously recreating, as adults, their 1980s childhood family portrait. (See Portrait)

➤ Giant schnauzer Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Dog Show in New York, marking his first overall victory after three years of competition. (See Schnauzer)

➤ Domino’s released a limited-edition pepperoni-inspired perfume, Eau de Passion, for Valentine’s Day, featuring spicy and woody notes meant to ignite attraction. (See Perfume)

➤ People on social media mock elite college admissions by pretending unlikely candidates—babies, grandparents, and pets—got into Harvard. The viral trend reflects skepticism toward selective universities. (Watch Videos)

➤ Wake up every day feeling unstoppable. Maximus helps you double your testosterone levels naturally without the hassle of doctors' offices or appointments. Build lean muscle, elevate your mood, and reignite your energy with doctor-prescribed at-home testosterone plans. Get ready to experience the vitality you’ve been craving with just one cutting-edge daily pill—no needles or creams. (See It Here)

Have you ever made a recipe from a celebrity chef?

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2. No
3. I don't cook

Yesterday's Results:

Would you be in favor of selling California to Denmark?

1. Yes: 52%
2. No: 27%
3. Don't care: 21%

Today's Trivia

Was the word "orange" used first for the color, or the fruit?

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