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Bridgend council criticised for sex strangulation presentation plan Bridgend council criticised for sex strangulation presentation plan Getty Images Relationships and sexuality education curriculum is mandatory for those aged three to 16 in Wales A council has been criticised for creating a PowerPoint presentation that appeared to endorse strangulation during sex that was intended to be used in schools. The slides included the sentence: “It is never OK to start choking someone without asking them first.” Bridgend council said it was part of a “draft version”, never shown to children and the slides were dropped following feedback from professionals. But experts and politician Natasha Asghar have asked why the Welsh authority “deemed appropriate” to include an ******** act in any draft of the presentation. Bridgend council commissioned the school resource from their in-house domestic abuse service, called Assia, and a presentation was leaked last year. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Wales’ First Minister Eluned Morgan were among those sent an open letter raising concerns of parents and professionals that deliver sex education lessons. Claire Waxman, the Victims’ Commissioner for London, also told The Times that the material was “deeply concerning”. Former Conservative MEP Baroness Jacqueline Foster also spoke out, telling Parliament that non-fatal strangulation was a criminal offence that could be punished with imprisonment. The Welsh government said non-fatal strangulation was “dangerous and ********” and added the resources Bridgend council gave schools “make this clear”. Bridgend council commissioned the school resource but said the slide was removed at a draft stage and never shown to children Bridgend council have since issued a “clarification” statement that said “the slides were part of inaccurate or out-of-date information that was either updated or removed”. But it raised further questions as to why the material and messaging existed in the first place, so BBC Wales asked them for more information. The authority said the slide was part of an “active presentation”. “The idea was that the presenter would use the slide to stimulate debate before advising participants that non-fatal strangulation is actually a dangerous, ******** crime which carries significant penalties,” said Bridgend council’s statement. They said that part of the presentation was dropped following feedback from professionals consulted during the drafting process. Sources including Michael Conroy, who trains professionals like teachers to deliver sex education lessons, have told the BBC that they understand the presentation was offered to schools and youth settings to show. Michael Conroy Michael Conroy works with schools in Wales and England and said there’s a “vulnerability for schools” because they’re expected to cover topics “none of their staff are trained to deliver” However, the council denied this and said it was only sent “as a work in progress with a small group of professionals for their insight and views”. “It was presented as this is what we will teach to children, there was intention there,” said Mr Conroy, a former personal, social and health education co-ordinator in schools, who did not receive the presentation from the council directly. When Mr Conroy first saw the slide in question, he said it was “terrifying” and there was not any additional information about safety on other slides. “The idea that someone is saying it’s ok to strangle a person if you get a yes is atrocious,” added Mr Conroy of Men at Work. “It’s the opposite of safeguarding, it’s a terrible breach of trust.” Welsh Parliament member Natasha Asghar said she had been contacted by “concerned parents” and called for Bridgend council to release the material. Getty Images Welsh Senedd member Natasha Asghar says it is important young people are equipped with the right information to “make good choices” “I’m requesting both versions of this PowerPoint presentation,” said the Conservative Senedd member who sits on the Children, Young People and Education Committee. “We shouldn’t disguise the fact those responsible for creating the content originally deemed this appropriate. We need to look into this to make sure children are being taught properly.” Despite the council saying that the slide was not to be used in isolation, she said: “It does not negate from that fact those responsible for the content originally deemed it appropriate. This is where I have my concerns.” Ms Asghar said she had written to the council leader but was without a reply. The example has raised concerns from parents, experts and politicians about what is being taught to children in school during sex education lessons. “I know government will dismiss this as the work of just one sex ed provider but all parents should ask to see the materials their children are being taught in PHSE,” said Fiona Mackenzie, who led a campaign to end the so-called rough sex defence in the Domestic Abuse bill. Fiona Mackenzie Campaigner Fiona Mackenzie has called for governments to take control of sex education material “This is up to government to take control of sex ed materials, opening sex ed up to the market means anyone can set up to tell children how to have sex.” Bridgend council said in a statement: “We want to again confirm that local children are not being taught to believe that dangerous ******* behaviour is acceptable as long as consent is in place.” The Welsh government reiterated that “at no point were inappropriate materials shared for use in schools or seen by learners”. They said they had given extra funding to provide “expertise and support” to schools and local authorities and make sure resources were “age appropriate and in line with legal requirements”. “We have always been clear that any resources must be developmentally appropriate and in line with the legal requirements of the mandatory Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Code,” the Welsh government statement added. The *** government have been approached for comment. If you’ve been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line. Source link #Bridgend #council #criticised #sex #strangulation #presentation #plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trent Robinson lashes the Newcastle Knights over their handling of Dom Young’s exit from the Roosters Trent Robinson lashes the Newcastle Knights over their handling of Dom Young’s exit from the Roosters Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson has slammed the Newcastle Knights and Dom Young’s management for how they’ve handled the star winger’s potential early release accusing his rivals of trying to “bluff” his club throughout the process. A fed up Robinson also confirmed that Brandon Smith has played his last game for the club and will join Souths this week after getting through his medical. While that has been a clean process, the three-time premiership winning coach has called out the Knights for trying to get the Roosters to pay Young’s salary for the rest of 2025 despite the club not pushing for a potential early release. The English winger is contracted until the end of 2027 after moving from the Knights to join the Roosters last year, but rumours of a possible return to the Hunter dominated headlines last week after he was dropped to reserve grade. Robinson is adamant that the Roosters never shopped the representative winger to the Knights, with the veteran coach airing his grievances during a rare Monday morning press conference. “All that has been fairly annoying,” he said. “That’s not to do with any of you guys (the media), but the way it was put out there was that we were trying to push him out, which wasn’t the case. “Newcastle rang us having talked with his manager beforehand when he got dropped to try to get him out, and we said ‘yes’. “They wanted us to pay the whole year and we went ‘no, if you want him (then you have to pay)’. “The chairman said they had the money to take him now, and we agreed. The management wanted that, but then they’ve backtracked at the end of the week and today. “That’s really annoying. If you ask for something and you’ve prepared it, then you stick by it. They haven’t done that and it’s thrown Dom and us in a spin all this week when it wasn’t our doing, so it’s all a bit annoying. “Dom hasn’t done anything wrong in all of this. It’s been an annoying week…it’s not how you do things.” Robinson and Young spoke last week to work out who instigated it, with the coach stressing the club hadn’t tried to push him out, while the winger said he didn’t know where it had come from. Young’s form had been an issue which is why Mark Nawaqanitawase replaced him on the wing, but Robinson said that was purely because the wormer Wallabies star was outplaying him and that there was room for him to return to the side. Any potential move now looks dead and buried unless the Knights offer to chip in a substantial sum, with Robinson happy for the winger to stay and fight to win back his spot in the team. “I think they’re trying to bluff us,” he said. “We had not one discussion about letting Dom go. That wasn’t a discussion at all. “Then we get an approach from Newcastle and his management and they say ‘we want this to happen’. “They want us to release him and pay money for it when we weren’t even thinking about releasing him. In what world does that happen? You asked, you said you had room in your cap, so get it sorted. “You threw a guy’s life upside down for a week and you put another club in, but just do it in the right way.” Meanwhile, Smith is set to join the Rabbitohs this week as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury that will keep him sidelined for another two months. Smith joined the Roosters in 2023 but never reached the stunning heights he did at the Storm, with the dynamic hooker signing with Souths for the next two seasons. “Brandon is doing his medical this morning so I think that’s pretty clean and that should get sorted today. He’ll move over there from I’d say tomorrow,” Robinson said. “That will get the tick off today with Souths. “I feel like the first year was difficult and he didn’t hit the form that we wanted in that first year. There were reasons for that. “He was on a tear last year. There was momentum building, and then he got the knee injury.” Source link #Trent #Robinson #lashes #Newcastle #Knights #handling #Dom #Youngs #exit #Roosters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

KFC Is Struggling And It’s Not A Secret Anymore KFC Is Struggling And It’s Not A Secret Anymore Founded by Colonel Harlan Sanders, KFC is an American food icon. The first KFC franchise opened in 1952. For more than 70 years, KFC has spread fried chicken worldwide. But changing times have not been kind to the once No. 1 chicken spot. KFC’s sales and customer traffic have been down most quarters since 2023. There have been leadership shake-ups, store closures, and constant customer criticism that the menu is overpriced. In that same time, the competition to be top bird has intensified. Once the most popular fast food chicken brand in the world, KFC now falls at No. 3 (behind Chick-fil-A and Popeye’s) on most industry rankings. There are many factors contributing to KFC’s current struggles. Overall, they point to an established brand that has been achingly slow to adapt to a changing customer preferences and market forces. It’s a massive enterprise, with more than 30,000 locations in 96 countries. It has to cater to varying tastes, and changing course can be like trying to turn the Titanic. What went so wrong? Read on for details. Read more: Which US Steakhouse Chains Use The Best Quality Beef? Sales Are Down KFC bag resting on a table – 8th.creator/Shutterstock According to KFC quarterly reports, the brand experienced multiple quarters of declining sales, ending 2024 overall with 5% lower sales than in 2023, per Reuters. The first few months of 2025 were no better. Recent reports indicate that KFC is down by about 4% more, notes Restaurant Dive. That’s might not seem like a lot, but the chicken giant has been sliding since 2022, when KFC saw about an 8% decline in average sales per unit, after a previous eight years of steady growth. In 2023, competitor Popeye’s unseated it as the No. 2 chicken brand by market share. Add the low sales through every quarter of 2024, and it’s clear to see that KFC’s downward turn is now a long-term trend. KFC’s losses are more dramatic when you consider the greater fast food market. In 2024, fast food (or “quick service”) sales were up all across the U.S. KFC was one of the few brands that posted lower sales, while the rest of the industry saw higher traffic and profits. The difference can’t be boiled down to a public disdain for poultry. Other chicken brands like Wingstop and Raising Canes grew in 2024. With industry insiders already reducing overall restaurant sales projections for 2025, it doesn’t seem like a great climate to reverse KFC’s fortunes. Traffic Is Down Cashier handing food to a customer through a drive thru window – EAKARAT BUANOI/Shutterstock A big reason KFC’s sales are down? The customers simply aren’t coming. In 2024 and 2025, KFC saw monthly traffic declines from 2% to 12% every quarter. Customers have nearly limitless options for fast food chicken. Brands like Wingstop and Chik-fil-A offer a more focused menu and a more distinct experience for customers looking for grab-and-go sandwiches or endlessly customizable wings. KFC’s menu, by comparison, can be confusing and difficult to customize. In an era where consumer appetites for personalized experiences are nearly limitless, can a whole family or friend group agree to share a single bucket of the same chicken? The chicken competition has also expanded beyond traditional fast food chains. Grocery stores now offer quality prepared chicken options. Food delivery apps have also made local restaurant foods more accessible than ever. Former KFC loyalists may simply have found a way to get their chicken fix elsewhere. Quality Is Down Customer completing satisfaction survey on a smartphone – GamePixel/Shutterstock We hate to say it, but it might be true that KFC’s quality has declined along with its sales and traffic. In our recent ranking of fast-food fried chicken, KFC came out on the very bottom. When it comes to overall customer experience, about 80% of all KFC’s customer complaints relate to food quality and service. Research by marketing network Marketing Scoop suggests that KFC also receives a higher number of customer complaints than competitors. According to data compiled from various consumer reporting agencies, KFC receives an average of 5,000 monthly customer complaints. In that same data set, Marketing Scoop counted 500 monthly complaints for competitor Chick-fil-A. Yes, KFC has more locations than Chick-fil-A. But at around 4,000 US locations to Chick-fil-A’s 3,000, KFC’s relative size can’t account for 10 times the number of negative reviews. The difference between the competitors is dramatic on the Better Business Bureau website. With 621 reviews at the time of publication, KFC earns an overall score of 1.4 out of five stars. Customers on the platform complain most about high prices and “frequent order inaccuracies.” On the other hand, Chick-fil-A clocks in a 2.1 out of 5 stars with 578 reviews. That’s a 50% higher score, with only about 7% fewer reviews. Stores Are Closing Closed sign hanging on glass door – Grace Cary/Getty Images KFC is a franchise-based model, meaning the brick-and-mortar stores are not all owned by the parent company. They are owned by independent franchise owners who partner with the brand. This can be a fast way to grow a chain business, but it can also be precarious, with disputes between owners or varying levels of service quality leading to poor customer service and closures. When those closures happen, they can be big and they can happen fast. In 2024, a single KFC franchise owner closed 25 KFC locations throughout the Midwest. After a dispute with the franchise owner, the brand announced a further closure of 283 KFC locations in Turkey. These widespread closures signal potential underlying issues for KFC beyond the ever-present risks of the franchise business model. Each shuttered KFC location represents a step back for the brand in competitive markets. As competitor chicken chains continue expanding, these KFC closures create opportunities for rivals to capture KFC’s customers. The pattern of closures across multiple regions starts to look like a systemic challenge rather than a handful of isolated incidents. For a legacy brand fighting to maintain relevance with younger consumers, these closures could accelerate negative perceptions about the brand’s long-term relevance. Competition Is Heating Up A KFC Saucy restaurant in Orlando – KFC Anyone who remembers the Great Chicken Sandwich War of 2019 (launched when Popeye’s blew everyone’s minds with its spicy chicken sandwich) knows that fast food chicken is competitive. In recent years, new chicken-based brands have emerged, and quickly found places at customers’ kitchen tables. These newer brands offer a fresh take on the classic chicken, with modern flavors and modern sensibilities. California-based juggernaut Starbird touts its thoughtful ingredient sourcing and global flavor combinations like mango-habanero and Thai herb aioli sauces. Dave’s Hot Chicken was just purchased for $1 billion by private equity firm Roark Capital in March of 2025. Roark already owns massive brands Dunkin’ and Subway. This new deal sets the already popular chain up for massive franchise expansion in the year ahead. KFC seems to be choosing the “if you can’t beat them, join them” strategy. It’s launching a separate chicken-based brand focused on chicken tenders in 2025. The youth-focused brand is called Saucy. Plans call for a menu of original recipe chicken tenders with eleven options for dipping sauces. It’s Moving Its Headquarters KFC brand logo – Nedikusnedi/Shutterstock Though it shortened the name from Kentucky Fried Chicken to KFC in 1991, the chicken brand kept its headquarters in the Bluegrass State. In 2025, the chicken brand will move its headquarters to Plano, Texas. Publicly, KFC heads have stated it is a move that will reduce costs and create efficiency at the corporate level. Parent company Yum! Brands is already headquartered in the Lonestar State. The move puts KFC leadership side by side with colleagues at Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, which are both currently more popular with U.S. consumers. From a business perspective, this makes sense. But it’s also giving “moving home to live with your parents because you maxed out your bank account” vibes. Tellingly, KFC’s more successful Yum! Brand siblings Taco Bell and Habit Burger get to remain in their Irivine, California pad. The relocation will likely save KFC on taxes. Texas has no corporate tax, while Kentucky’s current corporate tax rate is 6%. It’ll also make it easier for Yum! to redistribute the KFC team throughout the organization if the chicken giant goes belly up. Consumers Are Complex woman buying groceries in a supermarket – Dragana Gordic/Shutterstock The CEO of KFC’s parent company Yum Brands recently attributed the chain’s sales and traffic declines to a “complex consumer environment,” per NRN. He’s not wrong. Consumer tastes have changed dramatically in the nearly 100 years KFC has been in business. Consumers nowadays want foods that are both tasty and affordable, with plant-based options in sustainable packaging. And they want to feel good about sharing it on TikTok. The growing interest in plant-based foods is one clear example of where KFC may be failing to meet customers’ complex needs. Between 2019 and 2022 alone, the sales of plant-based food grew by 13% in the U.S., notes a study from the Plant Based Food Association. Currently, KFC does not offer plant-based protein alternative on the U.S. menu. It tested a vegan chicken option with a lot of fanfare in 2022, but it was only for a limited time. Removing it from the menu may have left many vegetarian and vegan diners unwilling to make a meal of sides at the chicken giant. Promotions Underwhelmed Customers KFC chicken and fries – Klymenko Mariia/Shutterstock Speaking of limited time offers, KFC spent much of 2024 rolling out several limited time promotions like its “Taste of KFC” value menu. Traditionally, KFC’s limited-time offers (LTOs) were winners for the brand — the 2010 Double-down sandwich was a social media phenom. But somehow, the LTOs in 2024 hit different. Even a promotional holiday-themed chicken bucket complete with a streetwear collection didn’t move the needle. These marketing strategies could have been ill-timed. A splashy collaboration with a streetwear artist featuring pricey merch may not have been a slam-dunk amidst a backdrop of inflation fears, especially for brand consumers already perceive as pricey — unless you need a $32 pair of shorts with “finger-lickin’ good” embroidered on the leg. Which, yes, you can buy directly from the KFC website. Even value-focused promotions like the Dunk It Bucket value meal failed to launch. The $7 meal combined chicken tenders, french fries, and Mashed Potato Poppers with three dipping sauces. Online customers criticized the menu item, likening the dish’s size to a “kids meal.” In today’s chicken-eat-chicken fast food world, brands need to find ways to be flexible while maintaining their core identity. KFC’s inability to generate genuine excitement (and translate that excitement into dollars) through these recent promotions could indicate deeper brand positioning issues. Without successful campaigns that resonate with consumers, KFC risks losing more customers to competitors who better understand their audience’s current needs. The Chicken Supply Chain Is Unstable Chicken in a field – Tina Terras & Michael Walter/Getty Images The entire chicken supply chain has struggled with rising prices and lower supplies due to bird flu and logistical challenges, driving up prices. This makes it hard for a chicken central brand to compete on value. When pretty much your entire menu revolves around chicken, you can’t just pivot to selling more burgers or salads when poultry gets pricey (especially when there’s the iconic 11-spice concoction that makes KFC’s chicken stand out). KFC is in a tougher spot than non-chicken-based brands right now. Keeping prices steady could mean losing money; raising prices could mean losing customers. Industry forecasts suggest these supply chain pressures will continue through 2025. The USDA predicts that U.S. poultry prices with increase by at least 1% in 2025, and they are expected to rise steadily over the next 10 years. As the largest chicken based food brand in the world, KFC feels the force of these market shifts more dramatically than smaller competitors. Modernizing A Legacy Brand Is Challenging KFC Original interior dinign room – Serhii Shcherbyna/Shutterstock With all that said, KFC is a massive brand that has been frying up broilers for nearly a century. KFC has amassed more than 30,000 locations across the globe. KFC’s original recipe chicken served in its red and white striped bucket has become a fast food icon. Making any change in a business that size and that established is like trying to rebuild a plane while it’s flying. The company faces a classic legacy brand dilemma — how to evolve to appeal to new customers without alienating a loyal fan base. KFC took an innovative step in 2024, testing multiple spin-off concepts. In addition to the tenders-based Saucy, KFC also tested a more tech-heavy KFC prototype restaurant called KFC Original in 16 locations throughout Orlando, Florida. With more ordering kiosks and a nostalgia-inflected interior, KFC Original also features a more streamlined menu than a standard KFC. The response in Florida was so promising that the Colonel is converting several Texas KFCs into KFC Original locations in 2025. Other fast food brands have tried spinning off sibling brands with mixed success. Anyone remember Chipotle’s spinoff Pizza Locale? KFC is betting that the test concepts will mimic the success of McDonald’s CosMc’s spinoff. Launched as a single Chicago location in 2023, the beverage-based CosMc’s added six more locations in 2024. Only time will tell if KFC’s test concepts repeat that success. KFC Was Slower To Adopt Tech Solutions woman ordering from a KFC kiosk – frantic00/Shutterstock The methodical approach to rolling out changes may have made KFC slower to jump on the tech train than its competitors. Fast food brands like McDonald’s and Wendy’s have relied on self-service kiosk tech since around 2017. Chicken competitor Popeye’s rolled out a tech glow up in 2022. As mentioned above, KFC made tech integration a major part of the new KFC Original brand extension. It could be too little, too late; the tech-savvy customer base may have already moved to other brands. Behind the scenes, KFC was slow to add other cost-saving tools like AI-enabled inventory management tools and targeted digital marketing. These tools are less visible to consumers but improve guest experience in innumerable ways. AI-enabled inventory tracking helps businesses identify the best prices from vendors and source alternatives. This translates to more consistent prices for customers. Targeted marketing tools automatically filter customers into groups based on past purchases. So customers experience promotional messages that are relevant to their interests. Inventory and AI-driven marketing tools could create enough efficiency to reduce costs. Adding more background tech earlier might have helped stay ahead of competitors. But with the sheer number of locations and massive franchise operators that are part of the KFC eco-system, it may simply be too big an institution to adopt change quickly. KFC Lagged On Loyalty KFC rewards app on a smartphone – KFC Returning customers are the bread and butter of any food business. So loyalty programs are a no-brainer for most brands. Poultry powerhouse Chick-fil-A has offered loyalty since 2013. The Chick-fil-A loyalty program made the genius move of starting off as a VIP, invitation-only system, adding the appeal of FOMO to the mix. KFC didn’t offer a global loyalty app until 2024 — two years after competitor Popeyes started its loyalty program. Some KFC markets around the globe had various schemes to reward returning customers. In the some non-U.S. markets, customers could collect stamps to redeem free menu items. There was a massive customer outcry when KFC discontinued this program in 2022. KFC’s loyalty program, KFC Rewards, gives customers 10 points for every dollar spent in store or via the KFC app. Customers can use points to redeem special offers available in the app’s “Secret Recipe Vault.” They’ll also receive personalized offers based on order history. If users are in the mood for gamification, they can also opt for rotating in-app deals on specific menu items. Comments in the KFC subreddit suggest the new loyalty app doesn’t feel, well, rewarding. Customers were initially enthusiastic. But a year into the rollout, the general consensus seems to be that the promotions offered don’t do enough to lower the overall menu cost for value-conscious diners. New Leadership Is At The Helm Org chart with positions crossed out – Erik AJV/Shutterstock Since 2023, KFC has replaced virtually all its brand leadership, from chief financial officer to chief marketing officer. In 2024 and 2025, KFC replaced both its CEO and company president, bringing in leaders from Taco Bell and promoting a former KFC global marketing chief to KFC U.S. president. It also created a new role; chief digital officer, and staffed it with a Marriot alum with loyalty experience. These big moves indicate an understanding that the brand needs to make big changes to stay relevant. The leadership transformation represents more than just C-suite musical chairs. KFC has deliberately sought executives with digital transformation experience and track records for excellent customer service. New CEO Scott Mezvinsky, who was appointed in March 2025, previously helmed sibling Yum brand Taco Bell, which consistently delivers in customer perceptions of value. Catherine Tan-Gillespie, the newly appointed KFC U.S. president, previously led the KFC Canada division. Under her leadership, KFC Canada became known for digital transformation and value-driven offerings. These appointments, along with the creation of the chief digital officer role, signal a focus on technology-driven improvements to the KFC customer experience. KFC clearly sees the challenge ahead of them, and hopes this new team understands their assignment. It’s Jumping On The Bowl Bandwagon KFC Chicken strips in a bowl with sides – Klymenko Mariia/Shutterstock In 2025, KFC is banking on attracting customers with new bowl-based menu offerings, hoping to finally shift customer perception that the brand is too pricey. The new bowls are $5 and feature nuggets served in a heap of KFC sides. Customers can get their chicken in either Original recipe or Nashville Hot, served on a bed of fries, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. Other fast food brands have seen a lot of success with bowls. Fast food juggernaut Sweetgreen’s reputation is built almost entirely on bowls. Any shift in Chipotle’s burrito bowls leads to customer backlash. Taco Bell’s veggie bowl is a major reason the chain is popular with vegetarian customers. Bowls are a safe bet for lots of reasons. By combining multiple ingredients in a single container, KFC can deliver value to customers without additional cost to the operation. Like so many KFC menu items, though, these bowls are designed as limited-time offers. So there’s a chance they could disappear after customers find their favorite. Will discovering a beloved bowl be enough to attract new KFC customers and convince them to become regulars? Only time will tell. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we’re helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. Read the original article on Food Republic. Source link #KFC #Struggling #Secret #Anymore Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China's CATL to raise at least $4 billion in Hong Kong listing – Reuters China's CATL to raise at least $4 billion in Hong Kong listing – Reuters China’s CATL to raise at least $4 billion in Hong Kong listing ReutersCATL Starts Taking Investor Orders for World’s Biggest Listing This Year Bloomberg.comCATL Plans to Raise Around $4.0 Billion in Hong Kong IPO WSJChinese EV Battery Giant CATL Aims To Raise $4 Bn In Hong Kong IPO Barron’sChina’s CATL to raise $4 billion in Hong Kong listing Yahoo Finance Source link #China039s #CATL #raise #billion #Hong #Kong #listing #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Are protein snacks useful and worth it? Are protein snacks useful and worth it? BBC “High-protein” versions of snacks and food staples are all over our supermarket shelves – from pancakes and pasta, to rice pudding and oven pizza. Celebrities are getting in on the act too. Khloe Kardashian unveiled Khloud Protein Popcorn a fortnight ago, which she described as “the perfect combination of a tasty snack and a boost of protein to fuel your day”, while Zac Efron promoted a protein-rich porridge in January. But is this increased advertising of protein just a marketing gimmick or are these products actually useful if you’re trying to build muscle or live a healthy life? And is it worth the extra cost? Sales of them are rising; figures shared with BBC News by the research agency Mintel show that, excluding sports nutrition items, 8.3% of food product launches made claims about being a source of protein, or having high levels of it, in the first three months of 2025. That was up from 6.1% in 2024 and 4.6% the year before. Kiti Soininen, a research director at Mintel, says protein claims are being added to food with naturally high levels of the nutrient, like chicken breasts and pulses, but also on products you wouldn’t expect. Getty Images Khloe Kardashian is the latest celebrity to release or promote a protein advertised snack “Mousses, desserts, granola, pancakes, even the odd pizza, are coming through with a high-protein claim,” she says. “Protein is enjoying a bit of a ‘health halo’ at the moment.” Ethan Smith, a personal trainer in Liverpool, says high-protein diets are necessary for building muscle but that it ought to be done without the high protein snacks and drinks you see in shops. “I’m a huge believer that there is nothing better than whole foods,” he says. “You can get the protein that you need from vegetables and lean meats.” He believes the convenience of high-protein snacks, combined with the positive perception of the nutrient among customers, has led to manufacturers using protein as a marketing tool. For manufacturers to claim their product is a source of protein, they must show regulators at least 12% of its energy value is provided by protein. To make a claim that a product is high in protein, the figure is 20%. To help reach these scores they can add protein-rich ingredients to their products, like nuts and pulses, or make them more dense by removing water. “When someone in a rush is getting a meal deal for lunch, you can see why they would reach for a protein bar or drink instead of two boiled eggs,” he says. “In my 12 years as a personal trainer, I’ve never seen as much hype around the benefits of protein as I am now.” The benefits of protein range from muscle building and sports performance to helping with weight loss by suppressing appetite and helping women during pregnancy. If you’re trying to build muscle you need to consume around 1.6g of protein per kilogram of your body weight each day, says Dr Paul Morgan, a university lecturer in human nutrition. He says for the average person trying to ensure their general health, this figure should be around 1.2g. He thinks many of the supermarket products advertising their protein content are “gimmicky” and warns they might not be as good for you as advertised. “I think they do have a benefit but we are wary that a lot of them are ultra processed foods and that’s a really topical area [in our field] that we don’t know enough about,” he says. The risk of consuming too much protein Ultra-processed foods have come under scrutiny recently with one study published last month linking them to early death. He explains that researchers in his field are trying to understand the differing impact on muscles that two similar protein sources might have when one of them is ultra-processed. Another issue is calories because putting on weight is the most common problem people have when they are trying to consume more protein, Dr Morgan explains, as any excess is stored in the body as ****. Some protein advertised snacks and drinks can have as many calories as regular products using similar ingredients. Nature Valley’s protein peanut and chocolate bars have 489kcal per 100g, while Cadbury’s peanut brunch bars, which also contain chocolate, have 485kcal at the same weight. Dr Morgan dismisses theories that eating too much protein can damage your bones or harm your kidneys, though there are exceptions if you have a pre-existing health condition. Getty Images Extra protein consumption is necessary for people who want to develop muscle by lifting weights Despite his concerns over ultra-processed protein products, Dr Morgan sees the benefit of increased protein in staple foods. These might be particularly useful to elderly people who need more protein than the average person to maintain strength in their muscles and bones. Tesco’s high-protein penne pasta contains 8.8g of protein per 100g, while their normal penne contains 5.8g of protein for the same weight. However, customers pay more for this as the high protein-penne costs £4.80 per kg. The normal penne costs £1.29 per kg. So is it worth buying these protein advertised products? It might be if you’re someone who needs more protein to maintain your health or if you’re trying to build muscle and need just a little bit extra to meet your daily protein goal, says Ethan. “If the majority of your diet is whole foods and you need that extra 20g of protein to hit your goal and want something sweet – then go for that pudding or snack,” he tells us. “Having balance is important – but you shouldn’t be relying on them.” He adds: “When I started my career, people used to talk about whey protein just as a supplement to your diet. Now the number of companies putting protein on anything and everything is insane.” Source link #protein #snacks #worth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump says he will order that the U.S. pay only the price other nations do for some drugs Trump says he will order that the U.S. pay only the price other nations do for some drugs President Trump says he’ll sign an executive order on Monday that, if implemented, he says could bring down the costs of some medications. It is an attempt to revive a program he tried and failed to implement during his first term. The order Mr. Trump is promising will direct the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to tie what Medicare pays for medications administered in a doctor’s office to the lowest price paid by other countries. “I will be instituting a MOST FAVORED NATION’S POLICY whereby the United States will pay the same price as the Nation that pays the lowest price anywhere in the World,” the president posted Sunday on his social media site, pledging to sign the order on Monday morning at the White House. “Our Country will finally be treated fairly, and our citizens Healthcare Costs will be reduced by numbers never even thought of before,” Mr. Trump added. The president last week teased a “very big announcement” last week in the Oval Office, and sources confirmed to CBS News on Friday it would be the so-called “most favored nation” plan to cut Medicare drug prices. Mr. Trump’s Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also hinted at the policy on Tuesday, pointing to higher prices in Europe for the blockbuster diabetes drug Ozempic. “Right now, the big impediment is really price,” Kennedy said in an interview with Newsmax. “And we’re negotiating that with the drug companies and seeing if we can at least launch some pilot programs, or if we can get the price low enough, we can make it available at government cost to everybody.” “If we made that so that Medicaid, Medicare paid for it, and that private insurance companies had to pay for it, we would double the cost of health insurance to most employers in this country. And that would really be destructive,” Kennedy said. The proposal would likely only impact certain drugs covered by Medicare and given in an office — think infusions that treat *******, and other injectables. But it could potentially bring significant savings to the government, although the “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS” Mr. Trump boasted about in his post may be an exaggeration. Medicare provides health insurance for roughly 70 million older Americans. Complaints about U.S. drug prices being notoriously high, even when compared with other large and wealthy countries, have long drawn the ire of lawmakers from both parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress. Under the planned order, the federal government would tie what it pays pharmaceutical companies for those drugs to the price paid by a group of other, economically advanced countries. The proposal will face fierce opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. It was a rule that Mr. Trump tried to adopt during his first term, but could never get through. He signed a similar executive order in the final weeks of his presidency, but a court order later blocked the rule from going into effect under the Biden administration. The pharmaceutical industry argued that Mr. Trump’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.. The industry has long argued that forcing lower prices will hurt profits, and ultimately affect innovation and its efforts to develop new medicines. Court orders sought by the drug industry and others blocked the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, from implementing the proposal in Mr. Trump’s first term, saying that the government failed to go through the proper rulemaking steps to create and implement the policy. The Biden administration abandoned the proposal in 2022, blaming court orders blocking the model and concerns raised by stakeholders, including fears that it could cut off some Medicare beneficiaries from drugs and strain providers. Only drugs on Medicare Part B — the insurance for doctor’s office visits — are likely to be covered under the plan. Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for picking up some of the costs to get those medications during doctor’s visits, and for traditional Medicare enrollees, there is no annual out-of-pocket cap on what they pay. A report by the Trump administration during its first term found that the U.S. spends twice as much as some other countries in covering those drugs. Medicare Part B drug spending topped $33 billion in 2021. More common prescription drugs filled at a pharmacy would probably not be covered by the new order. Mr. Trump came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with *******” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans. On Sunday, the president took aim at the industry again, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.” Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.” “We are going to do the right thing,” he wrote. Source link #Trump #order #U.S #pay #price #nations #drugs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

West Kimberley Football League: Cable Beach claim 102-point victory over the Broome Saints in round three West Kimberley Football League: Cable Beach claim 102-point victory over the Broome Saints in round three It was a round full of one-sided games as West Kimberley Football League teams battled it out in Broome for round three at the weekend. The Cable Beach Greenbacks claimed the biggest win of the weekend, taking down the Broome Saints by 102 points at Father McMahon Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Greenbacks surged on the scoreboard from the get-go, kicking seven goals before the Saints could kick their first goal of the match, 7.3 (45) to 1.0 (6). The Saints defence tightened up in the second term, only allowing three goals from Cable Beach through, but the Saints forward line still struggled to find their feet, kicking only one goal before the halftime break, 10.8 (68) to 2.0 (12). The Saints recorded their best term in the third quarter, kicking three goals, but Cable Beach continued to add to their extensive lead, keeping the win out of reach for the Saints, 14.10 (94) to 5.2 (32). Cable Beach surged again in the final term, kicking six goals while Saints failed to kick a single goal, securing a massive win for the top-of-the-ladder team, 20.14 (134) to 5.2 (32). Cable Beach’s Rhys Hajinoor was the top scorer of the match, kicking five goals, while teammate Rhonen Maher was not far behind with four. The Broome Towns also recorded a big win at the weekend, taking down the Looma Eagles by 41 points at Nipper Roe Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Towns shot themselves into the lead early in the first term with two quick goals while the Eagles failed to make an opportunity count, kicking a behind instead, 2.4 (16) to 0.1 (1). But Looma struck back in the second term, kicking two of their own, which were answered quickly by Towns, who kicked another two before the halftime break, 4.6 (30) to 2.2 (14). Towns surged after the halftime break, recording their best quarter and kicking four goals to hold a substantial lead while the Eagles kicked another two to try catch Towns, 8.10 (58) to 4.2 (26). The Eagles struggled to score as Towns tightened their defence in the final term. Towns kicked another two goals before the siren to secure the win, 10.14 (74) to 5.3 (33). Earlier, the Bidyadanga Emus defeated the Derby Tigers in another one-sided clash at Father McMahon Oval on Saturday afternoon. The Emus jumped to the lead with two goals while the Tigers struggled to make their opportunities count, kicking just one behind, 2.4 (16) to 0.1 (1). The Tigers managed to kick two goals for themselves over the course of the second term, but the Emus had already established a substantial lead, kicking another three, 5.8 (38) to 2.3 (15). The Emus had their best term of the match during the third, kicking four goals while the Tigers kicked just two, leaving them with 35 points to catch up before the final siren, 9.10 (64) to 4.5 (29). The Tigers pulled out all the stops in the final term, kicking three goals, but it wasn’t enough to catch the Emus, who continued to add to their lead with another two goals, securing the win, 11.14 (80) to 7.5 (47). Despite the loss, the Tigers’ Isaiah Butters was the top goalscorer of the match, kicking five, while Andre Kitty was the top scorer for the Emus, kicking three. The Broome Bulls had a bye but will return for round four this weekend. Source link #West #Kimberley #Football #League #Cable #Beach #claim #102point #victory #Broome #Saints Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Coca-Cola announces major change to how it produces its soft drinks: ‘Will incorporate sophisticated systems’ Coca-Cola announces major change to how it produces its soft drinks: ‘Will incorporate sophisticated systems’ This April, Coca-Cola’s U.K. arm took a small step toward sustainability by beginning its own in-house nitrogen production at its largest European soft drinks facility, Yorkshire Live reported. The factory, a soda bottling plant in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, produces 420,000 cans per hour of popular sodas such as Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Monster, and Relentless. That total represents about one-third of all the soft drinks Coca-Cola sells in the U.K. To produce them, Coca-Cola has previously used nitrogen transported to the plant in tankers from third-party sources. This increases the amount of fuel being consumed and pollution being produced to supply the plant, which is one reason Coca-Cola wants to move the nitrogen production in-house, not to mention the cost savings. “The proposed nitrogen generation plant will reduce the number of deliveries, with obvious environmental and cost benefits,” said Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in a statement. “The proposed plant will incorporate sophisticated systems for the detection and warning of nitrogen leaks.” Even if there were a leak, the danger would be limited. In an enclosed space, concentrated nitrogen can displace oxygen, so detecting leaks is important for worker safety, but the atmosphere is already mostly nitrogen, as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explained, so once any escaped nitrogen clears the building, it will be harmless. A few local residents still object to the project on the grounds that the new nitrogen tanks will be an “eyesore” and the process may be noisy, Yorkshire Live reported. But officials have determined that the addition will stay within the original grounds of the plant and be within the scope of its operations, so it’s being allowed to proceed. Ultimately, Coca-Cola still has a long way to go to make its products and operations fully eco-friendly, as it currently generates a huge amount of unnecessary waste and pollution. However, this is a step in the right direction. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #CocaCola #announces #major #change #produces #soft #drinks #incorporate #sophisticated #systems Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A geological anomaly causes the sea level to drop by 100 feet. – Farmingdale Observer A geological anomaly causes the sea level to drop by 100 feet. – Farmingdale Observer A geological anomaly causes the sea level to drop by 100 feet. Farmingdale Observer Source link #geological #anomaly #sea #level #drop #feet #Farmingdale #Observer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Inside the tiny school with two pupils saved from closure Inside the tiny school with two pupils saved from closure Duror Primary is one of the smallest schools in the ***, with just two pupils. The Victorian-era building has stood in the Highland village for more than a century, however it had been earmarked for closure due to its dwindling pupil numbers. But with several babies and toddlers in Duror expected to soon boost the school roll, the local council have agreed to keep it open after a campaign by locals. Video by Eilidh Davies and Morgan Spence Source link #tiny #school #pupils #saved #closure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

KAPCO launches Paddock to Plate, bringing local beef to Kimberley supermarkets KAPCO launches Paddock to Plate, bringing local beef to Kimberley supermarkets Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company chairman Wayne Bergmann says the company’s latest venture into selling meat at Kimberley supermarkets is 140 years in the making. Last week in Fitzroy Crossing, shelves were lined for the first time with beef from KAPCO stock as part of its Paddock to Plate launch, diversifying income beyond livestock exports. Camera IconKAPCO stockmen in the yards. Credit: Jaclyn Dakin The Aboriginal-led business now manages 40,000 head of cattle and operates across four stations — Mt Anderson, Myroodah, Bohemia Downs and Frazier Downs, covering 743,374ha. Mr Bergmann, who played a key role in founding KAPCO — owned by a syndicate of Kimberley traditional owner groups — said the company was partly born out of a need for Aboriginal economic independence. “I say this has been 140 years in the making because Aboriginal people have long-aspired to control their own destinies, live on their land and employ their own people,” he said. Mr Bergmann, a lawyer, academic and half-owner of the National Indigenous Times, is referring to the colonial expansion and the pastoral frontier that reached the Kimberley in the 1880s. Camera IconStation work at KAPCO. Credit: Jaclyn Dakin A ban on the employment of convicts north of the Murchison River made pastoralists reliant on Aboriginal labour, for which rations were provided instead of wages, according to Chapter 7 of the Bringing Them Home report. Mr Bergmann’s great-grandmother was one of the many forced into indentured labour on the Kimberley station Yeeda, 269km north of Fitzroy Crossing, in 1897. Now, her great-grandson is dedicated to ensuring the Fitzroy Crossing community has access to quality beef, grown on their land, by their people. “With Paddock to Plate, we’re offering affordable, high-quality protein, so kids in Fitzroy can get the protein and iron they need, without their families breaking the bank,” Mr Bergmann said. Camera IconWayne Bergmann and Leedal chief operations officer Kandula Herat. Credit: Supplied “The social impact is that we are creating more jobs, with contractors, tradesmen, and in partnerships with other local businesses, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal.” The new venture wouldn’t have been possible without KAPCO’s significant growth over the past nine years, despite the challenges posed by a volatile cattle industry, including the 2017–19 drought and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Bergmann credits genetic investment in cattle, business diversification, a strong live export relationship with Asia, dedicated stockmen and sustainable land management practices as the keys to growing KAPCO from 4000 to nearly 40,000 head of cattle. Camera IconKAPCO stockmen in the yards at Mt Anderson Station. Credit: Jaclyn Dakin “When we started off, the cattle were lighter, and so were the prices,” he said. “To create increased value out of cattle, we needed them to be *******, so we brought in quality bulls that were heavier set to breed with our existing cows. “As a result, the calves became heavier.” Environmentally sustainable farming practices have arisen out of a need to preserve KAPCO land for local communities. “We run cattle in a way that lowers environmental damage to the land, because we have families who want to go hunting and fishing on the station, and we try and accommodate that.” The Aboriginal stockmen who run the cattle across KAPCO’s stations provide crucial insights into animal behaviour and environmental patterns, according to the KAPCO chairman. “Some stockmen are gifted with how they can feel and tune in to animal behaviour,” Mr Bergmann said. “I think it goes hand in hand with being able to track an animal — you have to know what it’s thinking.” “I’ve been out hunting with some senior people, and they look at tracks and say that Barney is going to be over there, all from the finest detail of a scratch on the ground.” Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam have been KAPCO’s largest markets for live exports. However, recent shifts in global trade dynamics, including the US–China trade tensions, have created new opportunities for *********** beef in China. With the US beef trade to China effectively halted due to the suspension of export licences for over 300 US abattoirs, *********** beef exports to China have surged nearly 40 per cent in early 2025. Mr Bergmann is eager to strengthen ties with China to capitalise on this emerging demand and secure a more diversified export market. Despite recent progress, success didn’t come easily for KAPCO. Mr Bergmann noted that securing loans and expansion approvals proved challenging for an Aboriginal-owned business. “People certainly weren’t knocking down the door to work with us,” he said. But KAPCO’s growth into this new phase reaffirms what he has always believed, and wants the rest of the country to understand. “You can run profitable enterprises on Aboriginal land,” Mr Bergmann said. Source link #KAPCO #launches #Paddock #Plate #bringing #local #beef #Kimberley #supermarkets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) Review: The E-reader Champ Is Back Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) Review: The E-reader Champ Is Back The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is finally here! Launched in the international markets late last year, the 12th-generation Kindle packs a ton of upgrades. This should bring cheer to users in India who were disappointed after the Kindle disappeared from the e-commerce platform Amazon last year. Priced at Rs. 16,999, the new Kindle comes in a single ****** colour and is now available on Amazon.in. So, what does the latest Kindle bring to the table? Plenty of upgrades, but some missing features. The company claims that the newest e-reader is the fastest and thinnest Paperwhite to date. Well, that’s not bad for starters, for a model that went off shelves and is finally back after almost a year-long hiatus. Let’s dive into the review, where I will talk about why the latest Kindle Paperwhite is the best Kindle for you in recent years. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is available on Amazon at Rs. 16,999 Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) Design: Familiar looks with improvements Dimensions: 127.5×176.7×7.8mm Weights: 211 grams Waterproofing: IPX8-rated Kindles come on top of every e-book readers’ list, and the reason is simple: it offers distraction-free reading. A true book lover cannot get this on smartphones or tablets. The new Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) offers a larger 7-inch glare-free e-ink display, slightly ******* than the 6.8-inch display we got on the Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021). While the size difference isn’t significant, the new Kindle looks taller. Interestingly, Amazon chose to stick to some basic features like resolution, but it still stuck at 300ppi pixel density on the new Kindle, the same as older models. The new Kindle is still IPX8 rated, so it is tested to withstand immersion in 2 meters of fresh water for 60 minutes. It features a USB-C port for charging The matte glass around the display is now smudge-free, a huge improvement, and the soft touch texture at the back is still pleasant to hold for long reading sessions. At 211 grams, the new Kindle is slightly heavier but something you won’t notice unless you compare it with the Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) in a side-by-side comparison. The back also houses the curved arrow indicating Amazon’s iconic logo. It’s worth noting that despite the taller stance of the new Kindle Paperwhite, the device is still manageable with one hand and offers excellent ergonomics for one-handed reading comfort. The rubberised back material makes up an excellent material for gripping. Long thing short, it’s the same old Kindle feeling with a larger display and some minor improvement touches. The 7-inch display on the new Kindle has a higher contrast ratio Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) Display and Performance: The best you can get right now Display and Resolution: 7-inch and 300ppi Processor – Dual-core processor Battery: Up to 12 weeks (claimed, depending on usage) The biggest highlight of the new Kindle Paperwhite is its display. It has the biggest screen on a Paperwhite device and is also claimed to be the thinnest. Compared to the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021), the ******* screen isn’t noticeable right away. Still, you get a taller stance, and it definitely appears to offer an improved screen-to-body ratio for a better reading experience. The 1264×1680 pixels screen resolution appears more crisp, though the 300PPI pixel density remains the same as last Kindle. The display tech on the new Kindle uses an oxide thin-film transistor that the company claims elevates the reading experience with sharper texts and images that pop off the screen. The bottom bezel on the new Kindle Paperwhite is thick Then, there’s also a dual-core processor under the hood and the claimed 25 percent faster page turns. The processor on devices like Kindle won’t give you any feeling of processing improvement during daily use. However, you can subtly notice a more responsive experience while breezing through pages and opening a book. Flipping through chapters and scrolling through the Kindle library also feels snappy on the new Kindle compared to older models. Purely in terms of reading experience, the latest Kindle feels better than the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021). It also offers brightness and warm light adjustment options for a comfortable reading experience. Everything is quicker, crisper, and clearer on the new model. Of course, I’m drawing comparisons with the 2021 edition. However, adding the auto brightness feature to the new Kindle would have been a cherry on the cake. The rubberised back material helps in grip during long reading sessions The added weight on the new Kindle Paperwhite compared to the Signature Edition (2021) doesn’t feel too much in daily usage. The display is excellent, and I had no issues using the Kindle for reading out and about in sunlight or a dimly lit space. There’s 16GB of storage onboard, which means enough room to store thousands of your books. However, I feel that slightly more storage would have been ideal, considering that Kindles are not devices that people wish to switch to every year or two. For example, I have been using my Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (2021) for almost three years. After testing the new Kindle, I realised that the newer one is snappier, and I could switch to this one purely for the upgrades. With the dark mode, you can switch between ****** text on a white background or white text on a ****** background. Then, you also get familiar features like selecting a font or customising the font size based on your personal preference. Users also get features like Highlight, X-Ray, and Book Covers lock screen. Users also get the popular VoiceView feature which is only available over Bluetooth audio. It provides spoken feedback, allowing users to navigate devices and read books with text-to-speech. However, the features are only available in English. One of the biggest reasons almost everyone loves Kindles is the access to titles worldwide with the Kindle Store. The new Kindle packs 12 white LEDs and 13 Amber LEDs About the battery life, Amazon claims it can las up to 12 weeks on a single charge. However, this claim depends on the usage. The good thing is that it packs USB-Type C for charging, so there is no hassle of carrying a dedicated charging cable for the Kindle. If you keep your Kindle screen on for an additional time without actually using it, then it may impact your battery life. During my time with the device, I have found that the Kindle has been solid in terms of battery performance. At the time of writing this review, it has been on 65 percent charge, and I have only charged it to full once, after receiving it for this review, which was around the end of April. And my daily usage is about an hour of reading before bed, so it’s decent, honestly. It weighs 211 grams and measures 7.8mm thick Kindle Paperwhite (12th Gen) Review: Verdict So, should you pick the new Kindle Paperwhite? The answer is a simple yes. It’s the only Kindle available in the Indian market at the moment (of course, if you do not consider the refurbished ones available on Amazon.in) and the best one yet. It has superb ergonomics, offering one-handed reading comfort. The 7-inch display is an excellent upgrade over older models and offers crisp text. The all-new Kindle Paperwhite is thin, portable, and travel-ready. The noticeable upgrades like faster page turn and snappier response are a big reason why this becomes an easy recommendation. The battery life is decent, and avid readers can enjoy reading on the device for days without the need for charging. You also get adjustment options for screen brightness and warmth. However, automatic brightness would have been a great addition. Similarly, wireless charging support would have been appreciated, too. Nevertheless, the Kindle Paperwhite packs in tons of upgrades that make it ideal for uninterrupted reading. Source link #Kindle #Paperwhite #12th #Gen #Review #Ereader #Champ Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Newark Liberty Airport suffers third system outage in less than 2 weeks, impacting hundreds of flights Newark Liberty Airport suffers third system outage in less than 2 weeks, impacting hundreds of flights Yet another equipment outage at Newark Liberty International Airport has caused widespread delays on Sunday. The Federal Aviation Administration said the third outage in less than two weeks happened after a backup air traffic control system momentarily failed. 45-minute ground stop follows latest outage The FAA confirmed there was another system outage Sunday morning, but unlike the previous two out of the Philadelphia facility that controls Newark Liberty’s operations, the latest one involved a momentary failure of a backup system, which prompted a 45-minute ground stop to ensure that system was back up and running properly. While the FAA said operations returned to normal, there was a domino effect with flights. So far, there have been more than 200 delays and at least 80 cancellations, impacting domestic and international flights. The one saving grace appears to be Mother’s Day has resulted in less crowds at Terminal B. In addition to the system outages, Newark Liberty is also dealing with air traffic control staffing shortages. However, officials are assuring travelers that flights in and out of Newark are safe. Newark flights to be temporarily cut, Transportation Secretary Duffy says U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says a fix for the airport’s problems is on the way, but in the coming weeks the number of flights will be cut. “We’re going to have this reduced capacity at Newark. I’m convening a meeting of all the airlines that serve Newark, get them to agree on how they’re gonna reduce the capacity,” Duffy said. “We are building a new line that goes directly from Newark to the Philly TRACON, which controls the New York airspace. What happens now is it goes from Newark to N90, which is where it used to be controlled, and then down to Philly. That doesn’t make sense. We’re gonna have a direct line there.” Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer said the feds need to prioritize fixing the situation at Newark Liberty before the problems start popping up elsewhere. “What happened in Newark can happen all across the country. So if they fix Newark quickly, they can learn from it, and they can also assure the public that they’re on top of things and actually know how to fix it. Not just say they’re going to fix, but actually fix it,” Schumer said. “The FAA must put Newark first and must put everything they’ve got into fixing Newark ASAP. This situation cannot last. We need all hands on deck at the FAA,” he added. “Hopefully, they get it figured out soon” Passengers say their patience is running out. “I have all four of my kids here for celebration and we didn’t think we were going to be here delayed and not at home already,” Teah Thompson said of her expected trip to Georgia. “We have to stay overnight until 12 p.m. tomorrow.” “This airport is horrible,” another traveler said. “Second delay we are experiencing within three delays,” said Keirsten Jones of Los Angeles. “Hopefully, they get it figured out soon because this is a huge airport and there are a lot of people here,” said MacKenzie Holmes of Los Angeles. More from CBS News Naveen Dhaliwal Naveen Dhaliwal joined the CBS News New York team in April 2023 as a general assignment reporter covering stories of all kinds across the tri-state area. Prior to CBS New York, Naveen reported for WABC-TV. She was first to report the rash of South Asian attacks in the Spring of 2022. Naveen won an Emmy for her work during the July 2019 Manhattan blackout. Source link #Newark #Liberty #Airport #suffers #system #outage #weeks #impacting #hundreds #flights Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Texans just rejected seven GOP-backed school board candidates. Is it a trend? Texans just rejected seven GOP-backed school board candidates. Is it a trend? Seven Republican-endorsed school board candidates in Tarrant County, Texas just lost their races in local elections after sweeping into power in anti-CRT backlash. Dr. James Whitfield, who was forced to resign in the backlash, discusses the results and what they could say about the national mood. Source link #Texans #rejected #GOPbacked #school #board #candidates #trend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says he will be ‘waiting for Putin’ in Turkey – The Guardian Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says he will be ‘waiting for Putin’ in Turkey – The Guardian Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says he will be ‘waiting for Putin’ in Turkey The GuardianZelensky Agrees to Talks With Russia, After Trump Intervention WSJZelenskyy welcomes Russian overtures, but says ceasefire must come before peace talks NPRZelenskiy tells Putin to come to Turkey if he wants talks, after Trump intervention ReutersPutin proposes direct peace talks with Ukraine to end war Fox News Source link #Ukraine #war #briefing #Zelenskyy #waiting #Putin #Turkey #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The EVs with the longest range in Australia The EVs with the longest range in Australia Australia’s electric vehicle market has grown significantly over the last 12 months – here are the EVs with the longest driving range in 2025. Source link #EVs #longest #range #Australia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Poland says Russian secret service behind 2024 fire in Warsaw shopping centre Poland says Russian secret service behind 2024 fire in Warsaw shopping centre WARSAW (Reuters) -Russian secret services were behind a massive fire that nearly completely destroyed a Warsaw shopping centre in May 2024, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Sunday after a year of investigation into the case. “We already know for sure that the large fire on Marywilska was the result of arson ordered by Russian services. The actions were coordinated by a person staying in Russia. Some of the perpetrators are already in custody, the rest have been identified and are being sought,” Tusk said on X. Poland has been a target of sabotage actions, which officials said have been part of a “hybrid war” being waged by Russia to destabilize the functioning of countries that support Ukraine in the war with Russia, involving tactics like arson and cyberattacks. Polish investigators are cooperating with authorities in Lithuania, where some of the perpetrators also carried out sabotage activities, Justice Minister Adam Bodnar and Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak said in a separate statement. “We have in-depth knowledge of the order and course of the arson and the way in which the perpetrators documented it. Their actions were organized and directed by an identified person staying in the Russian Federation,” they said. “The Polish authorities are determined to hold accountable the perpetrators of the heinous acts of sabotage and those who directed them.” In March, Lithuanian prosecutors accused Russia’s military intelligence of orchestrating an arson attack on an IKEA store in Vilnius, which broke out three days before the shopping centre fire in neighboring Poland. Russia has denied involvement in the arson attacks. (Reporting by Marek Strzelecki; Editing by Ros Russell and Nia Williams) Source link #Poland #Russian #secret #service #fire #Warsaw #shopping #centre Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aggies lead SEC-heavy top 8 in softball tourney – ESPN Aggies lead SEC-heavy top 8 in softball tourney – ESPN Aggies lead SEC-heavy top 8 in softball tourney ESPNSooners selected as No. 2 seed in NCAA softball tournament, will host Norman Regional KOCONCAA softball bracketology: Final predictions for 64-team bracket on Selection Sunday The OklahomanTexas A&M is the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA softball tournament for the first time Yahoo SportsTexas A&M nabs No. 1 seed in Women’s College World Series bracket as SEC snags 7 of top 8 spots The New York Times Source link #Aggies #lead #SECheavy #top #softball #tourney #ESPN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth Bears eye 30,000 members, NRL’s biggest fanbase Perth Bears eye 30,000 members, NRL’s biggest fanbase The head of rugby league in Western Australia has predicted the Perth Bears will have 30,000 local members in their first season and lay claim to one of the NRL’s biggest fanbases. Half a week on from being confirmed as the league’s 18th team, officials have begun laying the groundwork for the Bears’ competition entry in 2027. A board is expected to be implemented by the NRL in coming weeks, with former state Labor minister Peter Tinley among those linked to a role as one of at least three West *********** directors. That will clear the way for a CEO and coach to be named, with Brad Arthur the favourite to mentor the team and Sam Burgess also interested. Off the field, local officials are confident they can amass a significant following. Next month’s State of Origin game at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium is expected to be the third straight to sell out in Perth, while NRL double-headers have attracted crowds of between 30,000 and 46,000. There is potential for strong support from devotees from the Western Reds days of the mid-1990s, along with ex-pats from both the east coast and England. “I believe if this is done really meticulously and professionally, I would say 30,000 local members. I think 30,000 is achievable,” NRL WA CEO John Sackson told AAP. “I really do. “If you look at some of the crowds we have been getting, sold-out crowds at HBF Park. Origin, there will be 60,000 there. “They are all potential members, they are showing an interest in rugby league. The 41,000 at the 2023 double-header. The 31,000 this year amid the backlash (amid negotiations). “The excitement around the market, I am getting texts from people saying where do I sign?” Sackson said he had already been approached by several potential sponsors before last week’s official announcement. Part of the NRL WA boss’s confidence comes in the form of the Bears’ history, with news of their NRL return sparking emotional in North Sydney last week. The Bears’ name, logo and colours are expected to give the club a legitimate following for away games, something other expansion sides have struggled with. “I think it can be a countrywide juggernaut,” Sackson said. “You have two sets of fans, the North Sydney Bears and Reds, who were ruthlessly ejected from their competitions and a lot of those fans went into hibernation. “They were disenfranchised, disillusioned and a lot lost to the game of rugby league. “Now those fans have a second chance to support the Bears and West *********** franchise. “If there is harmony and unity between the two fan bases, it could potentially be the biggest fan base in the competition.” Source link #Perth #Bears #eye #members #NRLs #biggest #fanbase Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2 inches of rain for the metro 2 inches of rain for the metro ABOVE: The latest forecast update from Severe Weather Center 9. To stay on top of changing weather conditions, be sure to download our free WSOC-TV weather app. FORECAST: We are in for a wet week of weather in the Carolinas. Flood Watches are up for the mountains and foothills. These are the areas that could see 4+ inches of rain. In addition to the heavy rain threat, we may also see some strong storms tomorrow evening, mainly in our Western and Southern counties. The main threats are high winds, but a low tornado threat cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain begins this evening through Wednesday morning Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rain showers will continue into Wednesday before we really heat things up late this week. >> Channel 9’s Weather 24/7 stream has the latest local weather all day, every day. Watch wherever you stream — on our website, or through your mobile app or smart TV. WEATHER RESOURCES: FOLLOW OUR TEAM ON X: Source link #inches #rain #metro Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Massive explosion levels New Jersey home, rocks neighborhood – ABC News Massive explosion levels New Jersey home, rocks neighborhood – ABC News Massive explosion levels New Jersey home, rocks neighborhood ABC NewsTranquility Court house explosion: Man and woman found dead after house explosion in Washington Township, NJ 6abc Philadelphia2 bodies among debris after home ‘explodes’ in Washington Twp., New Jersey NBC10 PhiladelphiaNJ home suddenly explodes, killing two people — destruction all caught by doorbell cameras New York PostMan, woman killed in house fire in Washington Township; criminal investigation underway FOX 29 Philadelphia Source link #Massive #explosion #levels #Jersey #home #rocks #neighborhood #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roosters lash Young exit bid; Smith passed for move Roosters lash Young exit bid; Smith passed for move Trent Robinson has slammed NRL rivals Newcastle, hitting out at speculation the Sydney Roosters are attempting to force winger Dominic Young out the door as Brandon Smith nears a mid-season switch to South Sydney. Smith is understood to have completed a medical with the Rabbitohs over the weekend, paving the New Zealand Test hooker to join Souths until the end of the season. The premiership-winning No.9 remains six to seven weeks away from a full return to fitness following an anterior cruciate ligament rupture last season. Smith had already signed with Souths for 2026 and 2027 after a turbulent spell with the Roosters. Roosters coach Robinson said the mid-season deal had been done amicably with the club’s salary cap in mind. But Robinson said Young’s mooted exit was markedly different. Young was dropped to NSW Cup two weeks ago and was linked to returning to Newcastle just 18 months into a four-year deal. Robinson said: “It came out as if we were pushing him out, which was not the case at all. “We’ll get back to work with Dom… Dom hasn’t done anything wrong.” Robinson claimed the Roosters had no intention of letting Young leave and the three-time premiership-winning coach then took aim at Newcastle. He said the Knights and the Englishman’s management had turned Young’s “life upside down” by attempting to force a return to Newcastle and then asking for the Roosters to contribute financially to make a deal happen. “We’ve not had one discussion about letting Dom go at all,” Robinson said. “Then we get approached by Newcastle and his management, and they say, ‘we want this to happen’… we say, ‘Fine, you take up the contract’. “They want us to release him, but for us to pay money for it when we weren’t even thinking about releasing him. In what world does that happen? “You asked, you said that you had room in your cap, get it sorted… You threw a guy’s life upside down for a week.” Source link #Roosters #lash #Young #exit #bid #Smith #passed #move Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

In-N-Out Burger Announces New Restaurants in 4 States In-N-Out Burger Announces New Restaurants in 4 States An in-demand burger chain is rapidly opening new restaurants in four states. According to a May 8, 2025, article by Fox LA, customers in California, Arizona, Colorado, and Washington will see new In-N-Out Burger restaurants in their states. Altogether, the company is opening nine new restaurants, according to Fox LA. In California, the new locations are in Indio, Monrovia, Modesto, and Sylmar, the television station reported. On May 9, 2025, In-N-Out Burger opened its newest restaurant in Brighton, CO, according to 9News. The burger chain has increasingly expanded its Colorado footprint and now has 13 restaurants in that state, the television station noted, adding that In-N-Out Burger has at least two other Colorado locations in the works. Showing how quickly the chain is expanding there, In-N-Out has only been in Colorado since 2020, 9News reported.. According to KTLA, the chain is also opening new restaurants in Ridgefield, WA, and Surprise, AZ. The furthest east that the chain has opened restaurants is Texas, KTLA reported. In 2023, the chain announced on Instagram that it will eventually have restaurants in New Mexico. “We’re excited to share that we will be fully in the Four Corners, serving our Customers in New Mexico, by 2027! It’s an exciting day for our Company, the In-N-Out Family and our Customers. Stay tuned for more details. We’re looking forward to serving quality burgers, fries, and shakes in Albuquerque, NM!” the post said. The Albuquerque Journal reported in April 2025 that the chain still doesn’t plan to open the New Mexico restaurant until 2027. The first In-N-Out Burger restaurant opened in 1948, according to the company’s website. “Harry Snyder introduces California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand in a space barely 100 square feet at Francisquito and Garvey in Baldwin Park,” it says. “Every day before dawn, Harry visits the meat and produce markets to pick out fresh ingredients, which he prepares by hand. Meanwhile, his wife Esther diligently takes care of all the accounting for the new restaurant at their home right around the corner.” Related: In-N-Out Burger Teases East Coast Expansion Source link #InNOut #Burger #Announces #Restaurants #States Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump prizes more Gulf investment in the US – BBC Donald Trump prizes more Gulf investment in the US – BBC Donald Trump prizes more Gulf investment in the US BBCTrump is visiting three of the world’s richest nations. Here’s what’s on their wish list CNNOpinion | This Israeli Government Is Not Our Ally The New York TimesWhy Trump is focusing on business deals on his Middle East trip NPRTrump thinks he is shaping the Middle East. Instead, it’s Gulf states that will dictate US foreign policy | Simon Tisdall The Guardian Source link #Donald #Trump #prizes #Gulf #investment #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Perth traffic: Crashes on Stirling Highway and Mitchell Freeway cause headaches for motorists Perth traffic: Crashes on Stirling Highway and Mitchell Freeway cause headaches for motorists The weather may be shining today and for the week ahead but it has not translated to a sunny disposition on Perth’s roads with a number of accidents and breakdowns causing havoc. A ****** on Stirling Highway southbound at Marmion Street in East Fremantle has reduced traffic to a single lane in both directions. An Ambulance and police are onsite. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. The left lane has been blocked on Mitchell Freeway southbound after Hepburn Avenue in Greenwood following an accident. Towing services are onsite and traffic is heavy back to Whitfords Avenue. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. Motorists should take care on Tonkin Highway northbound before Morley Drive in Embleton, with a a vehicle in the emergency lane following a breakdown. Traffic is flowing again after a breakdown on the Birdiya Drive entry ramp to Mitchell Freeway southbound in the CBD. Source link #Perth #traffic #Crashes #Stirling #Highway #Mitchell #Freeway #headaches #motorists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]