Pelican Press

Trump to nominate CFBP pick Jonathan McKernan for Treasury post Trump to nominate CFBP pick Jonathan McKernan for Treasury post Jonathan McKernan testifies during a Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 27, 2025. Annabelle Gordon | Reuters President Donald Trump plans to nominate Jonathan McKernan to be undersecretary of domestic finance at the Treasury Department, months after the president tapped McKernan to lead the embattled Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday. A statement issued by the Treasury Department did not say that Trump has pulled McKernan’s CFPB nomination from Senate consideration. But it does note that McKernan “has been an advisor at the Treasury Department while awaiting Senate confirmation to lead the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.” “During that time, McKernan has become an integral part of the Secretary’s senior team,” the statement said. “His continued service at Treasury will ensure that his experience and expertise are best put to advancing the President’s America First agenda.” The Trump administration has worked to gut the CFPB since the president took office in January. Read more CNBC politics coverage The Senate has not voted on McKernan’s nomination for CFPB, but his nomination was favorably reported out of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, after he appeared before that panel in February. CNBC has requested comment from McKernan, the White House, the Treasury Department and the Senate Banking Committee. Trump in February fired Rohit Chopra, who had been the CFPB director since 2021. McKernan previously served on the board of directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and held senior roles at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, the Senate, and Treasury. — Additional reporting by CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger and Emily Wilkins Source link #Trump #nominate #CFBP #pick #Jonathan #McKernan #Treasury #post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asian Gold ETF Inflows Surge to Record Highs, Driving Global Holdings Up Asian Gold ETF Inflows Surge to Record Highs, Driving Global Holdings Up By Mike Maharrey Flows of gold into Asian ETFs exploded in April, driving global ETF gold holdings higher for the fifth straight month. Last month, 115.3 tonnes of gold poured into gold-backed funds globally. It was the strongest month since August 2022. A combination of additional gold and the surging price pushed total assets under management (AUM) by gold ETFs to $379 billion, a 10 percent increase and a month-end record. Even with the surge of gold into ETFs over the last several months, fund holdings remain 10 percent below the month-end peak of 3,915 tonnes in October 2020. Asian funds led the way, accounting for 65 percent of the net total. Investment interest in gold has skyrocketed in the East, especially China, where physical bar and coin demand hit the second-highest level on record in the first quarter. Asian-based funds added 69.6 tonnes of gold last month, a 27.8 percent increase. In dollar terms, Asian gold ETFs upped their AUM by $7.3 billion, the highest monthly increase on record. To put the move into perspective, April gold flows into Asian funds surpassed the total in Q1 and the full year 2024. The bulk of that demand came from China-based funds. According to the World Gold Council, the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., worries about economic growth, equity volatility, and lower government bond yields have all created tailwinds for gold in China. also moved into Japanese funds for the seventh straight month, while Indian funds reported positive flows after net outflows in March. North American ETFs reported strong gold inflows of 44.2 tonnes, totalling $4.5 billion. This was down compared to February and March, but was the second-strongest April on record. Net cumulative gold flows in North American ETFs through the first four months of the year have already outpaced 2020’s historic performance. Gold price momentum and stock market volatility are giving gold ETFs a boost in North America, but despite investor interest in gold, this has yet to translate into demand for physical metal. U.S. gold coin and bar demand plunged in the first quarter. According to the World Gold Council, “Expectations for continued market volatility – driven by concerns such as future trade policy and inflation – should provide a level of support to flows over the medium-to-long term.” European funds reported modest outflows of gold totaling -0.7 tonnes ($807 million). Gold outflows in the *** were mitigated by inflows in Switzerland and France. Funds in other regions, including Australia and Africa, reported gold inflows for the fifth straight month, totaling 2.2 tonnes. ETFs are a convenient way for investors to play the gold market, but owning ETF shares is not the same as holding physical gold. ETFs are relatively liquid. You can buy or sell an ETF with a couple of mouse clicks. You don’t have to worry about transporting or storing metal. In a nutshell, it allows investors to play the gold market without buying full ounces of metal at the spot price. Since you are just buying a number in a computer, you can easily trade your ETF shares for another stock or cash whenever you want, even multiple times on the same day. Many speculative investors take advantage of this liquidity. But while a gold ETF is a convenient way to play the price of gold on the market, you don’t actually possess any gold. You have paper. And you don’t know for sure that the fund has all the gold either, especially when the fund sees inflows. In such a scenario, there have been difficulties or delays in obtaining physical metal. Gold trading volumes skyrocketed in April, averaging $441 billion per day. This was 48 percent higher month-on-month. Net long positions held by money managers moved lower, falling to 360 tonnes by the end of the month. This was 35 percent below the 2024 average. According to the World Gold Council, this was mainly driven by a sharp decline in total longs – likely due to profit taking as gold refreshed new records, along with a mild rise in shorts. Originally Published on Money Metals. Source link #Asian #Gold #ETF #Inflows #Surge #Record #Highs #Driving #Global #Holdings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

White House considering suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says – Axios White House considering suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says – Axios White House considering suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says AxiosTrump administration ‘looking at’ suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says CNBCTrump administration mulling end to legal right to challenge one’s detention The GuardianWATCH: Stephen Miller says Trump administration is ‘actively looking at’ suspending habeas corpus PBSWhite House ‘actively looking’ at suspending habeas corpus in immigration crackdown The Hill Source link #White #House #suspending #habeas #corpus #Stephen #Miller #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Della Maddalena keen to hold UFC title defence in Perth Della Maddalena keen to hold UFC title defence in Perth *********** Jack Della Maddalena tips he’ll score a third round knock-out in his UFC welterweight title bout against champion Belal Muhammad in Montreal. Source link #Della #Maddalena #keen #hold #UFC #title #defence #Perth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Exclusive-Fed’s Hammack wants clear data before moving on rates, not much data by June Exclusive-Fed’s Hammack wants clear data before moving on rates, not much data by June By Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir PALO ALTO, California (Reuters) -The Federal Reserve needs more time to see how the economy responds to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff and other policies before figuring out the right response, Cleveland Federal Reserve President Beth Hammack said on Friday, noting that much of the administration’s sweeping agenda remains unclear. “I stand ready to move whenever we have clear and convincing evidence, but … given the overall breadth of the policies that have been discussed and put in place, I think there’s a real question about what those impacts are going to look like, and so it may take longer,” Hammack said. “There’s not a lot of data between now and June,” when the Fed next meets to set interest rates, she said in an interview on the sidelines of a monetary policy conference at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution in which she elaborated on the Fed’s current dilemma. While the latest data showed the U.S. economy contracted at a 0.3% annualized rate last quarter, for example, most analysts feel that’s not a clear signal of the economic direction because of distortions driven by trade policy; to Hammack, the economy has been resilient and the jury is still out on its future course. “It is all premature to me — I think everything is very fluid and I think we need to really wait and see how the data play out,” she said. Likewise she and her fellow policymakers have noted the strength of the job market, where the unemployment rate stands at a low 4.2%, but also acknowledge the risks to it as businesses begin thinking about the fallout from new tariff policies. If the impact of tariffs lifting prices proves to be limited and the economy weakens, “we’d want to really focus on the employment side of our mandate,” she said. The Fed this week left short-term interest rates in the 4.25%-4.5% range, where they have been since December. While tariffs raise the risk of both higher inflation and higher unemployment, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said, it’s not yet clear by how much, or for how long, or in what order, and with trade negotiations underway and the full scope of levies unknown, it’s too early to know how the Fed should respond. Contacts in Hammack’s district are laying contingency plans to shrink their workforce if demand weakens, she said. But for now firms are hanging on to their workers after years of finding it hard to hire, she said. “People don’t know which way it will settle out,” she said. Story Continues On inflation, she said, tariffs could prompt only one-time price increases. But she said some businesses say they plan to make a series of price adjustments over time as they learn what level of import taxes they face — a process that could itself last until well into the summer. The longer the issues play out, Fed officials worry, the more risk there is that inflation becomes persistent. That would require tighter Fed policy. “It’s important for us to sit back and make sure we’re thinking about all of the different policies, because they do work in different directions, right? The spending policies, deregulation, all of these tariffs could have different consequences,” she said. “And so it’s important for us to look at it holistically.” (Reporting by Ann Saphir; editing by Diane Craft) Source link #ExclusiveFeds #Hammack #clear #data #moving #rates #data #June Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump administration 'looking at' suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says – CNBC Trump administration 'looking at' suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says – CNBC Trump administration ‘looking at’ suspending habeas corpus, Stephen Miller says CNBCTop White House adviser Stephen Miller says ‘we’re actively looking at’ suspending due process for migrants NBC NewsWhite House ‘actively looking’ at suspending habeas corpus in immigration crackdown The HillTrump Weighs Suspending Migrants’ Ability to Challenge Detention Bloomberg.comWATCH: Stephen Miller says Trump administration is ‘actively looking at’ suspending habeas corpus PBS Source link #Trump #administration #039looking #at039 #suspending #habeas #corpus #Stephen #Miller #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police investigate alleged attack on prison officer by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana Police investigate alleged attack on prison officer by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana Police are investigating an alleged attack on a prison officer by Southport killer Axel Rudakubana on Thursday, according to a report in the Sun. A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police are investigating an attack on a prison officer at HMP Belmarsh yesterday. “Violence in prison will not be tolerated and we will always push for the strongest possible punishment for attacks on our hardworking staff.” The 18-year-old was sentenced to a minimum of 52 years in January for the ******* of three young girls in an attack on a dance class in the Merseyside town. The report in the Sun has said that Rudakubana threw boiling water over the officer. Source link #Police #investigate #alleged #attack #prison #officer #Southport #killer #Axel #Rudakubana Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Razer Announces Clio: Their New Wireless and Cordless Gaming Chair Speaker Razer Announces Clio: Their New Wireless and Cordless Gaming Chair Speaker Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today unveiled the Razer Clio, in innovative gaming chair accessory designed to deliver headset-like immersive audio without the constraints of wearing one. Source link #Razer #Announces #Clio #Wireless #Cordless #Gaming #Chair #Speaker Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pakistan Super League follows IPL in postponing matches Pakistan Super League follows IPL in postponing matches The Pakistan Super League has followed the Indian Premier League in postponing its remaining fixtures as military hostilities continue to escalate between Pakistan and neighbouring India. Tensions in the region have sharply escalated in recent days following Indian missile strikes that killed at least 26 people in disputed Kashmir last weekend, with both countries calling a halt to their prestige cricket tournaments. As events unfolded this week it became increasingly unlikely that the sport could continue, with overseas stars eager to get away and uncertainty over whether the games could be safely staged. The PSL had originally moved some of its teams and infrastructure to the United Arab Emirates in a bid to play the final eight matches of the competition on neutral soil but that plan was shelved on Friday evening on advice from the Prime Minister’s office. The IPL, one of the wealthiest leagues in all of sport, had earlier announced a one-week suspension. Whether they are able to hold to that timeline in the present circumstances remains in doubt, with international players, including a contingent of Australians, trying to leave India as a matter of urgency. There have been claims and counter claims from the capitals of New Delhi and Islamabad and deaths in both countries in a month of aggression. A selection of high-profile India players have made statements honouring their military and there were angry words from the Pakistan Cricket Board as it bowed to pressure and confirmed the indefinite postponement. A statement read: “The decision to postpone has been taken pursuant to advice received from the Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif who has kept in view the reckless aggression from India that has escalated to a point where national attention and sentiments are rightly focused on the courageous efforts of the Armed Forces of Pakistan who are vociferously upholding the sovereignty of our beloved Pakistan. “The PCB and its players stand resolutely in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and our security personnel defending the nation. “Cricket, while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause when the country is facing such callous opposition. “We at the PCB also have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home.” In its own statement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India said: “While the BCCI reposes full faith in the strength and preparedness of our armed forces, the board considered it prudent to act in the collective interest of all stakeholders. At this critical juncture, the BCCI stands firmly with the nation.” Source link #Pakistan #Super #League #IPL #postponing #matches Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Columbia students who stormed campus library in pro-************ protest suspended Columbia students who stormed campus library in pro-************ protest suspended Columbia University has suspended 65 students after the campus library was stormed by pro-************ protesters. More than 80 people are understood to have been involved in the incident on Wednesday, including at least 33 people who are not students at the university. Masked protesters were seen in standing on tables, beating drums and unfurling banners reading “strike for Gaza” and “Liberated zone” in videos shared on social media. One person was filmed being handcuffed by a campus public safety officer. New York police eventually arrived in riot gear to clear the demonstration. A total of 80 protesters were arrested, authorities said, and those involved could be face up to three months in jail. Columbia alumni and students from other universities were among those detained. Demonstrators wearing masks protest in the main library on the New York campus of Columbia University – Johanna HÃ Two campus public safety officers were injured as the demonstrators forced their way into the Butler Library, where students were revising ahead of their final exams. Protesters were demanding an amnesty for students facing disciplinary action after last summer’s protests. They also demanded the release of activists facing deportation including Mahmoud Khalil, a green card holder, who was arrested and detained by ICE agents in March and flown to an immigration jail in Louisiana. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, said those on student visas are facing deportation. Students involved in similar demonstrations have previously been suspended had their degrees revoked. Mahmoud Khalil was detained by ICE in March The university, one of the most prestigious in the US, called police after protesters refused to leave. The university took around five hours to call in the police report, according to Fox News. In spite of the delay, the Trump administration praised the university’s acting president for meeting the moment “with fortitude and conviction”. The demonstration came just days before final exams at the university – Derek French/UPI/Shutterstock The move came in stark contrast to the university’s handling of pro-************ protests in the summer, when a pro-Gaza encampment remained in place for more than six weeks. Claire Shipman, Columbia’s acting president, said she called in the police because the protesters “posed a serious risk to our students and campus safety.” Ms Shipman said she arrived at the library to see a public safety officer being wheeled out on a stretcher and another being bandaged up. She said: “As I left hours later, I walked through the reading room, one of the many jewels of Butler Library, and I saw it defaced and damaged in disturbing ways and with disturbing slogans. “Let me also make clear, our administration spent substantial time working to defuse the situation in multiple ways, through Public Safety and Delegate visits to the students, scenes I witnessed first-hand. “The students were told they simply needed to identify themselves and then leave, but most refused.” The 2024 encampment on the Columbia University campus – Stefan Jeremiah Four student journalists who were reporting on the protest for campus media were initially suspended but the action was later lifted. Ms Shipman took over the post after Minouche Shafik, the former president of Columbia University, was forced to quit amid criticism of her handling of the summer protests. Columbia declined to comment on what form disciplinary action might take. “Foreign university students in America have been put on notice: if you break the law or support terrorism in our country, we will revoke your visa. This administration will not tolerate non-citizens causing mayhem on our college campuses,” the state department said. Columbia’s response to the latest protests comes against a backdrop of the Trump administration threatening to withhold £300 million ($400 million) in federal grants if it failed to tackle on-campus antisemitism. The New York Police Department was contacted for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #Columbia #students #stormed #campus #library #proPalestinian #protest #suspended Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This ‘Trump trade’ helped bring markets to the brink in April, Fed official says – MarketWatch This ‘Trump trade’ helped bring markets to the brink in April, Fed official says – MarketWatch This ‘Trump trade’ helped bring markets to the brink in April, Fed official says MarketWatchNY Fed’s Perli says regular morning Standing Repo Facility operations coming ReutersIt was remarkably resilient repo wot won it Financial TimesNY Fed Plans to Offer Regular Early Repo Operations, Perli Says Bloomberg.comNew York Fed plans to offer morning repo operations soon Seeking Alpha Source link #Trump #trade #helped #bring #markets #brink #April #Fed #official #MarketWatch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eagles skipper Allen finding his happiness in defence Eagles skipper Allen finding his happiness in defence West Coast co-captain Oscar Allen is embracing his stint in defence and is willing to stay in the role for as long as his team need him. Allen’s poor start to the season in attack combined with West Coast’s lack of key backmen convinced coach Andrew McQualter to shift his key forward to defence over the past two games. The 26-year-old performed his role strongly against Hawthorn and Melbourne, and his importance has risen to even greater heights after star defender Jeremy McGovern (concussion) was ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Richmond at the MCG. “I’m enjoying it. It’s a good challenge for me,” Allen said. “I started off as a back when I got to the footy club, so I’m trying to remember my roots. “I think I’ve adjusted relatively well. I’ve quite enjoyed the ball coming in, so you’re probably reading the cues of the game a little bit more. “There’s definitely some adjustments in aerial contests given you’re not the one leading the guy to the ball, so that’s one big change. “But apart from that, you’re playing a game of footy. It’s very much the same stuff. “It’s a great challenge, and I’m enjoying it. And the young guys up forward are developing well, so I’m happy to do the bit for the team.” West Coast’s defensive stocks are paper thin. Tom Barrass was traded to Hawthorn at the end of last season, with Harry Edwards dropped twice already this season amidst his struggles to fill the void. Pre-season rookie selection Sandy Brock has been recalled to replace McGovern against Richmond. With Edwards overlooked again, Allen is set to get the big task of manning star Richmond forward Tom ******. Allen kicked just four goals across his first five games before being granted a few days of personal leave to look after his mental health. The restricted free agent is being heavily chased by Brisbane and Hawthorn, but for now is focused on helping West Coast snap their 0-8 start to the season. Allen says he will happily keep playing in defence if that is what the team needs. “Mini (McQualter) has been really good with asking me, and I’ve just been wanting to do what’s best for the team,” he said. “So if he wants me to play down back, I’ll play down back and if he wants me to go back forward, I’ll go forward. “I’m not really fussed, I just want to be out there and playing as good a footy as possible.” Richmond started the season as favourites to win the wooden spoon, but they have defied the dire predictions of a winless year by moving to 2-6 after eight rounds. Source link #Eagles #skipper #Allen #finding #happiness #defence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. could face default by August if Congress doesn’t address debt ceiling, Bessent says U.S. could face default by August if Congress doesn’t address debt ceiling, Bessent says Sen. James Lankford on Trump budget bill Trump budget bill won’t be finished by July 4, Sen. James Lankford says 07:01 Washington — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told congressional leaders Friday that the federal government could be unable to pay its bills as soon as August if Congress doesn’t act, urging lawmakers to address the debt limit by mid July. The so-called “X-date” marks when the government could run out of borrowing power and face an unprecedented default without action from Congress to address the debt limit, which caps how much the Treasury can borrow to pay the government’s obligations. The announcement comes as lawmakers are pursuing a massive legislative package to enact President Trump’s agenda while addressing the debt ceiling. This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Kaia Hubbard Kaia Hubbard is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C. Source link #U.S #face #default #August #Congress #doesnt #address #debt #ceiling #Bessent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Head of Royal Navy suspended pending investigation Head of Royal Navy suspended pending investigation The head of the Royal Navy has been suspended pending an investigation. Adm Sir Ben Key has been asked to “step back” as first sea lord, sources at the MoD confirmed on Friday. Key was absent from the lineup of senior military personnel on the Mall on Monday for celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and it is understood that second sea lord V Adm Martin Connell has taken full charge until a permanent replacement is announced. Earlier this week the MoD said Key had departed for “private reasons”. Key joined the Royal Navy in 1984 as a university cadet, and graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London. As a junior officer he saw service around the world, after qualifying as helicopter aircrew and a principal warfare officer. He was made vice admiral in February 2016, before becoming the Royal Navy’s fleet commander and later chief of joint operations until he was appointed first sea lord in 2021. Over his career, he has commanded four ships: the mine hunter HMS Sandown, the frigates HMS Iron Duke and HMS Lancaster, and the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. An Iraq war veteran, prior to taking over the Navy Key was also awarded a US bronze star and oversaw the retreat from Afghanistan. In his current role, he is also chief of the naval staff and chair of the navy board, where he is responsible to the secretary of state for the fighting “effectiveness, efficiency and morale” of the service. Key last year issued an unreserved apology for “intolerable” misogyny in the Submarine Service, after a series of investigations across the navy exposed ******* harassment, bullying and assault of women within its ranks. The navy chief said he was “truly sorry” to the women who had suffered “misogyny, bullying and other unacceptable behaviours” while serving their country. “We must be better than this and do better than we have,” he said. The MoD said on Friday: “An investigation is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.” Source link #Royal #Navy #suspended #pending #investigation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Africa criticises US plan to accept white Afrikaners as refugees – BBC South Africa criticises US plan to accept white Afrikaners as refugees – BBC South Africa criticises US plan to accept white Afrikaners as refugees BBCTrump Officials Seek to Bring First White Afrikaners to U.S. as Refugees Next Week The New York TimesU.S. plans to receive and aid White South African refugees as soon as next week, document shows CBS NewsUS grants asylum to 54 white Afrikaner South Africans, reports say The GuardianFirst Afrikaners granted refugee status due to arrive in U.S. NPR Source link #South #Africa #criticises #plan #accept #white #Afrikaners #refugees #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. embassy in Ukraine warns of ‘significant’ air attack in coming days – National U.S. embassy in Ukraine warns of ‘significant’ air attack in coming days – National Descrease article font size Increase article font size The U.S. embassy in Kyiv warned on Friday of a “potentially significant” air attack in the coming days. “The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next several days,” the embassy said on its website. “The Embassy, as always, recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced.” The alert was issued a day after U.S. President Donald Trump repeated his call for a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, warning of additional sanctions against those that violate it. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. While Ukraine has said it is ready to adopt the ceasefire immediately, Russia has only proposed a three-day ceasefire this week — a truce that Ukraine has said Russia violated hundreds of times through continued attacks. Story continues below advertisement Trump had a “very good and productive” call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday, the White House said, adding that Trump hopes both Ukraine and Russia will agree next week to the proposed 30-day ceasefire. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, speaking to reporters at a White House briefing on Friday, also reiterated that a Trump meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin next week in the Middle East was not going to happen. Trending Now U.S. border officials reveal what contraband was seized at additional B.C. checkpoints Suspected poison mushroom killer’s daughter ate leftovers of fatal meal In Kyiv, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said he spoke by telephone on Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials about the proposed ceasefire as part of moves towards a peace agreement. “The main focus was the question of the ceasefire and prospects for a peace settlement,” Yermak wrote on Telegram, adding that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Keith Kellogg had also taken part. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov was also present. “Also discussed was the importance of implementing the points on which our presidents agreed,” Yermak wrote. Zelenskyy said Friday that Kyiv will host a meeting of European leaders of the so-called “coalition of the willing” on Saturday. —With additional files from Global News More on World More videos Source link #U.S #embassy #Ukraine #warns #significant #air #attack #coming #days #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mexico sues Google for adopting Trump’s Gulf of America Mexico sues Google for adopting Trump’s Gulf of America Mexico has sued tech giant Google over its labelling of the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, a change made by US President Donald Trump via executive order. ******** President Claudia Sheinbaum did not provide details of the lawsuit during her daily press briefing on Friday, but said that Google had been sued. Mexico’s Foreign Relations ministry had previously sent letters to Google asking it not to label ******** territorial waters as the Gulf of America. Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The body of water has shared borders between the United States and Mexico. Trump’s order only carries authority within the US. Mexico, as well as other countries and international bodies, do not have to recognise the name change. Mexico argues that Gulf of America should only apply to the part of the gulf over the United States continental shelf. In February, Sheinbaum shared a letter from Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, stating that Google will not change the policy it outlined after Trump declared the body of water the Gulf of America. As it stands, the gulf appears in Google Maps as Gulf of America within the United States, as Gulf of Mexico within Mexico and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) elsewhere. Turner in his letter said the company was using Gulf of America to follow: “longstanding maps policies impartially and consistently across all regions”. The Gulf of Mexico has carried that name for more than 400 years. The Associated Press refers to it by its original name while acknowledging the new name Trump has chosen. The White House moved in February to block the AP from being among the small group of journalists to cover Trump in the Oval Office or aboard Air Force One, with sporadic ability to cover him at events in the East Room. The AP sued three Trump administration officials over access to presidential events, citing freedom of speech in asking a federal judge to stop the blocking of its journalists. A federal judge ordered the White House last month to restore the AP’s full access to cover presidential events, affirming on first amendment grounds that the government cannot punish the news organisation for the content of its speech. The judge’s decision granted emergency relief while the lawsuit proceeds. Source link #Mexico #sues #Google #adopting #Trumps #Gulf #America Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested while visiting ICE detention center Delaney Hall Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested while visiting ICE detention center Delaney Hall Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested on the afternoon of May 9, according to social media posts and other sources. Video posted on Twitter (now called X) by News 12 NJ reporter Amanda Lee shows Baraka being led off in handcuffs while visiting Delaney Hall, the Newark prison that the Trump administration has said it wants to turn into an immigrant detention center, which reopened on May 1. Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba posted on Twitter (now called X): “The Mayor of Newark, Ras Baraka, committed trespass and ignored multiple warnings from Homeland Security Investigations to remove himself from the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey this afternoon. He has willingly chosen to disregard the law. That will not stand in this state. He has been taken into custody. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW.” Check back for more on this developing story. Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: *****@*****.tld Twitter/X: @ricardokaul This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Newark mayor Ras Baraka arrested outside ICE detention center: Reports Source link #Newark #Mayor #Ras #Baraka #arrested #visiting #ICE #detention #center #Delaney #Hall Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

F.D.A. Approves First At-Home Alternative to the Pap Smear – The New York Times F.D.A. Approves First At-Home Alternative to the Pap Smear – The New York Times F.D.A. Approves First At-Home Alternative to the Pap Smear The New York TimesFDA approves at-home HPV test to screen for cervical ******* NBC NewsFDA approves first at-home cervical ******* screening test, a pap smear alternative, company says CBS NewsStartup Teal Health wins FDA approval for at-home test for cervical ******* screening CNBCGreat News for People Who Hate Getting Pap Smears The Cut Source link #F.D.A #Approves #AtHome #Alternative #Pap #Smear #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mexico sues Google for renaming Gulf of Mexico as ‘Gulf of America’ – National Mexico sues Google for renaming Gulf of Mexico as ‘Gulf of America’ – National Fed up with Google’s insistence on labelling the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America on Google Maps, ******** President Claudia Sheinbaum says her country has made good on threats to sue the tech giant. “The lawsuit has already been filed,” Sheinbaum said at her morning news conference on Friday, without saying where and when it was submitted, reports The Guardian. The change in the name of the body of water was an act made by U.S. President Donald Trump by executive order earlier this year. At a February press conference, shortly after the executive order was signed and Google changed the name on its maps, Sheinbaum argued that Trump’s order to rename the gulf only applies to part of the continental shelf under U.S. control. Story continues below advertisement 2:31 Business Matters: Mexico threatens to sue Google over name change of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ Previous Video Next Video “What Google is doing here is changing the name of the continental shelf of Mexico and Cuba, which has nothing to do with Trump’s decree, which applied only to the U.S. continental shelf,” Sheinbaum said at the time, adding Mexico had written a letter to Google and was awaiting a response on the matter. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. “We will wait for Google’s response and if not, we will proceed to court,” she warned, sharing a previous letter from Cris Turner, Google’s vice president of government affairs and public policy, stating that Google will not change the policy it outlined after Trump declared the body of water the Gulf of America. As it stands, the gulf appears in Google Maps as Gulf of America within the United States, as Gulf of Mexico within Mexico and Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) elsewhere, including Canada. Turner in his letter said the company was using Gulf of America to follow “longstanding maps policies impartially and consistently across all regions.” Trending Now Canada’s housing market is ‘cracking’ under Trump’s trade war: report WestJet suspends 9 U.S. routes due to lower demand Story continues below advertisement The body of water has shared borders between the United States and Mexico. Trump’s order only carries authority within the U.S. Mexico, as well as other countries and international bodies, do not have to recognize the name change. Sheinbaum has repeatedly decried the move, arguing the “Gulf of Mexico” name has long been recognized internationally. On Feb. 13, she said Google had not resolved Mexico’s earlier complaints. “If necessary, we will file a civil suit,” she said. “Even President Trump isn’t proposing that the entire Gulf of Mexico be called the ‘Gulf of America,’ but only their continental shelf. So Google is wrong.” — With files from Global News’ Katie Scott and The Associated Press 0:45 Gulf of Mexico or Gulf of America? What the US name change means for Google Maps users Previous Video Next Video &copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link #Mexico #sues #Google #renaming #Gulf #Mexico #Gulf #America #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When I die, please do not produce an AI version of me When I die, please do not produce an AI version of me Someday, hopefully not soon, I’ll shed this mortal coil and in short order be forgotten. Unless someone makes an AI Lance Ulanoff. In short, please don’t. I had this epiphany and realized the need for a public statement that might one day protect my likeless from appearing after my demise after reading about the tragic case of an Arizona man and road rage victim whose AI avatar devliered a short and, I must admit, moving speech to a judge who was considering the sentence of the man who, accoridng to the ruling, killed him. You may like It’s a terrible and sad case, and in the video, Christopher Pelkey appears to deliver forgiveness and even some humor. It’s not a perfect rendering. The voice sometimes sounds robotic, and the video is a bit stiff, but the overall effect is quite a thing. There’s no getting around the tragedy of the court case, but the decision by Pekley’s family to bring him to life as an AI-generated avatar is problematic. While Pelkey appears to be delivering the impassioned words, they’re actually written by his sister. I assume she knew her brother well, but I doubt she can know exactly what he would have said in the event of his death. There’s no stopping this now This slippery slope we’re standing over is crumbling underfoot, and we are about to slide down into a very weird and uncanny valley. That this technology was used in a court of law and done without, it appears, the assistance of a major corporation or significant funds, means that more and more people will consider not only trying to bring dead relatives back to digital life but also enabling real-world and sometimes important interactions for them. Pelkey’s appearance is an extreme case, for now, but will likely not be an outlier. I expect others to start putting long-lost relatives to work as AI avatars in all sorts of cases, from class action suits to civil divorce proceedings. I’m sure many family members will think they’re acting in your best interest when they digitally resurrect you. Just this week, we saw the family of legendary NBA broadcaster Jim Fagan okay the AI recreation of his voice for future NBA games (mostly promos and not, it seems, any play-by-play). I’m sure that a full-bodied AI Fagan isn’t far behind. Pelkey, though, was not a celebrity, and businesses will likely crop up to help anyone digital revive Grandma, a brother, Sis, Aunt June, anyone you’ve lost and desperately miss. Just don’t I understand the intention and, to be honest, I don’t know if I would reject a chance to “bring back a loved one.” Of course, you’re not bringing back anyone. The AI avatar will only look and sound like the deceased, though I guess it could go further than that. Last year, I wrote about Silicon Intelligence, a ******** company that wants to use photos and videos to build a digital persona that can even respond in ways that the original, living relative might have done. The technology necessary to make fully functioning digital replicas of anyone living or dead is here now, which is why I’m encouraging everyone to declare publicly whether or not they approve of this for their corporeal presence. I understand that with the hours and hours of videos and thousands of photos available online depicting me blathering on about technology, I’m an easy target for this. My family may not be interested in resurrecting me, but I worry any enterprising techy could build their own Lance Ulanoff and then spend hours teasing it about all the times the real Lance Ulanoff was wrong. You might also like Source link #die #produce #version Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold becomes Iraq coach Ex-Socceroos boss Graham Arnold becomes Iraq coach Former Socceroos’ boss Graham Arnold will seek to reach the finals of another World Cup after taking the reins as coach of Iraq. The 61-year-old Sydneysider, who guided his national team to the last-16 of the global showpiece in 2022, was named as the Iraqis’ head coach on Friday and will be thrown straight in to rescue their ailing World Cup quest. Arnold, who left the Australia job in September after six years in charge, has a tough job to get Iraq to the 2026 competition in North America with the team lying third in group B of Asian qualifying. They face two huge games against leaders South Korea in Basra on June 5 and second-placed Jordan in Amman five days later. If they win both matches, Iraq would earn qualification for the World Cup for the first time since their debut in 1986 but it’s a tall order with Arnold’s Spanish predecessor Jesus Casas having been sacked halfway through his four-year contract in March after a calamitous 2-1 loss to Palestine. It will be Arnold’s first job in soccer since he steered the Socceroos through the group stages in Qatar, only to lose a close one with eventual champions Argentina in the last 16. But he left the job after Australia made a disappointing start to the third round of qualifiers for the 2026 finals. Now he has a second chance to get to the big show with a third or fourth-place group-stage finish still offering Arnold the chance to take Iraq through via the fourth stage of Asian qualifying. Recently, Arnold has been helping mentor South Sydney’s kickers, including Latrell Mitchell, in the NRL. Source link #ExSocceroos #boss #Graham #Arnold #Iraq #coach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US oil and gas rig count falls to lowest since January, Baker Hughes says US oil and gas rig count falls to lowest since January, Baker Hughes says By Scott DiSavino (Reuters) -U.S. energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs operating to their lowest since January, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday. The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, fell by six to 578 in the week to May 9. Baker Hughes said this week’s decline puts the total rig count down 25, or 4% below this time last year. Baker Hughes said oil rigs fell by five to 474 this week, their lowest since January, while gas rigs were unchanged at 101. In the Gulf of Mexico, drillers cut three rigs, bringing the total count down to nine, the lowest since September 2021. In the Denver-Julesburg (DJ)-Niobrara shale in Colorado and Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas, drillers cut one rig, reducing the count to 5, the lowest since January 2021. In the Permian shale in West Texas and eastern New Mexico, the nation’s biggest oil-producing shale basin, drillers cut two rigs, leaving 285 rigs, the lowest since December 2021. In New Mexico, drillers cut four rigs, bringing the total down to 96, the lowest since April 2022. The oil and gas rig count declined by about 5% in 2024 and 20% in 2023 as lower U.S. oil and gas prices over the past couple of years prompted energy firms to focus more on boosting shareholder returns and paying down debt rather than increasing output. Even though analysts forecast oil prices would decline for a third year in a row in 2025, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) this week projected crude output would rise from a record 13.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024 to around 13.4 million bpd in 2025. That increase in production, however, was lower than the EIA’s outlook in April due to lower oil price forecasts as U.S. tariffs increase the chances of weaker global economic growth and oil demand. On the gas side, the EIA projected an 88% increase in spot gas prices in 2025 would prompt producers to boost drilling activity this year after a 14% price drop in 2024 caused several energy firms to cut output for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic reduced demand for the fuel in 2020. [NGAS/POLL] The EIA projected gas output would rise to 104.9 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2025, up from 103.2 bcfd in 2024 and a record 103.6 bcfd in 2023. Oil and gas drilling permit applications in Texas, the top U.S. oil-producing state, hit a four-year low in April amid concerns that rising OPEC+ supplies and a trade war will continue to hit crude prices, consultancy Enverus said on Thursday. Operators in Texas submitted 570 new drilling permit applications in April, down from 795 in March and the lowest number since February 2021, according to Enverus. Shale producer Diamondback said on Monday it will drop three rigs in the second quarter, and could reduce activity further if oil prices fall more. Rival Coterra Energy is reducing its 2025 Permian activity by three rigs, while producer Matador Resources is dropping one drilling rig by the middle of 2025. (Reporting by Scott DiSavinoEditing by Marguerita Choy) Source link #oil #gas #rig #count #falls #lowest #January #Baker #Hughes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Last Of Us Season 2 Is Now Being Review Bombed Because Of Course It Is The Last Of Us Season 2 Is Now Being Review Bombed Because Of Course It Is HBO’s The Last of Us quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, introducing the fungi-controlled world of a bleak future to the masses, many of whom never played the game. The series filled the void left by Game of Thrones and became event television. After two years, the series returned with shocking moments and rating highs, but another trend returned that has become all too common in fandom. This story contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2. Over on sister site Metacritic, Season 2 has earned a “must watch” badge and universal acclaim with a current score of 81, with reviews from over 42 established critics. On the flipside, the user score sank the show to a “generally unfavorable” status, with 542 user ratings, and 61% of them voting a 0 or 1. The thing is, almost all of those reviews contain no actual critique and are still complaining about “woke culture” and asking, “Can we have just straight characters?” There is nothing of nuance or value. Ellie (Ramsey) and Dina (Merced) have a quiet moment together. The latest episode, Day One, has Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabel Merced) explore some of Seattle, and they recreate a famous moment from the game as Ellie serenades Dina with A-ha’s “Take On Me.” Afterwards, Dina confesses that she is pregnant with her ex-boyfriend Jesse (Young Mazino) and the young women embrace in an emotional love scene–something that also happened in the game, but some bits of the narration changed to move the story along. The episode also gave us the origin story of Isaac Dixon (Geoffrey Wright), the future commander of the WLF, and when he left the FEDRA (including a scene with a Josh ***** jumpscare). We fast forward to present-day Isaac as he tortures a Seraphite for information on their next attack, only to kill him when he refuses to give up any information. Ellie and Dina’s romantic day turns chaotic as they become sandwiched between a WLF squad and a horde of infected underneath the WLF’s hideout. It’s another recreation from the game where they have to make a harrowing escape running through subway cars. This isn’t the first time this kind of review bombing has happened to the show, either. Fans will remember the homophobic hate that was focused on Bill and Frank’s episode in Season 1–the same episode that won Nick Offerman his first Emmy award. The show made major changes to both men, but was able to craft a brand-new story about finding love in the apocalypse. Source link #Season #Review #Bombed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

T-Wolves Investigating Fan Accused of 'Racially Charged' Remark Toward Draymond Green – Bleacher Report T-Wolves Investigating Fan Accused of 'Racially Charged' Remark Toward Draymond Green – Bleacher Report T-Wolves Investigating Fan Accused of ‘Racially Charged’ Remark Toward Draymond Green Bleacher ReportDraymond upset with ‘agenda’ after drawing tech ESPNTimberwolves fan ejected for “incident involving Draymond Green,” team says CBS NewsNBA playoffs: Draymond Green only 2 technical fouls from suspension after picking up another in Game 2 Yahoo SportsTimberwolves investigating ‘racially charged comments’ at Draymond NBC Sports Bay Area & California Source link #TWolves #Investigating #Fan #Accused #039Racially #Charged039 #Remark #Draymond #Green #Bleacher #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]