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****** smoke on day two of conclave shows no new pope elected ****** smoke on day two of conclave shows no new pope elected STORY: :: ****** smoke billows from the Sistine Chapel as the morning conclave vote on day two fails to elect a pope :: May 8, 2025 :: ******** City The cardinals held an initial inconclusive vote on Wednesday evening. They will now hold two votes in the morning and two in the afternoon daily until someone wins the necessary two-thirds majority to become the next pontiff. Source link #****** #smoke #day #conclave #shows #pope #elected Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Death Stranding 2 is getting its own special edition PS5 DualSense controller Death Stranding 2 is getting its own special edition PS5 DualSense controller PlayStation has revealed a special edition Death Stranding 2: On the Beach PS5 DualSense controller, which is set to release alongside the game next month. “We worked closely with Kojima Productions on the controller design, customized with the insignia and motto of Drawbridge in vibrant orange,” wrote Sony Interactive Entertainment’s marketing VP, Isabelle Tomatis. The Death Stranding 2 DualSense will be available in limited quantities for $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99 / ¥12,480, with pre-orders starting on May 22 at 10 am at direct.playstation.com as well as participating retailers. The new controller launches on June 26, 2025, on PS5 alongside Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. VGC recently travelled to Kojima Productions in Tokyo, Japan, for an extensive Death Stranding 2 preview and interviews with the game’s development team, including director Hideo Kojima. “As I sniped a guard from a watch tower, equipped a silenced rifle, and planned a sneaky infiltration into an enemy base to extract a prisoner, it was impossible to escape the thought that ‘oh wow, this really does feel like Metal Gear’,” we wrote. “Instead of running from Mules with their electric sticks, you’re frequently blasting through them with a shotgun or grenade launcher. And rather than awkwardly stumbling across a rocky ravine, dropping packages as you go, more often I was cruising in my tricked-out vehicle with two automatic turrets blasting anyone who dared impede my delivery.” Source link #Death #Stranding #special #edition #PS5 #DualSense #controller Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How to land a job in a ‘low firing, low hiring’ market: economist How to land a job in a ‘low firing, low hiring’ market: economist Job seekers at a job fair hosted by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to support federal workers looking for new career opportunities, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on April 25, 2025. Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images These days, job hunting may feel like something of a paradox: Even though the overall market is strong, it can be tough for jobseekers to find a new gig, according to economists. Unemployment was relatively low in April, at 4.2%, and job growth exceeded expectations. The layoff rate is historically low, meaning those with jobs are holding onto them. Yet it has gotten harder to find new work. Businesses are hiring at their slowest pace since 2014. Nearly 1 in 4 jobless workers, 23.5%, are long-term unemployed — meaning they’ve been out of work for more than six months — up from 19.6% a year ago. Cory Stahle, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab, called it a “low firing, low hiring trend” in a note on Friday. There’s a “growing divide” in the labor market between those out of work and those who are employed, Stahle wrote. The changing market conditions may feel jarring for job seekers, given that a few years ago there were record-high job openings and workers were quitting at record levels amid ample opportunity. “This is just how it is right now: Companies are not hiring,” said Mandi Woodruff-Santos, a career coach and personal finance expert. “If they are, it’s very infrequent.” Economic headwinds like trade wars and tumbling consumer confidence may make job-finding more difficult in coming months, economists said. “The market can’t escape the consequences of rapidly souring business and consumer confidence forever,” Stahle wrote. How job seekers can stand out in a tough market Shannon Fagan | The Image Bank | Getty Images Even in this “low firing, low hiring” market, there are ways for jobseekers to stand out, experts said. “When the market changes, the way you search for a job may also have to be adjusted,” Jennifer Herrity, a career trends expert at Indeed, wrote in an e-mail. 1. Be ‘creative’ with networking Job seekers will likely have to lean on personal relationships more than in the recent past, experts said. Most jobs come through referrals or internal candidates, meaning people need to be “creative” and “strategic” about networking possibilities, Woodruff-Santos said. “Instead of waiting for someone to pick your resume from a pile, you have to make it undeniable: Put yourself in front of them,” she said. “Creating space for human connections and creating relationships will give you a little something extra,” she added. More from Personal Finance: Prices are falling on some purchases but ‘not here to stay’ Your Social Security card will soon be available digitally Student loan default has ‘dramatic and immediate’ credit score impact Don’t just look for obvious networking events like job fairs or expos heavily attended by other job seekers, Woodruff-Santos said. She recommends seeking out conferences, seminars, special talks and book signings. For example, say you work in information technology and someone writes a book on corporate security in the world of artificial intelligence. Go to that author’s book signing, lecture, seminar or Q&A, Woodruff-Santos said — since the audience would likely be people in businesses with an interest in IT security. Reconnect with former colleagues to get on a hiring manager’s radar before a role opens to the general public, Herrity said. 2. Look for internal opportunities Workers dissatisfied with their current roles may be overlooking internal career opportunities, experts said. “While hiring may appear to be slowing on the surface, it usually just means that opportunities have gone further underground,” Frances Weir, a principal at organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, said in a March briefing. However, employees should be strategic: For example, they likely shouldn’t apply to several different jobs at the company or seek to move on from a role they started only months ago, according to the firm. 3. Customize applications “Generic resumes won’t stand out to employers in a tight market,” Herrity said. “Tailor your resume and cover letter to each role, echoing keywords from the job description and aligning your skills with the employer’s needs.” Applicants should also highlight results — instead of responsibilities — on their resume and in interviews, she said. That shows they’re a proven performer by quantifying achievements. 4. Upskill and reskill “Employers value candidates who use slow periods to grow,” Herrity said. “This is especially important for those facing long-term unemployment who may find themselves in a skills gap.” She recommends finding free or low-cost courses in any relevant career areas to help fill gaps and signal initiative, motivation and self-teaching. List recent certifications or course completions in the “education” or “skills” section of a resume, she said. 5. Be flexible While waiting for your ideal job, success might mean being open to contract work, hybrid roles or adjacent industries, Herrity said. “Short-term roles can be a great opportunity to grow your network and skills, then leap when the right full-time role appears,” she said. Source link #land #job #firing #hiring #market #economist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Wolves: MEPs agree to change EU protection status | News Wolves: MEPs agree to change EU protection status | News With 371 votes for, 162 against and 37 abstentions, Parliament supported the Commission’s proposal for a targeted change of the Habitats Directive to align the EU wolf protection status with the Bern Convention, lowering it from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected. The Commission’s proposal to alter the protection status of wolves in the EU came following a push from Parliament for it. Member states will now have greater flexibility in managing their wolf populations to improve coexistence with humans and to minimise the impact of a growing wolf population in the EU. They will also be better able to take measures that are adapted to particular regional circumstances. Member states must continue to ensure the wolf’s favourable conservation status and may continue to list the wolf as a strictly protected species in national legislation, and to have stricter measures in place for its protection. Next steps Parliament agreed on Tuesday to deal with the file under its urgent procedure. To enter into force, the draft law now requires formal approval by the Council, which endorsed the same text on 16 April 2025. The directive will enter into force 20 days after it has been published in the EU Official Journal. Member states will then have 18 months to comply. Background According to the Commission, there are over 20,000 wolves in Europe, and their populations and ranges are growing. This conservation success story has however led to increasing conflicts with human activities in some regions, in particular concerning livestock. Source link #Wolves #MEPs #agree #change #protection #status #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

U.S. and U.K. expected to announce what Trump has called “major trade deal” U.S. and U.K. expected to announce what Trump has called “major trade deal” Washington — The United States and Britain are expected to announce a trade deal Thursday that will lower the burden of President Trump’s sweeping tariffs and potentially deliver a political victory for Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Mr. Trump said on Wednesday that he would announce a “major trade deal” with a “big, highly respected country,” which he did not identify. On Thursday morning, the president posted on Truth Social that it “should be a very big and exciting day for the United States of America and the United Kingdom.” “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come,” he added. “Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement. Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!” Starmer’s office said the prime minister would give an “update” about U.S. trade talks later in the day. “As you know, talks with the U.S. have been ongoing and you’ll hear more from me about that later today,” Starmer said at a defense conference in London. Mr. Trump placed a 10% tax on imports from Britain, as well as 25% tariffs on autos, steel and aluminum on the premise that doing so would foster more factory jobs domestically. A major goal of British negotiators has been to reduce or lift the U.S. import tax on U.K. cars and steel. The U.S. is the largest destination for British cars, accounting for more than a quarter of U.K. auto exports in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics. Britain has also sought tariff exemptions for pharmaceuticals, while the U.S. wants greater access to the British market for agriculture products. Starmer’s government has said it won’t lower U.K. food standards to allow in chlorine-rinsed American chicken or hormone-treated beef. If a deal is announced, the British government will see it as a vindication of Starmer’s emollient approach to Mr. Trump, which has avoided direct confrontation or criticism. Unlike the European Union, Britain didn’t announce retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods in response to Mr. Trump’s import taxes. A trade deal with the United Kingdom would be symbolically important and a relief for British exporters. But an agreement would do little to address Mr. Trump’s core concern about persistent trade deficits that prompted him to impose import taxes on countries around the world. The U.S. ran a $11.9 billion trade surplus in goods with the U.K. last year, according to the Census Bureau. The $68 billion in goods that the U.S. imported from the U.K. last year accounted for just 2% of all goods imported into the country. The U.S. is much more important to the U.K. economy. It was Britain’s biggest trading partner last year, according to government statistics, though the bulk of Britain’s exports to the U.S. are services rather than goods. Mr. Trump has shown a desire to strike a trade agreement with the U.K. since it voted in 2016 to leave the European Union. Yet as recently as Tuesday, Mr. Trump showed no awareness of the possible terms of the deal when asked about its possibility. “They’re offering us concessions?” Mr. Trump remarked to reporters. “I hope so. … They do want to make a deal very badly.” Mr. Trump has previously said that his leverage in talks would be U.S. consumers, but he appeared to suggest that the U.K. would also start buying more American-made goods. “I think that the United Kingdom, like every other country, they want to … go shopping in the United States of America,” he said. A trade deal with the U.S. is one of several that Starmer’s government is seeking to reach. On Tuesday, Britain and India announced a trade after three years of negotiations. The U.K. is also trying to lift some of the barriers to trade with the European Union imposed when Britain left the bloc in 2020. Source link #U.S #U.K #expected #announce #Trump #called #major #trade #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Israel PM ‘uncertain’ over condition of three Gaza hostages Israel PM ‘uncertain’ over condition of three Gaza hostages Israel’s prime minister has said there is “uncertainty” about the condition of three of 24 hostages previously believed to be alive in ****** captivity in Gaza. Benjamin Netanyahu said he knew “with certainty” that 21 hostages were alive but the status of “three more” was unclear. His comments came after US President Donald Trump said 24 hostages were alive a week ago but the figure was now 21. He made the comments while speaking at an event at the White House on Tuesday and did not cite a source or provide further details. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum had demanded information. The forum also urged Netanyahu to halt his plans to expand Israel’s offensive in Gaza and to instead agree a deal with ****** to return its remaining 59 living and dead hostages. A spokesperson called on the prime minister “to stop the war until the return of the last abductee”, adding: “This is the most urgent and important national task.” Speaking in a video on Wednesday following Trump’s remarks, Netanyahu said: “We know with certainty that 21 hostages are alive. There are three more regarding whom there’s uncertainty about whether they are alive.” Last week, Netanyahu said rescuing hostages was a “very important goal” of the war, but that “the supreme goal is to achieve victory over our enemies”. Israel’s chief military spokesman Brig-Gen Effie Defrin appeared to contradict the prime minister on Monday when he stated: “The objective of the operation is the return of our hostages, the dismantling and decisive defeat of the ****** regime.” Despite that statement, Israel’s Haaretz newspaper reports that the military’s chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, presented operational orders to commanders this week that put “returning the hostages” bottom of a six-point list, with “defeating ******” at the top. Israeli officials have said the plans for the expanded offensive include seizing all of the territory indefinitely, forcibly displacing Palestinians to the south, and taking over aid distribution with private companies despite protests from the UN and its humanitarian partners. About 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage during the ******-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which triggered the Gaza war. Another four people, two of them dead, were already being held captive in Gaza before the conflict. So far, Israel has secured the return of 196 hostages, 147 of them alive, mostly through two temporary ceasefire deals with ******. At least 52,653 people have been killed in Gaza during the war, according to the territory’s ******-run health ministry. More than 2,500 have died since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on 18 March and resumed its offensive, saying it wanted to put pressure on ****** to release hostages. Israel has also blocked all deliveries of humanitarian aid and other supplies for nine weeks, which the UN says has caused severe shortages of food, medicine and fuel. Source link #Israel #uncertain #condition #Gaza #hostages Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump calls Fed Chair Jerome Powell a ‘fool’ after central bank keeps rates steady Trump calls Fed Chair Jerome Powell a ‘fool’ after central bank keeps rates steady This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. President Donald Trump derided Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell once again Thursday, a day after the central bank voted to not lower rates because of economic uncertainty created by tariffs. Trump said in a Truth Social post: “‘Too Late’ Jerome Powell is a FOOL, who doesn’t have a clue. Other than that, I like him very much! Oil and Energy way down, almost all costs (groceries and “eggs”) down, virtually NO INFLATION, Tariff Money Pouring Into the U.S. — THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF “TOO LATE!” ENJOY!” The Fed on Wednesday voted to keep its benchmark interest rate in a range of 4.25% to 4.5%, where it’s kept it on hold since December, frustrating the president who wants the central bank to cut rates to counter a possible slowing economy due to the rollout of his trade policies. The Fed said that it was keeping rates the same until the economic outlook becomes clearer. Source link #Trump #calls #Fed #Chair #Jerome #Powell #fool #central #bank #rates #steady Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What could be in the ***-US tariff deal? What could be in the ***-US tariff deal? Jennifer Meierhans Business reporter, BBC News Getty Images The US and the *** are expected to announce a deal to reduce tariffs later. It’s thought US President Trump’s blanket 10% tariffs on imports will stay, but that the *** will see cuts to the 25% tariffs on some of its biggest exports. Here’s a look at what could be in the deal. This isn’t a trade deal US President Donald Trump declared on social media the announcement to come later would be a “major trade deal” – it won’t be. He does not have the authority to sign the type of free-trade agreement India and the *** finalised earlier this week – this lies with Congress. Congress would need to approve a trade agreement, which would take longer than the 90-day pause in place on Trump’s tariffs. What it will be is some exemptions or lowering of those tariffs on specific goods. It might be quite basic What is announced today is likely to be only the bare bones of a narrow agreement. There will be months of negotiations and legal paperwork to follow. It could also be relatively short-term, covering just a few items. Currently, most goods imported from the *** to the US face a blanket 10% tariff and that’s expected to remain. But this deal is likely to reduce tariffs on specific items set to be subject to higher tariffs. Cars will be important Trump has already placed import taxes of 25% on cars and car parts coming into the US. Cars are our biggest export to the US – worth about £9bn last year. What we could get later is a lowering of this 25% tariff, or a quota system. A quota system would allow the *** to sell a certain number of cars into the US under low or zero tariffs, with extra charges on vehicles above that quota. Car industry leaders have told the BBC they would much prefer lower tariffs across the board – as a quota could effectively put a ceiling on the number they can export competitively. The *** currently imposes a 10% on US car imports, but is expected to lower this. The US has demanded the import tax be cut to 2.5%, and Chancellor, Rachel Reeves has indicated she is open to such a cut. Steel and aluminium pact A 25% tariff on steel and aluminium imports into the US came into effect in March. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the *** would “keep all options on the table”, but did not announce immediate retaliation. The *** exports a relatively small amount of steel and aluminium to the US, around £700m in total. However the tariffs also cover products made with steel and aluminium, including things such as gym equipment, furniture and machinery. These are worth much more, about £2.2bn, or about 5% of *** exports to the US last year. Steel industry leaders if the 25% tariff isn’t lowered or removed then it will be devastating for the industry. It’s not known whether the agreement between the US and the *** will lead the rate to be cut or subject to quotas. Tariffs could lead to US companies buying less from overseas. A knock-on effect could be more cheap steel flooding other markets, including the ***, as trade is redirected, putting more pressure on an already struggling industry. Pharmaceuticals the big unknown What will be agreed on pharmaceuticals is unknown. Most countries, including the US, imposed few or no tariffs on finished drugs, as part of an agreement aimed at keeping medicines affordable. Pharmaceuticals are a major export for the *** when it comes to US trade – last year sales of medicinal and pharmaceutical products were worth £6.6bn ($8.76bn) making it the ***’s second-biggest export to the US. It’s also America’s fourth biggest export to the ***, valued at £4bn ($5.3bn) last year. The president has not announced any trade restrictions on medicines yet. There is a danger that the *** could agree a deal, but is then subsequently hit by a global tariff. Digital services tax olive branch There is speculation the *** could lower its 2% digital services tax on US firms in return for lower tariffs on things like car and pharmaceutical exports. The tax is on businesses that run social media, search engines or online marketplaces and applies to revenues derived from *** users. Firms only have to pay it if they raise more than £500m in global revenues and £25m from *** users annually. But this is a threshold easily met by US tech giants like Meta, Google, Apple. The *** reportedly netted nearly £360m from American tech firms via the tax in its first year. In weighing up whether to cut this tax, the *** will have had to balance its drive to raise revenue and further growth with the political risk of being seen to concede to big tech, or President Trump. Food standards will not be included Tariffs on US farm products could also be cut. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has been clear that food standards – for example, allowing imports of chlorinated chicken or hormone-treated beef – will not feature in this deal for domestic political reasons. This is an area where the *** has chosen alignment with EU – and the forthcoming “Brexit reset” with the EU – over the US. Many American farmers use growth hormones as a standard part of their beef production, something that was banned in the *** and the European Union in the 1980s. The US has previously pushed for a relaxation of rules for its agricultural products, including beef from cattle that have been given growth hormones. It would be seen as a diplomatic win for the *** if the US has accepted even a narrow deal while dropping demands in this area. Source link #UKUS #tariff #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

ASML accelerates 50-football-fields-size mega expansion plans in the Netherlands ASML accelerates 50-football-fields-size mega expansion plans in the Netherlands ASML appears to have accelerated its ambitious expansion plans. The Netherlands-based undisputed leader in the design and provision of advanced chip-making equipment now signals it will have employees moved into its new Brainport Industries Campus, near Eindhoven, by 2028. The update was shared in a presentation of a preliminary draft urban development plan alongside officials from the municipality of Eindhoven, reports Tweakers.net and mainstream Dutch news media like ED (we used machine translations). The Brainport Industries Campus expansion plans were first made public about a year ago. At that time, the company discussed the expansion coming into being “around or after 2030,” according to the Dutch sources. Yesterday, during the presentation, attendees were told about the first of the additional 20,000 employees settling into their new roles in three years – which would make it 2028. (Image credit: Stijn Steenbakkers) ASML’s new campus plans are rather impressive and have even been called “un-Dutchly large,” by some. The expanded campus will add 357,000 square meters or more to ASML’s footprint. That’s approximately as big as 50 football fields. ASML has located the new campus between Eindhoven Airport and the A2 motorway – and the site will even be intersected by the Ekkersrijt river. Details shared yesterday suggest that the new campus area will include two parking garages, plus slots for 4,200 bicycles. The municipality won’t make a dedicated motorway (freeway) exit for the facility, however, two major roads will be redesigned to address the expected traffic flow, as will a dedicated bus lane for commuters. The Dutch government released €1.7 billion last year to help facilitate this project, which is obviously going to be important for the region, and the nation in general. Though things appear to be being slipstreamed, some important hurdles remain. For example, the Dutch power grid is already creaking under current demands, and there is also said to be a ‘nitrogen storage problem.’ The question of land acquisition also remains, and though Philips owns 80% of the designated area, that leaves 20% open to deals and legal wrangling. Last but not least, now the plans are public, environmental associations, nearly municipalities, and other parties can respond. Addressing EUV machine demand It is common knowledge that ASML simply can’t make its advanced machinery quickly enough to keep up with the demand from semiconductor industry giants. Thus, a major expansion in its operations will be warmly welcomed by chipmakers like TSMC, Intel, and Samsung. The expansion plans should be doubly welcomed if they can be accelerated – addressing the thirst for the world’s most advanced EUV machines. Not bad for an operation which started life in a leaky shed. Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #ASML #accelerates #50footballfieldssize #mega #expansion #plans #Netherlands Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Everything You Need to Know About Rockstar’s Next Big Thing Everything You Need to Know About Rockstar’s Next Big Thing Gamers around the globe collectively gasped last week as Rockstar Games announced a significant delay for GTA 6, only to soften the blow days later by dropping the long-awaited second trailer. The new footage showcased the sun-drenched streets of Vice City in all their next-gen glory, with the real stars being the characters who’ll populate this digital playground of crime and chaos. For fans who’ve been starving for details since that first teaser, Rockstar has finally served up a feast of information about who we’ll be spending time with when we eventually get our hands on the game. And while the new release date feels painfully far away, at least we now have faces and names to fuel our anticipation. Meet the criminal minds of Vice City and beyond At the center of GTA 6 are Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos, our Bonnie and Clyde-inspired protagonists whose relationship seems destined to leave a trail of broken laws and broken hearts across Leonida. Jason, an Army veteran turned drug runner who “wants an easy life, but things just keep getting harder,” brings the muscle to this criminal partnership: Jason Duval. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games Meanwhile, Lucia, fresh out of Leonida Penitentiary, where she landed after “fighting for her family,” brings the fire. The trailer hints at a complex relationship between these two that forms the emotional core of the game (and judging by those steamy bedroom scenes and intimate moments, Rockstar isn’t holding back on the physical chemistry either). Lucia Caminos. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games The supporting cast is equally colorful. There’s Cal Hampton, Jason’s paranoid buddy who spends his time “snooping on Coast Guard comms” and diving deep into conspiracy theories. GTA 6‘s Uncle Lester, if you will: Cal Hampton. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games Then we have Boobie Ike, described as a “Vice City legend” who’s transformed his street cred into a legitimate business empire spanning real estate, a strip club, and a recording studio: Boobie Ike. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games Ike’s associate Dre’Quan Priest is an aspiring music mogul who’s signed the female rap duo Real Dimez: Dre’Quan Priest and Real Dimez. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games Rounding out this rogues’ gallery are Raul Bautista, a bank robber with increasingly reckless tendencies, and Brian Heder, a drug runner who lets Jason live rent-free in exchange for “local shakedowns”: Raul Bautista and Brian Heder. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games What’s particularly intriguing is how these characters seem to represent different facets of Vice City’s criminal ecosystem—from street-level hustlers to legitimate-adjacent businesspeople, all operating in that morally gray area that GTA has always explored so well. However, surely Rockstar has included many more characters for us to interact with in the game, and we will hopefully get to know more of them once the release date draws near. Moreover, the voice actors haven’t been revealed as of writing. So don’t worry, we will surely be updating this space as more information sees the light of day. The painful wait and what it means for Rockstar Worth the wait? Probably. Still hurts, though. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games The revelation that GTA 6 won’t hit shelves until May 26, 2026—a full six months later than initially promised—has sent ripples through both the gaming community and Rockstar’s parent company, Take-Two, whose stock reportedly took a 10% nosedive following the announcement. This delay marks another chapter in Rockstar’s complicated relationship with development timelines, but may signal a healthier approach to game development. Unlike the notorious “crunch culture” that dominated the development of Red Dead Redemption 2, Rockstar appears to be prioritizing sustainable work practices this time around. Over the years, the company has converted contract workers to full-time staff (via Kotaku), implemented flexible time policies, and allowed for compensatory time off—all positive steps that might explain the extended timeline. While frustrating for fans, this approach likely means a better final product without burning out the developers themselves. The delay also gives other publishers breathing room to release their titles without competing directly with what will undoubtedly be a juggernaut. Industry analysts predict GTA 6 could generate $1 billion before release and $3.2 billion in its first year alone. There’s even speculation it might be the first $100 game—a price point that would have seemed outrageous just a few years ago but might be justified by the sheer scale of what Rockstar is creating. After all, the trailer hints at a map that dwarfs even GTA 5′s Los Santos in both size and detail. What’s your take on the GTA 6 delay? Are you more excited about playing as Jason or Lucia? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—we’re all in this painfully long wait together! Source link #Rockstars #Big Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Realme GT 7, Realme GT 7T Global Launch Date Set for May 27; Availability Details Confirmed Realme GT 7, Realme GT 7T Global Launch Date Set for May 27; Availability Details Confirmed Realme GT 7 series will be unveiled globally later this month. The company has announced the launch date of the lineup, which will include the base Realme GT 7 and Realme GT 7T handsets. The standard model was introduced in China in April with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset and a 7,200mAh battery. The global variant will come with the same IceSense Graphene technology as its ******** counterpart. The availability details of both Realme GT 7 series handsets in the country have been confirmed as well. Realme GT 7 Series Global Launch The Realme GT 7 series will be launched globally, including in India, on May 27 at 1:30pm IST during an event in Paris, the company announced in an X post. In a press release, the company revealed that the lineup will include the base Realme GT 7 as well as a Realme GT 7T variant. The phones will be available for purchase in the country via Amazon, the Realme India e-store and select offline retail outlets. The company previously confirmed that the Realme GT 7 will be offered in IceSense ****** and IceSense Blue colourways. The phone will be equipped with IceSense Graphene technology for thermal conductivity and 360-degree heat dissipation. The official product page for the Realme GT 7 has gone live as well, but it does not reveal any details about the handset. In China, the smartphone launched with a 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,280×2,800 pixels) OLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate. It comes with a MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ SoC, a 7,200mAh battery, a 7,700mm sq VC cooling chamber, and an IP69-rated dust and water-resistant build. For optics, it has a 50-megapixel dual rear camera setup and a 16-megapixel selfie shooter. Not much is known about the Realme GT 7, except that it was recently spotted on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website with the model number RMX5085 alongside the standard version. An older leak suggested that the Realme GT 6T successor may arrive as an affordable alternative to the vanilla Realme GT 7 and support 8GB of RAM. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. Source link #Realme #Realme #Global #Launch #Date #Set #Availability #Details #Confirmed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 Tesla Model Y review 2025 Tesla Model Y review Ah, Tesla. That old chestnut. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert It’s been roughly a year since the latest updated Tesla model hit our shores in the form of the Model 3 mid-size electric sedan, and a lot has happened since then. Among those were the brand’s owner becoming perhaps the most controversial figure worldwide, perhaps excluding Donald Trump, and its sales – at least in Australia – experiencing a significant decline, perhaps as a result. That was especially evident in April this year, when Tesla managed to shift only 500 vehicles for the entire month in a 75.9 per cent decrease on the same time month year, when some Tesla owners were also burned by the numerous price cuts. Meantime last month, key rival BYD once again cracked the top 10 with 3207 deliveries and a 127.4 per cent year-on-year increase. Granted, there were no deliveries of the Model Y, Tesla’s top-selling model and Australia’s favourite EV, for several months before this facelifted mid-size electric SUV arrived, but it’s fair to say Tesla is desperate to reverse its sales slide. Cue the 2025 Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ facelift, which brings fresh Cybertruck-esque styling, subtle tweaks to interior equipment, a slightly increased driving range, and a revised suspension setup to both reduce road noise and improve its ride and handling. There’s understandably a lot of hope for this update, which brings not only design but chassis, powertrain and equipment improvements, and a backflip on Tesla’s decision not to fit an indicator stalk in the updated Model 3 – a move that was no doubt done through gritted teeth. In light of increasing ******** competition, the updated Model Y is an incredibly important model for Tesla, and one that needs to recapture some of the spark that cemented the American EV brand as Australia’s electric vehicle pioneer. Tesla this week hosted one of its first-ever *********** media events to launch the facelifted Model Y, where we spent upwards of two hours behind the wheel of an entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD in and around Sydney and regional New South Wales. Current affairs aside, will this update do enough to steady the Tesla ship, or is its fate well out of Australia’s control? How much does the Tesla Model Y cost? Prices are up by $3000 for the base Tesla Model Y RWD, which is now priced at $58,900 before on-road costs. Conversely, the Long Range AWD is $1000 cheaper than its pre-facelift counterpart. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert There are quite a few more mid-size electric SUV competitors now than when the Model Y first launched, primarily from China, where the Model Y is also produced for Australia. Some include the new MG S5 EV starting at $40,490 drive-away, the Geely EX5 from $40,990 before on-roads, the Leapmotor C10 from $43,888 before on-roads, the Deepal S07 from $53,900 before on-roads, the Xpeng G6 from $54,800 before on-roads, and the BYD Sealion 7 from $54,990 before on-roads. Western rivals include the Kia EV5 starting from $56,770 before on-roads, the Volkswagen ID.4 from $59,990 before on-roads, and the Cupra Tavascan from $60,990 before on-roads. The point is there are a lot of medium electric SUVs on ***** in Australia now, and all those ********-made cars listed are cheaper than the Model Y. That means there’s a lot of pressure on the Model Y to maintain its position as the segment sales benchmark, not only locally but also around the globe. To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Tesla Model Y like on the inside? Largely the same as it was before, with an excruciatingly minimalist layout and an iPad glued to the dashboard. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert As has been the case with Tesla, practically every key function of the Model Y is controlled through the 15.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen. While that’s overwhelming at first, you’ll find everything is laid out fairly logically, and most controls are easy enough to find and operate. Tesla was one of the first brands to popularise this type of interior setup, and it’s fair to say it still does it better than many others. The screen is graphically crisp and responsive, and there are a handful of gestures you can use to quickly open things like navigation and climate control. The ribbon at the bottom of the screen is always present, which means you can jump between apps without too much thought. What is difficult is when it comes time to adjust things like the position of the steering wheel or mirrors, because you have to dive through a cluttered vehicle settings menu to do so, which is counter-intuitive. This menu is really the heart of the Model Y. It’s opened by pressing the vehicle icon in the bottom right corner of the screen, and inside there’s a vertical list of countless sub-categories that all open into detailed individual menus. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert It’s therefore much easier – and probably safer – to make sure everything is set before you get moving, especially if you’re not used to Tesla cars. We don’t love the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but Tesla’s multimedia system is at least clever enough to get around that, and there’s still Spotify integration for music. The Model Y also benefits from an exceptional sound system. The other big thing that will take some adjusting is the lack of any instrument cluster or head-up display. Vehicle speed is still displayed in the top-right corner of the central screen, which can be a little awkward to look at even if it is close to your line of sight. Tesla at least listened to feedback following its Model 3 update and fitted a stalk behind the wheel – just one though, so don’t get too excited. It’s only for indicating, with other typical stalk functions like lights and wipers still hidden in the screen. Steering wheel buttons have at least been utilised to control the windscreen washer and high-beams, but it’s difficult not to take rue the aggressive minimalism and yearn for more traditional stalks and buttons like those in some of Tesla’s closest rivals, and most other vehicles over the last century or so. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert The Model Y’s new stalk doesn’t lock into place like most other cars, and instead can only be pressed briefly in either direction to start the indicators. They’ll then stay on until you complete your turn or when the car senses you’ve changed lanes – another feature that requires some patience. We do at least like the steering wheel itself, which feels remarkably small in diameter and reminiscent of a go-kart’s wheel. It feels perfectly sized, and even the highish horizontal spokes don’t make it uncomfortable to hold at nine and three. You also get a couple of scroll wheels to control things like volume and Autopilot, the latter of which we’ll delve into later. These aren’t anything new for Teslas, and while physically ambiguous, using them will bring up relevant widgets on the screen for a visual representation of what you’re fiddling with. They’re also used for mirror and wheel adjustment once activated through the screen. Fortunately, there’s a good range of adjustment from both the wheel and the seats, which means it’s easy to get comfortable. You’ll also find that the front seats are generously cushioned and very comfortable to sit in for longer drives. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert To Tesla’s credit, there’s nothing really wrong with the ergonomics of the Model Y, which is a strength given the complaints we’ve had about some of the competition. Practically all of the surfaces in the front of the Model Y’s cabin are soft-touch too, even hard-to-reach places like the far ends of the dashboard. This is the same for the central and door armrests, the latter of which feature a new two-pronged approach to door handles. There’s the typical Tesla electronic button up top, as well as a more traditional lever right below it – this was done in response to criticism that the previous mechanical emergency handles were difficult to locate. The car warns about damage to the door windows though, because the mechanical lever won’t roll down the frameless window to get it out of the way. Otherwise, storage up front comes in the form of a sizeable centre console box, which contains a discreet USB-C outlet. There are also two cupholders and a deep cubby underneath two sliding covers. Below the screen is Tesla’s classic felt-lined device pad, which provides a wireless charger and a place to store your Tesla key card – which works alongside the phone app to control the car. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert The second row of the Model Y is incredibly spacious. There’s oodles of legroom regardless of how tall you are, and the full glass roof means there’s just as much headroom. The high roofline helps with this as well, while the open and roomy atmosphere is undeniably enhanced by that undivided glass roof. You get leather upholstery back here just as you do up front, though we’d expect that transporting kids would quickly eat away at the lustre of the optional white finish – an iconic Tesla interior colourway. If you are fitting child seats, you’ll find ISOFIX anchors on the outboard rear seats and top-tether points for all three seating positions. You’ll also find a fold-down armrest in the middle, incorporating two cupholders. On the back of the centre console is an 8.0-inch dedicated touchscreen, which controls basic functions like second-row climate control and seat heating, but there are also more unique features like a video player and basic games to keep rear passengers entertained. It also supports Bluetooth for two headsets, and below it are two USB-C ports for charging. The driver is still the boss though, as the rear-facing screen can be monitored and locked through the main display up front. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert At the back is the Model Y’s colossal boot. There’s just shy of 1000 litres of capacity in standard configuration, and it feels like there’s a kilometre of room from the boot opening to the back of the rear seats. The car’s somewhat ungainly slab of a rear-end provides plenty of vertical cargo space inside, even with the privacy cover in place. Additionally, there are two deeper nooks on either side of the main floor, and a powered tailgate as standard. Under the boot floor you’ll find a surprisingly deep cubby, which is an ideal space to stow smaller bags or charging cables. The same can be said for the under-bonnet storage space, which isn’t enormous but is lined in durable plastic and it’s appropriate for stowing smaller odds and ends. All up, the Model Y has a familiar interior package that presents well and makes sense to navigate – but only once you’re used to it all. Most buyers coming from older cars will likely be turned off by the lack of physical controls, and that’s where some of the competition could possibly swoop in to steal some sales. To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What’s under the bonnet? There’s a storage cubby situated on top of where the front motor is in all-wheel drive versions. Thee RWD variant we drove is powered by one rear-mounted electric motor producing an estimated 255kW of power and 450Nm of torque. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Tesla continues to omit full power and torque figures for its cars, so our figures are sourced from industry guide Redbook. Official consumption figures are similarly hard to come by. Over slightly more than two hours of driving through regional NSW, our energy consumption in the Model Y RWD was impressively low. That variant is fitted with the smaller of the two batteries available too, yet we still finished with roughly 45 per cent of battery charge remaining after around 270km of normal driving. To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Tesla Model Y drive? Besides its appearance, the biggest changes the Juniper update brings to the Model Y are directly related to ride and handling. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Tesla seems to have been continuously working on the suspension setups fitted to its cars, especially as almost anyone who has ever ridden in the back seat of an early Model 3 Uber car can attest to enduring a significantly harsher ride than what you’d expect in a Toyota Camry, for instance. In that context, the updated Model Y feels remarkably well-sorted. Large bumps like bridge joints and railway crossings, which would have me wince in most other cars, are just eaten up by the Tesla. In normal driving, the Model Y is able to simply tank through almost any significant imperfections you can throw at it. There’s no tendency for the rear-end to kick and bounce around over sudden dips and lumps, which can’t be said for some other less compliant EVs with undercooked suspension. As for dynamics, The Model Y’s handling is still solid without being a stand-out characteristic. This family SUV was never trying to be a sports car, but its weight becomes apparent once you start taking turns at speed. You really have to be pushing the car to induce understeer, and in normal driving the Model Y is more than capable of keeping itself together. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert An understated strength is the Model Y’s level of noise suppression. This is another benefit of the car’s overhauled suspension, which supposedly resulted in a 22 per cent reduction in road noise. While difficult to quantify, it’s noticeably quiet on the road. Even at 100km/h on coarse-chip asphalt, you won’t hear more than a light rumble – and at lower speeds the car glides along effortlessly. A downside is that at higher speeds, we did notice significant wind whistle, the source of which we couldn’t quite pin down. It wasn’t a particularly blustery day, which suggests something in the Model Y’s exterior proportions impacts the way it cuts through the air. It doesn’t ruin the car, but it’s something that ought to be addressed. The other issue we had is visibility, because while the windscreen and side windows are appropriately sized, looking out the rear window is like looking out of a letterbox. It’s surprising given the rear window appears large from the outside. There are cameras you can enable using a button on the right side of the steering wheel to help get around this, but blind spots are still somewhat compromised. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Fortunately, the Model Y’s suite of safety gear is comprehensive and reliable. The array of cameras and sensors fitted as standard means the car is constantly aware of its surroundings. This is especially apparent through the car’s on-screen display of its surroundings, which can discern cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and roadside objects to a scarily high standard. All that assists the functionality of the Model Y’s Autopilot system, which is a mixed bag. On one hand, you get a fairly standard adaptive cruise control system that can comfortably adjust to the flow of traffic, albeit with some limitations like the inability to accelerate when changing lanes. Then there’s the actual ‘Autopilot’, which Tesla clearly labels as a ‘Beta’ system in Australia, where it’s deactivated by default. The driver can toggle between this and adaptive cruise through a settings menu, which confuses us. Autopilot in Australia acts a lot like lane-centring does in a lot of other new cars, as local legislation currently prevents Tesla from selling cars with Full Self-Driving functionality here. So for us Autopilot is officially still in development, despite operating quite well. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert There’s no bouncing between line markings either side of your lane, and you can relax your hands to let the car do its own thing. Don’t relax too much though, because the car will revoke your Autopilot privileges for the remainder of your drive if you take your hands off the wheel for too long. Perhaps labelling it as a beta system gives Tesla a safety(!) net if something were to go wrong, while engineers continue to perfect it. Either way, we would like to see this system lose the beta tag and work as intended, because the current functionality is promising. There are a couple of other safety systems that could do with a bit of tweaking too, one being the car’s warning systems. If you’re stopped at a red light, you’d better start moving the instant the car in front pulls away, lest the Model Y beeps at you to warn the car ahead has done so. Maybe beeping after less than half a second is Tesla’s way of discouraging drivers from using the iPad-like touchscreen when stopped at the lights. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert The other issue is the car’s emergency braking warning, which is a bit like having your overreactive mother in the passenger seat. Even though it still has Tesla’s well-sorted regenerative braking and one-pedal drive systems, which gradually slow the car down, the Model Y doesn’t seem to recognise that as braking. If you’re travelling at town speeds and the car in front gently applies its brakes, letting off the accelerator and allowing the Model Y to slow itself down should suffice. Instead, the car will dramatically beep and flash red lights onto the windscreen to alert you to brake. It’s bizarre, and it happened multiple times despite minimal risk of a collision. Then there’s the lane-keep system, which is also overreactive. More of that loud (and sometimes startling) beeping will happen if you drift close to the edge of your lane, which is actually just there to tell you the car has had to apply steering itself. We understand having these warnings and how they might help in the real world, but perhaps less intense alerts before the car goes crazy would be a worthwhile addition. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert On the subject of one-pedal driving, Tesla still has one of the best systems in the EV world. That’s commendable when you then consider some rivals like BYD have no such setup at all beyond basic regen. Of course, like the one-pedal driving function in any EV, the Model Y will take some getting used to for the more rusted-on petrol motorist. Once you’re there, you’ll find it does an excellent job of slowing the car and bringing it to a very smooth and controlled stop. As most Tesla owners will already know, actually applying the brakes is a fairly rare requirement, and a significant portion of our launch route was driven without touching the brake pedal at all. There’s also the power delivery, which can be toggled between standard and a more relaxed alternative. The difference between the two is significant, and in the normal setting planting your right foot has the car taking off like a rocket. And that’s in the RWD version, which frankly makes it all the car you’ll ever need. And the only noise you hear is the subtle whirr of the electric motor as it gets up to speed. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert We also like the way some of the car’s interior tech works while you’re on the move, like the satellite navigation’s ability to predict how much charge you’ll have left when you reach your destination. Below a certain percentage, it can also provide the option to route you to the nearest Tesla charger. One thing we don’t like is the drive mode selector, which is just a clumsy little slider that appears on the right-hand side of the screen when you apply the brakes at a standstill. It just feels like an afterthought. There are also issues with some of the car’s safety systems that would be most useful in tight, inner-city driving, which we explained in our video review of the Model Y Long Range AWD. Overall though, the fundamental steering, ride, handling, acceleration and braking characteristics here are all nearly spot on, with comfort being a much bogger highlight than it was in the previous model. It’s just a shame there’s an issue with wind noise, and that some of the tech is a little jumpy. That said, the Model Y feels more solid and offers an objectively better driving experience than the vast majority of its rivals. To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? There are currently only two permanent trim levels for the updated Model Y, with no Performance variant currently confirmed. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert 2025 Tesla Model Y RWD equipment highlights: 19-inch ‘Crossflow’ wheelsFull-width LED front and rear lightsAutomatic high-beamAcoustic glass with UV protectionLow and standard regenerative braking modesPower-folding, auto-dimming and heated side mirrorsFloor matsBlack leather upholsteryPower-adjustable front seatsHeated and ventilated front seatsPower-reclining rear seatsHeated rear seats15.4-inch infotainment touchscreenWireless smartphone chargerNine speakers (down from 13+1)8.0-inch rear touchscreen with climate, entertainment controls, support for two Bluetooth headsetsAmbient interior lightingPanoramic glass roofDog Mode (maintains cabin temperature)Power tailgate Model Y Long Range AWD adds: 15+1 speakersAcceleration boost Launch Series adds: Boot badgePuddle lightingDoorsill plateCharging console scriptVegan suede trimOptions There are just a couple of options available for the Model Y at the moment. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Options: 20-inch ‘Helix’ alloy wheels ($2300)White and ****** upholstery ($1500) To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Tesla Model Y safe? The pre-facelift Tesla Model Y received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2022, based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP. It’s not clear if this rating carries across to the updated model. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbagAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Tesla AutopilotBlind-spot assistLane-keep assistFront, side and reverse parking camerasFront, rear parking sensorsTyre pressure monitoringIntelligent speed limiter To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Tesla Model Y cost to run? The Tesla Model Y is covered by a four-year, 80,000km warranty in Australia. During the warranty *******, Tesla Australia guarantees the battery will retain a minimum of 70 per cent of its capacity. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Tesla also offers a Parts, Body and Paint Repair warranty for one year or 20,000km, whichever comes first. To see how the Tesla Model Y stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert’s Take on the Tesla Model Y The updated Model Y is a conflicting prospect. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert For one, you get a refreshed version of one of the world’s best-selling EVs, which fixes many of the shortcomings of its predecessor, undoubtedly making this popular electric SUV better than it has ever been. There’s a comfortable interior, reliable tech, and a price that isn’t completely ridiculous, which is all that many want. It now rides well and is still exceptionally fast, even if the latter isn’t difficult to achieve in an EV, so there are now fewer reasons not to consider a Model Y. Design is subjective, and some may be turned off by the inherent Cybertruck-ness of the way the Model Y now looks. There are light bars upon light bars, but arguably it now looks less like a bar of soap. The only problem for some may be Tesla itself, which may be a dealbreaker depending on your political persuasion. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert But at lot of people bought a Tesla because they wanted a good EV, and there are now even more reasons to recommend the brand’s newest one. Tesla still makes some of the best EVs globally, even if the competition has closed the gap and become more numerous, and even if some of them are more palatable for the average punter. If you can look past the issues from beyond Australia, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel of a great vehicle. And the Model Y RWD could really be all the EV anyone will ever need. The only advantage of going with the Long Range is, obviously, the longer range. But you’ll pay an extra $10,000 for the privilege, and the lack of motor up front provides for exceptionally efficient motoring, and potentially more rewarding dynamics in the right conditions. However, it’s getting harder to recommend the Model Y itself as there are now so many direct competitors available for less money, so Tesla is no longer the default choice for people in the market for a mid-size electric SUV. But as a vehicle, the updated Model Y is still up there with the best of them. Camera Icon2025 Tesla Model Y Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Tesla Model Y? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Tesla Model Y ProsCompliant, comfortable rideExceptionally low road noiseStill the benchmark for electric SUVsConsDisappointing tech imperfectionsStill a relatively short warrantyWind noise Source link #Tesla #Model #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Human rights breaches in Tanzania, Russia and Tibet | News Human rights breaches in Tanzania, Russia and Tibet | News Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party In their resolution, MEPs condemn the arrest of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, and express great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death. They urge the Tanzanian authorities to restore Chadema’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections. The resolution denounces the escalation of repression in Tanzania, with arbitrary arrests and the harassment of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ activists, journalists and civil society organisations. Tanzania must abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences, say MEPs, and the EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards. The resolution was adopted by show of hands. Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia MEPs strongly condemn the “genocidal strategy” carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their ******** adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop. Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs. The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non‑governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. . MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. “Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations, ” MEPs conclude. The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions. Violations of religious freedom in Tibet MEPs strongly condemn China’s repressive assimilation policies and violations of human rights, which seek to eliminate Tibet’s religious and cultural traditions and heritage. They express deep concern regarding the death in suspicious circumstances of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in March 2025 in Vietnam and call for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, with international oversight, access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains. China’s authorities must put an end to discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti. Parliament also condemns the transnational repression practices of the ******** authorities and their interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. It calls on the EU to impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet. The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 41 abstentions. Source link #Human #rights #breaches #Tanzania #Russia #Tibet #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India fires attack drones into Pakistan and some shot down – Pakistani military India fires attack drones into Pakistan and some shot down – Pakistani military India has fired attack drones into Pakistan, with one wounding four soldiers, the Pakistani military said, a day after missiles struck several locations and killed more than two dozen people. Several drones were shot down, officials said. Hours after the first drone attacks, India’s Defence Ministry said it targeted air defence systems in several locations in Pakistan, but did not say whether it used drones. Tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours have soared since gunmen killed 26 people, mostly Indian Hindu tourists, in India-controlled Kashmir last month. India accused Pakistan of being behind the assault but Islamabad denies that. A resident stands next to a house damaged by Pakistani artillery shelling in Indian-controlled Kashmir (Junaid Bhat/AP) Indian strikes on Wednesday killed 31 civilians, including women and children, according to Pakistani officials. More people were killed on both sides of the border in heavy exchanges of fire that followed. It was their worst confrontation since 2019, when the rivals came close to war. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to avenge the deaths in the strikes, raising fears that the two countries could be headed towards another all-out conflict. The relationship between India and Pakistan has been shaped by conflict and mutual suspicion, most notably in their competing claims over the Himalayan region of Kashmir. They have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, which is split between them and claimed by both in its entirety. India fired several Israeli-made Harop drones at Pakistan overnight and into Thursday afternoon, according to army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmad Sharif. Pakistani forces shot down 25, he said. A civilian was killed and another wounded when debris from a downed drone fell in the province of Sindh. One drone damaged a military site near the city of Lahore and wounded four soldiers, and another fell in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, near the capital, according to Lt Gen Sharif. “The armed forces are neutralising them as we speak,” he said on the state-run Pakistan Television early Thursday afternoon. Rubble surrounds a building that was hit by an Indian missile attack, near Bahawalpur, a city in Pakistan’s Punjab province (Asim Tanveer/AP) The Harop drone, produced by Israel’s IAI, is one of several in India’s inventory, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ Military Balance report. According to IAI, the Harop combines the capabilities of a drone and a missile and can operate at long ranges. In Lahore, local police official Mohammad Rizwan said a drone was downed near Walton Airport, an airfield in a residential area about 16 miles from the border with India that also contains military installations. Local media reported that two additional drones were shot down in other cities in the province of Punjab, of which Lahore is the capital. In Punjab’s district of Chakwal, a drone crashed into farmland. Authorities have secured the wreckage and are investigating the drone’s origin and purpose. With tensions high, India evacuated thousands of people from villages near the two countries’ highly militarised frontier in Kashmir. Tens of thousands of people slept in shelters overnight, officials and residents said. About 2,000 villagers also fled their homes in Pakistani-administered Kashmir. Flights remained suspended at more than two dozen airports across northern and western regions in India, according to travel advisories by multiple airlines. Pakistan has suspended flights at four of its airports – Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Sialkot – according to the Civil Aviation Authority. India’s Foreign Ministry said that 13 civilians were killed and 59 wounded the previous day during exchanges of fire across the de facto border. An Indian soldier was also killed by shelling on Wednesday, according to the Indian army. Pakistani officials said six people have been killed near the highly militarised frontier in exchanges of fire over the past day. Source link #India #fires #attack #drones #Pakistan #shot #Pakistani #military Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sean Smith: Woodside AGM is good theatre, but are the annual protests actually achieving anything? Sean Smith: Woodside AGM is good theatre, but are the annual protests actually achieving anything? The major funds and institutions will have a crack over a non-binding climate change report, but there is no real support for voting off directors or pulling it out of fossil fuels. Source link #Sean #Smith #Woodside #AGM #good #theatre #annual #protests #achieving Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Poco F7 Allegedly Spotted on FCC Certification Site, Suggests Imminent Global Launch Poco F7 Allegedly Spotted on FCC Certification Site, Suggests Imminent Global Launch Poco F7 has been in the rumour mill for a while, but now its official launch seems closer than ever. The F series Poco handset has been spotted on the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC), indicating that an official announcement might be around the corner. The Poco F7 is expected to debut with similar specifications as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, which was unveiled in China in April. It is likely to run on the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 SoC. The Xiaomi sub-brand announced the Poco F7 Ultra and Poco F7 Pro in select global markets in March. The listing on the US FCC site, spotted by XpertPick, shows the Poco F7 with model number 25053PC47G. The letter ‘G’ in the model number could refer to the global variant. The listing suggests that the handset will support multiple 5G bands, Wi-Fi 802.11ax/be, Bluetooth, and NFC. Screenshots of the listing reveal the front view of the unannounced Poco F7. It appears to have a hole-punch display design. It will reportedly run on HyperOS 2.0 based on Android 15. Last week, the Poco F6 successor surfaced on the IMDA website bearing model number 25053PC47G. It also popped up on the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) website with model number 25053PC47I., hinting at its availability in the Indian market. Poco F7 Specifications (Expected) The upcoming Poco F7 is said to offer similar specifications as the Redmi Turbo 4 Pro, which was launched in China last month. If this is true, then the Poco F7 could have a 6.83-inch 1.5K (1,280×2,800 pixels) OLED screen, a Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, 50-megapixel dual rear camera unit, and a 7,550mAh battery with 90W charging support. The brand unveiled the Poco F7 Ultra and Poco F7 Pro in select markets in March. Both phones have a 6.67-inch WQHD+ display and a 50-megapixel Light Fusion 800 primary rear camera sensor. The Poco F7 Pro runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, while the Ultra has a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset under the hood. Source link #Poco #Allegedly #Spotted #FCC #Certification #Site #Suggests #Imminent #Global #Launch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

One Old Feature Might Be Returning One Old Feature Might Be Returning The Battlefield community has been on high alert since EA began dropping breadcrumbs about the next installment in the franchise. After the disastrous launch of Battlefield 2042, fans have been desperate for signs that DICE is steering the ship back toward what made the series great in the first place. One particular Reddit thread has caught fire this week, suggesting that a beloved feature from earlier titles might be making its triumphant return. Visual class identification—the ability to instantly recognize what role an enemy is playing based on their appearance—could be coming back to Battlefield 6. For veterans who suffered through the specialist system in 2042, this potential return represents more than just a cosmetic change. It signals that EA might finally be listening to what players have been screaming about since 2021. The return of Battlefield silhouettes Visual class identification isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a gameplay mechanic that fundamentally changes how players approach combat situations. Unlike Battlefield 2042‘s identical-looking specialists that left players shooting at their own teammates, distinct class visuals provide instant tactical information. A fellow Redditor recently spotted what appears to be class-specific gadgets visible on character models during playtests, suggesting that even with customization options, players will be able to identify classes at a glance: For vehicle enthusiasts, this change is particularly significant. When you’re barreling through a battlefield in a tank, being able to prioritize that Engineer with anti-vehicle rockets strapped to their back can mean the difference between domination and a fiery death: Comment byu/mo-moamal from discussion inBattlefield The return to visual identification also addresses one of the community’s biggest complaints about specialists—the lack of team cohesion. When everyone looks like a unique character rather than part of a unified force, the immersion breaks down. DICE seems to be acknowledging this mistake by bringing back visual class indicators while still allowing for some personalization. Character names causing community eyerolls Ruben Quinter to the rescue… all twenty of him. | Image Credit: DICE/EA While the return of visual class identification has been generally well-received, another aspect of Battlefield 6‘s development has sparked considerably more controversy—the naming conventions for character classes. Instead of simply calling classes by their functional names like Assault, Engineer, Support, and Recon, DICE appears to be giving them specific character names like “Ruben Quinter” for the Assault/Grenadier class and “Nicole Dumont” for the Engineer role. This decision has (obviously) not gone over well with the community: Comment byu/mo-moamal from discussion inBattlefield The backlash isn’t surprising given the community’s reaction to specialists in Battlefield 2042. Players don’t want to be reminded of the cringeworthy end-of-round quips from characters like Mackay or Falck—they want to feel like anonymous soldiers in a massive war. Comment byu/mo-moamal from discussion inBattlefield The concern extends beyond mere aesthetics. Players worry about the immersion-breaking experience of seeing twenty identical “Ruben Quinters” running around the battlefield: Comment byu/mo-moamal from discussion inBattlefield Comment byu/mo-moamal from discussion inBattlefield It’s worth noting that these character models and names are likely not final. The playtest builds that have leaked show what many describe as “cartoonish” character designs, but DICE has plenty of time to refine these aspects before the game’s 2026 release window. EA has acknowledged that Battlefield 2042’s poor reception stemmed partly from not working closely enough with the community. While the extensive playtesting program is proof that they’re trying to avoid repeating that mistake, the character naming controversy shows they still might not fully understand what players want from the franchise. What do you think about the potential return of visual class identification? Are you concerned about named characters, or do you think it’s a non-issue as long as classes are visually distinct? Let us know in the comments! Source link #Feature #Returning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google Stock Slides as Apple’s AI Search Plans Revealed in Court Google Stock Slides as Apple’s AI Search Plans Revealed in Court Apple’s (NASDAQ:) senior vice president of services, Eddy Cue, revealed during court testimony that the company is actively exploring a shift toward AI-powered search in its Safari browser, causing Alphabet (NASDAQ:) shares to plummet and raising questions about the future of the lucrative Google-Apple search deal. Apple Signals Major Shift Toward AI Search During testimony in the US Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet Inc., Apple’s Eddy Cue made significant revelations about the company’s search strategy. Cue noted that Safari browser searches declined for the first time last month as users increasingly turn to AI alternatives. He explicitly stated his belief that AI search providers like OpenAI, Perplexity AI, and Anthropic will eventually replace traditional search engines like Google. “There’s enough money now, enough large players, that I don’t see how it doesn’t happen,” Cue said regarding the transition from standard search to AI. He explained that even if AI search indexes need improvement, these new platforms offer features that are “so much better that people will switch.” Apple already offers OpenAI’s ChatGPT as an option in Siri and plans to add Google’s (NASDAQ:) Gemini later this year. The company has also explored partnerships with Anthropic, Perplexity, DeepSeek, and Grok. While Cue indicated Apple will add AI search providers as options in Safari, he cautioned they “probably won’t be the default” yet. Google-Apple $20 Billion Search Deal Under Scrutiny The heart of the Justice Department’s case centers on the estimated $20 billion annual deal making Google the default search engine in Safari. Despite his enthusiasm for AI alternatives, Cue admitted he still believes Google should remain Safari’s default search engine due to superior financial terms. He revealed he has “lost sleep over the possibility of losing the revenue share” from the Google agreement. Last year, the companies expanded their partnership to include Google Lens integration in the iPhone’s Visual Intelligence feature, allowing users to analyze images using Google’s AI. The court testimony also shed light on internal negotiations. Before selecting ChatGPT for Apple Intelligence in iOS 18, Apple conducted a “bake-off” with Google. According to Cue, Google had provided a term sheet with conditions “Apple wouldn’t agree to and didn’t agree to with OpenAI.” Meanwhile, Apple’s agreement with Microsoft’s (NASDAQ:) Bing, a non-default option in Safari, was recently amended to operate on a year-to-year basis. Google’s Parent-Company Alphabet Shares Plunge News of Apple’s potential strategic shift had immediate financial consequences. Alphabet shares tumbled as much as 7% on Wednesday, with the stock trading at $152.45, down $12.75 (7.72%) as of 12:11 PM EDT. The decline was significantly higher than the broader market, with trading volume reaching 29.4 million compared to an average of 22.2 million. Apple shares weren’t immune either, slipping as much as 2.5% following Cue’s testimony. The Index briefly turned negative, erasing earlier gains that had topped 0.5%. The market reaction underscores the significance of the Google-Apple search deal to both companies. Google’s year-to-date performance now stands at -19.85%, substantially underperforming the S&P 500’s -4.49%. Despite current volatility, analyst price targets for Alphabet remain optimistic, with an average target of $200.79 compared to the current trading price. *** Neither the author, Tim Fries, nor this website, The Tokenist, provide financial advice. Please consult our website policy prior to making financial decisions. This article was originally published on The Tokenist. Check out The Tokenist’s free newsletter, Five Minute Finance, for weekly analysis of the biggest trends in finance and technology. Source link #Google #Stock #Slides #Apples #Search #Plans #Revealed #Court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Workday gets contract from US agency behind DOGE’s staff cuts without competitive tender Workday gets contract from US agency behind DOGE’s staff cuts without competitive tender By Alexandra Alper WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The federal HR agency at the heart of billionaire Trump advisor Elon Musk’s efforts to slash the federal workforce says it has awarded a contract for a new cloud-based HR platform to Workday without seeking bids from rivals. A sole-source award to Workday is necessary due to “an urgent confluence of operational failures and binding federal mandates that require immediate action,” the Office of Personnel Management said in a memo uploaded on May 2, citing strict deadlines from the Trump administration for workforce restructuring and hiring reforms. “OPM’s fragmented and outdated HR systems have reached a critical failure point, resulting in payroll errors, benefits disruptions, and a manual workload that is no longer sustainable,” said the memo. OPM did not respond to a request for comment on the memo, which was first reported by Washington Technology on Wednesday. Workday said in a statement that the company was “honored to partner with OPM” to modernize its HR systems. The contract, awarded on May 2, comes even as the Musk-helmed Department of Government Efficiency has sought to cut the federal workforce and slash contracts. DOGE has led an unprecedented government overhaul in which some 260,000 civil servants have resigned, been fired or taken early retirement, according to a Reuters tally. It also claims to have saved U.S. taxpayers $160 billion to date, although its accounting has been riddled with errors and corrections. News of the single source award came as a shock to some current and former employees, who described OPM’s HR system as functional and mostly migrated to the cloud already. They described the single source award as unusual, given the competition in an industry that includes ADP and SAP. Dayforce, another competitor, expressed interest in the project, the memo said, but argued that Workday’s work for Walmart, the largest private U.S. employer, and other Fortune 500 companies showed it was “unique” in its ability to scale up to meet OPM’s needs. Usually, to win approval for a non-competitive bidding process agencies need to demonstrate “unusual and compelling urgency” and show that the chosen vendor is uniquely up to the challenge. OPM argued in the memo that a “full and open competition” would delay the project by six to nine months. The document did not include a value for the project but OPM said Workday’s pricing for the HR-related tasks such as payroll, hiring, time and attendance tracking, had been “determined fair and reasonable,” describing it as 70% more affordable than the existing system. Source link #Workday #contract #agency #DOGEs #staff #cuts #competitive #tender Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*******-causing chemicals are in many beauty products women use, a study finds – NPR *******-causing chemicals are in many beauty products women use, a study finds – NPR *******-causing chemicals are in many beauty products women use, a study finds NPRView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Cancercausing #chemicals #beauty #products #women #study #finds #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Leading European telcos call for exclusive access to 6GHz band Leading European telcos call for exclusive access to 6GHz band The battle between Wi-Fi operators and telcos over the use of key parts of the coveted 6 GHz wireless frequency range in Europe has taken a significant step, with a collection of leading European telecoms operators urging regulatory action to make available the complete upper 6 GHz band for the mobile comms services they provide. Access to 6 GHz has been an issue for some time now. Telcos have argued that enabling this band for mobile use will ensure consumers and businesses receive even faster and more reliable 5G services over the next five to 10 years, while avoiding a mobile capacity crunch caused by soaring demand for bandwidth as more devices and services, such as augmented reality headsets, health sensors and vehicles, are connected to mobile networks that require greater processing power and capacity. In an open letter entitled Essential action for europe’s mobile future, a collection of leading telcos say they will commit to support Europe’s global technology leadership by developing and investing in infrastructure, but only if the necessary spectrum resources are made available. Signatories to the letter include A1 Telekom Austria, BT Group, DTAG, KPN, Elisa, Orange, Proximus, Telefónica, Telia, TIM, United Group and Vodafone Group. The telcos believe that allocating the upper section of the 6 GHz band for mobile – with the lower part already assigned to Wi-Fi services in many countries – would be the best outcome for customers, industries and digital societies in general. In particular, they note that the upper 6 GHz band is a critical opportunity for launching 6G networks in Europe, and should be an integral part of Europe’s future mobile infrastructure. That is, with current traffic growth projections, existing mobile spectrum will be needed to sustain 5G services and would not be available to launch 6G. They ask the region’s regulatory bodies to take what they call essential action to secure mobile digital connectivity’s future in Europe, and to make available the complete upper 6 GHz band for mobile for the benefit of Europe’s economy and society. Moreover, they state their concern that access to upper 6 GHz band is still sought for Wi-Fi by US stakeholders, despite the recent availability of a new but widely unused block of 480 MHz in the lower 6 GHz band, expressly reserved for this purpose. The letter says: “The decisions and the strategic approach that Europe takes now on the upper 6 GHz band will have profound and long-lasting implications on the ability of Europe’s telecoms sector to enable [a profitable] future. “With escalating demands on current spectrum capacity and with future services including 6G on the horizon, it is critical that the entirety of the upper 6 GHz band (6.425-7.125 GHz) is made available to mobile networks,” it says. “Mobile alone is expected to contribute to 8.4% of global GDP by 2030. Without access to the upper 6 GHz, mobile’s impact on GDP growth will be curtailed significantly. “If the decision to make the upper 6 GHz band available to European mobile operators is delayed, while US technology interests are permitted to secure further 6 GHz capacity, Europe’s competitiveness would be threatened,” the letter continues. “This would stifle the future economic potential of European business and society and ultimately erode Europe’s influence over its own digital future and global competitiveness. “Without the full availability of the upper 6 GHz for mobile networks, any future 6G services in this band would be significantly curtailed and ultimately jeopardise Europe’s opportunity to play a leading role in 6G deployment. It would also fragment the global ecosystem for 6G, leaving Europe unable to benefit from economies of scale.” Source link #Leading #European #telcos #call #exclusive #access #6GHz #band Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The choppy waters between North Sea oil and green energy revolution The choppy waters between North Sea oil and green energy revolution Douglas Fraser Business and economy editor, Scotland Getty Images There is concern over the pace of transition for oil and gas workers into the renewables sector The Great Energy Transition is under way, and may come to define this era, but it’s not going smoothly. For the oil and gas sector, a further sign of its decline – both long-term and cyclical – is in 250 onshore Aberdeen jobs being axed by Harbour Energy, now one of the biggest operators. With a global portfolio of producing fields, it has other places to put its capital, from Egypt to Argentina, where profits are not taxed at 78%, and where the government is not refusing to grant new drilling licences. It is also reviewing its commitment to the Viking carbon capture and storage scheme being planned for Humberside, blaming “repeated delays” by the *** government. The same company is a partner in the similar Acorn project, based in north-east Scotland. Those “repeated delays” affect both projects. It would be less concerning if there were a transition for oil and gas workers into the renewables sector, re-skilling as they move. For many, including their union representatives, that is merely rhetoric. And the gap between one industry declining and the other rising is growing wider, with the decision by Ørsted, a Danish company, to halt development of a vast offshore wind farm off the coast of Yorkshire, called Hornsea 4. The project secured a valuable and hard-won guarantee of a minimum price for 15 years, known as a Contract for Difference. That reduces risk for investors. But Orsted, majority owned by the Copenhagen government, is giving that away, and paying heavily to break supply chain contracts, because the financing of the project no longer stacks up. The clean energy revolution is also grinding to a halt near Scotland’s west coast. Drax, the owner of the hydro power station inside Ben Cruachan near Oban, had plans to expand its potential for pumped storage – a form of storing power by pumping water uphill when demand is low and there’s excess supply of wind power, and then releasing water steeply downhill to generate power when demand goes up. To reduce risk for investors, it wanted to win a similar type of contract for a minimum price (as well as a maximum one). But it’s decided to postpone that £500m plan, blaming the capital costs. Getty Images Some high-profile offshore wind farm projects have been halted or scrapped Even before the auction of contracts has been designed by Ofgem, it’s backing out of bidding later this year, looking instead to the *** government and its regulator, Ofgem, to help reduce the risk and the costs associated with it. Meanwhile, Drax is looking at less ambitious options for expanding the existing power station, now aged 60, which could generate both power and the cash to go much further. Such delays put a big question mark over the Labour *** government plan to reach 95% of British energy generation from clean sources within only five years. If current plans cannot stack up financially, there are many other plans that are put into doubt. These include four projects for pumped storage in Scotland – three of them new, one an expansion – and the humongous ScotWind plans to locate hundreds of fixed and floating wind turbines arrayed around the coast of Scotland. Without pumped storage, the greener grid will require a lot more battery storage, and that is not proving popular with those who live near planned sites. Because the *** government has set such an ambitious and high-profile target for clean, green power, it may be that these developers are using the leverage of a halted project to get a more attractive set of price guarantees. These don’t come from the taxpayer but from future electricity bill-payers, and Ofgem has the job of balancing the consumer interest with the objective of the energy transition. It may also be that Harbour Energy is backing up the wider oil and gas industry in putting pressure on the *** government to give it a less hostile business environment. It took only a few minutes from the announcement of Harbour’s job losses to Prime Minister’s Questions, with both the Conservatives and SNP piling on the pressure. Zonal pricing over national pricing Across the British energy sector, this pressure is building at a vital time for three difficult and complex decisions. ONE. The *** government recently closed a consultation on the future of the oil and gas industry, the way it is taxed and licensed. The industry has been lobbying furiously for a slower wind-down of drilling activity, arguing that Britain will continue to need oil and gas for decades, and it is more secure and less damaging in greenhouse gas emissions if that is domestically produced. To concede that argument would be an awkward U-turn, particularly for the Energy and Net Zero Secretary, Ed Miliband. Not to concede it puts future job losses at his door. TWO. REMA, the Review of Energy Market Arrangements, is a Whitehall project to change the way markets work. The big decision there is over zonal pricing, instead of a national pricing system. The case is made, most enthusiastically by retail supplier Octopus, that it could cut prices in some parts of Britain if they reflected the market rate for regional supply. So lots of wind power in northern Scotland could mean cheaper prices for northern Scots. That is in theory. Critics of the plan say it would add cost overall, prices would be more volatile and unpredictable, which is itself a cost to suppliers, and cheaper power in one part of Britain would likely mean higher prices in other parts. Developers of renewable energy say such a change would render it hard to make an investment case, where revenues become even more uncertain. And bedding in the system could take until the mid-2030s, and delay progress on other priorities. An alternative outcome from REMA would be an evolved system with several reforms: Technical and economic fixes to balance the power grid when the wind doesn’t blow, and reduce the dependence on back-up gas plantsOpening up access to smaller generators, in solar, for instance: improving price transparencyAnd reform of those Contracts for Difference to align them with the changes the power system needs, and not merely with lower prices for consumers. The intention is to send signals to investors that they can have the confidence to commit an estimated £40bn per year to fund the energy transition. Ed Miliband is expected to make that decision this month and announce it next month. Getty Images Keeping domestic energy bills down could come at a cost of securing jobs To back up that confidence for investors, the taxpayer-fuelled National Wealth Fund has added to a busy Wednesday of energy sector developments by committing £600m, alongside Bank of America, three Spanish, one French and two *** banks, to complete a £1.3bn Scottish Power loan. This is for the Glasgow-based, Spanish-owned utility to build some of the grid connections necessary to link renewable power with customers. The total GB bill for that, however, looks more like £60bn. In this case, it contributes to two high-voltage subsea links – one from Torness in East Lothian to County Durham, the other from Fife to landfall in Lincolnshire and on to Norfolk, while installing new substations and overhead transmission cables, often facing the headwind of local resident opposition. And then there’s THREE. Ofgem is due to conclude a review of the costs to developers of having access to the national grid. Known as TNUoS, Transmission Network Use of System, this has long been controversial in Scotland, because it places a rising cost on generating firms per unit of power as you travel north. This was designed more than 30 years ago, as an incentive to build big thermal power stations nearer cities. In the north of Scotland, where the most reliable winds blow, there’s a hefty cost. In the south of England and Wales, connection is not a cost, but a subsidy. SSE Networks, which owns and operates the north of Scotland transmission cabling, is lobbying for change and gives an example of similar wind farms, the northern Scottish one paying £5.54 to connect per megawatt hour, while a Welsh one receives £2.81 in subsidy. What about Net Zero targets? Added to very high volatility from year to year, this issue is a deal-breaker for the next generation of offshore windfarms. Their supply costs of installation have been rising steeply, so they want to nail down the continuing transmission costs and the revenue they can expect. That’s put Ofgem under pressure to change the system, and build in incentives to put turbines where the wind blows. None of these decisions can be spotted on your domestic or business energy bills. But all of them end up there, embedded in the prices charged for getting power into homes and business premises. As more money is spent and the transition continues, a larger share of the bill is likely to come from the costs of giving developers and financiers the incentives to invest. Such costs could be avoided, if the priority is to keep bills to a minimum. But that comes at a price, of jobs not created. The power grid would remain dependent on imported gas, and on the volatility of its global pricing. And the targets for Net Zero? Blown away. Source link #choppy #waters #North #Sea #oil #green #energy #revolution Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Wild weather to smash the east coast Wild weather to smash the east coast Showers and rough seas are set to smash a big portion of the eastern coast this weekend, while graziers have been told to keep an eye on their sheep due to extremely cold temperatures. Strong south-easterly winds are expected to hit the north of NSW coast and almost the entire coast of Queensland on Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for heavy winds on Friday for Byron and Coffs coast in NSW, and areas between Gold Coast right up to the North East Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland. Camera IconStrong south-easterly winds are expected to hit the northern NSW coast and almost the entire coast of Queensland on Friday. NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers Credit: News Corp Australia While the wind and rain lashes down, Brisbane is looking to hit a top of 24C on Friday and Sunday, and 23C on Saturday, while further north in Cairns, temperatures will reach 27C and 28C. Queensland residents further inland will enjoy mostly sunny conditions. There has also been a warning issued for graziers in NSW and the ACT, as part of the Snowy Mountains are expected to be so frigid there may be a risk of losing lambs and sheep due to exposure. Canberra’s capital will be exceptionally cold, with minimums as low as -2C expected on Friday. Fog and frost is expected each morning, but as the sun appears, the capital will reach 20C on most days over the weekend. Camera IconFog and frost is expected most mornings this weekend in Canberra, but as the sun appears, the capital will reach 20C on most days over the weekend. . NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: NCA NewsWire Light showers are expected for Sydney all weekend, with the temperature incrementally warming from Friday to Sunday – maximums will reach 21C, 22C and then 23C. Tasmanians on the south east coast and south west coast have been warned to prepare for gale force winds on Friday, while a strong wind warning is also in place for regions surrounding the central west coast. Residents in Hobart can expect partly cloudy conditions from Friday to Sunday, and three days of 18C. The rest of the country is set to enjoy “settled” weather, according to meteorologist Christie Johnson, due to a high pressure system moving from the Great *********** Bight towards Victoria. Melbourne and Adelaide will enjoy mostly sunny days with light winds, with maximum temperatures ranging between 21-23C and 22-24C respectively. Perth and Darwin will also enjoy sunny conditions with light winds, but much higher temperatures. The NT capital city will reach 34C most days, and residents in Perth will enjoy maximum temperatures between 26C and 31C. Source link #Wild #weather #smash #east #coast Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bitcoin price nears $100k amid US-*** trade deal optimism Bitcoin price nears $100k amid US-*** trade deal optimism Bitcoin surged (BTC-USD) past $99,300 (£74,786) early on Thursday, edging closer to the $100,000 (£75,313) milestone, amid optimism surrounding US president Donald Trump’s anticipated trade deal with the ***. The largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation gained over 2.5%, buoyed by expectations of tariff reductions and improving macroeconomic conditions. Trump is scheduled to announce the framework of the *** trade agreement at a news conference later on Thursday. In a social media post on Wednesday, US president Donald Trump teased that a trade deal announcement would be coming on Thursday, He said that the conference concerns a “MAJOR TRADE DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF A BIG, AND HIGHLY RESPECTED, COUNTRY. THE FIRST OF MANY!!!” Bloomberg reported that, according to people familiar with the matter, the agreement is expected to be with the ***. The deal is expected to include tariff reductions on key sectors such as automotive and digital services. This would mark the first significant trade agreement for the administration since the imposition of sweeping tariffs on trade partners last month. Read more: Crypto live prices The announcement has positively impacted financial markets as well as the cryptocurrency market. US equity indices posted pre-market gains. Dow futures (YM=F) were up 0.55%, S&P 500 futures (ES=F) up 0.78%, and Nasdaq futures (NQ=F) up 1.09%. Risk assets are still absorbing the implications of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision to hold interest rates steady in the range of 4.25% to 4.5%. However, Nexo analyst Iliya Kalchev told Yahoo Finance *** that the US Federal Reserve’s ongoing commitment to quantitative tightening could limit the longevity of any rally. “Bond yields, particularly on the long end, may edge higher in response to the sustained runoff, while the US dollar could see modest strengthening as expectations for a dovish pivot fade,” Kalchev said. “Risk assets such as cryptocurrencies and growth stocks may enjoy short-term support, though tighter financial conditions remain a limiting factor over the medium term.” While full details of the potential US-*** trade agreement remain unclear, any rollback of tariffs could provide a boost to risk assets, Kalchev added. Bitcoin’s rally is unfolding even as the Federal Reserve scrapped earlier plans to ease the pace of its balance sheet runoff. Balance sheet runoff is when the Fed lets some of its bonds expire without replacing them, which slowly pulls money out of the economy to cool things down. Story continues “The Fed abandoned its earlier plans to slow the pace of balance sheet runoff and this means that the current monthly caps on Treasury and mortgage-backed securities redemptions will remain in place, allowing quantitative tightening to continue at its present pace,” Kalchev said. Read more: How Trump and Melania meme coins are performing after 100 days Quantitative tightening weighs on risk assets because it reduces the amount of money circulating in the financial system. By letting bonds mature without reinvestment — balance sheet runoff — the Federal Reserve is effectively pulling liquidity out of the economy. This makes borrowing more expensive and investing in riskier assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies less attractive. Kalchev added that Fed chair Jerome Powell struck a measured tone at Wednesday’s post-Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) press conference, noting that while economic growth and labour markets remain robust, policymakers are now more mindful of growing uncertainty. “Policymakers appear focused on managing both sides of the dual mandate, keeping a close eye on inflation pressures while also being mindful of risks to employment, and markets are likely to interpret the decision as steady but not soft,” Kalchev said. Read more: Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Source link #Bitcoin #price #nears #100k #USUK #trade #deal #optimism Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Jessica Page: Sidesteps and secrecy to get NRL deal over the tryline Jessica Page: Sidesteps and secrecy to get NRL deal over the tryline Roger Cook and Rita Saffioti are very good at the political sell — leaving just enough wriggle room — as they attempt to make local NRL fans’ dream come true while avoiding accusations of fiscal frivolity. Source link #Jessica #Page #Sidesteps #secrecy #NRL #deal #tryline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]