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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]

Marjorie Taylor Green’s bill renaming Gulf of Mexico as “Gulf of America” to be voted on in House Marjorie Taylor Green’s bill renaming Gulf of Mexico as “Gulf of America” to be voted on in House Washington — The House is expected to vote Thursday on a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” which would codify an executive order signed by President Trump on his second day in office. But the bill is facing pushback from at least one Republican — Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska — and its passage in the lower chamber could be at risk if there are a few more GOP defections, depending on attendance and the ability of Democrats to remain united against it. The bill was introduced by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia in January and instructs federal agencies to update all documents and maps to reflect the name change within six months of enactment. Even if the name change is codified into U.S. law, however, other countries would be under no obligation to refer to the Gulf of Mexico by the new name. If it isn’t codified, a future president could reverse Mr. Trump’s executive order. “The American people are footing the bill to protect and secure the Gulf of America. It’s only right that it’s named appropriately,” Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, the chairwoman of the House Republican conference, said Tuesday. Democrats have called the effort a waste of taxpayer dollars and said Congress should be spending its time on more serious issues. The vote comes as House Republicans clash over slashing Medicaid and other social safety net programs to pay for Mr. Trump’s tax, border security and energy agenda. Republicans have also faced pushback in their districts over the Trump administration’s overhaul of the federal government. An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office found that it would cost less than $500,000 over five years to update federal documents and maps. But during a House Rules Committee meeting Monday to advance the measure, Democrats noted that schools, libraries and municipalities would bear the costs of updating textbooks, signs and other materials. “If a school district can’t afford to purchase an entirely new map, you know what? A sticker would do,” said Rep. Michelle Fischbach, a Minnesota Republican, on Monday. “Just put that over the top and put ‘Gulf of America.’ I mean, there are a lot of simple ways to deal with this.” Bacon has publicly disagreed with his Republican colleagues, telling CNN earlier this week that the effort to rename the body of water “seems juvenile.” “We’re the United States of America,” he said. “We’re not Kaiser Wilhelm’s Germany or Napoleon’s France. I just — we’re better than this. It just sounds like a sophomore thing to do.” But the White House has dug in on the name change, restricting Associated Press reporters’ access to events over the news organization’s decision to refer to the Gulf by its original name, while also acknowledging the “Gulf of America” name. The Associated Press sued over the restrictions and a federal judge ruled that the White House restore its access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and other spaces and events when they are open to other reporters. Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Source link #Marjorie #Taylor #Greens #bill #renaming #Gulf #Mexico #Gulf #America #voted #House Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India rupee, shares, bonds weaken after India says it ‘neutralised’ attempts to engage military targets India rupee, shares, bonds weaken after India says it ‘neutralised’ attempts to engage military targets MUMBAI (Reuters) -The Indian rupee, equities and bonds dropped in late afternoon trading on Thursday after India said it “neutralised” attempts by Pakistan to “engage” several military targets in its northern and western regions on Wednesday night and early Thursday. Indian armed forces targeted air defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan on Thursday, the government said in a statement. Pakistan’s military said that it had shot down 25 Indian drones. The rupee declined to a low of 85.59 per dollar, down 0.8% on the day while the benchmark 10-year bond yield rose over 7 basis points from its day’s low to 6.3807%. India’s benchmarks NSE Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex extended losses to slip 0.5% and 0.4%, respectively, hovering near their session lows. “This is a knee-jerk reaction from the markets just as we had expected due to escalation of border tensions,” said Sandeep Bagla, chief executive officer at Trust Mutual Fund. The Nifty volatility index has risen in 10 of the 11 sessions since the Islamist militant attacks on Hindu tourists in Kashmir last month. The fear gauge rose to 21.48 in intraday trade, the highest since April 9. (Reporting by Jaspreet Kalra, Khushi Malhotra and Bharath Rajeswaran; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala) Source link #India #rupee #shares #bonds #weaken #India #neutralised #attempts #engage #military #targets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Buy this outperforming mining stock that has more than 20% upside, RBC says Buy this outperforming mining stock that has more than 20% upside, RBC says Mosaic could be a winner ahead thanks to a tight phosphate market, according to RBC. Analyst Andrew Wong upgraded shares to outperform from sector perform. He also raised his price target to $40 from $30, indicating around 26.7% upside potential from Wednesday’s close. Mosaic mines phosphate and potash, which are used as fertilizers globally. Phosphate markets are currently facing limited supply amid steady demand growth — under which Mosaic is well-positioned to benefit, according to Wong. Potash markets face similar conditions, the analyst added. “We also anticipate positive catalysts with several operational initiatives ongoing (increased phosphate production, lower potash costs, higher Brazil distribution volumes) and potential monetization of non-core assets,” Wong wrote in a client note on Wednesday. Wong also believes Mosaic, a domestic producer, will benefit under U.S. tariffs. “While operations have been challenged in recent years, we believe management has set out clear plans for operational improvements that if executed well should meaningfully benefit both margins and sales volumes.” The upgrade comes a day after Mosaic reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings. The company also raised its potash production guidance for the full year. Shares have rallied 28.4% in 2025, meaningfully outperforming the S & P 500. That gain makes Mosaic the second best-performing name in the materials sector. Despite the upgrade, analysts are split on the stock. Of the 20 who cover it, 11 rate it a buy or strong buy, per LSEG. Another eight have a hold rating on Mosaic, and one analyst rates it as underperform. The stock advanced an additional 1.3% Thursday before the bell. Source link #Buy #outperforming #mining #stock #upside #RBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lenovo’s new Legion 9i gaming laptop sports an 18-inch dual-mode 3D display and flagship specs Lenovo’s new Legion 9i gaming laptop sports an 18-inch dual-mode 3D display and flagship specs Lenovo is blurring the line between gaming laptops and workstations. Its new 18-inch Legion 9i, announced at Lenovo Tech World in Shanghai, boasts up to an Nvidia RTX 5090 Laptop GPU, up to 192GB of RAM, and up to 8TB of storage. There’s also a 3D display option, which the company says should help with developing games as much as playing them. Swipe to scroll horizontally CPU Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX GPU Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop pGPU (24GB DDR7, 175W) Memory Up to 192GB (4 x 48GB) DDR5-4000 Storage Up to 8TB – 1x PCIe Gen 5 up to 2TB M.2 2280, 3x PCIe Gen 4 up to 2TB M.2 2280) 3D Display Option 18-inch, 3840 x 2400 2D / 1920 x 1200 3D, LCD, 240 Hz at 4K, ~440 Hz at FHD, 540 nits 2D, 500 nits 3D, Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync 2D Display Option 18-inch, 3840 x 2400, LCD, 240 Hz, 540 nits, Dolby Vision, Nvidia G-Sync Battery 99.99 WHr Weight Starting at 7.72 pounds (3.5 kg) The system, which also packs an Intel Core Ultra 9285HX processor, can deliver up to 280W when you combine the CPU and GPU. Despite this, Lenovo claims that the system will run under 48 decibels using the full wattage when in performance mode thanks to the Legion Coldfront: Vapor cooling system. But the big deal is the 18-inch 3D display. When set to 2D, it runs at 3840 x 2300 and 240 Hz, while in 3D, it runs at 1920 x 1200. And with the lower resolution it runs up to 440 Hz, according to Lenovo’s spec sheet. The display uses eye tracking and a “lenticular lens array” to create the effect. (Image credit: Lenovo) The other difference comes with the webcam. No matter which display you choose, you get a 5-megapixel camera with an electronic shutter. But the 2D display’s lens has an aperture of F2.0, while the 3D screen’s camera goes to F1.6. This isn’t the first 2D/3D display out there. Acer has been experimenting for years with its SpatialLabs screens, including on some gaming laptops. Samsung has had some 3D gaming monitors that worked with very specific games. Lenovo itself has a business line of glasses-free 3D monitors called the ThinkVision 27 3D. These have all worked with varying degrees of quality, and usually work better in some applications than others. Lenovo is pushing the display “for designers who regularly work in 3D modeling to seamlessly realize their work in three dimensions without the need for a headset or separate 3D-capable display.” The system also has a ton of ports, including two Thunderbolt 5 ports (the rare Windows device to carry them), USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, a pair of USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, HDMI 3.1, an SD Card reader, a headphone jack, and an Ethernet jack. Wireless connectivity will include the latest standards: WI-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4. (Image credit: Lenovo) Previous Legion 9i laptops that we’ve tested have been 16-inch premium devices. The 18-inch screen puts it in a class with machines like the MSI Titan and Razer Blade 18, known for raw power. The system comes with a 400W power adapter for a reason. Lenovo is sticking with the carbon fiber lid that is unique to each system. This military-style look has been used on previous systems. Lenovo is launching the Legion 9i in China, with plans to ship the system in North America in the fall. There’s no pricing information, though the company says that will come “closer to availability.” It’s unclear whether or not Lenovo will sell this system fully loaded (with 8TB of storage and 192GB of RAM) or if that’s something you’ll have to upgrade yourself. Either way, expect it to be a lot of money for those high-end parts, as we’ve been seeing RTX 5090 laptops for $3,000 and (way, way) up. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Lenovos #Legion #gaming #laptop #sports #18inch #dualmode #display #flagship #specs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Smokey Robinson denies 'ugly' ******* assault allegations – BBC Smokey Robinson denies 'ugly' ******* assault allegations – BBC Smokey Robinson denies ‘ugly’ ******* assault allegations BBCSmokey Robinson accused of ******* assault by four women BBCSmokey Robinson’s lawyer says ***** allegations against him are ‘vile’ and ‘false’ ABC NewsSmokey Robinson Speaks Out After He’s Accused of ******* Assault by Four Women in $50 Million Lawsuit People.comSmokey Robinson hit with ******* assault lawsuit: Photos of the R&B-soul artist USA Today Source link #Smokey #Robinson #denies #039ugly039 #******* #assault #allegations #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Carla Denyer won’t seek re-election as Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer won’t seek re-election as Green Party co-leader Becky Morton Political reporter Jeff Overs/BBC Carla Denyer has announced she will not stand again as co-leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, saying she wants to focus on her role as an MP. The MP for Bristol Central was one of four Greens elected in last year’s general election – the party’s best ever result. She was elected by party members as co-leader alongside Adrian Ramsay in 2021. On Monday current deputy leader Zack Polanski launched his leadership campaign, saying the party was sometimes “too polite” and needed to be “bolder”. The Green Party of England and Wales normally elects co-leaders every two years but Ramsay and Denyer were initially elected for a three-year term, with members then voting not to choose new leaders in 2024 because of the general election. Nominations for the next contest open on 2 June, with party members voting throughout August before the results are announced on 2 September. Denyer said it had been “an enormous privilege” to serve as co-leader. “We’ve achieved so much, taking the party from one MP to four, from 450 councillors to over 850, and winning nearly two million votes at the last general election. But this is just the start for me and the party,” she said in a statement. “For me, my guiding light has always been ‘How can I make the biggest positive impact?’. And I’ve decided that for the next few years, the best way I can serve the party and the country is to pour all of my skills, passion and energy into being the best MP I can be, in Parliament and in Bristol Central. “We’re at a critical juncture in British politics. People are feeling deeply let down and are looking for real alternatives. And with the hard-right on the rise in the *** and across the world, it’s never been more important for Greens to offer a genuinely hopeful vision for our future – and crucially to put forward real solutions to make people’s lives better.” She added: “In this new five-party political system it’s all to play for.” Denyer was elected to Parliament for the first time last year, alongside Ramsay in Waveney Valley, Sian Berry in Brighton Pavilion and Ellie Chowns In North Herefordshire. In a statement, Ramsay thanked Denyer for her “inspirational leadership”. “Carla has done so much to prove we can take our values to the wider audience needed to win – and to give us the credible, Parliament-based leadership we need to win even *******,” he said. Polanski praised Denyer as “a brilliant leader”, who “cut through in 2024”. “I know you’ll continue to champion human rights, climate action and be an excellent MP for Bristol,” the deputy leader said. Launching his own leadership campaign on Monday, Polanski said the party needed to build a “mass movement” to counter Nigel Farage’s Reform *** party. He told the BBC his party’s results in last week’s local elections had been “solid” but “incremental change can’t be the Green Party’s future”. “It’s important we’re being really intentional about our challenge to power and excess wealth,” he said. “We need to provide a real alternative to the two-party system and a real alternative to Reform.” It comes after the Green Party increased its number of councillors for the eighth year in a row in last week’s local elections in parts of England. The party had hoped to also build on its success in south-west England, where the Greens are the biggest party on Bristol City Council and Denyer is an MP. However, it missed out in the West of England mayoral race, coming third behind Labour and Reform ***. Source link #Carla #Denyer #wont #seek #reelection #Green #Party #coleader Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Buy this outperforming mining stock that has more than 20% upside, RBC says Buy this outperforming mining stock that has more than 20% upside, RBC says Mosaic could be a winner ahead thanks to a tight phosphate market, according to RBC. Analyst Andrew Wong upgraded shares to outperform from sector perform. He also raised his price target to $40 from $30, indicating around 26.7% upside potential from Wednesday’s close. Mosaic mines phosphate and potash, which are used as fertilizers globally. Phosphate markets are currently facing limited supply amid steady demand growth — under which Mosaic is well-positioned to benefit, according to Wong. Potash markets face similar conditions, the analyst added. “We also anticipate positive catalysts with several operational initiatives ongoing (increased phosphate production, lower potash costs, higher Brazil distribution volumes) and potential monetization of non-core assets,” Wong wrote in a client note on Wednesday. Wong also believes Mosaic, a domestic producer, will benefit under U.S. tariffs. “While operations have been challenged in recent years, we believe management has set out clear plans for operational improvements that if executed well should meaningfully benefit both margins and sales volumes.” The upgrade comes a day after Mosaic reported better-than-expected first-quarter earnings. The company also raised its potash production guidance for the full year. Shares have rallied 28.4% in 2025, meaningfully outperforming the S & P 500. That gain makes Mosaic the second best-performing name in the materials sector. Despite the upgrade, analysts are split on the stock. Of the 20 who cover it, 11 rate it a buy or strong buy, per LSEG. Another eight have a hold rating on Mosaic, and one analyst rates it as underperform. The stock advanced an additional 1.3% Thursday before the bell. Source link #Buy #outperforming #mining #stock #upside #RBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Western Desert Shield brings community together at Telfer Western Desert Shield brings community together at Telfer More than 100 Martu men, women and children from remote Western Desert communities recently travelled to Telfer for the annual Western Desert Shield. Source link #Western #Desert #Shield #brings #community #Telfer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Girls more concerned about AI bias than boys Girls more concerned about AI bias than boys The areas of artificial intelligence (AI) young people are interested in varies between genders, according to research by InnovateHer. The social enterprise asked more than a thousand students between the ages of 12 and 17 their opinions on AI, and found more boys than girls interested in the subject – 69% and 54% respectively – but also differing areas of focus, with girls worried about AI bias and boys concerned about cyber security. “While it’s encouraging to see such interest [in AI] from both sides, these differences risk reinforcing long-standing stereotypes,” said Chelsea Slater, co-founder and CEO of InnovateHer. “We believe these patterns stem from the messages young people receive from an early age about careers, tech and who belongs in those spaces. “At InnovateHer, we’re working to challenge those narratives and ensure all young people can see themselves in the future of AI.” The areas of AI students were interested in depended on their gender – girls are predominantly concerned with ethics, policy and data analysis, while boys’ main area of focus was on on machine learning, robotics and AI development. This divide between male and female participants in the technology sector is not a new thing, and men are more likely than women to pursue technology careers for a variety of reasons – in fact, women and young girls feel they are sometimes actively discouraged from joining the sector, and misconceptions about the skill sets needed for a tech role leave women feeling the sector isn’t for them. There are also concerns in the tech sector about automation replacing a large number of women’s jobs, and while many argue it will create as many as it replaces, only 29% of girls believed AI would create more jobs in the future, compared with 53% of boys. Almost 70% of girls actually think AI will make it harder for women to pursue technology careers, partly because of the bias it may create in the hiring process, especially because of the lack of role models already in the tech sector. A lack of role models is often cited as a reason why girls avoid the tech sector, but it also means that the fewer women involved in the technology sector, the fewer women will be part of the decision-making processes surrounding AI, and the more likely it is these technologies will be built with biases. A large number of girls – some 79% – think there should be more stringent regulations surrounding AI, specifically to prevent worsening AI bias, with 71% expressing concerns about AI reinforcing the gender bias that already exists in many elements of decision-making in the tech workplace. Boys, on the other hand, are less concerned about bias and more concerned about regulating AI to bolster cyber security and address privacy risks. But there are other concerns among girls when it comes to AI. Almost 70% of female students linked the use of AI recommendation algorithms used in social media to poor mental health, naming negative perceptions of body image and online bulling as some of the negative impacts social media algorithms can have. While 29% of boys noted that AI can play a part in toxicity online, fewer of them linked this to a decline in mental wellness. Source link #Girls #concerned #bias #boys Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Winder man charged with having machine gun Winder man charged with having machine gun The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office reported the following incidents: SHOPLIFTING: On April 23, Deputy Kelda Simmons and Sgt. Lex Ogan were dispatched to Walmart for a shoplifting was in progress. A loss prevention officer had stopped the three suspects, Athens women ages 48, 26, and 45, and recovered the merchandise, mostly makeup. The trio was then sent to jail. HIT AND RUN: On April 25, Sgt. Lex Ogan and deputy Kelda Simmons were dispatched to Georgia Highway 316 and Jimmy Daniel Road, where a 36-year-old Athens woman reported she was stopped at a red light when her Kia Telluride was hit in the rear by a Kia Sportage. She walked to the offender’s car and the driver didn’t acknowledge her. She told the woman in the Sportage that “you hit my car.” The woman responded, “So.” The offender then made a U-turn and pulled into the roadway almost colliding with a trailer-trailer rig. Then she left the scene. The Telluride driver took a photo showing the license plate of the offender, which was traced to Enterprise Rental on Atlanta Highway. Deputies contacted the business and learned the vehicle was rented about 10 minutes before the ******. FLOCK cameras showed the vehicle headed to Monroe, so the police department there was contacted. A Monroe officer stopped the car. When deputies arrived, the 31-year-old Athens woman asked for a lawyer. However, she told the officers the other driver told her it was “Nothing major, you good.” So, she drove off. She was taken to jail. DUI CHARGED: On April 26, Sgt. Lex Ogan and Deputy Kelda Simmons were traveling about 5:30 p.m. on Mars Hill Road near the Oconee Connector when they saw a Mercedes Benz partially on the median and blocking traffic. Another motorist had stopped and was talking to the 66-year-old Watkinsville woman. The woman, who smelled of alcohol, exited her car, but had difficulty walking. She explained she was on the way home and was trying to turn around in the road when she became stuck in the median. She denied drinking, but later admitted she had three drinks of vodka. After testing she was taken to a hospital for a blood test, then transported to jail on a DUI charge. Scam alert: Telephone call from a person claiming to be a cop could prove expensive for Athens man SPEEDING, GUN AND **********: On April 26, Sgt. Lex Ogan was working a traffic stop along Highway 316 when a 2006 Chrysler 300 approached at a high speed, then accelerated as it passed the deputy. Ogan estimated the car’s speed at 80 to 90 mph. He began a pursuit that was joined by Lt. Travis Wooster. The vehicles all entered the Athens Perimeter. The Chrysler disappeared from sight, but when Ogan turned off the loop at South Milledge Avenue, he spotted it stopped at a red light. He made a traffic stop. The driver, a 22-year-old Winder man, had a Draco AK 7.62 rifle between his legs loaded with a 60-round magazine. The man explained he was driving to a medical emergency at the home of his cousin, who was having a seizure. The man offered that he was last cited for speeding at 91 mph in a 55 zone. He said he reached a speed of 110 mph on the loop, but because his car maxed out at 126 mph he didn’t try to push it. The man was wanted on a warrant out of Barrow County so he was placed in custody. The deputies smelled ********** in the car, but couldn’t see any. However, a search of the dashboard revealed bags of ********** concealed inside. After his arrest, his passenger, a 19-year-old Winder woman, revealed they were headed to a block party in Athens. The rifle had a modified trigger, but the suspect denied it was an automatic weapon. He was charged with DUI, having an open container of alcohol, reckless driving, and possession of a machine gun and **********. COP IMPERSONATOR: On April 28, Deputy R. Bush spoke with a 47-year-old Watkinsville woman, who reported she received a call from a man who said he was a captain with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office. He informed her he had a warrant for her arrest and he sent her a bar code to use to pay him $500. However, she called the sheriff’s office to speak with the captain, but it was after hours and the captain was not there. While the deputy was speaking with the woman, the man called again still trying to impersonate the captain. SHOPLIFTING: On April 28, Sgt. Lex Ogan and Deputy Kelda Simmons were dispatched to *****’s Sporting Goods for a shoplifting in progress. A woman had already left the store in a green car, but her male companion was still in the store. He was searched and did not have any merchandise, but he was barred from the store. The 59-year-old Athens woman was later located and deputies recovered Nike brand clothing and shoes in her possession. She was charged with shoplifting. It was learned that her driver’s license had been suspended since 1988. This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Oconee Blotter: Winder man charged with having machine gun Source link #Winder #man #charged #machine #gun Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Live Updates: Papal Conclave Enters 2nd Day Live Updates: Papal Conclave Enters 2nd Day The conclave to elect the next pope is now underway at the ********. The cardinals — the prelates who are just below the pope in the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy — will vote by secret ballot for a successor to Pope Francis until one candidate earns a two-thirds majority. While we may not know what’s being said during the conclave — it is off limits to outsiders — we do have a pretty good idea what it will look like. During the gathering, the cardinals will follow specific instructions and use several distinctive objects to facilitate the process, many steeped in tradition. Here’s a look at some of those objects, and the meaning behind them. Voting Instruments When the cardinals vote in the Sistine Chapel, they will be sitting in rows of simple wooden tables. At one end of the chapel, a large table is set up for those who run the voting, according to the Universi Dominici Gregis, or U.D.G., one of the documents used to govern the papal transition. The room also contains voting instruments, including an urn to receive the ballots, a set of wooden ******, and a needle and twine. The urn is used to collect the ballots, rectangular pieces of paper printed with the Latin phrase “Eligo in Summum Pontificem” (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). The ballots contain a space where each cardinal writes in the name of his chosen candidate. The ballots are placed in the urn and are removed for counting after all the cardinals have voted. The wooden ****** are used to keep track of the ballots. The ****** have numbers written on them that correspond to the number of cardinals voting in the conclave. As the ballots are being counted, an attendant removes one of the wooden ****** for each ballot, to ensure that the number matches the number of cardinals, according to The Catholic Advocate, formerly a newspaper of the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. If the numbers don’t match, the ballots must be burned without being read and another vote is conducted immediately, according to the U.D.G. As the ballots are being read, they are pierced with the needle through the word “Eligo” and strung onto the thread, “so that the ballots can be more securely preserved,” according to the U.D.G. Members of the clergy and conclave staff taking the oath of secrecy in the Pauline Chapel earlier this week.Credit…The VaticanThe Oath of Secrecy The conclave is a secretive institution, and many steps are taken to prevent leaks, including restricting the cardinals’ use of phones, the internet and newspapers. The members of the College of Cardinals, the body that will elect the pope, must also swear and sign an oath of secrecy, according to the U.D.G. The oath reads, in part: “I will observe absolute and perpetual secrecy with all who are not part of the College of Cardinal electors concerning all matters directly or indirectly related to the ballots cast and their scrutiny for the election of the Supreme Pontiff.” The cardinals also must promise not to record anything in ******** City during the time of the election. The punishment for breaking the oath is “automatic” excommunication, according to the oath. A temporary stove in the Sistine Chapel in a photo provided by the ********.Credit…The VaticanThe Stove The weekend before the conclave began, ******** workers installed a simple stove in which ballots would be burned in the Sistine Chapel. Fire crews also installed a chimney on the roof of the chapel, where the smoke will leave the building. After each round of voting, the ballots are mixed with chemicals that, when burned, emit either ****** or white smoke. ****** smoke means that the cardinals have not yet reached the requisite majority; white smoke means that a new pope has been elected and voting is over. The Seal At the beginning of the conclave, the Apostolic Palace, which contains the Sistine Chapel, is closed to the public. On Wednesday, members of the Pontifical Swiss Guard placed beaded ropes with the guard’s seal at the entrances to the palace to ensure privacy and maintain secrecy for the cardinals. The ******** City government also planned to deactivate cellphone service within its territory for the duration of the conclave, starting on Wednesday afternoon. The Papal Vestments After a pope is elected, he is taken to the “Room of Tears,” a small room next to the Sistine Chapel, where he will put on the white papal cassock for the first time. Garments in three sizes are prepared and kept in the room, since no one knows who — or what size — the next pope will be. The room is known as the “Room of Tears” because there are accounts of previous popes becoming overwhelmed with emotion in the room, and being moved to tears, after their election. After the pope puts on the vestments, he is introduced to the public for the first time. Source link #Live #Updates #Papal #Conclave #Enters #2nd #Day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Putin says Russia stands with China against 'neo-Nazism' – Reuters Putin says Russia stands with China against 'neo-Nazism' – Reuters Putin says Russia stands with China against ‘neo-Nazism’ ReutersXi hails ‘confident’ China-Russia ties as Putin welcomes ‘dear friend’ to Kremlin The GuardianChina’s Xi Jinping likens ‘US hegemony’ to ‘fascist forces’ ahead of Vladimir Putin summit Financial TimesXi Jinping arrives in Moscow as Putin’s ‘guest of honor’ ahead of Victory Day military parade CNNPutin and Xi Flaunt Alliance in Russia, Threatening US-Led Order Bloomberg.com Source link #Putin #Russia #stands #China #039neoNazism039 #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI version of dead Arizona man addresses killer during sentencing AI version of dead Arizona man addresses killer during sentencing Chris Pelkey died in a road rage shooting in Arizona three years ago. But with the help of artificial intelligence, he returned earlier this month at his killer’s sentencing to deliver a victim’s statement himself. Family members said they used the burgeoning technology to let Mr Pelkey use his own words to talk about the incident that took his life. While some experts argue the unique use of AI is just another step into the future, others say it could become a slippery slope for using the technology in legal cases. His family used voice recordings, videos and pictures of Mr Pelkey, who was 37 when he was killed, to recreate him in a video using AI, his sister Stacey Wales told the BBC. Ms Wales said she wrote the words that the AI version read in court based on how forgiving she knew her brother to be. “To Gabriel Horcasitas, the man who shot me, it is a shame we encountered each other that day in those circumstances,” said the AI version of Mr Pelkey in court. “In another life, we probably could have been friends.” “I believe in forgiveness, and a God who forgives. I always have and I still do,” the AI verison of Mr Pelkey – wearing a grey baseball cap – continues. The technology was used at his killer’s sentencing – Horcasitas already had been found guilty by a jury – some four years after Horcasitas shot Mr Pelkey at a red light in Arizona. The Arizona judge who oversaw the case, Todd Lang, seemed to appreciate the use of AI at the hearing. He sentenced Horcasitas to 10-and-a-half years in prison on manslaughter charges. “I loved that AI, thank you for that. As angry as you are, as justifiably angry as the family is, I heard the forgiveness,” Judge Lang said. “I feel that that was genuine.” Paul Grimm, a retired federal judge and Duke Law School professor, told the BBC he was not surprised to see AI used in the Horcasitas sentencing. Arizona courts, he notes, already have started using AI in other ways. When the state’s Supreme Court issues a ruling, for example, it has an AI system that makes those rulings digestible for people. And Mr Grimm said because it was used without a jury present, just for a judge to decide sentencing, the technology was allowed. “We’ll be leaning [AI] on a case-by-case basis, but the technology is irresistible,” he said. But some experts like Derek Leben, a business ethics professor at Carnegie Mellon University, are concerned about the use of AI and the precedent this case sets. While Mr Leben does not question this family’s intention or actions, he worries not all uses of AI will be consistent with a victim’s wishes. “If we have other people doing this moving forward, are we always going to get fidelity to what the person, the victim in this case, would’ve wanted?” Mr Leben asked. For Ms Wales, however, this gave her brother the final word. “We approached this with ethics and morals because this is a powerful tool. Just like a hammer can be used to break a window or rip down a wall, it can also be used as a tool to build a house and that’s how we used this technology,” she said. Source link #version #dead #Arizona #man #addresses #killer #sentencing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Joe Biden, VE Day and the politics of nostalgia Joe Biden, VE Day and the politics of nostalgia How should we remember World War Two? Source link #Joe #Biden #Day #politics #nostalgia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Federal election 2025: Liberals down but not counting themselves out for WA’s new seat of Bullwinkel Federal election 2025: Liberals down but not counting themselves out for WA’s new seat of Bullwinkel Labor has increased its lead in the new WA seat of Bullwinkel to more than 300 votes, but Liberal candidate Matt Moran isn’t publicly conceding defeat yet. On Facebook, he told supporters it is still too close to call though party sources conceded the trend is against him. “While we wait for the final result, I want to express my deep gratitude to my incredible campaign team,” Mr Moran said. “This was a long and dedicated effort, focused on local issues that matter to our community . . . no matter the outcome, I will continue to stand up for you.” Bullwinkel is the only WA seat that remains undecided in the wake of Saturday’s Federal election that cemented Labor and Anthony Albanese’s position in Canberra. Meanwhile, Labor’s Josh Wilson said he was “humbled and grateful” after surviving a well-funded Independent challenge in the seat of Fremantle. He vowed to take up the “great responsibility” with “renewed energy” in the wake of Labor’s sweeping re-election. Camera IconLabor’s Josh Wilson said he was ‘humbled and grateful’ after surviving a well-funded Independent challenge in the seat of Fremantle. Credit: Ross Swanborough/The West *********** Independent rival Kate Hulett campaigned against nuclear-powered submarines and new gas projects, including a proposed extension of WA’s North-West Shelf. But Premier Roger Cook on Thursday maintained Woodside’s $30 billion project — already approved by the State Government — should go ahead. “The extension of the North-West Shelf is absolutely essential for making sure that we can continue to bring on, not only current reserves but, future reserves,” he said. “It’s actually a better way for the whole industry to function. We’re very much looking forward to the Commonwealth concluding their consideration of the proposal.” Mr Cook said Labor would “sit down and reflect” on two close calls in Fremantle, in the State and Federal polls. Source link #Federal #election #Liberals #counting #seat #Bullwinkel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]