Pelican Press

The conclave that confused everyone The conclave that confused everyone The conclave – the secret process to elect the new pope – begins on 7 May. Inside the Sistine Chapel the cardinals will vote until a new pope is elected, with each round marked by a traditional smoke signal. ****** smoke signals the conclave has not yet come to a decision, and white smoke tells waiting crowds that a new pope has been chosen. In 1958, the smoke led to widespread confusion when crowds saw white smoke – only for it to turn ****** moments later. The BBC looks back at archive footage from 1958 to piece together what happened on that day. Video produced by Sofia Ferreira Santos. Source link #conclave #confused Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shipwreck found nearly 170 years after disaster struck Shipwreck found nearly 170 years after disaster struck “Iron bits and bobs” found on the seabed off an iconic surf beach are actually part of the wreck of a 19th century Dutch ship that ran aground during a storm. Source link #Shipwreck #years #disaster #struck Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Abandoned infrastructure one of the biggest polluters in the world – report Abandoned infrastructure one of the biggest polluters in the world – report Abandoned coalmines and oil and gas wells are now one of the biggest sources of the powerful greenhouse gas methane, new data shows, and little effort is being made to clean them up. The methane emissions from abandoned fossil fuel infrastructure now exceed those from Iran, and if considered as a country would be the fourth biggest source in the world, behind China, the US and Russia. Solving the global methane problem is one of the most urgent issues in tackling the climate crisis: methane is about 80 times more powerful in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, yet emissions have been increasing. Some methane comes from natural sources such as forests, but most comes as a byproduct of fossil fuel extraction and from agriculture. Reducing those emissions rapidly would help to pause or even reduce temperature rises in the short term, and buy time for the world to shift to a low-carbon economy. Cleaning up the world’s abandoned facilities would cost about $100bn, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), which has investigated them for the first time in its annual Global Methane Tracker report, published on Wednesday. But finding the money to do this will prove difficult, one of the report’s authors, Tomás de Oliveira Bredariol, acknowledged. “Addressing this does not usually provide an economic return,” he said. “It needs work to identify and address the problem.” Tomás recommended that countries should monitor abandoned facilities, of which there are estimated to be at least 8m in the onshore oil and gas sector alone. The likelihood of action on this, and on the ongoing issue of methane from existing facilities, from at least two of the world’s biggest emitters seems remote. Russia operates some of the leakiest pipelines and oil and gas production infrastructure, but has largely withdrawn from climate action. The US, which is second behind China in overall methane emissions from the energy sector, was making strides towards cutting methane from its oil and gas operations under Joe Biden. But as part of his recent executive order on the climate, Donald Trump has put methane regulations under review with the potential to scrap them. The IEA’s report found methane from fossil fuels globally remained “stubbornly high” as countries took too little action, despite the potential for cost savings. Capturing methane from operating oil and gas facilities is often profitable, as it can be sold alongside gas, and is relatively easy to do. With new satellites that can pinpoint methane emissions, the problem is much easier to identify than even a few years ago. The IEA has found that monitored emissions from satellites are much higher than the official estimates of methane that countries admit to. But Durwood Zaelke, a long-time campaigner on methane and president of the Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, warned: “Measuring methane emissions is not enough to mitigate them, as the IEA shows with its report. Having 25 satellites tell us we have a problem is not enough, nor is reminding the fossil fuel emitters that it’s bad business to waste gas. It’s time to move from measuring and promising to mandatory performance.” He wants a global agreement specifically targeting methane, a measure espoused by some leading advocates of climate action, including Mia Mottley, the prime minister of Barbados and chair of the V20 group of more than 70 of the most climate-vulnerable countries. Marcelo Mena, chief executive of the Global Methane Hub, an NGO, said there was some cause for optimism, pointing to recent polling that showed public support for action on methane. “We’re seeing meaningful action from some major emitters – China has introduced new standards for coal methane, Canada and Kazakhstan are preparing oil and gas methane regulations, and the *** has joined Brazil in co-chairing the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, which serves as the secretariat of the Global Methane Pledge,” he said. “These developments reflect a growing consensus that methane mitigation is the fastest, most effective way to slow warming in the near term and avoid the worst climate impacts.” Source link #Abandoned #infrastructure #biggest #polluters #world #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Frattesi fires Inter into final as Barcelona fall short in seven-goal instant classic – The Guardian Frattesi fires Inter into final as Barcelona fall short in seven-goal instant classic – The Guardian Frattesi fires Inter into final as Barcelona fall short in seven-goal instant classic The Guardian’Thank you Inter & Barca’ – the game nobody wanted to end BBCInter Milan, Barcelona write new chapter in UCL folklore ESPNInter Milan stuns Barcelona in a 13-goal Champions League semifinal for the ages Yahoo SportsSimone Inzaghi hails Inter for beating ‘best two sides in Europe’ on way to final The Guardian Source link #Frattesi #fires #Inter #final #Barcelona #fall #short #sevengoal #instant #classic #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Biden’s first interview since leaving the White House Biden’s first interview since leaving the White House Former US president Joe Biden has told the BBC that the pressure put on Ukraine by President Donald Trump to end its war with Russia amounts to “modern-day appeasement” by his successor. In his first interview since leaving the White House, Biden discussed the 80th anniversary of VE Day, and told Radio 4’s Today programme about his fears for the future US-Europe relationship. He also reflected on his decision to step aside late in last year’s presidential contest – leaving Kamala Harris just weeks to challenge Trump – and argued that it would not have mattered if he had done so sooner. Source link #Bidens #interview #leaving #White #House Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Staggs credits soulmate on cusp of new Broncos deal Staggs credits soulmate on cusp of new Broncos deal Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs hopes his contract extension gets sorted soon and has praised his partner for a transformation from wild child to leader of men. Staggs, who will play South Sydney away on Friday night, has come a long way since NRL boss Andrew Abdo met with him in 2021 after off-field dramas and told him to get his act together or face further sanctions. Since those rocky times he has been in a long-term relationship with fiancee Brittany Becht, who he credits with keeping him on the straight and narrow and growing as a person away from the game. “Every player has an important woman in their lives and I have got a lot in mine. They have got me to where I am,” Staggs said ahead of the Women in League round of the NRL.”I have a great partner and she is probably the main reason I have turned my outside life into a positive thing. She has helped get me back on track.” Off-contract Staggs is now part of the Broncos’ leadership group and sets a high standard with his preparation and performance on and off the field. There was an expectation that his multi-year extension would have been announced by now. “Obviously I have just left that in management hands,” Staggs said. “They are sorting that out and I will continue playing footy with the Broncs. Hopefully it just gets sorted soon and we can get on with it.”I’ve always wanted to be at this club as a young kid and I’ve been here for almost eight years now. I don’t see myself being anywhere else. “I love the club and it has done a lot for me and helped me along my path and journey inside and outside of footy. Hopefully we can get something done.” Staggs, who has played 126 NRL games for Brisbane is a shining example of a footballer who has made mistakes, but learned and grown after making key changes in thinking and behaviour. “There were times where I didn’t do the right things outside of footy and it got me into some trouble,” he said. “I needed to take a good look at myself and see what I wanted to do and how I am looked at after footy is done and how I want people to judge me. “I put everything aside to play good footy and not want to be in the media for the bad things, but for the right things. I switched around and got into the leadership group here and I’ve wanted to show the younger boys what the right thing is to do and set the right example.” Staggs has been one of Brisbane’s best performers this year and he is hopeful a NSW recall is looming after playing one match for the Blues in 2022. “There are some good centres and I would love to be back in (the Origin arena). We will see what happens selection time,” he said. “If I am not there game one I will try my hardest to get there game two. “I have to stick to playing consistent and good footy for the club and you never know what happens.” Source link #Staggs #credits #soulmate #cusp #Broncos #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump slams Newsom after California governor proposes federal film tax credit to “Make America Film Again” Trump slams Newsom after California governor proposes federal film tax credit to “Make America Film Again” President Trump slammed Gavin Newsom on Tuesday just hours after the California governor asked for collaboration on a massive film tax credit. “California built the film industry — and we’re ready to bring even more jobs home. We’ve proven what strong state incentives can do,” Newsom’s post on X said. “Now it’s time for a real federal partnership to Make America Film Again.” His request came after the President announced over the weekend that he would impose 100% tariffs on all films produced outside the U.S. In a post on Truth Social, Mr. Trump said the nation’s movie industry was “DYING a very fast death.” The film industry has taken multiple hits in recent years, notably the COVID pandemic in 2020 and the Hollywood strikes in 2023. Production has failed to return to pre-pandemic levels since experiencing a 22% drop in the first quarter of 2025 from 2024 levels. Last year, Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass proposed an increase in California’s annual film tax credit from $330 million to $750 million. President Trump shakes hands with California Governor Gavin Newsom as he speaks to the press after arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on January 24, 2025, to visit the region devastated by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. MANDEL NGAN / AFP via Getty Images Mr. Trump spoke about Newsom and many other topics when questioned by reporters during an Oval Office meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and others to announce that the NFL draft would be held in Washington in 2027. Mr. Trump said the American film industry has been “decimated” by other countries and the “grossly incompetent” Newsom, which he said caused the film industry to “abandon” the U.S. But he vowed that “we’ll get it back.” He said he’ll be meeting with some film industry executives to “make sure they’re happy with” the prospective tariffs. The president referred to the California High-Speed Rail project, which would run between San Francisco and Los Angeles. “A little train going from San Francisco to Los Angeles that’s being run by Gavin Newscum, the governor of California. Ever heard of Gavin Newscum?” Mr. Trump said. “That train is the worst cost overrun thing I’ve ever seen. … It’s hundreds of billions for a stupid project that should’ve never been built.” Mr. Trump did have some brief but kind words for Newsom in the midst of his barrage. “And Gavin, you know, I always like Gavin, had a good relationship with him,” he said. He also touched on the January wild fires, claiming that he gave water to California. “I just got him a lot of water. I sent in people to open up that water, because he refused to do it,” Mr. Trump said. “If they would have had that water and if they would have done what I said to do, they wouldn’t have had the fires in Los Angeles, those fires would have been put out very quickly,” The president visited Los Angeles in late-January, weeks after two massive fires devastated opposite ends of Los Angeles County. “I don’t think you can realize how rough it is, how devastating is until you see it,” Mr. Trump said at the time. “I mean, I saw a lot of bad things on television, but the extent of it, the side of it, we flew over it in a helicopter. We flew to a few of the areas, and it is devastation.” Mr. Trump’s comments ended with a challenge for the Golden State’s governor. “I’d love him to run for president on the other side. I’d love to see that, but I don’t think he’s going to be running because that one project alone, well, that and the fires and a lot of other things pretty much put him out of the race,” he said. More from CBS News Dean Fioresi Dean Fioresi is a web producer for CBS Los Angeles. He covers breaking news throughout Southern California. When he’s not writing about local events, he enjoys focusing on sports and entertainment. Source link #Trump #slams #Newsom #California #governor #proposes #federal #film #tax #credit #America #Film Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘This isn’t a political issue—it’s a safety issue’ ‘This isn’t a political issue—it’s a safety issue’ KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After decades of serving the Kansas City community, downtown business owners say they’re at a breaking point. “This isn’t a race issue, this isn’t a political issue, this is a safety issue.” Mayor Lucas sounds the alarm on recent KCPD settlements That’s David Lopez, general manager at Manny’s ******** Restaurant—a Crossroads institution for nearly 45 years. But on Tuesday, he says things feel more dangerous than ever. “I feel as though this city is about as unsafe as it’s been since my family has been at 207 Southwest Boulevard and that’s 45 years this September,” he added. ******** street racing, ATVs and dirt bikes tearing through neighborhoods—even an officer intentionally run over by one an ATV just mere weeks ago. Chaos, Lopez says, is constant. “When things out of your control start to chip away at the very foundation of what you’ve done for four generations, it hurts,” he said. He’s not alone. Business owners throughout downtown say they feel abandoned by city leadership and police and the effects are hitting more than just morale—they’re cutting into revenue. “People are going to leave – that’s it. At 8:00 on a Saturday, we used to be getting our third turn, now at 8:00 I cut three servers, a bartender, and three kitchen staff,” Lopez said. Bradley Gilmore, owner of Lula’s Southern Cookhouse, said he’s seen crime rise and police presence vanish and while he supports downtown revitalization projects like the 670 Park and downtown baseball, his support is fading fast. “It’s incredibly disappointing to witness the continued lack of police presence and response in our neighborhood. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to back these large-scale projects when the basic needs of safety and accessibility are being ignored,” Gilmore said in a statement to FOX4. Gilmore shared screenshots of text messages sent directly to Mayor Quinton Lucas—after the mayor publicly encouraged residents to contact him. His messages went unanswered. Now, he fears the Crossroads could slide back into being what it once was: a ghost town. “You Are Under Surveillance,” play repeatedly on a downtown speaker across from Tom’s Town Distilling Co. and they say it isn’t comforting and it’s not a substitute for actual safety. “It does the opposite of making people feel safe when they are venturing around the Crossroads,” said Tony Pulford, marketing coordinator at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. “Safety is an ongoing concern—we want that… but I think there are better ways to do that.” And for many, the stakes are growing too high. “If I feel like I can’t protect the people that I love and care for—and the people that I value, especially the customers that walk through my doors—I’m out,” Lopez said. KCPD tells FOX4 they’re increasing patrols in entertainment districts and cracking down on ******** street racing, sideshows, and ATV activity with arrests, tickets, and tows. KCK man convicted for high-speed chase in Leavenworth County They urge anyone who sees this behavior to call 911. FOX4 also reached out to Mayor Quinton Lucas and other city officials for comment. We’re still waiting for a response. Gilmore said he’s ready to meet with the mayor directly to work on a real, lasting solution. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Source link #isnt #political #issueits #safety #issue Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China injects 'tactical' monetary stimulus ahead of US trade meeting – Reuters China injects 'tactical' monetary stimulus ahead of US trade meeting – Reuters China injects ‘tactical’ monetary stimulus ahead of US trade meeting ReutersChina announces sweeping measures to ease policy in bid to shore up trade-war hit economy CNBCChina Cuts Interest Rates to Shore Up Economy Hit by Trade War The New York TimesChina’s Financial Officials to Hold Briefing Amid Tariff Threat Bloomberg.comChina rolls out policy package to guard against US tariffs – as it happened South China Morning Post Source link #China #injects #039tactical039 #monetary #stimulus #ahead #trade #meeting #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine Trump appeasing Putin with pressure on Ukraine Nick Robinson BBC News, in Delaware Watch: Biden’s first interview since leaving the White House Joe Biden has told the BBC that pressure from the Trump administration on Ukraine to give up territory to Russia is “modern-day appeasement” in an exclusive interview, his first since leaving the White House. Speaking in Delaware on Monday, he said Russian President Vladimir Putin believed Ukraine was part of Russia and “anybody that thinks he’s going to stop” if some territory is conceded as part of a peace deal “is just foolish”. Biden, who spoke as Allied nations mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week, said he was concerned about US-Europe relations breaking down under President Donald Trump, which he said “would change the modern history of the world”. In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Biden was challenged on his own record on Ukraine as well as his decision to end his 2024 re-election bid late in the race after a stumbling debate performance stoked concerns over his fitness and plunged the Democratic Party into crisis. Biden dropped out less than four months before the November election, and when pushed on whether he should have left sooner and allowed more time for a replacement to be chosen, he said: “I don’t think it would have mattered. We left at a time when we had a good candidate.” “Things moved so quickly that it made it difficult to walk away. And it was a hard decision,” he said. “I think it was the right decision. I think that… it was just a difficult decision.” Asked about the current administration’s treatment of US allies, the former president condemned Trump’s calls for the US to take back the Panama Canal, to acquire Greenland and to make Canada the 51st state. “What the hell’s going on here? What president ever talks like that? That’s not who we are,” he said. “We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity, not about confiscation.” On Ukraine, Biden was challenged on whether he gave enough support to Kyiv to ensure they could win the war as opposed to just resist Russia’s full-scale invasion. During three years of fighting, his White House shifted its position on the use of US-supplied weapons and lifted some restrictions over time. “We gave them everything they needed to provide for their independence, and we were prepared to respond, more aggressively, if Putin moved again,” he said. Biden was also asked about comments from the Trump administration suggesting Kyiv must give up some territory in order to secure a peace deal that would put an end to fighting. US Vice-President JD Vance recently laid out the US vision for a peace plan in Ukraine, saying it would “freeze the territorial lines… close to where they are today”. He said Ukraine and Russia “are both going to have to give up some of the territory they currently own”. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has echoed that message, saying a return to Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is “unrealistic”. “It is modern-day appeasement,” Biden said on Monday, a reference to the policy of former British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, who sought in the late 1930s to appease Adolf Hitler’s demands in a failed attempt to avoid a catastrophic all-out war in Europe. He also expressed concern that “Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America and the leadership of America”. The continent’s leaders, he added, were “wondering, well, what do I do now?… Can I rely on the United States? Are they going to be there?” Watch: Biden says Trump’s approach to Russia war is ‘modern day appeasement’ Trump has said he expects Russia to keep the Crimean peninsula, which was illegally annexed by Moscow in 2014, and last month he accused Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky of harming peace negotiations when Zelensky rejected the suggestion. Reports suggest recent US proposals for a truce settlement not only include formal US recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, but also de facto US recognition of Russian control of other occupied areas in Ukraine. The White House has not publicly confirmed the details. “I have no favourites. I don’t want to have any favourites. I want to have a deal done,” Trump said last month when asked about recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea. “Yes, of course, [the Ukrainians] are angry that they were invaded,” VP Vance told Fox News last week. “But are we going to continue to lose thousands and thousands of soldiers over a few miles of territory this or that way?” The pressure to cede land is not just coming from Washington, with the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, telling the BBC last month that Ukraine may have to temporarily give up territory. Discussing Putin, Biden said: “I just don’t understand how people think that if we allow a dictator, a thug, to decide he’s going to take significant portions of land that aren’t his, that that’s going to satisfy him. I don’t quite understand.” He also said he feared some countries in the Nato alliance that border Russia may “just say we’ve got to make an accommodation” to Putin if Ukraine ultimately gives up land. Trump has long resisted continuing the level of US military support that Biden gave to Ukraine, arguing that his ultimate aim is to end the bloodshed. He has previously said Zelensky played Biden “like a fiddle”. Tensions between the White House and the Ukrainian leader exploded into public view in February, when Trump and Vance berated Zelensky and demanded he show more gratitude for years of US support during an extraordinary televised meeting in the Oval Office. “I found it sort of beneath America in the way that took place,” Biden said of the meeting. Watch in full: The remarkable exchange between Zelensky, Vance and Trump Trump and his top officials have repeatedly criticised European countries for not spending enough on their own defence and relying too heavily on US support. The US is by some margin the largest single donor to Ukraine, but European countries combined have spent more money, according to the Kiel Institute, a *******-based think tank tracking support for Kyiv. “I don’t understand how they fail to understand that there’s strength in alliances,” Biden said of the Trump administration on Monday. “There’s benefits… It saves us money overall.” When asked about President Trump’s first 100 days in office, which has seen a whirlwind of executive actions as well as sweeping cuts to the size and spending of the federal government, Biden touted his own record and sought to draw a stark contrast between when he left office and now. “Our economy was growing. We were moving in a direction where the stock market was way up. We were in a situation where we were expanding our influence around the world in a positive way, increasing trade” he said of state of the country when he left the White House in January. Trump, meanwhile, says he is driving a needed overhaul of the world’s relationship with the US, rebalancing trade, controlling ******** immigration and making government more efficient. He celebrated the 100-day milestone with a triumphant speech last week. What does Biden make of the start to Trump 2.0? “I’ll let history judge that,” he said. “I don’t see anything that was triumphant.” Additional reporting Kirsty MacKenzie and Gareth Evans Source link #Trump #appeasing #Putin #pressure #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘Concerned’: Alarming note issued by Brisbane Council ‘Concerned’: Alarming note issued by Brisbane Council Tents in a well established homeless encampment in inner city Brisbane have been slapped with eviction notices by the local council, while landscaping works occur around their dwellings. The Brisbane City Council have plastered stickers on tents in Musgrave Park, located in South Brisbane, warning owners that if they were not collected by May 7, they may be confiscated or disposed of. Camera IconTents in a well established homeless encampment in inner city Brisbane have been slapped with eviction notices by the local council, while landscaping works occur around their tents. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia “If you need help with housing options, please contact the Safe Communities Team on (07) 3403 8888,” the notice said. The park is currently undergoing works in preparation to host the Paniyiri Festival held from Saturday May 17 to Monday May 19. Throughout the festival, the park will be temporarily fenced off to the public, and only those who have purchased a ticket will be allowed access. Camera IconBrisbane City Council have plastered stickers on tents in Musgrave Park, located in South Brisbane, warning owners that if they were not collected by May 7, they may be confiscated or disposed of. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia A Brisbane City Council spokesperson said the move-on orders aligned with a new approach to homelessness in the city outlined in March, and were unrelated to the festival. “Brisbane residents have grown increasingly concerned about the violence, drug use and anti-social behaviour occurring in tent encampments in parks,” they said. “As a result, we’re taking a calm, measured and considered approach with the Department of Housing, Police and Queensland Health to get people out of dangerous encampments and into safe accommodation.” The homeless encampment at Musgrave Park has received widespread attention after multiple attempts to remove the tent city by Brisbane City Council failed. In March this year, Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner outlined a new policy whereby in instances where people camping in parks refuse accommodation or assistance, they would be asked to move on within 24 hours. Camera IconA Brisbane City Council spokesperson said the move-on orders aligned with a new approach to homelessness in the city outlined in March, and were unrelated to a festival taking place in the location. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia At the time, Mr Schrinner said he believed most campers were “homeless by choice”. He said that the people in the homeless encampments refused assistance from the Council and other organisations during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, and that accommodation was available to them. Greens Councillor Tina Massey said the removal of vulnerable people from Musgrave Park ahead of this year’s Paniyiri festival marked a “harsh and regressive shift” from the inclusive planning of previous years. “Dutton’s vision for Australia continues right here in Brisbane under the cruel leadership of Lord Mayor Schrinner,” she said. “I urge the Lord Mayor and Premier to stop criminalising homelessness and start investing in real solutions. We need more social and affordable housing, not more fines and forced relocations.” Greens Senator Larissa Waters urged the Lord Mayor to reconsider his approach to tackling homelessness in Brisbane. “It is appalling The Lord Mayor of Brisbane is striking vulnerable people sleeping rough with this heartless policy. “Criminalising poverty is never a solution to poverty. What people without homes need are homes. “We have the tools to really fix the crisis in this country and the Greens urge all levels of government to use them.” Camera IconHomeless tents in Musgrave park under a removal order as Brisbane City Council conducts works. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia A spokesperson from local charity Northwest Community Group said Brisbane City Council and event organisers for the Greek Food Festival have not adequately provided support to those who are being relocated for the events. “The festival is an annual event, usually they have a special area put aside for people experiencing homelessness but this year they are just kicking everyone out,” they said. The Northwest Community Group has organised a sit-in at the Park on Wednesday May 7, calling for event organisers to consider the needs of the homeless people who will be forced to relocate. “People were left in the dark about what was going to happen and where they were meant to go,” a post to the group’s social media said. “The festival footprint maps were not finalised until the day the fences went up, and they were never shared.” Camera IconHomeless encampments along the Brisbane River under the Riverside Expressway. NewsWire / Glenn Campbell Credit: News Corp Australia In October last year, Brisbane City Council cut the electricity to two homeless tent cities at Musgrave Park and Kurilpa Point Park, leaving them without access to power outlets or barbecues. At the time, Greens Councillor Trina Massey said: “This callous act denied people sleeping rough the ability to cook food on BBQs or charge their phones – possibly leading to missed calls with offers of housing from the Department of Housing.” “The removal of power has already made our parks less safe for all community members. Rough sleepers are now resorting to potentially much more dangerous gas based equipment to enable them to cook meals, the most basic of human rights,” she said. “I’ve already been told that a gas canister has exploded.” Source link #Concerned #Alarming #note #issued #Brisbane #Council Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India Strikes, Pakistan Responds, Claims Of Aircraft Losses Mount (Updated) India Strikes, Pakistan Responds, Claims Of Aircraft Losses Mount (Updated) India says it has struck nine targets inside Pakistani-controlled Kashmir and Pakistan proper. Pakistani forces subsequently launched some degree of retaliatory attacks. Fears that all-out fighting between the two nuclear-armed nations could erupt have been building since a deadly attack on tourists in the Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir region in April. Readers can first get up to speed on how the situation had already been deteriorating here. The latest updates to this story can be found at the bottom. Indian authorities have blamed the Pakistanis for the terrorist attack near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which left 26 dead and 20 wounded. Officials in Pakistan have denied those allegations. A terrorist group called The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility. TRF and LeT are both opposed to Indian control of the long-disputed Kashmir region. A map centered on Pahalgam offering a general overview of the disputed Kashmir region. Indian strikes today targeted Pakistani-controlled parts of Kashmir, as well as adjacent areas in Pakistan proper. Google Maps India has launched #OperationSindoor striking multiple targets within Pakistan, hitting “terror linked infrastructure” – Pakistan is retaliating, has shut down its airspace – Intense crossfire is being reported at the Line of Control, targets sourced from Indian media below pic.twitter.com/WqEgkbzcPA — Damien Symon (@detresfa_) May 6, 2025 “A little while ago, the Indian Armed Forces launched ‘OPERATION SINDOOR’, hitting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from where terrorist attacks against India have been planned and directed. Altogether, nine (9) sites have been targeted,” according to a statement from India’s Ministry of Defense. “Our actions have been focused, measured, and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in selection of targets and method of execution.” Indian MoD “These steps come in the wake of the barbaric Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen were murdered. We are living up to the commitment that those responsible for this attack will be held accountable,” the statement added. What platforms and munitions were employed in India’s attacks are unclear. Pakistani authorities have described them as being launched from “within India’s airspace.” The exact nature of what India struck is also not clear. Sites in Kotli, Ahmadpur East, Muzaffarabad, Bagh, and Muridke were reportedly targeted. Ahmadpur East and Muridke are both in undisputed Pakistani territory. �� India Hits Pakistan ���� �� ���� India claims it struck terror targets near the border and in Pakistani Kashmir. Pakistan says the missiles hit civilian areas instead. These are the locations that were hit. pic.twitter.com/3KWyTBXdwL — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 6, 2025 There are reports that a madrassa, or Islamic school, in the Bahawalpur district of Pakistan’s Punjab region, where Ahmadpur East is situated, tied to Maulana Masood Azhar was among the targets. Azhar is the founder of another Pakistan-based terrorist organization, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Pakistani authorities have said that at least three people, including one child, were killed in the Indian attack on Bahawalpur, according to Reuters. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency has alleged ties to both JeM and LeT. India has launched nine missile strikes into Pakistan. One of the targets is a mosque in Bahawalpur linked to Maulana Masood Azhar, the founder and leader of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), an Islamist terrorist group primarily active in Indian Kashmir. pic.twitter.com/9NnMNg7zR1 — Imtiaz Mahmood (@ImtiazMadmood) May 6, 2025 Pakistan security source says at least one child killed in attack and two injured near Bahawalpur- Reuters — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) May 6, 2025 Pakistani authorities immediately vowed to respond to what they described as “a shameful and cowardly” Indian operation that targeted civilians. There were subsequent reports of Pakistani forces responding to India’s operation, but the extent of the retaliation so far is unclear. Indian authorities have confirmed Pakistani artillery fire into areas of Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistani media outlets have reported strikes targeting Indian military outposts in the region, but that remains unconfirmed. Pakistan again violates the Ceasefire Agreement by firing Artillery in Bhimber Gali in Poonch- Rajauri area.#IndianArmy is responding appropriately in a caliberated manner. pic.twitter.com/Bo7Cf8ISzn — ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 6, 2025 Pakistan army and air force retaliating with “befitting reply” to Indian attack on Pakistan, state media reports [Hidden Content] — Factal News (@factal) May 6, 2025 A Pakistani official, speaking on national media, stated that retaliation is currently underway both on the ground and in the air. [Hidden Content] — Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) May 6, 2025 BREAKING: Pakistani media now claiming that Pakistani forces have destroyed a brigade HQ of Indian forces. — FJ (@Natsecjeff) May 6, 2025 Pakistani authorities have also claimed to have shot down two Indian combat jets, but no hard evidence of this has yet emerged. Some imagery circulating online now claiming to show wreckage of the aircraft has been confirmed to be old and unrelated. Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations for the Pakistani Army, just told CNN that Pakistan has shot down a pair of Indian Air Force fighter jets near the border between India and Pakistan. So far there is no evidence of these… — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 6, 2025 his image is not recent nor does it show a IAF jet that was shot by Pakistan – Per reports from Septmeber 2nd, 2024, it showcases a MiG-29 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) that had crashed in Barmer, Rajasthan, India. pic.twitter.com/12DkYkJRao — Tal Hagin (@talhagin) May 6, 2025 A state of emergency has now been declared in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Pakistan has also closed its airspace to commercial and other civilian air traffic for at least a ******* of 48 hours following India’s operation. A number of airliners that were airborne when the strikes began had to divert. Non-Pakistani aircraft—both to Pakistan airports and overflights—appear to be diverting, while Pakistani airlines are continuing to their destinations at this time. pic.twitter.com/8Hb2LcKYK4 — Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) May 6, 2025 This is the most significant fighting between India and Pakistan since 2019, which was also touched off by a limited Indian operation targeting sites in Pakistan following a terrorist attack. That confrontation occurred during President Donald Trump’s first term, and Mike Pompeo, who was Secretary of State at the time, has since said that there were serious concerns about that conflict escalating into a nuclear exchange. “It’s a shame. We just heard about it,” Trump said when asked about the situation today. “I just hope it ends very quickly.” “The cunning enemy has carried out cowardly attacks on five locations in Pakistan. Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act of war imposed by India, and a forceful response is being given,” Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has now written in a post on X. “The entire nation stands with the Pakistani armed forces, and the morale and spirit of the entire Pakistani nation are high. The Pakistani nation and the Pakistani armed forces know how to deal with the enemy. We will never allow the enemy to succeed in their nefarious goals.” A statement from Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following tonight’s strikes by the Indian Air Force against Pakistani Territory: “The cunning enemy has carried out cowardly attacks on five locations in Pakistan. Pakistan has every right to respond forcefully to this act… pic.twitter.com/yaD7sV1rFj — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 6, 2025 It is already Wednesday morning in South Asia, and Pakistani authorities are reportedly set to hold an urgent top-level national security meeting. BREAKING: – Pakistan summons urgent natsec meeting in the morning. – Punjab province declares emergency. — FJ (@Natsecjeff) May 6, 2025 While India has framed Operation Sindoor as limited and “non-escalatory,” it remains to be seen how the new fighting that has erupted between it and Pakistan will now evolve. Update: 7:25 PM EST – India’s Embassy in the United States has put out an additional statement regarding Operation Sindoor. It notes that India’s National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, spoke directly with interim U.S. National Security Advisor and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the actions taken. “India’s actions have been focused and precise. They were measured, responsible, and designed to be non-escalatory in nature,” the statement adds. “No Pakistani civilian, economic, or military targets have been hit. Only known terror camps were targeted.” There are reports that Rubio is also in contact with his Pakistani counterpart. U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks with Pakistan’s NSA and ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Asim Malik regarding India’s strike on Pakistan. — Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) May 6, 2025 Pakistan’s Foreign Minister has now also put out a formal statement referring to India’s operation as an “unprovoked and blatant act of war” and saying his country “reserves the right to respond appropriately at a time and place of its choosing.” Claims about Indian losses of crewed combat jets and drones continue to grow, but so far remain unconfirmed. NEW: Pakistan says 5 Indian planes shot down, soldiers taken prisoner. Source: Bloomberg — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 6, 2025 There remains no independent visual confirmation of Pakistan’s escalating claims that it has downed five Indian jets. However, India has not issued an official denial either. pic.twitter.com/arZBCbjARg — Levent Kemal (@leventkemaI) May 6, 2025 Casualties as a result of Operation Sindoor have risen to eight dead and 35 injured, with at least two other individuals missing, according to Pakistani authorities. Pakistan Army Spox: 8 Pakistanis killed, 35 injured, 2 missing In 6 locations, 24 impacts have occurred using different weapons. — Clash Report (@clashreport) May 6, 2025 Unconfirmed footage claiming to show Pakistani artillery strikes on Indian positions is now emerging. �� پاکستانی فوج ہندوستانی ملٹری پوسٹس کو کامیابی سے نشانہ بناتے ہوئے۔ pic.twitter.com/3HJRAq3ZR2 — Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) May 6, 2025 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “calls for maximum military restraint from both countries,” U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has told the BBC. “The world cannot afford a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.” Update: 10:18 PM EST – Video has emerged that may point to the loss of at least one Indian combat jet. The footage, which is said to have been shot in Indian’s Punjab region, looks to show the remains of a French-made MICA missile. The Indian Air Force acquired radar and infrared-homing versions of the MICA in the mid-2010s, originally to arm Mirage 2000 fighters. India’s newer Rafales can also employ these missiles. In 2020, the Indian Air Force also reportedly conducted a test launch of a MICA from one of its Russian-made Su-30MKI Flankers, but there are no indications that this is now an operational combination. Pakistan does not have the MICA in its inventory. Could also be a Mirage 2000, rumor that it was brought down over India, so likely an Air to Air kill. But who knows. Both sides lie about these things. — Steven (@McBaine146) May 7, 2025 Pakistani authorities have now claimed specifically have downed three Indian Rafales, as well as one Su-30MKI and one MiG-29, as well as various drones. Asked by Reuters how Pakistan had responded, like the Prime Minister said, the spokesperson said: “I’m telling you, the Pakistani Air Force has taken down the attacking aircraft.” — Idrees Ali (@idreesali114) May 7, 2025 Media outlets in India have also now reported that the Indian Air Force lost at least three combat jets in the course of Operation Sindoor. Reuters has also now reported that an Indian combat jet “crashed” for unspecified reasons somewhere in Jammu and Kashmir, and that its pilot was injured and taken to the hospital. IndiaTV reports that at least three Indian fighter jets have crashed tonight inside of India, with all of the ****** sites having been secured by the Indian Air Force. — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 7, 2025 Contact the author: *****@*****.tld Source link #India #Strikes #Pakistan #Responds #Claims #Aircraft #Losses #Mount #Updated Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump’s team is finally meeting with China. The future of the global economy is riding on its success – CNN Trump’s team is finally meeting with China. The future of the global economy is riding on its success – CNN Trump’s team is finally meeting with China. The future of the global economy is riding on its success CNNMorning Bid: US, China move towards trade talks, but a deal seems distant ReutersTrump officials Bessent and Greer to meet with ******** counterparts on trade, economic issues CNBCTariffs: US and China to start talks over trade war this week BBCU.S. and China to Hold First Trade Talks Since Trump’s Tariffs The New York Times Source link #Trumps #team #finally #meeting #China #future #global #economy #riding #success #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump is not behaving like a Republican president “Trump is not behaving like a Republican president” Nick Robinson Today programme presenter BBC In an exclusive and remarkably candid interview – the first since he left office – Joe Biden discusses what he really thinks of his successor’s first 100 days, plus his fears for the future if the Atlantic Alliance collapses It is hard to believe that the man I greet in the Delaware hotel where he launched his political career more than half a century ago was the “leader of the free world” little over 100 days ago. Joe Biden is still surrounded by all the trappings of power – the ****** SUVs, the security guys with curly earpieces, the sniffer dogs sent ahead to sweep the room for explosives. And yet he has spent the last three months watching much of what he believes in being swept away by his successor. Donald Trump has deployed the name Biden again and again – it is his political weapon of choice. One recent analysis showed that Trump said or wrote the name Biden at least 580 times in those first 100 days in office. Having claimed that rises in share prices were “Trump’s stock market” at work, he later blamed sharp falls in share prices on “Biden’s stock market”. Until this week, President Biden himself (former presidents keep their titles after they leave office) has largely observed the convention that former presidents do not criticise their predecessors at the start of their time in office. But from the moment we shake hands it is clear that he is determined to have his say too. Biden calls Nato’s promise to defend every inch of its territory “a sacred obligation” In a dark blue suit, the former president arrives smiling and relaxed but with the determined air of a man on a mission. It’s his first interview since leaving the White House, and he seems most angry about Donald Trump’s treatment of America’s allies – in particular Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky. “I found it beneath America, the way that took place,” he says of the explosive Oval Office row between Trump and Zelensky in February. “And the way we talk about now that, ‘it’s the Gulf of America’, ‘maybe we’re going to have to take back Panama’, ‘maybe we need to acquire Greenland, ‘maybe Canada should be a [51st state].’ What the hell’s going on here? “What President ever talks like that? That’s not who we are. We’re about freedom, democracy, opportunity – not about confiscation.” After just over 100 action-packed days of Trump there was no shortage of targets for President Biden to choose from. But his main concern appears to be on the international stage, rather than the domestic one: that is, the threat he believes now faces the alliance between the United States and Europe which, as he puts it, secured peace, freedom and democracy for eight decades. “Grave concerns” about the Atlantic Alliance Just before our interview, which took place days before the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Biden took a large gold coin out of his pocket and pressed it into my hand. It was a souvenir of last year’s D-Day commemoration. Biden believes that the speech he delivered on that beach in Normandy is one of his most important. In it, he declared that the men who fought and died “knew – beyond any doubt – that there are things worth fighting and dying for”. I ask him whether he feels that message about sacrifice is in danger of being forgotten in America. Not by the people, he replies but, yes, by the leadership. It is, he says, a “grave concern” that the Atlantic Alliance is seen to be dying. “I think it would change the modern history of the world if that occurs,” he argues. “We’re the only nation in a position to have the capacity to bring people together, [to] lead the world. Otherwise you’re going to have China and the former Soviet Union, Russia, stepping up.” Reuters Biden argues that Trump’s approach could send a dangerous message to Europe, suggesting it’s time to give in to Russia Now more than ever before that Alliance is being questioned. One leading former NATO figure told the BBC this week that the VE Day celebrations felt more like a ********. President Trump has complained that the United States is being “ripped off” by her allies, Vice President JD Vance has said that America is “bailing out” Europe whilst Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has insisted that Europe is “free-loading”. Biden calls the pledge all members of Nato – the Atlantic Alliance – make “to defend each and every inch of Nato territory with the full force of our collective power” a “sacred obligation”. “I fear that our allies around the world are going to begin to doubt whether we’re going to stay where we’ve always been for the last 80 years,” Biden says. Under his presidency, both Finland and Sweden joined Nato – something he thinks made the alliance stronger. “We did all that – and in four years we’ve got a guy who wants to walk away from it all. “I’m worried that Europe is going to lose confidence in the certainty of America, and the leadership of America in the world, to deal with not only Nato, but other matters that are of consequence.” Biden, the “addled old man”? I meet President Biden in the place he has called home since he was a boy, the city of Wilmington in Delaware. It is an hour and a half Amtrak train ride from Washington DC, a journey he has been making for 50 years since becoming a Senator at the age of just 30. He has spent more years in government than any other president. He was 82 when he left the Oval Office. His age has invited no end of scrutiny – an “at times addled old man” is how the journalists Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson describe him in their book, Original Sin: President Biden’s Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Again. His calamitous live TV debate performance last June prompted further questions, as Biden stumbled over his words, lost his thread mid-sentence and boasted, somewhat bafflingly, that “We finally beat Medicare!”. He withdrew from the election campaign soon after. Reuters Biden’s live TV debate performance last June raised questions as he stumbled over words and appeared to lose his train of thought Today, Biden is still warm and charismatic, with the folksy charm that made him an election winner but he is a much slower, quieter and more hesitant version of the leader he was once. Meeting with him in person, I found it hard to imagine he could have served for another four years in the White House, taking him closer to the age of 90. I ask Biden if he’s now had to think again about his decisions last year. He pulled out of the presidential race just 107 days before election day, leaving Kamala Harris limited time to put together her own campaign. “I don’t think it would have mattered,” he says. “We left at a time when we had a good candidate, she was fully funded. “What we had set out to do, no-one thought we could do,” he continues. “And we had become so successful in our agenda, it was hard to say, ‘No, I’m going to stop now’… It was a hard decision.” One he regrets? Surely withdrawing earlier could have given someone else a greater chance? “No, I think it was the right decision.” He pauses. “I think that… Well, it was just a difficult decision.” Trump is “not behaving like a Republican president” Biden says he went into politics to fight injustice and to this day has lost none of his appetite for the fight. Last year at the D-Day celebrations he warned: “We’re living in a time when democracy is more at risk across the world than at any point since the end of World War Two.” Today, he expands on this: “Look at the number of European leaders and European countries that are wondering, Well what do I do now? What’s the best route for me to take? Can I rely on the United States? Are they going to be there?” “Instead of democracy expanding around the world, [it’s] receding. Democracy – every generation has to fight for it.” Penske Media via Getty Images Biden says he went into politics to fight injustice Speaking in Chicago recently, Biden declared that “nobody’s king” in America. I asked him if he thinks President Trump is behaving more like a monarch than a constitutionally limited president. He chooses his reply carefully. “He’s not behaving like a Republican president,” he says. Though later in our interview, Biden admits he’s less worried about the future of US democracy than he used to be, “because I think the Republican Party is waking up to what Trump is about”. “Anybody who thinks Putin’s going to stop is foolish” President Biden relished his role as the leading figure in Nato, deploying normally top secret intelligence to tell a sceptical world back in 2022 that Vladimir Putin was about to launch a full scale invasion of Ukraine. Since taking office President Trump has charted a different course, telling Ukraine that it must consider giving up territory to Russia if it wants the war to end. “It is modern day appeasement,” Biden says of Trump’s approach. Putin, he says, sees Ukraine as “part of Mother Russia. He believes he has historical rights to Ukraine… He can’t stand the fact that […] the Soviet Union has collapsed. And anybody who thinks he’s going to stop is just foolish.” He fears that Trump’s approach might signal to other European countries that it’s time to give in to Russia. Biden on Ukraine: ‘We gave them everything they needed to provide for their independence’ Yet Biden has faced accusations against him concerning the Ukraine War. Some in Kyiv and her allies, as well as some in the ***, claim that he gave President Zelensky just enough support to resist invasion but not enough to defeat Russia, perhaps out of fear that Putin would consider using nuclear weapons if cornered. When Putin was asked point blank on TV this week whether he would use nuclear weapons to win the war, he declared that he hoped that they would “not be necessary,” adding that he had the means to bring the war to what he called his “logical conclusion”. I point out to Biden that it has been argued that he didn’t have the courage to go all the way to give Ukraine the weapons it needed – to let Ukraine win. “We gave them [Ukraine] everything they needed to provide for their independence,” Biden argues. “And we were prepared to respond more aggressively if in fact Putin moved again.” He says he was keen to avoid the prospect of “World War Three, with nuclear powers,” adding: “And we did avoid it. “What would Putin do if things got really tough for him?” he continues. “Threaten the use of tactical nuclear weapons. This is not a game or roulette.” Biden’s belief in the Atlantic Alliance of the last living President born during World War Two is clearly undiminished. When he first arrived in the Oval Office, Biden hung a portrait of America’s wartime leader Franklin D. Roosevelt on the wall. He was born two and a half years after the defeat of the Nazis into the world FDR helped to create – a world of American global leadership and solidarity. But the United States voted to reject Biden’s policies and values and instead to endorse Donald Trump’s call to put America First. The world is changing from what people like Joe Biden have taken for granted. “Every generation has to fight to maintain democracy, every one,” Biden says. “Every one’s going to be challenged. “We’ve done it well for the last 80 years. And I’m worried there’s the loss of understanding of the consequences of that.” This interview broadcasts on BBC Radio 4’s Today on 7 May. You can hear it later on BBC Sounds. Listen to the full version on Political Thinking with Nick Robinson: The Joe Biden One, also on BBC Sounds. BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. Source link #Trump #behaving #Republican #president Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Regional town reeling after big brand's factory closure Regional town reeling after big brand's factory closure Hundreds of workers in a regional town are facing an uncertain future, with a Bega Cheese manufacturing site to shut its doors. Source link #Regional #town #reeling #big #brand039s #factory #closure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I can hear the badgers, I can smell the badgers – but where are they? I can hear the badgers, I can smell the badgers – but where are they? I’ve been waiting for a good time to go badger watching at an old, old sett I’ve known for 20 years. I’m hoping for a first sight of this year’s cubs, which begin to emerge around now. An evening after rain is best, before the nettles get too high. In damp ground, the worms might be up and badgers love to forage those, but we haven’t had significant rain in weeks. Tonight will have to do. I settle against the broad, rough trunk of a favourite oak. The evening is perfectly still, the sun has gone down in a deepening blue sky. The flattened state of the bluebells indicates that the cubs have been out and playing. Housework has also taken place, as two piles of bedding lie airing between the sett entrances, waiting to be taken in. They are mostly composed of wild garlic leaves that double up as fly repellent. The sett has a clean, in-use smell: the cool cathedral scent of scraped chalk earth, the green bacon whiff of claw-shredded elder bark, a warm muskiness. I am relieved to see the sett still active, though badgers do well here. The birdsong falls away until there is just a mistle thrush and an up-late cuckoo. Pheasants roost noisily in a chorus of stuttered coughing, then all is quiet but for tawny owls. Soon enough the noises begin: a bumping underfoot, a subterranean knocking-about. Muffled whickering, nasal growls. It is almost too dark to see. My night-adjusted vision is making tree branches imprint on the sky like blinked lightning, and the pale patches of lichen on tree trunks seem to detach themselves and float. An image of a badger’s striped face seems to appear – but turns out to be the twin flowering stems of yellow archangel. From down below, more bumps and bickers. Without the promise of worms to feed on, I don’t think the cubs are allowed out to play. Finally, a sow badger emerges, shakes off a bloom of chalk dust and ****** off into the darkness as if she’s escaped, with one shoe on, from the debris of a party. • Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian’s Country Diary, 2018-2024 is published by Guardian Faber; order at guardianbookshop.com and get a 15% discount Source link #hear #badgers #smell #badgers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Test your knowledge of the papal conclave Test your knowledge of the papal conclave Are you ready for the conclave that will select the next pope? Take our quiz to see how you stack up with other Times readers. Source link #Test #knowledge #papal #conclave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

CATL likely to offer less than 10% discount for $5 billion Hong Kong listing: Reuters CATL likely to offer less than 10% discount for $5 billion Hong Kong listing: Reuters CATL booth is seen during the 21st Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition (Auto Shanghai 2025) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on April 26, 2025 in Shanghai, China. Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images Prospective investors in ******** battery giant CATL’s Hong Kong listing to raise about $5 billion have been told the stock may be sold at a discount of less than 10% to the company’s Shenzhen-listed shares, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The discount offered could be around mid-single digits, two of the sources added. CATL is meeting investors ahead of launching the book building for the deal next week that could be the largest new share ***** in Hong Kong for four years. Investors are pushing CATL to price the Hong Kong shares at least a 10% discount to the Shenzhen-traded stock, one of the sources and a fourth person told Reuters. The pricing has not been finalized, the sources said. CATL wants to have cornerstone and anchor investors subscribe for around half the shares to be sold in the deal, two of the sources added. The sources could not be named discussing information that has not yet been made public. CATL did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. CATL shares were trading 2.33% higher on Wednesday at 237.08 yuan. However, the stock has fallen nearly 11% this year. China’s CSI300 index was up nearly 0.5%. Hong Kong shares typically trade at a discount compared to mainland stocks. Investors are usually offered stock at a cheaper price in offshore listings like this as an incentive to buy into the share offering. Midea Group priced its Hong Kong shares at about a 20% discount when it raised $4 billion in a listing in September last year. The battery giant’s listing would be the largest in Hong Kong since 2021, when Kuaishou Technology raised $6.2 billion in an initial public offering. CATL has previously said in a regulatory filing that part of the funds raised will be used to build a 7.3 billion-euro ($8.28 billion) battery plant in Hungary. Source link #CATL #offer #discount #billion #Hong #Kong #listing #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

World leaders call for calm after India strikes Pakistan following attack in Kashmir – Axios World leaders call for calm after India strikes Pakistan following attack in Kashmir – Axios World leaders call for calm after India strikes Pakistan following attack in Kashmir AxiosIndia Strikes Pakistan Two Weeks After Kashmir Terrorist Attack The New York Times70 Terrorists Killed In Operation Sindoor At Terror Camps In Pakistan: Sources NDTVIndia fires missiles into Pakistan, killing at least 19, officials say CBS NewsTrump calls rising India-Pakistan tensions a shame Reuters Source link #World #leaders #call #calm #India #strikes #Pakistan #attack #Kashmir #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Helicopter posed 'elevated risk' to 'four good men' Helicopter posed 'elevated risk' to 'four good men' A former army aviation commander has been grilled at an inquiry over why a risky helicopter was not swapped out before a ****** that killed “four good men”. Source link #Helicopter #posed #039elevated #risk039 #039four #good #men039 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla launches cheaper Model Y vehicle in the US Tesla launches cheaper Model Y vehicle in the US (Reuters) – Tesla launched a cheaper version of its Model Y vehicle in the United States on Tuesday. The new long range rear-wheel drive version costs about $44,990, before a $7,500 federal tax credit, the electric vehicle maker’s website showed. Including the tax credit, the new vehicle will cost $37,490. Reuters previously reported that Tesla’s plans for an affordable car included a stripped-down version of its best-selling electric SUV, but the production launch had been delayed. Tesla’s Model Y long range all-wheel drive version in the U.S. did not see any cost adjustment and is priced at $48,990. Tesla’s quarterly sales plunged 13% to the weakest in nearly three years, hurt by a backlash against CEO Elon Musk’s politics and rising global competition. The company is scheduled to report second-quarter earnings in July. (This story has been corrected to say that Tesla will report second-quarter earnings, not third-quarter, and in July, not on July 23, in paragraph 6) (Reporting by Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona) Source link #Tesla #launches #cheaper #Model #vehicle Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China central bank eases policy ahead of US trade meeting – Yahoo Finance China central bank eases policy ahead of US trade meeting – Yahoo Finance China central bank eases policy ahead of US trade meeting Yahoo FinanceChina announces sweeping measures to ease policy in bid to shore up trade-war hit economy CNBCChina Lowers Rates and Makes Bank Lending Easier in Response to Tariffs WSJChina Cuts Interest Rates to Shore Up Economy Hit by Trade War The New York TimesChina injects ‘tactical’ monetary stimulus ahead of US trade meeting Reuters Source link #China #central #bank #eases #policy #ahead #trade #meeting #Yahoo #Finance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail Criminals who refuse to attend sentencing in England and Wales could face an additional two years in prison, under a new bill to be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday. Additional powers for judges to punish offenders absent from sentencing will mean they cannot “opt out” of justice, victims’ families have said. “It is not about punishment through force – but about ensuring that perpetrators cannot remove themselves from the consequences of their actions,” said the families of murdered primary school teacher Sabina Nessa, law graduate Zara Aleena and mother-of-three Jan Mustafa. All of their loved ones’ killers did not attend their sentencing hearings, prompting calls to change the law. The bill will only become law once it has been approved by MPs and the House of Lords. Powers already exist to compel people to attend court but they are often not used. New measures under the Victims and Courts Bill could apply to any case in the Crown Court, including those who attend proceedings but are removed from court for disruptive behaviour – like Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. Offenders already facing whole life orders could be confined to their cells and be stripped of privileges, like extra gym time, under the new bill. In a joint statement, the victims’ families said the development was a “step in the right direction, and that new punishments indicated “this change is being taken seriously”. “It gives families a moment of recognition and a form of reparation. It is a moment of reckoning for the convicted,” they added. In January, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to follow through on the legislation – initiated by the previous Conservative government – after meeting Cheryl Korbel. Her daughter, Olivia Pratt-Korbel, was shot dead in her home in August 2022, aged nine. Thomas Cashman, the gunman who killed Olivia, did not attend court to be jailed for 42 years. Anneliese Midgley, Ms Korbel’s MP, said: “This law is down in no small part to my constituent Cheryl Korbel. I am so proud of her.” “Sentencing is not just a legal formality; it is the culmination of justice. That’s why it’s so important that justice is not only done, but seen to be done.” Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: “I would like to thank the remarkable families of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Jan Mustafa, Sabina Nessa and Zara Aleena and countless others who have campaigned tirelessly for offenders to have to face the reality of their crimes by attending their sentencing.” “Justice isn’t optional – we’ll make sure criminals face their victims,” she added. Source link #Criminals #skip #sentencing #face #years #jail Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NRL deal ‘very, very close’, Premier Roger Cook says as he rules out HBF Park upgrade as part of talks NRL deal ‘very, very close’, Premier Roger Cook says as he rules out HBF Park upgrade as part of talks Roger Cook has dismissed reports the Government has agreed to a $200 million redevelopment of HBF Park as part of a deal with the NRL for a WA side. Amid feverish speculation about the status of negotiations, the Premier will join NRL bosses Peter V’Landys and Andrew Abdo to formally announce the Perth Bears at HBF Park tomorrow. Reports from the east coast claim the deal is now worth $65 million in support for a grassroots league, and includes a $200 million redevelopment of HBF Park. “This is about growing sport in Western Australia. It’s about growing the economy in Western Australia. It’s about growing the opportunity for people to follow a Western *********** team in the NRL,” he said. “It does not involve significant conversations around infrastructure or around particular dollars going to the NRL. “We always look to see what we need to do to make sure that our sports infrastructure is fit for purpose but that is not the subject of a conversation with the NRL. “Obviously, they’ve looked at our facilities. They made the note that some of our facilities at HBF Park are actually better than a lot of the pitches that they play on the east coast.” While refusing to confirm whether a deal had been agreed to — despite reports suggesting the Government and the League had done so — Mr Cook would only say the parties were “very close”. “I can confirm that the conversations have have continued over the last 48 hours. I can confirm that those conversations have been very positive,” he said. “Those conversations are very, very positive, and they’re very, very close. “I cannot confirm the numbers, and when we are in a position to do so, we will make that completely transparent and available to the WA public.” Asked about the role of Freshwater Strategy — the consultant and pollster who has faced questions over its role in the Liberal Party’s electoral rout over the weekend — Mr Cook said it informed the private-led, failed bid for a team. “I’m not familiar with the detail of the document, but my understanding was it was used to inform the private bid to the NRL in the early stages of this conversation, and that took place in the second half of last year,” he said. “My teams have been looking at it and they probably referred to that document to get some guidance. “Obviously, we’ve done a range of work and analysis ourselves to understand the scope and and the opportunities associated with this agreement.” Source link #NRL #deal #close #Premier #Roger #Cook #rules #HBF #Park #upgrade #part #talks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China, in response to CIA videos, warns of measures against ‘infiltration, sabotage’ China, in response to CIA videos, warns of measures against ‘infiltration, sabotage’ BEIJING (Reuters) – China warned on Tuesday it would take necessary measures to crack down on “infiltration and sabotage activities of foreign anti-China forces”, days after the CIA released videos aimed at enticing ******** officials to leak secrets to the U.S. The U.S. intelligence agency last week posted two short ********-language videos to its social media accounts depicting fictional scenes in which a senior ******** official and a more junior government worker with access to classified information become disillusioned with China’s system and approach the CIA. A ******** foreign ministry spokesperson called the videos a “damning confession” of the CIA’s efforts in “stealing” other countries’ secrets. “The U.S. not only maliciously smears and attacks China, but also blatantly deceives and lures ******** personnel to turn to its side, and even directly targets ******** government officials,” spokesperson Lin Jian told a regular press briefing when asked about the videos. “This is a serious violation of China’s national interests and a naked political provocation.” Beijing’s warning came as the two countries vow to step up counterintelligence efforts amid mutual accusations of espionage. Last month, China’s state security ministry publicised the case of a government employee selling state secrets, secretly recording internal meetings and stealing confidential files, after reaching out to a foreign spy agency via email. The employee was caught before she could leave the country, the ministry said in a video posted to its social media account. It did not name the foreign intelligence agency. In October, the CIA launched a drive to recruit new informants in China, Iran and North Korea by posting instructions online on how to securely contact the agency, following what it said was successful efforts to enlist Russians. Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are known within the U.S. intelligence community as “hard targets” – countries whose governments are difficult to penetrate. (Reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Raju Gopalakrishnan) Source link #China #response #CIA #videos #warns #measures #infiltration #sabotage Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]