Pelican Press

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Nearly Impossible to Greenlight at a Big Company Claims Sandfall Boss Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Nearly Impossible to Greenlight at a Big Company Claims Sandfall Boss The RPG based on a new IP, new characters, would have a very hard time getting approved at big companies like Ubisoft, says Sandfall boss, and added it would have taken 25 years to develop. Source link #Clair #Obscur #Expedition #Impossible #Greenlight #Big #Company #Claims #Sandfall #Boss Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple Said to Be Working With Anthropic on AI-Powered Version of Xcode Apple Said to Be Working With Anthropic on AI-Powered Version of Xcode Apple is reportedly working with Anthropic to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) supported version of Xcode. The Cupertino-based tech giant’s integrated development environment (IDE) for developing software across all its platforms was upgraded with an AI coding companion dubbed Swift Assist last year. The company is now planning to integrate AI capabilities much more comprehensively, according to a Bloomberg report. The upgraded version of Xcode will be able to write, edit, and test code using AI, without requiring intervention from developers. Apple Is Reportedly Planning an AI Upgrade for Xcode Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to release the AI-powered version of Xcode internally. Apple is reportedly yet to make a decision on whether to release the platform publicly. Citing unnamed people with knowledge of the matter, the report says that the new programming platform will integrate Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet model (the model version was not specified). The new Xcode will be focused on “vibe coding”. The phrase was coined and popularised by Andrej Karpathy, Co-founder of OpenAI and former AI director at Tesla, in February. Vibe coding is essentially a new programming paradigm where developers describe what they want to build or code, and an AI model with a chat interface writes, edits, tests, and even deploys the code. With vibe coding, the role of a coder is essentially to focus on the vision for the final product. According to the publication, Apple was apprehensive about using AI to make consumer-focused software. However, the company is reportedly considering the transition to improve internal workflow and speed up software development cycles. Apple’s new programming platform reportedly comes with a chat interface where developers can type prompts about the code they want to write or any alterations they want to make. The platform is said to also feature a testing environment that can test user interfaces (UI), a process which the sources called “cumbersome when done manually.” The upgraded version of Xcode can reportedly also find and fix bugs in existing code. The iPhone maker has teamed up with other firms over the past couple of years, in order to introduce new AI features on its products. It partnered with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT’s capabilities to Apple Intelligence, and is reportedly working on a deal to add support for Gemini to its devices. In China, the company is partnering with Baidu to power its suite of AI features. Source link #Apple #Working #Anthropic #AIPowered #Version #Xcode Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘Clown’ Donald Trump slammed for AI-generated pope post – The Independent ‘Clown’ Donald Trump slammed for AI-generated pope post – The Independent ‘Clown’ Donald Trump slammed for AI-generated pope post The IndependentTrump posts AI image of himself as pope, leaving Catholics offended and unamused as conclave nears CNNVance defends Trump’s post depicting AI-generated image of himself as pope Politico’It’s very unfortunate’: Milwaukee archbishop reacts to AI image of Trump as pope as conclave will begin this week Milwaukee Journal SentinelAI-generated image of Trump as pope is the latest White House controversy Al Jazeera Source link #Clown #Donald #Trump #slammed #AIgenerated #pope #post #Independent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Reverse: 1999 teases upcoming Assassin’s Creed crossover with Ezio Auditore da Firenze joining the fray Reverse: 1999 teases upcoming Assassin’s Creed crossover with Ezio Auditore da Firenze joining the fray Assassin’s Creed crossover coming in August Expect Ezio Auditore da Firenze as a playable character Travel through Italy and Greece If you’re all set with the Showdown in Chinatown update, here’s something else coming up: Bluepoch Games has teamed up with Ubisoft to bring the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise into the world of Reverse: 1999, adding even more intrigue to the time-travelling adventures to be had within the RPG. In particular, you can look forward to welcoming Ezio Auditore da Firenze to the fray as a playable character, which will kick off in August across two phases. Reverse: 1999’s upcoming update will also spice up the narrative with crossover stories in Renaissance Florence, so expect to stroll the streets of 15th-century Italy with Vertin and her team for the first phase and ancient Greece for the second phase. And if you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, this is probably where things will start to feel very familiar, as you’ll get to experience events from the franchise with Vertin and her allies as well. I suppose it’s all very much in sync with the theme of Reverse: 1999, especially since it’s all about the unexpected twists and turns of time travel and the lasting repercussions you inevitably leave behind. It’s all still a little hush-hush at the moment, but suffice it to say a big franchise collab like this one likely won’t disappoint given the massive fanbase for both IPs. While you wait, why not take a look at our list of Reverse: 1999 redeem codes for even more freebies? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by checking it out on the App Store and on Google Play. It’s free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can also join the community of followers on the official Facebook page to stay updated on all the latest developments, visit the official website for more info, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Reverse #teases #upcoming #Assassins #Creed #crossover #Ezio #Auditore #Firenze #joining #fray Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

New Zealand airport to remove Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures New Zealand airport to remove Hobbit-themed eagle sculptures Wellington Airport The giant birds will be unfastened from the airport ceiling to make way for a new mystery exhibit For more than a decade, a pair of Hobbit-inspired eagle sculptures have cast a watchful eye over visitors at New Zealand’s Wellington Airport. But the giant birds will be unfastened from the ceiling on Friday to make way for a new mystery exhibit, airport authorities said. The eagles appear as messengers in JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which were adapted to film by New Zealand’s Sir Peter Jackson. The spectacular New Zealand landscapes featured in Mr Jackson’s films are a consistent draw for tourists, who are greeted at the airport by the eagle sculptures. “It’s not unusual to see airborne departures from Wellington Airport, but in this case, it will be emotional for us,” Wellington Airport chief executive Matt Clarke said in a statement. The giant eagles will be placed in storage and there have not been long-term plans for them. Each eagle weighs 1.2 tonnes (1,200kg) with a wingspan of 15m (49ft). Riding on the back of one of the birds is a sculpture of the wizard, Gandalf. Made of polystyrene and with an internal steel skeleton, each eagle has hundreds of feathers, the longest one measuring 2.4m (8ft). While the iconic eagles will soon be gone, not all is lost for fans of the franchise: Smaug the Magnificent, the dragon in The Hobbit, will continue to be displayed at the check-in area. Wellington Airport The sculptures were installed in 2013 amid the release of The Hobbit trilogy The eagles were unveiled in 2013, around the time of the release of The Hobbit trilogy. The giant sculptures were produced by Wētā Workshop, the New Zealand-based company that made costumes and props for The Lord of the Rings franchise. “We’re working with Wētā Workshop on some exciting plans for a unique, locally themed replacement to take their place,” Mr Clarke said. “We’ll unveil what’s next later this year so keep watching the skies.” In 2014, one of the eagles came crashing down during an earthquake. No one was injured in the from that accident. Source link #Zealand #airport #remove #Hobbitthemed #eagle #sculptures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Lions Tour 2025: Nine bolters for the trip to Australia Lions Tour 2025: Nine bolters for the trip to Australia “I’d pick Owen Farrell. Who do you want in there when the going gets tough? Test-match animals.” Back in October when he was asked by the Times who should start at fly-half, external for the first Test against the Wallabies, Johnny Sexton was retired from playing, working for a glass company and publicising his autobiography. Now, intriguingly, Sexton has been signed up as a coach for the tour. The fallout would be substantial, but head coach Andy Farrell might judge selecting his son worth it. With little Lions Test experience among other potential 10s, three-time tourist Farrell brings an accountability and intensity few can match. Even as a 21-year-old tour rookie in Australia in 2013, his communication and leadership were picked out as an example to the rest of the squad by captain Alun Wyn Jones. Farrell has endured a difficult, injury-interrupted season with French club Racing 92, though he and his team have come into some welcome form recently, winning five out of seven matches since the former Saracen’s comeback from a groin problem in March. However, his final chance to press his case ended early when a head knock forced an early exit from Sunday’s European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Lyon Source link #Lions #Tour #bolters #trip #Australia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Woman charged with manslaughter over death of baby boy Woman charged with manslaughter over death of baby boy A woman in her 60s has been charged with manslaughter over the death of a baby. Emergency services attended a property at Darra in Brisbane’s southwest on April 3, 2024, following reports an infant was unconscious and not breathing, police said on Monday. The baby boy was later declared dead at the scene. He was 11 months old. Police established Operation ******** Nocturne to investigate his death and on Monday detectives charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with manslaughter. She is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4. Source link #Woman #charged #manslaughter #death #baby #boy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Catholic leaders recoil from Trump’s pope post – The Washington Post Catholic leaders recoil from Trump’s pope post – The Washington Post Catholic leaders recoil from Trump’s pope post The Washington PostVance defends Trump’s post depicting AI-generated image of himself as pope Politico’It’s very unfortunate’: Milwaukee archbishop reacts to AI image of Trump as pope as conclave will begin this week Milwaukee Journal SentinelAI-generated image of Trump as pope is the latest White House controversy Al Jazeera‘Clown’ Donald Trump slammed for AI-generated pope post The Independent Source link #Catholic #leaders #recoil #Trumps #pope #post #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Reality check for state Liberals but brand ‘not toxic’ Reality check for state Liberals but brand ‘not toxic’ A state Liberal leader has brushed off his party’s federal election thumping and dismissed concerns its brand has become “toxic”. Victoria’s opposition leader Brad Battin and his state party were riding high in the polls before being delivered a brutal reality check on Saturday. Voters took a hatchet to the party in Melbourne, with his federal colleagues in Deakin and Menzies to the city’s east projected to lose their seats. The Liberals also failed to reclaim Aston after losing the federal seat to Labor in a 2023 by-election, and a quest to claim others in Melbourne’s outer suburbs looks set to fall short. Peter Dutton pitched a national policy to build nuclear reactors at ageing coal-fired power stations, including to the state’s east in Gippsland. Mr Battin sought to distance himself from the plan during the campaign and claims he was not stunned by voters’ repudiation of the Liberals. “I don’t believe the Liberal brand is toxic at all,” he told reporters at Morwell in Victoria’s east. “By the time we get to the next (state) election … I am confident that we can go with a policy platform that people can have faith in.” Victorian voters head to the state polls in November 2026. The state’s Labor premier Jacinta Allan, seen as a drag on the federal party’s support, was only invited to appear once with Anthony Albanese on the campaign trail. But she crowed about the result being vindication of Labor’s management of the state, where it has spent all but four years in power since 1999. Another issue to cross federal and state lines over the course of the campaign was Melbourne’s controversial Suburban Rail Loop, a planned 90km orbital rail line from Cheltenham to Werribee via the airport. The mega rail project was in the gun when Mr Dutton threatened to pull Labor’s $2.2 billion in committed federal funding if he won government. Ms Allan suggested the election result provided a renewed mandate to build the $34.5 billion project, particularly in seats where the line’s eastern section is slated to pass through. “This project has the support of the Victorian community,” she said at a tunnel boring machine launch site in Clarinda on Monday. Source link #Reality #check #state #Liberals #brand #toxic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump tariffs a ‘disincentive’ for US film producers looking at Malaga, Roger Cook says Trump tariffs a ‘disincentive’ for US film producers looking at Malaga, Roger Cook says Donald Trump’s 100 per cent tariff on all foreign made films has cast a shadow over WA’s new film studio in Malaga, with Roger Cook calling it a clear ‘disincentive’ for US producers to make movies in WA. Source link #Trump #tariffs #disincentive #film #producers #Malaga #Roger #Cook Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Expedition 33 Director Talks About His “Boring” Job at Ubisoft Expedition 33 Director Talks About His “Boring” Job at Ubisoft 2025 is going to go down as one of the best years for gaming. We’re barely into May, and we’ve already gotten multiple hit AAA games, and the most recent hit has been Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. With over a million copies sold in just days and massive praise from critics and players, its origin story is as unlikely as its rapid rise. What’s funny about the success of Expedition 33 is that the team that made it mainly consists of developers who used to work at Ubisoft. Game director Guillaume Broche recently revealed why he left Ubisoft during the pandemic, and it really goes to show that a creativity over profits mindset is what matters the most. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 might just be Game of the Year In an interview with the BBC, Broche was blunt about his reasons for leaving Ubisoft in 2020. At the time, he was one of many developers feeling creatively stagnant during the pandemic. “Bored in their job and wanting to do something different,” he said, referring both to himself and others in the industry. And weirdly enough, we can thank that feeling because it led to this masterpiece. The director for ‘CLAIR OBSCUR: EXPEDITION 33’ revealed that the game was simply made because he was “bored” of his job at Ubisoft Most of the core dev team were juniors that had no experience developing video games before (via: @BBCNews) pic.twitter.com/gjSd9V00V5 — ScreenTime (@screentime) May 5, 2025 This restlessness led him to launch what would become Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a passion project inspired by the classic JRPGs, particularly Final Fantasy, that he loved as a child. Instead of pitching it internally, he took a leap of faith, quit Ubisoft, and launched what would become Sandfall Interactive. Five years later, the gamble paid off. The studio made it, we love it, and the rest is history. What makes Expedition 33’s success particularly remarkable is its origin story. Because, as Broche shared, there wasn’t a massive team or studio behind this project. He noted that there were times when he relied on Reddit threads and music-sharing sites to build a team. Can you imagine that? The president of France Emmanuel Macron commenting on Instagram about Clair Obscur Expedition 33 was not on my bingo card. “One million copies sold, and one of the best rated game in history : and yes, it is French! Congrats to Sandfall Interactive and the creators of… pic.twitter.com/yRBTz9M8Lu — Guillaume Huin (@HuinGuillaume) May 2, 2025 Voice actor and lead writer Jennifer Svedberg-Yen joined after seeing a casting post on Reddit. Composer Lorien Testard had never worked on a video game before, but caught Broche’s attention on SoundCloud. The role that COVID and sheer luck played in assembling this team is nothing short of a miracle. If this is what it takes, maybe more devs should leave Ubisoft Image Credit: Ubisoft The biggest thing we’re thinking of after all this is the difference between this collaborative, experimental energy and Broche’s earlier experience at Ubisoft. He didn’t go into any specifics, but his description of his former job as boring suggests a corporate culture that might be stifling creative risk-taking. It’s also in line with the criticism that Ubisoft has gotten over the last few years. Ubisoft’s recent strategy of churning out sequels and relying on established franchises like Assassin’s Creed seems to represent everything Expedition 33 stands against. Safe bets, large teams, and rigid non-creative pipelines. We’re not here to pick sides or say which studio is right or wrong, but Sandfall Interactive has really done a phenomenal job. We’re not even halfway into the year, and we’ve already gotten multiple Game of the Year contenders already. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 joins the year with the highest Metacritic score so far alongside the likes of Monster Hunter Wilds, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Split Fiction, and more. Source link #Expedition #Director #Talks #Boring #Job #Ubisoft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oil tumbles as OPEC+ accelerates output hikes, surplus looms Oil tumbles as OPEC+ accelerates output hikes, surplus looms By Florence Tan SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Oil prices fell more than $2 a barrel in Asian trade on Monday as OPEC+ is set to further speed up oil output hikes, spurring concerns about more supply coming into a market clouded by an uncertain demand outlook. Brent crude futures dropped $2.21, or 3.61%, to $59.08 a barrel by 0653 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $56.00 a barrel, down $2.29, or 3.93%. Both contracts touched their lowest since April 9 at Monday’s open after OPEC+ agreed to accelerate oil production hikes for a second consecutive month, raising output in June by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd). The June increase from the eight will take the total combined hikes for April, May and June to 960,000 bpd, representing a 44% unwinding of the 2.2 million bpd of various cuts agreed on since 2022, according to Reuters calculations. “The May 3 OPEC+ decision to raise production quotas another 411,000 bpd for June adds to the market expectation that the global supply/demand balance is moving to a surplus,” Tim Evans, founder of Evans on Energy said in a note. The group could fully unwind its voluntary cuts by the end of October if members do not improve compliance with their production quotas, OPEC+ sources told Reuters. OPEC+ sources have said Saudi Arabia is pushing OPEC+ to accelerate the unwinding of earlier output cuts to punish fellow members Iraq and Kazakhstan for poor compliance with their production quotas. The 6-month Brent price spread flipped to a contango of 11 cents a barrel for the first time since December 2023, with oil cheaper now than in future months, reflecting expectations that the market is amply supplied. Barclays and ING have also lowered their Brent crude forecasts following the OPEC+ decision. Barclays reduced its Brent forecast by $4 to $66 a barrel for 2025 and by $2 to $60 a barrel for 2026, while ING expects Brent to average $65 this year, down from $70 previously. “We now expect OPEC+ to phase out the additional voluntary adjustments by October 2025 but also expect slightly slower U.S. oil output growth,” Barclays analyst Amarpreet Singh said in a note. The net impact of the higher OPEC+ output and lower U.S. output has increased Barclays’ estimate of supply in 2025 by 290,000 bpd for 2025 and 110,000 bpd for 2026, he said. ING analysts led by Warren Patterson said the global oil balance is expected to move deeper into surplus throughout 2025. “The oil market has been dealing with significant demand uncertainty amid tariff risks. This change in OPEC+ policy adds to uncertainty on the supply side,” they added. Meanwhile, tensions flared in the Middle East after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran for the Tehran-backed Houthi group firing a missile that landed near Israel’s main airport. Iran’s Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh said on Sunday that Tehran would strike back if the United States or Israel attacked. (Reporting by Florence Tan; editing by Diane Craft, Chris Reese and Sonali Paul) Source link #Oil #tumbles #OPEC #accelerates #output #hikes #surplus #looms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China’s Garment Factories Face a Tipping Point After New Tariffs – The New York Times China’s Garment Factories Face a Tipping Point After New Tariffs – The New York Times China’s Garment Factories Face a Tipping Point After New Tariffs The New York TimesLuxury Grapples With Disillusionment and Fragile Recovery in China WWDNew landmarks in Shanghai sweet home for brands China Daily – Global EditionChina Insight: Under Dual Pressures of Tariffs and Inventory, China’s Fashion Industry Seeks a New Breakthrough Yahoo FinanceHit by Trade War, China’s Garment Industry Refuses to Stop Hustling The New York Times Source link #Chinas #Garment #Factories #Face #Tipping #Point #Tariffs #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iPhone 19 Said to Sport Full-Screen Display to Mark 20th Anniversary, iPhone 18 Pro Might Feature Under-Display Camera iPhone 19 Said to Sport Full-Screen Display to Mark 20th Anniversary, iPhone 18 Pro Might Feature Under-Display Camera Apple’s iPhone 17 series is anticipated to break cover in September. Although the 2025 lineup isn’t expected to arrive for a few more months, rumours about next year’s models — the purported iPhone 18 series — have already started to surface. Apple is reportedly eyeing a significant redesign for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The Cupertino-based tech giant is expected to equip these handsets with support for an under-display camera for Face ID for the first time, and a completely new screen layout for next year’s flagship iPhone models. This design shift could serve as a transitional step toward the iPhone 19, which is said to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone with a completely seamless display in 2027. iPhone 19 Could Arrive in 2027 With an All-Screen Design Citing multiple sources familiar with the matter, The Information reports that Apple will use an under-display Face ID camera for the first time on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. The brand could remove the current pill-shaped Dynamic Island from the top of the display, leaving only a small hole in the top-left corner of the screen to house the front-facing camera. All the Face ID hardware will reportedly be moved under the screen. This design shift could serve as a stepping stone toward achieving a completely seamless display for the iPhone 19 models, as per the report. At least one iPhone model set for release in 2027 will feature a “truly edge-to-edge display” to mark the 20th anniversary of the iPhone. To achieve this, Apple is reportedly planning to place the front-facing camera beneath the display, allowing the screen to extend across the entire device without any visible cutouts or bezels disrupting the design. The possible shift in iPhone displays is in line with earlier reports. The new design is expected to provide a true full-screen display, unlike the current models that use the Dynamic Island (or a large display notch, on the iPhone 16e). It’s worth noting that Apple wouldn’t be the first company to launch a smartphone with a seamless, all-screen display. The OnePlus 7 Pro that was launched in 2019 had a pop-up selfie camera, while most recent Red Magic phones also sport all-screen displays with under-display cameras for selfies and video chats. The same source suggests Apple might be considering a shift to releasing major iPhone updates twice a year, and this plan could be implemented as soon as 2027. Source link #iPhone #Sport #FullScreen #Display #Mark #20th #Anniversary #iPhone #Pro #Feature #UnderDisplay #Camera Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Corey Justin Brian Woods: Albany man receives suspended jail time for ‘frightening’ domestic violence Corey Justin Brian Woods: Albany man receives suspended jail time for ‘frightening’ domestic violence An Albany man who threw a pint glass at his pregnant partner and smashed her car window after an argument about football practice has avoided immediate jail. Source link #Corey #Justin #Brian #Woods #Albany #man #receives #suspended #jail #time #frightening #domestic #violence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Malaysia PM sees possible reduction in U.S. tariffs, but growth to miss target Malaysia PM sees possible reduction in U.S. tariffs, but growth to miss target KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) -There is a possibility that Malaysia can negotiate a reduction in threatened U.S. tariffs as Washington has agreed to further talks, but the global trade war meant economic growth was likely to be below target this year, the Prime Minister said on Monday. Malaysia is facing a 24% tariff rate in July for exports to the U.S., unless an agreement is struck between both countries. “Although these are preliminary discussions… the United States government has agreed to further negotiate with Malaysia, and there is a possibility of reducing the reciprocal tariff imposed,” Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told parliament. He said the suspension of most tariffs until July meant the impact was manageable for now, but said Malaysia was unlikely to meet its economic growth forecast of 4.5% to 5.5% this year. Malaysia has said it is open to negotiating with the U.S. on non-tariff barriers, reducing its bilateral trade surplus, and exploring a bilateral trade agreement. Last month, the central bank governor also said this year’s growth forecast would have to be lowered because of the global trade war. Anwar said Malaysia would also aggressively explore new trading opportunities and boost exchanges between existing trade partners, including China and the European Union. He said negotiations to improve a free-trade agreement between the ASEAN regional bloc and China will be finalised in the near future, with trade ministers from the respective countries set to meet on May 19. Malaysia is chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations grouping this year. Countries across export-driven Southeast Asia have been hit with steep tariffs, with six of 10 listed nations from the region slapped with levies of between 32% and 49%. (Reporting by Danial Azhar; Editing by John Mair) Source link #Malaysia #sees #reduction #U.S #tariffs #growth #target Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Disturbing new study reveals how everyday number all adults use can be early indicator of ******* – Daily Mail Disturbing new study reveals how everyday number all adults use can be early indicator of ******* – Daily Mail Disturbing new study reveals how everyday number all adults use can be early indicator of ******* Daily Mail Source link #Disturbing #study #reveals #everyday #number #adults #early #indicator #******* #Daily #Mail Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grins for ex-dictator's 'daughter' after plane drama Grins for ex-dictator's 'daughter' after plane drama The alleged daughter of an ex-dictator was all smiles before she and her husband faced their fate over an alcohol-fuelled disturbance on a plane. Source link #Grins #exdictator039s #039daughter039 #plane #drama Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Texas approves creation of SpaceX's new city, Starbase – KOMO South Texas approves creation of SpaceX's new city, Starbase – KOMO South Texas approves creation of SpaceX’s new city, Starbase KOMOElon Musk wanted to turn his SpaceX launch site into a city. Voters in Texas just said yes. KUTElon Musk’s Starbase in Texas will officially become a city BBCWelcome to Starbase, Texas. What’s Next for Elon Musk’s Rocket-Building Company Town. WSJFirst reactions to Starbase City incorporation ValleyCentral.com Source link #South #Texas #approves #creation #SpaceX039s #city #Starbase #KOMO Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Troubled detention centre's closure delayed, again Troubled detention centre's closure delayed, again A youth detention centre that a child ******* abuse inquiry said should be shut “as soon as possible” won’t be closed until at least early 2028. Source link #Troubled #detention #centre039s #closure #delayed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rights groups condemn arrest of Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok’s father and brother Rights groups condemn arrest of Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok’s father and brother Human rights groups have condemned the arrest of relatives of Anna Kwok, an exiled pro-democracy activist who is wanted by the Hong Kong police, in the first example of the city’s national security law being used to target the family members of an activist living overseas. Kwok, 28, is the executive director of the Washington-based Hong Kong Democracy Council, and is one of 19 overseas activists wanted by the national security police, who are offering bounties of HK$1m (£97,000) for information leading to arrest. Kwok’s father, 68, and her brother, 35, were arrested on 30 April on suspicion of “attempting to deal with directly or indirectly, any funds or other financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder”. The police said the men were suspected of helping Kwok to change the details of a life insurance policy and withdraw its remaining value. Kwok’s father was charged and detained while her brother was released on bail pending further investigations. Yalkun Uluyol, China researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: “The ******** government has increased its appalling use of collective punishment against family members of peaceful activists from Hong Kong. The Hong Kong authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Anna Kwok’s father and cease harassing families of Hong Kong activists.” ChinaAid, a US-based human rights group, said: “This represents a deeply unsettling and significant escalation of the ongoing retaliatory actions against the families of exiled activists … this is a blatant attempt to silence overseas dissidents by targeting their family members at home, a tactic that brazenly disregards fundamental human rights and the rule of law.” Police in Hong Kong have repeatedly questioned the relatives of exiled activists. In recent months relatives of Tony Chung, Frances Hui and Carmen Lau, overseas pro-democracy activists who are also wanted by the Hong Kong police, have been questioned. Chung and Lau, who are in the ***, have both had threatening letters sent to their neighbours offering rewards for information leading to their capture. The arrests in Kwok’s case mark the first time that relatives have been criminally charged. Kwok’s father faces a sentence of up to seven years in prison if convicted. He has been denied bail with the case adjourned to 13 June, according to Reuters. The Hong Kong police and the Hong Kong Democracy Council did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Kwok could not be reached for comment. Source link #Rights #groups #condemn #arrest #Hong #Kong #activist #Anna #Kwoks #father #brother Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to peak. Here’s how to see it. – East Idaho News The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to peak. Here’s how to see it. – East Idaho News The Eta Aquariid meteor shower is about to peak. Here’s how to see it. East Idaho NewsYou Won’t Want to Miss the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower. Here’s How and When You Can See It Time MagazineViewing the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower in 2025 American Meteor SocietyHow to see Halley’s comet debris in the Eta Aquarid meteor shower NBC NewsWhen to check out the Eta Aquariids meteor shower WTOP Source link #Eta #Aquariid #meteor #shower #peak #Heres #East #Idaho #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

8BitDo launches their new Ultimate 2 wireless controller 8BitDo launches their new Ultimate 2 wireless controller 8BitDo have released their new Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller Boasting 8Speed technology, it aims to eliminate the slightest lag for Bluetooth input It also boasts other features to round out this revamped new version It really is a big day for mobile controllers. Not only have we had the X5 Lite and the CRKD x Goat Simulator collab, but those of you looking for the ‘Ultimate’ peripheral are in luck. Because 8BitDo are throwing their hat in the ring with their Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller! While it has all kinds of bells and whistles, the main selling point of the Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller is its 8Speed technology. Intended to eliminate even the most fractional of input lag, it shows that the Ultimate 2 is most definitely aimed at the more hardcore of players amongst you. Okay, but what else does the Ultimate 2 boast? Well, it has TMR (Tunnelling Magnetoresistance) Joysticks which are alleged to offer enhanced sensitivity, precision and durability, while also consuming less power. It all sounds very good, and very high-tech at that. All the gubbins Of course, it wouldn’t be a wireless controller without the addition of RGB as well, with fully interactive and adjustable lighting so you can select your preferred mode. The Triggers, meanwhile, utilise Hall-Effect technology, and a Mode Switch to let you adjust them to your preference. Aside from all those fancy names, the Ultimate 2 can best be described as an updated and refined version of the original. And while all the bells and whistles are indeed nice, it would seem that the Ultimate 2 is primarily marketed towards players who are looking for minimal input lag – with that in mind, it’ll be whether it holds up in play that matters. Still, you don’t always need a fancy controller to play some of the best mobile releases. Need some examples that you won’t need to break the bank for? Check out our list of the top five new mobile games to try this week to get started! Source link #8BitDo #launches #Ultimate #wireless #controller Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queensland woman charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby Queensland woman charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby A woman has been charged with manslaughter following the death of a baby at a residential address in a Brisbane suburb. Police have charged a 63-year-old Darra woman with the death of an 11-month-old boy following an investigation by the Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit. Emergency services were called to a residence on Ashridge Road at 10am on April 3, 2024, following reports a child was unconscious and not breathing. The baby was declared dead at the scene. The Inala Child Protection and Investigation Unit established Operation ******** Nocturne to investigate the death, which led to the arrest just more than a year after the baby’s death. The Darra woman is due to appear before Richland Magistrates Court on June 4. Source link #Queensland #woman #charged #manslaughter #death #baby Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Exclusive-India starts work on hydro projects after suspending treaty with Pakistan, sources say Exclusive-India starts work on hydro projects after suspending treaty with Pakistan, sources say By Aftab Ahmed, Sarita Chaganti Singh and Krishna N. Das SRINAGAR (Reuters) – India has begun work to boost reservoir holding capacity at two hydroelectric projects in the Himalayan region of Kashmir, sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, after fresh tension with Pakistan led it to suspend a water-sharing pact. Last month, New Delhi suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty between the nuclear-armed rivals that ensures supply to 80% of Pakistani farms after an attack in Kashmir killed 26, and it identified two of the three assailants as Pakistani. Islamabad has threatened international legal action over the suspension and denied any role in the attack, warning, “Any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water belonging to Pakistan … will be considered as an act of war”. A “reservoir flushing” process to remove sediment began on Thursday, carried out by India’s biggest hydropower company, state-run NHPC Ltd, and authorities in the federal territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the three sources said. The work may not immediately threaten supply to Pakistan, which depends on rivers flowing through India for much of its irrigation and hydropower generation, but it could eventually be affected if other projects launch similar efforts. There are more than half a dozen such projects in the region. India did not inform Pakistan about the work at the Salal and Baglihar projects, which is being done for the first time since they were built in 1987 and 2008/09, respectively, as the treaty had blocked such work, the sources added. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to talk to the media. India’s NHPC and the neighbouring governments did not reply to emails from Reuters to seek comment. Since independence from British colonial rule in 1947, India and Pakistan have fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, in addition to numerous short conflicts. The flushing operation ran for three days from May 1, the sources said. “This is the first time such an exercise has taken place and will help in more efficient power generation and prevent damage to turbines,” one of the sources told Reuters. “We were also asked to open the adjustable gates for cleaning, which we did from May 1,” the source said, adding that the effort aimed to free dam operation from any restrictions. People living on the banks of the Chenab river on the Indian side of Kashmir said they noticed water had been released from both Salal and Baglihar dams from Thursday to Saturday. ‘FREE WILL’ Story Continues The flushing of hydropower projects requires nearly emptying a reservoir to force out sediments whose build-up is a major cause of decline in output. For example, two of the sources said, power delivered by the 690-MegaWatt Salal project was far below its capacity, because Pakistan had prevented such flushing, while silting also hit output at the 900-MW Baglihar project. “Flushing is not a common thing because it leads to a lot of water wastage,” said one of the sources. “Downstream countries are expected to be informed in case it leads to any inundation.” Building both projects had required extensive back and forth with Pakistan, which worries about losing out on its share of water. Under the 1960 treaty, which split the Indus and its tributaries between the neighbours, India had also shared data such as hydrological flows at various spots on the rivers flowing through India and issued flood warnings. India’s water minister has vowed to “ensure no drop of the Indus river’s water reaches Pakistan”. Government officials and experts on both sides say India cannot stop water flows immediately, however, as the treaty has allowed it only to build hydropower plants without significant storage dams on the three rivers allocated to Pakistan. The suspension means India “can now pursue our projects at free will”, said Kushvinder Vohra, a recently retired head of India’s Central Water Commission who worked extensively on Indus disputes with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has sought to renegotiate the treaty in recent years and the archfoes have tried to settle some of their differences at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague. These concerns related to the size of the water storage area at the region’s Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants. (Reporting by Aftab Ahmed in Srinagar and Sarita Chaganti Singh and Krishna N. Das in New Delhi; Additional reporting by Fayaz Bukhari in Srinagar and Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Source link #ExclusiveIndia #starts #work #hydro #projects #suspending #treaty #Pakistan #sources Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]