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Musk Makes Jaw-Dropping Claim About Who’s to Blame for Mass Firings Musk Makes Jaw-Dropping Claim About Who’s to Blame for Mass Firings Elon Musk tried to distance his federal spending task force from the Trump administration’s firings of thousands of civil servants during meetings with Republican lawmakers, according to multiple reports. The billionaire Tesla CEO and White House adviser is the de facto leader of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), putting him at the center of the administration’s efforts to cut costs and dramatically reduce the size of the federal workforce. Musk recently threatened federal employees who did not respond to an Office of Personnel Management email demanding they justify their roles with termination. He also reportedly had a hand in the administration’s efforts to fire thousands of probationary employees across federal departments and agencies, which a judge halted last week. DOGE, meanwhile, is associated with President Donald Trump’s efforts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development, which Musk called a “criminal organization.” Despite all of that, the president’s billionaire benefactor told Republicans he and DOGE are not responsible for all of the controversial cuts that have rocked the federal bureaucracy, instead blaming federal department heads. House Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) reported that Musk told GOP members of the lower chamber that it “wasn’t a DOGE decision” to axe 70,000 positions at the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to CNN. He also said Musk suggested to lawmakers that DOGE’s expectation is that “individual departments” were ultimately responsible for the cuts, and that the administration expected them to fire people who were “unproductive” and “reward the people that are being productive.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged his task force’s role in some cuts, including ones that were deemed unnecessary. Using a baseball term for perfect hitting, Musk told the Republican house members he “can’t bat a thousand all the time,” multiple attendees of the meeting told Politico. “He said he’s making mistakes,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) told the news outlet. “He’ll correct them, but his mission is to uncover where our tax money is. Let the chips fall where they may.” Norman added to Politico that Musk said Congress will get to “decide” what ultimately gets cut. Among the main blunders Musk’s DOGE has been linked to were the firings of nuclear safety staff working on weapons programs at the National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Agriculture staff working on a response to the H5N1 avian flu outbreak. Both cases triggered frantic efforts to rehire the workers. Several Republicans have been excoriated by members of the public over DOGE cuts at meetings with constituents, leaving some within the party fold antsy. A handful of GOP lawmakers have openly called on Musk to abandon DOGE’s early days slash-and-burn approach and make more considered decisions about cuts. “We support the underlying efforts here and the goals, but we want to impress upon him how that we should be more strategic,” Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) told CNN. The network reported that Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) said in advance of a meeting with Musk and members of the upper chamber that he wanted the DOGE leader to explain how mistaken cuts will be remedied. And Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) told CNN that the Trump administration should be more sympathetic to the people losing their jobs, urging officials to “pay attention to the aftermath of that and how it impacts people. I mean, these are real people.” Meanwhile, House GOP leaders are currently trying to corral members to back a funding plan that would maintain current federal spending levels until September, avoiding a March 14 government shutdown in the process. It does not enshrine DOGE’s cuts. Source link #Musk #JawDropping #Claim #Whos #Blame #Mass #Firings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Text messages shed light on timeline of Idaho college killings: Court documents – ABC News Text messages shed light on timeline of Idaho college killings: Court documents – ABC News Text messages shed light on timeline of Idaho college killings: Court documents ABC News‘I’m Freaking Out’: New Texts Detail Key Minutes of Idaho Murders The New York TimesBryan Kohberger case: Idaho court releases surviving roommates’ text messages from night of student murders Fox NewsNewly released texts and 911 call transcript from surviving roommates of Idaho murders reveal panic and terror CNN Source link #Text #messages #shed #light #timeline #Idaho #college #killings #Court #documents #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GMKtec NucBox K11 mini PC review GMKtec NucBox K11 mini PC review Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. GMKTec NucBox K11: 30-second review For a mini PC, there’s plenty on offer here, and I really like the fact you have the option to upgrade the RAM to a huge 96GB. This makes it an ideal solution if you’re looking for a machine capable of handling 4K video editing. There’s also the fact that it features dual M.2 slots for internal storage, and while the 1TB SSD in my review sample is rather small, you can boost this to an impressive 8TB using two 4TB sticks. But what really interests me—both for video, image editing, 3D graphics and gaming—is the fact that it offers an OCULINK option, enabling you to connect an external GPU such as the GP1. Even without the graphics boost, you still have the option to plug in up to four 4K displays, along with plenty of connection options and network connectivity through both dual LAN and high-performance Wi-Fi. This makes it an ideal option for any small business user despite the colourful LED array to lure in gamers. While there’s a lot to like about the power of this small machine, as we’re starting to see with some of the other best mini PCs we’ve tested featuring the latest AMD AI-enhanced CPUs, the cooling systems here have had to be heavily overhauled. As such, the new high-powered fans do create some noise when the system is pushed. However, there’s absolutely no doubting the performance and considering the price, which places it firmly in the mid-range, you get an awful lot of power for your money, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of uses. That said, it is worth considering one design aspect. In the K11, GMKTec has focused on the gaming market, and as such, there is that built-in LED illumination. While aesthetically pleasing for gaming enthusiasts, it might be a little too garish for business use, but as with some other setting you can switch this off in the BIOS. GMKTec NucBox K11: Price and availability How much does it cost? From $479 When is it out? Available now Where can you get it? Directly from GMKtec or Amazon.com The GMKtec NucBox K 11 is widely available and can be purchased directly from GMKtec by clicking here or from online retailers such as Amazon.com. You can currently get $10 off the 32GB/1TB model when you use the code GMKK11TRextra from GMKtec by clicking here. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) GMKTec NucBox K11: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Item Spec CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 5.2GHz) GPU: AMD Radeon 780M (12 cores, up to 2.8GHz) RAM: 32GB DDR5 5600MHz (Max 96GB) Storage: 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD (upgradeable, supports up to 8TB via dual M.2 2280 slots) Front Ports: USB4, OCULINK, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, 3.5mm CTIA Power button Rear Ports: 2 × USB 2.0 Type-A,USB4, 2 × 2.5G Ethernet ports, DisplayPort 1.4 (8K@60Hz), HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz), DC power input Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, Dual 2.5G Ethernet Audio: 3.5mm headphone/microphone combo jack OS: Windows 11 Pro (pre-installed) Dimensions: 127 × 127 × 49.6 mm Accessories: Power adapter, User manual, HDMI cable, VESA mount GMKTec NucBox K11: Design Taking a look at the GMKTec NucBox K11, it sits on the larger side of the Mini PC market, and part of the reason for this is that it contains a very powerful AMD Ryzen 9 processor, which is coupled with AMD Radeon graphics. It also features an NPU AI chip that helps boost the system’s capabilities. While the design is compact and lightweight, measuring 127 × 132 × 58 mm and weighing 624 g, it is still larger than some other mini PCs. Looking over the design, it is all very nice and minimalistic, with a high-quality metal casing around the edges and a transparent top that allows you to see the LED light surrounding the fan, adding a bit of fun and aesthetic appeal to the otherwise boxy design. Around the front and back, there is a decent selection of ports, with a good range of USB, display, network, and audio ports. They are all quick and easily accessible, making this a great option whether it’s sitting on a desktop or being transported for use with other systems. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) One of the other aspects of the design that will really appeal is the ease of upgrading. You can access the internal components in just a couple of minutes, and it shouldn’t require too much technical expertise to install additional RAM or storage as needed. The build and handling of this mini PC are quite generic, making it appealing to the mass market. However, if you’re working in the creative sector, while the power and capabilities of this machine will certainly appeal, it is worth noting that there is no SD card slot, which often appears on machines at this level. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) GMKTec NucBox K11: Features The list of features for the GMKtec NucBox K11 includes the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor and the AMD 780M graphics. These are joined by PCIe 4.0 M.2 2280 SSDs, and my review sample comes with a 1TB stick included. What’s interesting here is that GMKtec has gone for a dual slot, so you can fit up to two 4TB sticks into each of those slots, essentially enabling you to have up to 8TB of internal SSD storage. It’s also great to see that it features the latest DDR5 RAM, and my review sample arrived with 32GB, which is perfectly adequate for most Windows applications, including Lightroom and Adobe Photoshop. If you are going to be using video editing software, gaming, or high-demand applications, then you may want to bump this up, and you can go up to a maximum of 96GB. When it comes to connectivity to external devices and networks, this machine also packs in plenty of options. It features dual LAN Intel i226V ports, enabling speeds of up to 2500Mb per second. Another great feature is the fact that you can plug in up to four 4K displays through the HDMI 2.1, DP 2.1, and the two USB4 (40Gbps) ports. Those two USB4 ports also enable plenty of other options, so you can connect larger hard drives and other accessories that require the data speed afforded by the USB4 protocol. Alongside the two LAN ports, there is also Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2, which are pretty standard for most Mini PCs at present. Now, because of the power of the Ryzen processor and Radeon GPU, there needs to be a decent cooling system, and here the system uses Hyper Ice Chamber 2.0, which utilises a top and bottom cooling fan with copper paste, designed to create less noise than its predecessors. Taking a look at the selection of ports available on the back, there are 2 × USB 2.0, an HDMI 2.1 (which is capable of 8K at 60Hz), a DisplayPort 2.1 (also capable of 8K at 60Hz), two gigabit LAN ports (RJ45 at 2.5G), the first of the USB4 Type-C ports, a Kensington lock, and DC power input. At the front, we have the power button, a 3.5mm CTIA audio port, two further USB 3.2 ports, a USB4 Type-C port, and finally, the OCULINK PCIe 4.0 port for connecting an external GPU. One of the other features actually built into the system is the ability to adjust the power draw. However, this is not a simple option within an interface in Windows. Instead, you need to access the K11’s BIOS and adjust the settings there. While these days most BIOS interfaces are relatively easy to navigate, the one here is a little bit dated, but it does enable you to tweak the settings for performance and ultimately fine-tune the power for your intended use, you can also switch off the LED if you want. Really, for a mini PC, everything here is very much aimed at the mid-range and will appeal to a wide range of users, from people looking for a decent machine for business and creative applications to those wanting moderate gaming capabilities. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) GMKTec NucBox K11: Performance Swipe to scroll horizontally Mini PC Header Cell – Column 1 GMKtec NucBox G5 3DMark WildLife 19371 Row 1 – Cell 0 Fire Strike Overall 7734 Row 2 – Cell 0 Fire Strike Graphics 8329 Row 3 – Cell 0 Fire Strike Physics 27215 Row 4 – Cell 0 Fire Strike Combined 2964 Row 5 – Cell 0 Time Spy Overall 3376 Row 6 – Cell 0 Time Spy Graphics 3015 Row 7 – Cell 0 Time Spy CPU 10563 CineBench23 Single 1819 Row 9 – Cell 0 Multi 16194 GeekBench Single 2699 Row 11 – Cell 0 Multi 13208 Row 12 – Cell 0 Compute 32734 CrystalDisk Read MB/s 5181.15MB/s Row 14 – Cell 0 Write MB/s 4724.17MB/s PCMark 10 Office 7484 WEI Row 16 – Cell 1 8.2 As I’m starting to see with a lot of these mini PCs, the out-of-the-box package is only the beginning, and as a standalone machine, the K11 is impressively powerful considering that it is in the mid-range. With a firm focus on gamers, this machine has a powerful CPU and GPU, enabling it to handle graphics and high-demand processing, which also translates to strong performance for the creative sector. It is capable of handling the likes of Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve relatively well, although I wouldn’t want to edit anything too vast on the machine. But for standard social media posts and edits up to about 15 minutes in length, this machine is more than capable. My review machine only featured a 1TB internal SSD, which, while sufficient for most people during office work or a bit of gaming, will quickly run out of space if you’re using it for imaging or video editing. Likewise, for 3D graphics and even gaming, that 1TB of space will be used up relatively quickly. However, what I really like about this machine is the fact that it features two USB4 ports—one at the front, which is ideal for accessories, and one tucked away at the back. This means you can connect an external hard drive with a large capacity to store your video and image files. The great thing about this USB4 connection is that it provides the necessary speed for using an external drive as a working drive, not just for archiving or storage. The other feature I really like is the dual LAN ports, allowing you to connect a NAS drive for archival storage while also having a wired connection to a faster internet network if needed. This makes it a great option for working in an office environment. Taking a look at the results from some of the tests carried out on the machine, first and foremost, the supplied SSD put in an outstanding performance with a read speed of 5181.15 MB/s, enabling the computer to access applications and high-resolution video quickly. Likewise, the write speed of 4724.17 MB/s means that saving files is fast, making this SSD highly capable. Through testing, using DaVinci Resolve to edit some 4K video shot on the Canon EOS R5C, the machine handled the footage relatively well. The only limitation was that I quickly ran out of internal storage. As I ran through basic apps on the machine and tested Microsoft Office, installation was quick, and running Word, Excel, and creating a PowerPoint presentation all proved well within this machine’s capabilities. With a Windows Experience Score of 8.2, this is exactly where a machine like this should be. It will provide anyone who requires intermediate to advanced Windows use with the power to get through a full day’s work without issue. Pushing the machine further, I tested Photoshop, and it handled images smoothly, with only a slight slowdown in thumbnail rendering when JPEG and RAW files were opened in Adobe Bridge. However, once images were selected and opened in Photoshop itself, everything sped up, and enhancements using brushes and effects were applied smoothly. Switching over to video editing, I used DaVinci Resolve with 4K footage from the Canon camera, and again, the system handled the footage with relative ease. What became apparent was that as effects and edits started to build up, the system began to struggle around the 10-minute mark, and by 15 minutes, there was a notable delay as we reached the machine’s maximum capabilities. However, for 1080p footage and most standard 4K footage shot on consumer devices and cameras, this machine was more than powerful enough. This was highlighted by the Cinebench score of 16,194 for the CPU multi-core test and 1,019 for the CPU single-core test. Wanting to really push the system, I moved on to gaming, loading up 3DMark and running a variety of benchmarking tests. It was impressive to see that the Wild Life score hit a massive 19,371—an excellent result for a mid-range machine. This translated into gameplay, where Hogwarts Legacy and Cyberpunk 2077 ran relatively smoothly, as long as some graphics settings were lowered. Overall, this was an impressive result for a machine in this price range. (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) GMKTec NucBox K11: Final verdict (Image credit: Alastair Jennings) The GMKTec NucBox K11 is a mid-range gaming mini PC that has the power and upgradeability to make it a great option for creative users as well as small businesses. There are several points that I really like about this particular machine, and the first of those is the upgradeability. You can upgrade this machine as your budget allows, and if you already own a Mini PC that you’re looking to upgrade, it’s more than likely that you can transfer the SSD and the RAM across from that old machine to this new one, thus saving you some money. Another feature that I really like and that will appeal to many creative users is the fact that it has two USB4 ports. This enables the fast connection of external hard drives and other accessories, which is essential when you’re handling large files that can slow down other systems. With a large external hard drive attached, this frees up internal memory space, especially when it’s limited to the 1TB SSD in our review unit. While the upgradeability and USB4 ports are great features, what really elevates this mini PC is the fact that it has the OCULINK connector on the front. This essentially enables you to connect to an eGPU, such as the GP1, which not only boosts graphics performance but also improves almost every other area of performance for this Mini PC. So, once again, you can start with the barebones setup, upgrade the RAM and storage, and then add an external GPU. Obviously, this will cost quite a bit more, but it eventually puts this Mini PC in the same performance territory as far larger and more expensive desktop machines. At the end of the test, I have to say I’m really impressed with the GMKTec K11. It has a couple of features that are very much aimed at attracting gamers, but in reality, you can switch off the LEDs and ignore the transparent top. What you have underneath is a very proficient work machine at an affordable price. It also, unlike many other Mini PCs, gives you plenty of options to upgrade, which not only boosts performance but also helps increase the longevity of use for a machine like this. Should I buy a GMKTec NucBox K11? Swipe to scroll horizontally Value Great value for money and with huge amounts of upgrade options 5/5 Design There is some LED flair for gamers, but most users will find the upgradeability the real appeal 4/5 Features As an out-of-the-box computing solution, there’s plenty on offer with features that enable you to upgrade and expand 4.5/5 Performance The base-level performance is excellent and aimed at mid-range users, but there is the possibility to boost with an eGPU 4/5 Overall Great value for money and decent performance considering its mid-range position 4/5 Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… Want to do more with your machine? We reviewed the best video editing computers you can get. Source link #GMKtecNucBox #K11 #mini #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Game Footy Tipping: Early Bird prize winner Joseph Pool’s getaway becomes reality The Game Footy Tipping: Early Bird prize winner Joseph Pool’s getaway becomes reality The Game Footy Tipping’s Early Bird prize has made one lucky West *********** tipster’s dreams of a New Zealand getaway reality. Source link #Game #Footy #Tipping #Early #Bird #prize #winner #Joseph #Pools #getaway #reality Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I love my new Ozempic body and I’d take the shots all over again — but there’s one unsettling downside I love my new Ozempic body and I’d take the shots all over again — but there’s one unsettling downside She’s tying up loose ends. Amy Kane is a poster girl for trendy weight loss shots like Ozempic, having dropped from a size 24 to a size 4 in less than two years while on the pricey jabs. But the mom of three’s eyebrow-raising journey, starting at 300 lbs. and going all the way down to 135 lbs., wasn’t without its drawbacks. Mom of three Amy Kane underwent a radical transformation in less than two years thanks to trendy weight loss shots — and she’d do it all over again in spite of one significant downside. Instagram/amyinhalf Kane plummeted from 300 lbs. down to 135 lbs. on the pricey jabs — and now she wants to help others do the same. Instagram/amyinhalf Kane, 34, loves the confidence-boosting comments and a perceived difference in the way people treat her in public — but underneath her new skinny clothes, she’s struggling to sort out the excess of saggy skin hanging around her midsection like a bad memory. And Kane, who has become something of a viral sensation on social media for her dramatic “before and after” photos, has been showing off her stubborn middle — to help other newly-skinny types struggling with the problem feel comfortable discussing the lesser-known side effect of the pricey jabs. Kane looks a completely different person after undergoing the radical transformation. Instagram/amyinhalf Dr. Siamak Agha, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California, told the Daily Mail that there has been an uptick in the number of patients coming in for excess skin removal after finding success on drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy. Besides the stomach, Agha said, patients are presenting with extra skin around their faces and necks, as well as significant droopage in the posterior area. And while Kane is lucky that her problem can easily be covered up by her new designer duds, underneath, she’s still struggling to shrink her stomach down. She said she moisturizes daily and has also leaned on a treatment called Neveskin, which is said to tighten the skin by giving it the hot and cold treatment. But you won’t hear Kane speaking negatively of her situation. “I’ll take this all day because my health has got a lot better,” she said. Buying the right clothes certainly helps, the thinfluencer recently told The Post. “Invest in your health by buying yourself a dress or a pair of jeans that make you feel good,” she said. “That’s part of the weight loss process and feeling good in your new body.” Throughout her rapid transition, Kane admitted, she found herself purchasing clothes “three sizes too big.” “But I’ve always loved fashion, and I’m happier now that I can go into any store and find great options for my body,” she explained, revealing that she’d recently snagged some leather pants — paired with calf-clinging fall boots. “Shopping can still be a little triggering,” she admitted. “But now, it’s way less anxiety-inducing.” Source link #love #Ozempic #body #shots #unsettling #downside Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More tariff pauses — but Nasdaq enters correction More tariff pauses — but Nasdaq enters correction U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office, on the day he signs executive orders, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. March 6, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump expanded his tariff pause to goods coming in from Canada and Mexico, so long as they satisfy terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal between all countries. Unlike Trump’s Wednesday reprieve to automakers, which bumped up stocks, investors weren’t relieved this time. All major U.S. benchmarks sank, with the Nasdaq Composite limping into correction territory and losing its post-election Trump bump. That might be because the Trump administration seems to be doubling down on tariffs, even as it acknowledges — and dismisses — the repercussions of such levies. Trump brushed off the idea that he’s watching the markets, causing dismay in investors who were banking on the “Trump put,” the idea that the current president would prevent a steep drop in the stocks. Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent waved away the idea of “cheap goods” as integral to the “American dream.” What you need to know today Tariff pause on some goodsGoods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico, and which are compliant with the North American trade agreement known as the USMCA, will be temporarily excluded from U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on both countries, a White House official told reporters Thursday. That covers around 38% of ********* imports and 50% of ******** ones, according to another official. The reprieve will last until April 2. Exports growth in China slowsChina’s exports in the January to February ******* rose 2.3% in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, significantly undershooting expectations of a 5% increase in a Reuters poll. It’s also much lower than the growth of 10.7% in December. Separately, China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said the U.S. should not impose “arbitrary tariffs” or return goodwill with hostility, and he emphasized that the two countries would both be part of the world for a long time, requiring “peaceful coexistence.” U.S. creates Strategic Bitcoin ReserveTrump signed an executive order on Thursday creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. White House crypto and AI czar David Sacks wrote in a post on X that the reserve will be funded exclusively with bitcoin seized in criminal and civil forfeiture cases. Additionally, the order establishes a U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile, managed by the Treasury Department, to hold other confiscated cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin prices fell to as low as $84,688.13 on the news, as investors were disappointed by the U.S. not having plans to purchase the currency. ‘Not even looking at the market’: TrumpWhen asked on Thursday whether the decision to pause tariffs on many products from Canada and Mexico for one month was because of the stock market, Trump said it had he’s “not even looking at the market.” He added that in the long term “the United States will be very strong with what is happening here.” Trump also blamed “globalist countries and companies that won’t be doing well” for recent losses in equities. U.S. Treasury Secretary dismisses ‘cheap goods’U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Thursday said during a speech to the Economic Club of New York that “access to cheap goods is not the essence of the American dream.” He added that Trump considers tariffs to have three benefits: as a revenue source for the government, as a way to protect industries and workers from unfair practices around the world, and as “the third leg to the stool” as Trump “uses it for negotiating.” More layoffs than during pandemic eraU.S. employers announced 172,017 layoffs for February, up 245% from the previous month and the highest monthly count since July 2020 during the Covid pandemic, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported Thursday. More than one-third of the total came from billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts, with Trump’s blessing, to slash the federal headcount. Challenger put the total of announced federal job cuts at 62,242. Markets grow tired of tariff changesU.S. stocks tumbled Thursday on tariff flip-flop fatigue. The S&P 500 fell 1.78% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.99%. The Nasdaq Composite slumped 2.61% to enter correction territory, meaning it has fallen 10% from a recent high. The tech-heavy index has also wiped out all its post-election gains. On Friday, Asia-Pacific markets tracked Wall Street lower. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.25% as yields on long-term Japan government bonds rose to their highest level since 2008. European Central Bank cuts ratesThe European Central Bank on Thursday cut interest rates by 25 basis points and updated the language in its decision to say monetary policy was becoming “meaningfully less restrictive.” The cut brings the ECB’s deposit facility rate, its key rate, to 2.5% — a move that markets had widely priced in before the announcement. ECB President Christine Lagarde said no Governing Council members opposed the cut, but one central bank governor abstained. [PRO] Semi ETF forms dreaded patternThe early part of 2025 has not been kind to semiconductor stocks. An ETF tracking a basket of semiconductor companies is down double digits in the past month, in contrast to its 38.5% jump in 2024. The semiconductor ETF’s latest movement has formed a dreaded chart pattern — the first time it’s done so in more than two years — which could signal more trouble ahead. And finally… Traders across the globe are monitoring updates to U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy. Spencer Platt | Getty Images Global bonds sell off as investors react to Trump’s tariffs and a ******* ‘paradigm shift’ Government borrowing costs rose across the globe on Thursday. Yields on ******* government bonds skyrocketed on Wednesday, with the yield on the 10-year debt instruments adding around 30 basis points. The 10-year bund yield, seen as a benchmark for the wider euro zone, rose at the start of Thursday’s trading session before trending lower. Deutsche Bank research strategist Jim Reid said in a note to clients on Thursday morning that Germany’s political gear shift had helped fuel a greater appetite for riskier assets in Europe. “There’s no doubt that markets are pricing in a once-in-a-generation policy regime shift, which has brought about a huge risk-on move for European assets,” he said. Source link #tariff #pauses #Nasdaq #enters #correction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Costco checks plenty of key boxes for investors despite missing on earnings – CNBC Costco checks plenty of key boxes for investors despite missing on earnings – CNBC Costco checks plenty of key boxes for investors despite missing on earnings CNBCCostco Stock Dips In Buy Range On Earnings Miss Investor’s Business DailyCostco Wholesale Corp (COST) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Sales Growth and … Yahoo FinanceCostco misses quarterly profit estimates on rising merchandise costs ReutersCostco says customers could stay cautious due to inflation and tariffs. ‘When it rains, it rains on everyone,’ CEO says. MarketWatch Source link #Costco #checks #plenty #key #boxes #investors #missing #earnings #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

***** Jones: Olympic champion quits taekwondo to pursue boxing ***** Jones: Olympic champion quits taekwondo to pursue boxing One of Wales’ most successful Olympians, Jones admits there is a degree of sadness at giving up taekwondo, having represented Team GB at four Olympics and having won two gold medals, as well as winning a World Championship. Jones became the youngest Team GB Olympic gold medallist when she sensationally won gold at her first attempt, as a 19-year-old at the 2012 London Games and held onto her crown four years later in Rio de Janeiro. Disappointment followed at the 2020 Tokyo Games which she later described as the “biggest low” of her career. At Paris 2024, Jones’ bid for Olympic history ended in early defeat in the taekwondo -57kg first round. She was bidding to become the first three-time Olympic champion in the sport’s history and defeat left Jones “devastated”. Jones lost to Macedonia’s Miljana Reljikj on the number of registered hits, used as a tie-breaker after three even rounds. Jones has now chosen to step away from the sport she loves. “My family have been a little bit sad about me giving up taekwondo,” she added. “I’ve never used my hands. After 20 years of using my feet I am switching it up. “Boxing is good for me. It started as a distraction but now I am going to go for it, because I am just loving it.” Source link #***** #Jones #Olympic #champion #quits #taekwondo #pursue #boxing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Myer shares could more than double under Olivia Wirth’s leadership: Morgan Stanley Myer shares could more than double under Olivia Wirth’s leadership: Morgan Stanley A leading broker is forecasting big gains for Myer shares and reckons the market is underestimating the company’s ability to become a retail powerhouse as it folds in Solomon Lew’s portfolio of fashion brands. Source link #Myer #shares #double #Olivia #Wirths #leadership #Morgan #Stanley Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Philippine ‘Angels’ aim to de-escalate South China Sea encounters Philippine ‘Angels’ aim to de-escalate South China Sea encounters Seawoman Second Class Stephane Villalon’s voice reverberated on the bridge of her Philippine ship as she issued a radio challenge to a much larger ******** Coast Guard vessel in a disputed area of the South China Sea. The five-foot-tall (152-centimetre) radio operator is one of the Philippine Coast Guard’s 81 “Angels of the Sea”, graduates of an all-women training programme aimed at defusing encounters in the critical waterway. “China Coast Guard vessel 5303, this is Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Bagacay MRRV-4410. You are advised that you are currently sailing within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone,” she said during an encounter videotaped last month. “You are directed to depart immediately and notify us of your intention.” Villalon’s action during the incident was precisely what the coast guard envisioned when it launched the Angels programme four years ago. Beijing claims most of the South China Sea despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and its coast guard has clashed repeatedly with that of the Philippines, sparking fears of an armed conflict. “(The programme) helps with our engagement with the China Coast Guard because we are utilising women, who are naturally not aggressive, not confrontational,” Coast Guard Spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente told AFP. That framing of women’s nature drew charges of sexism when the programme first launched in 2021. Congresswoman Arlene Brosas argued at the time it trivialised the South China Sea dispute by suggesting “maternal” voices might calm situations. But while Philippine geopolitics analyst Andrea Wong agreed overemphasising “female characteristics” was problematic, she told AFP the programme was a “positive effort” capable of utilising women’s strengths in a real way. “The most important thing is harnessing their full potential, whether it be their language skills (or) communication skills.” For Villalon, the radio operator, the programme’s central premise needs no defending. “A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique, makes us more fit for this role,” the 28-year-old told AFP. While the Philippine Coast Guard has hundreds of operators, it is the Angels who are routinely dispatched for missions in tense areas of the South China Sea, Ricafrente said. “Angels of the Sea is a testament that there are things that women can do more effectively than men, especially in our thrust of communicating with our maritime law enforcement counterparts,” he said. “They don’t feel threatened when they talk to women.” – ‘Words instead of weapons’ – Villalon said she felt proud to represent Filipinas in spaces typically dominated by men, especially with regional tensions rising. “I focus on my job… (and) just deliver my speech,” she said of her approach during encounters with ******** vessels, adding she drew inspiration from her mother, a housewife who taught her to always stand her ground. Villalon told AFP her ******** counterpart’s tone went from aggressive to calm as she addressed him during last month’s episode near the contested Scarborough Shoal. Spokesman Ricafrente said the coast guard was committed to exhausting every means of de-escalating tensions in the South China Sea. “Nobody wants war, nobody wants conflict… the business of the coast guard is peace,” Ricafrente said, quoting Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan, who dreamt up the Angels programme while still a district commander. Ricafrente said the coast guard hopes to train another batch of Angels this year to coincide with the arrival of new ships from Japan and France that will be used for patrols in the South China Sea. While some question the programme’s effectiveness, Villalon — who will soon start Mandarin classes to improve her communication skills — said she believes in the importance of using “words instead of weapons”. “I have come to realise that I am the kind of woman who is brave,” Villalon said. “Not just because I am willing to fight, but because I want to make fighting unnecessary.” pam/cwl/stu Source link #Philippine #Angels #aim #deescalate #South #China #Sea #encounters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes 7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 – Rotten Tomatoes 7 Films (and 1 TV Series) We Can’t Wait to See at SXSW 2025 Rotten Tomatoes21 Buzzy SXSW Premieres: ‘Another Simple Favor,’ ‘The Threesome,’ ‘F–––toys,’ ‘The Age of Disclosure’ and More VarietyThe Best Pop-Ups and Parties at SXSW 2025 Austin MonthlyBrand Events and Immersive Experiences, No Badge Required Austin ChronicleFree music! Chocolate! Shrimp? Over 35 SXSW 2025 events you can experience without a badge Austin American-Statesman Source link #Films #Series #Wait #SXSW #Rotten #Tomatoes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Creator of AI Gaza video shared by Trump on how it was made Creator of AI Gaza video shared by Trump on how it was made When President Donald Trump’s announced a proposal to “take over” the Gaza Strip last month, Solo Avital and his partner created an AI video intended as satire. It was briefly posted on social media but than removed. Weeks later, the president himself shared the video on Truth Social platform. In an interview with BBC News, Avital said the clip highlighted the dangers of AI’s ability to create highly convincing fake content. Source link #Creator #Gaza #video #shared #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paris Gare du Nord train traffic disrupted after WW2 bomb found Paris Gare du Nord train traffic disrupted after WW2 bomb found French police closed traffic to and from Paris Gare du Nord train station on Friday after an unexploded World War II bomb was found on tracks leading to the terminal, train companies reported. The bomb was found during overnight works on the tracks, train line RER B posted on X. Media said the discovery was made in the area of Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris. The Eurostar and all other trains were halted as police worked to disable the device. Eurostar’s website shows three trains scheduled to depart on Friday morning were cancelled. Traffic was postponed until at least 10:00 local time (09:00 GMT), RER B posted in its latest update. Eurostar said on its update that “due to an object on the tracks near Paris Gare du Nord, we are expecting disruption to our services this morning”. Passengers could exchange their ticket for free to travel at another date or time in the same class, subject to availability, the train company said. Source link #Paris #Gare #Nord #train #traffic #disrupted #WW2 #bomb Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Phillip Dixon, man shot in hand by police in Craigie a no-show in Joondalup Magistrates Court Phillip Dixon, man shot in hand by police in Craigie a no-show in Joondalup Magistrates Court Yet another sitting at a Perth court was left baffled on Friday when Phillip Geoffrey Dixon failed to appear again in relation to the Craigie shooting. Source link #Phillip #Dixon #man #shot #hand #police #Craigie #noshow #Joondalup #Magistrates #Court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know – CNN Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know – CNN Europe scrambles to rearm as Trump threatens security guarantees and Russian threat looms. Here’s what to know CNNFriday Briefing The New York TimesKey takeaways from Europe’s emergency summit on Ukraine Al Jazeera EnglishEU tiptoes around Trump as it scales up its homegrown defence Financial Times Source link #Europe #scrambles #rearm #Trump #threatens #security #guarantees #Russian #threat #looms #Heres #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

European leaders commit to working together on defence European leaders commit to working together on defence A sea change in geopolitics spurred by US President Donald Trump has prompted European Union leaders to commit to strengthening defences by working together. Source link #European #leaders #commit #working #defence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone – The New York Times Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone – The New York Times Brisbane, Australia, Braces for Powerful Cyclone The New York Times’Scary’ tropical Cyclone Alfred nears Queensland BBC.comBrisbane and Eastern Australia Braces for Powerful Cyclone Alfred The New York Times‘IGNORING WARNINGS’: Disgraceful Cyclone Alfred scenes emerge news.com.au Source link #Brisbane #Australia #Braces #Powerful #Cyclone #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Six Nations 2025: Gibson-Park v Dupont could take centre stage in Ireland-France showdown Six Nations 2025: Gibson-Park v Dupont could take centre stage in Ireland-France showdown Peruse Ireland and France’s line-ups for Saturday’s potential title decider and you’ll find no shortage of instantly compelling head-to-head battles. Caelan Doris v Gregory Alldritt pits two of the world’s best number eights against one another, Andrew Porter v Uini Atonio will be an engrossing scrum-time tussle, while powerhouse Irish centre Bundee Aki will meet his match in Yoram Moefana. But naturally, most eyes are drawn to the battle of the scrum-halves. In Antoine Dupont, France have a generational talent. A world player of the year in both the 15s and sevens codes, an Olympic gold medallist and a poster boy for his sport, Dupont has gleefully exhausted superlatives in recent years. His otherworldly gifts even moved his Toulouse team-mates to refer to him as ‘the Martian’, Emmanuel Meafou revealed last year. Dupont’s worthy adversary on Saturday is Jamison Gibson-Park. ‘Jamo’ to his team-mates, he is Ireland’s unflappable metronome and the frontrunner to wear nine for the British and Irish Lions in Australia this summer. “Yeah, it will be interesting,” said Ireland interim head coach Simon Easterby. “Two fabulous players at the peak of their game. There a number of individual battles across the teams, but that one will be pretty special.” This will not be the first time Gibson-Park and Dupont have crossed paths, of course. They have twice met in the Champions Cup, including last year’s final when Dupont’s Toulouse beat Gibson-Park’s Leinster in extra-time. They have met three times in the Six Nations, although not since 2022 (Gibson-Park was injured in 2023 while Dupont skipped last year’s championship). This time, the stakes are suitably sky-high. Source link #Nations #GibsonPark #Dupont #centre #stage #IrelandFrance #showdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super Rugby Women: Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says teammates ready for blockbuster Waratahs clash Super Rugby Women: Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says teammates ready for blockbuster Waratahs clash Western Force lock Sera Naiqama says the challenge of knocking off the all-conquering Waratahs remains is one her side will relish as they look to kick-start their Super Rugby Women’s season. Source link #Super #Rugby #Women #Western #Force #lock #Sera #Naiqama #teammates #ready #blockbuster #Waratahs #clash Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korea court cancels President Yoon's arrest warrant – Reuters South Korea court cancels President Yoon's arrest warrant – Reuters South Korea court cancels President Yoon’s arrest warrant ReutersSouth Korean court orders impeached president released from jail The Associated PressSouth Korean court orders release of President Yoon Suk Yeol as he awaits impeachment ruling CNNSouth Korean President Yoon to Be Released From Jail, YTN Says Bloomberg Source link #South #Korea #court #cancels #President #Yoon039s #arrest #warrant #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – More Majima, Please | TNS Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii Review – More Majima, Please | TNS “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is an Action, Adventure, RPG from the great Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. They have developed the entire Yakuza series which has recently been renamed the Like a Dragon series. Their publisher, ***** has been by their side since the very beginning and has made this series great.” Ruddy @ Thumb Culture Source link #Dragon #Pirate #Yakuza #Hawaii #Review #Majima #TNS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

European Indoor Athletics: Femke Bol leads Netherlands home in 4x400m mixed relay European Indoor Athletics: Femke Bol leads Netherlands home in 4x400m mixed relay Femke Bol leads the Netherlands team to gold in the 4x400m mixed relay on the opening night of the European Indoor Athletics Championships in Apeldoorn. Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s quartet takes the bronze behind Belgium in silver. READ MORE: Hunter Bell leads British hopes at European Indoors Available to *** users only. Source link #European #Indoor #Athletics #Femke #Bol #leads #Netherlands #home #4x400m #mixed #relay Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFL season 2025: West Coast Eagles fans will not like Jack Darling’s resurgence at North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL season 2025: West Coast Eagles fans will not like Jack Darling’s resurgence at North Melbourne Kangaroos Former West Coast star Jack Darling could be just the tonic North Melbourne need to make their attack click in 2025, according to Channel Seven AFL expert Abbey Holmes. Holmes will again host Seven’s Friday night football coverage alongside James Brayshaw and this year will also host Sunday afternoon games, some of which will feature legendary broadcaster Bruce McAvaney. She said with the additions the Roos had made in the off-season, notably Luke Parker from Sydney and Darling from the Eagles, North Melbourne fans might finally have a season to cheer about. “So excited to see North Melbourne and how far they’ve come. They’ve added some real experience in Darling,” she said. “All of you West Coast people over there probably didn’t like it much seeing him in the blue and white, but I loved watching him in that community series game. “Just the presence that he was able to have in that forward half and and to, I guess, help the likes of (Nick) Larkey, who’s had to shoulder a lot of the load over the last few years.” The AFLW flag-winner said she was also hotly anticipating tonight’s match between “two of the most exciting clubs to watch in 2024” and said there was more pressure on the Hawks despite Sydney having to rebound from their nightmare grand final loss. “Last year, the Hawks probably over delivered in terms of what was expected from them,” she told The Nightly. “My biggest question on the Hawks this year, is now there is that pressure and that expectation of them to perform each and every week, can they back it up? “They didn’t have that last year, everybody watched in awe of what these young players like Calsher Dear and Nick “Wizard” Watson were able to do. We all just applauded that.” Camera IconAbbey Holmes says Jack Darling has been a great addition to North Melbourne’s squad. Credit: Seven Network/Seven Network Holmes said she lived and breathed footy but it didn’t mean she was a great tipster. The face of The Game tipping competition, along with Richmond legend and fellow Channel Seven colleague Matthew Richardson, joked picking the winners each week was “high stakes” within Seven’s AFL team. “As long as I beat Matty Richardson, I’m a very happy girl. Being considered experts in the game is hard to live up. It’s high pressure, high stakes, but bring it on. We’re really looking forward to fans taking us on in The Game, so jump on and be a part of the competition,” she said. Holmes said everybody at Seven was “just raring to go” with the first bounce just hours away. “We got together a couple of weeks ago for our Seven AFL promo day, and it was the first time that we’ve all been together in the same room. And there’s just a real buzz,” she said. “We’ve got some new faces on Seven AFL this year, which is very, very exciting. So I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it and to working alongside some new people this year as well. “There’s nothing like prime time footy under lights, the fanfare and being there at boundary level amongst the players and the coaches. “I’m a die-hard footy fan. I love the game. I know the game; I played the game. It really is a dream and a real privilege to be in the position to watch the action up close.” Collingwood have the backing of most of The Nightly expert tipsters, including Holmes, in Sunday’s game against Greater Western Sydney. To get involved and tip against Holmes and Richardson as well as your friends just click here. Watch Sydney v Hawthorn live and free on 7 and 7plus from 7.30pm AEDT Source link #AFL #season #West #Coast #Eagles #fans #Jack #Darlings #resurgence #North #Melbourne #Kangaroos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Major powers should not bully the weak', China foreign minister says – Reuters 'Major powers should not bully the weak', China foreign minister says – Reuters ‘Major powers should not bully the weak’, China foreign minister says Reuters‘Two sessions’ 2025: China hits out at US Pacific policy ‘failure’, tariffs war – as it happened South China Morning PostWorld must listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support it, Wang says China DailyChinese FM responds to Global Times about some who question UN’s role and authority being weakened Global TimesLive Updates: ******** FM meets press on foreign policy, relations CGTN Source link #039Major #powers #bully #weak039 #China #foreign #minister #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red Bull: What is at stake in 2024 and could Max Verstappen leave? Red Bull: What is at stake in 2024 and could Max Verstappen leave? Verstappen’s fourth title was founded on the points advantage he built in a brief ******* of dominance at the start of the year, and an outstanding performance from the Dutchman for the remainder of the season. From the sixth race of the season in Miami, the car no longer retained the massive advantage over the rest of the field it had enjoyed in the first five races, or the two preceding years. Yes, it ended the year as on average the fastest car in qualifying – by 0.052 seconds over the McLaren. But take the numbers from Miami onwards and the McLaren was faster by 0.053secs. Over the second half the season, the McLaren was faster by 0.142secs and Red Bull were also slower than Ferrari – by 0.008secs. Had McLaren started the season in a stronger position, therefore, Verstappen’s championship would have been a lot harder to win. Red Bull’s issue was that a fundamental balance disconnect became more apparent as they tried to add performance to their car. They struggled to solve their mid-corner, slow-speed understeer without creating oversteer in the fast corners. Newey said: “Already through the very last stages of ’23, the car was starting to become more difficult to drive,” Newey said. “Max could handle it. Checo (Sergio Perez) couldn’t. “That carried into the first part of ’24, but the car was still quick enough to be able to cope with it. “It’s something I was starting to become concerned about, but not many other people in the organisation seemed to be very concerned about it. “And from what I can see from the outside, but I don’t know… the guys at Red Bull, this is no criticism, but I think they just – perhaps through lack of experience – kept going in that same (development) direction. And the problem became more and more acute, to the point that even Max found it difficult to drive.” Red Bull believe they lost ground because they did not exploit aero-elasticity of front wings as much as McLaren, Mercedes and later Ferrari. This method of construction enables teams to build the carbon-fibre in their front-wing in such a way as to have the elements flex downwards at high speed, reducing downforce and therefore oversteer, but have them move back into optimum downforce mode at slower speeds. New rules for this season limit the flexibility of wings – at the rear from the first race, and at the front from the Spanish Grand Prix in June. The question is whether this was the sole issue Red Bull faced, and whether they can catch up the ground McLaren and Ferrari made last year, and whatever development progress their rivals have made over the winter. Source link #Red #Bull #stake #Max #Verstappen #leave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]