Pelican Press

South Korea says number injured in fighter jet misfire rises to 29 – Reuters South Korea says number injured in fighter jet misfire rises to 29 – Reuters South Korea says number injured in fighter jet misfire rises to 29 ReutersFifteen hurt after SK fighter jets drop bombs by accident BBC.comSouth Korean Fighter Jets Mistakenly Bomb Village, Leaving 7 Injured The New York Times‘Like a battle field’: See South Korean city after jets accidentally drop bombs on homes CNNMoment fighter jet accidentally bombs civilian area in South Korea Al Jazeera English Source link #South #Korea #number #injured #fighter #jet #misfire #rises #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NSW government eliminates 99 per cent of rent bidding NSW government eliminates 99 per cent of rent bidding Dodgy landlords and real estate agents trying to bully tenants into paying a higher rate have all but been eliminated from one state. Source link #NSW #government #eliminates #cent #rent #bidding Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

KC area ******** restaurant of 33 years to close all its locations ‘with heavy hearts’ KC area ******** restaurant of 33 years to close all its locations ‘with heavy hearts’ A Kansas City area ******** restaurant that’s been around for 33 years will close all of its locations. Salty Iguana announced on its social media pages Wednesday that it will permanently close all three of its restaurants. “It is with heavy hearts that we make the very difficult decision to permanently close Salty Iguana,” the statement reads. “This Tuesday was our last day of business at the Independence location and we will not reopen our Prairie Village and Lawrence locations. “After being open for more than 30 years, we are so grateful to our amazing customers & staff that made Salty Iguana feel like home. … We have loved being a part of the Kansas City & Lawrence communities!” On Friday, the Kansas Department of Revenue seized Salty Iguana’s Prairie Village (8228 Mission Road) and Lawrence locations for hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes. The KDOR said in a statement that the Prairie Village spot owed $102,160.24 and the Lawrence spot owed $103,204.96 in sales and liquor taxes, respectively. After the Prairie Village location was seized, Salty Iguana told The Star in a statement Friday that the company was trying to resolve the issue. “Our family business has been waiting for the Employee Retention Credit Refund from the IRS for two years and we have hired a tax attorney to expedite this matter,” the statement read. “The attorney is confident that we should receive the refund soon.” The Independence spot, 17717 U.S. Hwy 40, remained open a few days after the seizure before closing permanently. Salty Iguana began at its Prairie Village spot in 1992. It offered margaritas, quesadillas, fajitas and other ******** dishes. Last year, the chain decided to close its Olathe location at 10478 S. Ridgeview Road. Its Overland Park location, 8420 W. 135th St., closed in 2019. Customers took to social media to share their support after the announcement Wednesday. “This is the worst day ever!!” one user wrote. “Please share your salsa and queso recipes,” said another. Source link #area #******** #restaurant #years #close #locations #heavy #hearts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Chaos: The Manson Murders’ Review: All You Ever Knew is Suspect – The New York Times ‘Chaos: The Manson Murders’ Review: All You Ever Knew is Suspect – The New York Times ‘Chaos: The Manson Murders’ Review: All You Ever Knew is Suspect The New York Times’CHAOS: The Manson Murders’ Review: Errol Morris’ Netflix Doc Hollywood Reporter‘Chaos: The Manson Murders’ Review: Errol Morris’ Netflix Doc Explores the Secret History of Charles Manson IndieWire‘CHAOS: The Manson Murders’ Review: Errol Morris’ Manson Documentary Gets Lost in the Fog of Conspiracy Variety’Chaos: The Manson Murders’ offers new theories on the infamous killings The Arizona Republic Source link #Chaos #Manson #Murders #Review #Knew #Suspect #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More charges for broadcaster Jones before court return More charges for broadcaster Jones before court return Alan Jones will soon return to court to fight dozens of charges, and police have just announced another in relation to an 11th alleged victim. Source link #charges #broadcaster #Jones #court #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Board of GJ Regional addresses city and county leaders on state of airport Board of GJ Regional addresses city and county leaders on state of airport GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) Authority held a meeting Thursday, discussing the current state of the airport to city and county leaders. In 2024, GJT saw record passenger numbers, serving over 571,000 throughout the year. Executive Director of GJT Angela Padalecki says the airport set a new goal for this year. “We’ve set a goal as an airport to hit that 600,000-passenger mark and we really hope that we’ll hit it this year, as we see airlines invest more and more into Grand Junction.” Also highlighted was an impact study conducted by the Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics, finding GJT generated $817 million in total business revenue. The airport is also in the process of constructing a new runway that will replace the primary runway. The runway replacement program relies mostly on federal funding. So far, GJT has obtained over $135 million for the project. “In 2018, we broke ground on our runway replacement program. It’s a program to replace the primary runway at the airport. We’re expected to finish that program in 2030.” Padalecki talks about the scope of the project and how big it really is. “Runways are expensive, they’re huge. The service area alone is the equivalent of adding two lanes to I-70 from Horizon Drive to the Utah border.” The runway replacement program allows the airport to remain open with very little operational impact during construction that happens outside the fence of the runway that’s used currently. WesternSlopeNow will provide more updates on the runway’s construction as it develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Source link #Board #Regional #addresses #city #county #leaders #state #airport Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google Says Android 16 QPR1 Will Introduce Lock Screen Widgets on Smartphones Google Says Android 16 QPR1 Will Introduce Lock Screen Widgets on Smartphones With the release of Android 15 QPR2 in December, Google brought back widgets to the lock screen on tablets, starting with the Pixel Tablet. Ever since, users have been left wondering if the feature would also make its way to smartphones, and it looks like that may happen soon. As part of its Spotlight Week which brings an enhanced focus on widgets, the Mountain View-based technology company has announced that widgets on smartphones will finally arrive with the Android 16 QPR1 update. In a new FAQ page for “Widgets on lock screen”, the company highlighted that lock screen widgets enable users to create a personalised experience on their devices. They can access widgets for checking the time, setting alarms, viewing vital information, reading stock updates, and even managing smart home devices like lights and thermostats. Google says lock screen widgets will be available in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) for mobiles and tablets following the release of Android 16 QPR1. The update itself is scheduled to be pushed to AOSP in late Summer 2025. However, its initial release will not support customisation of the lock screen widget’s user interface by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Thus, it will have the same developer experience irrespective of the device. However, they can pre-set and automatically display default widgets on their respective devices. Meanwhile, the mechanism for triggering widgets is indeed customisable. As per Google, OEMs can select if they wish to have charging or docking status as triggers for widgets. Further, third-party OEMs can also implement their own posture detection. The widgets are expected to be sized to approximately 4 x 3 cells on the launcher although their exact dimensions are said to vary by device. To provide users with the best possible experience, Google advises developers to include support for dynamic colour and resizing in the widgets. They must follow the same quality guidelines as home screen widgets for quality, sizing, and configuration. Developers will initially be able to test their widgets on Pixel Tablet devices which received the support following the Android 15 QPR2 update in December 2024. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a press release) For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub. Source link #Google #Android #QPR1 #Introduce #Lock #Screen #Widgets #Smartphones Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

On a Bench in Hungary, a Promise Leads to a Proposal On a Bench in Hungary, a Promise Leads to a Proposal When Jessye Danielle Marquez met Thomas William Patrick Wood they were both rising juniors in high school and living an ocean apart. They met in July 2014 at the 14th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation World Championship in Debrecen, Hungary. “I see Tom practicing his form kind of casually,” said Ms. Marquez, who was on the American team and dragged to the practice of Mr. Wood’s British team by her “bubbly friend Chelsea from Ireland.” He did quick tricks and strikes with the traditional weapon of the ********* martial arts form — a 25-inch eskrima stick, made of rattan, also known as an arnis or Kali stick. “I was blown away,” Ms. Marquez said. Her friend quickly played matchmaker, and called Mr. Wood over. The two, now both 26, barely spoke that day, but the next day, Ms. Marquez stood by his ring between fights. “We went to the sidelines and started talking,” Ms. Marquez said, and soon she was asking him if he wanted to grab lunch. Mr. Wood, who went to an all-boys school, was a bit nervous around girls. “I had fish and chips playing into the Britishness,” he said, with a laugh. “She had grilled ham and cheese.” As they chatted they realized they had at least one thing in common, other than martial arts: New Jersey. He mentioned that he lived in Short Hills, N.J., until his family moved back to the London area when he was four months old. Ms. Marquez, whose parents are from the Philippines, grew up in nearby Union, N.J. “I quite fancy you,’” Ms. Marquez recalled him saying. She was quite elated and replied, “I like you too.” On the second day of the tournament, a full contact sparring day, they were in each other’s corner. Mr. Wood and Ms. Marquez at the 2018 WEKAF National East Coast Qualifiers in Baltimore. “We’d give each other pep talks and water to hydrate,” she said. They could only drink with a straw while geared up in a padded helmet with a metal face cage. Her father, who was strict when it came to boys, was the grandmaster of the event and busy officiating, but he made sure others kept an eye on her. Each won gold medals in all three events: single stick full contact, double stick full contact and choreographed fight displays. During the closing dinner banquet, they sat next to one another, where he later built up the courage to ask her to step outside with him. “He was saying he really likes me and will miss me,” she said, and they kissed. Teammates, who had spotted them holding hands, cheered when they returned. The next morning, the two slipped away from their hotels at 6 a.m. before catching flights home. On a bench in a little square by a church, they exchanged tearful goodbyes, kissed and committed to each other despite the distance. They kept in touch on Skype, and two weeks after returning home, officially announced their relationship status on Facebook. In February 2015, Ms. Marquez joined her mother and two aunts on a trip to London. Mr. Wood had carefully planned a tour of Central London for just the two of them on Valentine’s Day, followed by dinner at an Italian restaurant. “I walked through all the locations with mum a week before,” he said. Ms. Marquez also visited his family in the London suburb Orpington. When he visited the United States in April, her itinerary included the High Line park, Serendipity in Manhattan for warm brownies with ice cream, and, at his request, Walmart in New Jersey. With college on the horizon in 2016 — he had always planned to go to one in the United States — they decided to keep their choices and decisions independent of each other, and a secret, until their big reveal over Skype in May. [Click here to binge read this week’s featured couples.] In unison, “We both say Rutgers,” she said, followed by joyful shouts. Shortly after they arrived on campus, they naturally joined the ********* Martial Arts club. She graduated from Rutgers with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and he, magna **** laude, with a bachelor’s degree in genetics. Mr. Wood, who is now conducting research at the Columbia University Medical Center, is pursuing a doctorate in genetics and development at Columbia. He also received a master’s degree in genetics and development and a master of philosophy from Columbia. In July 2021, Ms. Marquez, now a behavioral health nurse at Harlem Hospital in Manhattan, moved into his apartment near the medical center. A year later they adopted a gray and brown tabby cat, Miss Breezy. Two years later, in July 2023, Mr. Wood planned a mystery trip to Europe, and proposed on the very bench in Debrecen where they had made their commitment to each other nine years earlier. “Here on this bench I want to commit to you a second time,” he said, getting down on one knee. On Feb. 23, the two married at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, N.J. Douglas Elkerson, a Universal Life minister, and their coach on the Rutgers ********* martial arts team, officiated before 163 guests. At the reception, after the maid of honor handed the bride an eskrima stick, and the best man gave the groom another, their first dance, which began slowly, took off. Guests cheered as they did freestyle tricks with eskrimas at warp speed, twirling them like batons, and ended with a kiss. “This brought us together,” Ms. Marquez said, and “we wanted to share it with people we love.” Source link #Bench #Hungary #Promise #Leads #Proposal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump Signs Order to Create a ‘Crypto Reserve,’ Adviser Says – The New York Times Trump Signs Order to Create a ‘Crypto Reserve,’ Adviser Says – The New York Times Trump Signs Order to Create a ‘Crypto Reserve,’ Adviser Says The New York TimesTrump creates a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve one day ahead of White House crypto summit CNNFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Establishes the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and U.S. Digital Asset Stockpile The White HouseBitcoin Sinks After Trump’s Executive Order Disappoints Market BloombergCryptocurrencies decline as Trump’s U.S. bitcoin reserve plan falls short of expectations CNBC Source link #Trump #Signs #Order #Create #Crypto #Reserve #Adviser #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles collaborates with Sanrio to bring the adorable pup Cinnamoroll to the island of cats Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles collaborates with Sanrio to bring the adorable pup Cinnamoroll to the island of cats Cinnamoroll-themed cosmetics up for grabs Clear themed quests for themed rewards Collab runs until March 16th If you thought that Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles couldn’t get any cuter, Sanrio is here to prove you wrong with its adorable Cinnamoroll crossover. The match-3 puzzler is adding a dashing doggo to the world of cats from now until March 16th, and it’s up to you to make him feel welcome. During the Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles x Cinnamoroll collab event, you can look forward to clearing themed challenges and special quests to score equally adorable rewards, which means the Cinnamoroll House and Cinnamoroll Suit will be up for grabs to prettify your match-3 experience. Apart from the customisation options for your house, the collab also brings lovely cosmetics for your avatar, including a Cinnamoroll Pack you can wear on your back and a Cinnamoroll Pink effect for your avatar. The most adorable one for me is the Sticky Hello Kitty Item, which literally looks like a sticky Hello Kitty item that clings onto your arm for dear life. Yes, please. Oh, and if you ever feel like harnessing the power of the irresistible Sanrio pup, the Puppy Eyes can also brighten up your avatar’s face just because. Or if you’re on the hunt for something else, why not take a look at our list of the best match-3 puzzlers on iOS? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do by downloading Monster Hunter Puzzles: Felyne Isles 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, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Monster #Hunter #Puzzles #Felyne #Isles #collaborates #Sanrio #bring #adorable #pup #Cinnamoroll #island #cats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple Reportedly Developing Refreshed C1 Modem With mmWave Support for iPhone Apple Reportedly Developing Refreshed C1 Modem With mmWave Support for iPhone A refreshed version of Apple’s C1 modem is said to be in development which adds a key functionality missing from the current model, as per the claims by an industry analyst. Introduced with the iPhone 16e last month, the C1 is the Cupertino-based technology giant’s first-ever proprietary cellular modem which potentially reduces the company’s dependency on Qualcomm. However, it is not without its caveats. A glance at the iPhone 16e’s specifications reveals that the phone lacks mmWave support due to this modem, but that may soon change. mmWave Support on Apple’s C1 Modem According to TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, C1 modem’s architecture on the iPhone 16e comprises a 4nm or 5nm baseband, 7nm low-frequency transceivers, 7nm transreceivers for immediate frequency, and a 55nm Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). It only supports up to sub-6GHz 5G. Apple’s C1 modem process technology: – Baseband: 4/5nm (both technologies are similar) – Low-frequency/Sub-6 TRx (Transceivers): 7nm – Intermediate Frequency (IF) TRx: 7nm – PMIC: 55nm The C1 refreshed version is under development for mass production next year, aiming to improve… — 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 6, 2025 Although the company claims C1 to be the “most power-efficient modem ever”, the lack of mmWave, which is the extremely high frequency (EHF) band, potentially results in slower download and upload speeds. To address this, Apple is said to be developing its successor. Kuo claims the refreshed version of the C1 modem is unlikely to adopt a 3nm baseband due to it not being the most power-hungry component in a modem. To enable mmWave support, Apple is expected to add transreceivers and front-end components based on a 28nm node. The analyst emphasises that while adding mmWave support to this modem isn’t particularly a challenging process, balancing between a stable performance and low power consumption remains a hurdle. While Kuo did not reveal which iPhone the new modem could be featured in, Apple was previously reported to also include the C1 modem in the purported iPhone 17 Air. If this phone gets the refreshed variant, users may be able to take advantage of the fastest possible download and upload 5G speeds courtesy of mmWave support, depending on the availability in the region. For details of the latest launches and news from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, OnePlus, Oppo and other companies at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, visit our MWC 2025 hub. Source link #Apple #Reportedly #Developing #Refreshed #Modem #mmWave #Support #iPhone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China’s imports tumble as demand skids and tariffs bite China’s imports tumble as demand skids and tariffs bite China’s imports have unexpectedly shrunk over the January-February *******, while exports lost momentum as escalating tariff pressures from the United States cast a shadow over the recovery in the world’s second-largest economy. The first two months of the year saw the opening salvo of a renewed US-China trade war, with US President Donald Trump imposing an extra 10 per cent levy on ******** goods, arguing Beijing had not done enough to stem the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl. Workers in China also downed tools for the Lunar New Year festival and Trump’s first February 4 tariff deadline hit exporters who had been front-loading shipments to get ahead of the curbs. Analysts say the collapse in imports signals Beijing has begun scaling back purchases of key commodities, as it prepares for four more years of gruelling trade tensions with the second Trump administration. “The drop in imports is seen across grains, iron ore and crude oil, and could be related to China’s own consideration of building strategic reserves,” said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit. “China may have imported too many of them in 2024, and needs to scale back the purchase volume,” he added. “This is certainly true for iron ore, as steel production clearly exceeds what is needed by the economy.” Export momentum had up until now been a bright spot for an economy otherwise struggling with weak household and business confidence caused by a prolonged property market debt crisis. China’s imports fell 8.4 per cent year-on-year, customs data showed on Friday, missing one per cent growth forecast in a Reuters poll of economists and a one per cent uptick in December. Exports from the largest manufacturing nation rose just 2.3 per cent over the same *******, missing expectations for a five per cent increase and slowing from December’s 10.7 per cent gain. “(Slowing exports) may be partly due to the slowdown of export front-loading, which was strong late last year to avoid the trade war,” said Zhang Zhiwei, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management. “The sharp decline of imports may reflect both weak domestic demand as well as a decline in imports for processing trade,” he added. “The damage of higher US tariffs on China’s goods will likely show up next month.” The January-February ******* ended with ******** producers anticipating a second wave of US tariffs and ******** countermeasures, which materialised on March 4, when Trump doubled tariffs on China to 20 per cent. That prompted Beijing to slap 10-15 per cent retaliatory levies on US agriculture exports and restrictions on 25 US firms just minutes after Trump’s tariffs went into effect. ******** policymakers have vowed to prioritise boosting consumption and domestic demand over 2025, which ******** Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday described as “insufficient” and “weak”. “An increasingly complex external environment and rising unilateralism and protectionism may have a greater impact on China’s trade,” Li said, underlining the urgency for China to restructure a growth model that is currently mostly dependent on manufacturing and trade. In a similar vein US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, in a call with ******** Vice Premier He Lifeng in late February, urged China to rebalance its economy. Bessent has repeatedly faulted China’s economy for its over-reliance on exports. China’s manufacturing activity contracted in January, in part due to the Lunar New Year holiday, but expanded in February at its fastest pace in recent months. South Korea, a key indicator of China’s imports, reported a 1.4 per cent contraction in shipments to China in February as trade war fears took hold. China’s customs agency publishes combined January and February trade data to smooth out distortions caused by the shifting timing of the Lunar New Year, which fell between January 28 and February 4 in 2025. Source link #Chinas #imports #tumble #demand #skids #tariffs #bite Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Every Move I Make, She’ll Be Watching Me Every Move I Make, She’ll Be Watching Me At 50, am I too old to be sharing my location with my mother? Source link #Move #Shell #Watching Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

An *********** Wedding So Nice They Celebrated It … Three Times An *********** Wedding So Nice They Celebrated It … Three Times Philip Kanis still remembers the techno warehouse party he hosted in Sydney, Australia, in 2013, when he was assessing the room from the top of a staircase and Mishti Rahman walked in with a mutual friend. “She stood out a lot in the sea of ****** T-shirts and ****** jeans,” he recalled. She was wearing an army jacket off the shoulder, baggy ripped jeans and heeled boots. The two locked eyes and eventually had a brief conversation. At the time, Mr. Kanis was part of a collective that organized underground parties in Sydney. For the next three months, they exchanged eye contact at these parties and had the occasional conversation. Until one day they became Facebook friends. There, the two made plans for a coffee date, but the day they were supposed to meet, Ms. Rahman canceled. She was feeling wary of Mr. Kanis — and, frankly, D.J.s in general. “He probably talks to so many girls,” she recalled thinking. Mr. Kanis said he didn’t blame her for her caution, though he felt such stereotypes did not apply to him. At the time, he’d been trying to figure out what type of career he wanted, and quickly realized throwing parties was not it. “I cut the cord and deleted Facebook and quit the industry and vanished from that scene very quickly,” he said. The two lost touch. Both said they were focused on themselves and their careers and weren’t dating much. Mr. Kanis started working in finance at an investment bank, and Ms. Rahman moved from Sydney to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting, eventually becoming a content creator focused on fashion and beauty. “Thank God we never met for that coffee date,” Ms. Rahman said. “It wasn’t the right time.” Seven years later, in November 2020, she moved back to Sydney. And one day, while running errands, she bumped into him while he was walking his dog. “I just remember seeing her walk across the street, and it was exactly like I remember her seven years before,” he said. “Cute and adorable and stylish.” It turned out that Mr. Kanis lived just a few minutes away, and he had also recently moved into the same neighborhood. “I think we were both really excited that we met someone that’s so long ago in our past,” she said — someone from before their career transitions. So much had happened in that time. They exchanged details and made plans to have dinner a few days later at Da Mario, an Italian restaurant. From then on, the convenience of living just a few blocks away from each other led them to partake in the quotidian activities together: going to the gym, walking his dog, grabbing ice cream after he finished playing basketball. And as Ms. Rahman started delving deeper into her interests in fashion, Mr. Kanis became her plus one to brand events. Their relationship was largely platonic, though, until January 2021, during a screening of “Lost in Translation” at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar, an intimate theater in Sydney. Both movie buffs, Mr. Kanis asked her if she had ever seen the film. He considers it his favorite movie, so when she said no, he made a plan. “It was like a test,” Mr. Kanis said. “I thought, if she likes this film, this is a good sign. And she absolutely loved it.” He watched her face light up during the film, and he squeezed her hand at one point as he realized the woman he had bumped into seven years after spotting her at a warehouse party might be the one for him. They went to a local Japanese bar afterward — appropriate given the movie takes place in Tokyo — and bonded over Sofia Coppola’s cinematography and dreamlike visuals. “It felt different,” Ms. Rahman said. That night, Mr. Kanis opened the car door for her and “was being extra romantic,” she said. Not long after, they became a couple. Binge more Vows columns here and read all our wedding, relationship and divorce coverage here. In July 2023, “Lost in Translation” became the basis of his proposal. During a trip to Tokyo, Mr. Kanis proposed at Park Hyatt Tokyo during sunset. Then, to celebrate, they enjoyed a sweeping view of the city at New York Bar, where parts of “Lost in Translation” was filmed. A band played jazz music and dedicated a song to the couple: “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. Mr. Kanis, 38, is a senior product manager at Amazon. He graduated from the University of Sydney with a bachelor’s degree in physiology and a master’s degree in finance. Ms. Rahman, 32, graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. Both grew up in Sydney. On Jan. 15, the two were married during a civil ceremony at the Pyrmont Wedding Registry in Sydney by Jasmine Diaz. They had burgers at Five Guys afterward. The couple celebrated their wedding with three separate events: one to honor Mr. Kanis’s Greek heritage, one for Ms. Rahman’s Bangladeshi roots and another that consisted largely of their friends. “We both really wanted to do right by each other with our cultures,” Ms. Rahman said. His family wanted a Greek ceremony, hers wanted a traditional ******* ceremony, and the couple had their own vision as well. “And then we were like, let’s not cram all of it into one day,” she added. “Let’s split it up and everyone’s happy and we’re happy.” The first was a Greek garden celebration on Dec. 15 at the Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa in New South Wales with about 50 guests. During the event, for which Mr. Kanis’s family had flown in from northern Greece, the couple participated in a Greek tradition in which they wore crowns of pearls called stefana that were connected by a silk ribbon to symbolize their union. On Jan. 5, they hosted an Italian-inspired ceremony at the same venue for about 50 friends and close family members, during which they read their vows and held a “Renaissance dinner party” with dozens of long-stem candles. And on Jan. 6, they had a nikah, a ******* ceremony, also at Milton Park. For this event, Ms. Rahman wore her maternal grandmother’s cream silk Banarasi sari paired with an ornate gold necklace from Bangladesh. Mr. Kanis wore a silk sherwani that her family had purchased for him in Dhaka. “I used to be such an independent solo person, which I still am,” Ms. Rahman said as she reflected on her relationship with Mr. Kanis. “But I think now I just really appreciate my beautiful relationship with Phil. Life is just so much better doing it with your best friend.” On This Day When Jan. 15, 2025 Where Pyrmont Wedding Registry, Sydney, Australia Mishti Ms. Rahman’s name, Mishti, translates to “sweet” in Bengali, so it’s fitting that she is a big dessert fan. Each celebration featured desserts from her favorite local dessert spot, Sugar House. At their Italian-inspired ceremony, they had pistachio Dutch pancakes. (Pistachio is her favorite flavor.) And during the nikah, they also served Bangladeshi sweets from Shapla Sweets. Five Dresses Throughout the intimate events, Ms. Rahman donned five dresses by designers she admires. At the civil ceremony, she wore a midi dress from a boutique in Bangkok called Poem. At the Greek garden ceremony, she wore a ball gown-style mikado silk white dress by an *********** designer, Karen Willis Holmes. At the Italian-inspired ceremony, she wore a Paolo Sebastian French lace dress, which she called the dress of her dreams, paired with a long veil that covered her entirely. This dress, which has no paneling and was molded to her body type, felt true to her style, she said. Then she changed into a Hollywood-style dress by Michael Lo Sordo. Lastly, her grandmother’s sari, which she wore at the nikah, felt like a family heirloom — “something borrowed.” Party Favors Guests took home cotton candy and match boxes with a drawing of the couple printed on them. The bride said she hoped the match boxes would “spark sweet memories of the night.” Source link #*********** #Wedding #Nice #Celebrated #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cadillac locks in more luxury EVs for Australia Cadillac locks in more luxury EVs for Australia Cadillac is only just starting deliveries of its first new-generation model in Australia, but it has already locked in two more models in what will still be an all-electric SUV-only lineup Down Under. The Lyriq will be book-ended by the smaller five-seat Optiq and the larger, seven-seat Vistiq which, along with the high-performance Lyriq-V, will launch in Australia during 2026. As with the Lyriq, these additional electric SUVs will be built in North America in right-hand drive. They’re all based on the same dedicated electric vehicle (EV) architecture, referred to as BEV3, which also underpins Acura, Buick, Chevrolet and Honda models. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Camera IconJohn Roth with the Vistiq (l) and Optiq (r) Credit: CarExpert Cadillac hasn’t said exactly when during 2026 the new electric SUVs will arrive, and will confirm pricing and specifications closer to their launch. The Lyriq currently starts at $117,000 before on-road costs. “We made a commitment that Cadillac’s incredible all-electric product portfolio would be a truly global offering,” said Cadillac global vice president John Roth. “I’m thrilled to confirm the addition of the Optiq and Vistiq, both of which have planned and engineered to be built in right-hand drive from their inception, and which will build on Cadillac’s electric momentum in the ANZ region.” Camera Icon2026 Lyriq-V Credit: CarExpert Cadillac vehicles will be included with all GM Specialty Vehicles models under the *********** Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations, helping to offset burly V8-powered models like the Chevrolet Corvette and Silverado 1500. However, GM says they were in the plans for our market long before the NVES was announced. “It is a benefit of selling the EVs for sure, but it’s not the sole reason for being… Cadillac has been in the plan for our market for some time,” said GM Australia and New Zealand managing director Jess Bala. Mr Roth had previously confirmed planning for Cadillac’s global relaunch started in 2015. Optiq Revealed in late 2023, the Optiq measures 4820mm long, 2126mm wide and 1644mm tall. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert That makes it 176mm shorter, 81mm narrower and 21mm taller than the Lyriq, but it’s still longer and wider than a mid-sized Audi Q6 e-tron. It also weighs 2355kg. It features a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain producing 224kW of power and 480Nm of torque; a single-motor front-wheel drive configuration is thus far exclusive to China. Power is supplied by an 85kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NCM) lithium-ion battery. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert In the US, the official claim under the stricter EPA test cycle is 486km, and it can be charged at up to 11.5kW on AC power or optionally at 19.2kW. A DC fast-charge rate figure isn’t available, but Cadillac says 127km of range can be added in 10 minutes using a fast-charger. It features coilover strut front suspension, while like the Lyriq there’s a five-link rear and Passive Plus Dampers. Inside, even in the base model there’s a 33-inch curved LED display like the Lyriq with Google built-in, while music can be played through a 19-speaker AKG sound system with Dolby Atmos. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert Other standard equipment includes a wireless phone charger, a fixed panoramic glass roof with a power sunshade, and power-adjustable and heated front seats with driver memory. Stepping up through the Optiq range brings features like a head-up display, ventilated and massaging front seats, and heated outboard rear seats. Vistiq The Vistiq, also revealed late in 2023, is larger than the Lyriq and features an extra row of seating. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert However, it’s smaller than Cadillac’s flagship electric SUVs the Escalade iQ and iQL, which have yet to be locked in for an *********** launch. This three-row electric crossover measures 5222mm long, 2203mm wide and 1804mm tall on a 3094mm wheelbase. That makes it 212mm longer than a Kia EV9, but on a 6mm shorter wheelbase. The base kerb weight is 2869kg. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert While GM ANZ hasn’t confirmed local specifications for this model either, it has made note of the availability of adaptive air suspension which appears to suggest this could be offered here. This feature, not available in the Optiq or Lyriq, is exclusive to Premium Luxury and Platinum models in the US market. The standard suspension features multi-link front and five-link rear setups, with semi-active Chassis Damping Control dampers. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert Only a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain is available, producing 458.6kW and 880Nm and doing the 0-60mph (0-96km/h) dash in 3.7 seconds in Velocity Max mode. The Vistiq uses a 102kWh nickel manganese cobalt aluminium (NCMA) lithium-ion battery, providing a Cadillac-estimated 483km of electric range. In the US, even the entry-level Vistiq comes with heated, ventilated, massaging and 18-way power-adjustable front seats; heated second-row outboard seats; a panoramic sunroof with power sunshade; a fixed-glass roof over the third row; a 33-inch curved display; dual wireless phone chargers; and a 23-speaker AKG Audio system with Dolby Atmos. Stepping up to the Premium Luxury brings adaptive air suspension, active rear steering, an augmented reality head-up display and night vision. Source link #Cadillac #locks #luxury #EVs #Australia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Swedish government proposes to contribute fighter jets to NATO in Poland Swedish government proposes to contribute fighter jets to NATO in Poland STOCKHOLM (Reuters) -NATO’s newest member Sweden plans to contribute up to eight Jas Gripen fighter jets to the defence alliance’s air policing in Poland, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said on Thursday. Stenergard said a day before the one-year anniversary of Sweden’s accession that its government proposes to participate in NATO air policing, and the protection of logistics operations for support to Ukraine, in Poland. “We propose that Sweden contribute a maximum of eight JAS Gripen with associated personnel, including combat command and support units,” she told a press conference. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. “In addition, the government proposes that Sweden contribute air and maritime surveillance capabilities and airborne transport capabilities,” she added. It would be the first time Sweden contributes fighter jets to NATO operations stationed in a country other than Sweden. Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024 as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. (Reporting by Simon Johnson, Anna Ringstrom, editing by Louise Rasmussen) Source link #Swedish #government #proposes #contribute #fighter #jets #NATO #Poland Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump says he asked 'a favor' of Elon Musk to bring back astronauts from ISS – AOL Donald Trump says he asked 'a favor' of Elon Musk to bring back astronauts from ISS – AOL Donald Trump says he asked ‘a favor’ of Elon Musk to bring back astronauts from ISS AOLNASA’s two stuck astronauts are finally closing in on their return to Earth after 9 months in space The Associated PressStarliner crew says they were unaware of any Musk offer for earlier return The Washington PostElon Musk says would have brought NASA astronauts stranded in space months ago, but… The Times of IndiaPresident Trump authorizes Elon Musk to rescue stranded Starliner astronauts USA TODAY Source link #Donald #Trump #asked #039a #favor039 #Elon #Musk #bring #astronauts #ISS #AOL Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Liberal leader Libby Mettam delivers closing message on eve of WA election Liberal leader Libby Mettam delivers closing message on eve of WA election Liberal leader Libby Mettam hit back at an anti-gas heckler whilst delivering her final pitch to voters. Source link #Liberal #leader #Libby #Mettam #delivers #closing #message #eve #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China sets world record, ‘traps’ light for 4,035 seconds to boost quantum information China sets world record, ‘traps’ light for 4,035 seconds to boost quantum information Scientists at the Beijing Academy of Quantum Information Sciences (BAQIS) have shattered the world record for light storage. Recently, they successfully held light-based information for an unprecedented 4,035 seconds – over an hour. “Storing light has always been a challenge across the world,” said Liu Yulong, an associate researcher at BAQIS and the study’s first author, as reported by China’s Xinhua news agency. This remarkable feat represents a major step forward in the quest to harness the power of quantum mechanics. Traditionally, storing light has been a formidable challenge. Photons, the fundamental light particles, travel at incredible speeds, making them notoriously difficult to capture and store. Moreover, directly storing photons is not feasible with current technology. Converting light signals into sound The research team overcame this hurdle by converting light signals into sound signals. Being much slower, these sound signals are easier to manipulate and store. “Think of photons as tiny ****** moving at high speeds. When they collide with a thin film, the light’s amplitude, frequency, and other information are converted into sound signals. By storing these sound signals in the film, we achieve light storage,” added Li Tiefu, another researcher at BAQIS. Utilizing a single-crystal silicon carbide film could effectively trap the light information within the material’s structure. “The key was finding a medium capable of converting light signals into sound signals, effectively ‘trapping’ light,” highlighted Xinhua. “Silicon-carbide crystals, known for their high thermal conductivity and in-plane stress, hold significant promise for the development of high-quality mechanical oscillators,” explained the study. Overcoming previous limitations This innovative approach surpasses previous attempts that relied on materials like metallic aluminum and silicon nitride. These materials suffer from internal material losses and can only maintain vibrations for a fraction of a second. This severely limits the duration of light storage. The superior properties of single-crystal silicon carbide, including its exceptional frequency stability and minimal internal losses. This enabled the researchers to achieve unprecedented storage duration. “Benefiting from extremely high mechanical frequency stability, this interface enables tunable light slowing with group delays extending up to an impressive duration of an hour,” explained the study. Moreover, the single-crystal silicon carbide film performs even at extremely low temperatures. “The high thermal conductivity of cubic silicon-carbide crystals mechanical resonators at low temperatures ensures effective thermalization to millikelvin levels, resulting in exceptional frequency stability and extremely small pure dephasing,” added the researchers in the study. Quantum computing applications The potential applications of this breakthrough are far-reaching. The ability to store light for extended periods could revolutionize quantum computing and enable the development of more powerful and efficient quantum computers. Quantum computers, unlike classical computers, leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. The researchers are now focused on extending the storage duration, increasing information density, and improving compatibility with other quantum technologies. “In the field of quantum information processing, controlling and dissipating heat generated by quantum devices are crucial for maintaining quantum coherence,” concluded the study, which has been published in the journal Nature Communications. Source link #China #sets #world #record #traps #light #seconds #boost #quantum #information Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘I’m Freaking Out’: New Texts Detail Key Minutes of Idaho Murders – The New York Times ‘I’m Freaking Out’: New Texts Detail Key Minutes of Idaho Murders – The New York Times ‘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 NewsText messages shed light on timeline of Idaho college killings: Court documents ABC NewsUnsealed court documents show text messages, 911 call from night of Moscow student murders KREM.com Source link #Freaking #Texts #Detail #Key #Minutes #Idaho #Murders #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Call on controversial wind farm pushed back again Call on controversial wind farm pushed back again Australia’s environment minister has copped heat from both sides of the political spectrum after delaying an approval decision on a contentious wind farm. Tanya Plibersek on Friday pushed back making a call on the 100-turbine proposal at Robbins Island in Tasmania until at least May 9. The project, almost certain to remain in limbo until after the yet-to-be-called federal election, has been the subject of an unsuccessful court challenge from a community group. It has earned the ire of environmentalists, who are concerned about potential impacts on wildlife including the critically endangered migratory orange-bellied parrot. There are also fears building a bridge to the island as part of the project would expose healthy Tasmanian devils to a devastating facial tumour disease. An environment department spokeswoman said additional time was needed to assess new scientific analysis about the parrot’s migration. “The department’s assessment remains ongoing, and a recommendation has not yet been made to the minister,” the spokeswoman said. A decision on the project was due on Friday, a deadline already pushed back from early December. Robbins Island sits in the electorate of Braddon, which is held by the Liberals but considered a key battleground. Liberal candidate Mal Hingston accused Ms Plibersek of pandering to mainland Green votes and said the decision was “disastrous” for jobs in the region. Delays risked investment leaving the island state, the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said. “Demand for power in Tasmania is growing and if we don’t bring online more generation soon, there will be consequences,” chamber chair Wayne Davy said. Conservation group the Bob Brown Foundation also called for an end to delays, saying a “firm no” call should be made. “If after seven years, the proponent … has failed to convince successive ministers that it can operate without impacts on … listed threatened and endangered species, it should be rejected,” campaigner Scott Jordan said. Proponent ACEN Australia was confident the project would meet all the necessary criteria to jump its final approval hurdle. The $3 billion project was expected to inject $600 million into Tasmania’s economy during construction and create up to 400 building and 60 ongoing jobs, managing director David Pollington said. “It will play a key role in supporting Tasmania’s renewable energy target to double capacity by 2040 and contribute to Australia’s clean energy transition,” he said. Source link #Call #controversial #wind #farm #pushed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Billy McFarland says Fyre Festival 2 is ‘moving forward’ in Mexico. Tourism officials say ‘this is an event that does not exist.’ Billy McFarland says Fyre Festival 2 is ‘moving forward’ in Mexico. Tourism officials say ‘this is an event that does not exist.’ Is Fyre Festival 2 actually happening? It depends on who you ask. Billy McFarland, the disgraced founder behind the disastrous 2017 festival, announced that Fyre Festival 2 is scheduled for May 30 to June 2 on Isla Mujeres, an island off of Cancún, Mexico. However, the island’s tourism officials have denied any involvement. “We have no knowledge of this event, nor contact with any person or company about it,” Edgar Gasca, from the tourism directorate of Isla Mujeres, told the Guardian in a story published Feb. 27. “For us, this is an event that does not exist.” Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Yahoo Entertainment reached out to Gasca and the tourism board for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Gasca’s statement stands in contrast to McFarland’s claims on social media as well as in a Feb. 24 interview with Today in which he said “Fyre 2 is real” and that his dream is “finally becoming a reality.” McFarland says it’s still on McFarland, who served nearly four years in prison for fraud related to the 2017 Fyre Festival, is adamant that the event will be a success. In a video statement shared on Instagram Tuesday, the founder doubled down on what he called “twisted” reports by the media. “First, Fyre 2 is real,” he said in the video. “Second, we have incredible partners leading the festival. They’re in charge of all the logistics, productions and operations. This includes an incredible production team in Mexico who does not eff around. There is no way they would ever take on a fake festival.” McFarland also stated that there were accommodations for festivalgoers, which “include contracts, the number of villas, yachts and hotels.” He also said that “artists, athletes and other performers are on board and scheduled for Fyre 2,” though no lineup has been released on its website or on social media. “My partners and I have remained in communication with local and state governments to ensure full compliance and a successful event that benefits the local economy, shares the beauty of the ******** Caribbean with the world and helps make right for all the wrongs,” he said. According to a post shared by festival organizers, Fyre Festival 2 is produced by Lostnights, a “premier live event producer with nearly 20 years of experience.” “Fyre Festival 2 has secured top-tier private venues and hotels in partnership with our local allies who have established communications with the corresponding authorities to ensure full compliance and flawless execution,” the event company said in a statement to the Guardian. Tickets for Fyre Festival 2 went on ***** with packages ranging from $1,400 for general admission to $1.1 million for a luxury package that includes a yacht or villa. The festival website says the Fyre experience includes “water adventures, extreme sports, leisure & wellness, [and] cultural & creative activities.” According to NBC News, at least $500,000 from the event’s proceeds will go toward his court-ordered restitution payments of more than $26 million. “Restitution is being paid. Since being released [from prison] 30 months ago, I’ve made 40 payments to restitution,” McFarland said in his Tuesday Instagram post. “I’ve also made it my mission to do more than legally required. Part of this has been giving a large percentage of Fyre 2’s budget and profits directly to restitution.” Despite his past failures, McFarland remains unfazed. “Fyre 2 is moving forward, and we are moving forward with full integrity,” he said. Yahoo Entertainment reached out to McFarland but did not immediately receive a response. ‘This is an event that does not exist’ Despite McFarland’s claims, the local government on Isla Mujeres said that it has had no contact with him or any festival organizers. “Due to the information circulating in the media regarding the event ‘FYRE FESTIVAL II,’ the General Directorate of Tourism of Isla Mujeres informs that no person or company has requested permits from this office or any other Municipal Government department for said event,” the local government office shared in a Facebook post on Feb. 26. Gasca, who told the Guardian he was attending a tourism fair in Bogotá, Colombia, with other officials when the Fyre Festival 2 announcement was made, said that neither the state’s tourism minister nor the hotels listed on the festival’s website had been informed about it. Impression Isla Mujeres, one of the high-end resorts listed as an accommodation option for festivalgoers, told the Guardian that it had not received “any approach or enquiry with regards to the event” and was investigating the matter. McFarland appeared to respond to the Guardian report in his video statement, saying that “two hotels who were contacted by the media” gave “misleading statements” about working with the festival. “After hearing this, I asked my team to terminate those contracts and to focus on the hotels that other partners are eager to work with and support Fyre,” he said in the video. Gasca told the Guardian that festival organizers “didn’t even bother to approach the authorities.” “It’s very strange, because any manager knows that if you’re going to hold an event, let alone a massive event, you need municipal authorisation,” said Gasca. “I think they thought they would just announce it and see if it got traction, then ask for the permits halfway down the path. It’s a bit of a naive way to think.” Source link #Billy #McFarland #Fyre #Festival #moving #Mexico #Tourism #officials #event #exist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife Pamela Bach ‘looked sad’ in the final days before her suicide: neighbor – New York Post David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife Pamela Bach ‘looked sad’ in the final days before her suicide: neighbor – New York Post David Hasselhoff’s ex-wife Pamela Bach ‘looked sad’ in the final days before her suicide: neighbor New York Post David Hasselhoff’s Ex-Wife Pamela Bach Dead at 62 TMZPamela Bach-Hasselhoff remembered as ‘proud mama’ to her two daughters after tragic death HELLO!Pamela Bach, Baywatch Actress and David Hasselhoff’s Ex Wife, Dies by Suicide: Report Yahoo EntertainmentPamela Bach, actor and ex-wife of David Hasselhoff, dies at 62 The Associated Press Source link #David #Hasselhoffs #exwife #Pamela #Bach #looked #sad #final #days #suicide #neighbor #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Woman attacked by shark pulled from water with serious leg injuries Woman attacked by shark pulled from water with serious leg injuries A woman believed to be in her 30s has been pulled from the water with serious leg injuries following a shark attack. Source link #Woman #attacked #shark #pulled #water #leg #injuries Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amendment to Chicago Public Schools’ budget opens door for long-awaited, controversial loan Amendment to Chicago Public Schools’ budget opens door for long-awaited, controversial loan The school board posted a budget amendment that opens the door for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office to take out a loan on behalf of Chicago Public Schools. CPS’ budget has been in the spotlight in recent weeks because of a gaping hole in its spending plan for the 2025-26 school year. The district approved a $9.9 billion budget in July without accounting for the costs of a new, unsettled teachers contract or a $175 million pension payment to the city. But notably, in an unprecedented move through new language posted to the CPS website Wednesday, the budget amendment provides a clause for how the district can cover its gap. According to the amended budget language, if CPS can’t balance its books through additional tax increment financing surplus — extra money from the city’s taxing districts — it can consider “appropriate local revenue, which may include other entities incurring debt on CPS’s behalf.” The alternative, the amendment states, is budget cuts. Finance experts say how the CPS budget is balanced will have financial implications for years to come. This year’s amendment process was unusual, according to teachers union members. “Normally, the Board of Education passes a budget amendment after our contract is settled and the related costs are agreed to by CTU and CPS. This time the sequence has been altered,” the Chicago Teachers Union said in an emailed statement sent out earlier Wednesday. A spokesman for the city said in a statement that the proposed budget amendment is in line with the mayor’s vision for fully funding public schools. “Mayor Johnson is supportive of any tools that the school district can utilize on its behalf to balance its budget without cutting teachers or resources for students,” the statement said. Two public hearings are scheduled for the end of next week on the 21-member school board’s proposed amendment. It will require two-thirds of 20 board members’ votes to pass. (Board President Sean Harden only votes if there is a tie). Financial decisions must be made by March 30, because the city’s fiscal year ended Dec. 31. The board recently hired Baker Tilly, a financial advisory firm, to provide an opinion on the financial bind, but its report has yet to be released. In early February, Johnson’s deputy mayor for labor relations, Bridget Early, began disseminating a plan for the school district to accept the obligation of the $175 million Municipal Employees’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, which covers non-teaching CPS personnel. She sent a presentation to several top education officials with “Illustrative Borrowing Scenarios.” One scenario would entail issuing $242 million in bonds and repaying that plus 4.37% interest in five years, or until 2031. The other would issue the same amount in bonds but take 10 years to pay back, with 4.6% in interest. Discussion about a “high-interest” loan has dominated conversations about CPS’ budget strain in recent months, but the mayor’s office argues the interest rates it has suggested are “relatively low.” The mayor used to have full control over the school board. As the city has shifted to a partially elected school board, the city has tried to disentangle itself financially from the district. While the city is legally obligated to make the $175 million pension payment, the majority of staff covered by the municipal pension fund are current or former nonteacher CPS staff. When the city’s budget was closed at the end of last year, CPS received a record of about $300 million in TIF surplus. But after accounting for other obligations, $139 million is available for the district, according to the budget amendment — not enough to cover the contract costs and pension payment. CTU has been negotiating a new contract with the district since last April, and union members indicated at a board meeting Wednesday that both sides are close to an agreement. The union could not provide an estimate for the cost of its latest proposal. Wednesday, the union submitted its “last, best and final offer” that should land the contract, said Thad Goodchild, CTU’s deputy general counsel to board members. “Let’s not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory,” he said. Over the summer, Johnson asked CPS chief Pedro Martinez to take out a loan to cover the budget shortfall, which he refused. The conflict led to the resignation of the previous seven-member board and Martinez’s subsequent firing by a new board appointed by the mayor. Martinez will remain in his role until June. The school board posted a budget amendment Wednesday afternoon that opens the door for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office to take out a loan on behalf of Chicago Public Schools. CPS’ budget has been in the spotlight in recent weeks due to a gaping hole in its 2025 spending plan. The district approved a $9.9 billion budget in July without accounting for the costs of a new, unsettled teachers contract or a $175 million pension payment to the city. But notably, in an unprecedented move through new language posted to the district’s website, the budget amendment provides a clause for how the district can cover its gap. According to the amended budget language, if CPS can’t balance its books through additional tax increment financing surplus — extra money from the city’s taxing districts — it can consider “appropriate local revenue, which may include other entities incurring debt on CPS’s behalf.” The alternative, the amendment states, is budget cuts. Finance experts say that how the CPS budget is balanced will have financial implications for years to come. This year’s amendment process was unusual. “Normally, the Board of Education passes a budget amendment after our contract is settled and the related costs are agreed to by CTU and CPS. This time the sequence has been altered,” the Chicago Teachers Union said in an emailed statement sent out earlier in the day. Two public hearings are scheduled for the end of next week on the 21-member school board’s proposed amendment. It will require two-thirds of 20 board members’ votes to pass. (Board President Sean Harden only votes if there is a tie). Financial decisions must be made by March 30, because the city’s fiscal year ended Dec. 31. The board recently hired Baker Tilly, a financial advisory firm, to provide an opinion on the financial bind, but its report has yet to be released. The mayor used to have full control over the school board. But in a recent move to a partially-elected school board, the city has tried to disentangle itself financially from the district. While the city is legally obligated to make the $175 million pension payment, the majority of staff covered by the municipal pension fund are current or former nonteacher CPS staff. When the city’s budget was closed at the end of last year, CPS received a record of about $300 million in TIF surplus. After accounting for other obligations, $139 million is available for the district—not enough to cover the contract costs and pension payment. CTU has been negotiating a new contract with the district since last April, and union members indicated at a board meeting Wednesday that both sides are close to an agreement. The union could not provide an estimate to the Tribune about the cost of its latest proposal. “We are at the stage of negotiations now that will decide if we are headed toward a big, messy, unnecessary fight,” said Thad Goodchild, CTU’s deputy general counsel to board members. “We submitted to CPS today a last, best and final offer that should land this contract. Let’s not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.” Source link #Amendment #Chicago #Public #Schools #budget #opens #door #longawaited #controversial #loan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]