Pelican Press

Investors aren’t cheering for Fed rate cuts anymore Investors aren’t cheering for Fed rate cuts anymore As weaker-than-expected data has spurred concerns about US economic growth, markets have moved to price in more easing from the Federal Reserve this year. On Tuesday, traders were betting on three interest rate cuts from the Fed in 2025 for the first time this year. Debate around when the next cut will come has intensified too. Markets now see a 50/50 chance the Fed lowers rates at its May meeting, per the CME FedWatch Tool. Just a week ago, they were pricing in a 75% chance the Fed would hold rates steady that month. A reduction in the cost of borrowing should be a good thing for consumers and companies — and therefore markets. But stocks have slumped amid the shifting Fed narrative. On Tuesday, the S&P 500 (^GSPC) hit its lowest level since before Donald Trump won the presidential election in November. Typical interest rate cut trades like the small-cap Russell 2000 (^RUT) — which has rallied over the past several years when markets price in more interest rate cuts — have faltered too. With fears of an economic slowdown driving the Fed narrative, the Russell 2000 is down more than 6% this year, far worse than the S&P 500’s roughly flat return. The recent sell-off in markets remains all about the economic growth story. Citi equity strategist Drew Pettit told Yahoo Finance that if soft economic data is what drives the Fed to ease monetary policy, markets won’t welcome rate cuts as they have in the past. Read more: How the Fed rate decision affects your bank accounts, loans, credit cards, and investments “‘Fed cuts because of weak economic data’ is not a good thing for markets anymore,” Pettit said. “If we were talking about this two months ago, you know, ‘Fed cuts against a resilient backdrop’ was good for markets.” SNP – Delayed Quote • USD At close: March 5 at 4:52:34 PM EST ^GSPC ^IXIC ^RUT January data showed that consumer spending fell for the first time in nearly two years. Separate data showed retail sales for the month saw the largest monthly decline in a year. Housing activity has remained in the doldrums. And most recently on Monday, readings on manufacturing activity and construction spending were weaker than expected, sending forecasts for economic growth in the first quarter tumbling. Add in that President Donald Trump’s tariffs are projected to stunt economic growth in the near term, and there’s a building market narrative that the Fed may be more likely to cut interest rates again to stave off an economic slowdown even if inflation hasn’t reached the central bank’s 2% target. “Recession risks are rising,” Renaissance Macro head of economics Neil Dutta told Yahoo Finance. “But I think once the Fed gets on the right side of the eight ball, those recession risks will decline.” Source link #Investors #arent #cheering #Fed #rate #cuts #anymore Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

As Trump Goes After Universities, Students Are Now on the Chopping Block As Trump Goes After Universities, Students Are Now on the Chopping Block In the early weeks of the Trump administration’s push to slash funding that colleges and universities rely on, grants and contracts had been cut and, in a few cases, researchers had been laid off. In recent days, the fiscal pain has come to students. At the University of Pennsylvania, administrators have asked departments in the School of Arts & Sciences, the university’s largest school, to cut incoming Ph.D. students. In some cases, that meant reneging on informal offers, according to Wendy Roth, a professor of sociology. Her department had to decide which of the students would be “unaccepted.” Dr. Roth, chair of graduate education, was chosen to explain those decisions to them. “Two of them, I would say, were extremely upset. One person was in tears,” she said. “It’s just the most terrible thing to get that kind of news when your plans are made.” Since taking office, the Trump administration has issued orders that threaten to broadly undercut the financial foundation of university based research, including deep reductions in overhead cost reimbursements through the National Institutes of Health. Court challenges have paused some of the cuts, but universities are bracing for uncertainty. The University of Pennsylvania could face a $250 million hit in N.I.H. funding alone. Members of the administration have cast the cuts as a way to reduce wasteful government spending, sometimes in political terms. Last month, Katie Miller, who is working with Elon Musk’s team to trim federal spending, said the cuts would end “liberal D.E.I. deans’ slush fund.” In some cases, schools are pre-emptively cutting their expenses as a precautionary measure. North Carolina State University announced on Feb. 14 that it was freezing most hiring. Stanford University announced on Feb. 26 that it was freezing staff hiring, citing “very significant risks” to the community. At the University of Louisville in Kentucky, President Kim Schatzel announced an “immediate pause” on faculty and staff hiring until July. She cited the potential loss of $20 to $23 million in N.I.H. research funding. Dozens of other schools have announced hiring freezes or “chills.” Many of the cuts are now hitting graduate education, too, which is highly dependent on research grants, leaving students who had dreams of pursuing Ph.D.s with nowhere to go. A graduate program in biological sciences at the University of California, San Diego, usually enrolls 25 new graduate students a year. This year, the number will be 17. The reduction may seem small, but Kimberly Cooper, a biology professor, said the Trump cuts would ricochet through the university. “I hate to sound fatalistic,” said Dr. Cooper, who specializes in the study of limb development. “But at this point I think they’re trying to break the academic enterprise. And cutting academic science has impacts on the educational mission of the entire university.” At Penn, cuts to graduate programs were made across the board in the school’s 32 programs, professors said. The history department, for example, was asked to offer Ph.D. slots to only seven students, not the usual 17. In English, the normal cohort of 9 to 12 incoming students will be reduced to a maximum of six. A letter signed by professors in 22 departments at Penn warned that the school’s decision would cause reputational damage. Asked to comment, the university pointed to a statement signed by J. Larry Jameson, Penn’s interim president, posted on the school’s website, which noted that the cuts “represent an existential threat across our university and American higher education.” Dr. Jameson said the school was pursuing “cost containment measures and new sources of revenue.” He added: “We will remain judicious, measured, deliberate and focused on sustaining our mission when determining any action.” As the Trump administration vows to target schools over antisemitism and diversity initiatives, other programs that directly touch undergraduates, such as scholarships, could be affected, too, if the administration clears legal hurdles. David Kazanjian, graduate chair of comparative literature at Penn, said the cuts to graduate students would reduce opportunities for undergraduates. With fewer graduate student teachers, class sizes may increase, for example. The cost-cutting measures are taking effect across a variety of schools, from the Ivy League and large public research universities to smaller public schools. The administration’s decision to cap overhead reimbursements on National Institutes of Health grants to 15 percent could cut millions that schools have come to rely on to cover facilities and staff. The overhead rates normally vary depending on the grant recipients, but in some cases provide up to 60 percent of the grant in additional reimbursements. Columbia University, which receives about $1.3 billion a year in N.I.H. funding, could lose up to $200 million a year from the formula change, according to one analysis by a group of university faculty, staff and alumni called the Stand Columbia Society. A graduate-student union at Columbia reported in a news release last month that university officials had proposed even more draconian cuts than Penn: eliminating up to 65 percent of incoming Ph.D. students in the School of Arts & Sciences. Following criticism, the cuts at Columbia were ultimately scaled back, and no firm numbers have been released. The graduate workers at Columbia argued that there was no need for funding cuts, citing the university’s endowment, which grew to $14.9 billion at the close of 2024 from $13.6 billion in 2023. Yale, for example, one of the largest recipients of N.I.H. dollars, has announced that it would provide temporary funding from its own coffers for scholars. But this week, the Education Department said it would review all of Columbia’s federal contracts and grants, accusing the school of not doing enough to curb antisemitism on campus. The administration identified $51.4 million in contracts between Columbia and the federal government that could be subject to stop-work orders. Schools with large endowments may also be a target of increased taxation. Endowments, generally accumulated with donor funds invested over decades, had largely been considered off limits for taxes because the universities operate as nonprofits. But in 2017, during Mr. Trump’s first term, Republicans led a charge to impose a 1.4 percent excise tax on the investment income of large private university endowments. Now there are discussions of raising it to 14 percent, or even 21 percent. The threatened N.I.H. cuts and the endowment tax comes on the heels of other major cutbacks at public land grant universities. Among the Trump administration’s first targets was a U.S. Agency for International Development program called “Feed the Future,” which funded 19 agricultural labs in 17 states. Many of those laboratories are now being shut down. At U.C. San Diego, which was already facing state budget cuts, Dr. Cooper, the biology professor, said the fallout would have repercussions beyond universities if fewer students passed through their programs, and could affect entire sectors of the economy. “The ******* issue in all this is that, this is our future biomedical work force,” she said. Source link #Trump #Universities #Students #Chopping #Block Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clearing the Way for Bicyclists, for a Healthier Planet Clearing the Way for Bicyclists, for a Healthier Planet Jill Warren heads the European Cyclists’ Federation, a Brussels-based nongovernmental organization that advocates cycling to help lower carbon emissions. Source link #Clearing #Bicyclists #Healthier #Planet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clearing the Way for Bicyclists, for a Healthier Planet Clearing the Way for Bicyclists, for a Healthier Planet Jill Warren heads the European Cyclists’ Federation, a Brussels-based nongovernmental organization that advocates cycling to help lower carbon emissions. Source link #Clearing #Bicyclists #Healthier #Planet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

My Talking Hank: Islands gets even cooler with the addition of the new Ice Island My Talking Hank: Islands gets even cooler with the addition of the new Ice Island My Talking Hank: Islands adds a new island location: Ice Island Explore with Hank and meet new animal pals Get Hank ready for the chilly weather with new winter outfits Since its release last year, My Talking Hank: Islands has taken fans on an exciting tropical island adventure with the titular Talking Hank – one of Talking Tom & Friends’ most beloved characters – but starting today, they’ll need to ditch the shorts and don their parkas for a brand new, chilly location: Ice Island! For those yet to try it, My Talking Hank: Islands incorporates the familiar digital **** mechanics the franchise is known for, but throws in a fun adventure twist whereby you get to take control of Hank and navigate him around his island surroundings. As you help him explore the exotic locales, you’ll encounter a number of exciting challenges: from finding hidden treasure to meeting new animal friends. And now, with the Ice Island update, there’s a whole new frosty wonderland to discover. Meet new friends! On your journey across Ice Island you’ll meet a host of new pals, including the Snow Leopard and the Orca. The former challenges Hank to snowmobile races across icy trails, while the latter leads him into a frozen maze. Then there is the Seal who guides Hank through thrilling bobsled runs, all illuminated under the captivating glow of the aurora borealis. If that wasn’t enough, a waddle of penguins have also rocked up to the island to join in the fun. New accessories To keep Hank from shivering – or being turned into an ice cube – you’ll want to make sure he’s suitably wrapped up. In this department Outfit7 has you covered with an array of cosy winter outfits, including hats, thick jackets, and a selection of onesies to keep Hank feeling warm and looking cool (excuse the pun!). If you’re ready to join the Arctic expedition, then you can find My Talking Hank: Islands available to download right now from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Please Note: Feature shown may be subject to an additional purchase. Source link #Talking #Hank #Islands #cooler #addition #Ice #Island Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google previews AI Mode for search, taking on the likes of ChatGPT search and Perplexity Google previews AI Mode for search, taking on the likes of ChatGPT search and Perplexity Google’s AI Overview is now powered by Gemini 2.0 Google’s new experimental AI Mode offers reasoning and follow-up responses in search Unlike traditional search, AI Mode actively synthesizes information from multiple sources Google is doubling down on bring AI to Search with an expansion to its AI Overviews and new experimental AI Mode. In Google’s ideal world, you would basically never leave the search engine and it would handle a lot of that pesky thinking on your behalf. On the other hand, there would be fewer open tabs giving you anxiety. Overviewing AI AI Overviews have already become a familiar sight for many users, appearing at the top of search results with neatly summarized answers to big questions. Now, with Gemini 2.0 behind the wheel, Google claims these overviews will be faster, more detailed, and capable of handling trickier queries in areas like coding, advanced math, and multimodal reasoning. In other words, if you were relying on Reddit and Stack Overflow to explain why your Python script keeps throwing an error, Google wants you to ask it instead. Google claims there are a lot of fans who want to see AI even more embedded in their online searches. That’s what led to the creation of AI Mode. Currently in an experimental mode in Labs. AI Mode aims to bring better reasoning and more immediate analysis to your online time. AI Mode won’t just ***** out a quick answer to your query. It will actively break down complex topics, compare multiple options, and pull from online sources to provide more nuanced responses. AI Mode should help prevent you from going from a simple search for a new toothpaste to spending 30 minutes on Wikipedia learning about the history of medieval dentistry. Let’s say you’re trying to figure out the best way to track your eating habits. A regular Google search might give you a mix of ads, product reviews, and a few scientific studies buried somewhere on page two. AI Mode, on the other hand, can analyze the pros and cons of different apps, smart wearables, and AI-enhanced scales in a single response, summarizing the key features and limitations; even pulling in fresh user reviews. If you need more details, you can ask a follow-up question like, “How does eating late at night impact heart rate?” and get an instant, well-researched answer without having to piece it together from five different websites. AI internet This shift isn’t happening in a vacuum. AI-powered search has been heating up, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search and Perplexity AI both offering their own takes on AI-assisted browsing. ChatGPT Search integrates OpenAI’s conversational abilities with web access, but it can still struggle with sourcing real-time information. Perplexity AI, meanwhile, prides itself on transparency, always citing sources alongside its answers. Google, being Google, wants to combine deep AI reasoning with its long history of crawling and ranking the web. Of course, any time AI takes a ******* role in search, there are questions. Will AI Mode and AI Overviews make it harder for small content creators to get traffic if Google keeps more users within its own ecosystem? What biases will even more complex synthesized answers introduce? Google insists that human oversight and ranking systems are still in play, but the company also acknowledges that AI is a work in progress. There’s a fine line between an AI-powered search assistant and an all-knowing gatekeeper that decides what’s “true” before you even click a link. Beyond the potential pitfalls, AI Mode represents a shift in online research from passive to dynamic. It moves the burden of crafting the right query, clicking through results, and assembling information from different sources from you to the AI. Faster answers, smarter suggestions, and less time wasted on irrelevant links is a tempting proposition. But how good can it actually be compared to you putting little thought into it? AI Mode may as well be called Lazy Mode. Will you still bother clicking through to the long-form articles, deep-dive blog posts, or thoughtful articles on tech news websites for context and nuance beyond an AI summary at this level? Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. You might also like Source link #Google #previews #Mode #search #likes #ChatGPT #search #Perplexity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Europe’s Most Famous Restaurant Turns to Coffee Roasting Europe’s Most Famous Restaurant Turns to Coffee Roasting Welcome to the T List, a newsletter from the editors of T Magazine. Each week, we share things we’re eating, wearing, listening to or coveting now. Sign up here to find us in your inbox every Wednesday, along with monthly travel and beauty guides and the latest stories from our print issues. And you can always reach us at *****@*****.tld. Drink This Noma Launches a Coffee Subscription Service In 2017, Carolyne Lane was working as a barista in Bielefeld, Germany, when she saw a YouTube video of René Redzepi talking about coffee. “Back then, specialty coffee shops were a rarity in Europe,” Lane says. And yet Redzepi, the chef behind Noma in Copenhagen, was pledging to have a world-class coffee service at his restaurant. The following spring, Lane drove north and asked for a job. Noma has a hyper-fixation on local food — the bark, branches, crickets and reindeer on the menu can all be found in the Nordic region. One of the few exceptions is coffee. “It’s the most exotic thing in the restaurant,” says Lane, who now manages the coffee and tea services at Noma. The restaurant began roasting its own coffee last year under the brand Noma Kaffe. This month, the beans will be packaged and shipped internationally for the first time as part of a subscription service. Offerings will change monthly, drawing from producers around the world. Some of them, like the Intzín family, a community of Indigenous farmers in Chiapas, Mexico, have supplied Noma in the past. The beans are roasted in Copenhagen and shipped to subscribers with notes on sourcing and brewing. “These coffees are very easy to make,” Lane says. “They taste good at home.” Noma Kaffe is the latest packaged product from the restaurant, which has been building out a pantry of consumer goods ranging from pumpkin vinegar to corn yuzu hot sauce. Noma Kaffe subscriptions will be available online beginning on March 6; from $65 for two bags of coffee beans, nomaprojects.com. Stay Here A Ritz-Carlton With Treehouse Tents in Costa Rica’s Tropical Forest Nekajui, the name of the new Ritz-Carlton Reserve property on Costa Rica’s Peninsula Papagayo, means “lush garden” in the local Chorotega language. It’s a fitting description of its deeply verdant location. Hailed as one of the most biodiverse places on earth, Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is home to about 7,000 types of plants, in addition to sloths, sea turtles, monkeys and approximately 500 avian species, including toucans and the rainbow-bright parrots from which the peninsula takes its name. Situated in a tropical forest atop coastal cliffs, Nekajui is surrounded by a 250-acre wildlife sanctuary where guests can partake in zip-lining, guided nature hikes and canoe excursions through the mangroves. The resort itself has seven restaurants and bars, a 27,000-square-foot spa, two large pools and a full-service beach club. Accommodations include 107 ocean-facing guest rooms and a handful of private villas — one with 10 bedrooms — but perhaps the most intriguing options are the three luxurious canvas-roofed, family-size casitas elevated on stilts to sit eye level with the forest canopy. Though they’re billed as treetop tents, they make glamping look like roughing it, with butler service, marble bathrooms and private plunge pools. From $2,390 per night, ritzcarlton.com. In 1998, the Finnish designer Jukka Setälä released a vibrant beanbag chair called Fatboy, which was named not for its slouchy, oversize form but for the musician Fatboy Slim, whom he often listened to while working. As a child, the American designer Ellen Van Dusen, founder of the 15-year-old pattern-heavy housewares brand Dusen Dusen, had a solid red Fatboy in her room in Washington, D.C. Now all of that history is coalescing in a collaboration between the two companies that’s part of a pop-up beginning March 12 online and in-person at New York’s MoMA Design Store, where Van Dusen has been selling products for the past six years. The idea here was to create a new suite of outdoor furniture — a modular couch, a hammock, some poufs, pillows and bean bags, among other items — that’s as durable and versatile as it is bright and fun. On the sofa, for instance, there’s an orange pattern inspired by oak-tree bark; on smaller pieces, green or blue stripes are meant to reflect the land or the sky. All were envisioned with Van Dusen’s own Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, outdoor space in mind, with its abundant greenery and mosaic tiling by the artist Matthew Chambers — but would make any area look bolder. “I’ve been working on my own backyard for years, and most outdoor furniture that’s good-looking isn’t comfortable,” she says. “I often design because I want something exciting and useful in my own life.” Fatboy x Dusen Dusen launches March 12, store.moma.org. Covet This A New Hue for Apple’s MacBook Air In 1999, the Apple co-founder Steve Jobs announced the arrival of the iMac G3, a desktop computer, in an array of fruit-themed colors. The computer industry, he noted in his keynote presentation at the 1999 MacWorld Expo, had long been stuck in a world of ****** and beige. But with this launch, he told the crowd, “One of the most important questions now when you buy a computer is going to be, ‘What’s your favorite color?’” This week, the company continues its longstanding tradition of palette experimentation with the latest MacBook Air, now available in Sky Blue. The crisp, metallic hue joins the current stable of Silver, Starlight and Midnight. The laptop also comes with a higher-quality video camera and double the memory. It’s more environmentally friendly too, made with 55 percent recycled materials — the most of any Apple product — with packaging that’s entirely fiber based, bringing the company closer to its goal of removing all plastic from packaging by the end of the year. From $999, apple.com. See This In Berlin, an Artist’s Plant Life Made of Maps Growing up in Los Baños, Laguna, a mountainous area surrounded by rainforest in the Philippines, the artist Ryan Villamael felt a connection to nature, fashioning twigs, leaves and stones into playthings in place of toys. He’d watch his mother, Luisa, who worked in plant genetics at a university, look at botanical specimens through a microscope. In turn, his own gaze as a young artist became fixated on maps and “how maps document history and define borders and migrations,” Villamael says. His fascination also grew out of a personal motivation: wondering where his father, who had left the family to work overseas, was at any given moment. Villamael combines these two preoccupations in the group show “Musafari: Of Travellers and Guests” at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, using scissors to cut prints of vintage maps into vegetation-like canopies in his “Locus Amoenus” series. “Locus amoenus is Latin for ‘pleasant place,’ and every time I install this series, the goal is to create a space where people can find a place of refuge,” he says. For the paper leaves of his creation, Villamael used a replica of a 1734 map of the Philippine archipelago drawn by the Jesuit Father Pedro Murillo Velarde. His choice of botanical references has meaning too: Viewers might recognize the leaves of the tropical Monstera deliciosa, now a common house plant, which represents the “interplay between cultivated and wild,” says Villamael, and how “certain species thrive in unexpected contexts.” “Musafari: Of Travellers and Guests” will be on view at the Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin from March 7 through June 16, hkw.de. Visit This A Norwegian Art Museum With Interiors by India Mahdavi The Paris-based architect India Mahdavi, who’s known for her colorful interiors, has designed restaurants (Sketch in London, for one), hotels (Condesa DF in Mexico City) and homes (including an earthen retreat in Egypt). But she’d never done a museum — that is until two years ago, when the collectors Monica Reitan and Ole Robert Reitan approached her to help them with the interiors of an Art Nouveau building in the Norwegian city of Trondheim, where they planned to open a new museum for modern and contemporary art. The space was initially built in 1911 as the town’s main post office. The Reitans considered calling the museum Posten Modern (or Modern Post Office) but eventually shortened the name to PoMo. Their brief to Mahdavi was that it should retain the function and feeling of a community hub. She used pops of color, inspired by those she found in Trondheim, throughout to “offer another form of visual stimulus aside from the exhibition spaces,” she says. The door to the gray stone building is fuchsia; the dramatic metal staircase that rises from the ground floor is a mandarin orange inspired by some of the city’s old wooden waterside warehouses. The reading room on the third floor features murals of local flora and fauna by the Amsterdam-based artistic duo Gijs Frieling and Jobs Wouters of Atelier FreelingWaters. “Colors draw people in,” says Mahdavi. PoMo’s opening exhibition is “Postcards From the Future,” a group show of about 100 works by 24 international artists, on view through June 22. pomo.no. From T’s Instagram On the Japanese Coast, a Carefully Restored Modernist Marvel Source link #Europes #Famous #Restaurant #Turns #Coffee #Roasting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

F.D.A. Nominee to Face Grilling Over Cutbacks and Policy Shifts F.D.A. Nominee to Face Grilling Over Cutbacks and Policy Shifts Dr. Marty Makary may face sharp questions from senators about whether he will defend the Food and Drug Administration against staff cutbacks and industry pressure on Thursday, although he is still expected to sail through his confirmation hearing to become the agency’s commissioner. Dr. Makary built his reputation as a contrarian in the medical field, gaining widespread notice by speaking out about medical errors. Those close to him have remarked on his willingness to agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the nation’s health secretary, on a variety of issues. As a pancreatic ******* surgeon and health policy researcher at Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Makary has been viewed by some as a study in contrasts. He has written several books criticizing what he considers flaws in medical orthodoxy that result in recommendations backed by scant evidence. Yet he also drew attention from the Trump team as a Fox News personality with more controversial views, like his relatively early predictions that Covid would fade as a concern and that widespread immunity would take hold long before it did. Dr. Reshma Ramachandran, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Medicine, said that it was not clear which is the “true Marty Makary.” She said that was an important question, given some of Mr. Kennedy’s pronouncements. The health secretary has suggested that the F.D.A. should lift constraints on risky products like raw milk, which can be rife with bacteria, and had embraced hydroxychloroquine, a drug briefly used as a Covid therapy before its risks were deemed to exceed any benefit. “I’m hoping, and kind of desperately hoping,” she said, “that just a top-line overall priority for him is to maintain the integrity and independence of the agency.” Mr. Kennedy has already begun to signal shifts in vaccine policy, an area Dr. Makary would also oversee at the F.D.A. Mr. Kennedy has expressed an interest in examining the safety of vaccines that have been on the market for decades and that protect millions of American children and adults against debilitating diseases. The agency has vast regulatory authority over products including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, medical devices, tobacco and about 80 percent of the food supply. The F.D.A. has a staff of about 18,000 and a budget of about $7.2 billion. Among its many oversight roles, the agency regulates artificial intelligence software used to scan medical images, an area where the agency has been dismissed as too permissive in its approvals. If confirmed, Dr. Makary would first encounter tensions among staff members, who have been whipsawed by the Trump administration’s aggressive cost-cutting measures in recent weeks. The staff endured an initial round of about 700 layoffs, decimating some product-review teams that ensure the safety of medical devices such as surgical robots and systems that deliver insulin to people with diabetes. Those firings were followed by some job reinstatements. On Tuesday, panic swept through some quarters of the agency when the Trump administration put about two million square feet of the agency’s Maryland office space up for possible ***** before backing off. Concern also spread when the lease to a key drug-safety lab in St. Louis was posted as savings on the “Wall of Receipts” advertised by Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency. (The agency said on Wednesday that the lab would remain open.) Further staff cuts are expected. “What are the F.D.A. resources going to look like in an environment where it seems like the current approach is slashing and burning, without any kind of thoughtful deliberation?” asked Dr. Aaron S. Kesselheim, a Harvard professor of medicine who has studied the F.D.A. In documents filed with the Office of Government Ethics, Dr. Makary pledged to step away from millions of dollars in financial interests. Those steps include resigning from his role as co-owner of Global Appropriateness Measures, a company that scans health data for signs of inappropriate medical care with clients including health plans and physician groups. He also said he resigned from positions at Sesame, a telehealth company that provides weight-loss medications, and from MedRegen, a pharmaceutical company, and others. There are many other issues that Dr. Makary would face, including a new review that Mr. Kennedy pledged to undertake on the safety of abortion pills. Tobacco companies could emerge emboldened after the Biden administration failed to advance ********** restrictions, and after having heavily contributed to President Trump’s campaign. The president’s decision to impose tariffs could affect the supply of essential medicines from overseas. He will also be expected to advance Mr. Kennedy’s goal of ending what he has described as corruption in public health agencies, closing the revolving door between the F.D.A. and the industries it regulates. Dr. Makary will be expected to work with the Make American Healthy Again coalition, which is banking on the administration to identify and remove unhealthy food additives. Those priorities are already appearing to clash, though: The new acting chief of the F.D.A. food division, Kyle Diamantas, comes directly from a law firm where he was defending the maker of infant formula, a regulated product, against claims that it harmed premature babies. Source link #F.D.A #Nominee #Face #Grilling #Cutbacks #Policy #Shifts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Youth Leader From Chile Fights Discrimination Across the Globe A Youth Leader From Chile Fights Discrimination Across the Globe This article is part of a Women and Leadership special report highlighting women who are charting new pathways and fighting for opportunities for women and others. The first time she encountered discrimination, Isidora Uribe Silva said, she was 12. “Up until that point, having cerebral palsy was never a problem from the perspective of others, but when I changed schools, I was bullied by my classmates,” said Ms. Uribe Silva, who relies on a walker or cane to get around. “My teachers and the school wouldn’t accommodate me, and I was increasingly isolated.” Ms. Uribe Silva (whose birth name was Isidora Guzmán Silva) said that she ended up leaving and didn’t attend school at all for seven months until she found Institución Teresiana in Santiago, Chile, where she still lives, which was willing to accept her with her disability. “This experience made me deeply aware of the systemic exclusion that exists, not just for myself but for many other marginalized communities worldwide,” said Ms. Uribe Silva, now 20 and a law student at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. She became an advocate for inclusion policies, working to promote equality in Chile and globally, especially for women like her who have disabilities. Ms. Uribe Silva was 13 when she developed an app, Encuentra Tu Lugar (Find Your Place), to help disabled people in Chile find accessible parking spaces. Subsequently, she established a foundation of the same name and broadened her goals. She is a member of the Generation Equality Adolescent Committee of U.N. Women and was selected to be part of the U.N. Women Leaders Network, established during the U.N. General Assembly’s annual session in September; the group advocates for gender-equal participation in leadership and in decision-making processes. Ms. Uribe Silva was interviewed by phone and email. The conversations were edited and condensed. Can you tell me more about the discrimination you faced that led you to become an activist? The school I attended when I was 12 was willing to make only limited changes to accommodate me. I needed a larger bathroom stall where my walker would fit, and have access to an elevator and ramps. I also needed more time to take tests because writing took a long time because of my motor skills. I was excluded from physical education classes and team sports. I had no choice but to leave. Through Institución Teresiana, I learned about and joined Tremendas, a foundation in Chile led by adolescents and women who promote gender equality. I met incredible change makers and realized how few women with disabilities were present in leadership roles. This led me to start taking action to help women like me and promote equality for everyone, regardless of their backgrounds or limitations. How does your foundation, Encuentra Tu Lugar, work to promote inclusion? Encuentra Tu Lugar was born in 2018 as a parking app but never launched because the pandemic hit. I decided to take a different path. Realizing that inclusion needed to be more accessible in people’s daily lives, I created a web platform that provides information about inclusive public spaces, such as schools, cafes, stores and the workplace. An inclusive space is a place where all people are welcomed and accommodated. However, I knew it was also necessary to empower society through awareness. That led me to expand Encuentra Tu Lugar’s mission to focus on inclusive education and accessible workplaces to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. I developed the concept of Agentes Inclusivos, or Inclusive Agents, a volunteer network of 50 young people in Chile who strive to provide information, resources and advocacy opportunities that promote inclusion locally. We want to ensure that inclusion is not just a concept but a practical reality that translates into changes. Can you tell me about your involvement in Pope Francis’ University of Meaning? A group of education experts worldwide, including me, collaborated with the pope in 2024 to open the University of Meaning, a public university in ******** City that tries to help youth worldwide find meaning in their lives. I was invited by the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean to the ******** in May as part of this group to help develop the school’s curriculum. I was there for three days and was asked to give a speech at the final event about my life experience. Has your youth benefited or hindered your cause? When I started speaking out, I was intimidated because I lacked experience. At the same time, I was eager to learn. I soon realized that my youth could be my greatest strength. I could inspire other young people to step into nontraditional spaces and challenge existing norms. I have also encountered challenges: Sometimes, I wasn’t taken seriously enough, overlooked for opportunities because of my age or only considered for minor roles that did not involve substantive change. How has connecting with others on the Generation Equality Adolescent Committee of U.N. Women informed your cause? What have you learned from them? Participating in the committee has helped me understand how activism about our causes can be transformed into concrete public policies and allowed me to see how bringing together women worldwide can achieve gender equality. We have collectively launched incredible projects, such as the Youth Forum at the 66th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, where we emphasized the importance of climate justice when addressing climate change and the need to incorporate the perspectives of people with disabilities in mitigation policies. We also contributed to creating the Global Adolescent Girl Leadership Town Hall, an initiative by U.N. Women to provide a safe space where girls worldwide can share their experiences and advocate for policies that reflect their realities. This town hall has helped connect young activists with global leaders and promote an intersectional approach to decision-making, addressing issues such as gender, education, ******* and reproductive rights, disabilities and climate change. Source link #Youth #Leader #Chile #Fights #Discrimination #Globe Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Do We Age Steadily, or in Bursts? What Scientists Know So Far. Do We Age Steadily, or in Bursts? What Scientists Know So Far. For many people, aging feels like it happens in stops and starts. After a ******* of smooth sailing, one day, seemingly out of the blue, you have achy knees. “You wake up in the morning and you suddenly feel old,” said Dr. Steve Hoffmann, a computational biology professor at the Leibniz Institute on Aging in Jena, Germany. “That’s sort of the takeaway.” It turns out there may be a scientific basis for this experience. By analyzing age-related markers, such as proteins and DNA tags in the bloodstream, some scientists are coming to understand that aging in adulthood is not a linear process, but perhaps one that jumps dramatically at certain points in one’s life. Here’s what they’ve learned so far, and what it could ultimately mean for your health and life span. What does ‘nonlinear aging’ look like? Scientists have long suspected that aging may happen in bursts, but they only began using molecular signals to measure the pace of aging in the past decade or so. A widely covered Stanford study published last year tracked several molecular changes associated with aging in blood samples gathered from 108 adults between age 25 and 75. By comparing samples from different subjects of different ages, it found that people seemed to age more rapidly around age 44, and again around 60. The clusters of changes in the first spike appeared to be mostly related to **** and alcohol metabolism, as well as muscle function, and the second spike mostly to immune dysfunction and muscle function. The first spike could help explain why people seem to have more trouble processing alcohol starting in their 40s, and why they become more prone to illness in their 60s, said Michael Snyder, a professor of genetics at Stanford Medicine and study coauthor. Also last year, a study on mice coauthored by Dr. Hoffmann found that sudden chemical modifications to DNA occurred in the rodents’ early-to-mid life and again in mid-to-late life, suggesting there were three discrete stages of aging. And in a 2019 study looking at the blood plasma of over 4,000 people, scientists reported there were significant jumps in concentrations of proteins associated with aging in the fourth, seventh and eighth decades of life. Other experts think aging doesn’t necessarily happen in short spurts, but rather in longer phases. Steve Horvath, who is widely considered to have pioneered the biological aging tools known as epigenetic clocks, said a 2013 study he conducted found that the rate of aging follows a steep curve from early childhood until puberty, but becomes linear after age 20. (Dr. Horvath is now principle investigator at Altos Labs, a biotechnology company focused on improving cell health and slowing aging-related disease.) There’s also early data suggesting that certain organs — such as the heart or brain — may age faster than others, said Tony Wyss-Coray, a professor of neurology and neurological sciences at Stanford University who was an author of the 2019 study. Whether they happen in phases or spurts, it’s not yet clear how all of these molecular changes actually contribute to aging and age-related disease. Still, these types of findings could offer more insight into the biology underlying well-known shifts in middle age, such as slowing metabolism, said Allison Aiello, a professor of epidemiology at the Robert N. Butler Columbia Aging Center. In practice, it could mean that people could be more targeted in managing their health, focusing on specific changes and conditions that correlate with their particular age, said Aditi Gurkar, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh’s Aging Institute. What’s next? These findings are “quite interesting, but I would say preliminary,” said Dr. Eric Verdin, the president and chief executive at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. And it brings up a whole series of questions, he said: “What’s happening? Which organ or collection of organs is causing these big changes?” There are other open questions, including if the changes vary from individual to individual or between the sexes, and how much lifestyle and behavior may contribute, since there’s increasing evidence that certain events — like pregnancy, trauma and adversity or even a Covid infection — can also accelerate biological aging. Experts said they’re eager to answer these questions with longitudinal studies that track changes over a person’s lifetime. That method would account for differences in environment or lifestyle among subjects. “If you really want to identify whether it’s a linear trend, or there’s these spurts that occur over very specific time periods, you’d want to follow the same people to see if they’re biological” changes, Dr. Aiello said. So far, researchers are only “touching the surface” of how molecular changes relate to aging, said Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, the scientific director of the National Institute on Aging. By learning more, he added, they can help people live better longer and head off disease. “Instead of declining at 70, we can try to make it decline at 75, and gain five years of good life.” Source link #Age #Steadily #Bursts #Scientists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to clean and organize your Mac How to clean and organize your Mac The longer you use anything — your Mac included — the more cluttered it’s likely to become. One solution is to upgrade to a new machine, but the more economical move is to make what you have already work better. To help your computer feel almost like new, or at least cleaner and less chaotic, we put together this guide with techniques and useful apps that have helped us maintain a more civilized computer. I’ve been using these tips since I first published this guide in 2021, and they’ve helped keep my 2018 MacBook Air looking and running (almost) like brand new. How to clean your Mac’s screen and body While there are many products specially made to help you with cleaning your computer, I’ve found the simplest approach works best — and it’s the one Apple recommends. To start, you need some water in a spray bottle and a clean microfiber cloth. You can use either regular or distilled water; the advantage of the latter is that it’s far less likely to leave residue on your Mac, particularly on the display. You can buy distilled water at a grocery store or make it yourself with some simple cookware. Either way, it’s more affordable than dedicated cleaning solutions. If you don’t already own any microfiber cloths, Amazon sells affordable 24-packs you can get for about $11. One other product I’ve found that can make the job easier is a Giottos Rocket Blower. I can’t say enough good things about this little tool. It will save you from buying expensive and wasteful cans of compressed air. As for the process of cleaning your Mac, the most important tip to remember is to start with a clean cloth (that’s part of the reason we recommend buying them in bulk). You’ll save yourself time and frustration this way. Begin by turning off your computer and unplugging it. If you bought a Rocket Blower, use it now to remove any dust. If not, take a dry microfiber cloth and go over your computer. Take special care around the keys, particularly if you own an older Mac with a butterfly keyboard. Next, dampen one side of your cleaning cloth with water. Never spray any liquid directly on your computer. You’ll have more control this way and you’ll avoid getting any moisture into your Mac’s internals. I always clean the display first since the last thing I want to do is create more work for myself by transferring dirt from some other part of my computer to the screen. The last step is to buff and polish your computer with the dry side of the cloth. Be gentle here as you don’t want to scratch the screen or any other part of. That’s it. Your Mac should be looking clean again. How to organize your hard drive Igor Bonifacic / Engadget One of the hardest parts of cleaning your Mac’s hard drive is knowing where to start. After all, most of us have apps on our computers we don’t even remember installing in the first place. The good news is that macOS comes with a tool to help you with that exact issue. Navigate to System Settings > General > Storage. Here you’ll find a tool that separates your storage into broad categories like “Applications,” “Documents,” “Music,” “Photos” and so on. Double-click on an item in the list, such as Applications, to see the last time you used an app and how much space it’s taking up. You can delete the apps from the same window. The applications section is particularly helpful since you can see the last time you used a program, as well as if it’s no longer supported by the operating system or if it’s outdated thanks to a more recent release. Igor Bonifacic / Engadget You don’t need me to tell you to uninstall programs you don’t use, but what you might not know is that there’s a better way to erase them than simply dragging them to the trash can. A free program called AppCleaner will help you track down any files and folders that would get left behind if you were just to delete an application. After deleting any apps you don’t need, move to the Documents section. The name is somewhat misleading here since you’ll find more than just text files and excel spreadsheets. Documents, in this case, turns out to be the tool’s catch-all term for a variety of files, including ones that take up a large amount of space. You can also safely delete any DMGs (disc image files with the extension .dmg) for which you’ve installed the related app. The other sections in the storage space are self-explanatory. The only other thing I’ll mention is if you’ve been using an iPhone for a while, there’s a good chance you’ll have old iOS backups stored on your computer. You can safely delete those, too. Tips and tricks for keeping a neat Desktop and Finder Igor Bonifacic Let’s start with the menu bar. It may not technically be part of the desktop, but a tidy one can go a long way toward making everything else look less cluttered. My recommendation here is to download an app called Bartender. At first glance, it’s a simple program allowing you to hide unwanted menu bar items behind a three-dots icon. However, the strength of Bartender is that you get a lot of customization options. For example, you can set a trigger that will automatically move the battery status icon out from hiding when your computer isn’t connected to a power outlet. While we’re on the subject of the menu bar, take a second to navigate to System Settings > General > Login Items and look at all the apps that launch when you boot up your system. You can speed up your system by paring down this list to only the programs you use frequently. When it comes to the desktop itself, the best advice is less is more. Nothing will make your computer look like a cluttered mess more than a busy desktop. Folders and stacks can help, but for most people, I suspect part of the problem is they use their desktop as a way to quickly and easily find files that are important to them. If you’ve ever struggled to find a specific file or folder on your computer, try using your Mac’s tagging capabilities instead. Start by opening the Finder Settings menu (Command + ,) and click the Tags tab. You can use the default ones provided by macOS or make your own. Drag the ones you think you’ll use most often to the favorites areas at the bottom of the preferences window. This will make it so that they’re easily accessible when you want to use them. To append a tag to a file or folder, click on it while holding the ctrl key and select the one you want from the dropdown menu. You can also tag a file while working on it within an app. Keep in mind you can apply multiple tags to a single file or folder, and you can even apply them to applications. Igor Bonifacic / Engadget What makes tags so useful in macOS is that they can appear in the sidebar of the Finder window, and are easily searchable either directly with Finder or using Siri. As long as you have a system for organizing your files, even a simple one, you’ll find it easier to keep track of them. As one example, I like to apply an Engadget tag to any files related to my work. I’ll add an “Important” tag if it’s something that’s critical and I want to find quickly. One tool that can help supercharge your Finder experience is Alfred. It’s effectively a more powerful version of Apple’s Spotlight feature. Among other things, you can use Alfred to find and launch apps quickly. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get a hang of it, Alfred will change how you use your Mac for the better. How to organize your windows and tabs Igor Bonifacic / Engadget If you’ve used both macOS and Windows 10, you’ll know that Apple’s operating system doesn’t come with the best window management tools. You can click and hold on the green full-screen button to tile a window to either the left or right side of your screen, but that’s about it and the feature has always felt less precise than its Windows counterpart. My suggestion is to download an app that replicates Windows 10’s snapping feature. You have several competing options that more or less offer the same functionality. My go-to is a $5 program called Magnet. If you want a free alternative, check out Rectangle. Another option is BetterSnapTool, which offers more functionality than Magnet but doesn’t have as clean of an interface. All three apps give you far more ways to configure your windows than what you get through the built-in tool in macOS. They also come with shortcut support, which means you can quickly set up your windows and get to work. Source link #clean #organize #Mac Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Poundland could be put up for ***** as taxes rise, owner says Poundland could be put up for ***** as taxes rise, owner says Jennifer Meierhans Business reporter, BBC News Getty Images Poundland’s owner has said it is considering putting the chain up for ***** after warning tax changes coming in April will put more pressure on the business. The discount chain has 825 *** stores but sales were down this January and February, its Polish owner Pepco Group said. A rise in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions announced in the Budget start in April and Pepco says these will “add further pressure” to Poundland’s costs. A host of High Street brands have warned of shop closures, job losses and price rises as a result of rising costs, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves has defended the NI increase as “the right decisions in the national interest”. Pepco Group said Poundland was “operating in an increasingly challenging *** retail landscape that is only intensifying”. “From April 2025, the *** government’s additional tax changes announced in the Budget will also add further pressure to Poundland’s cost base,” it added. Retailers have been among the most vocal of businesses criticising the NI increase and the rise in the minimum wage, which will both happen in April. Tesco, Amazon, Greggs, Next and dozens of other chains last year wrote to the Treasury urging it reconsider some of the Budget measures. The government has defended the tax rise as necessary to avoid cuts to public services. The Pepco Group, which owns Pepco bargain stores in Poland, is making a profit so is looking at ways to separate itself from Poundland “including a potential *****,” it said. As part of the plans, former Poundland managing director Barry Williams, who took over as managing director of Pepco in September 2023, will return to his Poundland role. Stephan Borchert, chief executive of Pepco Group, told Reuters there are “definitely interested parties for this business” and said he was confident Poundland’s future would be decided by September this year. “Definitely we’re looking at all options but a ***** is possibly a very good option since we believe that the business will do better with a new owner,” he said. Source link #Poundland #put #***** #taxes #rise #owner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 Toyota GR Corolla review 2025 Toyota GR Corolla review It may not be Toyota’s favourite child, but the GR Corolla has a quietly confident way of going about its hot hatch business. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert For this 2025 upgrade, the updates aren’t quite as significant as those applied to the smaller GR Yaris, but they didn’t really need to be. It already had loads of power and an all-wheel drive system, making it a great performance hatchback. As such, it’s one of the only models of its kind. The GR Yaris may also be manual and all-wheel drive, but the GRolla’s most direct external competitor is the Subaru WRX – and even that is a shadow of its former self these days. Of course, there are others like the Volkswagen Golf R or Hyundai i30 N, but they’re either automatic-only or front-wheel drive. The GR Corolla even holds the advantage of being a five-door model, unlike the three-door GR Yaris, which means it has the potential to be an ideal hotted-up daily driver. But there’s been a big change here. Where it was previously manual-only and better geared towards enthusiasts, Toyota has developed a new eight-speed automatic gearbox to broaden the car’s reach, as with the GR Yaris. Even the manual has been tweaked and revised, while there’s now better suspension and a meaner front-end design. All that, and it’s still not that much more expensive than it used to be – and nearly identical to a top-spec automatic GR Yaris GTS. Camera IconPre-facelift model shown Credit: CarExpert As such, Toyota expects the GR Corolla to be the more versatile model with a perfect 50:50 sales split between automatic and manual variants. The GR Yaris, meanwhile, is expected to attract a 35:65 split in favour of the stick shift. But while it’s now more approachable to a wider range of buyers, the GR Corolla still has to contend with a healthy pool of rivals. Apart from the Golf R, i30 N and WRX mentioned above, there’s also the Honda Civic Type R and Cupra Leon VZx – and each brings a different combination of transmissions, drivetrains and engines to the table. That means there’s a lot to play for in the fight for the top small hot hatch, and Toyota has given its GR Corolla the best shot it can with its latest updates. However, does the MY25 version have what it takes to push it past the loveable GR Yaris as the enthusiast’s pick? How much does the Toyota GR Corolla cost? The GR Corolla GTS manual is $3800 more expensive than it used to be, at $67,990 before on-roads, while the automatic is $2500 dearer than that. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert In contrast to its GR Yaris sibling, the GRolla has several rivals. Most obvious is the i30 N, which is available with both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions but is front-wheel drive only and costs a maximum of $53,500 before on-roads. The Civic Type R is front-drive, manual-only and costs $74,100 drive-away. Also from Japan is the WRX, which is no longer a through-and-through performance model like the others, but is still all-wheel drive and available with either a manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), priced anywhere between $47,490 to $59,790 before on-roads. From Europe is the all-wheel drive, dual-clutch auto-only Golf R for $70,990 before on-roads, or the Golf R ****** Edition for $72,490 before on-roads, and the front-drive, dual-clutch auto Cupra Leon VZx for $65,690 drive-away. For context, the two-variant GR Yaris range costs between $55,490 and $62,990 before on-roads. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Toyota GR Corolla like on the inside? Virtually unchanged from last year, aside from an auto gear selector. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert While the GR Corolla was already quite a well-put-together car, there’s still something lacking here. All the materials feel of a high quality and are mostly soft to the touch, and it generally presents much more like a circa-$70,000 car should, in contrast to the fairly brutal – albeit cool – $60,000 GR Yaris. You could complain and say it looks the same as a standard Corolla, with not much from the GR parts bin immediately obvious. The main difference is a manual handbrake, but everything else is elevated by being finished in either leather or suede. Another subtle change is the steering wheel, which seems marginally smaller in diameter in the GR Corolla. A car like this calls for a similarly sporty steering wheel that lends itself to being thrown around, so it’s nice to see Toyota has continued to make deliberate changes to the things that matter. We don’t love the way the shifter is surrounded by gloss-****** plastic, especially because there are buttons and knobs to be fiddled with nearby. If you’re out giving your GR Corolla a hard time, chances are sweaty hands will leave all sorts of smudges on the glossy bezels. Additionally, this area houses some of the more crucial driving functions: the drive mode selector, stability control button, and GR-Four controller. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Some harder-wearing plastic would’ve suited better. Still, we like the approach to materials mentioned elsewhere, like the steering wheel. Being leather-wrapped seems almost non-negotiable in a car like this, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some different performance-oriented options. The Type R, for example, has an Alcantara-clad wheel instead, as did the now-defunct Morizo Edition. While that’s a nice, grippy and somewhat unique feature, the fake-suede material can wear out and fray more quickly than leather over time. And the leather-trimmed tiller feels excellent in the hands when piloting the GR Corolla. Something else that hasn’t changed are the front seats, which are GR specials and perfect for the job they’ve been assigned. They’re draped in suede centres and trimmed with leather bolsters, which means they look and feel high-quality. While certainly firmer than your standard passenger car, they remain soft enough to be comfortable while offering strong side bolstering for solid support during hard cornering. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert A downside is that adjustment is still manual-only, but there’s enough range to get comfortable. Being a larger car than the GR Yaris, the GRolla offers more leeway for head space with a helmet, though taller drivers may still be bumping the ceiling. More leather is found on the gear shifter. Manual versions are unchanged here, while the new automatics gain a shifter that looks a lot like the standard Corolla’s – albeit a little more upmarket-looking. We’ll delve into its functionality more in the driving section below, but rest assured its addition hasn’t really changed the feeling of the interior at all. If anything, it’s helped to improve it as you now get paddle shifters behind the wheel. That means it’s identical to what you get in the GR Yaris, which is good. Behind it is the same digital instrument cluster as before: a 12.3-inch unit with absolutely nothing unnecessary to distract you on the move. Like the GR Yaris, it’s about as simple as you can get for an instrument display, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have it the way you like. You can make it show a circular tachometer as standard or a horizontal race-inspired rev counter by selecting Sport mode. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Apart from the small GR logo, this display has been designed purely for function. It’s all the better for it too, and every sub-menu – including auxiliary gauges and information – is found using buttons on the steering wheel, as is typical in Toyota products. The other screen in the GR Corolla is the infotainment display, which looks physically dated and relatively small at eight inches. Still, it’s perfectly functional and presents well graphically, plus you get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. We experienced no issues with wireless smartphone mirroring on our drive program, though other Toyota cars have been known to struggle when passing under Melbourne’s toll booths. The only physical control you get on the display itself is a singular volume/power knob, but the touchscreen remains functional when on the move. Just bear in mind that you won’t be able to mess with any of Toyota’s native settings unless you’re stopped. You can plug your phone in using the single USB-C outlet under the dash. Ahead of the shifter is also a wireless charging pad, as in the standard Corolla, along with the switches for seat heating. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Front and centre is the Corolla’s climate control interface, which is again shared between the GR and its more boring counterpart. It comprises an array of buttons and knobs, which all interact with a simple digital interface above. We find this setup to be easy to operate and intuitive, especially when you’re on the move. That’s a common theme across Toyota’s portfolio, and the last thing you want when you travelling at speed is to be fiddling with a screen or haptic slider. Moving to the back reveals an expectedly barebones space, much the same as it was before. There are, of course, rear doors here, which means that compared to the GR Yaris it’s much easier for passengers to climb in – and there’s a middle seatbelt for three-person capacity. You still get the suede and leather upholstery too, though headroom is slightly compromised as a result of the Corolla body. Similarly, legroom is fine so long as the front seats aren’t too far back. Passengers in the middle will also have to contend with a driveline tunnel. Amenities are otherwise sparse, though there’s still a fold-down armrest with cupholders and bottle holders in the doors, and a phone-sized tray surrounded by gloss-****** plastic on the centre console. Connectivity options include a USB-C port and 12V outlet. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert The GR Corolla’s boot space continues to be somewhat compromised. It’s a fairly narrow area, but the floor is long enough to be able to fit several bags, depending on your packing skills. Its load floor remains quite high too. Vertical room is virtually non-existent on account of the Corolla’s sharply sloped rear window, much like in the GR Yaris. There’s still a sturdy cargo cover, and the rear seats can split 60:40 and fold down for additional space. Toyota quotes a single VDA “luggage volume” of 503 litres for the GR Corolla, which is difficult to compare against its rivals. For example, Cupra boot space figures of 380 to 1301 litres for the Leon VZx, while Hyundai quotes 381 and 1287 litres for the i30 N. Regardless, you’ll have to make do with only a tyre repair kit in the GR Corolla, while the i30 N gets a space-saver spare. This is likely due to the packaging required for rear differential in the otherwise front-wheel drive Corolla body. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What’s under the bonnet? There’s still a 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, though it’s received the tune of the now-defunct Morizo Edition for a torque increase of 30Nm, while power is unchanged. Like the GR Yaris, a new eight-speed torque converter automatic is now available alongside the six-speed manual. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Though we weren’t able to record a representative real-world economy figure, we saw numbers between 10 and 11L/100km after a handful of spirited mountain stints. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Toyota GR Corolla drive? Like a heavier and more mature GR Yaris, which is exactly what it should be. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Engine outputs are unchanged apart from the slight torque increase from the Morizo Edition, so we’ll focus on the big changes to the GR Corolla and address the elephant in the room first. The new eight-speed automatic transmission is identical to the one that will soon be available in the GR Yaris, and Toyota is rolling it out here first. The Japanese brand is keen to point out it’s a motorsport-oriented gearbox, developed with countless hours of high-stress driving at several racetracks. The result is a torque converter auto that feels like a near-perfect fit for a hot hatch like the GR Corolla. Pulling away from a standstill brings none of the low-speed grumbles of a dual-clutch transmission, and it shifts at all the right points as you get up to speed. Lay into the throttle and it responds quickly, exposing the full potential of that beastly three-cylinder. If you’re already moving it’ll kick down appropriately, and the pick-up from standstill is as impressive as it gets for an all-wheel drive hot hatch. You can shift manually by pushing the gear selector to the right, giving you control via either the paddles on the wheel or the stick itself. As with the GR Yaris, Toyota has flipped the shift direction of the latter (push forward to downshift, back to upshift) to emulate the configuration in its rally cars, and the gearbox is sharp in its response. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert If it feels you’re spending too much time near the rev-limiter in manual mode, it will still shift up automatically. Fortunately, you can lock it in manual mode by engaging ‘Sport’ and then ‘Expert’ modes, via the labelled switch and then holding the stability control button. That also disables a lot of the car’s safety nets, which is ideal for on-track action. You can, of course, engage Sport mode without going the whole nine yards, so we like that Toyota has provided the option for experienced drivers. Both modes are also accessible in manual GR Corolla variants, as was the case before. And the reason we describe the auto as a ‘near-perfect fit’ is because the manual is still the ideal option for this car and its engine. It may not have the same childish charm as the GR Yaris, but Toyota’s manual gearboxes – especially in its GR cars – strike a good balance between performance snappiness and daily driveability while also harnessing the engine’s potential and releasing it only when you call for it. As such, the manual in the GR Corolla remains a quality unit. The clutch is light without feeling flimsy, and it’s easy to adjust to its bite point if you’re new to the car. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert The shifter also acts with a short, crisp throw, and while it’s nowhere near the extremes of what a true short-throw shifter can be, it’s easy to tell it’s designed for performance applications. That makes it easy to shift when you’re hustling the car. If you’re a recreational track goer with little or no racing experience, the GR Corolla is as beginner-friendly as possible with its Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) function. Like in the GR Yaris, its headline feature is its ability to automatically rev-match on downshifts. It also makes the car harder to stall if you run into trouble on the road. That eliminates the need for heel-toe shifting, which is one less thing to think about, though drivers wanting to do it themselves will find the pedals are spaced nicely. Toggling the iMT function is done via a button to the right of the steering wheel. Naturally, in the automatic there’s no need for the function. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Pushing its limits reveals loads of grip, generated in part by the surprisingly strong Corolla chassis and well-tuned suspension. It’s firm in normal driving, but that’s a trade-off we’re willing to make for a daily driver that has no problems carving up the bends. One of the other changes the GR Corolla has received is retuned suspension, which is said to improve handling under acceleration through corners. Toyota says the focus here was to eliminate ‘squatting’ under acceleration, and the upgrade is noticeable. Mashing the throttle while turning will still induce understeer as the car’s weight transfers to the rear, but it won’t punish you quite as much as it used to. Unfortunately, the GR Corolla still doesn’t get adaptive suspension, which is a shame given its Civic Type R rival does. That means you’ll have to accept that firmer ride at all times, but it isn’t the end of the world. Even so, its greater heft and more solid feel over the GR Yaris makes its handling dynamics feel incredibly mature, much like the Civic. Not only is its steering more direct now, but it also has an uncanny ability to simply grip up and go where it’s told at seemingly any speed. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert The small steering wheel makes it easy to throw around tight roads, and it responds to changes in direction in a snappy yet planted manner. There isn’t the same degree of liveliness as you get in either of Toyota’s two rear-drive GR cars, but that’s not what this is about. And of course it’s still possible to break traction if you’re ham-fisted or deliberately provoke oversteer. As for normal on-road driving, the GR Corolla is well-behaved and easy to live with for a performance car. You can select Eco mode for a small power cut and light steering, though Normal mode is still perfectly liveable. Road noise is noticeable, but it’s better than it used to be thanks to improved noise supression. You still get some exhaust noise too, and it’s not synthesised like it is in some other cars. The GRolla’s safety tech all works reliably, though as with the GR Yaris the adaptive cruise control is now an automatic-only feature. That’s disappointing, and it’s one of the only safety features now out of reach for manual buyers. Still, the lane-centring function works well, and we didn’t experience any annoying speed limit or lane-keeping warnings. The seats are also comfortable for long runs, and they provide enough support to avoid getting fatigued during high-intensity driving. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert As part of Toyota’s local launch event we had the chance to drive on-track at Winton, where the GR Corolla’s dynamic prowess really shone. Its ability to carve up turns is intoxicating and confidence-inspiring, but it’s just as happy to work with you while getting up to speed as you to spin laps. While we didn’t get more than a handful of laps at a time due to the logistics of the event, we expect the car to be able to hold up to prolonged track abuse – in part thanks to Toyota’s efforts to improve front brake cooling through that new front bumper. Its Yokohama tyres are up to scratch for such driving too. And if you want to adjust the GR Corolla’s torque distribution, the GR-Four system allows you to change the front:rear bias from 60:40 to as far as 30:70 via a selection of preset Normal, Gravel, and Track modes. They all have their place, and the latter opens the door to a whole world of fun – provided you have a safe environment in which to do so. Engaging Track mode with Expert mode allows for easy all-wheel drive drifts, while the manual handbrake effortlessly locks the rear wheels to initiate slides. This really is a well-rounded package, and it’s not that much more expensive than the GR Yaris, given the level of refinement it brings in comparison. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? There’s only one grade of GR Corolla on ***** in Australia, but it’s aligned with the top-spec GR Yaris GTS. While the Morizo Edition is no more, some of its unique features have been retained. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpertCamera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert 2025 Toyota GR Corolla GTS equipment highlights: 18-inch Enkei cast alloy wheelsTyre repair kitTorsen limited-slip differentialLED *********** with auto high-beamCarbon-fibre roof (previously Morizo Edition-exclusive)Power-folding, heated exterior mirrorsRear spoilerRear privacy glassTriple exhaust tipsSynthetic leather and suede sports seatsHeated front seatsLeather-wrapped, heated steering wheelLeather-wrapped gear shifterAluminium pedalsDual-zone climate controlFour drive modesThree selectable front/rear torque split settings12.3-inch digital instrument cluster8.0-inch infotainment touchscreenWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSatellite navigationDAB+ digital radioHead-up displayActive Noise Control8-speaker JBL sound system To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Toyota GR Corolla safe? The Toyota GR Corolla is unrated by ANCAP, despite the wider Corolla range being covered by a five-star rating. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: 7 airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Intersection assistEmergency steering assistLane departure warningLane Tracing Assist (lane centring)Speed sign recognitionBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertReversing cameraFront and rear parking sensorsAdaptive cruise control (automatic only) Toyota also offers one year of complimentary connected services for the GR Corolla, which includes emergency SOS, automatic collision notification, stolen vehicle tracking, and remote vehicle checking functions, among others. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Toyota GR Corolla cost to run? Toyota Australia backs its vehicles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Servicing is required every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first, according to Toyota’s online service pricing calculator. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Full service pricing is not yet available for automatic GR Corolla variants. However, it’s likely to match the manual’s price of $310 for each of the first six services – as with manual and automatic GR Yaris variants. To see how the Toyota GR Corolla stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert’s Take on the Toyota GR Corolla While the GR Yaris may have received more significant updates, the tweaks to the MY25 GR Corolla represent meaningful enhancements to a package that was nearly spot-on from day one. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert The interior hasn’t changed but maintains a level of subdued refinement, building on the more affordable roots of the standard Corolla. And we still like the sports seats, steering wheel, and shifter – both auto and manual – but it still lacks some more unique components to properly set it apart. The digital instrument cluster is purely functional, leaving the entertainment and flashiness to the multimedia screen. So there’s not much to dislike about the interior, apart from the small second row and boot. Because none of that has changed, it seems difficult to justify the price increase over the pre-facelift model. Indeed, the only cosmetic changes are to the front bumper and roof. But when you consider you’re now getting more torque, better suspension, and a lightweight carbon-fibre roof, the price hike seems a bit more palatable. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Realistically, the price increase isn’t that dramatic and don’t forget you’re also paying for the development work that went into the new components that make the GR Corolla even better than it was. Both the GR Yaris and GR Corolla deliver outstanding engine and chassis performance, so it’s a matter of what you prefer as a driver. The Yaris has a more noticeable weight shift under braking and cornering, while the Corolla is more planted but heavier – we’d take the latter. There’s also the new automatic transmission to consider. We’re impressed by Toyota’s first self-shifting hot hatches, and for a torque converter auto it’s responsive enough to be a genuinely rewarding option for someone who may occasionally take their GR Corolla to the track. On top of that, we think the facelift looks great. The GR Corolla wears its aggressive new bumper well, and it ties in brilliantly with the swollen wheel-arches and over-the-top triple exhaust outlets, helping it look all the more mature compared to its little sibling. The automatic will get more GR Corolla keys into the hands of customers, and Toyota, its Gazoo Racing division, and the hot hatch world in general will be all the better for it. Camera Icon2025 Toyota GR Corolla Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Toyota GR Corolla? Get in touch with one of CarExpert’s trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Toyota Corolla ProsFinally an automatic optionAwesome power and handlingMore car than GR Yaris for similar moneyConsInterior still isn’t GR specialRear seats, boot remain compromisedAdaptive cruise now auto-only Source link #Toyota #Corolla #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Gears of War Collection Will Feature Co-Op But No PvP, Insider Claims Gears of War Collection Will Feature Co-Op But No PvP, Insider Claims According to a reliable insider, the Gears of War collection will not feature PvP but include campaign co-op. Yesterday, new details about the Gears of War collection surfaced through Detective Seeds on X. Their post stated that the game was seemingly added to the PlayStation Store backend, revealing new information about it. The leaker reported that the game will arrive in mid-2025 (August) and will not include multiplayer PvP content; the focus will be only on the campaign. A reliable insider has now corroborated the information about the Gears of War collection not featuring multiplayer PvP. Jez Corden took to X later to reveal what he knows about Gears of War Collection’s PvP status. In his recent thread on X, Corden stated, “I, too, have heard no multiplayer.” In the same thread, Corden was asked whether the collection would include campaign co-op, and he replied, “Yeah, co-op, but not PvP, is what I heard.” Corden has stated that he is “looking into the Gears collection rumors” to find something concrete. In his recent YouTube video, another leaker, eXtas1s, also revealed some details about the Gears of War Collection and E-Day. According to him, the Gears of War collection will be revealed during the Xbox Showcase later this year, and the game will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC on Day One. Gears of War E-Day is reportedly scheduled for 2026 but has a “slim” chance of being postponed to 2025. In other news, People Can Fly has been announced as the co-developer of Gears of War E-Day. Also, the original voice actors for Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago are returning for the latest instalment in the series. What are your thoughts on the Gears of War Collection not featuring PvP? Let us know in the comments or on our community forum! For more information from Insider Gaming, read about WWE 2K25’s season pass content. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Gears #War #Collection #Feature #CoOp #PvP #Insider #Claims Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tornado Watch issued in Carolinas as powerful storms charge toward East Coast Tornado Watch issued in Carolinas as powerful storms charge toward East Coast Tornado Watch issued in Carolinas as powerful storms charge toward East Coast Source link #Tornado #Watch #issued #Carolinas #powerful #storms #charge #East #Coast Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Melinda French Gates says she took a job at a 'little company' called Microsoft after her hiring manager at IBM told her to go for it – Business Insider Melinda French Gates says she took a job at a 'little company' called Microsoft after her hiring manager at IBM told her to go for it – Business Insider Melinda French Gates says she took a job at a ‘little company’ called Microsoft after her hiring manager at IBM told her to go for it Business Insider Source link #Melinda #French #Gates #job #039little #company039 #called #Microsoft #hiring #manager #IBM #told #Business #Insider Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fremantle Dockers star Andrew Brayshaw opens up on ‘most important’ decision of his life Fremantle Dockers star Andrew Brayshaw opens up on ‘most important’ decision of his life Fremantle star Andrew Brayshaw has opened up for the first time since making one of the ‘most important’ decisions of his life, signing a monster contract extension to remain a Docker virtually for life. Source link #Fremantle #Dockers #star #Andrew #Brayshaw #opens #important #decision #life Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple’s Foldable iPhone Specifications, Price and AI Features Leaked: Here’s When It Might Debut Apple’s Foldable iPhone Specifications, Price and AI Features Leaked: Here’s When It Might Debut Apple’s first foldable iPhone is in development and could arrive by the end of next year, according to TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The Cupertino company might launch a book-style foldable iPhone with a 7.8-inch inner screen and a 5.5-inch cover display. The handsets could launch after the iPhone 17 series, with a premium price tag. The analyst says that production will be limited until 2027, which is when Apple is expected to launch its second-generation foldable smartphone. Apple’s Foldable iPhone Could Arrive By the End of 2026 In a post on Medium, Kuo says that Apple is expected to launch a “top-tier” foldable iPhone in 2026. The company is expected to finalise the specifications of the device by the second quarter of 2025, while mass production isn’t expected to commence until Q4 2026. The analyst says that production of the first foldable iPhone is expected to be limited, and Apple might ship up to 5 million units in 2026. The first foldable iPhone could arrive with a price tag that ranges between $2,000 (roughly Rs. 1,74,100) and $2,500 (roughly Rs. 2,17,700). Kuo says that Apple’s first foldable phone will generate strong replacement demand. For reference, Apple’s most expensive variant of its flagship iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at $1,599 (roughly Rs. 1,39,200) for the 1TB storage variant. According to Kuo, the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display and a 5.5-inch cover screen. The book-style foldable phone’s inner screen will not feature a visible crease, the analyst says. It will reportedly measure up to 4.8mm thick when unfolded, and the figure could go up to 9.5mm when folded. As the foldable is expected to be thinner (when unfolded) than Apple’s existing iPhone models, it might not be equipped with the company’s Face ID facial recognition sensors. Instead, Kuo says it will sport a side-mounted Touch ID sensor. Apple is expected to introduce new AI features with multimodal functionality with the new foldable that could enable support for cross app integration. The analyst also says that the foldable phone’s inner screen could be used to view additional information while interacting with an AI chatbot. The analyst also states that Apple’s foldable phone could feature a dual outer camera setup, while the cover display might also sport a camera. The handset’s body is said to be made from a titanium alloy, while the hinge could be built using stainless steel and a titanium alloy. Citing his latest industry survey, Kuo states that China’s Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) will be the leading supplier for the hinge cover and middle frame on the foldable iPhone. The firm is expected to use 3D printing to produce both the middle frame and hinge cover. Kuo also claims that Apple is expected to begin mass production of a second generation foldable phone by the second half of 2027. The shipments of foldable iPhones could rise from 5 million to 20 million, when considering the first and second generation of foldable iPhone models, according to the analyst. 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 #Apples #Foldable #iPhone #Specifications #Price #Features #Leaked #Heres #Debut Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

House Democrats add Latino-heavy districts to most vulnerable list for 2026 House Democrats add Latino-heavy districts to most vulnerable list for 2026 House Democrats are making it official: Latino voters have shifted their battleground map. Their campaign arm is unveiling its list of top battleground incumbents to defend in 2026, giving the first insight into how the party views the midterm elections — with notable new additions to reflect a shift toward President Donald Trump in some majority-Latino congressional districts The 26-member “frontline” list provided first to POLITICO otherwise largely matches the list of districts where Democrats played defense last cycle. As Democrats continue their post-election autopsy, the list reveals where the party thinks it is most vulnerable and will have to dedicate resources to protect incumbents. Texas Democratic Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez weren’t on the list last cycle but saw their South Texas districts, some of the most heavily Latino in the country, shift dramatically toward Trump. Rep. Dina Titus (D-Nev.) was also a new addition to the list, meaning all three Democratic House members from Nevada will be “frontliners.” Another once-safe district, the North Jersey seat held by Rep. Nellie Pou, was deep-blue territory for years but Trump won it this past cycle. Although there are warning signs that could signal a broader shift among Latino voters away from Democrats, the party still seemed confident about its potential to capture the majority next year. “With the cost of living still top of mind for voters, and House Republicans actively pushing disastrous policies that further increase costs, it’s clear that House Democrats are poised to retake the majority in 2026,” said Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chair Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) in a statement. The DCCC list is a perennial source of heartburn — and sometimes conflict — among lawmakers who jockey to get onto the list because it helps allocate party resources and leads to a boost in fundraising and attention. With a shrinking number of competitive congressional seats, much of the list remains the same between elections, with changes based on factors such as how specific candidates performed and how presidential results emerged on a district-by-district basis. Trump’s dominance last fall has changed the overall landscape. Thirteen Democrats now represent seats won by Trump in 2024, while only three Republicans represent seats won by former Vice President Kamala Harris. So even as the narrow House margin means Democrats only need to flip a handful of seats to win back the majority, they have to simultaneously defend many seats. Recently flipped seats in California and New York like those held by Reps. George Whitesides, Derek Tran, Laura Gillen and Josh Riley, were also added to the list. There were also some subtractions from last cycle’s list. Several midwestern Democrats — Reps. ****** Craig of Minnesota, Eric Sorensen and Nikki Budzinski of Illinois, and Hillary Scholten of Michigan — were removed after handily dispatching their opponents. The full list of lawmakers: Josh Harder (Calif.) Adam Gray (Calif.) George Whitesides (Calif.) Derek Tran (Calif.) Dave Min (Calif.) Jahana Hayes (Conn.) Frank Mrvan (Ind.) Jared Golden (Maine) Kristen McDonald Rivet (Mich.) Don Davis (N.C.) Nellie Pou (N.J.) Gabe Vasquez (N.M.) Dina Titus (Nev.) Susie Lee (Nev.) Steven Horsford (Nev.) Tom Suozzi (N.Y.) Laura Gillen (N.Y.) Josh Riley (N.Y.) John Mannion (N.Y.) Marcy Kaptur (Ohio) Emilia Sykes (Ohio) Janelle Bynum (Ore.) Henry Cuellar (Texas) Vicente Gonzalez (Texas) Eugene Vindman (Va.) Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Wash.) Source link #House #Democrats #add #Latinoheavy #districts #vulnerable #list Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I got laid off at Meta despite a glowing performance review. I went from crying in my room to launching my own business — here’s how. I got laid off at Meta despite a glowing performance review. I went from crying in my room to launching my own business — here’s how. Meta laid off Emily Pitcher, a content designer, in 2023, which led her to take her game development passion project on full time.Photo courtesy of Emily Pitcher Emily Pitcher got a job at Meta straight out of college but was laid off in 2023. Despite exceeding expectations and receiving other accolades, she couldn’t find a regular job. She took her unemployment as an opportunity to develop a game and launch her business. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Emily Pitcher, a 25-year-old content creator and game developer from Los Angeles. It’s been edited for length and clarity. I was valedictorian of my high school and graduated from college with honors. I’ve always valued excellence, so it was such a treat when, just out of college in 2021, I landed a contract job at Meta that turned into a full-time, six-figure job as a content designer around the start of 2022. I worked on every major surface of Instagram, including profiles, explore, search, and home. I got to work on features that were used by so many people. My first annual performance rating was “exceeds expectations” on all markers, and I was given a raise. I thought I was doing really well at the company. Then two months later, in April of 2023, I was laid off. For the first time, I realized that hard work doesn’t always reap rewards. Finding full-time work felt impossible, but struggling to find a job pushed me to give my passion project a shot. I was laid off via a generic email as part of a series of mass layoffs. The message cited that Meta had changing business needs, and my role was no longer needed. I was devastated. My true passion has always been indie video games, but I planned to stick around in Big Tech for several years before starting my own studio. I thought I had done really well at a big company like Meta. When I got laid off, it messed with my worldview. I started applying to more tech jobs, and after four months of unemployment, I landed a contract role at Yahoo as a content designer, which kept me afloat. That job ended a few months later, and I was back to being unemployed. There were so many Big Tech layoffs happening at the time. I had been making some money from content creation promoting my indie game, Gold Lining, which I’d been developing with some friends since college. In the midst of my unemployment, I was included in Forbes 30 under 30 for my work on the game. It felt like such a jarring discrepancy. On one hand, I received this esteemed achievement and was being told I was a part of the next generation of changers in the game industry. On the other hand, I was crying alone in my bedroom because I couldn’t even land a regular job. It felt very dystopian. Story Continues I thought maybe being on Forbes 30 under 30 would help me get a job, but it didn’t. Nobody cared. Around this time, I started hating the game I was developing with my friends. We were receiving rejection after rejection from investors, and I found myself trying to appease them at the expense of my own better judgment. I wanted to get back to making games I loved. I decided to start a hobby project as a way to cope with the anxiety of my two colossal failures — unemployment and a failing game. My honest hope was just to reignite my spark for game development. I stepped away from Gold Lining in July 2024, and that same month, I came up with the idea to develop Lily’s World XD, a psychological horror game where players investigate a young girl’s computer. I made a little Instagram video promoting its development, which got over 2 million views. Now, I fully finance myself through content creation about my journey building Lily’s World XD. I feel so lucky that I’m able to pursue my passion at such a young age, but I still have anxiety every day that it’s all going to stop working out because content creation is so futile. I’m still learning how to manage the anxiety and overwhelm of being my own boss. When I was working at Meta, I’d turn my work brain off after work. Now, I lay in bed at night, still thinking about a bug in my game or stressing about a video that isn’t performing well. It can be tough, but leaning on my network of fellow game developers and content creators for support has been extremely helpful. I’m taking this as my chance to give my dreams a shot, and I won’t hold back. Do you have a story to share about being laid off from your dream job? Contact the editor, Manseen Logan, at *****@*****.tld. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #laid #Meta #glowing #performance #review #crying #room #launching #business #heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chiikawa Pocket will have you farming, baking, and om-nom-nom-ing across a casual mobile experience Chiikawa Pocket will have you farming, baking, and om-nom-nom-ing across a casual mobile experience Enjoy the simple life with Chiikawa and friends Relaxing mini-games galore Pre-registration now open I’ve always believed that there’s always room for cuteness overload on mobile, and it seems that Applibot, Inc. agrees – in particular, Chiikawa Pocket will be launching soon on iOS and Android for all your cuteness needs. The popular character now has their own mobile experience where you can dive into casual mini-games to wind down at the end of a tiring day. Apart from being able to customise your lovely Home with themed decors, you can also set up shop and open a cosy bakery, or whip up a storm in the kitchen to collect different kinds of culinary delights for the aptly named Om Nom Fest. Chiikawa Pocket is all about chill relaxation, after all, so you also get to personalise your home screen with props like a giant omelette, because why the heck not? Of course, for the adrenaline junkies, you can also get your fill with the kawaii battles that’ll net you valuable rewards. Then, kick back, relax, and go farming, or unlock lovely outfits for Chiikawa and friends just because you can. I’ve been enjoying Neko Atsume too much lately and I can honestly say you should never underestimate the feel-good vibes a seemingly simple cartoon character can give you. If you’re on the hunt for similar feels, why not take a look at our list of the most relaxing games on Android? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by pre-registering for Chiikawa Pocket 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 Twitter page to stay updated on all the latest developments, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Chiikawa #Pocket #farming #baking #omnomnoming #casual #mobile #experience Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s behind Trump’s many grievances with Canada? – National What’s behind Trump’s many grievances with Canada? – National As the U.S. finally slaps long-threatened tariffs on Canada, a population unaccustomed to conflict wonders: what does President Donald Trump have against us, anyway? Theories abound, from the plausible (It’s about the lack of U.S. access to the ********* dairy market), to the personal (Trump really, really doesn’t like ********* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau), to the neo-colonial (the U.S. wants to annex us) to the perverse. (Could it have been that 2019 photographic faux pas, when Trudeau looked like he wanted to smooch the First Lady, Melania?) Trump has given his own reasons — lax border security and fentanyl, but sometimes impeded access to banking or an incorrectly quoted trade imbalance — but those reasons have either been disproven or dismissed. He frequently goads Canada and “Governor Trudeau” from his Truth Social account, claiming Canadians want to become the 51st state and arguing that economically, it might be better for us anyway. Story continues below advertisement 2:03 Trump not satisfied after call with “governor” Trudeau, White House says There is also another theory offered by a long-time Trump confidant: the U.S. doesn’t have the time or desire to come up with coherent reasons to resent us. “There’s a lot going on here, besides U.S.-Canada,” long-term Trump adviser and former commerce secretary Wilbur Ross tells Global News. “Canada is just one of quite a lot of big issues that the president and the administration are grappling with. I don’t mean to demean its importance, I understand why [tariffs] are so important to Canada, but you really need to put it into perspective from the U.S. point of view.” Trump’s first commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, was one of a handful of initial cabinet members in Trump’s first administration who kept their position for the entire four-year term. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File). AH In a bid to understand the erupting tensions between the two once-close trading partners and neighbours, Global News examined past administration memoirs, policy papers, prior interviews and spoke to administration officials, current and prior, to understand where the fractious relationship started to crack. Story continues below advertisement But no consensus was given as to when the offending affront may have occurred. Some theories appear to have credibility — there’s certainly still ill will harboured towards ********* dairy, and Trump really does not have anything nice to say about Trudeau. There’s also influential Trump adviser Peter Navarro, who really seems to dislike his northern neighbours. But the overarching theory emerged that this may not be about Canada at all; that worldwide tariffs and verbosely denigrating opponents, or allies, may simply be the way of doing business with the U.S. And that Canada probably isn’t as front-of-mind for Trump as we think it is. If you ask Trudeau, the reason for Trump’s tariffs is because the U.S. president wants “to see a total collapse of the ********* economy, because that will make it easier to annex us.” Story continues below advertisement Not so, according to Wilbur Ross. And, if anything, Trudeau is antagonizing the situation by saying so, he says. “Accusations like that… might be useful political rhetoric to Trudeau, but that’s certainly not very helpful in terms of making a [deal] with Trump. He’s never said anything like that being one of his objectives, so I don’t think there’s any basis whatsoever for it,” Ross tells Global News from his home in Washington, D.C. 1:59 Trump tariffs: U.S. president wants to see ‘total collapse’ of ********* economy, Trudeau says Ross was one of a handful of initial cabinet members in Trump’s first administration who kept their position for the entire four-year term. He fell out of favour with the U.S. president in the first term, but maintains a close personal relationship with him and his circle. He says he had dinner with new commerce secretary Howard Lutnick last week. He believes the Canadians have got the wrong idea with tariffs (a common refrain from Trump advisers), and that it hasn’t affected the overall relationship. Story continues below advertisement “We’ve had disputes with Canada before, and it’s never destroyed the relationship, so I don’t think that should be blown out of proportion. But trade disputes are not like a good wine. They don’t get better with age.” Perhaps we may not be as important to Trump as we think we are, then. But what are the “Governor Trudeau” and “51st State” jibes for, if not to bully us into submission? 2:33 Arctic is Canada’s ‘softest underbelly,’ ex-Trump aide warns Steve Bannon, the leading MAGA evangelist and former top Trump adviser, told Global News last month that Trump wants control of Canada because he wants control over the hemisphere and over the Arctic — what he calls “the new Great Game of the 21st Century.” And, apparently, he’s doing it because he respects Canada, not that he despises us. Story continues below advertisement “It is something we’ve talked for years — at our first meeting. He holds Canada in very high esteem,” Bannon says. So when Trump talks about the idea of a 51st state, Bannon says, he’s talking about “a partnership,” because he’s “sensitive to the ********* identity.” 2:55 Canadians should ‘rethink’ Trump’s U.S. annex offer amid tariffs: Steve Bannon “He and I, we talk a lot about military history and a lot about World War Two. There’s never been a better ally to the United States than Canada. You guys punch way above your weight class. You had a brilliant military in World War Two. People forget at D-Day, the Canadians had their own beach. I mean, think about that.” The problem is, Trump doesn’t particularly like our prime minister. Bannon calls Trudeau a “punk, and he’s much too close to the CCP [******** ********** Party.]” Story continues below advertisement If you ask Ross, the interpersonal relationships could be playing a role. But not a major one. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. “To the degree that there is any sort of emotional thing, it would be with Trudeau. But everyone knows Trudeau is becoming less of a factor in the overall picture anyway.” Their fractious relationship dates back to the G7 Summit in Quebec in 2018, when Trudeau held a press conference, saying “Canadians will not be pushed around” on U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. 1:44 Trump says Canada’s Poilievre ‘not a MAGA guy,’ calls Freeland a ‘whack’ Furious, Trump called Trudeau “very dishonest & weak” on Twitter. The barbs have continued in the intervening years, leading up to the escalating rhetoric around the current trade war. Story continues below advertisement But Trump has also taken possible successors to task, too. He’s described Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as “not a MAGA guy,” has called former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland “totally toxic” and said he doesn’t like her “very much.” Besides, Ross says, trade issues are actually at the heart of this. One of the more solid theories is that Canada’s protected dairy industry has helped trigger this fracas. The U.S. president has long been vocal about his opinion that the ********* supply management industry is unfair trade protectionism that hurts American farmers. And that could be irking him more than public chastising from Trudeau. “There’s a lot more to this than [Trump hating Canada],” Ross says. Story continues below advertisement “He has a very vivid recollection of the fighting over the dairy products. That was a very big issue during Trump 1.0. There’s a carry-over from that.” During his tenure as commerce secretary, Ross helped renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was replaced with what’s now called the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Dairy was one of the hardest-fought issues in negotiating CUSMA and was resolved in the final days of the negotiation process. 0:52 Trump says ‘NAFTA one of the worst trade deals ever’ while signing USMCA with ******** president Trump hailed it as “the largest, most significant, modern, and balanced trade agreement in history,” but he has since said renegotiating the deal is top of his agenda. Each of the three key men Trump has appointed to deal with tariffs and trade seem to have the same beef. At his Senate confirmation hearing, Ross’s successor, Howard Lutnick, mentioned Canada’s perceived maltreatment of American dairy farmers on several occasions. Story continues below advertisement “I’m going to work hard to make sure, as an example, for your dairy farmers. They do much, much better in Canada than they’ve ever done before, and that is a key focus of this administration,” said the new commerce secretary to applause. This week, he claimed the Canadians “like to cheat,” in reference to CUSMA. 2:04 Trump commerce pick defends tariffs, says Canada treats US farmers “horribly” After United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s Senate confirmation, a host of big U.S. dairy firms — including the International Dairy Foods Association and the U.S. Dairy Export Council — sent their public congratulations, complete with grievances with Canada and hopes of support for U.S. dairy farmers and manufacturers. Greer has said a renegotiation of CUSMA will be one of the first things he does. Greer is a little-known figure outside of Washington who served as chief of staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer, the architect of much of Trump’s first-term tariff policy. Story continues below advertisement He was intimately involved in the renegotiations of CUSMA and also helped implement Trump’s 2018 and 2019 tariffs on ******** imports. Julian Ovens, who was chief of staff to two of Canada’s international trade ministers in the Trudeau government, recalls Greer as “Lighthizer’s right-hand man” and “someone that they’ll trust to execute the president’s policies. “He knew Canada well. He was part of the CUSMA renegotiation, so it would be equally difficult for him to say that was a terrible deal.” Trump White House advisor Peter Navarro has long held grievances against Canada. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). JLM Finally, Peter Navarro, the long-time Trump trade adviser and now the senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing, has spoken at length about ********* dairy. In CNN correspondent Jim Sciutto’s 2020 book, The Madman Theory: Trump Takes on the World, Navarro accused Canada of being out of step with “Trump world,” maintaining unfair barriers to foreign dairy imports, disparaging Canada’s role in the NATO mission in Afghanistan and facilitating the dumping of ******** products into U.S. markets. Trending Now Canada is pulling U.S. booze off shelves. Here’s what Jack Daniel’s maker said ‘We are *********’: Beer ad guy returns amid patriotic wave Story continues below advertisement “Let’s take Canada. I mean, what’s good about Canada?” Navarro asked. “They have some of the highest dairy barriers to entry of any country in the world. What’s good about that? Within Trump’s inner circle, no one seems to have it out for Canada quite like Peter Navarro. In 2018, following the fractious G7 summit in Quebec, Navarro publicly excoriated Trudeau, accusing him of “bad-faith diplomacy” and said there would be a “special place in hell” for the ********* prime minister. Days later, he walked back the comments, saying his language was “inappropriate.” More recently, Navarro was supposedly primed to kick Canada out of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group, as reported by the Financial Times. He later claimed the story was not true. Navarro declined an interview with Global News. Story continues below advertisement 1:59 Navarro sorry for saying there’s a “special place in hell” for Trudeau But others who have worked with Navarro in the past have much to say about him. Hunter Morgen, who worked closely with Navarro in Trump’s first term as a special assistant to the president and senior adviser for policy and strategy, says “there is a reason Peter is one of only three original advisers that served from the genesis of the 2016 campaign in Trump Tower through the entirety of the first term.” “The press likes to dog Peter (wrongfully), but no one will outwork him (except maybe president Trump). (He) has a passion for deep economic issues that would make even the most erudite economist’s eyes glaze over.” Morgen would not answer specific questions on what Navarro’s feelings towards Canada were, including whether there were long-held grievances at play. Story continues below advertisement However, he said the president and his economic team are “tired of seeing us ripped off.” “When it comes to trade, the administration has said there are no allies in the traditional sense, it is a zero-sum game. Their interest is protecting and promoting domestic manufacturers as well as American workers.” 0:59 Trump addresses tariffs on Canada and Mexico during speech before U.S. Congress Navarro aired his thoughts on open borders and the U.S.’s trade partners in an article entitled “The Case for Fair Trade” in the conservative policy playbook Project 2025. In it, he waxed lyrical about trade deficits between several countries, but most of his attention was spent discussing how the USTRA could be levied on countries such as India, Taiwan and Vietnam – not Canada. But Canada is certainly caught in his crosshairs now. On Wednesday, Navarro rerouted an interview on CNN about trade and manufacturing to air more of his grievances with Canada – this time, on fentanyl. Story continues below advertisement “I would say to Mr. Trudeau that he has allowed ******** drug cartels to embed themselves across Canada, bring up their little pill presses, and manufacture these fake prescription drugs, which then find their way. So, I think, Mr. Trudeau, it would be really useful if he just toned stuff down.” Because it’s a drug war, not a trade war, Trump asserts. If you ask Trump — or Lutnick, or Navarro, for that matter — Canada’s inaction on on fentanyl is the root of the grievance. But then he references his gripes with trade in almost the same breath. On Monday, the day tariffs went into effect, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Canada doesn’t allow American Banks to do business in Canada, but their banks flood the American Market. Oh, that seems fair to me, doesn’t it?” Story continues below advertisement ********* officials have repeatedly said less than one per cent of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. But the Trump administration disagrees. In an appearance on CNN on the eve of the tariff deadline, Lutnick said the Mexicans and the Canadians have “done a nice job” on the border, with ******** crossings “at their lowest level ever,” but fentanyl deaths were down less than 15 per cent and that drop “wasn’t enough”. Trudeau, on the other hand, says fentanyl seizures from Canada have decreased by 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025. 2:21 Fact-checking Trump: Are “massive” amounts of fentanyl really smuggled from Canada to the US According to Ross, Washington insiders don’t believe Trudeau. “There’s a lot of opinion in Washington that there’s a fair amount of sleight of hand in (Trudeau’s) announcements, and I don’t think they were received as being a really good effort to deal with the problems,” Ross says. Story continues below advertisement When asked whether this was a trade war or a drug war, Ross insists it’s “not so ****** and white.” So how do we get out of this? So, who do we appeal to for help, then? Lutnick? Greer? Navarro? Ross says the final say is with Trump and Trump alone. “At the end of the day, Trump is his own trade minister, and nobody should lose track of that. He takes a lot of input, he likes to have conflicting input because that makes sure he will hear a lot of different sides of the equation. But at the end of the day, he feels he knows enough about trade and has a strong enough command of the details that he’s really his own trade minister.” While Lutnick mulls the potential for a tariff rate renegotiation, Ross says Canada should not suffer under any illusions that it’s getting out of tariffs altogether. For now, this is how the world will do business with the U.S., he says. Story continues below advertisement “Trump has become more sensitive to trade from everywhere than he was in 2016. Back then, the real use of tariffs was simply a trade factor. Now that he’s proven that he has the authority to use it more broadly, he’s beginning to do so. I think that’s part of the reason why that’s being more broadly [used] on Canada.” 2:02 One month exemption for USMCA “Autos”: White House Trump has signalled that more tariffs will come in early April, potentially for all U.S. trading partners. “Canada is looking at this in isolation, but it’s not really happening in isolation. What’s happening in connection with Canada is part of the president’s overall emphasis on using higher tariffs for a whole variety of end purposes in all kinds of geographies,” Ross says. So, should we stop navel-gazing and trying to figure out how we can appease Trump? Story continues below advertisement Yes and no, Ross says. Canada should be focusing on increasing its defence spending and working on ways to “work with Trump, not against him.” “I think the way to deal with Trump is try to figure out how to get along, not just to throw recrimination. Nobody is going to force him to back down. That is an ill-fated concept if that’s the strategy the ********* government uses.” The relationship has also been through the ringer before. After all, in his memoir, Lighthizer described the CUSMA negotiations as pushing U.S.- Canada relations to their worst point since the War of 1812. So is there coming back from this? Maybe. But with a cost. “Tariffs worldwide relative to the U.S. are going to be the new way of life. Certainly as long as Trump is in office. There’s very little point in anybody harbouring the illusions that there’s something they can do to just get rid of the tariffs. That’s not realistic,” Ross says. More on Canada More videos Source link #Whats #Trumps #grievances #Canada #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Punters’ enemy has chance to repay the love in Saturday’s Bunbury Cup Punters’ enemy has chance to repay the love in Saturday’s Bunbury Cup A clearly talented horse who has proven the punters’ enemy over the last six months will get his chance to redeem himself when he starts favourite in Saturday’s Listed $150,000 Swan Draught Bunbury Cup (2019m). Source link #Punters #enemy #chance #repay #love #Saturdays #Bunbury #Cup Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to turn off Google Gemini on your Pixel phone, and return to Google Assistant How to turn off Google Gemini on your Pixel phone, and return to Google Assistant The AI race is heating up as just about every company looks to introduce a new LLM to their portfolio, and Google has perhaps looked to do more than most. While its results in AI Search have been a mixed bag, it’s been pushing both NotebookLM for research and notetaking, as well as Gemini as a more all-purpose AI chatbot that’s starting to lean further and further into personal assistant territory. While companies like OpenAI would love to have hardware to call their own, Google has made the decision to push its Gemini model onto its Pixel devices, meaning every user has access to it right off the bat. It’s a smart move if you want to do things like formulate a workout plan, write code, or just about anything else with a variety of Gemini models, but it’s not for everyone. Some people like their peanut butter and chocolate separate, so to speak, and that’s very valid, while some just miss the ‘old’ Google Assistant (which arguably still runs rings around Siri for many requests). Thankfully, it’s easier than you might think to swap back — here’s how to do just that and bring Google Assistant back to your Pixel device. Gemini vs Google Assistant Comparing the two isn’t really an easy thing to do, either. Google Assistant is closer to Apple’s Siri, able to give a quick answer to a question like “what were the Premier League scores last week”, but not overly aware of context, or prepared for follow-up questions. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Think of it like that one friend you always ask after, and they tell you how they feel, but don’t ask you how you are. Gemini, on the other hand, is much more conversational. While some will prefer a short answer, Gemini is likely to be the future of Google’s assistant focus, and that means its predecessor is likely to be quietly phased out in the coming months. That means “what were the Premier League scores last week” can be interrupted, or you can say “sorry, tell me the Championship scores instead”, and Gemini will adjust without breaking stride. The trouble is that Gemini, or at least the most advanced version of it, will cost you. The Gemini Advanced subscription will set you back a not-insignificant $20 per month (as part of Google One AI Premium), and features power-user level features like being able to work on documents up to 1,500 pages in length and access to the latest experimental LLMs. Thankfully, there’s a free version, too, but the 2.0 Flash model (while very capable), isn’t quite as good as 2.0 Pro or Deep Research models for more complex tasks, not to mention integration with Gmail and Google Docs. For some people, Google Assistant is just better. (Image credit: Google) How to turn off Google Gemini on your Pixel device Before proceeding, it’s worth remembering that swapping back to Google Assistant will mean you’re getting a less smart, uh, smart assistant. It’s worth reiterating that because if there are parts of Gemini you do find useful, you’ll lose those until you invoke it again, but if you’re sure you want to get rid of it then follow these steps: Open the Gemini app Tap your profile picture, and then head into your Settings At the bottom of the list, select Digital Assistants from Google Select Google Assistant to revert back to the ‘classic’ version Naturally, it’s easy to switch back to Gemini — just follow the same steps and pick Gemini this time. You may also like Source link #turn #Google #Gemini #Pixel #phone #return #Google #Assistant Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

What’s behind Trump’s many grievances with Canada? – National What’s behind Trump’s many grievances with Canada? – National As the U.S. finally slaps long-threatened tariffs on Canada, a population unaccustomed to conflict wonders: what does President Donald Trump have against us, anyway? Theories abound, from the plausible (It’s about the lack of U.S. access to the ********* dairy market), to the personal (Trump really, really doesn’t like ********* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau), to the neo-colonial (the U.S. wants to annex us) to the perverse. (Could it have been that 2019 photographic faux pas, when Trudeau looked like he wanted to smooch the First Lady, Melania?) Trump has given his own reasons — lax border security and fentanyl, but sometimes impeded access to banking or an incorrectly quoted trade imbalance — but those reasons have either been disproven or dismissed. He frequently goads Canada and “Governor Trudeau” from his Truth Social account, claiming Canadians want to become the 51st state and arguing that economically, it might be better for us anyway. Story continues below advertisement 2:03 Trump not satisfied after call with “governor” Trudeau, White House says There is also another theory offered by a long-time Trump confidant: the U.S. doesn’t have the time or desire to come up with coherent reasons to resent us. “There’s a lot going on here, besides U.S.-Canada,” long-term Trump adviser and former commerce secretary Wilbur Ross tells Global News. “Canada is just one of quite a lot of big issues that the president and the administration are grappling with. I don’t mean to demean its importance, I understand why [tariffs] are so important to Canada, but you really need to put it into perspective from the U.S. point of view.” Trump’s first commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, was one of a handful of initial cabinet members in Trump’s first administration who kept their position for the entire four-year term. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File). AH In a bid to understand the erupting tensions between the two once-close trading partners and neighbours, Global News examined past administration memoirs, policy papers, prior interviews and spoke to administration officials, current and prior, to understand where the fractious relationship started to crack. Story continues below advertisement But no consensus was given as to when the offending affront may have occurred. Some theories appear to have credibility — there’s certainly still ill will harboured towards ********* dairy, and Trump really does not have anything nice to say about Trudeau. There’s also influential Trump adviser Peter Navarro, who really seems to dislike his northern neighbours. But the overarching theory emerged that this may not be about Canada at all; that worldwide tariffs and verbosely denigrating opponents, or allies, may simply be the way of doing business with the U.S. And that Canada probably isn’t as front-of-mind for Trump as we think it is. If you ask Trudeau, the reason for Trump’s tariffs is because the U.S. president wants “to see a total collapse of the ********* economy, because that will make it easier to annex us.” Story continues below advertisement Not so, according to Wilbur Ross. And, if anything, Trudeau is antagonizing the situation by saying so, he says. “Accusations like that… might be useful political rhetoric to Trudeau, but that’s certainly not very helpful in terms of making a [deal] with Trump. He’s never said anything like that being one of his objectives, so I don’t think there’s any basis whatsoever for it,” Ross tells Global News from his home in Washington, D.C. 1:59 Trump tariffs: U.S. president wants to see ‘total collapse’ of ********* economy, Trudeau says Ross was one of a handful of initial cabinet members in Trump’s first administration who kept their position for the entire four-year term. He fell out of favour with the U.S. president in the first term, but maintains a close personal relationship with him and his circle. He says he had dinner with new commerce secretary Howard Lutnick last week. He believes the Canadians have got the wrong idea with tariffs (a common refrain from Trump advisers), and that it hasn’t affected the overall relationship. Story continues below advertisement “We’ve had disputes with Canada before, and it’s never destroyed the relationship, so I don’t think that should be blown out of proportion. But trade disputes are not like a good wine. They don’t get better with age.” Perhaps we may not be as important to Trump as we think we are, then. But what are the “Governor Trudeau” and “51st State” jibes for, if not to bully us into submission? 2:33 Arctic is Canada’s ‘softest underbelly,’ ex-Trump aide warns Steve Bannon, the leading MAGA evangelist and former top Trump adviser, told Global News last month that Trump wants control of Canada because he wants control over the hemisphere and over the Arctic — what he calls “the new Great Game of the 21st Century.” And, apparently, he’s doing it because he respects Canada, not that he despises us. Story continues below advertisement “It is something we’ve talked for years — at our first meeting. He holds Canada in very high esteem,” Bannon says. So when Trump talks about the idea of a 51st state, Bannon says, he’s talking about “a partnership,” because he’s “sensitive to the ********* identity.” 2:55 Canadians should ‘rethink’ Trump’s U.S. annex offer amid tariffs: Steve Bannon “He and I, we talk a lot about military history and a lot about World War Two. There’s never been a better ally to the United States than Canada. You guys punch way above your weight class. You had a brilliant military in World War Two. People forget at D-Day, the Canadians had their own beach. I mean, think about that.” The problem is, Trump doesn’t particularly like our prime minister. Bannon calls Trudeau a “punk, and he’s much too close to the CCP [******** ********** Party.]” Story continues below advertisement If you ask Ross, the interpersonal relationships could be playing a role. But not a major one. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. “To the degree that there is any sort of emotional thing, it would be with Trudeau. But everyone knows Trudeau is becoming less of a factor in the overall picture anyway.” Their fractious relationship dates back to the G7 Summit in Quebec in 2018, when Trudeau held a press conference, saying “Canadians will not be pushed around” on U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. 1:44 Trump says Canada’s Poilievre ‘not a MAGA guy,’ calls Freeland a ‘whack’ Furious, Trump called Trudeau “very dishonest & weak” on Twitter. The barbs have continued in the intervening years, leading up to the escalating rhetoric around the current trade war. Story continues below advertisement But Trump has also taken possible successors to task, too. He’s described Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as “not a MAGA guy,” has called former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland “totally toxic” and said he doesn’t like her “very much.” Besides, Ross says, trade issues are actually at the heart of this. One of the more solid theories is that Canada’s protected dairy industry has helped trigger this fracas. The U.S. president has long been vocal about his opinion that the ********* supply management industry is unfair trade protectionism that hurts American farmers. And that could be irking him more than public chastising from Trudeau. “There’s a lot more to this than [Trump hating Canada],” Ross says. Story continues below advertisement “He has a very vivid recollection of the fighting over the dairy products. That was a very big issue during Trump 1.0. There’s a carry-over from that.” During his tenure as commerce secretary, Ross helped renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, which was replaced with what’s now called the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Dairy was one of the hardest-fought issues in negotiating CUSMA and was resolved in the final days of the negotiation process. 0:52 Trump says ‘NAFTA one of the worst trade deals ever’ while signing USMCA with ******** president Trump hailed it as “the largest, most significant, modern, and balanced trade agreement in history,” but he has since said renegotiating the deal is top of his agenda. Each of the three key men Trump has appointed to deal with tariffs and trade seem to have the same beef. At his Senate confirmation hearing, Ross’s successor, Howard Lutnick, mentioned Canada’s perceived maltreatment of American dairy farmers on several occasions. Story continues below advertisement “I’m going to work hard to make sure, as an example, for your dairy farmers. They do much, much better in Canada than they’ve ever done before, and that is a key focus of this administration,” said the new commerce secretary to applause. This week, he claimed the Canadians “like to cheat,” in reference to CUSMA. 2:04 Trump commerce pick defends tariffs, says Canada treats US farmers “horribly” After United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s Senate confirmation, a host of big U.S. dairy firms — including the International Dairy Foods Association and the U.S. Dairy Export Council — sent their public congratulations, complete with grievances with Canada and hopes of support for U.S. dairy farmers and manufacturers. Greer has said a renegotiation of CUSMA will be one of the first things he does. Greer is a little-known figure outside of Washington who served as chief of staff to former USTR Robert Lighthizer, the architect of much of Trump’s first-term tariff policy. Story continues below advertisement He was intimately involved in the renegotiations of CUSMA and also helped implement Trump’s 2018 and 2019 tariffs on ******** imports. Julian Ovens, who was chief of staff to two of Canada’s international trade ministers in the Trudeau government, recalls Greer as “Lighthizer’s right-hand man” and “someone that they’ll trust to execute the president’s policies. “He knew Canada well. He was part of the CUSMA renegotiation, so it would be equally difficult for him to say that was a terrible deal.” Trump White House advisor Peter Navarro has long held grievances against Canada. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana). JLM Finally, Peter Navarro, the long-time Trump trade adviser and now the senior counsellor for trade and manufacturing, has spoken at length about ********* dairy. In CNN correspondent Jim Sciutto’s 2020 book, The Madman Theory: Trump Takes on the World, Navarro accused Canada of being out of step with “Trump world,” maintaining unfair barriers to foreign dairy imports, disparaging Canada’s role in the NATO mission in Afghanistan and facilitating the dumping of ******** products into U.S. markets. Trending Now Canada is pulling U.S. booze off shelves. Here’s what Jack Daniel’s maker said ‘We are *********’: Beer ad guy returns amid patriotic wave Story continues below advertisement “Let’s take Canada. I mean, what’s good about Canada?” Navarro asked. “They have some of the highest dairy barriers to entry of any country in the world. What’s good about that? Within Trump’s inner circle, no one seems to have it out for Canada quite like Peter Navarro. In 2018, following the fractious G7 summit in Quebec, Navarro publicly excoriated Trudeau, accusing him of “bad-faith diplomacy” and said there would be a “special place in hell” for the ********* prime minister. Days later, he walked back the comments, saying his language was “inappropriate.” More recently, Navarro was supposedly primed to kick Canada out of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing group, as reported by the Financial Times. He later claimed the story was not true. Navarro declined an interview with Global News. Story continues below advertisement 1:59 Navarro sorry for saying there’s a “special place in hell” for Trudeau But others who have worked with Navarro in the past have much to say about him. Hunter Morgen, who worked closely with Navarro in Trump’s first term as a special assistant to the president and senior adviser for policy and strategy, says “there is a reason Peter is one of only three original advisers that served from the genesis of the 2016 campaign in Trump Tower through the entirety of the first term.” “The press likes to dog Peter (wrongfully), but no one will outwork him (except maybe president Trump). (He) has a passion for deep economic issues that would make even the most erudite economist’s eyes glaze over.” Morgen would not answer specific questions on what Navarro’s feelings towards Canada were, including whether there were long-held grievances at play. Story continues below advertisement However, he said the president and his economic team are “tired of seeing us ripped off.” “When it comes to trade, the administration has said there are no allies in the traditional sense, it is a zero-sum game. Their interest is protecting and promoting domestic manufacturers as well as American workers.” 0:59 Trump addresses tariffs on Canada and Mexico during speech before U.S. Congress Navarro aired his thoughts on open borders and the U.S.’s trade partners in an article entitled “The Case for Fair Trade” in the conservative policy playbook Project 2025. In it, he waxed lyrical about trade deficits between several countries, but most of his attention was spent discussing how the USTRA could be levied on countries such as India, Taiwan and Vietnam – not Canada. But Canada is certainly caught in his crosshairs now. On Wednesday, Navarro rerouted an interview on CNN about trade and manufacturing to air more of his grievances with Canada – this time, on fentanyl. Story continues below advertisement “I would say to Mr. Trudeau that he has allowed ******** drug cartels to embed themselves across Canada, bring up their little pill presses, and manufacture these fake prescription drugs, which then find their way. So, I think, Mr. Trudeau, it would be really useful if he just toned stuff down.” Because it’s a drug war, not a trade war, Trump asserts. If you ask Trump — or Lutnick, or Navarro, for that matter — Canada’s inaction on on fentanyl is the root of the grievance. But then he references his gripes with trade in almost the same breath. On Monday, the day tariffs went into effect, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Canada doesn’t allow American Banks to do business in Canada, but their banks flood the American Market. Oh, that seems fair to me, doesn’t it?” Story continues below advertisement ********* officials have repeatedly said less than one per cent of fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from Canada. But the Trump administration disagrees. In an appearance on CNN on the eve of the tariff deadline, Lutnick said the Mexicans and the Canadians have “done a nice job” on the border, with ******** crossings “at their lowest level ever,” but fentanyl deaths were down less than 15 per cent and that drop “wasn’t enough”. Trudeau, on the other hand, says fentanyl seizures from Canada have decreased by 97 per cent between December 2024 and January 2025. 2:21 Fact-checking Trump: Are “massive” amounts of fentanyl really smuggled from Canada to the US According to Ross, Washington insiders don’t believe Trudeau. “There’s a lot of opinion in Washington that there’s a fair amount of sleight of hand in (Trudeau’s) announcements, and I don’t think they were received as being a really good effort to deal with the problems,” Ross says. Story continues below advertisement When asked whether this was a trade war or a drug war, Ross insists it’s “not so ****** and white.” So how do we get out of this? So, who do we appeal to for help, then? Lutnick? Greer? Navarro? Ross says the final say is with Trump and Trump alone. “At the end of the day, Trump is his own trade minister, and nobody should lose track of that. He takes a lot of input, he likes to have conflicting input because that makes sure he will hear a lot of different sides of the equation. But at the end of the day, he feels he knows enough about trade and has a strong enough command of the details that he’s really his own trade minister.” While Lutnick mulls the potential for a tariff rate renegotiation, Ross says Canada should not suffer under any illusions that it’s getting out of tariffs altogether. For now, this is how the world will do business with the U.S., he says. Story continues below advertisement “Trump has become more sensitive to trade from everywhere than he was in 2016. Back then, the real use of tariffs was simply a trade factor. Now that he’s proven that he has the authority to use it more broadly, he’s beginning to do so. I think that’s part of the reason why that’s being more broadly [used] on Canada.” 2:02 One month exemption for USMCA “Autos”: White House Trump has signalled that more tariffs will come in early April, potentially for all U.S. trading partners. “Canada is looking at this in isolation, but it’s not really happening in isolation. What’s happening in connection with Canada is part of the president’s overall emphasis on using higher tariffs for a whole variety of end purposes in all kinds of geographies,” Ross says. So, should we stop navel-gazing and trying to figure out how we can appease Trump? Story continues below advertisement Yes and no, Ross says. Canada should be focusing on increasing its defence spending and working on ways to “work with Trump, not against him.” “I think the way to deal with Trump is try to figure out how to get along, not just to throw recrimination. Nobody is going to force him to back down. That is an ill-fated concept if that’s the strategy the ********* government uses.” The relationship has also been through the ringer before. After all, in his memoir, Lighthizer described the CUSMA negotiations as pushing U.S.- Canada relations to their worst point since the War of 1812. So is there coming back from this? Maybe. But with a cost. “Tariffs worldwide relative to the U.S. are going to be the new way of life. Certainly as long as Trump is in office. There’s very little point in anybody harbouring the illusions that there’s something they can do to just get rid of the tariffs. That’s not realistic,” Ross says. More on Canada More videos Source link #Whats #Trumps #grievances #Canada #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]