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Treasury earmarks billions in spending cuts ahead of Spring Statement Treasury earmarks billions in spending cuts ahead of Spring Statement The Treasury has earmarked several billion pounds in draft spending cuts to ******** and other government departments amid expectations the chancellor’s room for manoeuvre has all but been wiped out. The department will put the proposed cuts to the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), the official forecaster, on Wednesday ahead of the Spring Statement later this month. Sources said it was evident that “the world has changed” since the Budget last October, when the OBR indicated that Chancellor Rachel Reeves had £9.9bn in headroom against her self-imposed borrowing targets. The OBR’s forecast, which will be published alongside the Spring Statement, is likely to see that disappear because of global economic headwinds and changes to the ***’s long-term economic performance. The Treasury will on Wednesday inform the OBR of its “major measures” -essentially changes to tax and spend in order to put the public finances back on track to meet the chancellor’s self-imposed rules. Internally, the department is blaming global economic policy and geopolitical uncertainty for hiking up government borrowing costs. The euro area economy also stagnated while lower *** productivity numbers have affected the forecast. One government insider, said: “Clearly the world has changed a lot since the autumn Budget. People are watching that change happen before their eyes. “The Office for Budget Responsbility will reflect that changing world in its forecasts later this month and a changing world will be a core feature of the chancellor’s response later this month.” This week, US President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on its three biggest trading partners: Canada, Mexico and China. Trump indicated that the *** could avoid border taxes when he met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week. But Reeves told the BBC on Tuesday that even if the *** is not hit by tariffs, a global trade war would lower growth and raise inflation. The corrective budget measures will reflect existing policy aims, but will also help plug the gap that has emerged in recent months. Insiders expect “politically painful” new ******** cuts that are designed to reduce the huge growth in health-related benefits. The moves will be outlined in an upcoming speech from Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. In the run-up to the Spring Statement, Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden and Health Secretary Wes Streeting will also outline a significant efficiency drive within the civil service, which they hope will lead to significant headcount and cost savings. The chancellor will argue that the government was always going to “fix ******** to get people back to work” and “make the NHS more productive”. An insider told the BBC: “Headroom or no headroom, the chancellor is determined to push through the change we need to make Britain more secure and prosperous, with the whole government making that argument in the coming weeks.” Source link #Treasury #earmarks #billions #spending #cuts #ahead #Spring #Statement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ros Atkins on… President Trump’s history with Ukraine Ros Atkins on… President Trump’s history with Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has pledged to “make things right” after Donald Trump paused military aid to Ukraine following a tense meeting in the Oval Office. But that heated exchange between President Trump and President Zelensky is by no means the first time the two men have crossed paths. In 2019, President Trump faced an impeachment inquiry over a call with the newly elected President Zelensky. The BBC’s analysis editor Ros Atkins takes a look at the wider context. Produced by Catherine Karelli. Source link #Ros #Atkins #on.. #President #Trumps #history #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can Europe provide a credible answer on Ukraine? Can Europe provide a credible answer on Ukraine? PARSA/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock Over the weekend, *** Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted what he called a ‘coalition of the willing’ “It’s certainly one way of focusing our minds — and wallets! Donald Trump is doing us a favour, if we choose to think about it that way. And we may as well look on the bright side. Otherwise these times are too dark.” The words of a diplomat from a major European country, speaking after Donald Trump turned off the military aid tap to Ukraine on Monday. He asked not to be named, so he can share his thoughts more freely. The relentlessness, and pace, of change in Washington, can be dizzying. Not only for consumers of news but politicians as well. Europe is scrambling to react effectively. There has been a frenzy of diplomatic activity: bilateral, late-night leader phone calls, European huddles in London and in Paris, meetings of Nato defence ministers in Brussels. An emergency security summit of EU leaders is also scheduled this Thursday. It is a huge moment in European history. Most European countries believe the security of all of Europe, not only the sovereignty of Ukraine, is at stake — with Russia looking to dismantle the western-facing balance of power, in place since the end of the Cold War. Washington, which has had Europe’s back in terms of security and defence since World War Two, now appears “not to care about the fate of Europe”, according to the man poised to be the next leader of the continent’s biggest economy, Friedrich Merz of Germany. But what are all the big-name European meetings and summits actually achieving? Just a few hours prior to Washington halting military aid to Kyiv, *** Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is taking a lead in Europe over Ukraine, announced it was time for “action not words”. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, meanwhile, said Europe must turn Ukraine into a “steel porcupine”, with urgent, extra arms deliveries. Can the continent really act as one, though? Europe is a sum total of different countries with different-sized budgets and diverse domestic politics and priorities. PA Media Sir Keir Starmer received President Zelensky at Number 10 the day after Oval office showdown Europe’s aim in taking this defence action is two-fold as well: First, to show Donald Trump that — in the words of the *** prime minister — Europe will now do the “heavy lifting” to defend itself. Europe hopes to persuade Trump to restart his military support of Ukraine, and to keep in place the current US security back-up for Europe as a whole, if he believes they are no longer “freeloading” off the United States. But also, Europe’s leaders will need to urgently boost their own defences and support for Kyiv anyway, if Donald Trump turns away from Ukraine, and further down the line, from Europe more broadly in security terms. It’s not only to Washington that Europe feels it has a point to prove. Russia is watching too. The various high-profile, big-pledging European emergency meetings must now produce speedy, impressive, practical results, otherwise in the Kremlin’s eyes, Europe looks weak and vulnerable. Moscow has already gloated about the “splits” it sees in Western unity. Donald Trump says he trusts Vladimir Putin but he’s been scathing about Nato allies and he called Ukraine’s president a dictator. Russia knows that, for all Europe’s talk about now determinedly defending itself, any security expert you speak to admits that — at least in the short-to-medium term — Europe still needs the US. That is why last week in Washington, we saw the French president and the *** prime minister, separately, wooing Donald Trump. The US has filled the yawning gaps in European defence, left by years of chronic under-investment after the end of the Cold War. The number of troops in Europe diminished with the end of conscription in most European countries. The US has roughly 100,000 troops and nuclear weapons in various parts of Europe under Nato’s nuclear sharing policy. Many of them are in non-nuclear, major European power Germany, which fears being severely exposed to Russia should Donald Trump withdraw support. If the *** and France manage to assemble what they call a “coalition of the willing” — European countries that accept to send even a modest number of peacekeeping troops into Ukraine once a ceasefire is agreed — that could stretch European armies and expose gaps in Nato defences. That is why Poland is unwilling to commit troops to that “coalition”. It says it needs to keep soldiers at home, to defend itself against Russia. It also fervently hopes the US won’t be pulling its troops out of Eastern Europe. But Europe also relies on the US for military capabilities that ensure the smooth running of operations. These are known as “enablers”. Ukraine leans heavily on US intelligence, for example, to maintain a strong hand against Russia. A European peacekeeping or “reassurance” force in Ukraine would need US support to establish an air shield over Ukraine. Europe lacks air-to air refuelling capabilities, as well as munitions that could take out air defences in Russia if necessary. These enablers “can’t be bought in a hurry at the local cash-and-carry” as one European politician put it to me. This is why the ***, France and others in Europe are so very keen to keep the US on board for as long and as much as possible. “Some of my esteemed European colleagues should probably hold back from tweeting in anger,” one frustrated diplomat from a high-profile nation told me. We were discussing European outrage at the treatment of Ukraine’s president by the US president and vice-president at the Oval Office on Friday. “Real leadership is not about letting off steam online. It’s about finding the right words to constructively move forward, however complicated the situation. “Do we need continued US support in Ukraine and Europe? Do we have more in common with the US than with China? Those are the fundamental questions we need to keep in mind.” Another fundamental question for Europe is, of course, how much cash is needed and how fast to credibly boost defence. On Ukraine, Europe could arguably quite easily replace current US support, if it put its mind to it. Germany is the largest donor of military aid to Ukraine after the US. If other European powers followed its lead, it says, Ukraine defence would be covered for the foreseeable future. Berlin and other northern European countries express resentment against France, for example, which they say, talks big about defending Ukraine – and is strong in leadership and strategy – but has in fact donated relatively little. As for broader defence spending, the EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen declared on Tuesday that “Europe is in an era of re-armament”. She suggested the EU alone could mobilise a total of 800bn euros for defence spending by: Using its joint budget more creativelyProviding 150bn euros in loans to benefit the defence of the EU as a whole — so, for example, in air and missile defence, anti-drone systems, and military mobilitySuspending EU fiscal rules to allow individual EU countries to spend more on defence EU leaders will debate her proposals and others at their summit on Thursday – including whether frozen Russian assets in Europe could be used in funding for Ukraine. But potential and very public European splits loom large. Many fuelled by member states’ domestic politics. Hungary, close to Russia and Donald Trump’s administration, is a spoke in the wheel of pretty much every EU debate to help Ukraine. Brussels fears Slovakia is going the same way. Countries near Russia’s borders do not need to explain to voters why defence spending needs to be high. Tiny, exposed Baltic nations Estonia and Lithuania already spend over 3% of GDP on defence. They want to raise that to 5% in the near future. Meanwhile, big European economies Italy and Spain, geographically much further from Russia, fail to spend the Nato minimum requirement of 2% of GDP on defence. In Germany, France and the ***, according to a study by the London-based Focaldata research group, most voters want to maintain or reduce defence spending, preferring their government to focus on other voter priorities. But Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte is warning Europeans to wake up and smell the coffee brewing in Washington and Moscow. European nations need to spend more than 3% of GDP now to effectively wean the continent off its deep reliance on the US, he says. If Donald Trump pulls out of Europe altogether, never mind Ukraine, that would mean spending 4-6% of GDP, according to defence experts: a political, social and economic earthquake Europe’s leaders hope they will not have to face. Source link #Europe #provide #credible #answer #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can potash be a trade war weapon for Trump tariffs? Experts urge caution Can potash be a trade war weapon for Trump tariffs? Experts urge caution Canada is vowing to fight back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs that went into effect Tuesday, and potash could become a potent weapon in the growing trade war — but economists are urging caution. Potash is a key ingredient in fertilizer, and roughly 85 per cent of the supply used by American farmers comes from Canada — particularly Saskatchewan, where potash is a major export market. U.S. farming groups and even some Republicans aligned with Trump have called for potash to be exempted from the blanket tariffs out of concern for the agricultural industry. Ontario Premier Doug Ford told reporters Tuesday that Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe should consider no longer selling potash, uranium and oil to the United States and instead find different markets. “We need to make sure America feels the pain,” Ford said. “Without potash down there, (the U.S.) doesn’t have a farming system.” Story continues below advertisement Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, while announcing a first round of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. products, said Canada would also look at non-tariff measures if necessary but did not answer directly when asked whether Ottawa might curb exports of potash or crude oil. Moe has previously pushed back on the idea of restricting ********* energy to the U.S., and that Canada’s countermeasures should not disproportionately hurt any one province. He said in a statement Tuesday that his cabinet would meet Wednesday to “consider all options” to respond to the U.S. tariffs, and reiterated calls for reduced interprovincial trade barriers and the promotion of pipelines and other infrastructure. “American farmers need ********* fuel and fertilizer to grow their crops,” Moe said. “Trump’s tariffs will drive up the cost of oil, potash and uranium and that will drive up the cost of groceries for every American family.” 1:49 Saskatchewan premier Moe says Trump ‘wrong’ as punishing U.S. tariffs kick in Even with a decline in potash prices in 2023, Saskatchewan exported over $11.5 billion worth of potash that year. Nearly all of it goes to other countries, representing a full third of global production. The next largest producers, Russia and Belarus, make up another third combined, followed distantly by China. Story continues below advertisement The ********* fertilizer industry said U.S. tariffs not just threaten food production and security on both sides of the border, but will also push American farmers toward those countries. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. “Imposing U.S. tariffs on ********* fertilizer imports will distort the U.S. market in favour of countries such as Russia and China, who do not operate under the same environmental, human rights and trade practices, undermining the critical trade goals of each of our countries,” a statement from Fertilizer Canada said. But Corey Rosenbusch, president and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute in Denver, Colo., said those countries won’t fill the gap left if the American agricultural industry moves away from ********* potash. More on Money More videos “There would not be (enough) supply globally to completely replace that,” he said in an interview. “Even with tariffs we still will need ********* potash.” Nutrien, one of the largest potash producers in Saskatchewan, has warned the cost of tariffs would ultimately be felt by U.S. farmers. The company told Global News it has been engaging with policymakers and stakeholders in the U.S. and Canada to make the case against tariffs. Other companies that mine potash in Saskatchewan — many of which are foreign-owned — declined requests for an interview or comment Tuesday. Rosenbusch said farmers were able to import enough potash and other fertilizer products during February, when tariffs were temporarily paused, to prepare for the spring planting season that’s already underway in some states. Story continues below advertisement But he said importers saw price increases due to the uncertainty, and some had to turn to Russian potash due to the high demand. He added 60 per cent of potash used annually in the U.S. is applied in the fall, meaning farmers will soon feel the impact of tariffs in the coming months. Farming industry groups like the American Farm Bureau Federation say farmers have suffered losses on most major crops for three straight years amid high global inflation and supply chain constraints, with tariffs further adding to those woes. “This is not a great time for them to see increased input costs,” Rosenbusch said. 1:54 B.C. farmers worry about U.S. tariff impact Trending Now Trudeau vows Canada will ‘hit back hard’ after Trump launches trade war Ontario responds to tariffs by removing U.S. alcohol, cancelling Starlink deal In February, after Trump first announced the tariffs on Canada and Mexico but before he temporarily halted them, Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa — a major agricultural state — said he was pushing for potash to be exempted from the additional levies, something also pushed by fertilizer and farming groups. Story continues below advertisement Asked Tuesday if he was still looking for a potash exemption, a spokesperson for the senator pointed to a comment Grassley made to reporters where he said he was taking a wait-and-see approach to Trump’s tariff policy. “I’m still a free and fair trader,” he said. “The president won the election based upon the fact he was going to impose tariffs, and maybe it will work (to reduce or eliminate global tariffs). “If he’s successful I’ll say ‘amen,’ and if he’s not successful I’ll say ‘I told you so.’” U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters Sunday that she had raised the issue of increased potash import costs with Trump and other administration officials “and will continue to.” Economists say cutting off potash exports to the U.S. would be unnecessarily escalatory and threaten food supply in both countries. “I see significantly more risk for negative repercussions, but also in terms of public perception in the United States, as well as sort of indirectly here in Canada, that would make me hesitate thinking about using potash,” said Werner Antweiller, a professor and international trade policy research chair at the University of British Columbia. “We don’t want to create a situation where the Americans hate us. … You want to have Americans kind of rally around us and make our case.” Story continues below advertisement 2:00 ********* recession looms if U.S. tariffs remain: economists Abstract Canada imported $32 billion in agricultural products from the U.S. in 2023, and many of those items are now subject to ********* counter-tariffs. Carol McAusland, a professor of land and food systems at the University of British Columbia, said a better tactic would be to put an export tax on potash sold to the U.S. That would further raise prices for American farmers but ensure Canada collects some of that money, she said. “What we want to do is let them know that we’re not just going to accept this,” she said. She agreed that an export ban would be “kind of like going to the nuclear option.” She added consumers may not see the impact of higher prices related to potash for some time, as the import cost increases work their way into the food supply chain. That will make it important for both ********* and American stakeholders to make clear why consumers are paying more. Story continues below advertisement “Are people going to understand where it came from, why the prices are rising, or are they just going to think, ‘We’ve got inflation yet again,’” she asked. Source link #potash #trade #war #weapon #Trump #tariffs #Experts #urge #caution Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Men risk drowning to flee conscription by rebels Men risk drowning to flee conscription by rebels Nomsa Maseko BBC News, Rugombo BBC Jordan Bita says he kept away from main roads, trekking through bush, to avoid the advancing rebels Jordan Bita preferred to risk his life swimming across a roaring river than stay at home and be conscripted by rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The 25-year-old clung on to a ****** bin bag with some possessions as he used the strong currents to navigate his way across the Rusizi river, which forms the border between DR Congo and Burundi. This was the last stage in a desperate journey to escape to safety in Burundi as the conflict in eastern DR Congo escalates, with M23 rebels capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu in the last five weeks. “I managed to flee safely… because I was crossing through the forest and moving along the bushes instead of the main road,” he told the BBC after climbing up the bank on the Burundian side and wiping the water from his face. “This is because M23 fighters are everywhere and they are forcing us to join them to fight against the government,” he said. Burundian troops are monitoring the riverbank in Cibitoke province in the north-west where Congolese families are crossing. They are among nearly 70,000 people who have sought refuge here over the last month as the M23 rebels – backed by Rwanda, Burundi’s neighbours to the north – continue to advance south in DR Congo. At the end of January they took the major hub of Goma in DR Congo’s North-Kivu province and in mid-February Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, fell. Those crossing the Rusizi sometimes make multiple trips to bring goods over the border Mr Bita’s luggage was thoroughly checked on the orders of Burundian troops – no weapons are allowed in. Afterwards, he picked up his bag and carried it on his head, making his way up a steep hill to the nearest refugee camp about 12km (seven miles) away in the town of Rugombo. He is bringing with him desperately needed food – maize meal, peanuts and beans – for his family who are already at a makeshift camp set up in the town’s football stadium. Another man, Amani Sebakungu, looked exhausted and was trying to catch his breath as he emerged from the Rusizi: “In the river you just have to take heart and say if I die or survive so be it. God willed I crossed safely.” As the BBC team was interviewing Mr Sebakungu, the Burundian military ordered us all to vacate the area as M23 rebels had been spotted marching towards the river on the other side. Later, looking over from a nearby hill, we could see the rebels in military fatigues walking in single file and stopping the people on the Congolese side from making the crossing. The dangers those fleeing face are real. Most of those fleeing are women and children – near Uvria officials are stopping men from leaving as they want them to defend the city Over the last two weeks, at least 20 people have been swept away as they attempted to swim the 300m (984ft) across the river, which at certain points is 10m deep. It is thought many other drownings have gone unreported. Clarice Kacindi lost her three-year-old child while crossing the Rusizi 10 days ago. “One of my children was lying on the raft in front of me while I held three others beside me. We had many other people in the raft and when we reached the middle of the river the raft broke into two and my child was swept away,” she told the BBC at Rugombo’s football stadium. “M23 are making our lives very difficult. They must stop this war. Even if I wanted to go back home, I’ll be forced to start from scratch. They’ve stolen everything we left behind,” she said. Hundreds of white tents have been put up for shelter in the stadium as the paperwork of those seeking asylum is processed. As many as 25 people share a tent, with many others sleeping under the stars. Food is rationed to only one meal a day. Further south, the main border post between DR Congo and Burundi at Gatumba is also busy. It is usually an hour’s drive between the nearby Congolese city of Uvira and Burundi’s main city of Bujumbura with the road humming with traders and vehicles. Now it is only one-way traffic with refugees flowing into Burundi – mainly women and children. Burundian security officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the BBC that men were not being allowed over the border and were being told to remain in Uvira to defend the city from the M23. Burundi has more than 10,000 troops deployed in DR Congo helping the military there fight the M23. Many of their soldiers are now based in Uvira, which has a population of more than 300,000. It is located on the northern tip of Lake Tanganyika and is now on high alert as M23 rebels are marching south from Bukavu and are reportedly 70km away. Burundi has been a natural ally of DR Congo over years because of its enmity with Rwanda. Relations between Rwanda and Burundi have long been hostile, with both accusing each other of trying to overthrow their respective governments. The countries share a similar language and ethnic make-up – with Tutsi and Hutu communities often vying for power – and both have suffered terrible ethnic-based massacres. But unlike Rwanda, which is headed by a Tutsi president, the majority Hutus are in power in Burundi. Burundi’s government fears that if the M23 cements its presence in South Kivu by taking Uvira it will strengthen a Burundian rebel group called Red Tabara. Based in South Kivu, it is mainly made up of Tutsis – and has attacked Burundi in the past. Rugombo football stadium has been set up as a temporary area to house those arriving from DR Congo “It is terrible for Burundi. This is the first time in more than 20 years for the country to receive this large number of refugees,” Brigitte Mukanga-Eno, an official from the UN refugee agency, told the BBC. “We need to support this country in receiving the refugees to improve the conditions of those that are still making their way to Burundi so that there are no clashes between the refugees and host communities.” Eighty-seven-year-old Magega Mwarui can attest to the years of unrest in the region, often triggered by ethnic rivalries. “I have fled to Burundi so many times. We cross this river carrying the little belongings we have left,” the Congolese woman, who has lost her sight, told BBC in Rugombo. “Since I was young, before I turned blind… There’ve been times where I almost drowned while fleeing conflict,” she said. Charlotte Odile, who is now living at a camp just outside Rugombo set up for those who have been officially registered as refugees, told us she came to Burundi with her four children after her husband was shot dead by M23 rebels in South-Kivu. “I’m hoping to find a home for my children and peace,” she said. Additional reporting by the BBC’s Robert Kiptoo. You may also be interested in:Getty Images/BBC Source link #Men #risk #drowning #flee #conscription #rebels Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Live updates on Trump’s speech at his 2025 joint address to Congress Live updates on Trump’s speech at his 2025 joint address to Congress 1m ago Trump’s children to join him for his address Four of the president’s children will join him in the motorcade and at the Capitol for his joint address to Congress, according to two senior administration officials. Barron Trump, who is attending college in New York, will not attend. Traveling to the Capitol in the motorcade with the president will be: Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, Bettina Anderson Eric Trump and wife Lara Trump Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner Tiffany Trump and husband Michael Boulos By Jennifer Jacobs Updated 7m ago Why this speech isn’t a “State of the Union” President Trump delivers the State of the Union address in the House chamber on Feb. 4, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Mark Wilson/Getty Images The Constitution says the president shall, “from time to time,” give a report on the “State of the Union” to Congress. This speech typically takes place in January or February, and gives presidents the opportunity to tout their accomplishments over the past year and lay out their agenda for the months ahead. Since Mr. Trump has only been in office for six weeks and a day, his address is not technically considered a State of the Union. Rather, it’s known as a joint address to Congress. But it will look and sound much like a State of the Union, with the president addressing lawmakers from the House chamber, and Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance seated behind him. Mr. Trump is expected to address what he views as his accomplishments so far before discussing the economy, immigration and foreign policy. By Kathryn Watson Updated 7m ago Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin to deliver the Democratic response Democratic leaders tapped Sen. Elissa Slotkin, the newly minted U.S. senator from Michigan, to deliver the party’s response. It’s tradition for a member of the opposing party to speak after the president, and the role is often given to someone the party wants to introduce to the country. The assignment may seem simple enough, but even minor slip-ups, like then-Sen. Marco Rubio pausing to drink from a water bottle in 2013 or Rep. Joe Kennedy exhibiting an unusually moist upper lip in 2018, can instantly become the subject of political jokes. Slotkin, 48, won her seat against former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers in a state that flipped red for Mr. Trump in 2024. Democrats as a whole are continuing to examine the 2024 election and chart a path forward after losing the House, Senate and White House to the Republicans. Slotkin was a U.S. congresswoman for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District for six years before she won her Senate seat. A former CIA analyst who served alongside the military in Iraq, she has experience working under both parties. Slotkin worked on President George W. Bush’s National Security Council, as well as in the State Department during Barack Obama’s presidency. Read more about Elissa Slotkin here. By Kathryn Watson Updated 7m ago Trump’s speech comes against backdrop of fallout with Ukraine Trump likely to address Ukraine during joint address to Congress 05:45 It’s only been four days since the heated, televised Oval Office meeting involving Mr. Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that upended relations between the U.S. and Ukraine. On Friday, Zelenskyy’s team was told to leave the White House after the meeting grew contentious, with Vance calling Zelenskyy’s remarks “disrespectful” and Mr. Trump telling Zelenskyy he’s toying with “World War III.” The Trump administration wants Zelenskyy to pursue a ceasefire now, and paused military aid to the country on Monday. Mr. Trump has continued to criticize Zelenskyy since the confrontation, which scuttled the planned signing of an economic deal over Ukraine’s mineral rights. Zelenskyy tried to right the ship earlier Tuesday, writing in a lengthy post on X that Ukraine is “ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible” to end the war. “Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians,” Zelenskyy said. “My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts.” CBS News reported earlier in the day that Ukrainian officials have indicated to their U.S. counterparts they are willing to sign the minerals agreement, but sources said a final deal has not been finalized. The arrangement would give the U.S. By Kathryn Watson Source link #Live #updates #Trumps #speech #joint #address #Congress Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How Buckinghamshire became a hotspot for Ukrainian refugees How Buckinghamshire became a hotspot for Ukrainian refugees Amy Holmes Political reporter, BBC Three Counties Amy Holmes/BBC Anna, Iryna and Tetiana moved to Buckinghamshire three years ago as part of the Homes to Ukraine resettlement scheme More than 2,100 refugees have moved to Buckinghamshire under the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, the highest of any local authority area in the ***. How have they settled, what impact have they had, and what do they make of events in the White House and beyond in recent days? Up to the end of 2024, there had been 219,400 arrivals into the *** as part of the scheme, although some have since left the country. The Homes for Ukraine scheme allowed *** and Irish citizens, and those with settled status in the ***, to sponsor the visa of somebody from Ukraine and host them for a minimum of six months. Buckinghamshire Council said it had had more than 1,100 sponsors since the conflict began in 2022, and that there were 433 Ukrainians of school age in education in the area. While Ukraine has seldom been far from the headlines in the past three years, events have moved very quickly in the past few days. There were unprecedented scenes in the White House last Friday when Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky clashed with Donald Trump and JD Vance in front of the world’s media. They culminated in Zelensky being ordered to leave the White House before flying to London where he received a strong show of support from European leaders. ‘We will walk with our Ukrainian friends hand in hand’Sarah Graham Sarah Graham was appointed MBE in 2023 for services to refugees Sarah Graham runs Hilltops Ukrainian Support Community, which has helped almost 600 people settle into the area around the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire, three-quarters of whom are now in their own homes. She says that after participating in events in London last week, the group got together last Friday to commemorate the third anniversary of the start of the war. “Sitting with around 200 of our Ukrainian friends, we heard the news of what was unfolding in the Oval Office with feelings of utter dismay,” she says. “There is so much to be said, so many thoughts and so many emotions, but the message is clear: we will walk with our Ukrainian friends hand in hand. “We want to see an end to the war in Ukraine, but peace has to be sustainable and supported from all sides. “It was very encouraging to see Sir Keir Starmer host the summit on Sunday, with leaders who will do what it takes to achieve lasting peace.” On the day-to-day issues faced by refugees, Sarah, who was appointed MBE in 2023 for her work, says: “Through a wide array of initiatives, we foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual care, helping Ukrainians overcome challenges as they rebuild their lives.” Getty Images Hilltops Ukrainian Support has helped nearly 600 Ukrainians settle into the area around the Chiltern Hills in Buckinghamshire The group joined in with the Peace in the Park event in Chesham in September and also held a Ukrainian festival in Amersham. “It has been a privilege to see our Ukrainian friends not only rebuilding their lives, but contributing to our county through volunteering to help others and actively participating in a huge range of community events,” adds Sarah. “Their resilience and engagement inspires us all.” The BBC spoke to three women from Ukraine who said they loved the green countryside and rolling hills of Buckinghamshire, but had also experienced challenges. ‘I feel even more scared and anxious right now’Amy Holmes/BBC Iryna said she still goes back home to visit her husband, even though it is “quite dangerous” to do so Iryna Chekmarova, 37, and her daughter live with a host family in Old Amersham, although she hopes they may be able to get their own place soon. She was also dismayed by events in the White House on Friday. “It was total humiliation from the very beginning. Zelensky was brave enough to not use an interpreter. He was brave enough to answer all questions truly,” she says. “We’ve been living in this war for almost three years and I feel even more scared and anxious right now about the future of our country.” Referring to criticism Zelensky faced for not wearing a suit to the meeting, she says: “Even Winston Churchill didn’t wear a suit when his country was in the war. I am happy that almost all Europe and Great Britain support Ukraine in this difficult time.” Iryna’s came to Britain without her husband, who was not allowed to leave Ukraine. He makes weapons in a factory in Kharkiv, close to the Russian border. She still visits him, but “only sees him for a little bit each day”. She says people ask her why she goes back, and while she admits it is “quite dangerous”, she says she feels a “brightness and is really happy” when she does. Getty Images Iryna goes back to visit her husband in Kharkiv, pictured before the war began In Buckinghamshire, she has struggled to find employment, although says “it is not difficult to find work in kitchens”, adding that “even if you do not speak English, they will show you what to do”. She is studying global business management at university to try to improve her prospects. ‘I am lucky to have people around to help me’Amy Holmes/BBC Anna says now she has health insurance via work, it has helped her settle in better after issues with finding a doctor when she moved here A Healthwatch Bucks report reveals that although almost two-thirds of migrants said it was easy to register with a GP, a third had not seen a dentist in the *** and only half had visited an optician. Anna Putiata, 38, a project manager who lives in Wendover, says she has had problems finding a GP as she “needs to find a doctor she trusts and can go to all the time”. She says she experienced health problems when she first arrived in the ***, but now has health insurance through work, which has helped. Anna adds that she lacked confidence in English because “she is surrounded by people who are fluent” but “is lucky to have people around to help” her. ‘Lonely evenings are a reality’Amy Holmes/BBC Tetiana says loneliness is a problem for some Ukrainians, even if they have their children with them Tetiana Pantielieieva, 35, lives in High Wycombe with her son. She says she has also had problems with the language, and sometimes worries whether words she uses “really exist in the English language”. She works for Buckinghamshire Council but speaks to a lot of Ukrainians who tell her healthcare is very different in this country. She says loneliness is also a problem for people who tell her “in a British manner ‘Yeah, I’m fine, thanks'” but when they get home, “lonely evenings are a reality”, even if they are with their children. ‘Command of the language is getting better’Amy Holmes/BBC Alysoun Owen is one of seven ESOL teachers recruited to teacher Ukrainians English in Buckinghamshire. Buckinghamshire Council hired seven English tutors and is training 15 Ukrainian and Afghans to become ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors. Alysoun Owen, who teaches English to Ukrainiains at the Aylesbury Vineyard church, says there are issues “after the six-month programme ended and over rehousing”. She says the group’s command of the language is “getting better, with lessons being a social group, as much as anything else”. She feels Buckinghamshire has a “real sense of welcoming people from different parts of the world” with Afghans and Syrians settling there, too. ‘My dream is to stay here’Amy Holmes/BBC Tetiana, Oleksandra, Nadiia and Kateryna say they feel part of a community thanks to the English lessons they have been having since coming to England The BBC spoke to some of the group at the church. Oleksandra lives in Haddenham with her husband and two children, one of whom was born here. She says the church is “very nice and is a big community” where she has more friends. Tetiana, who works in the church, hopes to “maybe” stay here with her teenage daughter, if she can. Kateryna, who lives in Aylesbury, says a doctor helped her with a “hard labour”. She is pleased that her child “can play with others at playgroup”. Nadiia says she “does not want to go back, even if the war ends”. She says her “dream is to stay here”, as she feels safe in Buckinghamshire. Buckinghamshire in numbersThe population is about 553,300The average house price is £453,000, with average rent for a three-bedroom property £1,400 a monthThe county has 171 parish and town councils.Some 32% of the county is designated green belt, compared to the England average of 12.5%Buckinghamshire has 236 schools, pupil referral units and state-funded nurseriesThe average annual gross pay in Buckinghamshire for full-time workers was £38,600 in 2022 Source: Buckinghamshire Council ‘We know how hard it must have been’Buckinghamshire Council Buckinghamshire Council leader Martin Tett says many people in the county came forward as sponsors of Ukrainian refugees Buckinghamshire Council’s Conservative leader Martin Tett says: “We are very proud to have such a strong record on local support provided to Ukrainian guests. “We know how hard it must have been to move to a new country under the circumstances, but through dedicated support officers, the council helps them integrate into their new communities.” He feels a large number of Ukrainians have settled in the county because of “the higher number of people in Buckinghamshire who came forward to be sponsors”. Tett says the authority has “converted many people’s qualifications to *** equivalents to help them”, but adds that that finding employment remains a challenge, so many “take a job not commensurate with their qualifications and previous employment”. You might also be interested in Source link #Buckinghamshire #hotspot #Ukrainian #refugees Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Second nurse charged over viral 'kill Israelis' video Second nurse charged over viral 'kill Israelis' video The second nurse involved in a widely condemned anti-Israel video is facing a federal charge after a “complex” investigation into the comments. Source link #nurse #charged #viral #039kill #Israelis039 #video Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NHS rolls out AI app to predict and prevent falls that could land patients in hospital NHS rolls out AI app to predict and prevent falls that could land patients in hospital An artificial intelligence (AI) tool designed by a former NHS doctor to predict and prevent patients from suffering from falls in the home is being rolled out across the health service. The tool, provided by healthtech provider Cera, is being used in more than two million patient home care visits a month, according to NHS England, and has also been rolled out across more than two-thirds of NHS Integrated Care Systems. The technology’s creator, Cera CEO Ben Maruthappu, designed the tool to minimise avoidable or unnecessary hospitalisations caused by falls in the home. “AI in home care is a gamechanger; by enabling better care delivery it has the power to save countless lives while also saving the taxpayer billions,” he said. “We’ve seen first-hand how AI can transform health outcomes for high-risk and vulnerable individuals – preventing illness and injury, radically reducing avoidable hospitalisations, and empowering people to live longer, healthier lives, in their own homes.” The tool works by monitoring vital health signs that can predict the risk of a person experiencing a fall, allowing healthcare staff to intervene and take actions that will prevent the person coming to harm. “Falls are the largest cause of emergency hospital admissions for older people with estimates that around 30% of people aged 65 and above, and around half of those aged 80 and above will experience a fall at least once a year,” said NHS England, in a statement. “These falls and fractures account for over four million bed days a year at an estimated cost of £2bn.” As well as predicting and preventing falls, the AI technology can be used to detect the symptoms of winter illnesses that can also put seasonal pressure on the NHS. “The technology works by allowing carers, family members and healthcare staff to record patient updates on an app which then monitors and reacts to a range of vital health signs in real time, such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature,” said NHS England. “It predicts future risks of falls and health risks, and alerts healthcare professionals of those at risk so they can step in and provide patients with the care in the community necessary to prevent future emergencies.” The software can also automate the process of completing paperwork for healthcare staff, such as visit schedules, so they can spend more time providing care to the patients and less on admin. Vin Diwakar, national director of transformation at NHS England, said the tool is a great example of how the NHS is using technology to improve patient outcomes and become more efficient. “We know falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in older people, causing untold suffering, affecting millions each year and costing the NHS around £2bn, so this new software has the potential to be a real gamechanger in the way we can predict, prevent and treat people in the community,” he said. “This AI tool is a perfect example of how the NHS can use the latest tech to keep more patients safe at home and out of hospital, two cornerstones of the upcoming 10-year Health Plan that will see shifts from analogue to digital, and from hospital to community care.” The NHS is increasingly turning to AI to help improve services. Last month, the Department for Health and Social Care announced an £11m pilot project to use AI to help radiologists find breast ******* quicker. And last year, a six-month pilot at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust saw a 30% drop in missed appointments, leading to a further 10 trusts rolling out the AI software to reduce waiting times. Source link #NHS #rolls #app #predict #prevent #falls #land #patients #hospital Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine selling T-shirts with Zelensky quote from Trump-Vance meeting Ukraine selling T-shirts with Zelensky quote from Trump-Vance meeting The Ukrainian government has launched a T-shirt fundraising effort seeking to capitalize on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s now-infamous Oval Office meeting Friday with President Trump and Vice President Vance. The meeting, which unraveled to such an extent that a joint press conference between the two sides scheduled for afterward was canceled, included multiple moments that went viral, such as when Zelensky was criticized for not wearing a suit. He has dressed in more military-themed garb since Russia invaded his country three years ago. United24, a Ukrainian state-sponsored platform that raises funds amid the ongoing war, is raffling off 100 T-shirts with Zelensky’s response: “I’ll wear a costume when the war is over.” In Ukrainian, the word “costume” is used as a translated term for suit. The raffle is open to those who donate $24 or more toward Kyiv’s defense efforts. “They’re emphasizing the words of our President — a reminder that there is a time and place for everything,” United24’s online post reads. “There will be a time when we can all wear suits. Right now, it is time to help Ukraine finish this war. You have all the cards to support Ukraine — it’s time to play them. Donate to help Ukraine finish this war and win something to wear instead of a suit,” it concluded. During Friday’s Oval Office spat, Zelensky tried to tell Trump of the brutality endured by his citizens amid the war. Trump urged his counterpart to show more gratitude for American dollars fueling Ukraine. “Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel. You’re in no position to dictate that. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards,” Trump said in front of cameras. “You’re gambling with World War III, and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country — this country — that has backed you.” The president and members of his administration have called on Zelensky to apologize for the meeting. Tensions have risen between Trump and Zelensky in recent weeks after the former called the latter a “dictator without elections” who had done a “terrible job.” Trump also recently suggested Ukraine was to blame for the start of the war with Russia. On Monday, Trump, who has been pressuring Ukraine to sign a a deal that would give the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical mineral supply, paused American military aid to Kyiv. Updated at 4:07 p.m. EST Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Source link #Ukraine #selling #Tshirts #Zelensky #quote #TrumpVance #meeting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Few *** organisations ready to seize agentic AI opportunity Few *** organisations ready to seize agentic AI opportunity Research for Microsoft conducted by Goldsmiths, University of London, has reported that the highest performing businesses and most productive public sector organisations have a clear artificial intelligence (AI) strategy and are preparing for agentic AI. The research, published in Microsoft’s Agents of change report, polled 1,480 *** senior leaders across the public and private sectors, as well as 1,440 *** employees. According to the report, while the majority of leaders and employees acknowledge the benefits on offer, far fewer believe their organisation is in a position to seize them. The study found that barriers of workforce readiness, strategy and regulatory uncertainty persist. Secretary of state Peter Kyle said AI agents have a key role to play in helping organisations work smarter rather than faster. Chris Brauer, director of innovation at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “Agentic AI has the potential to revolutionise operations, increase resilience and free employees from many routine tasks – if organisations are front footed. There are steps high-, medium- and low-performing organisations in both the public and private sectors can take today.” The report found that two-thirds (67%) of leaders and nearly half (46%) of employees believe they would be more productive if AI could autonomously handle many of their time-consuming or repetitive tasks. Microsoft defines agentic AI as an AI system with varying capabilities, including making decisions and taking actions to achieve specific goals with reduced or no direct human intervention. Microsoft *** CEO Darren Hardman said: “Agentic AI can play a key role in removing digital drudgery, giving workers the opportunity to spend more time on creative and value-adding tasks.” Almost three-quarters (71%) of the people who took part in the survey say they are looking for ways to create cost reductions through automation. Two-thirds (64%) say they are seeking efficiency and productivity gains through AI-led workflows and processes. The survey also found that many organisations are aiming to strengthen business resilience by using AI to improve fraud detection, forecast risks and enable real-time responses to market changes. However, the study found that just 46% of leaders say their organisation has a formal AI strategy in place. While this is a notable increase since 2024, when that figure was 29% according to previous Microsoft research, the report said the figure is still not high enough if the *** is to unlock the full potential of agentic AI. The report concluded that many *** organisations are stuck in neutral gear at the very time they should be accelerating. “As well as limiting the value generated by their AI tools, this threatens their ability to future-proof for new innovations while jeopardising their aspirations for growth and competitive edge, it warned. To tie in with the study, Microsoft announced AI Accelerator for Sales, which will be available from 1 April. The accelerator programme includes access to AI experts at Microsoft to help customers migrate from legacy customer relationship management (CRM) systems and aid with seller adoption. AI Accelerator for Sales also provides what Microsoft describes as “fine-tuning”, which it said personalises the output of AI agents to meet specific business needs. Source link #organisations #ready #seize #agentic #opportunity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dysentery is on the rise in Oregon. Here’s what to know. – The Washington Post Dysentery is on the rise in Oregon. Here’s what to know. – The Washington Post Dysentery is on the rise in Oregon. Here’s what to know. The Washington PostDysentery cases on the rise in Portland, health officials say Fox 12 OregonMultnomah County reports increase in Shigella-related illness KGW.comPublic toilets could help stop the spread of dysentery (yes, dysentery) in Portland OregonLiveDysentery cases on the rise in the Portland area: 40 new cases reported in January alone USA TODAY Source link #Dysentery #rise #Oregon #Heres #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ahmed ‘Rashad’ Nadir charged by NSW Police after anti-semitic video with alleged death threats posted online Ahmed ‘Rashad’ Nadir charged by NSW Police after anti-semitic video with alleged death threats posted online Ahmad ‘Rashad’ Nadir, a nurse who allegedly made death threats in an anti-Semitic video that was posted online, has been charged. Mr Nadir, 27, and fellow nurse Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, were recorded while having a conversation with popular Jewish influencer Max Viefer. During the conversation, the two nurses from Bankstown Hospital claimed they would not treat Israelis who presented at the hospital and would instead “kill them”. Ms Lebdeh was charged by NSW Police on February 26, with police at that point still waiting to speak with Mr Nadir who was in hospital. Paramedics were called to his home over reported concerns for his ******** in the days following the video circulating online. On Wednesday, police announced Mr Nadir had now too been charged. The 27-year-old man was arrested at Sutherland Police Station at about 7.30pm on Tuesday. Mr Nadir has been charged with use carriage service to menace/harass/offend threaten to menace, harass or cause offence (offence pursuant to Section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Commonwealth offence), and possess prohibited drug. It was alleged that Mr Nadir had a vile of morphine inside his locker at Bankstown Hospital. The two nurses were quickly fired by NSW Health following the video circulating online, now both set to front court. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb commended the work conducted by Strike Force Pearl, who have now arrested 15 people and laid a total of 78 charges in the wake of an alarming rise in anti-Semitic incidents. “I must commend the work Strike Force Pearl detectives are doing to investigate, charge and put these individuals before the courts,” she said. “There is a tremendous amount of dedication and hard work going into all these investigations. “Detectives have overcome many challenges – including huge public expectation – to put these individuals before the court.” Source link #Ahmed #Rashad #Nadir #charged #NSW #Police #antisemitic #video #alleged #death #threats #posted #online Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Fox News Clip Showing What The Price Of A Truck Will Be After Tariffs Is Going Viral This Fox News Clip Showing What The Price Of A Truck Will Be After Tariffs Is Going Viral Donald Trump has implemented 25% tariffs on most goods from Canada and Mexico. A person sitting at a desk in an office, signing a document. The scene includes flags and an ornate chair in the background Those tariffs could lead to price increases on everything from vegetables, fruit, beef, beer, and spirits to automobiles and car parts (amongst other things). I don’t know who this is, but it shows a person in a suit and tie in a formal setting, looking directly at the camera Well, Fox went to a car dealership in Pennsylvania and showed what those tariffs mean for the price of trucks, and that clip is going viral. Fox Here it is: Fox/Twitter: @factpostnews “It could be ground zero for the impact of tariffs,” reporter Jeff Flock says. “This Dodge Ram truck — $80,000 — instantly became $100,000.” News reporter at a car dealership discusses Trump’s trade tariffs impact; vehicles are lined up in the background Yes, a $100,000 truck. News reporter discusses the impact of Trump’s trade tariffs in a parking lot with a line of white trucks in the background. Fox Business Live is displayed Why the price increase? Well, in another clip found on Media Matters, the reporter shows a Jeep Compass that is made in Mexico. A person’s hand touches a car window. News ticker headline: “Tariffs on U.S. trade partners may hike car costs.” What will happen to the price of a Jeep Compass? The sticker price is $37,000, but with the tariffs, it could rise to $43,000. News reporter holding microphone near cars; screen text mentions tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Fox News segment on economics In the clip, the car dealership owner says, “Yeah, you know, we’re afraid. It’s going to have a gigantic impact on our business.” A man in a blue vest is interviewed on Fox News about rising car costs due to tariffs, with a text ticker showing the news summary Soooo, that’s cars. Now, let’s look at some viral reactions. We have Lawrence O’Donnell who said, “The Trump $100,000 pickup truck hit the market today thanks to Trump tariffs.” TV news reports on Trump’s trade tariffs causing pickup truck price spike from $80,000 to $100,000, with journalist showing a Dodge Ram on screen @RobGeorge said, “What’s $20K between friends?” News clip shows a Fox Business reporter discussing trade tariffs in front of Dodge Ram trucks in Pennsylvania. Dow stock figures are visible And, lastly, we have @VoiceOfOBrien with: “Move over, eggs.” News screenshot of a reporter at a car dealership discussing the impact of Trump’s trade tariffs on Dodge Ram truck prices Thoughts, feelings, concerns? Source link #Fox #News #Clip #Showing #Price #Truck #Tariffs #Viral Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Asia markets live: China NPC, Australia GDP Asia markets live: China NPC, Australia GDP A man carrying a kite in the shape of the ******** national flag walks along the Bund while buildings of Pudong’s Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai, China Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs continue to dent investor sentiment as trade tensions rise globally. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.22% at the open. Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a lower open for the market. The futures contract in Chicago was at 37,210 and its counterpart in Osaka last traded at 36,950 compared with the index’s previous close of 37,331.18. Futures for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index were at 23,014, higher than the HSI’s last close of 22,941.77. Investors will be looking out for announcements coming out of China’s “Two Sessions,” an annual parliamentary gathering which began on Tuesday, where Beijing is poised to outline economic measures including its growth target for the year. The meeting of its top legislature, the National People’s Congress, is scheduled to open on Wednesday. Trump’s 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada took effect Tuesday. The president also imposed an additional 10% duty on ******** goods, bringing the total new tariffs on China to 20%. Australia is also set to release its fourth-quarter GDP later in the day. Overnight in the U.S., the three major averages closed lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled for a second day, dropping 670.25 points, or 1.55% and ended the session at 42,520.99. The S&P 500 dropped 1.22% to close at 5,778.15 after notching its worst day of the year in the prior session. The Nasdaq Composite lost 0.35% and finished at 18,285.16. —CNBC’s Lisa Kailai Han and Alex Harring contributed to this report. Source link #Asia #markets #live #China #NPC #Australia #GDP Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump address to joint session of Congress Trump address to joint session of Congress President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. January 30, 2018. Leah Millis | Reuters President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night amid stock market turmoil driven by his stiff new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, and the controversy over Elon Musk’s DOGE campaign to slash federal spending and workforce levels. The speech, scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. ET, comes on the heels of Trump’s stunning verbal clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office Friday, and Trump’s subsequent decision to pause U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for its war against Russia. Trump’s speech will be structured around the theme of “the renewal of the American dream,” according to the White House. A senior administration official told NBC News that Trump will highlight his immigration policies and his administration’s efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the government. The president’s guests for the annual event will include Marc Fogel, a schoolteacher who was released from prison in Russia in February, and the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the attempted assassination of Trump in western Pennsylvania last July. Musk will attend the speech as a special guest, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. Both political parties have traditionally used their guest lists for this annual speech to highlight their policy priorities and draw attention to specific issues. Democrats’ guests on Tuesday will include a number of military veterans and others who were fired in the ongoing reduction of federal jobs that is being overseen by Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Democrats also have invited people who could be affected by Republican cuts to Medicaid or other government programs. Read more CNBC politics coverage The last time Trump addressed a joint session of Congress was Feb. 4, 2020, when he delivered the final State of the Union address of his first term in office. The following day, the Senate voted to acquit Trump in his first impeachment trial. US Vice President Mike Pence claps as Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi appears to rip a copy of US President Donald Trump speech after he delivers the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2020. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images The 2020 speech is best remembered as the night then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., dramatically ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech as soon as he had finished delivering it. The moment went viral online, a dramatic example of the disdain that many Democrats felt for Trump. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is set to deliver the Democratic response to Trump’s speech Tuesday night. This is developing news. Check back for updates. Source link #Trump #address #joint #session #Congress Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump address to joint session of Congress Trump address to joint session of Congress President Donald Trump delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S. January 30, 2018. Leah Millis | Reuters President Donald Trump is set to address a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night amid stock market turmoil driven by his stiff new tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China, and the controversy over Elon Musk’s DOGE campaign to slash federal spending and workforce levels. The speech, scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m. ET, comes on the heels of Trump’s stunning verbal clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office Friday, and Trump’s subsequent decision to pause U.S. military assistance to Ukraine for its war against Russia. Trump’s speech will be structured around the theme of “the renewal of the American dream,” according to the White House. A senior administration official told NBC News that Trump will highlight his immigration policies and his administration’s efforts to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs in the government. The president’s guests for the annual event will include Marc Fogel, a schoolteacher who was released from prison in Russia in February, and the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the attempted assassination of Trump in western Pennsylvania last July. Musk will attend the speech as a special guest, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Tuesday. Both political parties have traditionally used their guest lists for this annual speech to highlight their policy priorities and draw attention to specific issues. Democrats’ guests on Tuesday will include a number of military veterans and others who were fired in the ongoing reduction of federal jobs that is being overseen by Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency. Democrats also have invited people who could be affected by Republican cuts to Medicaid or other government programs. Read more CNBC politics coverage The last time Trump addressed a joint session of Congress was Feb. 4, 2020, when he delivered the final State of the Union address of his first term in office. The following day, the Senate voted to acquit Trump in his first impeachment trial. US Vice President Mike Pence claps as Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi appears to rip a copy of US President Donald Trump speech after he delivers the State of the Union address at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on February 4, 2020. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images The 2020 speech is best remembered as the night then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., dramatically ripped up a copy of Trump’s speech as soon as he had finished delivering it. The moment went viral online, a dramatic example of the disdain that many Democrats felt for Trump. Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan is set to deliver the Democratic response to Trump’s speech Tuesday night. This is developing news. Check back for updates. Source link #Trump #address #joint #session #Congress Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump to address Congress for first time since returning to power – Reuters Trump to address Congress for first time since returning to power – Reuters Trump to address Congress for first time since returning to power ReutersExclusive: US, Ukraine now plan to sign minerals deal, sources say ReutersTrump and Zelensky’s Week of Whiplash Foreign PolicyZelenskyy’s visit with Trump to be a battle of wills in the Oval Office USA TODAY Source link #Trump #address #Congress #time #returning #power #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

GTA V finally gets its ‘next-gen’ update on PC, three years after consoles GTA V finally gets its ‘next-gen’ update on PC, three years after consoles PC players of Grand Theft Auto V have at long last reached parity with their console brethren. Following an announcement last month, today Rockstar Games has a PC update with features that for several years had only been available to the latest console generation. It’s a free update for anyone who already owned a copy of the hugely popular game. The original version of GTA V has been delisted from PC storefronts in favor of the new Expanded & Enhanced iteration of the game, which includes a copy of the old Legacy edition. Both Story Mode and Online progress can be migrated to the most recent version. The update includes technical improvements that debuted on the consoles, as well as some PC-specific ray tracing features if the recommended specs are met. There are also some minor additions on content, such as ambient wildlife, photography challenges, new vehicles and access to the GTA+ subscription service. Rockstar Games has been spiffing up several entries in its GTA franchise over the years. It released a of remasters for Grand Theft Auto III, GTA: Vice City and GTA: San Andreas in addition to providing these upgrades to GTA V and Grand Theft Auto Online. And while fans of the series might enjoy all the nostalgia, it’s safe to say that expectations are sky high for the upcoming . Source link #GTA #finally #nextgen #update #years #consoles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA Labor announce $1.3m grants program for small businesses, one week from State election WA Labor announce $1.3m grants program for small businesses, one week from State election Small businesses in the South West stand to benefit from a WA Labor election pledge to deliver $1.3 million of support to the region. Source link #Labor #announce #1.3m #grants #program #small #businesses #week #State #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pete Buttigieg met with Chuck Schumer to discuss potential Senate bid Pete Buttigieg met with Chuck Schumer to discuss potential Senate bid Pete Buttigieg met with Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer last week to discuss a possible Senate bid in Michigan, according to two people familiar with the meeting and granted anonymity to describe private conversations. The former Transportation secretary is still undecided about a Senate run in his adopted home state, according to five people familiar with the situation. But the meeting with Schumer was a sign of how seriously he is considering it. Democrats are vying to hold onto the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Gary Peters in a crucial swing state. Republicans see it as a top pickup opportunity after coming close to flipping the other Senate seat last cycle. Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate, just recently moved back to Traverse City, Michigan, with his young family, after four years of working in former President Joe Biden’s Cabinet — a factor that looms in his calculus. In addition to a Senate bid, he is weighing another presidential run in 2028. Buttigieg hasn’t taken any formal steps to run for Senate. Some Michigan Democrats noted that he didn’t attend a party gathering last month in Detroit, which could have been a place to shore up support with state party leaders, though other possible candidates, including state Sen. Mallory McMorrow, only showed up there to vote. McMorrow told fellow Michigan Democrats she will run for the seat. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), meanwhile, has not formally decided on a bid but has taken steps towards a Senate run, including hiring staff. Regardless of Buttigieg’s decision, two people familiar with his thinking said he sees a path to helping shape the national political debate in non-traditional spaces, including a Tuesday evening appearance with Stephen Colbert on “The Late Show,” where he will respond to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress. Those people said Buttigieg doesn’t pine for a life in a Republican-controlled Congress, where Senate Majority Leader John Thune controls how often he needs to be back in Washington. Last month, Buttigieg ruled out a run for governor, according to someone familiar with his thinking, who told POLITICO then that he was “very seriously focused on a potential run for Senate.” Despite that, some Michigan Democrats have encouraged Buttigieg to run for governor to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. There’s a large field of ambitious Michigan Democrats already in the field for the top job in the state government, including Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and current Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, not to mention Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who’s running as an independent. Source link #Pete #Buttigieg #met #Chuck #Schumer #discuss #potential #Senate #bid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brain Autopsies Reveal a Potential Culprit Behind Alzheimer’s Brain Autopsies Reveal a Potential Culprit Behind Alzheimer’s Analysis of human brain tissue revealed differences in how immune cells behave in brains with Alzheimer’s disease compared to healthy brains, indicating a potential new treatment target. University of Washington-led research, published in 2023, discovered microglia in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease were in a pre-inflammatory state more frequently, making them less likely to be protective. Microglia are immune cells that help keep our brains healthy by clearing waste and preserving normal brain function. In response to infection or to clear out dead cells, these nifty shape-shifters can become less spindly and more mobile to engulf invaders and rubbish. They also ‘prune’ synapses during development, which helps shape the circuitry for our brains to function well. It’s less certain what part they play in Alzheimer’s, but in people with the devastating neurodegenerative disease, some microglia respond too strongly and may cause inflammation that contributes to the death of brain cells. Unfortunately, clinical trials of anti-inflammatory medications for Alzheimer’s haven’t shown significant effects. To look closer at the role of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease, University of Washington neuroscientists Katherine Prater and Kevin Green, along with colleagues from multiple US institutions, used brain autopsy samples from research donors – 12 who had Alzheimer’s and 10 healthy controls – to study the gene activity of microglia. Using a new method to enhance single-nucleus RNA sequencing, the team was able to identify in depth 10 different clusters of microglia in the brain tissue based on their unique set of gene expression, which tells the cells what to do. Three of the clusters hadn’t been seen before, and one of them was more common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. This type of microglia has genes turned on that are involved in inflammation and cell death. Overall, the researchers found that microglia clusters in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease were more likely to be those in a pre-inflammatory state. This means they were more likely to produce inflammatory molecules that can damage brain cells and possibly contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. The microglia types in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease were less likely to be protective, compromising their ability to pull their weight in cleaning up dead cells and waste and promoting healthy brain aging. The scientists also think microglia can change types over time. So we can’t just look at a person’s brain and say for sure what type of microglia they have; keeping track of how microglia change over time could help us understand how they contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. “At this point, we can’t say whether the microglia are causing the pathology or whether the pathology is causing these microglia to alter their behavior,” said Prater. This research advances our understanding of these cells’ role in Alzheimer’s disease and suggests certain microglia clusters may be targets for new treatments. The team is hopeful that their work will lead to the development of new therapies that can improve the lives of people with Alzheimer’s disease. “Now that we have determined the genetic profiles of these microglia, we can try to find out exactly what they are doing and hopefully identify ways to change their behaviors that may be contributing to Alzheimer’s disease,” Prater said. “If we can determine what they are doing, we might be able to change their behavior with treatments that might prevent or slow this disease.” The study has been published in Nature Aging. An earlier version of this article was published in August 2023. Related News Source link #Brain #Autopsies #Reveal #Potential #Culprit #Alzheimers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why exactly is the quantum world so weird? Why exactly is the quantum world so weird? Why is the quantum realm so weird? jvphoto/Alamy The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or mathematician to tell you about fascinating ideas from their corner of the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time here. Before I entered university, I learned quantum physics is the most mysterious type of physics, full of particles that exist in two places at once, waves that don’t actually wave and objects whose behaviour can depend on things happening on the other side of our universe. I… Source link #quantum #world #weird Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cod liver oil embraced amid Texas measles outbreak; doctors fight misinfo – Ars Technica Cod liver oil embraced amid Texas measles outbreak; doctors fight misinfo – Ars Technica Cod liver oil embraced amid Texas measles outbreak; doctors fight misinfo Ars TechnicaAs Measles Spreads, Kennedy Embraces Remedies Like Cod Liver Oil The New York TimesCDC says it’s on the ground in Texas as measles outbreak grows to 159 cases CNNInside Texas’s growing measles outbreak The Washington Post Source link #Cod #liver #oil #embraced #Texas #measles #outbreak #doctors #fight #misinfo #Ars #Technica Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DOGE eliminated the US government’s tech experts – what has been lost? DOGE eliminated the US government’s tech experts – what has been lost? Under tech billionaire Elon Musk, the DOGE task force has slashed jobs across the US government AFP via Getty Images The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an independent task force, has shut down 18F, a group of in-house tech experts focused on improving efficiency in the US government. 18F consulted with other government agencies about adopting cost-effective technologies and built digital services for tasks including applying for passports and filing taxes online. Initiatives like 18F and the US Digital Service (USDS), another government unit of tech consultants, “created a rich professional network of doers, fixers and dreamers who could modernise government services”, says Daniel Castro at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, a think tank based in Washington DC. He says the recent abrupt elimination of 18F could potentially stall US government projects – and he expressed scepticism that DOGE is the appropriate organisation to replace USDS or 18F in helping the US government make efficient use of technology. “I wouldn’t hire a demolition crew to build a skyscraper,” says Castro. The US government typically spends more than $100 billion on IT services each year, but these expensive tech investments often fail to actually work as promised, according to the US Government Accountability Office. 18F helped avoid such waste by consulting with federal and state government agencies on which tech solutions to adopt, and determining which companies could provide them on time and within budget, says Dan Hon, an expert on government digital services and technology. Three former 18F employees, who requested anonymity, described their recently cut work to New Scientist. One helped digitise a healthcare application system to make it easier for states to access federal Medicaid funds – these provide health coverage for 70 million Americans, including 40 per cent of all children and 60 per cent of all nursing home residents. Another former employee worked with the US Department of the Interior on an interactive website that tracks environmental damage from the release of oil or other hazardous substances. Such data helped ensure the companies responsible for the damage, rather than taxpayers, would pay to clean it up, they said. 18F members had also been updating the National Weather Service’s forecast website to make it more user-friendly. The 18F team worked with the USDS to develop the free Direct File program, which allows people in participating states to file their taxes directly to the Internal Revenue Service instead of having to purchase tax preparation software or hire accountants. The government estimates more than 30 million taxpayers in 25 states are eligible for the service in 2025. Now the future of these projects is uncertain. Since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025, he has renamed and remade the USDS as DOGE, which is nominally led by government official Amy Gleason but has in effect been commandeered by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Many former US Digital Service members have since been fired or resigned. Musk took aim at 18F early on in Trump’s second administration, but former 18F employees did not receive an official “reduction in force” notice shutting down their organisation until 28 February. About 85 members of 18F were directly affected by the layoffs, with another three having taken an earlier buyout offer. The elimination of 18F and a combination of layoffs and resignations from the former USDS team means there is no organisation left with a government-wide mission to develop and build technology, say former 18F employees. A spokesperson for the General Service Administration (GSA), a US government organisation that provides operational support to all federal agencies, says, “GSA will continue to support the Administration’s drive to embrace best-in-class technologies to accelerate digital transformation and modernise IT infrastructure.” Topics: Source link #DOGE #eliminated #governments #tech #experts #lost Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]