Pelican Press

Mexico sends drug lord Caro Quintero and 28 others to the US as officials meet with Trump team – The Associated Press Mexico sends drug lord Caro Quintero and 28 others to the US as officials meet with Trump team – The Associated Press Mexico sends drug lord Caro Quintero and 28 others to the US as officials meet with Trump team The Associated PressMexico extradites notorious drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero and 28 other fugitive cartel members to the US CNNMexico extradites dozens of cartel leaders and members to US, including drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero Fox NewsDEA agent Kiki Camarena was murdered in Mexico in 1985. His alleged killer is now in the U.S. CBS NewsMexico sends major drug capos to US as Trump tariff threat looms Reuters Canada Source link #Mexico #sends #drug #lord #Caro #Quintero #officials #meet #Trump #team #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moses an Eel until 2029, and for once there is no catch Moses an Eel until 2029, and for once there is no catch Parramatta have ensured Mitch Moses will finish his career at the Eels, extending the halfback’s stay until 2029 in a deal that contains no options for an early exit. With the future of five-eighth Dylan Brown clouded, Parramatta had faced the prospect of contract talks around Moses this season. Already signed until the end of next year, Moses would have become a free agent on November 1 if he was not already extended by the Eels at that point. But there is now no chance of that becoming an issue, with the No.7 inking an extension that will see him through to his 35th birthday. Crucially, AAP has been told there are also no options in either party’s favour for the deal to end early, after Parramatta had been plagued by such contracts recently. “Mitch has been in consistently good form for many years now but none better than 2024,” Eels football Mark O’Neill said. “The way he performed in Origin last year was outstanding and proved that he belongs in that arena. “Being recently appointed captain continues the evolution of his development and is a very proud moment for him, his family and our club. “Having a player of Mitch’s calibre commit the rest of his career to the Eels is fantastic news for his teammates, our partners, members and the entire Eels community.” Moses is expected to line up for Parramatta in round one against Melbourne next Sunday, despite still battling foot pain from an injury suffered last March. The drama-free nature of the Eels’ captain’s extension will also come as a relief to new coach Jason Ryles. When Moses re-signed in 2023, a circus surrounded his future and whether he could potentially return to Wests Tigers. A similar situation surrounded former captain Clint Gutherson’s future with the club in 2021, before he too eventually re-signed. Brown’s contract is now also a point of contention, despite having a deal with Parramatta that runs until 2031. Under the terms of that contract, Brown has multiple options in his favour where he can either stay with the club or opt to walk at the end of a season. The five-eighth has until round 10 of this year to determine whether he will take up the option to stay for 2026, or accept a big-money offers on the table from the likes of Newcastle. The nature of the Moses deal means that won’t be a problem for Parramatta to contend with when it comes to their club captain, allowing him to be a fixture of their squad for the next five years. Source link #Moses #Eel #catch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

NOAA fires about 800 employees, with more possible Friday NOAA fires about 800 employees, with more possible Friday The Trump administration has its government-shrinking sights set on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, where around 800 employees have been tapped for termination, according to two sources close to the agency. More layoffs are possible Friday, one of the sources said, potentially costing the weather, climate and environmental agency more than a thousand employees by the end of the week. Most divisions of the agency, which employs scientists and specialists in weather, oceans, biodiversity, climate and other research and planetary monitoring fields, were affected. Probationary employees — those who have been in their jobs for a year or less, in most cases — were fired Thursday, a person inside the National Weather Service told CNN. There are between 350 and 375 employees with that status at the weather service, though it’s not clear how many of those were impacted; the person has heard there were some exemptions given to critical positions — likely life-threatening disaster forecasting roles, including hurricanes and severe thunderstorms. National Weather Service employees are protected by a workers’ union, which was trying Thursday night to contact affected employees. Some employees who were fired said on social media that they were going to explore their legal options. The people who were charged with conducting the terminations seemed to have acted in a way that would minimize paper trails, a source close to NOAA said, making it difficult for others at the agency to know who was affected and leaving the word of firings to spread by word of mouth. The terminated NOAA workers’ letters said, “The Agency finds you are not fit for continued employment because your ability, knowledge and/or skills do not fit the Agency’s current needs.” Many probationary workers at some federal agencies who were laid off earlier this month received letters that also said they were being let go because their performance has not been adequate to justify further employment – regardless of whether they had good reviews. ‘Protect lives and property’ The National Weather Service’s mission is to “protect lives and property.” The terminations are a blow to an agency that has been understaffed for years, even as the climate crisis accelerates and extreme weather becomes more frequent. Critics of the administration’s plan to slash the agency — a directive that was outlined in Project 2025 — have said layoffs would further cripple America’s ability to accurately forecast hurricanes, tornadoes and other costly, deadly extreme weather. Meteorologists and computer engineers across NOAA were impacted, including at the Hurricane Research Division, where employees work to increase the accuracy of hurricane forecasts. Andrew Hazelton, a researcher with a PhD in meteorology, was one of the employees terminated Thursday, he said on social media. His role was to evaluate hurricane forecasts and improve the physics in the models that the National hurricane Center uses to track the storms. “I enjoy meteorology because weather affects everyone, and there’s always so much to learn,” Hazelton is quoted as saying in his NOAA bio. “Growing up in Florida, I experienced several hurricanes, and it thrills me to be able to study and analyze them in my career.” Other departments in which roles were terminated include the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, and the division that develops and improves the United States’ weather models. Zachary Labe was one such modeler that was terminated. “My job was to strengthen NOAA’s use of machine learning and AI for subseasonal-to-decadal weather and climate prediction,” Labe said on X. CNN’s Sunlen Serfaty contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #NOAA #fires #employees #Friday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. transport chief seeks to boost air traffic control hiring U.S. transport chief seeks to boost air traffic control hiring The air traffic control tower at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia. Saul Loeb | AFP | Getty Images U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Thursday the Trump administration will take steps to boost air traffic controller hiring after a series of recent safety incidents again raised questions about a persistent staffing shortage. The Federal Aviation Administration will open its hiring window to become an air traffic controller through March 17, will increase starting salaries by 30% for candidates who go to the FAA training academy and will speed the time-to-hire by cutting more than four months off the old process. A persistent shortage of controllers has delayed flights. At many facilities, controllers are working mandatory overtime and six-day weeks to cover shifts. Duffy said he was reconsidering rules that had allowed air traffic control supervisors to reduce staffing at Washington’s Reagan National Airport before a fatal Army helicopter-plane collision that killed 67 people in January. The FAA is about 3,500 fully certified air traffic controllers short of targeted staffing levels and has about 10% fewer controllers than it did in 2012. The FAA fired 350 probationary workers this month including some with safety-related positions. Duffy insisted that the agency eliminated no jobs critical for safety. USDOT withdrew a retirement offer made to controllers. This week, a bipartisan group of three U.S. senators called for new funding to boost air traffic control staffing, speed training of new controllers and provide new incentives to retain aviation workers. Last week, the U.S. aviation sector called for “robust emergency funding” from Congress for air traffic control technology and staffing after a series of crashes. Airlines for America, which represents American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and other major carriers, praised Duffy’s action to address the longstanding shortage of air traffic controllers. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said “addressing the critical shortage of air traffic controllers is the most impactful action the government can take to improve safety, reliability and efficiency for air travelers.” American CEO Robert Isom called the plan “a critical initial step to making our aviation system even safer.” In 2024, the FAA cut minimum flight requirements at congested New York City-area airports through October, citing a staffing shortage of air traffic controllers. In March, former President Joe Biden proposed $8 billion over the next five years to replace or modernize more than 20 aging air traffic control facilities and 377 critical radar systems and to hire 2,000 new controllers. A quarter of all FAA facilities are 50 years old or older. Source link #U.S #transport #chief #seeks #boost #air #traffic #control #hiring Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Social Security Administration offering voluntary buyouts ahead of “significant workforce reductions” Social Security Administration offering voluntary buyouts ahead of “significant workforce reductions” The Social Security Administration is offering financial incentives ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 to employees who choose to voluntarily resign from the federal agency, ahead of what they warn will be “significant workforce reductions.” A message sent out to employees Thursday stated that the agency will soon implement restructuring that includes workforce cuts and “massive reorganizations.” The SSA said that wholesale “abolishment of organizations and positions” could happen, as well as reassignments and staff cuts. Earlier this week, the Office of Personnel Management advised agencies to submit “reorganization plans” by March 13 and prepare for “reductions in force.” Thursday’s message offers all Social Security employees three options ahead of the agency’s expected cuts: voluntary reassignment “to a mission critical position,” voluntary early retirement, if eligible, or “voluntary separation incentive payments,” if eligible. Those who would take the voluntary separation incentive payment must opt in by March 14 and leave the agency no later than April 19. The option echoes the “fork in the road” or deferred resignation program from OPM, in which eligible federal employees could resign from their positions and retain full pay and benefits until Sept. 30. The incentive payments offered the SSA is dependent on an employee’s classification, or where they stand on the federal payscale. Those with a GS-8 or under would get $15,000, while those classified with GS-9 to GS-12 would receive $20,000. Those with a GS-13 or higher would receive $25,000. SSA notes that employees who opt in may be put on administrative leave through April 19 and must not have already opted into the buyout program offered by OPM earlier this year. Nancy Altman, the president of the advocacy group Social Security Works, told CBS News they fear employees may opt in to get the separation payment, and that it could already strain the benefits agency she said is in need of more investment to shorten wait times and open more field offices, not cuts. “If people don’t take it, then they’re going to be constantly looking over their shoulder, looking through their email waiting to see if they get fired,” Altman said. “It’s going to add stress, chaos and uncertainty.” Altman added that employees should first see if their severance pay from a potential termination could be more than what the SSA is offering for voluntarily resigning. Jill Hornick, a 33-year Social Security employee, noted that public-facing employees who work in field offices and handle claims at Social Security’s 1-800 number were told by former acting SSA Commissioner Michelle King that they were exempt from OPM’s buyout offer. “[King] knew it would hurt public service” if these hires were allowed to take the offer, said Hornick, who is also an administrative director at an Illinois local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, which nationally represents hundreds of thousands of federal workers. “Because we’re at a 25-year staffing low.” Now that this separation incentive is available to them, Hornick said she has “no doubt” these frontline employees will take it, and warned that processing times for claims could “go through the roof.” “I have been trying to reassure [these] employees to take a deep breath. They’re terrified, scared to death they will not have a job tomorrow, and put a roof over their head. It’s just been one thing after another this week,” Hornick added. The incentive payments offer does not apply to probationary employees, who generally have less than a year on the job, and must have worked in the executive branch for at least three years. Those looking to retire early must opt in between March 1 and Dec. 31. To be eligible for early retirement, an employee must be at least 50 years old and have 20 years of “creditable service,” or have 25 years of creditable service at any age. The SSA has seen several changes in recent weeks. Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek was appointed to the role after the previous commissioner, King, was resistant to allowing staff with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, get access to sensitive agency data. Earlier this week, two SSA offices were closed — the Office of Transformation and the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity — which resulted in 190 staffers being put on administrative leave. Aaron Navarro Aaron Navarro is a CBS News digital reporter covering the 2024 elections. He was previously an associate producer for the CBS News political unit in the 2021 and 2022 election cycles. Source link #Social #Security #Administration #offering #voluntary #buyouts #ahead #significant #workforce #reductions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Equities Drop as Trump’s Tariffs Spur Risk Selloff: Markets Wrap – Yahoo Finance Equities Drop as Trump’s Tariffs Spur Risk Selloff: Markets Wrap – Yahoo Finance Equities Drop as Trump’s Tariffs Spur Risk Selloff: Markets Wrap Yahoo FinanceCNBC Daily Open: Nvidia’s slump and Trump’s renewed tariffs rocked markets CNBCAsian markets tumble as Trump tariff salvo fans fresh fears YahooNvidia Earnings Spark Chip, AI Stock Selloff Investopedia Source link #Equities #Drop #Trumps #Tariffs #Spur #Risk #Selloff #Markets #Wrap #Yahoo #Finance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Horror as machete-wielding man and woman threaten staff at shopping centre Horror as machete-wielding man and woman threaten staff at shopping centre A manhunt is under way for a woman and man with a machete who threatened staff and the public at a popular shopping centre. Source link #Horror #machetewielding #man #woman #threaten #staff #shopping #centre Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clinton Township man sentenced to life without parole for murdering wife Clinton Township man sentenced to life without parole for murdering wife Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways The Brief Steven Wheeler was sentenced to life without parole for killing his wife in Clinton Township in October 2023. Authorities said Wheeler shot and killed the victim while she was on the phone with 911. A jury found him guilty of premeditated ******* and felony firearms. CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (FOX 2) – A Clinton Township man was ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison Wednesday for the 2023 ******* of his wife. Steven Bryce Wheeler, 31, was sentenced to life without parole following his conviction by a jury. The backstory According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Wheeler got into a fight with his wife on Oct. 19, 2023. This led to her calling 911 and asking for police to come because she had been assaulted. While on the phone with 911, authorities say Wheeler shot her multiple times, killing her. After the *******, Wheeler was charged with first-degree ******* and felony firearms. A jury convicted him last month. “This was a senseless and brutal act of violence that took the life of an innocent woman and forever shattered the lives of her loved ones. No punishment can ever undo the pain and loss this family has endured. I hope this conviction sends a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated, and we remain committed to seeking justice for victims and their families,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido. The Source Press releases from the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office were used in this story. Source link #Clinton #Township #man #sentenced #life #parole #murdering #wife Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Office of Public Affairs | Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files – Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs | Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files – Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs | Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files Department of JusticeNo new bombshells in Justice Department’s release of Jeffrey Epstein files The Associated PressJeffrey Epstein contact list released: Alec Baldwin, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger among ot TOI EtimesEpstein files: AG Pam Bondi sends letter to Kash Patel accusing FBI of withholding docs Fox NewsJeffrey Epstein list: Names, flight logs in documents released by Trump administration Axios Source link #Office #Public #Affairs #Attorney #General #Pamela #Bondi #Releases #Phase #Declassified #Epstein #Files #Department #Justice Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ex-cop loses bid to end historical child sex abuse case Ex-cop loses bid to end historical child sex abuse case An ex-police officer accused of molesting three girls over two decades has failed to stop his prosecution due to his mental decline. Source link #Excop #loses #bid #historical #child #sex #abuse #case Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sycamore planning a three-way split of Walgreens after buyout, FT reports Sycamore planning a three-way split of Walgreens after buyout, FT reports (Reuters) -Sycamore Partners is planning a three-way split of Walgreens Boots Alliance if a deal to take the struggling pharmacy chain private is reached, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Walgreens’ three businesses – U.S. retail pharmacy, Boots *** and U.S. healthcare – will be separated and have distinct capital structures, according to the report. Sycamore and Walgreens both declined to comment on the report. Shares of the Deerfield, Illionois-based company rose 5% to $11.62 in early trading. The report “marks another twist in the potential go-private story” for Walgreens, Leerink analyst Michael Cherny said. Walgreens has reportedly been in talks to sell itself to private equity firm Sycamore since December, but a deal is yet to be reached. Media reports have also pointed to issues with financing for a buyout and discussion with Sycamore briefly falling out. The financing of the take-private deal is not expected to be an obstacle, according to the FT report. Walgreens’ executive chairman Stefano Pessina, who currently holds a 17% stake, is expected to maintain a significant share of the company, it added. (Reporting by Bhanvi Satija and Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Shailesh Kuber) Source link #Sycamore #planning #threeway #split #Walgreens #buyout #reports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Justin Timberlake cancels Columbus concert shortly before it was set to begin – 10TV Justin Timberlake cancels Columbus concert shortly before it was set to begin – 10TV Justin Timberlake cancels Columbus concert shortly before it was set to begin 10TVJustin Timberlake Cancels Final Concert on Forget Tomorrow World Tour Hours Before Showtime E! NEWSJustin Timberlake cancels Feb. 27 concert in Columbus. Here’s what fans need to know The Columbus DispatchJustin Timberlake Cancels Columbus, Ohio, Show for a Second Time Amid Flu Battle Yahoo EntertainmentTimberlake cancels Columbus concert due to flu NBC4 WCMH-TV Source link #Justin #Timberlake #cancels #Columbus #concert #shortly #set #10TV Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth parents jailed for almost starving their ballerina daughter to death lodge notices of appeal Perth parents jailed for almost starving their ballerina daughter to death lodge notices of appeal The parents of a teenage ballerina almost starved their daughter to death, ignoring advice from doctors who held grave concerns for her ********. Source link #Perth #parents #jailed #starving #ballerina #daughter #death #lodge #notices #appeal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Is a New 4-Door Ford Mustang Coming Soon? Is a New 4-Door Ford Mustang Coming Soon? A four-door Mustang coupe appears to be closer than ever to becoming a reality, because as of Tuesday, as Ford has officially filed to trademark the name “Mach 4” for a motor vehicle. While automakers file trademarks all the time, this one — initially spotted by Ford Authority — has a little more validity to it, thanks to a report from Automotive News last summer which said Ford showed dealers a rendering of a four-door Mustang with a coupe-like body named Mach 4 at a conference in Las Vegas, alongside a lifted, off-road-oriented Mustang variant. Boosting the report’s validity: one of the vehicles Ford showed at that dealer conference is already reality, that being the RTR EcoBoost model revealed at the Detroit Auto Show last month. There’s no guarantee Ford will build every model it previews to the dealers or even files trademarks for, but all the signs are there. A Mustang sedan has long been rumored to be in the cards, with Ford even building a concept version during the car’s early years. It’s unclear whether the four-door Mustang — which would become the sole sedan in Ford’s current lineup — would be powered by gasoline or electricity, but considering the Mustang Mach-E already exists to cover the latter (and is presumably around the same size as a hypothetical Mustang sedan), internal combustion seems a more likely possibility. Likewise, an off-road-oriented ‘Stang would seem a logical next step for the Blue Oval, considering the brand has already dabbled into this space with the Mustang Mach-E Rally. More sports car makers are diving into the rugged/off-road space these days, with Porsche giving us the 911 Dakar and Lamborghini the Huracan Sterrato. A Mustang along those lines would provide similar delights at a far lower price. You Might Also Like Source link #4Door #Ford #Mustang #Coming Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

NFL combine 2025 takeaways: Grades for top DL prospects, plus other winners and losers from on-field workouts – CBS Sports NFL combine 2025 takeaways: Grades for top DL prospects, plus other winners and losers from on-field workouts – CBS Sports NFL combine 2025 takeaways: Grades for top DL prospects, plus other winners and losers from on-field workouts CBS SportsWhich NFL draft prospects could dominate the combine? Predictions, potential risers and speedsters to watch ESPN2025 NFL Combine: Winners from Day 1 Windy City Gridiron2025 NFL Scouting Combine: Dates, times, location, how to watch and more NFL.comNFL combine live updates: James Pearce Jr., Jihaad Campbell stand out as DL, LB prospects run 40-yard dash Yahoo Sports Source link #NFL #combine #takeaways #Grades #top #prospects #winners #losers #onfield #workouts #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Social Security offering voluntary buyouts ahead of “significant workforce reductions” Social Security offering voluntary buyouts ahead of “significant workforce reductions” The Social Security Administration is offering financial incentives ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 to employees who choose to voluntarily resign from the federal agency, ahead of what they warn will be “significant workforce reductions.” A message sent out to employees Thursday stated that the agency will soon implement restructuring that includes workforce cuts and “massive reorganizations.” The SSA said that wholesale “abolishment of organizations and positions” could happen, as well as reassignments and staff cuts. Earlier this week, the Office of Personnel Management advised agencies to submit “reorganization plans” by March 13 and prepare for “reductions in force.” Thursday’s message offers all Social Security employees three options ahead of the agency’s expected cuts: voluntary reassignment “to a mission critical position,” voluntary early retirement, if eligible, or “voluntary separation incentive payments,” if eligible. Those who would take the voluntary separation incentive payment must opt in by March 14 and leave the agency no later than April 19. The option echoes the “fork in the road” or deferred resignation program from OPM, in which eligible federal employees could resign from their positions and retain full pay and benefits until Sept. 30. The incentive payments offered the SSA is dependent on an employee’s classification, or where they stand on the federal payscale. Those with a GS-8 or under would get $15,000, while those classified with GS-9 to GS-12 would receive $20,000. Those with a GS-13 or higher would receive $25,000. SSA notes that employees who opt in may be put on administrative leave through April 19 and must not have already opted into the buyout program offered by OPM earlier this year. Nancy Altman, the president of the advocacy group Social Security Works, told CBS News they fear employees may opt in to get the separation payment, and that it could already strain the benefits agency she said is in need of more investment to shorten wait times and open more field offices, not cuts. “If people don’t take it, then they’re going to be constantly looking over their shoulder, looking through their email waiting to see if they get fired,” Altman said. “It’s going to add stress, chaos and uncertainty.” Altman added that employees should first see if their severance pay from a potential termination could be more than what the SSA is offering for voluntarily resigning. Jill Hornick, a 33-year Social Security employee, noted that public-facing employees who work in field offices and handle claims at Social Security’s 1-800 number were told by former acting SSA Commissioner Michelle King that they were exempt from OPM’s buyout offer. “[King] knew it would hurt public service” if these hires were allowed to take the offer, said Hornick, who is also an administrative director at an Illinois local chapter of the American Federation of Government Employees, which nationally represents hundreds of thousands of federal workers. “Because we’re at a 25-year staffing low.” Now that this separation incentive is available to them, Hornick said she has “no doubt” these frontline employees will take it, and warned that processing times for claims could “go through the roof.” “I have been trying to reassure [these] employees to take a deep breath. They’re terrified, scared to death they will not have a job tomorrow, and put a roof over their head. It’s just been one thing after another this week,” Hornick added. The incentive payments offer does not apply to probationary employees, who generally have less than a year on the job, and must have worked in the executive branch for at least three years. Those looking to retire early must opt in between March 1 and Dec. 31. To be eligible for early retirement, an employee must be at least 50 years old and have 20 years of “creditable service,” or have 25 years of creditable service at any age. The SSA has seen several changes in recent weeks. Acting SSA Commissioner Leland Dudek was appointed to the role after the previous commissioner, King, was resistant to allowing staff with the White House’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, get access to sensitive agency data. Earlier this week, two SSA offices were closed — the Office of Transformation and the Office of Civil Rights and Equal Opportunity — which resulted in 190 staffers being put on administrative leave. Aaron Navarro Aaron Navarro is a CBS News digital reporter covering the 2024 elections. He was previously an associate producer for the CBS News political unit in the 2021 and 2022 election cycles. Source link #Social #Security #offering #voluntary #buyouts #ahead #significant #workforce #reductions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shiori Ito: Japan’s MeToo icon is up for an Oscar Shiori Ito: Japan’s MeToo icon is up for an Oscar Shaimaa Khalil Tokyo correspondent Getty Images Shiori has become the face of the country’s MeToo movement When Japanese journalist Shiori Ito decided to speak up about her ***** allegations, she knew she was standing in the face of a society that preferred silence. “I’m scared…but all I want to do is to talk about the truth”, Shiori says in the opening scene of her Oscar-nominated documentary ****** Box Diaries. Shiori became the face of Japan’s MeToo movement after she accused a prominent journalist Noriyuki Yamaguchi of *****. Her acclaimed directorial debut, based on her memoir of the same name, is a retelling of her quest for justice after authorities found the evidence insufficient to pursue criminal charges. But there is one country where it is yet to play: Japan, where it has run into huge controversy. Her former lawyers have accused her of including audio and video footage she did not have permission to use, which, they say, has violated trust and put her sources at risk. Shiori defends what she did as necessary for “public good”. It’s a startling turn in a story that gripped Japan when it first broke -the then 28-year-old Shiori ignored her family’s request to remain silent. And after her public accusation did not result in a criminal case, she filed a civil lawsuit against Yamaguchi and won $30,000 (£22,917) in damages. Shiori told the BBC making the film involved “reliving her trauma”: “It took me four years [to make the film] because emotionally I was struggling.” She was an intern at Reuters news agency in 2015, when she says Yamaguchi invited her to discuss a job opportunity. He was the Washington bureau chief for a major Japanese media firm, Tokyo Broadcasting System. Shiori claims she was ****** following a dinner in Tokyo with Yamaguchi, who has always denied the allegations. CCTV footage of an intoxicated Shiori being dragged from a taxi and into a hotel is part of the more than 400 hours of footage she edited for the documentary. Getty Images Yamaguchi has always denied the allegations against him The editing process, she says, was “really challenging. It was like hardcore exposure therapy.” When the film was released, the CCTV footage became a source of friction as Shiori’s team of ex-lawyers, who helped her win her lawsuit, slammed the documentary. They claimed it was unauthorised use of CCTV footage – and that she had violated a pledge not to use it outside of court proceedings. . Last week, her former lawyers – led by Yoko Nishihiro – held another press conference, saying her use of the footage posed challenges for other ******* assault cases. “If the fact that the evidence from the trial has been made public is known, we will be unable to obtain cooperation in future cases,” Ms Nishihiro said. Ms Nishihiro claimed that Shiori had also used unauthorised recordings, saying she only found this out at a screening of the film last July. This included audio of a police detective who eventually acted as a whistleblower about the investigation process – as well as a video of a taxi driver who provided testimony about the night of the alleged *****. Both of them, the lawyers argued, were identifiable and neither had given their consent to be featured in the film. “I’ve been trying so hard to protect her for eight-and-half years, and I feel like I’ve been completely torn apart,” Ms Nishihiro said. “I want her to explain and be held accountable.” Shiori had earlier acknowledged that she did not have the hotel’s permission to use the CCTV but argued that this was “the only visual evidence” she had of the night she was ********* assaulted. She added that including audio of the police detective was necessary because of “the cover up of the investigation”, adding that she was releasing the video “for the public good”. “We are standing in different points of view,” she said of the fallout with her former lawyers. “For me, [it’s for the] public good. For them, it’s ‘do not break any rules’.” There has been no official explanation as to why the film has not yet been distributed. Shiori has said that “Japan is still not ready to talk about [it]”, but its unclear how much of it is also due to legal hurdles. In her latest statement last week, Shiori apologised and said she would re-edit parts of the documentary to make sure individuals would not be identified, adding that a redacted version would be screened moving forward. “There are moments I wish I didn’t have to put in [the documentary]. There are moments I’m not proud of but I wanted to put all of it and to show we are also human,” she told the BBC. “No-one is perfect.” In the nine years since the assault, Shiori’s fight against Japan’s justice system has been well-chronicled in the media – and is something she says she wanted to detail in her documentary. She was met with a wave of backlash when she went public in 2017, receiving hate mail and online abuse. “People were telling me you’re not crying enough… you’re not wearing proper clothes… you’re too strong.” Some criticised the way she was dressed at the press conference where she first accused Yamaguchi – they said her shirt had been buttoned too low down. Shiori said she left Japan for a few months, fearing for her safety. Shiori’s case was followed by other high-profile cases. In 2023, former soldier Rina Gonoi also went public with her story, accusing three ex-soldiers of ********* assaulting her. This was also the year Japan passed landmark laws redefining ***** to include “non-consensual ******* intercourse” and raised the age of consent from 13 to 16. Gonoi eventually won her case but Shiori says it is proof that speaking up against ******* violence comes at a price, adding: “Is it worth going through this as a survivor seeking justice? It shouldn’t be this way. You have to sacrifice a lot.” For now it’s unclear if her film will ever be screened in Japan, but she says that its homecoming would be her ultimate prize. “This is my love letter to Japan. I really wish one day I can screen my film, and my family can also watch it,” she added. “That’s what I really hope for… more than winning an Oscar.” Source link #Shiori #Ito #Japans #MeToo #icon #Oscar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Canada probes X’s use of personal data for AI models Canada probes X’s use of personal data for AI models Canada’s privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into X, the social media platform owned by billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk, on whether its use of Canadians’ personal data to train artificial intelligence (AI) models broke privacy rules. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada said in a statement on Thursday that it launched the probe after receiving a complaint. “The investigation will focus on the platform’s compliance with federal privacy law with respect to its collection, use, and disclosure of Canadians’ personal information to train artificial intelligence models,” the statement said. The office did not provide any additional details about the nature of the complaint. An opposition New Democratic Party lawmaker, Brian Masse, said he had written to the privacy commissioner this week calling for an investigation into X. “I’m pleased to see the privacy commissioner agree to launch an investigation into X’s use of Canadians’ data,” Masse said in a statement. “Transparency and sunlight are crucial at a time when algorithms could be manipulated to spread misinformation,” he added. X did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The investigation into X comes at a time of increased tension between Canada and the United States over trade, border security and a digital services tax on US technology firms. President Donald Trump, who has tasked Musk with downsizing the US government, vowed earlier on Thursday to follow through on proposed 25 per cent tariffs on ********* and ******** goods from March 4 because deadly drugs were still pouring into the US from those countries. Musk, CEO of electric vehicle maker Tesla, is also the founder of artificial intelligence startup xAI. Following Musk’s 2022 purchase of Twitter and its subsequent renaming as X, the social media platform made xAI’s Grok chatbot available to its users. Grok is an AI assistant that helps users complete tasks, including answering questions, solving problems and brainstorming, X says on its website. Last week, xAI introduced Grok-3, the latest iteration of its chatbot, which is being rolled out immediately to Premium+ subscribers on X. Generative AI models such as Grok require lots of data to train and develop. Canada’s privacy legislation set out rules for how private-sector organisations can collect, use, and disclose personal information in the course of business, the privacy commissioner has said on its website. They include rules around consent, disclosure, retention and safeguards. Source link #Canada #probes #personal #data #models Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The International Space Station is too clean, scientists say The International Space Station is too clean, scientists say The International Space Station may be too sterile – and the astronauts on board could benefit from it being a little dirtier, according to a new study. When astronauts spend time on the ISS, they often experience immune problems, skin disorders and other conditions. That could be because the station has a much less diverse array of microbes than on Earth, a new study suggests. Those microbes that are around tend to have been carried there by humans. As such, there might be some benefit from astronauts “dirtying” the space station with more microbes from nature, researchers suggest. They compared it to the benefits found in gardening, which has been well-demonstrated to boost the immune system of those people who do it. “There’s a big difference between exposure to healthy soil from gardening versus stewing in our own filth, which is kind of what happens if we’re in a strictly enclosed environment with no ongoing input of those healthy sources of microbes from the outside,” said Rob Knight, from UC San Diego, in a statement. In the study, scientists worked with astronauts to swab 803 different surfaces on the space station. That is about 100 times more than the samples that have been taken in previous similar surveys. Researchers then created 3D maps that showed where the swabs were taken, what microbes they showed, and how they could be interacting with the chemicals found there. Most of the microbes came from human skin, they found. Cleaning chemicals were also found throughout the station. They found that the collection of microbes tended to be much less diverse than Earth, and were most similar to other highly sterile environments, such as hospitals. The work is described in a new paper, ‘The International Space Station Has a Unique and Extreme Microbial and Chemical Environment Driven by Use Patterns’, published in the journal Cell. Source link #International #Space #Station #clean #scientists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. Terminates Funding for Polio, H.I.V., Malaria and Nutrition Programs Around the World – The New York Times U.S. Terminates Funding for Polio, H.I.V., Malaria and Nutrition Programs Around the World – The New York Times U.S. Terminates Funding for Polio, H.I.V., Malaria and Nutrition Programs Around the World The New York Times‘Heartbreaking’: Fired USAID employee speaks out after gathering belongings from office CNNUSAID staff hold onto hope despite leaving their shuttered DC headquarters WJLATrump administration says it’s cutting 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts The Associated PressUSAID workers say goodbye to headquarters as Trump drastically cuts foreign aid Reuters Source link #U.S #Terminates #Funding #Polio #H.I.V #Malaria #Nutrition #Programs #World #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mardi Gras freedom cry against threats to rights Mardi Gras freedom cry against threats to rights Dressed in their finest feathers and leathers, Mardi Gras participants will bring a serious and global message to the 2025 parade. Source link #Mardi #Gras #freedom #cry #threats #rights Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amended lawsuit filed against FHP trooper accused of driving drunk, crashing into vehicle Amended lawsuit filed against FHP trooper accused of driving drunk, crashing into vehicle A Morgan & Morgan attorney filed an amended complaint Thursday against a Florida Highway Patrol trooper accused of driving drunk and crashing into another vehicle. Derrick Connell, attorney for the person in that other car, spoke exclusively with Investigative Reporter Ashlyn Webb about Alexa Morales-Raftari’s side of the story. Morales-Raftari is suing Trooper Wilfredo Febo, saying he got behind the wheel with an “intentional willful and wanton disregard” and “recklessness by his decision to drive while under the influence.” Connell filed a motion to add a claim for punitive damages against Febo. This updated suit comes after 9 Investigates reported Tuesday that Orlando Police Officers arrested Febo for DUI while the trooper was off-duty in March 2024. The charge was dropped after an Orange County judge said the officers were not credible and excluded nearly all evidence. “You can only imagine how she feels to see the individual that caused her so much pain not have any consequences at that point,” Connell said. Photos shared by the firm with 9 Investigates show both Morales-Raftari’s Nissan Rogue rear-ended and totaled from the collision. Febo’s Ram truck was also totaled with airbags deployed. Derrick Connell says this very ****** caused his client’s neck and back injuries including a herniated disk. She’s undergone several medical treatments and invasive procedures, he said. “She has in excess of $75,000 of medical bills today,” Connell said. “It’s been nearly a year since the ******. What has that year been like for her?,” Webb asked. “It’s been terrible. She’s had to suffer daily through these things. You know, having hope each day that maybe those injuries are going to get better with the next therapy, with the next doctor’s appointment, with the next injection,” Connell said. Derrick Connell says this lawsuit will hopefully give his client the justice and closure she wanted. A jury will be tasked with deciding if Trooper Febo was negligent after they have a chance to watch the very body camera video we aired on WFTV. “I have no idea how I ended up at fault in the ******,” Febo said. “Well, I’m telling you, you rear ended a vehicle in traffic,” an officer said. “How?” Febo asked. “How? You drove your truck into the back of theirs. That’s how,” an officer replied. Body camera video shows Trooper Febo declining to take field sobriety tests. “I refuse everything,” Febo said. “You’re refusing everything,” an officer asked. “Yes,” Febo replied. “Stand up,” officers said. “What? I’m trying. I’m not doing anything wrong,” Febo said. Connell says Febo’s responses to officers along with his refusal to take the field sobriety exercises will be strong evidence to the jury. “When a jury sees all of the things that they say, and whenever they get to hear about the smell of alcohol, when they get to see how he was acting, and then the fact that somebody who knows what those tests are meant to do, somebody who knows that those tests are typically, you know, pretty damning whenever you go to court. And he decided to not perform those. I think it’s telling,” Connell said. The pending civil suit is happening as FHP says there is an active internal investigation into Febo. “Do you think this trooper should still have a badge…If he was driving under the influence and caused a ****** that your client was involved in?” Webb asked. “Honestly, that’s not for me to say,” Connell replied. “Do I think that that is a horrible accident that could have been prevented with better judgment? Yes. Do I think that folks should be held to a higher standard whenever they are in that particular role and understand that? Yes.” We’ve reached out to Aaron Eagan, Febo’s attorney on this case, but haven’t heard back. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Source link #Amended #lawsuit #filed #FHP #trooper #accused #driving #drunk #crashing #vehicle Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stephen Curry drops season-high 56 points and 12 3-pointers, including buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt – Yahoo Sports Stephen Curry drops season-high 56 points and 12 3-pointers, including buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt – Yahoo Sports Stephen Curry drops season-high 56 points and 12 3-pointers, including buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt Yahoo SportsSteph Curry Makes NBA History in Warriors-Magic Athlon SportsWatch Steph drain wild halftime buzzer-beater in Warriors-Magic NBC Sports Bay AreaSteph Curry Casually Drains Prayer Beyond Half Court in Warriors-Magic Sports IllustratedStephen Curry Thrills NBA Fans with Shooting Onslaught in Warriors’ Win vs. Magic Bleacher Report Source link #Stephen #Curry #drops #seasonhigh #points #3pointers #including #buzzerbeater #halfcourt #Yahoo #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pastoralists and Graziers Association: RSM backs rescue deal and asks Police to investigate affairs Pastoralists and Graziers Association: RSM backs rescue deal and asks Police to investigate affairs Creditors will vote next week on a rescue deal for the Pastoralists and Graziers Association, while Police have been asked to investigate the lobby group’s affairs. Source link #Pastoralists #Graziers #Association #RSM #backs #rescue #deal #asks #Police #investigate #affairs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Protesters Rally Against Bill to End Protections for Transgender Iowans Protesters Rally Against Bill to End Protections for Transgender Iowans new video loaded: Protesters Rally Against Bill to End Protections for Transgender Iowans transcript Back transcript Protesters Rally Against Bill to End Protections for Transgender Iowans Advocates for L.G.B.T.Q. rights said Iowa would become the first state to remove broad protections for transgender people if the governor signed the bill. Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Transphobia has got to go. Recent episodes in U.S. & Politics Show more videos from U.S. & Politics Source link #Protesters #Rally #Bill #Protections #Transgender #Iowans Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]