Pelican Press

Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout – ABC News Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout – ABC News Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout ABC NewsWhat is Medicaid and why is it a Republican target for cuts? CNNThe Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District Center For American ProgressIs Trump lying about cutting Medicaid — or is Congress? Vox.com Source link #Republicans #pushing #Medicaid #potential #political #fallout #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Midfielder taking giant strides towards an AFL return Midfielder taking giant strides towards an AFL return Already forced to miss the opening two rounds of the AFL season with a calf strain, GWS star Tom Green is refusing to lose any more time to injury. Source link #Midfielder #giant #strides #AFL #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Audit finds many were improperly enrolled in state health care program for noncitizens, while costs were vastly underestimated Audit finds many were improperly enrolled in state health care program for noncitizens, while costs were vastly underestimated SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration vastly underestimated the cost and attraction of a pair of controversial programs that provide state-funded health insurance for immigrants who are not citizens, according to an audit report released Wednesday. The programs have cost the state more than $1.6 billion since the initiative began in late 2020 and also have been plagued by improper enrollments and a failure to move some recipients who were eligible into Medicaid, the traditional health insurance program for the poor that is jointly funded by the federal government, according to the report from Illinois Auditor General Frank Mautino’s office. While widely supported by the Latino caucus in Springfield and other progressive lawmakers, the programs have been a source of tension among the Democrats who control the legislature and briefly derailed budget negotiations two years ago before legislators reached a compromise that gave Pritzker broad latitude to rein in costs. The audit’s release comes a week after the governor proposed eliminating funding beginning July 1 for the program that insures people younger than 65, a move his administration estimates would save $330 million and help erase a state budget deficit for the coming year it once estimated at more than $3 billion. The cost overruns were particularly pronounced in the program meant for recipients ages 42 to 64, with the actual expenditure of $485 million through the three years ending June 30, 2023, the ******* covered by the audit, coming in at nearly four times the initially estimated cost of $126 million, according to the report. During the same *******, the actual cost of the program for those 65 and older was $412 million, nearly double the original projection of $224 million. At a news conference in Chicago on Wednesday to announce another round of medical debt relief for Illinois residents, Pritzker did not answer directly when asked why the estimates his administration used for the programs were so far off. Instead, he said some individuals were at times kept on the programs’ rolls for a ******* before the state determined they were no longer eligible, either because of a change in immigration or employment status or some other factor. Despite his proposal to do away with funding for coverage of those under 65, Pritzker reiterated his support for universal health care coverage in a form he didn’t specify. “The broader context is people need to get health care,” Pritzker said. The popularity of the immigrant health care programs, and the ensuing high costs to the state, provide “some evidence, anyway, that there are an awful lot of people out there that need coverage who aren’t getting it or who will do anything to get it, and I think that’s a sad state of affairs in our society.” As of December, there were 41,505 people enrolled in the two immigrant health care programs. Roughly 80% of them were in the program for younger immigrants. The audit notes that when the program was created in 2020 for immigrants 65 and older who were in the country without legal permission or did not yet qualify for a green card, lawmakers and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services relied on advocacy groups for cost estimates. The initial estimate, according to emails turned over to the auditor general, was that the program would cost $4 million annually, which one agency official later described as “very wrong.” The program ended up costing more than $67 million in its first seven months. Still, it was expanded twice in 2022, lowering the eligibility age to 42. Together, the two programs do not extend to the asylum-seekers who’ve arrived in Chicago in recent years from the southern border. In the first year both programs operated, “estimates were made with little experiential data to accurately predict program growth,” Healthcare and Family Services spokeswoman Melissa Kula said in an emailed statement. The estimates, based on cost and enrollment growth in traditional Medicaid, fell short in part because of higher rates of chronic disease and hospitalization among the populations served by the state programs, Kula said. Despite efforts to improve projections, enrollment and costs continued to far outstrip estimates. By mid-2023, enrollment in the programs was roughly double what was expected. Wednesday’s report was ordered by the Legislative Audit Commission, a bipartisan panel of House and Senate members that oversees the auditor general’s work. State Rep. Fred Crespo, a Democrat from Hoffman Estates who co-chairs the commission, said that while the findings were expected, they should serve as a lesson in how the state needs to be more fiscally responsible in its budgeting. “I was taken aback by the sheer cost and the underestimates, and I think that’s really a reflection on how we do business in the state,” said Crespo, a moderate who declined to say where he stands on the programs. “If you present a bill and you don’t have a handle on the cost, or in this case enrollment, this is going to blow up in your face.” Nevertheless, funding the programs should continue to be a priority in order to provide adequate health care for noncitizens who pay taxes just like other Illinois residents, said Rep. Lilian Jimenez, a Chicago Democrat. “When we’re talking about what the Illinois budget should include, I think we just have to think about, Are we unfairly excluding folks from programs that they would normally be eligible for but for the federal government’s decision to not provide people with Social Security numbers?” Jimenez said. “When we talk about health care for all, when we talk about health care as a human right, does it include everybody, or is there a carve-out? Does Illinois have a carve-out for who is entitled to health care and who is not?” Republicans were quick to criticize Pritzker over the audit’s findings, some even going as far as alleging fraudulent activity, though the auditor general’s review was focused on internal processes and made no specific findings of fraud in the programs. Senate GOP leader John Curran of Downers Grove dismissed the programs as a “good press pop” for a Democratic governor seeking national attention. Sen. Chapin Rose, a Republican who co-chairs the audit commission with Crespo, accused Pritzker and his administration of “complete mismanagement” of the programs and also criticized the administration for downplaying their cost. “This is insane. Every time you turn around, he’s telling us, ‘Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s not going to cost that much money.’ And then a couple years later, you find, ‘Oh, once again, he’s wrong on his numbers,’” said Rose, of Mahomet. “Transparency is everything. You’ve got to be able to believe budget estimate numbers.” Aside from inaccurate projections of the programs’ cost and the number of people who would sign up, the audit uncovered numerous apparent problems with their rolls, including nearly 500 duplicate enrollments; more than 6,000 enrollees with Social Security numbers who were designated as “undocumented”; nearly 700 people registered for the program for those 65 and older who were too young; and nearly 400 participants who had coverage despite being eligible for Medicaid, under which the federal government would share the cost. Among the “undocumented” participants who also had Social Security numbers, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services reviewed a sample of 94 cases and found 19 who “should have been recorded in the system as lawfully present or as being a legal permanent resident,” according to the audit, which would have made them eligible for Medicaid after five years in the country. As for the participants who appeared to already be eligible for Medicaid, the department reviewed 17 cases and found 13 people who were incorrectly approved for the programs paid for solely by the state. The audit noted that about a quarter of the people signed up for the 65-and-over program who appeared to be too young were allowed to enroll because they were within three months of their 65th birthday, while other instances were due to incorrect birthdates provided during registration. Rep. Norine Hammond of Macomb, lead budget negotiator for the House GOP, questioned the competence of those tasked with running the health care programs. “Let’s be clear and let’s be transparent. We have to have the truth. If we can’t base our budgets and our priorities on truthful numbers, then what are we doing here? It makes absolutely no sense,” she said. “Who’s processing these applications? And what are they doing that they can’t do it correctly?” The auditor general’s office recommended Healthcare and Family Services work with the Department of Human Services to review eligibility data and create processes “to ensure ineligible individuals are not enrolled” and “to remove any unnecessary duplicate enrollees to ensure fraudulent or duplicate payments are not made on their behalf.” The office also recommended that the Healthcare and Family Services department “seek federal reimbursement for any federal match lost due to the miscategorization of … enrollees who were otherwise eligible for federally funded programs.” While the department accepted the recommendations, the latter could be a tall order given Republican President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and his administration’s threats to withhold federal funds from states such as Illinois that resist federal deportation efforts. Separate from the audit, Healthcare and Family Services has started a redetermination process for the programs, which were created at a time during the COVID-19 pandemic when the federal government had paused annual checks to verify whether enrollees were eligible for Medicaid. Last year, the governor announced plans to cut as many as 6,000 health care recipients across the two programs to save money. As of last month, more than 21,000 people had been dropped from the rolls through the process, more than half of them for not responding to the department’s communications. Almost 8,000 more were removed after becoming ineligible for reasons including earning too much money, moving out of state or dying, while nearly 1,500 moved into other programs for which they were qualified. Petrella reported from Chicago. Chicago Tribune’s Olivia Olander contributed. Source link #Audit #finds #improperly #enrolled #state #health #care #program #noncitizens #costs #vastly #underestimated Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 underway 11 years after mystery disappearance – New York Post New search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 underway 11 years after mystery disappearance – New York Post New search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 underway 11 years after mystery disappearance New York Post MH370: search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight resumes after 11 years The GuardianMH370: What we know about Malaysia Airlines plane, 11 years on ReutersWhy This Search for MH370 Could Be Different New York Magazine Source link #search #missing #Malaysia #Airlines #flight #MH370 #underway #years #mystery #disappearance #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Meta apologizes after Instagram users see graphic and violent content Meta apologizes after Instagram users see graphic and violent content Instagram has installed a new privacy setting which will default all new and existing underage accounts to an automatic private mode. Brandon Bell | Getty Images Meta apologized on Thursday for a mistake that resulted in some Instagram users reporting a flood of violent and graphic content recommended on their personal “Reels” page. “We are fixing an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologize for the mistake,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement shared with CNBC. The apology comes after a number of Instagram users took to various social media platforms to voice concerns about an influx of violent and “not safe for work” content in their feeds. Some users claimed they saw such content, even with Instagram’s “Sensitive Content Control” enabled. According to Meta policy, the company works to protect users from disturbing imagery and removes content that is particularly violent or graphic. Prohibited content includes videos “depicting dismemberment, visible innards or charred bodies,” as well as content that contains “sadistic remarks towards imagery depicting the suffering of humans and animals.” However, Meta says it does allow some graphic content if it helps users to condemn and raise awareness about important issues such as human rights abuses, armed conflicts or acts of terrorism. Such content may come with limitations, such as warning labels. On Thursday, CNBC was able to view several posts on Instagram reels that contained gory and violent content. The posts were labeled as “Sensitive Content.” Source link #Meta #apologizes #Instagram #users #graphic #violent #content Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sharks legend ET challenges Mulitalo to break record Sharks legend ET challenges Mulitalo to break record Andrew Ettingshausen says Ronaldo Mulitalo “better” break his record for most tries at Cronulla now that the gun winger is signed long-term. Mulitalo’s 83 four-pointers puts him exactly halfway to Ettingshausen’s mark of 166, but the 25-year-old should be breathing down the legendary centre’s neck by the time his new deal runs out at the end of 2028. Mulitalo will still only be 28 when that season ends and, ahead of the Sharks’ clash with Penrith in Las Vegas, told AAP he hoped to remain at the club for life. The winger would be 17 tries away from Ettingshausen at the end of 2028 if he scored as many tries in these next four years as he has in the last four (66). The sixth-most prolific try-scorer in competition history, Ettingshausen has been in Mulitalo’s ear about crossing the chalk more often, and believes it’s only a matter of time before the winger overtakes him. “He better! I keep telling him every time I see him, you’ve got to score more tries, mate, keep them coming,” Ettingshausen told AAP in Las Vegas. “He’ll definitely break my record and I’m excited for him to do that.” Mulitalo’s 18 tries last season made him the sixth-most prolific scorer in the league, with the 25-year-old also in the top 10 for the two years before that. A long-term shoulder injury to fellow winger Sione Katoa could make Mulitalo’s left edge a more popular target for the Sharks’ playmakers this year as the inexperienced Sam Stonestreet prepares to start on the opposite edge. Ettingshausen is expecting a big season from Mulitalo. “It’s a shame Sione’s injured at the moment, but they both scored well over 15 tries for this last season. I reckon they’ll be up around 20 this year,” Ettingshausen said. “It’s exciting. Ronaldo’s got a big future, I’m glad he’s signed for so long.” The Sharks have the chance to silence critics of their record against the NRL’s elite sides when they face four-time reigning premiers Penrith at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT). Cronulla have beaten Penrith only once in nine clashes since mid-2019, and that was by a field goal when the Panthers were missing several players to State of Origin duty in 2021. The addition of Cronulla’s marquee prop Addin Fonua-Blake could tip the scales against a Panthers side that has lost its own middle-forward leader James Fisher-Harris. “This is what you live for as a footballer,” Ettingshausen said. “You want to play the best teams and you want to beat the best teams. That’s what rugby league’s all about.” Source link #Sharks #legend #challenges #Mulitalo #break #record Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Asus ROG Pelta review: crisp, comfortable and cost-effective sound Asus ROG Pelta review: crisp, comfortable and cost-effective sound Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Asus ROG Pelta: one-minute review The ROG Pelta is another banger device from Asus’ gaming division. Compatible across most platforms with wired (via USB-C, no 3.5mm in-line sound) and wireless (Bluetooth and 2.4GHz dongle) connectivity, the Pelta gets the important things right and skips the over-the-top extras. The headphones, which are a step down in price and features from the flagship ROG Delta II, axe things like an extensive battery life, full-range size adjustment, extra cushioning and excessive RGB (though you’ll still find a programmable, glowing ROG logo on both sides). Simplifying the things that made the Delta II such an attractive headset into a more affordable unit makes sense when it feels like everything is getting expensive around us. The same microphone and 50mm audio drivers are used between the Delta II and the Pelta, so you’re not missing out on sound and performance, but perhaps you’ll miss the comfort and battery life boasted by the top model. Moreover, the greater points of adjustment present on the Delta II would have been welcome on the Pelta, as it can be difficult to find that comfort sweet spot when you only have three size options instead of telescopic arms. The microphone will also be tiresome if you’re the type to remove it when it’s not in use, as its plastic exterior needs to align perfectly with that of the headset if it’s to make a successful connection. Finally, there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack for audio between your machine and your headphones (again, unlike the Delta II), so if you want to connect this thing over a wired connection, you’ll need to settle for a USB-C cable. Not a huge issue, but it may be a dealbreaker for some users. For me, though, I’ve been very satisfied with this headset and its feature set. I’ve enjoyed it for the features it offers, including a useful pause/play button on the side and a slider that toggles between Bluetooth/off/2.4GHz, and I’d happily continue to use it instead of my Logitech G Pro X2 headset. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) Asus ROG Pelta: price and availability How much does it cost? $129.99 / £124.99 / AU$269 When is it available? Available now in US/***, coming soon to Australia Where can you get it? Available in the US, ***, Australia and other regions Coming in at a much lower price point than the ROG Delta II headphones (those were priced at $229 / £219 / AU$369 when they released late last year), the Pelta streamlines a lot of what made the top-end ROG headset so good. In our ROG Delta II review, we criticized the headphones for perhaps being a bit feature light, and the Pelta keeps this up but at a much more attractive cost. That being said, even the ROG Pelta is in hot competition with more feature-rich rivals, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 ($129.99 / £129.99 / AU$299) and its companion app. The Pelta, though, doesn’t give the impression it’s losing out on the features front. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) Asus ROG Pelta: Specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Type: Wireless over-ear Drivers: 50mm titanium-plated diaphragm Weight: 10.89oz (309g) Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz with ROG SpeedNova, USB-C Sensitivity: -40dB Impedance: 32ohm Frequency range: 20Hz – 20KHz Frequency response: 100Hz – 10KHz Asus ROG Pelta: Features 50mm titanium-Plated Diaphragm Drivers Immersive stereo sound Great physical buttons on the left cup The Pelta recontextualizes the ROG headset offering. The Delta II was already skimping on extras when it was released last year, but the Pelta adapts the Delta II’s impressive upgrades (in particular its titanium drivers) into a much more affordable package. That means, for the most part, you’re getting the same high-end beast but cheaper. The 20Hz – 20KHz audio frequency response is the same across both units, as is the 100Hz – 10KHz microphone. I’ll swear by the sound quality and microphone quality of the Pelta. It’s rich, deep and loud, maintaining high-quality sound to its loudest volume and allowing for a lot of customization in ROG’s Armory Crate application. Though heavy bass does suffer compared to a headset like the Logitech G Pro X2. The 900mAh battery capacity is impressive, offering up to 90 hours with lighting off and 60 hours with it on. Using the headset casually across four weeks, between games and watching TV shows and Twitch streams, I only needed to charge it twice while having the RGB enabled. It’s an acceptable battery life and a welcome downsize from the enormous 1,800mAh battery in the Delta II. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) The microphone is removable and can be bent around freely, though I found putting the microphone back into the jack could be a pain if you don’t align it just right, due to its unique triangular shape. Finally, the buttons present on the headset feel very sensible. A volume wheel is there with a decent amount of travel for your fingertip, alongside a microphone off/on button and, my favorite, a pause/play button. Given I’d been using a keyboard that doesn’t have media controls during my testing *******, this has been a fairly useful feature and one that I hope more headsets adopt. The off/on slider is mixed with a connection toggle – the central position selects off, sliding up selects Bluetooth, and down selects 2.4GHz. A soundbite played through the headset will indicate if it’s turning on or off and if it’s connecting to either the dongle or Bluetooth. Just keep in mind that the ROG Pelta uses a USB-C dongle – in case you don’t have a free USB-C port on your device, this may present itself as an issue. Asus ROG Pelta: Sound quality High-end audio in a cheap unit Terrific adjustment options Good but not the best deep bass Carrying over the audio quality from Asus’ top gaming headset, the ROG Pelta doesn’t disappoint where it matters. The standard stereo sound profile is well balanced for all kinds of audio-visual media, which of course includes games, but it’s also fit for music streaming, TV shows and movies. Sound is crystal clear even with the volume cranked to maximum, though bass depth may leave you craving something with a bit more punch. Asus’ ROG Armory Crate app offers a decent user experience for making sound quality adjustments. For the most part, I set the headset to the ‘communication’ sound profile as it offered the balanced mix I preferred the most (as I switch between a racing, shooting, RPG and sim game quite readily), though I was pretty blown away with the depth of the FPS preset, which made projectiles and explosions in Marvel Rivals really jump out at me. Still, finding the mode that set the best experience across all uses kept me from constantly dipping in and out of Armory Crate, so that’s what I did. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) Of course, you don’t merely have to use a preset. There are plenty of sliders to fiddle with so you can tailor the sound to your ears, and there’s also some useful sliders for bass boosting, voice clarity and voice compression. The microphone quality was a bit middle-of-the-road, but I didn’t expect breathtaking clarity. The much more expensive Logitech G Pro X2 has the same microphone arrangement and produces similar results. You’ll have no problem being understood with this microphone, but it’s certainly not broadcast spec. On the whole, the headset’s sound quality is immersive and had no trouble bringing the worlds of Avowed, Marvel Rivals, Forza Horizon 5, The Headliners and other games to life. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) Asus ROG Pelta: Design Comfortable ear cushions Only three points of adjustment Microphone can get a bit annoying I’m content saying that these are extremely comfortable headphones, particularly for long gameplay sessions in the summer. My home doesn’t have air conditioning, and I’ll typically play games at my computer for hours, often leading to discomfort in and around my ears from the sweat and the constant contact. The ROG Pelta headset hasn’t been irritating my skin as much as other headsets have in the past, and I feel like I can play for longer durations with its comfortable cushioning. Still, design is another area where the Pelta took a noticeable step down from the Delta II. It features slightly lower-end mesh fabric cushioning around the ears (as above, I personally found this fine), along with only three points of size adjustment for the headband as opposed to the telescoped design you’ll find on many other high-end headsets. This means that it can be difficult to find that comfort sweet spot and, unlike telescoping headsets, you’re stuck with the one size you’ve selected unless you go through the (admittedly easy) process of removing and reapplying the headband. This is no dealbreaker and, indeed, the sizing options are far reaching enough to satisfy a good range of users. (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar) The only other thing that irked me on the design front was the microphone. It’s surrounded by a triangular plastic casing and needs to be inserted at the exact angle. It’s not easy if you aren’t looking at the port while plugging it in, and it’ll feel firmly inserted even if the jack isn’t making proper contact with the port. This led to some audio technical difficulties on Discord a couple of times, but once you catch it, it’s easy to identify. The inclusion of a red light on the end of the microphone ***** to indicate if you’re muted or not is also a great feature and I appreciated it being there. Should you buy the Asus ROG Pelta? Swipe to scroll horizontally Attributes Notes Rating Features Other headsets may boast more features, but the Pelta takes a good selection of extras and masters them. 5 / 5 Sound quality For the price you pay, you’ll get top-end sound quality, but you may have a desire for more bass or a cleaner mic. 4.5 / 5 Design Comfortable for long gaming sessions, the Pelta is only held back by a finicky mic and a lack of much adjustment. 4 / 5 Average Rating The ROG Pelta is an extremely competitive headset that you’ll love for its simplicity. 4.5 / 5 Buy them if… Don’t buy them if… Also Consider Swipe to scroll horizontally Header Cell – Column 0 Asus ROG Pelta Asus ROG Delta II SteelSeries Arctis Nova 5 Razer Barracuda X Chroma Price $129.99/£124.99/AU$269 $229/£219/AUS$368 $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$299.95 $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$229.95 Drivers 50mm Titanium-plated diaphragm 50mm Titanium-plated diaphragm 40mm Neodymium magnetic drivers 40mm Razer TriForce drivers Active noise cancelation No No No No Battery life 90 hours 110 hours 60 hours 70 hours Weight 10.89oz (309g) 11.2oz (318g) 9.5oz (266g) 10.05oz (285g) Connectivity 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, 3.5mm 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C Frequency range 20Hz – 20KHz 20Hz – 20KHz 20Hz – 22KHz 20Hz – 20kHz How I tested the Asus ROG Pelta Tested for four weeks Used across various Windows PCs Mostly used for gaming, also used for watching TV and music streaming From the moment I received the Asus ROG Pelta for review, I immediately got to work testing them. I used the headset across a mix of Windows devices and my Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone, but I primarily used them for gaming. The games I tested the headset with include Marvel Rivals, Avowed, The Headliners, Forza Horizon 5. Across these games, I changed up my audio settings with the ROG Armory Crate app, and used both the Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connections, along with the wired connection. I would play games and watch shows for hours on end with the Pelta headset and often wear them while doing housework and cooking. First tested in February 2025 Source link #Asus #ROG #Pelta #review #crisp #comfortable #costeffective #sound Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ethiopians recount horror of SE Asia scam centres Ethiopians recount horror of SE Asia scam centres Starved, beaten and electrocuted, Ahmed remains traumatised months after being trafficked to Southeast Asia, one of an untold number of Africans forced to work in scam centres far from home. The complexes have flourished across the region, often staffed by foreigners who are made to swindle people in what analysts say is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Among them are Ethiopians, like 25-year-old Ahmed, who sign up for the promise of well-paid jobs. Instead, they run “love scams” — often referred to as “pig butchering” — inside infamous prison-like compounds that have mushroomed across Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. The scammers operate fake profiles of wealthy Western women to lure men, and sometimes women, into investing in crypto-currencies — before vanishing with their savings. Hundreds have been released from complexes in Myanmar in recent weeks, according to local sources. But the United Nations said in 2023 that “hundreds of thousands” were “forcibly engaged by organised criminal gangs into online criminality” across Southeast Asia. Ahmed — whose name AFP has changed to protect his identity — endured months of captivity last year and returned home in December. “I contemplated suicide,” he said. – Imprisoned, abused – Ahmed said he was approached by an old friend offering him a job abroad that paid up to $500 a month. It was a fortune in Ethiopia where the median monthly wage hovers around $24, according to the International Labour Organization. His family raised $1,600 to send him to Laos, but he soon realised his friend had betrayed him when he was sucked into the scam world. He managed to talk his way out of a compound in Laos, only to be abducted by armed men and taken to another in Myanmar, where his captors demanded $5,000 for his release. “When I told them I’m poor and don’t have money they laughed and then gave me electronic shocks that left me unconscious,” he said. On the 11th day, he said, half-starved, he was presented with a choice: work for free for 18 months, pay the ransom, or have sex on camera. He chose to work for free, but conditions were significantly worse than in Laos. “There were people in the compound who lost limbs because of torture,” Ahmed said. “The administrators of the place used to cut fingers of ‘misbehaving or mediocre’ staff,” he added. “I feel lucky… Even though I’m still suffering the effects of electrocution, my limbs haven’t been amputated.” – Africa targeted – Ahmed said there were roughly 3,000 people working in the Myanmar centre, including Ethiopians, Kenyans and Ugandans. Africans are increasingly a target for scam centres, which require people who are proficient in English, desperate for work and digitally literate, said Jason Tower, Myanmar country director for the United States Institute of Peace who is based in the Thai capital Bangkok. There is also little intervention from their governments. “In the case of the Ethiopians, there’s really almost no support that’s being given from the embassies or the diplomatic staff out here,” Tower, whose research examines transnational criminal networks, told AFP. “The Ethiopian government has done nothing to help me,” said Ahmed. The government did not respond to an AFP request for comment. The brutality is worsening, Tower said, as the complexes have been chased from Cambodia and Laos by government crackdowns and international pressure, into even more lawless territories held by Myanmar armed groups. Ahmed said he and fellow Africans were treated worse than others. “While Africans were subjected to severe torture as punishment, ******** and Indians were punished with push-ups,” he said. – Crisis upon crisis – Two other Ethiopians spoke to AFP about being trafficked, describing similar experiences. “We reached a dilapidated compound which had blood stains on the inside walls,” Mohammed — also a pseudonym — told AFP of a Myanmar complex. “They beat me daily with wire whips, causing cuts on my back and head… I wished I was dead,” he said. The 26-year-old endured six months before his family raised almost $8,000 to secure his release — leaving them virtually penniless. When Ahmed got home, he realised his family had somehow raised $2,000 for his freedom and flight. “My family is now indebted and economically destitute because of my ordeal,” he said. “I feel like I have returned from one crisis and entered into another.” str-rbu/er/kjm/fox Source link #Ethiopians #recount #horror #Asia #scam #centres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Meta apologizes after Instagram users see graphic and violent content Meta apologizes after Instagram users see graphic and violent content Instagram has installed a new privacy setting which will default all new and existing underage accounts to an automatic private mode. Brandon Bell | Getty Images Meta apologized on Thursday for a mistake that resulted in some Instagram users reporting a flood of violent and graphic content recommended on their personal “Reels” page. “We are fixing an error that caused some users to see content in their Instagram Reels feed that should not have been recommended. We apologize for the mistake,” a Meta spokesperson said in a statement shared with CNBC. The apology comes after a number of Instagram users took to various social media platforms to voice concerns about an influx of violent and “not safe for work” content in their feeds. Some users claimed they saw questionable content, even with Instagram’s “Sensitive Content Control” enabled. According to Meta policy, the company works to protect users from disturbing imagery and removes content that is particularly violent or graphic. Prohibited content includes videos “depicting dismemberment, visible innards or charred bodies,” as well as content that contains “sadistic remarks towards imagery depicting the suffering of humans and animals.” However, Meta says it does allow some graphic content if it helps users to condemn and raise awareness about important issues such as human rights abuses, armed conflicts or acts of terrorism. Such content may come with limitations, such as warning labels. On Thursday, CNBC was able to view several posts on Instagram reels that contained gory and violent content. The posts were labeled as “Sensitive Content.” Source link #Meta #apologizes #Instagram #users #graphic #violent #content Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chief Justice Allows U.S. to Continue Freeze on Foreign Aid Payments – The New York Times Chief Justice Allows U.S. to Continue Freeze on Foreign Aid Payments – The New York Times Chief Justice Allows U.S. to Continue Freeze on Foreign Aid Payments The New York TimesThese countries could lose the most, if U.S. stops aid ReutersUSAID employees given 15 minutes to clear out offices The HillTrump Administration Slashes 90% Of USAID Contracts, Cuts $60 Billion In Foreign Aid News18 Source link #Chief #Justice #U.S #Continue #Freeze #Foreign #Aid #Payments #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shocking body-cam footage shows cop chase down thief Shocking body-cam footage shows cop chase down thief Police have released body-cam footage of the moment a female officer chased down a man attempting to break into a home in rural Queensland. Source link #Shocking #bodycam #footage #shows #cop #chase #thief Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pastor husband of Mica Miller is accused in lawsuit of raping teen and using his church as a ‘******* playground’ Pastor husband of Mica Miller is accused in lawsuit of raping teen and using his church as a ‘******* playground’ A South Carolina pastor has been accused in a lawsuit of raping a 15-year-old girl in 1998 before allegedly ********* assaulting her again more than two decades later. Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, whose wife, Mica Miller, died by suicide, is being sued by the anonymous woman. Miller’s father, Solid Rock Ministries, All Nations Cathedral Church and The Cathedral ******** Church of the Grand Strand are also named in the 43-page complaint, which was filed Tuesday in Horry County Circuit Court. Mica Miller’s death in April last year captivated the nation, with many questioning the official ruling of suicide in the case, and pointing fingers at her husband. No allegations against Miller have been sustained. The woman filing the complaint – identified only as Jane Doe – is suing for negligence, civil conspiracy, assault and battery, infliction of emotional distress and violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller, whose wife, Mica Miller (bottom left), died by suicide, is being accused of ***** and ******* assault by an anonymous woman, following two alleged incidents in 1998 and 2023 (screengrab/Solid Rock Church) Cathedral, Solid Rock, and their employees had the opportunity to prevent harm against vulnerable children, but “ignored clear warning signs of minors being ********* exploited or abused by church staff, members, or volunteers,” the suit states. The lawsuit argues that despite knowledge of John-Paul Miller’s behavior, his father and church officials took steps to cover up and even suppress the reporting of his actions, and allowed him to remain in a position of authority. The suit claims that Jane Doe at the age of 15 in 1998 attended the All Nations Church, formerly known as Cathedral ******** Church of the Grand Strand Inc., with her grandparents when it was run by Miller’s father, Reginald Wayne Miller. There she encountered Miller, then 19, who was employed as a youth leader. During a conversation, the suit claims, Miller forced Doe into his father’s office and later to his truck, where he allegedly ****** her. Last April Mica Miller made a call to 911 and asked a dispatcher if they could track her location. She was found dead the same day. The cause of death was later ruled a suicide (Facebook) Doe “did not fully comprehend the nature of what had happened to her” and repressed the trauma of the incident until decades later when she encountered Miller again in 2023. He the, despite being in a public setting, allegedly put his hands down her pants and touched her genitals without consent, according to the suit. “This church was JPM’s ******* playground,” the lawsuit states, adding that when Doe learned about the death of Miller’s wife she felt “immense guilt,” and believed if she had spoken up about her experiences, she may have prevented further harm to others. Neither Miller nor his attorney responded immediately to a request to comment from the Myrtle Beach Sun News, one of a number of news outlets in the state that reported on the lawsuit. On April 27, 2024, Miller’s wife, Mica Miller, made a call to 911 and asked a dispatcher if they could track her location. When the dispatcher asked why, Mica said she was about to kill herself and that she wanted her family to be able to locate her body. Mica Miller’s death captivated the nation and the true crime community, with many questioning the official ruling of suicide in the case, and pointing fingers at her husband (Facebook) Earlier in the day, she was captured on security footage purchasing a gun at a pawn shop. She was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lumber River State Park in North Carolina. Those questioning her death have pointed to her husband as the primary suspect and have accused him of abusing his wife. Their allegations have not been substantiated. Late last year the FBI searched John-Paul Miller’s home in the Myrtle Beach area, but he was not arrested nor named as a suspect in his wife’s death. Miller has strenuously denied any involvement with his wife’s death. Source link #Pastor #husband #Mica #Miller #accused #lawsuit #raping #teen #church #******* #playground Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Taiwan details surge in ******** military activity, did not detect live fire – Reuters Taiwan details surge in ******** military activity, did not detect live fire – Reuters Taiwan details surge in ******** military activity, did not detect live fire ReutersTaiwan dispatches navy, air force after China launches live-fire drills with no warning Fox NewsTaiwan deploys forces, accuses China of causing “high degree of danger” with military drills off its coast CBS News Source link #Taiwan #details #surge #******** #military #activity #detect #live #fire #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australia’s last specialised glass maker to close after failed ***** by administrators Australia’s last specialised glass maker to close after failed ***** by administrators Australia’s last maker of architectural glass will be closed with the loss of up to 250 jobs after a failed auction by administrators. Oceania Glass was put into the hands of insolvency experts from Grant Thornton three weeks ago after private equity Crescent Capital gave up on trying to turn around the Melbourne-based business in the face of cheaper Asian glass imports. Grant Thornton’s administrators on Thursday said it had been unable to find a buyer for the business “and regretfully glass manufacturing at the company’s Dandenong factory will cease shortly”. Some 56 workers at the factory have been made redundant, with another 95 job losses expected over the coming weeks as Oceania’s float line and production facility is wound down. The group’s distribution centre in Dandenong will continue to operate while Grant Thornton explores a ***** of the national distribution network with interested parties. “We wish to extend our thanks to the employees of Oceania Glass for their patience and co-operation during this difficult time as we begin the process of ceasing manufacturing operations at the Dandenong factory,” joint administrator Lisa Gibb said. “We acknowledge this latest outcome is stressful for employees and their families and are providing support services to those affected,” she said. The shuttering is a blow to the struggling construction sector and Australia’s manufacturing industry, which have been battered by plant closures and the relocation of production to cheaper offshore sites. The failure is said to have been influenced by a delay by Australia’s Anti-Dumping Commission in reinstating tariffs on imported glass that were removed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Oceania Glass’ Dandenong factory turned out float, coated and laminated glass products, dispatching them around the nation from distribution centres in the Victorian capital, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth for use in commercial and residential buildings as doors, balustrades and shopfronts, and in bus and train windows. “We have a proud heritage serving Australia, having sold our very first glass in 1856 and are the only architectural glass maker in Australasia,” the company says on its website. “Our glass is featured in many of Australia’s most iconic buildings, including the *********** Parliament House.” Crescent Capital picked up the business as part of its purchase of Viridian Glass from CSR in 2018. Oceania’s last financial results, for the 12 months to March 31, 2024, show it lost $1.2 million after a profit of $6.2m for the year earlier, on reduced sales of $182.7m. A note to investors in the Crescent fund that owns Oceania said it was now not viable without tariffs. Source link #Australias #specialised #glass #maker #close #failed #***** #administrators Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kyle Rittenhouse speaks to small Memphis crowd year after being booed off U of M stage Kyle Rittenhouse speaks to small Memphis crowd year after being booed off U of M stage Kyle Rittenhouse took the stage at the University of Memphis again Wednesday, almost a year after he was jeered and booed off stage. But unlike in 2024, his speech was sparsely attended, had a smaller protest crowd and ended without fireworks. He began his speech a little after 7:15 p.m. and said Memphis had “matured a little,” before calling out a few familiar faces in the crowd of a few dozen. Outside, protesters gathered chanting “killer on campus” and holding signs about Rittenhouse. The overall scene was tamer than a year ago. The event, hosted by Turning Point USA’s Memphis chapter, featured Rittenhouse speaking to a small collection of students and community members. His speech was about the Second Amendment and his experience during his first-degree intentional ********* trial. Jay Opp, a student from the U of M, left the event early after asking a question. Opp said he expressed concern over TPUSA only allowing a few people into the event.He also said the event felt “controlled” this year compared to last year, and said it seemed to be a way to show Memphians agreeing with him. What did Kyle Rittenhouse say at the University of Memphis? Rittenhouse gave a recount of the night he shot three people, two fatally, in his own words. Roughly 40 people were in the auditorium, and some rows were completely empty. Last year, Rittenhouse was accompanied by his service dog but he was without Milo this time around. Rittenhouse was able to get through his speech without any interruptions, the audience sat completely silent with some recording on their phone. After he finished his speech, Rittenhouse allowed some questions from the audience, similar to what occurred last year at the event. Rittenhouse ignored some inquiries and only answered questions related to his experience the night of the shooting. Other attendees who pressed him about gun rights, specifically Rittenhouse’s statements regarding high-crime cities having lax gun registration, he either argued or dismissed. Demonstrators chant in protest and hold up signs outside of a Kyle Rittenhouse event put on by Turning Point USA in the University Center Theatre Hall at the University of Memphis on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Moses Davis, a junior at U of M, had an amicable exchange with Rittenhouse. While the two disagreed on multiple fronts, Rittenhouse joked that the two should become penpals or follow each other on Instagram. Protesters were present, but the event was more controlled than Rittenhouse’s event the year prior. Who is Kyle Rittenhouse? Rittenhouse rose to prominence in conservative circles after fatally shooting two protestors and injuring a third in Kenosha, Wisconsin during the ****** Lives Matter protests in 2020. He had traveled from his home in Illinois with an AR-15 purchased by a friend because he was too young to legally buy or own one. He said he was there to protect businesses and serve as a medic. Rittenhouse was ultimately charged with five felonies, including two counts of first-degree intentional *********, but claimed self-defense and was acquitted by a jury. Wednesday was not the first time Rittenhouse has been to the U of M campus. He previously spoke on campus at a similar event in March 2024 and drew a protest of about 200 people. Those people gathered with signs that read “Put Rittenhouse behind bars not a podium,” “Murderers don’t belong here,” “Face of a *******” and “No one should be open to: Racism, Christo-Fascism, Murderous Little ******.” Rittenhouse left the stage early after an audience member asked if he believed some statements toward ****** people were racist. He did not answer the question, and people shouted “deflection.” He left the stage shortly after. Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and *****@*****.tld, and followed on X @LucasFinton. Brooke Muckerman is a politics and education reporter for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at brooke.muckerman@commercialappeal and 901-484-6225. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Kyle Rittenhouse in Memphis: What happened at Univeristy of Memphis speech Source link #Kyle #Rittenhouse #speaks #small #Memphis #crowd #year #booed #stage Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Israel said to return body of Gazan woman that ****** sent instead of Shiri Bibas – The Times of Israel Israel said to return body of Gazan woman that ****** sent instead of Shiri Bibas – The Times of Israel Israel said to return body of Gazan woman that ****** sent instead of Shiri Bibas The Times of IsraelIsraeli hostage release: ****** hands over four bodies BBC.comHamas hands over bodies of four hostages, Israel frees ************ prisoners ReutersAt ******** for Shiri Bibas and Children, an Israeli Outpouring of Grief The New York Times Source link #Israel #return #body #Gazan #woman #****** #Shiri #Bibas #Times #Israel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New WA gold tenements give Auric fast-track mining options New WA gold tenements give Auric fast-track mining options Auric Mining is fast tracking its production plans by making a conditional $4 million bid for the partially mined Lindsay’s gold project in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields, taking advantage of the soaring gold price environment. Lindsay’s, 50 kilometres northeast of Kalgoorlie, spans 33 square kilometres and comprises eight tenements, three of which are mining leases. The project includes the Parrot Feathers open pit, which was partially mined for 6153 ounces of the yellow metal until 2013 by KalNorth Gold Mines. After a slump in the gold price, mining operations were abandoned, leaving 75 per cent of the resource still waiting to be dug up. Under the terms of the conditional offer, Auric has proposed a deal worth $4m to vendors Top Global Mining and NBC Mining. A $100,000 non-refundable deposit has been paid, allowing Auric to look under the bonnet before the company pays out a further $1.9m in cash and $2m in Auric shares, which will be escrowed for six to 12 months. A 3.5pc net smelter return royalty from the ***** of gold produced at site is included in the offer. Settlement is expected to take place after a shareholder meeting at the end of May, providing the project’s credentials pass muster. A key factor in Auric’s decision to make an offer was how well Lindsay’s matched the company’s broader strategy. The project offers near-term gold production in a prime location within trucking distance of processing mills in the Kalgoorlie region, ticking all the right boxes. This is an exciting opportunity to add to the gold ounces we control in the region. It’s another big step in our growth toward sustained production. The deposit is ripe for near-term mining and we are looking at re-directing our mining team to Lindsay’s after completing the Munda starter pit. This would afford us the opportunity to produce more ounces of gold while extensively planning a broader main pit at Munda, which is our flagship asset. When operations closed at the Parrot Feathers deposit in 2013 it had produced 6,153 ounces of gold from 138,229 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 1.93 grams per tonne (g/t). Gold prices at the time had dropped to as low as $1295 per ounce, making continued economic mining impossible. With gold prices now significantly higher, Auric says opportunity is knocking to extract value from the deposit. Mining is expected to kick off this year. In the more immediate future, the company is due to start mining a starter pit to produce 6100 ounces of gold at its flagship Munda gold deposit near Widgiemooltha in WA to generate a quick $5.3m in free cash. The company hopes to unlock a deeper understanding of Munda’s geology by toll treating a 125,000t reserve grading 1.8g/t. This could lead the company to a more efficient mining strategy to develop up a larger underlying 140,000-ounce orebody. The staged mining plan also allows Auric to remove a costly overburden while gold prices remain high. Tackling this expense early should reduce the company’s future mining costs, making the long-term full-scale project more resilient to market fluctuations. When the Munda starter pit is built, the company will move its mining team to Lindsay’s as its next point of focus. With an estimated 75pc of the gold still in situ and no overburden removal or any major dewatering required, the project looks ripe for the picking. Management is also upbeat about the broader exploration potential within the tenement package, hinting at further upside beyond the near-term mining prospects. Not wanting to rest on its laurels after the recent outstanding success of its Jeffreys Find mine near Norseman, Auric last week also moved to scoop up two highly prospective leases 5km west of Westgold Resources’ huge 2.8m-ounce Higginsville development near Widgiemooltha. With an eye for doing its own gold processing in the future, Auric made a conditional bid to buy the 100,000t Burbanks mill south of Coolgardie, which with a bit of expenditure could be upgraded to 500,000 tonnes per annum. As gold prices continue to test the all-time highs of $4650/ounce and punters become increasingly bullish on the yellow metal, Auric’s acquisition strategy appears perfectly positioned for the company to capitalise on the ongoing demand for *********** gold production. It’s tried and true that if you want a job done well you give it to a busy person. The idiom never seemed truer than when applied to Auric right now. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: *****@*****.tld Source link #gold #tenements #give #Auric #fasttrack #mining #options Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Dethroned! ‘Powerless’ Trump watches Musk go ‘full Monty Burns’ at own cabinet meeting Dethroned! ‘Powerless’ Trump watches Musk go ‘full Monty Burns’ at own cabinet meeting President Trump holds the first Cabinet meeting of his second term. The opening moments were dominated by unelected, unconfirmed official, billionaire special government employee Elon Musk. Unlike everyone else at the table, Musk holds no official government position. It was a stark contrast to cabinet meetings held under previous administrations, which have been traditionally marked by gravity and substance. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports. (The Beat’s YouTube playlist: Ari: / arimelber Beat merch: www.msnbc.com/Beat5) Source link #Dethroned #Powerless #Trump #watches #Musk #full #Monty #Burns #cabinet #meeting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US Supreme Court’s Roberts pauses judge order on Trump foreign aid funding US Supreme Court’s Roberts pauses judge order on Trump foreign aid funding John Roberts, chief justice of the US Supreme Court, during the 60th presidential inauguration in the rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. Photographer: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts on Wednesday paused a federal judge’s order requiring President Donald Trump’s administration to pay foreign aid funds to contractors and grant recipients. Roberts issued an interim order placing on hold Washington-based U.S. District Judge Amir Ali’s action that had imposed a deadline of 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday night. Roberts provided no rationale for the order, known as an administrative stay, which will give the court additional time to consider the administration’s more formal request to block Ali’s ruling. Roberts asked for a response from the plaintiffs – organizations that contract with or receive grants from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department – by noon on Friday. The order came after Trump’s administration said in a court filing on Wednesday it has made final decisions terminating most U.S. foreign aid contracts and grants, while maintaining that it cannot meet Ali’s court-ordered deadline. The administration is cutting more than 90% of the U.S. Agency for International Development’s foreign aid contracts and over $58 billion in overall U.S. assistance around the world, a State Department spokesperson said separately, calling the cuts part of Trump’s “America First agenda.” The foreign aid funding dispute arose from a pair of lawsuits brought by the aid organizations, alleging that the agencies have illegally frozen all foreign aid payments. The Trump administration has kept those payments largely frozen despite a February 13 temporary restraining order from Ali that they be released, and multiple subsequent orders that the administration comply, culminating in the Wednesday night deadline. Lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department have maintained that the administration has a right to suspend its agreements while it reviews them to determine whether they comply with administration policy. That review is now complete, the administration said in its new filing. It said USAID has made final decisions to cancel nearly 5,800 awards, while keeping more than 500, and that the State Department has canceled about 4,100 awards, while keeping about 2,700. An administration official said in an earlier court filing that grounds for terminating contracts include that they were related to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility efforts, or were deemed wasteful. Trump has taken a hard line on programs related to diversity, equity and inclusion, signing an executive order in his second day in office last month directing federal agency chiefs to dismantle DEI policies. The administration said on Wednesday that Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered that past-due invoices from the plaintiffs for work before January 24, when the payment freeze began, to be “expedited for payment without the ordinary vetting procedures, in a good-faith effort to comply” with Ali’s order. It said that while some money would be paid on Wednesday, full payments could take weeks. Funding freeze undermines relief efforts Trump, a Republican, ordered a 90-day pause on all foreign aid on his first day in office last month. That order, and ensuing stop-work orders halting USAID operations around the world, have jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid, throwing global humanitarian relief efforts into chaos. USAID administers some 60% of U.S. foreign assistance and disbursed $43.79 billion in fiscal 2023. According to a Congressional Research Service report this month, its workforce of 10,000, of which about two-thirds serves overseas, assisted about 130 countries. Trump’s administration on Sunday said it was placing all but leaders and critical staff at USAID on paid administrative leave and eliminating 1,600 positions. Employee unions have sued to challenge the cuts, though a judge last week allowed them to go ahead. Ali, who was appointed by Trump’s Democratic predecessor, former President Joe Biden, issued his temporary restraining order to prevent irreparable harm to the plaintiffs while he considers their claims. The plaintiffs allege Trump has exceeded his authority under federal law and the U.S. Constitution by effectively dismantling an independent agency and canceling spending authorized by Congress. The plaintiffs have said the administration has not done anything to comply with the restraining order, and some have said they will shut down within days if they are not paid. “The lengths that the government is willing to go to flout a court order, all for the goal of ending life-saving humanitarian assistance, is staggering,” said Allison Zieve, a lawyer representing two plaintiffs, AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition and Journalism Development Network, on Wednesday. Other plaintiffs include international development company DAI Global and refugee assistance organization HIAS. Both Ali and a Rhode Island federal judge in a separate case over a broader federal payment freeze have castigated the Trump administration for failing to follow their orders. The administration in both cases has maintained it is trying in good faith to interpret and comply with the orders. Source link #Supreme #Courts #Roberts #pauses #judge #order #Trump #foreign #aid #funding Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Portland's Shaedon Sharpe enters Dunk of the Year territory with wild one-handed slam over Justin Champagnie – Yahoo Sports Portland's Shaedon Sharpe enters Dunk of the Year territory with wild one-handed slam over Justin Champagnie – Yahoo Sports Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe enters Dunk of the Year territory with wild one-handed slam over Justin Champagnie Yahoo SportsTrail Blazers 129-121 Wizards (Feb 26, 2025) Game Recap ESPNWashington Wizards Fall Short in Fight vs. Portland Trail Blazers Sports IllustratedSharpe Helps Blazers Survive Ugly Game in Washington Blazer’s EdgeBlazers’ most important offseason decision keeps getting trickier Rip City Project Source link #Portland039s #Shaedon #Sharpe #enters #Dunk #Year #territory #wild #onehanded #slam #Justin #Champagnie #Yahoo #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asian stocks mixed; tech shares unmoved by Nvidia Asian stocks mixed; tech shares unmoved by Nvidia Asian stocks are mixed with tech shares around the region getting little steer from heavyweight US chipmaker and AI darling Nvidia’s earnings results. Source link #Asian #stocks #mixed #tech #shares #unmoved #Nvidia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******** scientists reveal plans for near-invisible stealth missiles that could ‘redefine modern warfare’ ******** scientists reveal plans for near-invisible stealth missiles that could ‘redefine modern warfare’ When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. ******** researchers have designed a new type of rocket engine that could be used to make advanced stealth missiles. No such missiles have yet been created or tested. | Credit: Anton Petrus via Getty Images ******** scientists say they have made a big breakthrough in rocket propulsion technology that could potentially allow them to build next-generation stealth missiles capable of changing speed in midair and evading detection by early warning systems. However, at this stage, the technology has not been tested. Instead, the new findings were acquired using computer models, according to Interesting Engineering. The reported advancement was allegedly inspired by faults in the Boeing spacecraft that “stranded” a pair of NASA astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) last year, according to the South China Morning Post. “In an ironic twist of cosmic problem-solving, ******** researchers have transformed a lingering NASA headache into a revolutionary propulsion breakthrough that could redefine modern warfare and space travel,” the outlet reported. In June 2024, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams became trapped on the ISS after the Boeing Starliner capsule they arrived on experienced multiple issues and was later returned to Earth without any passengers. This turned what was supposed to be a roughly week-long space trip into an ongoing, 10-month mission that is expected to finally wrap up in mid-March when the astronaut pair is scheduled to return home. The main issue with the Starliner capsule was that it was leaking helium gas (in multiple places), which is used to pressurize liquid-fuel rockets by forcing liquid fuel into the reaction chamber. This means it must be stored independently and forced through valves when it’s needed, which makes it susceptible to leaking. In the past, this issue has also caused problems for other spacecraft, including India’s Chandrayaan-2 and the European Space Agency’s Ariane 5, according to Reuters. Related: China plans to build enormous solar array in space — and it could collect more energy in a year than ‘all the oil on Earth’ Boeing’s Starliner capsule experienced multiple helium leaks after transporting NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunni Williams to the ISS. | Credit: ESA/NASA-S.Cristoforetti In a study published Feb. 10 in the ******** journal Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica, researchers report that they’ve designed a rocket that directly mixes helium gas with the fuel within a firing engine by injecting it into the chamber via microscopic pores. This similarly pressurizes the fuel and allows for a more efficient reaction while reducing the chances of a leak. Another major difference is that this can be done with a mix of solid and gaseous fuel instead of a liquid propellant, like what is used in Starliner and most other spacecraft, which makes it much cheaper and more reliable. The researchers claim that, with the right ratio of helium to fuel, the engine could generate more than three times the thrust as that created using the fuel on its own. Remotely altering the amount of helium entering the engine could also theoretically allow its user to change the speed of any potential rocket midflight — making it harder for others to track or intercept it. The new engine would also theoretically generate less excess heat. The researchers claim that its exhaust plume could be up to 2,880 degrees Fahrenheit (1,600 degrees Celsius) cooler than that of an equivalent rocket. If the engine is used to create missiles, this would make the weapon almost invisible to current early-warning systems, such as SpaceX’s Starshield satellites, which identify and track missiles using their infrared signatures, according to Interesting Engineering. Potential applications This is not the first time this technology has been revealed to the world. In September 2024, the same research group published a paper in the American journal Physics of Fluids that demonstrated this engine’s theoretical capabilities (and also hints that the idea could have originated before the Starliner fiasco, given how long it normally takes to publish scientific papers). The faulty Starliner capsule was returned to Earth without passengers on Sept. 7, 2024. | Credit: NASA TV However, unlike the earlier study, which focused more on how helium injection could increase thrust, the new paper emphasizes the potential application in stealth weaponry, highlighting its abilities to evade detection and avoid countermeasures. This is not the only potential application, however. Because solid-fuel rockets are cheaper than liquid-fuel rockets, the new engine could drastically cut the cost of sending rockets into space, which could be a game changer considering the recent increase in the rate of launches globally. RELATED STORIES —China’s secret space plane has released another unknown object over Earth —******** astronauts make rocket fuel and oxygen in space using 1st-of-its-kind ‘artificial photosynthesis’ —Russia and China announce plan to build shared nuclear reactor on the moon by 2035, ‘without humans’ These developments could help China establish its secretive “Thousand Sails” satellite constellation, which is starting to take shape in low-Earth orbit — and drawing ire from astronomers due to its high levels of light pollution. China is also planning to build a human base on the moon by 2035 and will launch its first giant reusable rockets later this year to help achieve that goal. If the new technology were incorporated into this mission, it could reduce costs and help the country realize its lunar ambitions. Source link #******** #scientists #reveal #plans #nearinvisible #stealth #missiles #redefine #modern #warfare Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 58-55 win at Maryland on Tre Holloman's half-court shot – Lansing State Journal Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball's 58-55 win at Maryland on Tre Holloman's half-court shot – Lansing State Journal Couch: 3 quick takes on Michigan State basketball’s 58-55 win at Maryland on Tre Holloman’s half-court shot Lansing State JournalMSU wins on Holloman’s halfcourt buzzer-beater ESPNTre Holloman hits buzzer beater from beyond halfcourt to lift Michigan State over Maryland Detroit Free PressNo. 8 Michigan State Travels to No. 16 Maryland for Wednesday Night Top-25 Matchup Michigan State AthleticsMichigan State basketball cracks No. 15 Maryland in second half of 58-55 road win Yahoo Source link #Couch #quick #takes #Michigan #State #basketball039s #win #Maryland #Tre #Holloman039s #halfcourt #shot #Lansing #State #Journal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

billion program to increase vegetable consumption billion program to increase vegetable consumption A new, $4.7 million program could be the multi-billion-dollar boost Australia needs to increase vegetable consumption. Source link #billion #program #increase #vegetable #consumption Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Michigan Democratic Gov. Whitmer makes direct appeal to young men after sharp shift in election Michigan Democratic Gov. Whitmer makes direct appeal to young men after sharp shift in election LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made a direct appeal to young men who shifted sharply to the right in the most recent election in a speech Wednesday in which she continued to call for each major party to work across the aisle. Whitmer delivered her speech just days after sitting next to President Donald Trump at a White House dinner and reiterated her hope to find common ground with him. As a potential 2028 presidential candidate with a national profile built on advocating for women’s rights, Whitmer emphasized that her message was directed “to all young people, but especially to our young men.” “The last thing any of us wants is a generation of young men falling behind their fathers and grandfathers,” Whitmer said. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Young men swung sharply for Trump in the November election. He gained a larger share of ****** and Latino voters than he did in 2020, most notably among men under age 45, according to AP VoteCast, a nationwide survey of more than 120,000 voters. Many respondents cited Trump’s approach to the economy and job opportunity. Whitmer nodded to areas where women have outpaced men in recent years, including educational achievement and home-buying. She said twice as many women are enrolling in a state program for tuition-free community college as men. Republican House Speaker Matt Hall said after Whitmer’s speech that she is trying to figure out “what is the right message to try to bring men back to the Democratic Party.” “The rhetoric is great, but the record has to match that,” Hall said. Whitmer pledged to sign an executive order to boost young men’s enrollment in education and skill-training programs. One of 12 female state governors and arguably the most well-known, Whitmer has built a national profile on fighting for women’s rights. She helped pass a ballot measure in 2022 that codified reproductive rights in the state and was one of the nation’s leading abortion rights advocates in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election. “And to the women out there who are succeeding after decades of having the deck stacked against them, I see your resilience and I will never abandon my commitment to equal opportunity and dignity for everyone,” she said. The address was the second-term governor’s second-to-last State of the State speech due to term limits. The speech serves as an annual platform for the governor to promote policy. In her final two years as governor, Whitmer faces a split Legislature after Republicans flipped the state House of Representatives. She has consistently said she wants to work with Trump and Republicans in Michigan, and she signed a bipartisan package to alter minimum wage requirements in the state last week. Whitmer struck a similar tone Wednesday. “My north star has always been collaboration,” she said. But not all Democrats in the state have agreed with that approach. “I am concerned about normalizing what we see in the presidency right now,” Michigan Democratic Attorney General Dana Nessel said to the Associated Press, criticizing the tone Whitmer has taken with the President. Nessel is one of a number of Democratic Attorneys General who have been hitting the Trump administration and Elon’s Musk’s DOGE with lawsuits, alleging unconstitutional action on a number of fronts. She called it a “fool’s errand” to negotiate with the president. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, was complimentary of the Governor’s collaborative message, but wants Whitmer and other governors to address certain moves by Trump. “There are also a lot of people who are feeling anxious and afraid because of who they love, what they look like or where they’re from,” she said. “So we have to talk about the strength of Michigan being born out of keeping everyone safe and everyone protected.” In her speech Wednesday, Whitmer promoted legislation to limit cellphone usage in schools and to tax vape products. Republicans have signaled their support for legislation limiting cellphone usage in schools, while disapproving of Whitmer’s plan to tax vapes. ___ The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Source link #Michigan #Democratic #Gov #Whitmer #direct #appeal #young #men #sharp #shift #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]