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Grok 3’s voice mode is unhinged, and that’s the point Grok 3’s voice mode is unhinged, and that’s the point xAI’s Grok 3 chatbot has added a voice mode with multiple personalities One personality is called “unhinged” and will scream and insult you Grok also has personalities for NSFW roleplay, crazy conspiracies, and an “Unlicensed Therapist” mode AI voice assistants are usually polite, informative, and calm when they respond to you. xAI’s Grok 3 has apparently decided to set that strategy on fire, sending it literally screaming into the void. Grok 3 has multiple voice options, each with a distinct personality, including an “unhinged” option that will yell, insult, and indeed scream at you before shutting down in the right circumstances. AI developer Riley Goodside showcased just how wild the unhinged voice for Grok 3 can be in a recording where he repeatedly interrupts Grok’s responses. The AI soon becomes frustrated and finally snaps, letting out a disturbingly long, horror-movie-worthy shriek. It then throws in a final insult before cutting the call. A masterpiece of customer service, this is not. You can hear it in the clip below. Grok 3 Voice Mode, following repeated, interrupting requests to yell louder, lets out an inhuman 30-second scream, insults me, and hangs up pic.twitter.com/5GtdDtpKceFebruary 24, 2025 Voice of the unhinged The “unhinged” personality is just one of several that Grok’s new voice mode offers. There’s also “Storyteller,” which does exactly what it sounds like; “Conspiracy,” which is really into Sasquatch and alien abductions; and “Unlicensed Therapist,” a personality that apparently failed the exams, possibly over a lack of empathy. Then there’s “Sexy” mode, which is labeled 18+ and, unlike the voice settings of competitors like ChatGPT, does not shy away from full-on roleplaying NSFW scenarios. So, Grok will scream at you or whisper sweet nothings into your ear, depending on your preference. It’s a vision of AI that may not appeal to everyone. That said, it completely aligns with how CEO Elon Musk described xAI’s goals in countering what he claims are overly sanitized and politically correct AI models from companies like OpenAI. While OpenAI’s ChatGPT has a voice feature, it’s still programmed to maintain a neutral, controlled demeanor. Grok, on the other hand, is unpredictable. It doesn’t just let you talk over it; it may react aggressively or emotionally. Not that you’d notice in the official promotions, however. Try Grok voice conversation mode!Requires a Premium+ or SuperGrok subscription. pic.twitter.com/247Ev60DoJFebruary 24, 2025 Most mainstream AI tools have strict guidelines about content, particularly around “adult” topics. Grok 3 has seemingly been programmed with the opposite philosophy, except for when the company decides the model needs to be “corrected” in claims about the CEO. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Of course, this approach isn’t without controversy. AI personalities like “Unlicensed Therapist” could easily give people misleading or unhelpful advice, while a chatbot that openly encourages conspiracy theories seems like it could go off the rails quickly. And the “Sexy” mode? Well, that’s another ethical discussion that few would expect to have regarding mainstream AI tools. There’s also the question of how much of this is genuinely useful versus just pure spectacle. Very loud spectacle. You might also like Source link #Grok #voice #mode #unhinged #point Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending – Nextgov/FCW Trump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending – Nextgov/FCW Trump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending Nextgov/FCWTrump gives Musk’s DOGE extra teeth to scour government contracts AxiosTrump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts Reuters Source link #Trump #DOGE #order #directs #agencies #build #tech #track #government #spending #NextgovFCW Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘She’s an incredible coach’: Jess Skinner makes one major change as she prepares for first Test in charge of the Jillaroos ‘She’s an incredible coach’: Jess Skinner makes one major change as she prepares for first Test in charge of the Jillaroos Try-scoring machine Julia Robinson says nothing has changed under interim Jillaroos coach Jess Skinner as the Aussies look to light up Las Vegas with a convincing win over England, but there is one key difference with a superstar returning to the starting side. Sunday’s clash will be Skinner’s first as interim coach since she replaced Brad Donald, who stepped down from the role following a long and successful stint in charge of the national side. Donald’s position was on shaky ground after he overlooked Dally M Medal winner Olivia Kernick for last year’s Pacific Championships, while it also emerged that he used a profanity while talking about a reporter during last year’s tournament. Skinner is no stranger to the Jillaroos having worked with Donald for several years, while she recently led the women’s Indigenous All Stars side to victory thanks to a late penalty goal. Camera IconBrad Donald is no longer coach of the Jillaroos following a couple of controversial moments in 2024. Credit: Supplied She hasn’t had to make any drastic changes to one of Australia’s most dominant national teams but has brought Kernick straight back into the starting side for the showdown against England at Allegiant Stadium. “She’s been part of the program for a few years and she’s come in as head coach and we’re all vibing her,” Robinson told SENQ Breakfast. “She’s an incredible coach, she’s done so much for the women’s game and we’re very excited to be led by her. “She’s making us feel so connected as a team, so I think coming into this camp, there hasn’t been much of a difference because she still wants to keep the same values that we’ve had at the Jillaroos over the past few years.” Sunday’s Test kicks off a hectic few months for Robinson and her Jillaroos teammates, with Queensland players set to head into a camp next week to get ready for State of Origin that begins on May 1. Robinson will again be one of the key players for that series, with the powerhouse winger fresh from a dominant 2024 that included scoring six tries in a game against PNG and topping the try-scoring list in the NRLW along with two others. The NRLW season doesn’t begin until July 3, but a tough pre-season is the perfect preparation for an expanded competition that is only getting ******* and better. “We don’t officially start until July, but we still have so much footy at the start of the year,” she said. “We’ve got our Origin camp coming up. I fly back on March 6 and I go into camp on March 8 for Queensland camp, so it just rolls on to the next thing. “It’s exciting because it’s making us prepare for hopefully when we become full-time. It’s been good that we have Origin at the start of the year and then the NRLW and making sure that we still train and prepare ourselves before going into pre-season.” Source link #Shes #incredible #coach #Jess #Skinner #major #change #prepares #Test #charge #Jillaroos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Graffiti left by Israeli soldiers turn south Lebanon homes into a canvas of war Graffiti left by Israeli soldiers turn south Lebanon homes into a canvas of war KHIAM, Lebanon (AP) — Residents of southern Lebanon have been gradually returning to their villages to find their homes heavily damaged by the fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. As they scour what remains, they are discovering that the battle-scarred walls of their houses served as a canvas for Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah supporters that tell the story of the war. The scrawled messages give insight into the battles that erupted after Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon in October 2024, months after Hezbollah began firing rockets and drones at Israel in solidarity with the ************ militant group ****** in the Gaza Strip. 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. A ceasefire in November allowed Lebanese residents to begin returning to their homes, which had been occupied by Israeli troops. One yellow wall had written on it signs of preparedness: the cardinal directions in red. On another is what appears to be a battle plan: a hand-drawn map, a list of soldiers slated for a task and supplies — a drone, a stretcher. “Wake up Kochuk every hour on the hour from 20:00,” reads one instruction, apparently referring to a soldier. Elsewhere, a warning to the returnees: “We will be back,” scribbled in English, in gray spray paint, with a Star of David; the word Lebanon in red, with a large X crossing it out. One message reads cynically, “Thanks for the hospitality,” with a heart. Others reveal moments of boredom — the rules of a card game spelled out in meticulous detail in Hebrew, along with sketches of most of the suit of hearts; a drawing of SpongeBob SquarePants, a dog, a ninja. And still other messages appear intended to leave a personal mark: “Congratulations, mom,” scrawled in dark red on a bright pink bedroom wall, above a bed piled with belongings and near a photo of a local couple. In another room, with windows blacked out by tarps and littered with garbage, a ****** verse. In a kitchen, inside an empty refrigerator alcove, a drawing of a blue menorah. But not just messages from Israeli soldiers were left behind. Peppered throughout homes in the village of Khiam are notes in Arabic written by Hezbollah fighters or their supporters after Israeli forces withdrew earlier this month. They underscore the continued allegiance to Hezbollah despite the hard blows it endured during the war. “Wish we lost everything and you stayed, Sayyed,” referring to Hezbollah’s longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in Israeli strikes in southern Beirut in September. “Khiam is Golani’s graveyard,” reads a warning on one wall, referring to an Israeli military unit. On another, a message of defiance: “Our flag will not fall. … We will not drop our weapons.” ___ Follow AP’s war coverage at Source link #Graffiti #left #Israeli #soldiers #turn #south #Lebanon #homes #canvas #war Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vaccine meeting to prepare for coming winter’s flu season canceled – The Washington Post Vaccine meeting to prepare for coming winter’s flu season canceled – The Washington Post Vaccine meeting to prepare for coming winter’s flu season canceled The Washington PostFDA cancels vaccine advisory meeting for choosing flu strains for next season’s shots CNBCFDA meeting to choose flu vaccine composition canceled without explanation CNNFDA cancels meeting to update next season’s flu vaccines CBS News Source link #Vaccine #meeting #prepare #coming #winters #flu #season #canceled #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Regional leaders call for more immigration to tackle shortfall of workers ahead of Federal election Regional leaders call for more immigration to tackle shortfall of workers ahead of Federal election Regional Capitals Australia is calling for more immigrants to be allowed to work in regional towns to help tackle a shortfall in regional workers ahead of the Federal election. Source link #Regional #leaders #call #immigration #tackle #shortfall #workers #ahead #Federal #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amber alert issued for missing Triangle area child who may be ‘in imminent danger’ Amber alert issued for missing Triangle area child who may be ‘in imminent danger’ An AMBER Alert has been issued by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office for 15-year-old Azalea Strifler. She is 5’ 4”, weighs around 110 pounds and has blonde hair and blue eyes. In a public Facebook post made Tuesday night, the girl’s mother said she had last been seen at 6:15 a.m. that day. “We believe she was picked up from near our house in Spring Lake,” she wrote. “She is believed to be in imminent danger.” Law enforcement has not commented on the circumstances surrounding Strifler’s disappearance. Harnett County is south of Wake County, between Raleigh and Fayetteville. If you see her, please call 911, the alert states. “AMBER Alerts are activated in the most serious child-abduction cases,” according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the community to assist in the search for and safe recovery of a missing child.” Source link #Amber #alert #issued #missing #Triangle #area #child #imminent #danger Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump takes fight over foreign aid funding to US Supreme Court – Reuters Trump takes fight over foreign aid funding to US Supreme Court – Reuters Trump takes fight over foreign aid funding to US Supreme Court ReutersLive updates: Trump holds first official Cabinet meeting of second term | CNN Politics CNNTrump administration goes to Supreme Court to stave off midnight deadline to unfreeze foreign aid The HillJustice Department tells judges it can’t comply with court-ordered deadline to release frozen aid funding YahooTrump takes fight over foreign aid funding to U.S. Supreme Court CNBC Source link #Trump #takes #fight #foreign #aid #funding #Supreme #Court #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rio Tinto renewable diesel trial utilising used cooking oil now complete Rio Tinto renewable diesel trial utilising used cooking oil now complete Rio Tinto has completed a successful trial of renewable diesel across its Pilbara iron ore operations utilising used cooking oil. Source link #Rio #Tinto #renewable #diesel #trial #utilising #cooking #oil #complete Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

CDC investigating hospitalizations of five people who recently received chikungunya vaccine CDC investigating hospitalizations of five people who recently received chikungunya vaccine The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently investigating five hospitalizations that occurred in people who had recently received a vaccine that prevents disease caused by the chikungunya virus. In a notice posted Tuesday on a vaccine information page for health-care providers, the CDC said that the people, all 65 and older, were hospitalized for cardiac or neurologic events following vaccination with IXCHIQ, the only chikungunya vaccine currently licensed in the United States. CNN has reached out to the CDC for comment. Chikungunya virus is typically spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most adults don’t receive the vaccine; it is sometimes recommended for certain travelers at an increased risk of being exposed to the mosquito-borne disease. “This topic will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Healthcare providers should discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with individual travelers based on their age, destination, trip duration, and planned activities,” the CDC’s online notice said in part. The chikungunya vaccine and surveillance for adverse events originally were scheduled to be discussed in an ACIP meeting Wednesday, according to a draft meeting agenda, but that meeting has been postponed. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and ACIP liaison, said the CDC investigation is an example of the agency’s vaccine surveillance system “working excellently and sending out a signal” in detecting rare events that might deserve further investigation. “And of course, the CDC and the local people who are taking care of these patients are working on that now, which is entirely appropriate. That’s the way the system is supposed to work,” Schaffner said. “Remember, we’re still trying to work out whether this is a causal relationship or a coincidental one,” he said about the investigation, in which he is not directly involved. “Let’s not draw any conclusions yet. That’s why they’re doing the investigation.” The IXCHIQ vaccine, administered as a single-dose shot into the muscle, contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus. The vaccine, manufactured by the biotechnology company Valneva, was the first vaccine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent disease caused by chikungunya virus. The approval, in November 2023, was for people 18 and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus. “It’s recommended in a very restricted way to travelers who are going to countries where there is a current outbreak of chikungunya virus infection, and also to travelers who are going to countries who had experienced an outbreak within the past five years,” Schaffner said. “And also to laboratorians who work with the chikungunya virus in the laboratory.” CNN has reached out to Valneva for comment. Prescribing information for the vaccine states, “Vaccination with IXCHIQ may cause severe or prolonged chikungunya-like adverse reactions.” Chikungunya virus circulates in tropical and subtropical regions. In the United States, locally acquired infections have not been reported since 2019, according to the CDC. But cases and outbreaks had been identified in more than 100 countries in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Symptoms of chikungunya infections include fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash, according to the CDC, and the best way to prevent chikungunya is to avoid mosquito bites. There are currently no medications to treat chikungunya, but infected people may feel better with rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications for pain and fever. In Tuesday’s notice, the CDC said that common adverse reactions following vaccination that occurred in more than 10% of vaccinated people in clinical trials included tenderness, headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever and nausea. In some people, “severe or prolonged chikungunya-like adverse reactions” occurred. Chikungunya-like reactions included “fever, joint pain, headache, rash, and can also include cardiac and neurologic conditions which were serious in two cases,” Dr. Dan Barouch, director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, who was not involved in the clinical studies, said in an email Wednesday. The CDC’s notice encouraged health-care providers “to report all adverse events that might be caused by vaccination to the CDC/FDA Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS),” by submitting a report online or using a PDF form. “The robust vaccine safety surveillance system often identifies extremely rare adverse effects of vaccines after approval,” said Barouch, an infectious disease expert not involved in the CDC investigation. When the vaccine was approved in 2023, the FDA noted that its safety was evaluated in two clinical studies conducted in North America in which about 3,500 adults received a dose of the vaccine, with one study including about 1,000 participants who received a placebo. Severe chikungunya-like adverse reactions occurred in 1.6% of IXCHIQ recipients and none of the placebo recipients, according to the FDA. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #CDC #investigating #hospitalizations #people #received #chikungunya #vaccine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump Issues New Executive Order on DOGE: What We Know – Newsweek Donald Trump Issues New Executive Order on DOGE: What We Know – Newsweek Donald Trump Issues New Executive Order on DOGE: What We Know NewsweekTrump DOGE order directs agencies to build tech to track government spending Nextgov/FCWTrump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts Reuters Source link #Donald #Trump #Issues #Executive #Order #DOGE #Newsweek Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth Festival review: ******* composer Nils Frahm stuns with classical-electronic fusion Perth Festival review: ******* composer Nils Frahm stuns with classical-electronic fusion The Berlin-based pianist, composer and producer unveiled his unique fusion of classical and ambient-electronic music in a mesmerising display of talent. Source link #Perth #Festival #review #******* #composer #Nils #Frahm #stuns #classicalelectronic #fusion Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Many Rhode Islanders have a new closest Costco opening next month. But will one come to RI? Many Rhode Islanders have a new closest Costco opening next month. But will one come to RI? On March 12, Costco will get a little closer to Rhode Island, as the retail giant continues to shy away from the Ocean State. Costco is set to open a new location in Sharon, Massachusetts on March 12 at 160 Old Post Rd. That new location will be, for most people in central and northern Rhode Island, the closest Costco, with a shorter drive time than the Dedham and Avon, Massachusetts, stores. The Costco in Dedham has its own liquor store but the store in Avon does not. The Sharon store will be 162,000 square feet. No reporting about the project indicates it will have a liquor store. The Costco is expected to be so popular that, according to WPRI-TV, the retailer requested four police details to help direct traffic outside the store for the first four days. The new store also comes with its own new traffic signals, part of a larger mixed-use development in the area. Where is the closest Costco to Rhode Island? From downtown Providence to the Dedham Costco is a 36-mile, 40-minute drive (depending on traffic). From downtown Providence to the Avon Costco is a 42-mile, 50-minute drive (depending on traffic). The new Costco in Sharon won’t change the calculus for anyone living near the border with Connecticut, where the Costco in East Lyme is closer. While it might be farther away, the Costco in Avon has one big thing going for it: It’s next to IKEA, another brand that hasn’t landed in Rhode Island. North Kingstown is about the center point in the state in terms of Costco locations, an estimated 49-mile, 55 minute drive to East Lyme or a 45-mile, 52-minute drive to the new Costco in Sharon. Will Costco ever come to Rhode Island? Plans for a Costco in Rhode Island have been proposed and shot down or proposed and then pulled back repeatedly in the past few years. The first set of plans was for a Costco at Mulligan’s Island in Cranston in 2020, which drew the ire of neighbors and city officials. Those plans were then pulled before a city council vote. Cranston was yet again the proposed site of a Costco in August 2023 at the site of the former medium security prison in the Howard Industrial Park. Prior to the Costco proposal the site had been planned for a warehouse. It sold at auction for $6.2 million. Mayor Ken Hopkins touted the plans on the 17-acre site. While much of the state was salivating at the idea of closer $1.50 hot dogs and $5 rotisserie chickens, the retailer pulled its plans in January 2024. “No sooner than they gave us everything did they retract it all without prejudice and now it’s not moving forward,” Cranston’s planning director at the time, Jason Pezzullo, said. “For a brief second it was there, and then it was gone.” Cranston planning officials had the full set of plans for three days before they were pulled, with no reason given. With Cranston out of the running, other mayors and elected officials in the state tried wooing the retailer, with former Warwick city council president Stephen McAllister inviting the retailer, in February 2024, to tour the city and sit down with city and state leaders. Other cities and towns then started to court Costco themselves, including officials in Smithfield. None of that courting came to anything and Rhode Island remains without a Costco. Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Providence Journal subscription. Here’s our latest offer. Follow Wheeler Cowperthwaite on X, @WheelerReporter, or reach him by email at *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Will Costco open in RI? New closest store is in Sharon, Massachusetts Source link #Rhode #Islanders #closest #Costco #opening #month Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Harriet the Spy’ star, dies at 39 – The Associated Press Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Harriet the Spy’ star, dies at 39 – The Associated Press Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and ‘Harriet the Spy’ star, dies at 39 The Associated PressMichelle Trachtenberg dead at 39 — former ‘Gossip Girl,’ ‘Harriet the Spy’ star recently underwent liver transplant New York Post Blake Lively Remembers Gossip Girl Costar Michelle Trachtenberg’s ‘Yummy Caramel Lipgloss’ and Other ‘Sweet Details’ PEOPLEMichelle Trachtenberg Shared Sweet Note to Boyfriend Before Her Death Yahoo EntertainmentMichelle Trachtenberg Clapped Back at Fan Concern for Her Health One Year Before Death E! NEWS Source link #Michelle #Trachtenberg #Buffy #Vampire #Slayer #Harriet #Spy #star #dies #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NRL defends Trump’s Vegas invite after charity backlash NRL defends Trump’s Vegas invite after charity backlash The NRL has defended the decision to invite Donald Trump to its Las Vegas fixtures after an anti-domestic violence charity severed ties with the league over what it called a “tone deaf” offer. White Ribbon penned a letter to the NRL this week that ended a partnership dating back to 2008, citing the league’s decision to associate with “well-known perpetrators of abuse and violence against women”. The letter, seen by AAP, did not specifically reference Trump, but it is understood a VIP invitation to the American president was at the centre of the charity’s concerns. Trump, a convicted felon, was found liable for the ******* abuse and defamation of E Jean Carroll in a civil case in 2023 and ordered to pay the journalist and author $5 million. *********** Rugby League chair Peter V’landys directly addressed Trump in a public video ahead of the league’s second foray into the American market, which kicks off at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (AEDT). “Mr President, we want to introduce you to the toughest game on Earth, rugby league, in the world’s sport and entertainment capital, Las Vegas,” V’Landys said in the video. UFC boss Dana White had also been approached by NRL club Canberra with an offer to blow the customary Viking ***** ahead of kick-off in Vegas. White was caught on camera slapping his wife in a ******** night club on New Year’s Eve in 2022. As of Wednesday evening local time, Trump had not accepted the invitation, but White is believed to be unavailable to attend because of a scheduling clash. The NRL remains hopeful Trump may still attend the four games, and was adamant it was appropriate to invite him. “We are playing this match in America, we are being hosted by America. Last year we invited (then-president) Joe Biden, this year we invited Donald Trump,” NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said in Las Vegas. “That’s not to say we have any political affiliation with any party. “Sending an invite to the sitting president of this country is appropriate and that’s what we did.” Abdo insisted the NRL remained committed to inclusion. “We’re about bringing people together no matter what your political beliefs, no matter your background. We’re a sport for everyone, the greatest game for all,” he said. White Ribbon and the NRL first officially partnered in 2008 under the administration of former chief executive David Gallop, but the two organisations had not undertaken work with each other since 2020. But the league had still listed White Ribbon as a partner on its website, which has since been removed at the request of the charity. The letter also suggested the invitations be rescinded by the NRL, flagging the league’s responsibility to promote a culture of safety for its fans. It also questioned whether most NRL supporters would actually approve of the invitations. White Ribbon chief executive Merinda March told AAP in a statement that it was “disappointing and frankly, tone deaf” for the NRL to associate themselves with “well-known perpetrators” of violence against women. “While the NRL has continued to promote their association with us, this decision by the NRL is wildly misaligned with our values and lacks integrity and respect,” March said. “We believe the fans and participants of the NRL – almost half of whom are female – deserve better. They deserve the values of respect, integrity and fair play – both on and off the field. “We call on them now to appeal to the administrators of their beloved sport to represent them with these values on the world stage.” White Ribbon is open to reactivating its partnership with the NRL in future – under one condition. “When the NRL is ready to commit to an authentic zero-tolerance stance to abuse and violence against women, White Ribbon Australia would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss an opportunity to collaborate on an organisation-wide intervention,” March said. Source link #NRL #defends #Trumps #Vegas #invite #charity #backlash Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

5 Things You May Not Know About Your Savings Account 5 Things You May Not Know About Your Savings Account tsingha25 / Getty Images For many people, a savings account is a place to stash money and let it grow. However, there are many things you may not know about your savings account. GOBankingRates spoke with Valeisha Douglas, bank teller and relationship advisor at Addition Financial, who shared five things people are often unaware of about their savings accounts. For You: 13 Banks With Immediate Sign-Up Bonuses and No Direct Deposit Required See Next: Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck You may think a savings account is just a savings account, but there are different types, each with pros and cons. Some offer higher annual percentage yields (APY) when you maintain a certain balance, while others might have restrictions on withdrawals. “This seems like a simple one, but you would be surprised how many raised eyebrows I get when I explain the different types of savings products we offer,” Douglas said. If your money is sitting in a standard savings account, you may want to explore the different types offered by your bank and choose one that aligns with your financial goals. Check Out: 3 Signs You’ve ‘Made It’ Financially, According to Financial Influencer Genesis Hinckley Have you ever noticed a weird service fee on your savings account? You may have dipped below the minimum balance requirement without realizing it. Douglas said that many people she has worked with have no idea there’s a minimum balance they must keep. “Minimum balance requirements are something people should pay close attention to before opening a savings account if they don’t want a surprise service fee at the end of the month,” she explained. While some banks waive such fees if you meet specific requirements, like setting up a direct deposit, it’s always wise to ask before opening an account. Many people know that savings accounts earn interest but don’t know how much their accounts earn. Douglas often talks to members who are aware that interest is being compounded but are not sure of the percentage or dollar amount. “This could be the difference between having your money in an account that essentially is holding your money and one that could be making you money,” she said. That small percentage difference in interest rate means a lot for your wallet. That’s why it’s worth checking if your bank offers competitive rates or if you would be better off moving your money elsewhere. “This one surprises a lot of people, but it’s true. Many savings accounts will allow you to get a debit card as you would for a checking account,” Douglas said. “The only difference is there are usually limits to the number of transactions per month you can do with the debit card based on federal Reg D laws.” Story Continues This is an excellent option if you want to access your funds on the go. A lot of people think that once you put money in a savings account, it’s locked away like a fixed deposit account. But your money is liquid — you can access it when needed. “Money in your savings account is there for you when you need it. You can deposit and withdraw from savings accounts and typically you’ll not receive any penalties for withdrawals from the account,” Douglas added. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Bank Teller: 5 Things You May Not Know About Your Savings Account Source link #Savings #Account Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Goldman Sachs exec John Waldron gets board seat — a move likely making him bank's next CEO – New York Post Goldman Sachs exec John Waldron gets board seat — a move likely making him bank's next CEO – New York Post Goldman Sachs exec John Waldron gets board seat — a move likely making him bank’s next CEO New York Post Goldman’s President John Waldron Joins Board in Rare Promotion BloombergGoldman Sachs Group Appoints KC McClure As Independent Board Member -February 26, 2025 at 05:53 pm EST Marketscreener.comGoldman Sachs Appoints McClure and Waldron to Board TipRanksGoldman Sachs adds president John Waldron to board Yahoo Canada Finance Source link #Goldman #Sachs #exec #John #Waldron #board #seat #move #making #bank039s #CEO #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Collie ******: Motorcycle rider to be flown to Royal Perth Hospital on RAC Rescue Helicopter following ****** Collie ******: Motorcycle rider to be flown to Royal Perth Hospital on RAC Rescue Helicopter following ****** Emergency services rushed to the scene about 8.50am on Thursday. Source link #Collie #****** #Motorcycle #rider #flown #Royal #Perth #Hospital #RAC #Rescue #Helicopter #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here’s Who Got the Most Powder Here’s Who Got the Most Powder In the Pacific Northwest, it’s been a messy few days. Surges of wind and moisture battered local ski resorts as an atmospheric river passed through. Fickle freezing levels presented the risk of rain, and in Seattle, power outages weren’t uncommon. The intense weather complicated local ski resort operations. On Tuesday, White Pass Ski Area temporarily closed due to high winds. Further south, in Oregon, Mt. Mood Meadows and Timberline Lodge also pressed the pause button Tuesday. “The current wind speeds and direction pose a high risk to our Team, Guests and Lifts,” Mt. Hood Meadows wrote in a social media post breaking the news. Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates.Other Pacific Northwest resorts dealt with reduced operations. But the storm wasn’t just about gusts and stagnant chairlifts. Powder (or, more precisely, Cascade Concrete), too, was part of the agreement as snow stacked up at ski areas across Washington, Oregon, and even Idaho. Skiing footage from Tuesday looked particularly tantalizing. Here’s who was dealt the best hand in the past 48 hours, based on snow reports from the included resorts. Many of these totals are from summit measurements. Pacific Northwest 48 Hour Storm Totals Mt. Hood Meadows, Oregon: 9 inches Timberline Lodge, Oregon: 12 inches Lookout Pass, Idaho: 13 inches Silver Mountain Resort, Idaho: 16 inches Crystal Mountain, Washington: 18 inches Alpental, Washington: 21 inches Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington: 22 inches Stevens Pass, Washington: 22 inches If you were thinking of taking advantage of the new snow, the opportunity to do so may be close soon, as a warming spell is arriving at many ski areas in the Pacific Northwest. At Crystal Mountain, for instance, temperatures could exceed 40 degrees almost daily for the rest of this week. Thankfully, clear skies are also in the forecast, so you won’t need to pack a trash bag. Sunscreen, on the other hand, is advisable. It’s entirely too early for these kinds of conditions, but we can’t deny the allure of skiing in a hoodie under the sun. Our advice? Take it for what it is. March, hopefully, will present a colder and snowier change in fortunes. Related: Several Pacific Northwest Ski Resorts Close as Winds Gust Above 70 Miles per Hour Source link #Heres #Powder Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump issues order on DOGE cost-cutting efforts, White House says – Deccan Herald Trump issues order on DOGE cost-cutting efforts, White House says – Deccan Herald Trump issues order on DOGE cost-cutting efforts, White House says Deccan HeraldTrump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts ReutersTrump gives Musk’s DOGE extra teeth to scour government contracts Axios Source link #Trump #issues #order #DOGE #costcutting #efforts #White #House #Deccan #Herald Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lawyers bid to postpone Masud trial in US Lawyers bid to postpone Masud trial in US David Cowan Home affairs correspondent, BBC Scotland Reuters Abu Agila Masud Al-Marimi has been accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am 103 in 1988 The trial of a Libyan suspect in the Lockerbie bombing, which was due to start in the United States in May, could be postponed following a request from the prosecution and defence. Abu Agila Masud Al-Marimi has been accused of making the bomb that brought down Pan Am 103 in 1988, causing the deaths of 270 people. His trial was due to get under way in Washington on 12 May but the US government and the defence have asked for it to be called off meantime. Referred to as Masud by Scottish and American investigators, the Libyan is alleged to have confessed to making the device which exploded in the airliner’s hold as it flew from London to New York. A motion filed by government prosecutors asked for the scheduled start date to be set aside due to Masud’s ill health and the complexity of the case. The Libyan is in his seventies and has been receiving treatment for what’s understood to be a non-life threatening health condition. In December the District Court of the District of Columbia was told that Masud’s health condition would cause a delay of 90-120 days. Prosecutors say that based on “additional information,” it appear there will be “additional delay.” The lawyers have asked for extra time to prepare a revised pretrial schedule and set a new starting date. The US government is also continuing the process of providing the defence with copies of the material and evidence it plans to use at the trial. If the trial judge grants the request, a status hearing on the case will be held next month. AFP The Lockerbie bombing on 21 December 1988 remains the deadliest terrorist attack on British soil The FBI says Masud was a Libyan intelligence agent who acted alongside Abdelbasset Al-Megrahi, his fellow countryman who was convicted of murdering the 270 victims after standing trial at a Scottish court in the Netherlands more than two decades ago. The bomb was concealed in a radio cassette player in a Samsonite suitcase and then smuggled on board a flight from Malta on the morning of 21 December 1988. The unaccompanied bag was transferred onto a Pan Am feeder flight from Frankfurt to London, where it was loaded onto Pan Am 103. Masud is said to have told a Libyan law enforcement official that the country’s dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi later thanked him for carrying out “a great national duty against the Americans”. The confession is alleged to have been made in 2012 while Masud was in custody in Libya following the uprising against Gaddafi’s regime. Not guilty plea The grandfather was removed from his home in Tripoli by a militia group in November 2022 and handed over to the US authorities in circumstances which have yet to be fully explained. Faced with a backlash from opposition politicians, the prime minister of Libya’s internationally backed Government of National Unity Abdul Hami Dbeibeh said they had been complying with a request issued through Interpol. Masud pleaded not guilty to the charges after appearing in court in Washington in December 2022. The Lockerbie bombing has been the subject of renewed public attention in the run-up to Masud’s trial. A Sky TV drama starring Colin Firth as the father of one of the British victims attracted controversy, and a BBC/Netflix production is to be aired later this year. Source link #Lawyers #bid #postpone #Masud #trial Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Waratah’s rise from whipping boy to Suaalii replacement Waratah’s rise from whipping boy to Suaalii replacement From having Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii routinely trample over him throughout the junior ranks to filling the super-sized boots of the code-crossing star – that’s the wild tale of Henry O’Donnell. In a scenario barely imaginable not so long ago, O’Donnell will make his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the NSW Waratahs against the Fijian Drua on Friday night after being parachuted in to replace Suaalii at outside centre. Suaalii has been ruled out with a toe injury, opening the door for O’Donnell, who on Thursday revealed the pair go way back, first clashing in under-11s a decade ago. And it wasn’t always pretty when O’Donnell went head to head with the now-Wallabies pin-up and former Sydney Roosters NRL and NSW State of Origin ace. “Obviously Joey’s a freak talent,” O’Donnell said ahead after the Waratahs’ captain’s run at Allianz Stadium. “I’ve played Joey since we were growing up. He was at King’s, I was at Riverview, so he was always that size and he was always running over the top of a few of us from that young age. “It was actually me and (fellow Waratah) Jack Bowen, we were always playing 10 and 12, and Joey was playing 10 for the other team and, yeah, he’d get the ball from 10 metres out and run over and score a try. “We were about four-foot-five (inches) and he was six ???” With no plans to try to emulate Suaalii, the 22-year-old former junior Wallabies midfielder has full belief he can give the Waratahs something different against the Drua. “Joey can play in probably all positions, and I’m also again confident that I’m a slightly different skill set and maybe the coaches might want to use that,” O’Donnell said. “So I’m just going to go about my game like I usually go and that’s just hard physical and upfront. “That’s what the coaches have chosen and I’m pretty keen to rip into 13 or in any position with that sort of game style.” After growing up in Sydney and developing through the NSW system, O’Donnell felt compelled to leave the Waratahs at the end of 2023 to pursue an opportunity with the Western Force. “Two years ago when I was here, I was stuck behind Joey Walton and Harry Wilson so it seemed a bit stupid to stick around,” he said. “I went to seek some game time, which I got, but I’m really glad to be back.” O’Donnell has been quick to make an impression on Waratahs coach Dan McKellar, with new teammate and Wallabies winger Max Jorgensen hailing the recruit as a standout in the side’s trials. “Henry is a born-and-bred New South Welshman, loves the Waratahs,” McKellar said. “This is his home state, so he’s excited. It’ll be a great day for him and his family.” Source link #Waratahs #rise #whipping #boy #Suaalii #replacement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

iPhone 16e review: What’s your acceptable compromise? iPhone 16e review: What’s your acceptable compromise? I’ve been traveling through time this week. Reviewing the iPhone 16e feels at once like I’m visiting my younger self and also forced to live in olden times, especially since I’ve been using an iPhone 16 Pro for months. No matter the device you’re currently using, getting the iPhone 16e necessitates embracing change. Sure, that’s part and parcel of getting any new phone (and any transition in life), but when it comes to the iPhone 16e, not all change is good. And when you consider the $599 starting price, many of the omissions, ostensibly made in an effort to squeeze Apple Intelligence into the most affordable iPhone, become harder to ********. It isn’t surprising that Apple had to make compromises with the iPhone 16e to offer a more affordable entry-level device; what’s unexpected is the decision to not add a second camera or MagSafe. Just the fact that it insists on calling the iPhone 16e’s 48-megapixel camera a “2-in-1 camera system,” makes it clear the company knows two sensors is something people want. To view this content, you’ll need to update your privacy settings. Please click here and view the “Content and social-media partners” setting to do so. Instead, the iPhone 16e comes with an A18 chip that powers Apple Intelligence, as well as the C1 modem, which is the first designed by the company. You’ll need to be extremely meticulous when poring over the list of similarities and differences between all the currently available iPhones, since there are many tiny factors to consider. What wireless charging speed or standard of Wi-Fi would you need? Do you care about cameras? Sure, you can compare these specs yourself, but I’m here to tell you exactly what these differences mean in the real world. In my week or so with the iPhone 16e, I felt the drawbacks of the camera the most — I can live without MagSafe and the Dynamic Island. But what the iPhone 16e does offer is fast performance, a clean design, long battery life and, most crucially, cheaper access to Apple’s ecosystem. Apple / Engadget The iPhone 16e is the most affordable entry into Apple Intelligence and the rest of the company’s ecosystem, and is a solid option for anyone who doesn’t care very much about smartphone photography. Pros Solid performance Long battery life Clean, durable design Bright, vibrant screen Cons Only one rear camera, leading to many limitations Expensive compared to previous iPhone SE No MagSafe $599 at Apple Design and display Let’s be real: Apple was never going to launch another iPhone SE in 2025 with a dated design and no AI support. The iPhone 16e, like its name suggests, is visually very similar to the rest of the iPhone 16 lineup. That is, until you turn the screen on. Once you can see the bezels and the notch up top, the device has a stronger resemblance to an iPhone 14. I was only temporarily distracted by the relatively thick borders, though. Anyone coming to the iPhone 16e from an older iPhone is unlikely to be bothered by this. More importantly, the display is protected by the Ceramic Shield material that was introduced on the iPhone 12. The previous iPhone SE did not have this same protection. On its back, the iPhone 16e has a plain white (or ******) matte surface with a single camera at the top left corner. It was hard to differentiate between the three iPhone 16 models I carried around for testing unless I looked at their rears — that’s how similar they are. In fact, their dimensions are almost identical, with less than a millimeter and 3 grams separating the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16. iPhone 16e iPhone 16 iPhone 16 Pro 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8 mm 5.81 x 2.82 x. 0.31 inches 149.6 x 71.5 x 8.25 mm 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.32 inches 5.88 ounces / 167 grams 6.00 ounces / 170 grams 7.03 ounces / 189 grams In real life, the only thing I really noticed was the weight. All these phones fit in my pockets and purses, and for once Apple’s cheapest phone doesn’t immediately appear drastically out of place. The iPhone 16e even has the Action Button that debuted on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, which I’ll talk more about later. Even the most discerning reviewer will have a hard time complaining about the iPhone 16e’s 6.1-inch display. Not only does it finally feel like something you can use in 2025 thanks to its size (compared to the 4.7-inch anachronism that is the iPhone SE’s screen), the fact that it’s an OLED panel means it’s brighter and more vibrant. All the better to watch Instagram and TikTok videos on, right? It’s worth noting, though, that the iPhone 16 gets significantly brighter. Even the iPhone 15, which costs $100 more than the 16e, hits the same numbers as the iPhone 16, though only the latter can get down to 1 nit of brightness. I’ll also point out that many Android phones at this price offer faster refresh rates, which would make doomscrolling a lot smoother. The iPhone 16e is stuck at the same slow 60Hz as the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, while the Pro models get ProMotion speeds of up to 120Hz. Neither the iPhone 16 nor the 16e support Apple’s Always On Display, either. One final difference on the iPhone 16e is that it’s the last remaining handset across Apple’s lineup to have a notch on its display. The iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 both have the company’s pill-shaped Dynamic Island, which has functional benefits as well as looking better. It lets you keep an eye on live activities, like a timer, sports event ticker, ongoing media playback and more. It’s funny how dependent I’ve become on this feature in the years since it was introduced. On the iPhone 16e, I was slightly confused and annoyed that I couldn’t access quick controls for Spotify in the notch, for example, or that voice recordings wouldn’t appear in the notch as animated waveforms. Still, people considering the iPhone 16e are more likely to have never encountered Dynamic Island in their daily lives, so it won’t be a jarring change. It’s unlikely to factor into your consideration when buying a new phone, but this experience certainly shed light on my feelings for a recent feature I’d grown to take for granted. Camera experience and performance Since reviewing the iPhone 16e has felt like traveling back in time, I took it to the Met museum to photograph some ancient artifacts, with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro as testing companions. For the most part, the iPhone 16e and iPhone 16 delivered about the same level of detail, saturation and vibrancy. It was even hard to tell which of the two devices did better with my low-light shots of a beautiful chandelier suspended above a room from an 18th-century Parisian hotel. Although they have similar 48MP sensors, the iPhone 16’s is larger, which makes the closeness in performance here slightly surprising. Cherlynn Low for Engadget The same goes for selfies, which largely looked almost identical whether I shot them on the iPhone 16 or the 16e. Though both devices pack 12MP TrueDepth cameras up front, each packs a custom sensor and lens that integrate with the software and Apple Silicon. It’s unclear what exactly the differences lie, but suffice it to say that regardless, they took photos of comparable quality. It’d be nice if I could say the iPhone 16e delivered basically the same camera experience as the iPhone 16 for $200 less. But the lack of a second lens on the rear is limiting in a few key ways. First, there’s the fact that an ultrawide camera is just more versatile. Not having one presented challenges quite quickly, like when I entered a small room in the British art hall and wanted to capture the entirety of a pair of tall display cases containing dozens of ornate plates. With the iPhone 16e, I had to back up so much that I almost had to leave the space to get the two cases to fit in the frame. On the iPhone 16 and 16 Pro, switching over to the 0.5x zoom option enabled me to take the shot without moving much at all. You’ll also find an older version of Portrait mode on the iPhone 16e, and this is where the majority of my grievances with the camera lie. If you don’t care about pictures with blurred backgrounds and a faux depth of field effect, you’ll be a lot less bothered. But for those like me, it might be frustrating to learn that the iPhone 16e’s Portrait mode only works when it detects a face in the scene. This harkens back to the days of the iPhone 7 Plus, when Portrait Camera was first rolled out. Even then, Apple was able to apply the effect to non-human faces and objects like plants as the dual-camera system enabled the iPhone to calculate depth and add blur based on that. Setting aside the annoyance I felt at not being able to use Portrait mode on food, animals or other subjects, the fact that the iPhone 16e is using data from one camera for this effect also impacts its results. This was noticeable in my portraits taken of a bust in the museum’s European Sculpture Court. With the pricier phone and its two cameras, Apple delivered more accurate blur, keeping the visage, hair and neck looking crisp. On the iPhone 16e, the sculpture’s neck and chest were blurry upon closer inspection. Cherlynn Low for Engadget I ended up playing a game of “Will it Portrait or Will it Not Portrait” in the museum, pointing the iPhone 16e at random faces in faded tapestries, softly outlined sculptures and oh so many busts. Frequently, even when a face was clearly visible to me, the iPhone 16e wouldn’t recognize that one was in frame and did not allow me to snap a Portrait. Again, this is frustrating only if you take a lot of pictures in that mode. You might be able to live with a single camera if you don’t mind inferior Portraits compared to higher-end iPhones. However, bear in mind that the solo sensor setup also means you won’t get things like the latest generation of Photographic Styles, the company’s sophisticated color and tone filters which I raved about when I first tested it for my iPhone 16 Pro review. While that’s a more recent feature, it’s hard to ignore that anyone coming from an iPhone 11 or later already has a dual-camera setup and will have to give up an ultrawide camera and a faceless Portrait mode. The iPhone 16e is also missing camera features like Spatial, Action and Cinematic modes, which are omissions that actually matter less at this price. Though I think having Macro support would be nice, I can understand its absence since it’s for more niche use cases than portraits. It’s also reasonable that the iPhone 16e doesn’t have Camera Control, which is the dedicated side button that debuted on the rest of the iPhone 16 family last year. I’ve grown to appreciate it as a quick, tactile way to launch the camera app (though I don’t care as much for the touch-sensitive slider controls). I thought I’d miss it when having to test the iPhone 16e, since I was going to be repeatedly opening its camera all day. But I managed to mostly substitute that by configuring the Action button to launch the camera. The Action button’s location near the top of the right edge isn’t ideal, since it’s more of a reach, but it’s better than having to pull out the iPhone, tap its screen and long press or swipe the camera shortcut. Brian Oh for Engadget The Action Button as a gateway to Apple Intelligence You can also set the Action button to switch between audio profiles or focus modes, turn on the Flashlight or even start any app or series of actions you can customize via Apple’s Shortcuts. Crucially, you can set the button to launch Visual Intelligence, as well. This represents the first time Visual Intelligence has been accessible via something other than Camera Control since its introduction with the iPhone 16 series last year. The capability is also coming to iPhone 15 Pro models via an iOS 18.4 update. At the moment, without long-pressing a physical button, you can’t use your iPhone’s camera to look up things around you. When I set the iPhone 16e’s Action button to launch Visual Intelligence, I got basically the same experience as I did on the iPhone 16 Pro. I pointed it at nearby plants and the very fashionable and hip sneakers I had on. Though Siri (with ChatGPT’s help) did not correctly identify the brand of my shoes, it did suggest some similar styles. Google’s image search, which is the other of the two built-in options to get answers from your iPhone’s camera, delivered slightly more helpful results for the wooden table I was looking at and where I could buy something similar. Apple Intelligence Visual Intelligence is just one part of the entire Apple Intelligence package, which permeates the iPhone 16 lineup. I won’t dwell too long on the individual features here, since we’ve already covered them fairly extensively since the company started rolling them out last year. I will just say that I was able to fairly smoothly use Image Playground to create a background for an event I was coordinating in Apple Invites, get my haphazardly written notes proofread and summarize a Wikipedia entry on Zero Day TV series via Writing Tools. The iPhone 16e is a capable Apple Intelligence machine, if AI is your thing. Performance, the Apple C1 modem and battery life All of that is powered by the A18 chip sitting inside the iPhone 16e, and the fact that it’s in a phone that doesn’t cost $700 to start is surprising. It may have one less GPU core than the iPhone 16, but that didn’t hinder my escape from the hordes of ghouls chasing me down in Vampire Survivor. That’s a fairly simple game to run, computationally speaking, and I’ve yet to really push the iPhone 16e with more demanding options. But if you’re looking for a phone that will handle titles like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile or League of Legends: Wild Rift without hiccups, you’ll have to spend hundreds more. In daily use, the iPhone 16e was smooth and zippy, and the only slowdowns I encountered were in situations that also challenged powerhouses like the iPhone 16 Pro. That included waiting for Apple Intelligence to make a Genmoji of a “video shoot,” for example, or for Image Playground to return results based on the same prompt. Sometimes Cleanup in the Photos app would not respond despite my repeated drawing on things I wanted to erase from an image, but that feels more like an Apple Intelligence issue than a slow processor. I noticed the slightest delay compared to the iPhone 16 when waiting for Night mode to complete capturing a photo in low light, with the iPhone 16e taking a second or so longer. With its ******* battery and new C1 modem, the iPhone 16e is supposed to last a few hours longer than the iPhone 16 when playing video. Though I was unable to run a full-on battery test, in general the iPhone 16e had no problem lasting well longer than 24 hours. I pulled it off the charger on Sunday at about 10am and on Tuesday morning I still had 60 percent left after a day of camera testing. Granted, this is still a very new device that I’ve been using as a secondary phone, so runtimes will likely drop a bit with greater use. But compared to my experience with a brand new review unit of the iPhone 16 Pro, the iPhone 16e certainly gave me far less battery anxiety. As for that custom modem, it’s hard to tell after just one week of use whether people will run into any significant issues or interference. But during my time with the iPhone 16e on an AT&T eSIM, I’ve found little problems with the network. I’m a T-Mobile user, and often lose signal when I’m at places like underground train stations or Moynihan Train Hall in Penn Station. When I couldn’t send a message on my iPhone 16 Pro with T-Mobile, I was able to connect over AT&T with the iPhone 16e. This has less to do with Apple’s hardware and more to do with each carrier’s coverage, of course. The same goes for the modem’s general performance — I consistently saw the iPhone 16e (with C1) significantly outperform my iPhone 16 Pro on Speedtest and Fast.com tests, but much of that has to do with individual network speeds. It also depends on whether you’re using a phone that supports ultrawideband 5G, which would see huge boosts to performance. The C1 modem doesn’t support that, so if you’ve been relying on mmWave 5G (mostly via Verizon in the US), you’ll have to sacrifice it if you buy the iPhone 16e. Brian Oh for Engadget How does the iPhone 16e compare to the iPhone 16 and the iPhone SE? There are numerous other little differences between the iPhone 16e and the iPhone 16, and I’ll list some of the more significant ones here. Probably the most noteworthy is that it doesn’t support Apple’s MagSafe, which would let it magnetically attach to stands, grips and other accessories. As someone who plops her iPhone on a MagSafe charging stand only when there is no other USB cable available, the lack of MagSafe didn’t actually meaningfully impact my experience. But if you rely on such an accessory, the iPhone 16e isn’t for you. While you could add MagSafe compatibility to the 16e with cases or adapters, you’ll still be stuck with pokey, last-generation 7.5W wireless charging speeds (per the Qi standard). Other iPhones support faster speeds — the iPhone 15 goes up to 15W while the iPhone 16 can hit 25W. If we’re going to get down to the nitty gritty, I should also point out that the iPhone 16e supports Wi-Fi 6, not Wi-Fi 7 like the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16e is also lacking compatibility with the Thread smart home networking standard and while its camera does offer optical image stabilization, it’s not the “Sensor-shift” OIS that the iPhone 16 (and the iPhone 15) provide. Finally, and this is far from the last omission from the iPhone 16e, the device doesn’t support ultra-wideband, meaning if you’re locating your devices via Find My, you will rely on Bluetooth and won’t get the more precise tracking on AirTags and phones that have UWB. All this spec-sheet scrutiny is getting at is that as an investment, the iPhone 16e is likely to get outdated again sooner than the iPhone 16. Still, it’s a nice upgrade from the iPhone SE (2022), thanks to the addition of USB-C charging, a sharper camera, an actual zoom option, a beefier processor, satellite communications for emergencies and a *******, better screen. Regardless of how you (or I) feel about Apple Intelligence, there’s no denying that its inclusion makes for a phone that’s more modern, too. Also, Genmoji is just fun. Considering how far behind the iPhone SE was compared to the iPhone 13, the fact that the iPhone 16e is so close to the rest of the iPhone 16 portfolio is impressive. I guess I would have preferred a cheaper entry-level iPhone with a few other compromises, rather than one that’s so similar (in both specs and price) to the next version up. And as much as I’d like to compare the iPhone 16e to its peers on the Android side of the smartphone market, I have to acknowledge that most people considering an iPhone are likely already happily stuck in the Apple walled garden. They probably don’t want an Android phone, no matter how many cameras it has, how quickly its screen refreshes or how fast it can charge. When you can be a blue bubble texter, who cares about how much smoother a game plays or how rapidly Instagram posts zoom past my eyes, right? (Sarcasm, in case it wasn’t obvious.) If you did want to learn more though, check out our post on how the iPhone 16e compares to the competition. Wrap-up It’s easy for me to get caught up in outrage, ranting at Apple’s decisions to exclude MagSafe or raise prices. But for people who don’t use magnetic accessories or who finance their smartphones over a two-year *******, those might be non-issues. What bothered me most as I was reviewing the iPhone 16e wasn’t its slow wireless charging speed or the notch atop the display — it was ultimately the solo camera sensor. Anyone coming from the iPhone 11 and up will likely miss the ultrawide option, even if the iPhone 16e’s 48MP sensor is a genuine improvement. Whether the iPhone 16e is a good purchase for you ultimately depends on how much those limitations bother you. If you don’t care about MagSafe, taking photos or the principle that you could save hundreds of dollars on a better Android phone, the iPhone 16e makes sense. In fact, for people who want to buy their first iPhone or someone who’s less tech-enthusiastic, the iPhone 16e is a capable, good-looking handset. Those who, like me, can’t do without a second camera, can consider the iPhone 15, which costs just $100 more. You won’t get Apple Intelligence or the Action button, but I doubt many will miss those features. Ultimately, though, unless you really can’t fork over the $200 difference (which works out to a few dollars a month over two years), the iPhone 16 is a better buy for most people. Source link #iPhone #16e #review #Whats #acceptable #compromise Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout House Republicans signaled they’re going full steam ahead on significant changes to Medicaid, despite pressure from Democrats and even some moderates in their party. The suggested overhauls to the program, which provides health care for lower-income Americans and those with disabilities, are part of an effort to slash federal spending and hit the House GOP’s goal of cutting $2 trillion over a decade from the federal budget. “I support any plan that helps Medicaid be sustainable. And the current trajectory of Medicaid is not,” said Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds, who recently declared he’s running for governor of Florida — a state with millions of Medicaid recipients. MORE: House Republicans narrowly pass measure to fund Trump’s agenda after last-minute drama “Medicaid is supposed to be for people who are disabled, for children, for single parents with multiple kids. That’s what Medicaid is for. And if we continue down this line where it just becomes a ******* and ******* portfolio of beneficiaries, the federal government is not going to be able to afford the match,” Donalds added. In a letter to Speaker Mike Johnson, moderate Republican members of the Congressional Hispanic Conference warned “slashing Medicaid would have serious consequences, particularly in rural and predominantly Hispanic communities.” Asked what he would say to Republican colleagues who are worried cuts to Medicaid will have a serious impact on lower income Americans, Donalds replied, “I think some of that is, quite frankly, fear-based. We know the Democrats are already running ads about Medicaid and about how what we’re trying to do is damaging to people and it’s just simply not true.” Some GOP members have floated adding new work requirements to the program and capping the amount of money states receive to run their Medicaid programs — a pitch that could drastically reduce the number of people on Medicaid and limit the funding available for beneficiaries. “I don’t consider that a cut,” Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., said about work requirements. “I don’t consider block-granting to the states a cut. The Democrats are using that but it’s just not right.” The exact plan is still unclear. Approving the House budget blueprint Tuesday night was just the first step in a months-long budgeting process that could stretch into the summer. MORE: Why Republicans’ proposed health care cuts could be politically risky “We’re very early in this process,” New York Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, a moderate who represents a Staten Island district with a significant number of Medicaid recipients, said. “Maybe you should wait until we actually do the work and highlight what we’re going to do,” she said. Republicans also believe they can achieve a significant amount of their spending cuts by targeting fraud in Medicaid and Medicare. But eliminating all fraud and waste would likely only chip away at Republicans’ goal. Asked about that approach, Malliotakis said, “There’s about $50 billion a year in fraud, just within the Medicaid program.” But whether Republicans can get to the kinds of numbers they’re talking about by just eliminating fraud, Malliotakis said, “Well, yes. Within the health care. You’re going to look at that, you’re going to look at the loopholes the states have put in place. MORE: Democrats outline playbook to target House Republicans on Medicaid, budget and DOGE Meanwhile, Democrats are pouncing. An internal Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee memo first obtained by ABC News shows Democrats aim to make Medicaid cuts “politically perilous for House Republicans” in the November 2026 midterm elections. “Rather than delivering on their campaign promises to lower the high cost of living, [Republicans] are poised to pass an extreme budget scheme that would decimate affordable health care and take food off the tables of millions of American families,” the memo reads. Republicans pushing forward on Medicaid changes, despite potential political fallout originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Source link #Republicans #pushing #Medicaid #potential #political #fallout Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Traders are pouring into gold ETFs at record pace as trade and inflation worries grow Traders are pouring into gold ETFs at record pace as trade and inflation worries grow There’s a rush for gold happening on Wall Street, with investors flocking into the precious metal at a pace never before seen. Gold exchange-traded funds saw record high inflows last week — worth about $4.5 billion and led by the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) — with around half of that inflow occurring during Friday’s stock market sell-off , according to recent JPMorgan data. Those moves come as gold prices are at all-time highs in early 2025, boosted by trade uncertainty and inflation concerns. The Trump administration put tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico earlier this month, then quickly placed a 30-day moratorium on them. The White House also imposed levies on ******** goods. Last week, the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment report showed inflation expectations for the coming year increased sharply. “Gold basically thrives on uncertainty and we have had an awful lot of that,” said George Milling-Stanley, chief gold strategist at State Street Global Advisors and the founder of GLD, the first ETF to track the precious metal. “I think that most of the action over the past week or so, which was pretty spectacular, was prompted by increasing concerns over the outlook for the U.S. economy.” Gold futures are up more than 10% for the year and hit a record, far outpacing the S & P 500’s 2% advance in that time. On Wednesday, they traded around $2,920 per ounce. GLD is also up around 10% in 2025. @GC.1 GLD,.SPX YTD mountain Gold, GLD and SPX year to date Milling-Stanley said the influx into gold has occurred as appetite for risk grew dramatically during 2024 and pushed investors to hedge against those positions — particularly during a year that saw the rise of flashy artificial intelligence plays and volatile assets such as bitcoin. Hedge funds and individual investors have demonstrated increased interest in GLD, he added, noting that “FOMO,” or fear of missing out, could be the action driving individuals to rake up shares of gold. Gold’s recent highs “suggest that that risk-off may be becoming the new flavor of the month,” Milling-Stanley added. If that risk-averse sentiment continues, the strategist expects the value of the precious metal could keep increasing. The rally in gold has continued this year after the world’s demand for the precious metal hit a record high in 2024, driven by central bank purchases and investment demand, according to the World Gold Council. This gold rush has offered competitive gains to more volatile assets such as U.S. equities and bonds, Jurrien Timmer, director of global macro at Fidelity Investments, said. “Gold has been a big winner for the past few years, keeping up and even beating equities. It’s quite a performance for an asset that often gets lamented for not providing a cash flow,” Timmer told CNBC, noting that gold has produced almost the same return as the S & P 500 since 2020, while having lower volatility. The value of gold has also grown more than the value of bonds since 1970, he added. “Gold often doesn’t work, but when it does, it tends to be when bonds are impaired. To me, that’s the role of gold: a hedge against bonds.” Looking ahead, there may be further gains ahead, though on a more limited basis. Milling-Stanley pointed out that gold hit $2,000 per ounce just one year ago — roughly five years after the asset broke above the $1,000 resistance level. “Let’s not get our hopes up too quickly for breaching the overhead resistance at $3,000,” he said. “I believe it will happen. I just don’t know when it’s going to happen.” To be sure, a move above the $3,000 mark could spark even more inflows into ETFs like GLD. Source link #Traders #pouring #gold #ETFs #record #pace #trade #inflation #worries #grow Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]