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Nvidia says AI chip sales strong despite DeepSeek fears Nvidia says AI chip sales strong despite DeepSeek fears Nvidia, the chip giant at the heart of the artificial intelligence (AI) *****, said business remained strong, despite fears of a bubble stirred by the launch of ******** AI firm DeepSeek’s launch on the scene last month. Sales of the firm’s chips hit more than $39bn (£30.7bn) over the three months ended 27 January, up 74% year-on-year. Nvidia has seen a surge of demand, as big tech companies turn to the firm for chips that can handle the large amounts of data used to train AI models. But DeepSeek said it had trained its chatbot using less advanced, and less expensive chips. Its launch prompted a sharp sell-off in Nvidia shares earlier this month, a hit felt throughout the market. Investors calmed after big companies such as Facebook owner Meta said they expected to continue their current AI investment strategies. Nvidia boss Jensen Huang said he was not worried that demand would suddenly shift, saying that software in the future would be created by machine learning that needs chips with different architecture than the “hand-coding” of the past. “We know fundamentally software has changed,” he said, adding that it was also still “early days” for the use of AI to spread. Nvidia currently dominates the market in advanced chips, making it central to the ***** in AI investment at companies such as Microsoft. Its shares have surged more than 400% over the last two years, giving the company a market value of more than $3tn. Nvidia said it was focused on rapidly building out production of its latest chips, known as Blackwell, which helped to drive a surge in the firm’s revenue. The company’s finance chief Collette Kress said its AI data centre business was strongest in the US, but the firm was also seeing demand grow in other parts of the world, pointing to investments by France and the European Union. She said demand in China – where US trade controls have blocked the firm from exporting certain chips – remained lower and that the firm expected shipments to remain roughly at the current level. Source link #Nvidia #chip #sales #strong #DeepSeek #fears Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pamela Anderson on missing out on the Oscars Pamela Anderson on missing out on the Oscars Getty Images Pamela Anderson has had her fair share of ups and down over her career. So that might explain why she’s so stoic about missing out on an Oscar nomination for her role in The Last Showgirl. “The win is the work,” the ********* actress told BBC News. “You couldn’t have told me I’d be here a decade ago, so this is very exciting for me, to even be in the conversation.” Anderson, 57, did manage to score nominations at the Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild Awards for her part in Gia Coppola’s film about a fading Las Vegas dancer. But she is not in the running for the Academy Awards, which take place this Sunday in Los Angeles. “I just wish everybody well,” she said. “I think anybody, any actor, realises that all of this is about having another chance to be able to perform and share your talent with the world.” Picturehouse Entertainment Pamela Anderson stars in The Last Showgirl, a film about an ageing Las Vegas dancer Anderson rose to prominence on the 1990s TV series Baywatch. The lifeguard drama became the most-watched television show in the world at the time, and it’s still the role she’s best known for. But in the three decades since she first ran along the California beaches, fans and critics have become acquainted with different parts of Anderson’s life story including Playboy covers, a leaked sex tape and many marriages. In 2022, Hulu series Pam & Tommy told the story of how Anderson and now ex-husband Tommy Lee’s sex tape was stolen and illegally distributed in the mid-90s. Anderson later criticised the series in an interview with Variety, describing it as “shocking” and calling for the people behind it to apologise to her. Now, she’s starring in a new film which is also about second chances. In The Last Showgirl, the lead character Shelly, played by Anderson, must plan for her future after her show abruptly closes. Plenty of critics have drawn parallels with Anderson’s own life in the spotlight, and she doesn’t dispute this. “I think that’s what drew me to the project, that it was so relatable on so many levels,” Anderson said of the film. She added that its central theme, of struggling to make your career work as a woman in later middle age, was something “many generations of women” had faced. Getty Images Pamela Anderson, pictured in 2016 with sons Brandon (left) and Dylan (right), said the film’s portrayal of motherhood was relatable In the film, Shelly is portrayed as having a strained relationship with her daughter Hannah. Shelly’s career as a showgirl means she often works late, causing her to miss important moments like bedtime with Hannah. That, too, is something that Anderson says she can relate to. She shares two sons, Brandon Thomas, 28, and Dylan Jagger, 27, with her ex-husband, Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. She said that for all working mums, there’s “no proper way” to be a parent while also following your dreams and pursuing your career. “So this movie is, I think, in a very vulnerable space. “And it was an interesting role to play with all her imperfections and selfishness and selflessness. And it was a lot of layers and nuances to the character that I could really relate to.” Getty Images Pamela Anderson shooting Baywatch in 1995 The Last Showgirl has received a mixed reception from critics, though most have praised Anderson’s performance. The New York Times called it “sensitive and beguiling” and described Anderson as “dazzling”. But the Guardian awarded it just one star, calling it “a big disappointment”. Many have also described the role as Anderson’s “comeback”. She doesn’t reject the term, but says she prefers to see it as “a new chapter”. “I’ve always been fascinated with the craft of acting,” she said. “[But] my personal life kind of took me off course, and I raised two beautiful boys.” She’s not the only actress to be back in the spotlight this season. Demi Moore is nominated for best actress at the Oscars for her role in The Substance, a body horror which has revitalised her career. “I’m really happy for Demi,” Anderson said. “I think she’s earned her place. And you have to earn it. You have to fight for it.” With so many strong female protagonists in this year’s films, I’m curious what Anderson now thinks of Baywatch. The show has long been criticised for its portrayal of its female characters, who, many argued, were sexualised and denied meaningful plot lines. “I didn’t see it like that at all. I thought it was quite innocent and wholesome and, and fun to watch,” she said. “I always felt like I was surrounded by such incredible people, lifeguards that were also firemen or firewomen. It was really, really, empowering.” Ditching the makeupGetty Images Anderson has always been seen to embody a look that rose to prominence in the 90s – skinny, blonde, and enhanced by plastic surgery. But in recent years, she has been sporting a “no-makeup” look, choosing instead to embrace her natural appearance. “My beauty routine is rest. And so that’s more important to me these days,” she told me. She said it’s not that she’s against makeup, but more that she thinks “there’s a time and a place” for it. “This chapter, for me, has been about self-acceptance and finding out who I am. What are my original thoughts? What do I have to give?” she said. “I know I have a lot more to give in this world, in this industry too, and I feel like even I have to remember who I am to start with and then hopefully, play characters in films and not in my personal life.” Source link #Pamela #Anderson #missing #Oscars Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Is this what the Ford Mustang sedan will be called? Is this what the Ford Mustang sedan will be called? Ford has trademarked the Mach 4 nameplate, which appears to tie in neatly with the Mustang Mach-E name and point to a four-door pony car. Source link #Ford #Mustang #sedan #called Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple Plans $500 Billion in US Investment, 20,000 Research Jobs in Next Four Years Apple Plans $500 Billion in US Investment, 20,000 Research Jobs in Next Four Years Apple said on Monday it would spend $500 billion (roughly Rs. 43,61,175 crore) in US investments in the next four years that will include a giant factory in Texas for Artificial Intelligence (AI) servers and add about 20,000 research and development jobs across the country in that time. That $500 billion (roughly Rs. 43,61,175 crore) in expected spending includes everything from purchases from US suppliers to US filming of television shows and movies for its Apple TV+ service. The company declined to say how much of the figure it was already planning to spend with its US supply base, which includes firms such as Corning that makes glass for iPhones in Kentucky. The move comes after media reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook met President Donald Trump last week. Many of Apple’s products that are assembled in China could face 10 percent tariffs imposed by Trump earlier this month, though the iPhone maker had secured some waivers from China tariffs during the first Trump administration. “This pledge represents a political gesture towards the Trump administration,” said Gil Luria, analyst at D.A. Davidson, who estimated Apple has already committed to spend more than $150 billion (roughly Rs. 13,08,321 crore) per year in the United States, including cost of goods sold and capital expenditure. “Even without growing that spend very much, they would only need three to four years to meet their obligation.” Apple made a similar announcement about its US spending plans in 2018, during the first Trump administration, when it said its new and ongoing investments would contribute $350 billion (roughly Rs. 30,52,495 crore) to the US economy over five years. The company’s shares were up 1.2 percent. Trump, in a Truth Social post, thanked Apple and Cook, saying the move reflected the company’s faith in his administration. Most of Apple’s consumer products are assembled outside the US, though many of Apple components are still made there, including chips from Broadcom, Skyworks Solutions and Qorvo. Apple said it last month started mass producing chips of its own design at an Arizona factory owned by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Bringing TSMC to Arizona and helping introduce legislation that later became the CHIPS Act to bolster US semiconductor production were two of Trump’s biggest industrial policy moves during his first term. Apple said on Monday it will work with Foxconn, formally known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, to build a 250,000-square-foot facility in Houston, where it will assemble servers that go into data centers to power Apple Intelligence, its suite of AI features that help draft emails and perform other tasks. Those servers are currently made outside of the US, Apple said. Apple said it plans to increase its Advanced Manufacturing Fund from $5 billion (roughly Rs. 43,604 crore) to $10 billion (roughly Rs. 87,199 crore), with part of the expansion being a “multibillion-dollar commitment from Apple to produce advanced silicon” at TSMC’s Arizona factory. Apple did not disclose details of its deal with TSMC, but it has in the past used the fund to help partners build out the infrastructure needed to deliver products or services for Apple. Apple will also open a manufacturing academy in Michigan where its engineers, along with local university staff, will offer free courses for small and mid-sized manufacturing firms in areas such as project management and manufacturing process optimisation. © Thomson Reuters 2025 (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source link #Apple #Plans #Billion #Investment #Research #Jobs #Years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Little hope of finding workers alive after tunnel collapse, official says Little hope of finding workers alive after tunnel collapse, official says New Delhi — Rescuers in India were still racing Wednesday to save eight workers four days after they were trapped underground by a collapse in a tunnel under construction in the southern state of Telangana. Rescue crews had not managed to established contact with the trapped men for more than 100 hours, and the efforts to reach the men have come up against a series of challenges. A portion of the Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel collapsed Saturday morning, causing water and mud to rush into the huge tunnel, which has a diameter of about 33 feet. Officials have said that about 50 workers were inside the tunnel when part of its ceiling caved in. Forty-three of them managed to escape, but eight were left trapped. There has been no confirmation on the condition of the trapped men as no contact has been made with them by rescuers. Personnel with several agencies, including the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force, have been involved in the rescue efforts. They have faced repeated setbacks due to loose soil and mud inside the tunnel. Members of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carry equipment during a rescue operation outside the Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) tunnel after a portion of the tunnel collapsed, in Nagarkurnool district in the southern state of Telangana, India, Feb. 24, 2025. / Credit: *********/REUTERS Work on the 27-mile-long tunnel, which would be one of the world’s longest irrigation tunnels if it is completed, has been delayed several times since construction began in 2005. On Tuesday, the rescuers worked to clear a train track inside the tunnel so it can be used to transport equipment to pump water out from around the site of the collapse. A path was also being cleared to take earthmoving machines into the tunnel. “As of now we are dewatering and going forward. But for the last 40 or 50 meters (yards) we are not able to go,” B Santhosh, administrative head of the Nagarkurnool district, where the tunnel is being constructed, told India’s PTI news agency. A team of “rat miners” who successfully rescued 41 workers who were trapped in a Himalayan highway tunnel for 17 days in 2023 joined the rescue operations Monday. About 20 miles of the new tunnel has been excavated so far, with about seven miles left to go, officials said Tuesday. On Monday, a state minister overseeing the rescue work told journalists near the site that the chances of the eight men being found alive were slim. “To be honest, the chances of their survival are very, very, very, very remote,” Jupally Krishna Rao, a senior official in the Telangana state administration, said Tuesday. “I went up to the end, almost just 50 meters short [of the collapse site]… When we shouted their names, there was no response.” “I can’t predict the chances of survival, but the chances are not very good,” Rao said, adding that “even if there is the slightest chance, we will try to save them.” ******** releases update on Pope Francis’ health Musk doubles down on email from federal employees, Trump backs him up Southwest plane nearly collides with business jet on Chicago runway Source link #hope #finding #workers #alive #tunnel #collapse #official Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Indonesia and Apple Said to Agree on Terms to Lift iPhone 16 Ban Indonesia and Apple Said to Agree on Terms to Lift iPhone 16 Ban Indonesia and Apple Inc. have agreed on terms to lift the country’s ban on iPhone 16s, said people familiar with the matter, paving the way to end a five-month tug-of-war that forced the US tech giant to raise its promised investment in the country to $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,716 crore). The Ministry for Industry, which is responsible for upholding the ban, is set to sign a memorandum of agreement with Apple as soon as this week, according to people familiar with the talks, who asked not to be identified discussing private matters. A press briefing will also be held, the people said, adding the ministry intends to issue a permit allowing iPhone 16 sales as soon as possible. The deal concludes a battle that started in October after Indonesia refused to issue a permit for the ***** of Apple’s latest device, citing a failure to comply with domestic manufacturing requirements for smartphones and tablets. Apple then pledged to invest $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,716 crore) in Indonesia, an offer President Prabowo Subianto directed his ministers to accept. However, the Ministry of Industry last month unexpectedly upheld the ban as it sought better terms. On top of the $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,716 crore) investment, Apple will commit to training locals in research and development on the company’s products so they can then develop similar software and design their own goods, the people said. The move is set to placate the government, which has been pushing Apple to set up R&D facilities in the country, they added. The innovation investment will be done through programs other than the existing Apple academies, one of the people said. Apple has no immediate plans to start making iPhones in the country, the people said. While both sides have agreed to the terms of the ban being lifted, Indonesia has backtracked on decisions before and the deal could still fall through. Apple and Indonesia’s Ministry of Industry didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment. While January’s last-minute scuppering of the deal came as a surprise, talks had continued to progress positively, the people said. Last week, industry minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita announced Apple had settled a $10 million (roughly Rs. 87 crore) debt to the government for not complying with local rules between 2020 to 2023. Win for Prabowo The deal is a win for Indonesia, with its hardball tactics paying off to get a major foreign company to invest more to develop its goods in the country and boost local manufacturing, instead of merely using the nation as a sales hub. The government had previously said that Apple had invested only about $95 million in Indonesia. The agreement also comes at an opportune time for Prabowo. The optics of a US tech giant yielding to his administration could be used to boost his domestic standing, which has taken a hit following multiple policy U-turns that have generated confusion. On top of that, his plan for sweeping spending cuts that threatened jobs and scholarships triggered days of protests last week. For Apple, the deal gives it access to Indonesia’s massive consumer market at a time when sales in China have slowed. Though Apple ranks outside the top five smartphone brands in Indonesia, the country’s population of 278 million people — more than half of whom are under the age of 44 and tech savvy — is too good an opportunity to miss. Apple’s $1 billion (roughly Rs. 8,716 crore) offer includes setting up a plant on the island of Batam to produce AirTags, a device that allows users to track their luggage, pets or other belongings. The US company is bringing on board one of its significant suppliers, Luxshare Precision Industry Co. to operate the plant which will eventually account for 20 percent of global production of AirTags, Bloomberg News previously reported. Part of the investment proposal will also go toward setting up a plant in Bandung, about three hours southeast of Jakarta, to make other types of accessories, as well as funding Apple academies which equip students with tech skills like coding. © 2025 Bloomberg LP (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source link #Indonesia #Apple #Agree #Terms #Lift #iPhone #Ban Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Bank of America CEO says it could launch stablecoin if regulations allow: CNBC Crypto World Bank of America CEO says it could launch stablecoin if regulations allow: CNBC Crypto World ShareShare Article via FacebookShare Article via TwitterShare Article via LinkedInShare Article via Email On today’s episode of CNBC Crypto World, bitcoin and ether add to Tuesday’s losses while XRP rises. Plus, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan tells the Economic Club of Washington D.C. that the bank could launch a stablecoin if regulations are passed. And, Thomas Mattimore of ABC Labs discusses fostering Wall Street blockchain adoption through on-chain indexes. Source link #Bank #America #CEO #launch #stablecoin #regulations #CNBC #Crypto #World Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s likely to move the market What’s likely to move the market Stocks @ Night is a daily newsletter delivered after hours, giving you a first look at tomorrow and last look at today. Sign up for free to receive it directly in your inbox. Here’s what CNBC TV’s producers were watching as the S & P 500 narrowly ended a four-day losing streak and what’s on the radar for the next session. The markets since Inauguration Day The Dow Jones Industrial Average , S & P 500 , Russell 2000 , Nasdaq Composite , Nasdaq 100 and Dow Transports are now all down since President Donald Trump took office last month. The Dow, S & P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Nasdaq 100 are still positive since the election. .DJI 1M mountain The Dow Jones Industrial Average in the past month Oh Canada’s banks ********* Imperial Bank of Commerce , Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion all report Thursday morning before the bell. Royal Bank of Canada is the biggest company by market cap north of the border. TD is No. 3. In February, Toronto-traded shares of CIBC are down 5.2%. The stock is 9% from the December high. Toronto-traded shares of Royal Bank of Canada are down 3.25% in February. The stock is 5% from the December high. TD Bank’s Toronto-traded shares are up 3% this month. The stock is 2.5% from the September high. Nvidia Nvidia reported quarterly results Wednesday afternoon, beating estimates and showing strong sales growth. CNBC’s Jon Fortt interviews CEO Jensen Huang Wednesday night. There will be full highlights online and on CNBC TV Thursday. NVDA 3M mountain Nvidia over the past three months Salesforce The company’s forecast was below what Wall Street was hoping for. Salesforce is down in after hours. Shares are down 10% in February. Ambarella The semiconductor maker reported revenue that jumped 62%. The company also issued strong guidance. The stock is up 10% after hours. Counting the after-hours move, Ambarella is up 23% in the past three months. AMBA 3M mountain Ambarella in the past three months Snowflake The software company beat expectations and issued strong guidance. Snowflake is up 10% after hours. Lemonade CNBC producer Dawn Giel is tracking insurance company Lemonade after it missed on earnings per share but beat revenue expectations. CEO Daniel Schreiber was upbeat on the post earnings call and said Q4 was the company’s best on record. The stock got squeezed, falling 1.6% Wednesday. The stock is 41% from the November high. LMND 3M mountain Lemonade in the past three months Vistra CNBC TV’s Pippa Stevens covers Vistra ‘s earnings Thursday morning before the bell. The stock was a top-performer in 2025. It is up 200% in the last 12 months, but it’s now 26% from the Jan. 23 high. The stock is down about 9% in the past three months. Archer Aviation CNBC TV’s Phil LeBeau will track the numbers when the electric vertical take-off and landing company launches its earnings report. Archer is up 13% in three months and 34% from the Jan. 7 high. Source link #Whats #move #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Child hospitalized with measles died in West Texas amid outbreak – The Dallas Morning News Child hospitalized with measles died in West Texas amid outbreak – The Dallas Morning News Child hospitalized with measles died in West Texas amid outbreak The Dallas Morning NewsChild in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade CNNNews Wrap: Child dies from measles amid West Texas outbreak PBS NewsHourUnvaccinated Child Dies of Measles in Texas Outbreak The New York TimesInfectious disease doctor answers measles FAQs CBS News Source link #Child #hospitalized #measles #died #West #Texas #outbreak #Dallas #Morning #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amazon’s goal is to put an Echo screen in everyone’s house Amazon’s goal is to put an Echo screen in everyone’s house Almost all of the time spent during Amazon’s February 26, 2025, ‘Devices and Services’ event was on Alexa Plus. It’s the glow-up we’ve been waiting for, seemingly making Alexa much more natural, leagues smarter, and potentially invaluably helpful. Even so, at the center of all the demos – including the ones led by Devices lead Panos Panay – was one device, the Echo Show 21. It’s the biggest smart display from Amazon and the largest touchscreen Alexa interface, supporting an all-new Alexa Plus user interface (UI) at launch. Both of those attributes likely made it easier to demonstrate Alexa’s new tricks to a large audience on stage and in demo rooms, but even so, it speaks to Amazon’s ******* ambitions. With Alexa Plus, you can talk more conversationally, interrupting it when necessary just like you would when talking to another person, all without repeating the wake word. But it’s also a touch-first experience – now more than ever. When you ask Alexa to call an Uber or another rideshare service for your friend from Newark Airport in New Jersey to an office in New York City, Alexa will read out the first option. However, you can also tap to select whichever ride level is best for your needs to speed up the interaction. The same goes for asking Alexa to check if anyone walked the dog – it can pull up all the recent Ring video alerts where a dog was pictured. Rather than waiting for it to cycle through them all, you can swipe with a finger along the bottom of the screen UI. As impressive as chatting with the new Alexa is, the interface was designed with touch in mind. Further, Amazon will give you first dibs on trying Alexa Plus – well, access to the service during the initial rollout phase – if you have a household with an Echo Show 8, 10, 15, or 21. Keep in mind that you’ll need to be in the United States with a Prime membership or pay $19.99 a month. The screen part of the Alexa experience is more critical than ever before. It’s not just for showing a weather graphic depicting the conditions outside or for displaying a fun GIF when you ask Alexa for a joke. Your Echo Show isn’t even just for streaming a TV show or movie from Prime Video. Beyond just chatting it up with Alexa, Amazon wants you to interact with Alexa Plus with touch. That’s almost a retraining, and one that is ideal for Amazon – or at least, I think if you ask them – to put the importance of getting an Echo Show in your home at the highest spot on the list. I already find the Echo Show handy. It’s a multipurpose screen that potentially lets you put your phone away. With the Echo Show 21 and Alexa Plus, as you ask for help ordering groceries, making dinner reservations, or even securing concert tickets, you can have a natural conversation with the AI and jump in touch when necessary. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) And even if you only have an Echo Show in the kitchen or mounted on the wall in a hallway, it can always be the central device for your queries. Let’s say you really want to get tickets for Bruce Springsteen on his upcoming European tour or for Sabrina Carpenter – I mean, we all want to hear Busy Woman live – you can start by asking Alexa Plus on an Echo Dot for tickets, but rather than hear a laundry list of all the available sections, you say, “Show it to me on my Echo Show (or even Kitchen Echo, if that’s where it is)” and from there you can scroll and see visuals of all the seat locations. That could be really handy, plus you get the added benefits of a larger screen Echo. It’s part of Amazon’s larger play here: to get an Echo screen into everyone’s home. I’m for it, especially after seeing the experience of ordering Amazon Fresh and letting Alexa Plus do some of the heavy lifting. That’s awesome, but it’s also the smarter reminders and the fact that it doubles as a TV, a shared calendar, and so much more. It also fits in with the strategy of other brands. Samsung comes to mind first, as they famously push the idea of a screen everywhere, from an actual TV to a screen in, say, your fridge, stove, and dryer or washer. That tech giant won’t make a smart display, but Apple, on the other hand, is rumored to be entering this category with a device that could mark a major win for its Home ecosystem, which has had its speed bumps. (Image credit: Future/Jacob Krol) Amazon has a unique opportunity to actually end up with a screen in most of its users’ homes, though. It’s long offered an Echo Show in various sizes, with the 5 and 8 being some of the most affordable, so there’s a good chance you might already have one. Alexa Plus will likely excite you with an AI infusion that is set to be way more natural and make the smart home easy to control – advanced routines and all – in a device that isn’t a phone. You might also like Source link #Amazons #goal #put #Echo #screen #everyones #house Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Australia’s most lucrative clearing ***** nets $31 million after ‘amazing’ six days in eastern Wheatbelt Australia’s most lucrative clearing ***** nets $31 million after ‘amazing’ six days in eastern Wheatbelt WA can now lay claim to the most lucrative clearing ***** in *********** history after more than 600 items were sold for a whopping $31 million across a “truly amazing” six days in the eastern Wheatbelt. Local and interstate buyers turned out in droves for the Merredin Farms Dispersal Online Auction, which was held by Queensland-based NASCO Auctioneers from February 14 to 20 with inspection days held throughout. NASCO Auctioneers managing director Chris Goscomb said all of the 600-plus items had sold, with corporate buyers “blown out of the water” by family farming enterprises keen to take home “well-presented” machinery. Competition was fierce across all categories, but it was a John Deere 9R 640 tractor that netted the top price of $674,300 including GST. “The ***** went extremely well … the interest was unbelievable, as you would expect with a ***** of this nature,” Mr Goscomb said. “The equipment presented in very good condition. “When you combine quantity with quality, you get an outstanding result.” More than 30 John Deere tractors were among the items that went under the hammer, as well as 15 headers, 16 header fronts, 40 air seeders and carts, and 18 sprayers, as well as prime movers, trailers and a raft of other farming gear, including sheep equipment. Merredin Farms’ former owners, Saudi Arabian company SALIC, initiated Australia’s biggest clearing ***** after it sold the 78,000ha portfolio — WA’s biggest farming portfolio — to a group of six local farmers in January. Among the six was WA grain farming legend John Nicoletti, who bought back some of the land he sold to SALIC for $70m in 2019. Mr Nicoletti was also among the 1500-plus people who turned out to the inspection days. But he said the ***** had been “too strong” for him and joked he should “get a dividend” after selling some of the equipment to SALIC. “They made a bit of a profit after five years,” he laughed. “It was a fantastic ***** … and deservedly so. Everything was well presented, and marketed correctly.” More than 5000 registered bidders and 30,000 viewers watched the online auction on Thursday, February 20. About 95 per cent of the items were sold to WA farmers, Mr Goscomb said, despite “major” interest from the Eastern States. “There were Eastern States buyers that flew over and inspected the gear,” he said. “There was a real buzz … WA is a big State and there were guys that had driven up to six days to have a look at the gear.” Farm Machinery and Industry Association of WA chair Tim Boekeman said it was an “outstanding” result. Mr Goscomb said SALIC set a target of how much it wanted to make from the ***** and the “magic number” was achieved Thursday morning. “By mid-morning (February 20) the overall figure hoped to be achieved was met,” he said. “By early afternoon all reserves were dropped and everything was sold by late afternoon. “I have had a lot of emails and text messages saying well done … it was an amazing ***** to be a part of and to watch.” Mr Goscomb said the overwhelming interest meant there was “no one volume buyer”, with most picking up two or three major items. Most of the equipment is expected to be picked up within the next two weeks, but east coast buyers have been given a month. “We had buyers from across WA, all the way down to Esperance and way up to Halls Creek in the Kimberley,” he said. SALIC was contacted for comment. BIG-TICKET ITEMS (including GST) Most Expensive Header: 2022 John Deere 9R 640 Tractor, $674,300 Most Expensive Header Front: 2018 Midwest 60ft draper, header front and trailer, $137,500 Most Expensive Sprayer: 2023 John Deere 616R SP sprayer, 36m steel *****, $664,950 Most Expensive Chaser Bin: 2017 Dunstan 39 tonne chaser bin, $174,350 Most Expensive Mother Bin: 2018 Dunstan, 110 tonne mother bin, $149,050 Most Expensive Header Front: 2018 Mid West, 60ft draper header front and trailer, $137,500 Source link #Australias #lucrative #clearing #***** #nets #million #amazing #days #eastern #Wheatbelt Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Woman held down while she was ****** by fellow St. Cloud State student Woman held down while she was ****** by fellow St. Cloud State student A former St. Cloud State University student has been charged with raping a woman in her dorm room this past November, with another student holding the victim down while the assault was carried out. Charges have been filed against Dipak Phayal, 20, who is accused of 1st-degree criminal ******* conduct and other ******* offenses, and alleged accomplice Sujan Tamang, 19, who is charged with aiding and abetting 1st-degree criminal ******* conduct. Nationwide warrants have been issued for the arrest of Phayal and Tamang, with the complaint noting that they have “left the State of Minnesota” and their current whereabouts are unknown. An SCSU spokesperson told the Star Tribune that both men were enrolled from August to December, but didn’t return to school after the winter break. The alleged assault happened at a residence hall on the 500 block of 1st Avenue in St. Cloud in the early hours of Nov. 1. According to a criminal complaint, the victim says she was returning to her dorm room between 2-3 a.m. when she encountered two unknown males near the bathroom. The men pushed her into her room and closed the door, with Tamang allegedly holding the victim from behind while Phayal proceeded to assault her, despite her “repeated pleas to stop.” Tamang then left the room while Phayal continued the alleged *****, with the victim eventually managing to push him off. Tamang re-entered, with the victim saying she believes he had been waiting outside the door. She reported the assault to police that evening, describing both men as Nepalis. Earlier in the day she had received an Instagram message request from a user called Dipak Phayal that asked: “How are you feeling right now? Are you well?” She didn’t respond, but noticed the profile picture was similar to that of one of her attackers. Police investigated lobby surveillance footage and observed men matching the description of Phayal and Tamang, with a witness confirming it was them. When initially questioned, Phayal admitted seeing a woman “stumbling in the hallway” and helped her to her room. He denied ******* contact but later changed his statement, claiming the victim tried to engage him in sex, which he declined. Tamang told police that Phayal had admitted to engaging in “consensual touching” with the victim. A ******* assault examination of the victim resulted in ****** samples being found on the victim, which a DNA test revealed was almost certainly a match to Phayal. A swab taken from a bruise on the victim’s shoulder was a likely match with Tamang. Source link #Woman #held #****** #fellow #Cloud #State #student Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts Trump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts U.S. President Donald Trump looks on on the day he signs an executive order in the Oval Office, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. Feb. 25, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday aimed at implementing the Department of Government Efficiency’s cost-cutting drive, the White House said. The order will transform federal spending on contracts, grants and loans “to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public,” according to the text. All federal agencies must review contracts and grants for “waste, fraud and abuse,” and work with DOGE employees to review and terminate all “unnecessary” contracts, according to a copy of a fact sheet provided by a White House official. The fact sheet says the order also directs the General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate portfolio, to create a plan for “disposing of unnecessary government-owned or leased real property.” DOGE has swept through federal agencies since Donald Trump began his second term as president last month, putting billionaire Elon Musk, the chief executive of carmaker Tesla, in charge of an unprecedented cost-cutting campaign that has included thousands of job cuts. Source link #Trump #directs #agencies #review #terminate #unnecessary #contracts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Texas child is first reported US measles death in a decade as outbreak hits more than 130 people – Reuters Texas child is first reported US measles death in a decade as outbreak hits more than 130 people – Reuters Texas child is first reported US measles death in a decade as outbreak hits more than 130 people ReutersChild in West Texas is first US measles death in a decade CNNInfectious disease doctor answers measles FAQs CBS NewsUnvaccinated Child Dies of Measles in Texas Outbreak The New York TimesUS sees first measles death in a decade The Hill Source link #Texas #child #reported #measles #death #decade #outbreak #hits #people #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aussie Green eyes LPGA title defence, lofty 2025 goals Aussie Green eyes LPGA title defence, lofty 2025 goals Her face everywhere, Hannah Green is feeling right at home as she prepares to defend her HSBC Women’s World Championship in Singapore and hopefully launch an even better season than her stellar 2024. Green is teeing it up for only the second time this year, one of five Australians in the star-studded 69-player field at the LPGA Tour’s $US2.4 million event at Sentosa Golf Club. The world No.6 has returned to women’s golf’s so-called “Major of Asia” with fond memories and feeling good vibes. Green notched birdies on the last three holes last year to snatch victory from Celine Boutier and become only the fifth *********** to win five times on the LPGA tour. “I practised yesterday and I played the back nine and just remember obviously the last three putts that I made on 16, 17 and 18. Recreated the putt on 18,” she said. “Yeah, my face is everywhere – in the hotel, on the golf course, in the city. So it’s unusual to see it everywhere but obviously gives me a lot of confidence, and hopefully I don’t put too much added pressure on to myself. “But this is a place that I’ve had not only a win but some good finishes so I’m looking forward to a title defence.” The 28-year-old has recent experience going back to back. In addition to saluting in Singapore last March, Green successfully defended her LA Championship in May before clinching a third title of the year with another one-shot triumph over Boutier in the BMW Ladies Championship in South Korea in October. No wonder she has lofty ambitions for 2025. “Most players have goals throughout the year and because I did achieve winning three tournaments, it’s hard to then reset,” Green said. “So I guess another thing that I’ve been thinking about with my coach is obviously where my world ranking is and, realistically, with Nelly (Korda) winning as many times (eight) as she did last year, I don’t think I can achieve No.1 unless I win the same amount of times. “Would love to get to world No.2, world No.3. It is hard to back up a successful year. “Don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. But it does bring a lot of confidence coming to events that you’ve played well at before.” The 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner also wants to contend at all of this year’s majors after missing the halfway cut in two of the five big ones last season. “Unfortunately I didn’t play a lot of weekends last year, and those are the tournaments we try to prepare the best for and I put too much pressure on myself to perform well at those events,” Green said. “I’m hoping this year will be a better season in that sense. I’ve just got to use the confidence from the last couple years.” Green will play the first two rounds in Singapore with Thailand’s world No.2 Jeeno Thitikul and New Zealand superstar Lydia Ko. “It’s almost like a home event. This is the same time zone as where I live and only a five-hour flight,” Green said. “It’s the closest LPGA that we have to my home city so there’s lots of people that come from Perth that travel up and my husband is also here this week, which is nice. There’s lots of good memories.” Minjee Lee, Steph Kyriacou, Grace Kim and Gabriela Ruffels also feature in the rare no-cut event. Source link #Aussie #Green #eyes #LPGA #title #defence #lofty #goals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Metro bus crashes into Wisconsin restaurant after passenger attacks driver, suspect flees Metro bus crashes into Wisconsin restaurant after passenger attacks driver, suspect flees MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – Officers in southern Wisconsin are investigating an incident Tuesday night where a passenger attacked a Metro bus driver leading to a ****** into a local restaurant. Both officers with the Madison Police Department and first responders with the Madison Fire Department were called to Dempsey Road around 7:45 p.m. on February 25. No criminal charges for law enforcement in Oshkosh’s officer-involved shooting back in December Madison Police Department First responders arrived to find a Madison Metro bus partially inside the Asian House restaurant where paramedics evaluated two people, including the bus driver, for injuries. It was noted that one victim was taken to a local hospital but it was not stated if it was the driver or the other victim. Witnesses reported that a female passenger of the Metro bus reportedly got upset when she learned that the bus wasn’t going to her desired location. She then allegedly began to push and fight with the bus driver. The disturbance caused the driver to lose control of the bus before crashing into the building. The MFD Heavy Urban Rescue Team worked to clear debris from the area and helped to secure the building while the bus was methodically removed from the restaurant. Juvenile arrested for social media threats against Roncalli Middle School in Manitowoc Officers say the woman who allegedly attacked the bus driver had left the area before first responders got to the scene. Madison Fire Department Madison Fire Department Madison Fire Department Madison Fire Department Madison Fire Department Authorities provided an update later Tuesday evening, saying around 10:05 p.m., the bus was safely removed from the building. As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing. No other details were provided. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 – Green Bay, Appleton. Source link #Metro #bus #crashes #Wisconsin #restaurant #passenger #attacks #driver #suspect #flees Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia, Asia chip stocks, Trump tariffs Nvidia, Asia chip stocks, Trump tariffs The city skyline of Lujiazui Shanghai Center in China, on March 13, 2024. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed as U.S. President Donald Trump’s fresh tariff threats weigh on investor sentiment. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 traded 0.37% higher at the open. Japan’s Nikkei 225 futures pointed to a higher open for the market, with the futures contract in Chicago at 38,150 compared to the index’s previous close of 38,142.37. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index futures were at 23,625, weaker than the HSI’s last close of 23,787.93. Trump on Wednesday threatened to impose 25% tariffs on imports from the European Union. This comes on the back of the president’s declaration to go forward with tariffs on Mexico and Canada after a monthlong postponement. Investors will be keeping an eye on Asian chip stocks after technology darling Nvidia’s fourth-quarter earnings beat Wall Street expectations. The chipmaker also provided strong guidance for the current quarter and indicated its confidence in continuing its historic run of growth fueled by artificial intelligence. “While markets have begun to react to these developments, deep tariff risks are still being underpriced,” Goldman Sachs wrote in a note released Wednesday. Kamakshya Trivedi, the investment bank’s head of global FX, rates and EM strategy, said that the scope for U.S. equities to fall further and a stronger move in the dollar still exists if Trump “walks the walk” on broader and ******* tariffs. Overnight in the U.S., the S&P 500 eked out gains, snapping a four-day run of losses to close at 5,956.06 The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 188.04 points, or 0.43%, to end at 43,433.12. The 30-stock average was earlier up as much as 245.34 points, or about 0.6%. Meanwhile, the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite rose 0.26% and ended at 19,075.26. —CNBC’s Hakyung Kim and Brian Evans contributed to this report. Source link #Nvidia #Asia #chip #stocks #Trump #tariffs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Watch Intuitive Machines’ Launch to Return to the Moon – The New York Times Watch Intuitive Machines’ Launch to Return to the Moon – The New York Times Watch Intuitive Machines’ Launch to Return to the Moon The New York TimesIntuitive Machines-2 Launch to the Moon NASA (.gov)The Texas-based company that made history with a soft touchdown on the moon is back at the launchpad CNNLive coverage: SpaceX to launch Intuitive Machines’ 2nd Moon lander, 3 rideshare spacecraft Spaceflight NowCommercial lunar lander Athena heading to the moon with a drill, rover and rocket-powered “hopper” to search for ice CBS News Source link #Watch #Intuitive #Machines #Launch #Return #Moon #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Lockdown after 'suspicious device' washes up on beach Lockdown after 'suspicious device' washes up on beach An exclusion zone has been set up on a popular beach after a “suspicious device” washed up on the tourist strip, sparking an investigation into the item. Source link #Lockdown #039suspicious #device039 #washes #beach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts Trump directs agencies to review, terminate ‘unnecessary’ contracts U.S. President Donald Trump looks on on the day he signs an executive order in the Oval Office, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S. Feb. 25, 2025. Evelyn Hockstein | Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday aimed at implementing the Department of Government Efficiency’s cost-cutting drive, the White House said. The order will transform federal spending on contracts, grants and loans “to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public,” according to the text. All federal agencies must review contracts and grants for “waste, fraud and abuse,” and work with DOGE employees to review and terminate all “unnecessary” contracts, according to a copy of a fact sheet provided by a White House official. The fact sheet says the order also directs the General Services Administration, which manages the federal government’s real estate portfolio, to create a plan for “disposing of unnecessary government-owned or leased real property.” DOGE has swept through federal agencies since Donald Trump began his second term as president last month, putting billionaire Elon Musk, the chief executive of carmaker Tesla, in charge of an unprecedented cost-cutting campaign that has included thousands of job cuts. Source link #Trump #directs #agencies #review #terminate #unnecessary #contracts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Toyota’s GR Sub-Brand Is Committed to Gasoline and Stick Shifts Toyota’s GR Sub-Brand Is Committed to Gasoline and Stick Shifts Toyota currently sells four cars with its relatively new GR performance badge globally, and all four are available with a six-speed manual transmission. That makes Toyota an oddity even among brands selling performance cars — good news for enthusiasts in an era where even BMW’s manual transmissions are not expected to be long for this world. Better still, that plan is apparently not going to change any time soon. According to quotes from *********** Toyota executive Sean Hanley shared by Australia’s CarSales, “combustion engines and manual transmissions will be around for a long, long time” at the performance division. Hanley added that GR will be “about the sounds, about the smells and the feel of a combustion engine – that snap, crackle and pop we all love so much.” This does not necessarily mean that GR will not get into more modern technologies. The CarSales report notes Toyota’s idea of internal combustion could eventually mean hydrogen-powered internal-combustion motors rather than typical gasoline-powered engines. Hanley also suggests that the brand could build an EV in the future, too. Toyota still has not officially announced any plans to expand its GR lineup, but persistent rumors, teasers, and hopes shared by employees have suggested that the brand has wanted to add successors to both the Celica and MR2 since at least 2018. Recent rumors have also suggested that Toyota could be working alongside Mazda to develop another car with an inline-six engine. The brand also presented an EV concept in 2023 and a GT3 concept in 2022, both of which could hint at a future production car. No matter what path Toyota chooses to take, the arrival of one or more new GR-branded sports cars may be imminent. The internal combustion options could also come with the manual transmissions mentioned by Hanley. All would be welcome. You Might Also Like Source link #Toyotas #SubBrand #Committed #Gasoline #Stick #Shifts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Workday and Lowe’s shares could soon rally, one strategist says Why Workday and Lowe’s shares could soon rally, one strategist says Investors can find buying opportunities in Workday and Lowe’s after their encouraging financial results, according to Miller Tabak chief market strategist Matt Maley. Maley appeared on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” on Wednesday to give his takes on some of the market’s biggest movers of the day. Here is what he said during “Three-Stock Lunch.” Workday Maley is looking to pick up shares of the finance and human resources software provider, which climbed more than 6% on Wednesday after posting fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that beat analysts’ estimates. Although the strategist was worried about Workday’s slowing subscriber growth, he turned positive on the stock after the company boasted increased profit margins in the latest quarter. Maley is also optimistic on the company’s effort to lift international sales. Workday gets 75% of its sales domestically, and is seeking to broaden that inside the U.S. to include more small- and mid-size companies, as well as internationally, he noted. “If they can grow that kind of earnings growth from overseas, that’s gonna be very bullish, especially because the stock is kind of fairly right in the middle of its five-year range in terms of price to earnings ratio,” Maley said. Workday’s shares are up 5% this year, but are still down almost 12% over the past year. WDAY 1Y mountain Workday stock performance over the past year. Instacart Grocery delivery company Instacart , formally known as Maplebear Inc., is a name to avoid, according to Maley. The strategist believes signs of weakness in consumer spending, such as spiking credit card delinquency levels, could ultimately hit Instacart’s business as individuals hold back on discretionary spending. How much consumers are prepared to pay “for this kind of grocery and food delivery is a concern for me,” Maley said. “I love the concept, but they’re talking about making it more affordable. Are they going to be able to do that and still maintain their margins? So this is one I want to avoid and not buy on a dip.” Shares slid more than 12% Wednesday after Instacart posted weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and gave downbeat guidance for the current quarter. The stock is still roughly 36% higher over the past year, but faces stiff competition ahead. Investors are also weighing the effect of Amazon’s new artificial intelligence-powered Alexa Plus model, which would be able to complete tasks such as placing grocery orders with Instacart. Lowe’s Maley is a fan of home improvement retailer Lowe’s, but only as a long-term holding. “Housing stocks have been getting beaten up completely,” Maley said, noting recent weak housing starts data and Wednesday’s worse-than-expected new home sales. That data “does make me concerned, but longer-term, I do like the stock and I think that you may not necessarily want to chase it on this bounce, but it’s okay to buy over time,” he said. A couple of positive trends still support the stock, Maley said, including the rebuilding of Los Angeles after its wildfires and continued interest among homeowners looking to improve their existing dwellings rather than taking on a higher-rate mortgage to trade up or downsize. Shares of Lowe’s gained almost 2% Wednesday after fourth-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street estimates, reflecting positive same-store sales growth for the first time in about two years. The stock is little changed in 2025 but is up about 9% over the past year. LOW 1Y mountain Lowe’s stock performance. Investors can find buying opportunities in Workday and Lowe’s after their encouraging financial results, according to Miller Tabak chief market strategist Matt Maley. Maley appeared on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” on Wednesday to give his takes on some of the market’s biggest movers of the day. Here is what he said during “Three-Stock Lunch.” Workday Maley is looking to pick up shares of the finance and human resources software provider, which climbed more than 6% on Wednesday after posting fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that beat analysts’ estimates. Although the strategist was worried about Workday’s slowing subscriber growth, he turned positive on the stock after the company boasted increased profit margins in the latest quarter. Maley is also optimistic on the company’s effort to lift international sales. Workday gets 75% of its sales domestically, and is seeking to broaden that inside the U.S. to include more small- and mid-size companies, as well as internationally, he noted. “If they can grow that kind of earnings growth from overseas, that’s gonna be very bullish, especially because the stock is kind of fairly right in the middle of its five-year range in terms of price to earnings ratio,” Maley said. Workday’s shares are up 5% this year, but are still down almost 12% over the past year. Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Workday stock performance over the past year. Instacart Grocery delivery company Instacart, formally known as Maplebear Inc., is a name to avoid, according to Maley. The strategist believes signs of weakness in consumer spending, such as spiking credit card delinquency levels, could ultimately hit Instacart’s business as individuals hold back on discretionary spending. How much consumers are prepared to pay “for this kind of grocery and food delivery is a concern for me,” Maley said. “I love the concept, but they’re talking about making it more affordable. Are they going to be able to do that and still maintain their margins? So this is one I want to avoid and not buy on a dip.” Shares slid more than 12% Wednesday after Instacart posted weaker-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue and gave downbeat guidance for the current quarter. The stock is still roughly 36% higher over the past year, but faces stiff competition ahead. Investors are also weighing the effect of Amazon’s new artificial intelligence-powered Alexa Plus model, which would be able to complete tasks such as placing grocery orders with Instacart. Lowe’s Maley is a fan of home improvement retailer Lowe’s, but only as a long-term holding. “Housing stocks have been getting beaten up completely,” Maley said, noting recent weak housing starts data and Wednesday’s worse-than-expected new home sales. That data “does make me concerned, but longer-term, I do like the stock and I think that you may not necessarily want to chase it on this bounce, but it’s okay to buy over time,” he said. A couple of positive trends still support the stock, Maley said, including the rebuilding of Los Angeles after its wildfires and continued interest among homeowners looking to improve their existing dwellings rather than taking on a higher-rate mortgage to trade up or downsize. Shares of Lowe’s gained almost 2% Wednesday after fourth-quarter earnings exceeded Wall Street estimates, reflecting positive same-store sales growth for the first time in about two years. The stock is little changed in 2025 but is up about 9% over the past year. Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Lowe’s stock performance. Source link #Workday #Lowes #shares #rally #strategist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by ******, Israeli security official says – CNN Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by ******, Israeli security official says – CNN Four bodies transferred to Red Cross by ******, Israeli security official says CNNWho Are the Deceased Hostages ****** Said It Handed Over to Israel? The New York TimesThe Hostage I Knew The AtlanticBodies of 4 hostages transferred from ****** to Red Cross: Israeli security official ABC News Source link #bodies #transferred #Red #Cross #****** #Israeli #security #official #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park accused of ‘cherry picking’ health data NSW Health Minister Ryan Park accused of ‘cherry picking’ health data A minister has been accused of “cherry picking” data after releasing positive statistics just hours before a hearing kicked off. Source link #NSW #Health #Minister #Ryan #Park #accused #cherry #picking #health #data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3 councilmen in South Carolina’s third-largest city charged in bribery and kickback scheme 3 councilmen in South Carolina’s third-largest city charged in bribery and kickback scheme Three members of the City Council in South Carolina’s third-largest city accepted kickbacks and bribes to give out grant money and rezone land or lied about what they knew, federal prosecutors said Wednesday, Charges against North Charleston councilmen Jerome Heyward, Sandino Moses and Mike A. Brown along with five others were announced Wednesday after a yearlong investigation by the FBI and state officials. Heyward took a $40,000 kickback from two nonprofit organizations in return for steering to them part of a $1.3 million grant to fight gun violence in North Charleston, according to court documents. 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. Heyward and Brown were part of a scheme by a boat maker to rezone land on the Ashley River in North Charleston that was once a hospital and before that a fertilizer plant to sell to a boat manufacturer. The company offered to build a park but also wanted a plant on the site. The councilmen accepted bribes to try to get the rezoning passed and by that time the FBI was listening to Heyward’s call, catching Brown saying he was annoyed it was taking too long to get his money because he needed to pay for his son’s wedding, prosecutors said. The rezoning plan was rejected. Moses also took money to support the rezoning. He returned it, but he lied about the offer and what he knew about his fellow councilmen being on the take, according to charging documents. Heyward is charged with extortion, bribery and wire fraud. Brown is charged with bribery and wire fraud, and Moses is charged with lying to federal investigators. Heyward and Moses plan to plead guilty to their charges on Friday, acting U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Brook Andrews said. A lawyer for Heyward didn’t comment Wednesday. The other councilmen and their lawyers didn’t immediately respond. Heyward and Moses have resigned from council, North Charleston officials said. “The allegations in this case describe a profound betrayal of trust,” Andrews said at a news conference. “These council members used their positions not to serve their communities, but to enrich themselves.” North Charleston is South Carolina’s third-largest city with about 125,000 people. Mayor Reggie Burgess thanked the FBI and state investigators for their work to make sure residents remained certain with their city government. He said the city fully cooperated with the investigation. “Transparency and accountability remain core principles of this administration, and we welcomed this review as a necessary step to uphold those standards,” Burgess said. Source link #councilmen #South #Carolinas #thirdlargest #city #charged #bribery #kickback #scheme Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]