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Ange looking for Son shine in Spurs’ crucial City clash Ange looking for Son shine in Spurs’ crucial City clash Ange Postecoglou does not believe Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is set to “slow down” any time soon. Son set up Brennan Johnson to score twice at Ipswich on Saturday to move into double figures for assists this Premier League season, alongside 10 goals in all competitions. The South Korea attacker had only found the net four times going into December, raising questions about his long-term future, but has been more prolific since and the club triggered a one-year extension in January to keep him contracted until 2026. On Wednesday (Thursday morning AEDT) Son will get the chance to show his class again when Manchester City visit, and Postecoglou has backed a player with 13 goal involvements in this fixture to continue to flourish. “His ability to beat players, even in tight areas, is elite. His finishing is elite,” the *********** coach said. “Sonny’s benefited from the fact he’s been able to have a break between games. We saw that on the weekend after being able to recover from one game to another and having a full week to get his energy levels back. He was outstanding, particularly in the first half. “You never want to try to predict with players like Sonny how long he will go for because those kind of players always defy whatever odds there are because of the way they look after themselves and conduct themselves, the levels. “Even this year, as difficult as it has been for us, I think his numbers still stack up. You weigh him up against any winger in the league, he’s still going to be top five. “He’s probably been top five in the nine or 10 years he’s been here. Not many would rank with Sonny in terms of output on a consistent basis from his position. He’s top 10 per cent of players in his position in the Premier League. “Those are the facts, and if he’s continuing to do that, there’s nothing to say he should slow down.” Postecoglou will look to Son for more inspiration against City, especially with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison sidelined. That has led to deadline-day arrival Mathys Tel being deployed in a central striker position to mixed effect, with a goal at Aston Villa and a lively display against Manchester United followed by a difficult afternoon away to Ipswich despite a 4-1 victory for Tottenham. Tel signed for Spurs after he struggled for minutes at Bayern Munich, and Postecoglou scoffed at premature criticism of the youngster. “He’s 19 years old, he hadn’t played a lot, we’ve thrown him in and kept him in there because I want to build up his fitness, but if anyone is expecting him to come in as a 19-year-old and take the Premier League by storm by scoring multiple goals, it’s not realistic,” he said. “At 19, I see really outstanding attributes in him that I think he could be a really good number nine. “He may not be getting the goals and the accolades, but he’s certainly contributing to the way we want to play. “He’s got so much growth in him and I’m sure we’ll see that.” Postecoglou also revealed Micky van de Ven (hamstring), Cristian Romero (groin) and Solanke (knee) “should all be available to play” for the Europa League last-16 second leg at home to AZ Alkmaar on March 13. Source link #Ange #Son #shine #Spurs #crucial #City #clash Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Congressional Republicans start backing away from Musk Congressional Republicans start backing away from Musk Elon Musk is beginning to wear out his welcome with congressional Republicans. In the House, Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday shrugged off Musk’s attempt to interfere with his budget plan. In the Senate, North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis pointedly suggested that President Donald Trump’s appointees should stand up to the billionaire’s whims, including his recent demand that all federal workers justify their employment. And a growing number of GOP lawmakers urged the tech mogul to show more compassion for the civil servants he’s already culled. “As we get more Senate-confirmed leadership in the departments, I think they have to take the reins,” Tillis said in response to a POLITICO reporter’s question at the Capitol. “They’re closer to it, they’re more granular, they’ll understand and be able to really implement thematically what they’re trying to do with DOGE,” Tillis said, “but to avoid some of the unintended outcomes that they have to go back and reverse.” Meanwhile, some GOP members are calling on Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to route its cuts through Congress in a process known as rescission. And even Republicans staunchly supportive of Musk’s mission to shrink the government are beginning to acknowledge public pushback to the speed and sweep of DOGE’s cuts. While Trump has given the world’s richest man vast power to reshape the federal government, congressional Republicans are signaling there should be a limit to his authority. That particularly comes into play when he starts meddling in GOP leaders’ already-complicated legislative agenda. Musk has gotten involved in complicated legislative fights before. In December, days before a government-shutdown deadline, he stoked conservative rage online about a broad bipartisan spending bill. Together with Trump and JD Vance, Musk forced Johnson to pull the bill and scramble for a new solution — irritating senior Hill Republicans who felt the billionaire was encouraging Trump to demand the impossible. And Musk has hinted he might wade into spending negotiations again ahead of the next government funding deadline on March 14, saying in response to a post on X that a shutdown “sounds great.” Most Republicans are unwilling to openly flirt with a shutdown, worried they would take the political blame. Musk’s latest attempt to insert himself into congressional business came Monday, when he waded into Johnson’s high-stakes negotiations with holdouts on his budget plan for Trump’s border security, energy and tax policies, replying “that sounds bad” in response to an X post from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) that said Johnson’s budget framework would add to the deficit. But the speaker told POLITICO Tuesday morning that he had “no concerns” that Musk’s meddling would affect his whip count. By Tuesday night, the House approved the budget bill, 217-215. The growing pushback Musk is facing on Capitol Hill comes as courts, Cabinet secretaries and even the White House attempt to place limits on his authority as Trump’s chief government cutter. The White House said in court papers earlier this month that Musk is not DOGE’s leader, but rather a senior adviser to the president who has “no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself.” Several Cabinet secretaries — primarily those whose agencies are involved in national intelligence — directed their employees not to respond to Musk’s mandate for federal workers to outline five things they had accomplished in the preceding week or face firing. And federal judges have blocked Musk and DOGE from accessing Americans’ private information at several agencies, including the Treasury and Education departments. Public opinion of Musk is also souring. Polling shows Americans now hold negative views of the X owner. Republican representatives were hounded in their districts over Musk’s cuts and potential GOP reductions to Medicaid and other safety-net programs. A representative of DOGE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. On Tuesday, Congress’ DOGE Caucus — lawmakers focused on cutting government spending through congressional actions — acknowledged the blowback while attempting to distance their group from Musk’s department. Chair Aaron Bean (R-Fla.) noted the “uncomfortability of some members of Congress and the American people” are showing at the “speed of which President Trump and Elon Musk are going. They’ve got the pedal to the metal.” But he also stood firm behind DOGE. “I can tell you, it has to be done,” Bean said. “We have to downsize our federal government.” Source link #Congressional #Republicans #start #backing #Musk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. lawmakers warn that China could use Musk to influence Trump U.S. lawmakers warn that China could use Musk to influence Trump Elon Musk and U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House’s Oval Office. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters The Republican and Democratic leaders of the U.S. House of Representatives’ select committee on China warned on Tuesday that Beijing may try to exert leverage with Elon Musk in a bid to win favorable U.S. policies, and that Washington must counter any such effort. Republican committee chair John Moolenaar and Democratic ranking member ***** Krishnamoorthi said they believed the ******** ********** Party wants to use U.S. business leaders including Musk, who have commercial interests in China, to advance its goals in talks with Washington. “To the question of Elon Musk, I do believe that the CCP will try and leverage any opportunity,” Moolenaar told an event hosted by the Brookings Institution thinktank in Washington. “Are people going to be looking for that and make sure that his lane is one that is not influencing China policy? I believe that is the case,” Moolenaar said, when asked whether Congress has a role in preventing Beijing from negotiating with the White House through Musk. Musk and the White House did not respond immediately to requests for comment. China’s Washington embassy said China welcomed “mutually beneficial cooperation” with “people from all walks of life in the United States.” “We are happy to see foreign-funded enterprises invest and start businesses in China, deepen their presence in the ******** market and share development opportunities,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said by email. China has some pressing priorities. Just over a month into his second term, President Donald Trump has announced additional 10% tariffs on ******** goods, called for greater restrictions on ******** investment in the U.S., and named China hardliners to key posts. Musk, the world’s richest man and among Trump’s biggest donors in the 2024 election, could be attractive to Beijing as a potential conduit to Trump because he has become one of the president’s closest White House advisers. Trump named Musk to lead an effort to radically downsize the federal government. The billionaire also for years has had contact with senior ******** officials, including President Xi Jinping. China may also be able to grant Musk things that he wants. His biggest business interest in China is electric car company Tesla, which he leads as CEO. Tesla delivered 36.7% of its cars to customers in China last year, its second-largest market worldwide based on sales. But Tesla’s market share has declined in China as domestic electric vehicle makers have grown, and it has faced regulatory roadblocks to the rollout of its self-driving features there that could boost sales while regulators have allowed ******** firms to move ahead. Apart from Tesla, some of Musk’s other ventures, including commercial rocket and satellite firm SpaceX and social media platform X – the latter is banned in China – are viewed by Beijing as security risks. Circumventing China hawks Krishnamoorthi told the Brookings event that Beijing viewed Musk as way to circumvent China hawks on Trump’s national security team, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz. “They absolutely see him as an asset to them in any kind of negotiations, a way to bypass Rubio, a way to bypass Waltz, a way to bypass those whom they see to be less friendly to them on their issues,” Krishnamoorthi said. “My hope is that the president is going to be listening to everybody very carefully,” he said. The lawmakers did not detail the evidence supporting their views. The White House has said Musk has no decision-making authority in the Trump administration and his efficiency initiative has no direct involvement in U.S. foreign policy. Trump’s praise for Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin have stoked concerns that he might pursue a grand bargain with Beijing that sidelines Taiwan. China claims the island as its territory, and Taipei has historically counted on Washington as its most important backer, a major irritant to China. Krishnamoorthi said he worried Trump could put core U.S. interests, such as support for Taiwan or freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, up for negotiation in any direct talks with Xi to achieve wins on trade. Moolenaar said he had confidence in Trump’s national security team, but also “limited hopes” for what talks with China might achieve given Beijing’s failure to live up to past promises. Source link #U.S #lawmakers #warn #China #Musk #influence #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Walgreens to pay $595 million settlement to virtual care company over COVID-19 testing dispute Walgreens to pay $595 million settlement to virtual care company over COVID-19 testing dispute Deerfield-based Walgreens Boots Alliance has agreed to pay a $595 million settlement to a virtual care company over a dispute involving COVID-19 testing — dodging a $987 million arbitration award that a federal judge recently said Walgreens had to pay. The settlement comes just weeks after a federal judge upheld a $987 million arbitration award that Walgreens and virtual care company PWNHealth, now doing business as Everly Health, had been sparring over in court. A Walgreens spokesperson said in a statement at the time that Walgreens would appeal the judge’s decision to uphold the award. But the settlement agreement, which was announced late Tuesday, would put an end to the matter. Walgreens “entered into the Settlement Agreement to avoid the continued accrual of post-award interest on the Arbitration Award and the cost and uncertainty of continued litigation,” Walgreens said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Tuesday. Walgreens noted that the settlement agreement includes no admission of wrongdoing or liability by Walgreens. Everly did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon. Walgreens had contracted with PWNHealth early in the COVID-19 pandemic when ordering a COVID-19 test required a physician’s involvement. Walgreens used PWNHealth’s network of physicians to order tests for customers who scheduled appointments using Walgreens’ website, according to a court document. But in 2022, PWNHealth initiated arbitration, alleging that Walgreens breached the agreement between the two companies when Walgreens began using its own pharmacists, after regulatory requirements changed, to order tests using the website created by Walgreens and PWNHealth without notifying PWNHealth. PWNHealth said in court documents that for part of that time, Walgreens kept PWNHealth’s mark on its website. The arbitrator sided with PWNHealth, and Walgreens challenged that decision in federal court in Delaware, arguing in part that damages should have been limited to $79 million per a contractual agreement. The judge, however, sided with the arbitrator’s original decision. Had Walgreens appealed the judge’s decision, the appeals process would have likely taken at least two years, Walgreens previously said. The settlement agreement comes amid a number of other financial challenges for the retail pharmacy giant related to medication reimbursements, changing consumer habits and a partnership with primary care provider VillageMD that wasn’t successful. Walgreens CEO Tim Wentworth has said he plans to turn around the company partly by refocusing on its historic work as a retail pharmacy-led business. Earlier this year, Walgreens said that it would suspend quarterly dividends for shareholders for the first time in 92 years. Last year, Walgreens announced plans to close 1,200 stores over the next three years, including in Chicago. Walgreens has been cutting costs for years, including through layoffs in Illinois and other locations. Source link #Walgreens #pay #million #settlement #virtual #care #company #COVID19 #testing #dispute Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump’s policies are worrying investors Trump’s policies are worrying investors U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a hat stating “Trump Was Right About Everything” after signing executive orders in the Oval Office at the White House on Feb. 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. Alex Wong | Getty Images The “Trump Bump” — in which stocks and other assets, such as cryptocurrency, jumped after Donald Trump’s election and inauguration — appears to have leveled off. Nowhere is this clearer than in Tesla shares, which plunged on Tuesday, erasing most of a postelection pop driven by CEO Elon Musk’s association with Trump. Consumers are also growing worried about the impact of Trump’s tariffs on the economy. A U.S. Conference Board survey showed pessimism around the availability of jobs, business conditions and future income — as well as heightened expectations for inflation in 2025. The 10-year Treasury yield, which is seen as an indicator of growth expectations, dropped on that news. Stocks continued to slide. If the trajectory doesn’t change soon, we could be facing a “Trump Slump.” What you need to know today Nasdaq in the red for 2025On Tuesday, the S&P 500 fell 0.47% for its fourth consecutive losing day. The Nasdaq Composite lost 1.35%, dragged down by Nvidia’s 2.8% drop, and is in negative territory for the year. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, added 0.37%. Europe’s Stoxx 600 index rose 0.15%. Defense stocks in the U.K. rose after the country’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an increase in annual defense spending on defense. Low consumer confidenceThe U.S. Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slipped to 98.3 for February, down seven points and below the Dow Jones forecast for 102.3. This was the lowest reading since June 2024 and the largest monthly drop since August 2021. Consumers’ 12-month inflation expectations jumped to 6%, up from 5.2% the prior month and well ahead of the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal. Tesla loses most of its Trump gainsTesla shares slumped 8.4%, dropping the company’s market capitalization below $1 trillion to its lowest level since Nov. 7 — two days after U.S. President Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidential election. The stock has plummeted 25% year to date, compared with the Nasdaq’s 1.5% fall. Some concern involves the company’s performance, while others are specific to CEO Elon Musk, who is spending much of his time in Washington D.C. Super Micro Computer avoids delistingSuper Micro Computer shares popped as much as 23% in extended trading after the company filed its financial results for fiscal 2024 just in time to prevent being delisted from the Nasdaq. According to the company’s updated and audited financials, Super Micro’s sales more than doubled in its fiscal 2024 to $14.99 billion. Last year, after the company delayed its annual report, it lost its auditor, Ernst & Young, citing governance issues. Apple plans to invest in U.S.Apple plans to open a new factory in Texas to produce artificial intelligence servers, as part of a $500 billion investment in the U.S., the company said Monday. In addition to the new Texas facility, Apple said it plans to hire around 20,000 new employees across the U.S. The move comes after Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook met with Trump last week. [PRO] ‘Flesh wound’ for marketsStocks have been taking a beating in recent days. But that could merely be a “flesh wound,” said Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat Global. In other words, this could be a temporary drop from which markets recover, aided by investors buying the dip, among two other market-moving events happening this week. Lee is a notable market bull. And finally… Jensen Huang, co-founder and chief executive officer of Nvidia Corp., during the opening ceremony of the Siliconware Precision Industries Co. (SPIL) Tan Ke Plant in Taichung, Taiwan, on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. An Rong Xu | Bloomberg | Getty Images Nvidia to report earnings amid infrastructure spending, DeepSeek concerns Nvidia is scheduled to report fourth-quarter financial results on Wednesday after the bell. It’s expected to put the finishing touches on one of the most remarkable years from a large company ever. Analysts polled by FactSet expect $38 billion in sales for the quarter ended in January, which would be a 72% increase on an annual basis. But Nvidia’s stock has slowed in recent months as investors question where the chip company can go from here. It’s trading at the same price as it did last October, and investors are wary of any signs that Nvidia’s most important customers might be tightening their belts after years of big capital expenditures. Source link #Trumps #policies #worrying #investors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amazon Alexa event — live updates and last-minute rumors – Tom's Guide Amazon Alexa event — live updates and last-minute rumors – Tom's Guide Amazon Alexa event — live updates and last-minute rumors Tom’s GuideAmazon Is Giving Alexa a Major AI Upgrade. Here’s What We Know CNETAmazon is hammering out deals with news publishers ahead of its AI-enhanced Alexa upgrade Business InsiderWhat to expect from Amazon’s big Alexa event this week The VergeThe end of free Alexa? Amazon might announce a major Echo update tomorrow Express Source link #Amazon #Alexa #event #live #updates #lastminute #rumors #Tom039s #Guide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Thousands of Canadians sign petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship Thousands of Canadians sign petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship Hundreds of thousands of people have signed a petition to revoke Elon Musk’s ********* citizenship amid tensions between the Trump administration and Canada. The petition, which opened to signatures five days ago, accuses Musk of acting against Canada’s national interest and undermining its sovereignty. In Canada, citizenship can be revoked only if someone has committed fraud, misrepresented themselves or knowingly hid information on an immigration or citizenship application. Responding to the petition, Musk, a ********* citizen through his Saskatchewan-born mother, wrote on X: “Canada is not a real country.” The post was later deleted. The petition claims the billionaire “has used his wealth and power to influence our elections” and “has now become a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase ********* sovereignty”. Launched on 20 February, it remains open for signatures until 20 June. More than 250,000 Canadians have signed the petition. It is mostly symbolic and has no legal force. But petitions with at least 500 signatures and a member of parliament’s backing typically receive a government response, this one may not, as a spring election could dissolve parliament. It was created by a British Columbia author and endorsed by MP Charlie Angus of the New Democratic Party. Angus, a 20-year MP for Timmins–James Bay, has announced he will not seek re-election. The BBC has contacted his office for comment. US-Canada tensions have escalated since Trump’s return, with the president repeatedly suggesting Canada could become a US state and threatening tariffs on steel, aluminium, and other imports. ********* leaders have pushed back, vowing counter-tariffs. The spat has spilled out beyond government, with Canadians cancelling US trips, boycotting American products, and booing opposing anthems at hockey and basketball games. Mr Musk, born in South Africa, moved to Canada at 18, and worked odd jobs before studying at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later emigrated to the US. The billionaire has backed Trump’s hardline immigration policies but now faces scrutiny over claims he worked illegally in the US on a student visa. In a recent interview, Steve Bannon, a former advisor to President Trump, called Mr Musk a “parasitic ******** immigrant”. The Tesla CEO has denied the accusations, and has said he did not work illegally. He became a naturalised US citizen in 2002, according to a recent biography. The BBC has contacted Mr Musk via his businesses for comment. Source link #Thousands #Canadians #sign #petition #revoke #Musks #citizenship Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Michelle ***** PPE firm evidence to be heard in private, Covid inquiry rules Michelle ***** PPE firm evidence to be heard in private, Covid inquiry rules Getty Images Doug Barrowman, who led PPE Medpro, pictured alongside his wife Baroness Michelle *****. The chair of the Covid inquiry has ruled that evidence related to PPE Medpro, the firm linked to Baroness Michelle ***** and her husband Doug Barrowman, will be heard in a closed, private session next month. On 3 March, the inquiry will begin four weeks of hearings into decisions to buy Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the pandemic. Baroness Hallett said she was imposing the restriction as she was satisfied there was a risk of prejudice to criminal proceedings if “sensitive evidence” was heard in public. Victims’ groups and media outlets, including the BBC, had argued the dangers were overstated, given the early stage of the police investigation and the material already in the public domain. Witness evidence The National Crime Agency (NCA) opened an investigation into PPE Medpro in May 2021 into suspected criminal offences committed in the procurement of PPE. The company was awarded government contracts worth more than £200m after Baroness ***** recommended the firm to ministers during the Covid pandemic. Baroness *****, 52, and Mr Barrowman, 59, have denied wrongdoing. In June 2024, the NCA said an unnamed 46-year-old man from Barnet, north London, had been arrested as part of its investigation. To date, no criminal charges have been brought and the Crown Prosecution Service has not been formally instructed by the NCA. On 9 December 2024, the Covid inquiry said it had received an application from the NCA for a restriction order, claiming there was a risk of harm to its investigation if sensitive evidence about PPE Medpro was heard in public. The NCA originally wanted to prevent the inquiry hearing any evidence about the company, saying “other contracts could be selected”. It then asked for 26 witness statements written by its staff to be withheld, and an order to be made preventing certain questions about the firm to be asked in the inquiry room in a public session. It argued those restrictions should include the identity of any person under investigation; evidence relating to the opinion of any government official concerning PPE Medpro’s contracts; and evidence about payments to the company and who ultimately benefited. In its submission, it said there was a “realistic possibility that criminal charges against one or more individuals will flow from the investigation”. The Department of Health later asked for the terms of any restriction order to be widened to include any “financial material and correspondence” relating to the purchase of PPE from the company, although that request has been rejected by the inquiry. PA Media The National Crime Agency’s investigation into PPE Medpro opened in May 2021. In her final ruling, Baroness Hallett said it was both “necessary and proportionate” for the Covid inquiry to examine contracts between the government and PPE Medpro. But she did accept there was a risk of damage to any future criminal proceedings if she allowed all the evidence to be heard in public. As a result, any sensitive evidence about the company will be heard in a private, closed hearing, expected to be held in late March. She said the NCA’s original application, which also sought to have members of the press and other organisations excluded from those closed sessions, went “further than necessary” and was “too wide an approach”. Representatives of five media organisations will be invited to attend but will not be able to report on the proceedings until the conclusion of any criminal case, including possible appeals. Baroness Hallett said that decision was in line with previous public inquiries, including the investigation into the Novichok poisoning in Salisbury. A spokesman for the NCA said its investigation into PPE Medpro “remains a priority”. “In such cases it can take considerable time to ensure that a thorough, independent and objective investigation is conducted,” he added. Source link #Michelle #***** #PPE #firm #evidence #heard #private #Covid #inquiry #rules Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wyndham artist Molly Hunt’s work to illuminate Parrtjima Festival with Three Generations of Station Women Wyndham artist Molly Hunt’s work to illuminate Parrtjima Festival with Three Generations of Station Women Wyndham artist Molly Hunt is set to have her comic strip-inspired work projected onto the 300 million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges as part of the Parrtjima festival of light. Source link #Wyndham #artist #Molly #Hunts #work #illuminate #Parrtjima #Festival #Generations #Station #Women Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wisconsin Trump voters react to mass firings Wisconsin Trump voters react to mass firings Wisconsin Trump voters react to mass firings – CBS News Watch CBS News We are now into week six of President Trump shaking up and paring down the federal workforce — something that surprised even his closest supporters. Mark Strassmann visits the battleground state of Wisconsin to find out how people who voted for him feel about the mass firings. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Wisconsin #Trump #voters #react #mass #firings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Forest Service workers fired in Trump cuts warn of “unforeseen consequences” Forest Service workers fired in Trump cuts warn of “unforeseen consequences” Forest Service workers fired in Trump cuts warn of “unforeseen consequences” – CBS News Watch CBS News Every summer, tens of millions of Americans visit National Forests. But this summer, the parks might look a little different. Ian Lee sat down with three Forest Service workers fired amid Trump administration cuts. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Forest #Service #workers #fired #Trump #cuts #warn #unforeseen #consequences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Criminal gangs ruining environment, says watchdog Criminal gangs ruining environment, says watchdog Yvette Austin Environment Correspondent, BBC South East BBC Hoads Wood, near Ashford in Kent, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest Organised criminal groups are targeting the waste industry and “wreaking havoc” on the environment, according to the Environment Agency (EA). Government figures suggest ******** waste tipping costs the country £1bn a year. In the South East, a number of sites have sprung up in recent years where large scale tipping has taken place. Industry experts say this is not just fly-tipping, but “organised crime” where “networks of people” are illegally collecting and dumping waste. “Many of these criminals have international connections, using the waste industry to launder money and fuel other ******** activities,” said Phil Davies, head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime at the EA. How ******** waste is blighting parts of Kent The EA, which is responsible for waste regulation in England, said it was working closely with the local authorities and the police to bring those responsible to justice. Mr Davies said: “Organised criminal groups target the waste industry by undercutting legitimate businesses and wreak havoc on our environment. “Over the past five years, we’ve built strong partnerships and launched operations to combat these threats. Our commitment is unwavering and we’re working across agencies to bring these criminals to justice and safeguard our environment.” Industry experts say what fuels the ******** trade is low risk, high reward – and that investigators are “playing whack-a-mole”. As soon as they close down one ******** site, another one often appears. Independent waste regulation specialist John Galvin said there was “a great deal of money to be saved” by not going to a proper site and paying landfill tax. “Once upon a time one was chasing ******** operators, individuals, but over the years it’s become much ******* business,” he said. “It’s now part of organised crime where networks of people are illegally collecting waste or those within the industry are perhaps handling it initially quite lawfully and then managing to lose it at the last or exporting it illegally abroad.” Dr Tom Roberts, senior lecturer on environmental sociology at the University of Surrey, said even when people are prosecuted the penalties are “very small” – a maximum of £20,000. He added that when you compare the fine to penalties for other forms of organised crime “they’re not a huge deterrent”. A digger prepares a trench, with the Medway marshes beyond I have spent many months investigating this illicit trade and found: Often it is planned and managed – and diggers are frequently brought onto sites to manoeuvre the waste.So brazen are some of the perpetrators, they use tipper lorries for transportation.Some areas of countryside have been reduced to wasteland as a result of the conduct of some individuals.The criminal business undercuts legitimate waste disposal with perpetrators avoiding paying landfill tax. When we launched our drone over land in north Kent, there were beautiful views across the River Medway and its marshes. But our camera also captured a tipper lorry emptying its load onto piles of waste. The site is the idyllically-named Raspberry Hill Park Farm, near the village of Iwade. A digger tucked into the dumped piles and loaded a trailer, which was then pulled across a vast expanse of mucky wet ground by a tractor. A lorry tips waste into piles, which are then transported across the land to be tipped into trenches The trailer emptied the waste into a trench in the ground that had been prepared by a digger. It methodically returned to the piles of waste time after time and emptied its loads into the ground. Waste is tipped into the trenches that have been prepared by a digger In April 2024 I watched even more worrying scenes. Huge lorries dumping directly onto the ground amid a sea of waste, as birds scavenged. Zoomed-in images showed the waste had been shredded and contained plastics. Birds can be seen in the distance scavenging among the waste Andrew Higham, former head of the EA’s National Environmental Crime Team, said: “You can see from the nature of it, certainly from those shots, that it doesn’t appear to have been treated in any way that complies with environmental legislation. “There could be carcinogenic stuff in there. There could be all sorts of stuff in there that could be highly toxic and dangerous to handle. Even clinical waste could be in that. It could be anything.” The waste at Raspberry Hill Park Farm Legitimate waste disposal operations have a permit from the EA or an exemption from needing one. From our investigations it appears that Raspberry Hill Park Farm has neither. It is one of a number of large scale ******** waste sites in Kent being investigated by the EA in connection with waste crime and organised crime. I wanted to know where the waste is coming from so I followed the blue tipper lorry that I had earlier watched dumping its load at Raspberry Hill Park Farm. It left the village of Iwade and headed south west. Turning off the main road, I tailed it along a narrow country lane into the village of Stockbury where it turned into a site called All Skips Ltd. A lorry is loaded at All Skips Ltd before returning to Raspberry Hill Park Farm Our drone camera captured the same lorry being reloaded and we followed it back to Raspberry Hill Park Farm where it tipped again. I watched several lorry loads being tipped that day. According to Companies House, All Skips Ltd was taken over by Taylor James McQuade on 15 October 2024, three days before we filmed the lorry arriving and leaving the site. Mr McQuade said in a statement to the BBC: “Unfortunately this came with a very large backlog of waste and other various problems to which I am gradually working through which is why your drones have picked up larger than usual amounts of rubbish in this yard and as you can appreciate it will take time to get this business back to some sort of normality.” I have discovered the site does not have any form of planning permission from the local planning authorities, but Mr McQuade said: “I am working and being monitored very closely by the Environment Agency and Maidstone council to whom I am paying commercial rates for this waste transfer site, in order to improve it moving forward.” He added: “I am not responsible for where our recycled products go once they leave the yard on a customer’s vehicle.” Mr McQuade has now resigned his position with the company, although he says he is still involved in the day-to-day running of the site. I have learned the EA and local authorities are now investigating the company. The land owner of Raspberry Hill Park Farm is Jacqueline Ann Shilling. Her husband Michael Shilling was prosecuted and fined in 2022 for illegally dumping waste. We approached them for comment, but had no reply. During the months of our investigation, I have seen several different lorries tipping their loads at Raspberry Hill Park Farm. The waste could have come from a variety of locations. Waste is piled high at another site, Hoads Wood, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest A report by the EA in 2023 said: “A fifth of all waste produced in England may be illegally managed – that’s approximately 34 million tonnes every year across England, enough to fill four million skips. “Industry research suggests waste crime costs the English economy £1 billion every year through evaded tax, environmental and social harm and lost legitimate business.” The agency is investigating a number of ******** waste sites across Kent including at Hoads Wood near Ashford, Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey, and Swanton Lane near Canterbury. Meanwhile, the owner of another ******** site near Rochester – where thousands of tonnes of waste have been dumped – has been ordered to clear it. The owner has been ordered to clear this site near Rochester In 2022 and 2023, local people spoke of a steady stream of lorries arriving at the four-acre site in Borstal. I witnessed numerous lorries tipping there myself. They included skip loads of what looked like household or builders’ waste, as well as finer waste that included plastics. A digger methodically spread it out, compacting it as it worked. Medway Council issued an enforcement notice to the landowner John Treeby in December 2022, ordering him to clear the site. He appealed, but in January a Government planning inspector rejected the appeal and he was told again to clear it. Mr Treeby did not respond to our latest request for comment, however in March 2024 a spokesperson said he had been a “victim of a land grab” at a time of serious illness and difficult personal circumstances but that he had “not given anyone permission to tip on his land”. He added that local residents did “not understand his situation”. Why aren’t the sites shut down more quickly? The EA said investigations were “complex” and involved the agency, the police and local authorities. Matt Higginson, from the EA, said it was “a challenge”. “These people are well resourced,” he said. “They have a lot of money. They can move at pace and at scale and we have to use our intelligence and work with partners to try and **** that in the bud and stop it as soon as possible where we can, and then bring people to justice where we catch them.” Trees were felled at Hoads Wood before lorries moved in One of the most high profile cases is Hoads Wood, near Ashford. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but an estimated 30,000 tonnes of waste was dumped there between the summer of 2023 and January 2024, when EA closed the site down. When I visited, just before it was closed, I was shocked. This wasn’t opportunistic fly tipping. It was clearly organised, with residents telling me 20-30 lorries were arriving by the day. They told me trees had been felled in advance, presumably to make way for the operation. The EA has now appointed a contractor to clear the site, however Ian Rickards from Kent Wildlife Trust said: “The damage from this is going to be devastating. “The ground flora, the fungi, the micro-ryzomes, the trees, the species living in it, all will be destroyed, devastated.” Waste burning at Raspberry Hill Park Farm If I hire a skip, is it possible to make sure my waste will be disposed of in the proper way? There are checks that I can carry out online to find out if the company I choose has a waste carrier’s licence, but waste can go through a chain of other handlers for processing and government figures suggest nearly 20% of all waste operators are thought to engage in ******** activity. Andrew Higham, former head of the EA’s National Environmental Crime Team, said: “If you’ve picked a waste carrier, a skip company off the internet or wherever, it’s extremely difficult for you to be assured that your waste will be disposed of in a legal manner.” Source link #Criminal #gangs #ruining #environment #watchdog Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Cuts at the U.S. Forest Service could lead to unintended consequences, former workers say Cuts at the U.S. Forest Service could lead to unintended consequences, former workers say Maintaining the country’s forests takes an army of Forest Service workers, but recent job cuts have reduced the number of its soldiers, which some say could lead to unintended consequences. Dalyn Grindle, Jack Corney and Tim Leedy all worked at Wyoming’s Shoshone National Forest — the United States’ first federally protected national forest, and a park that’s always buzzing with activity, even in winter, with people snowmobiling, riding bikes, hiking and rock climbing. But they were among 17 employees recently fired from the Shoshone National Forest, according to a senior Forest Service official. Grindle, Corney and Leedy each received a letter that said they were being fired for poor job performance, but they don’t buy it. “It’s not the real reason,” Grindle told CBS News. “You know, I put my heart and soul under that job and that’s just not true,” Leedy said. Every summer, tens of millions of Americans visit the U.S.’s 154 national forests, which span over 193 million acres, but this summer, the campgrounds and trails might look a little different. “I think there’s a lot of unforeseen consequences that the general public doesn’t- aren’t always aware of,” Grindle said. Corney noted part of his job was picking up trash and clearing trails so people could “access the wilderness. And that’s just, that’s not going to happen this year.” The local ranger station in Lander, Wyoming, used to be where visitors could go to get information about the forest, such as good places to camp, trails to hike or safety tips. But thanks to to the recent firings, the station won’t be open any time soon. Cutbacks at the Forest Service also come as wildfires nationwide grow fiercer and more frequent. Grindle , Corney and Leedy were all qualified firefighters, no longer available should a blaze erupt in the forest. Ian Lee Ian Lee is a CBS News correspondent based in London, where he reports for CBS News, CBS Newspath and CBS News 24/7. Lee is a multi-award-winning journalist whose work covering major international stories has earned him some of journalism’s top honors, including an Emmy, Peabody and the Investigative Reporters and Editors’ Tom Renner award. Source link #Cuts #U.S #Forest #Service #lead #unintended #consequences #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Abortion by Mail: Horror Stories Emerge of ‘Abortions for Children… Without Parental Consent’ Abortion by Mail: Horror Stories Emerge of ‘Abortions for Children… Without Parental Consent’ Abortion pills are being sent through the mail these days to bypass state restrictions, and it’s reshaping the landscape of the abortion battle. In Louisiana, a New York doctor faces indictment for allegedly prescribing abortion-inducing drugs to a pregnant teenager’s mother. Authorities have charged Dr. Margaret Carpenter and her New York-based company with felony criminal abortion by means of abortion-inducing drugs. The teenager’s mother is also facing charges. “She had a gender reveal party for her child planned, and she, unfortunately, was coerced by her mother,” said Sarah Zagorski Jones with Louisiana Right to Life. Louisiana District Attorney Tony Clayton defended the state’s strict abortion laws. “It’s the law of Louisiana. Governor Landry, Attorney General Liz Murrill, and our state legislature have seen fit that abortions are ******** in this state,” Clayton said. “And shipping a pill from another state is equivalent to me of shipping fentanyl or any type of drugs over here that end up in the stomachs of our minor kids.” New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the charges, calling them cowardly and arguing that Dr. Carpenter was “providing basic healthcare.” Hochul has also refused to extradite Carpenter to Louisiana. “Ultimately, what’s happening in New York is they’re evading and they’re aiding and abetting an abusive enterprise,” Jones said. This case marks a new legal frontier in abortion law enforcement since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022. It is the first time a doctor has been criminally charged for mailing abortion pills to another state. Tim Barton of WallBuilders noted the increasing prevalence of medication abortions. “Estimates are now that 70% of abortions are chemical abortions with a pill sent through the mail,” Barton said. While federal law prohibits sending abortion drugs through the U.S. Postal Service, enforcement has been inconsistent, reportedly due to political partisanship. “In some of these states, doctors are sending these pills and approving abortions for children that are minors and doing it without parental consent,” he said. Louisiana recently became the first state to classify abortion drugs as controlled substances, restricting their use. In Arkansas, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued cease-and-desist letters to two companies accused of mailing abortion pills into the state. “Abortions are ******** in Arkansas,” said Charisse Dean of the Arkansas Family Council. “However, we have heard reports that there are organizations outside Arkansas that are shipping medical abortion pills.” The debate over abortion pills is fueling broader efforts by lawmakers and advocacy groups. Kelsey Pritchard of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America raised concerns about the ease of obtaining the medication. “‘This is a decision between a woman and her doctor’ – well, they have taken the doctor out of the picture completely,” Pritchard said. “You can essentially go on your phone, and with a few taps, have these abortion drugs on their way to you via mail.” Several states, including Indiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Texas, are exploring measures to block the distribution of abortion pills. “It does make a difference to the American people, and it does matter that once again we start promoting, protecting, and defending unborn life,” Barton said. In Louisiana, pro-life advocates are calling on federal lawmakers and the Trump administration to take action. Republican State Sen. Thomas Pressly emphasized the need for stronger federal regulations. “Our federal partners have to make sure that the mailing in of these drugs into other states isn’t continuing,” Pressly said. “And there are some federal laws that need to be addressed in order to ensure that state rights issue maintains the will of the people.” Pritchard stressed that tackling the issue will require sustained effort from the pro-life movement. “There are a lot of different ways that we could attack this problem, and it’s going to take a lot of work and sustained effort from the pro-life movement,” she said. ***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a distinctly Christian perspective.***   Source link #Abortion #Mail #Horror #Stories #Emerge #Abortions #Children.. #Parental #Consent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Muhammad Usman: WA public raises more than $100,000 for Uber driver seriously injured in deadly Dalkeith ****** Muhammad Usman: WA public raises more than $100,000 for Uber driver seriously injured in deadly Dalkeith ****** Muhammad Usman sustained two broken femurs and a broken arm after Rhys Bellinge’s speeding Jaguar allegedly crashed into the rideshare vehicle about 10.15pm on February 15. Source link #Muhammad #Usman #public #raises #Uber #driver #injured #deadly #Dalkeith #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tarek El Moussa Suffers Home Renovation Flop After Taking One Pricey Project Just To Prove to Wife Heather He Isn’t a ‘Chicken’ Tarek El Moussa Suffers Home Renovation Flop After Taking One Pricey Project Just To Prove to Wife Heather He Isn’t a ‘Chicken’ Tarek and Heather El Moussa have made a name for themselves as some of HGTV’s most successful flippers—but they’ve also had their fair share of flops over the years. In fact, on the first season of their hit show “The Flipping El Moussas,” they spent much of it being haunted by difficult projects and sinking profits. Now, in the second season of the series, it seems that at least Tarek, 43, is seeking to learn from his past mistakes, bearing a slightly more risk-averse attitude toward projects that have the potential to go disastrously wrong. That is until his wife teases him into changing his mind. In the latest episode, aptly titled “Flipping Over Budget,” Tarek is contemplating backing out of a particularly pricey project, a home in Yorba Linda, CA, that he and Heather had already purchased for $1.3 million. Heather El Moussa teases her husband by acting like a chicken. (HGTV) Tarek estimates that it will take an additional $300,000 in renovations before the home is ready to sell. And even with all of their investment, it’s likely he and Heather will see a profit of only about $70,000. Luckily, Tarek is given an “out” when Adam Lindholm, the president of his real estate firm, calls while he and Heather are finishing up their tour of the property to reveal that they’ve received an offer on the home from an investor. Lindholm explains that the investor is willing to give them $50,000 more than what they paid for the home if they would be willing to sell it and walk away from the project. “I just got an interesting call about 10 minutes ago,” Lindholm tells them. “I have an investor that saw that we bought it. They’re offering 50 grand more than we paid.” “So we should just walk away?” Heather asks, prompting Tarek to explain that, if they take the offer, they would still end up with a $40,000 profit—even after they take into account the money they’ve already spent on the home. “Yeah,” Tarek continues. “We spent some money, but we would end up making about $40,000. So that’s something.” However, the couple want to weigh up every possibility before parting ways with the partly finished project. Tarek admits that his renovation profit estimate of $70,000 might have been on the low side—although he concedes that he needs to keep renovation costs down and find the right buyer to push that number higher. “So let’s do it,” Heather urges. Still, her husband is wary, noting that it would be a “stressful flip” because the home is large and in such poor shape. Lindholm questions why this stressful flip would be any different from the other hectic projects they’ve taken on over the years. Still, Tarek remains on the fence—until Heather pipes up. “Tarek’s too scared to do this flip,” Heather says. Apparently swayed by Heather, Tarek finally makes a decision. “All right, give me that phone. Yeah, we’re doing this flip,” he says to Lindholm. “She’s talking s—.” But Heather isn’t done teasing. “You sure you don’t want to just take the easy way out?” she asks. “You don’t want to take the easy way out and get 40 grand? You sure?” Tarek El Moussa was nervous about flipping this Yorba Linda, CA, home. (Realtor.com) Tarek and Heather opened up the kitchen to create an elegant common space. (Realtor.com) Heather chose an elegant fluted tub for this primary bathroom. (Realtor.com) One of this flip’s biggest, and most expensive, challenges was redoing the massive backyard. (Realtor.com) “Am I scared?” Tarek counters. “Do I look like a chicken?” Heather then flaps her arms, mimicking chicken wings. “Right, now you look like a chicken,” Tarek says, before declaring: “We’re flipping this house.” As the couple head for the door, Tarek denies yet again that he’s afraid of the house flip. “I’m scared of one thing,” he says. “My wife.” Heather seems satisfied, but it seems Tarek should have been scared of this flip, after all. In the end, the renovation cost way more than anticipated: $410,000. After accounting for $160,000 in holding and selling costs, the house has a high break-even price of $1.87 million. At first, Tarek and Heather seem confident that, with all their expensive upgrades, they can list it for $2,499,000 and make a sizable profit of $630,000. But Heather admits, “Now homes are sitting for a little bit longer.” After hosting an open house, Tarek reiterates that if they sell for their list price, they could make a big profit. It could be their “most profitable flip yet.” The episode ends as if the house hasn’t sold, but in fact, it has. After Tarek and Heather listed the property in June 2024 for $2,499,900, it went through two price decreases before finding a buyer in August for $2,238,750. That’s $261,150 below the list price, meaning the flippers walk away with a profit of $368,750. It’s still an incredible profit, but it’s not what they expected. In fact, it’s just over half what they estimated they would make. Related Articles Source link #Tarek #Moussa #Suffers #Home #Renovation #Flop #Pricey #Project #Prove #Wife #Heather #Isnt #Chicken Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump admin planning operation to find and possibly deport unaccompanied migrant children Trump admin planning operation to find and possibly deport unaccompanied migrant children Migrants from Venezuela make their way through the razor wire after crossing the Rio Grande into the United States in Eagle Pass, Texas, September 26, 2023. Brian Snyder | Reuters Trump administration immigration officials are planning a nationwide operation to locate and potentially deport children who came into the United States without a parent or legal guardian, according to two sources familiar with the plan. If a judge determines they have no legal basis to stay in the United States, they could then be placed on a path for deportation. The two sources familiar with the plan told NBC News that the exact timing of the operation is not final but it could begin as soon as this week. They said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will search for children who entered the United States without parents and who do not have dates to immigration appear in court. Reuters reported on Sunday that a memo had circulated among immigration agents directing them to step up enforcement on unaccompanied children. The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement is responsible for temporarily sheltering unaccompanied migrant children after they cross the southern border and then connecting them with sponsors in the United States. The agency contracts with groups who follow up on the child’s ********, most frequently with a 30-day check-in by telephone. The sources familiar with the planning of the operation said that ICE will focus on children whose sponsors did not answer the phone on the 30-day check-in as well as those who do not have court dates. Republicans, including President Donald Trump, repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for what they said were “missing children” who crossed the border without parents and were released without notices to appear in court. To relieve overcrowding in HHS refugee resettlement facilities, the Biden and first Trump administrations sometimes released children before they were given court dates. According to an August 2024 report from the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, more than 291,000 children who crossed the border since fiscal year 2019, which included the first Trump administration, were not given notices to appear in court. An NBC News review of HHS data revealed that areas of the country with large populations of migrant children who were sent to live with sponsors vetted by the Office of Refugee Resettlement include Maricopa County, Arizona; Los Angeles County, California; Miami-Dade County, Florida; and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Mellissa Harper, a former ICE official, now heads the Office of Refugee Resettlement under the Trump administration. The office previously assured sponsors that they could come forward to claim children and that they could answer check-in calls without the fear that their information would be shared with ICE. Under the current administration, there is no such wall barring that information sharing, the officials said. An attorney who represents unaccompanied children in immigration court told NBC News on the condition of anonymity that the immigration system could be further overwhelmed with more children on the docket. They noted that Trump has already cut legal aid services to unaccompanied children, so adding more cases could mean more children without representation in immigration court. “The legal services [for migrant children] is not just to be nice to kids, it’s to make sure the system works. They need to resource the system if they move more into NTA,” the attorney warned, referring to a “notice to appear” in court Source link #Trump #admin #planning #operation #find #possibly #deport #unaccompanied #migrant #children Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump administration threatens undocumented immigrants who fail to join registry with jail time, fines Trump administration threatens undocumented immigrants who fail to join registry with jail time, fines The Trump administration is threatening to punish some immigrants in the U.S. illegally with criminal penalties, including jail time and fines, if they fail to sign up for a government registry, as it ramps up its far-reaching immigration crackdown. The move, announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, applies to immigrants over the age of 13 who are in the U.S. unlawfully and who have not submitted fingerprints or registered with the federal government. The Trump administration said it would give those who have not registered a chance to join the registry through an online form that has yet to be published. Failure to do so could result in criminal prosecution, officials warned. Administration officials framed Tuesday’s announcement as a way to encourage unauthorized immigrants to self-deport by enforcing a law they say has been previously ignored by Democratic and Republican administrations. “President Trump and Secretary Noem have a clear message for those in our country illegally: leave now,” Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. “If you leave now, you may have the opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American dream.” The Trump administration has moved aggressively to make life for those in the country unlawfully increasingly difficult, enacting policies that place them at higher risk of detention and deportation and vocally urging them to leave the country voluntarily. The registry requirement specifically applies to unauthorized immigrants 14 or older who have been in the U.S. for more than 30 days without submitting fingerprints to officials or registering with the government by filing certain immigration applications. They include those in the country who were never formally admitted or inspected by U.S. immigration officials. Parents or legal guardians of teenagers subject to the registry requirements must register on their behalf. Those who register will receive a registration document that adults “must carry and keep in their possession at all times,” officials said Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal was first to report on the policy change earlier Tuesday. The new policy does not apply to legal permanent residents; immigrants who were welcomed under an immigration policy known as parole; or those granted visas, even if they overstayed them. It also does not apply to immigrants granted government work permits or those placed in immigration court proceedings. Officials said Tuesday’s announcement is designed to comply with an executive action issued by President Trump last month, just hours after he started his second administration. The plan relies on a World War II-era law that created an immigration registry initially designed to identify suspected communists. More Camilo Montoya-Galvez Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics. Source link #Trump #administration #threatens #undocumented #immigrants #fail #join #registry #jail #time #fines Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Slashing Medicaid to Pay for Trump’s Tax Cuts Could Lead to Vast State Shortfalls – The New York Times Slashing Medicaid to Pay for Trump’s Tax Cuts Could Lead to Vast State Shortfalls – The New York Times Slashing Medicaid to Pay for Trump’s Tax Cuts Could Lead to Vast State Shortfalls The New York TimesMedicaid Cuts Threaten A Key House Vote On Trump’s Agenda Today—Here’s Why The GOP Is Divided ForbesThe Republican House Budget Resolution’s Potential $880 Billion in Medicaid Cuts by Congressional District Center For American ProgressFederal Medicaid cuts could leave Missouri with huge budget shortfall Missouri Independent Source link #Slashing #Medicaid #Pay #Trumps #Tax #Cuts #Lead #Vast #State #Shortfalls #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A billion people have no real money to spend, says report A billion people have no real money to spend, says report Nikhil Inamdar, BBC News, MumbaiGetty Images From ceiling fans to jewellery, branded goods are capturing a ******* share of the Indian market India is home to 1.4 billion people, but around a billion among them don’t have enough money to spend on any discretionary goods or services, a new report estimates. The country’s consuming class, which is effectively the potential market for start-ups or business owners, is only about as big as Mexico – 130-140 million people – according to the report from Blume Ventures, a venture capital firm. There are another 300 million “emerging” or “aspirant” consumers, but they are reluctant spenders who’ve only just begun to open their purse strings, as click-of-a-button digital payments make it easy to transact. What’s more, the consuming class in Asia’s third largest economy isn’t “widening” as much as it is “deepening”, according to the report. Which basically means India’s wealthy population isn’t really growing in numbers, even though those who are already rich are getting even richer. All of this is shaping the country’s consumer market in distinct ways, particularly accelerating the trend of “premiumisation” where brands drive growth by doubling down on expensive, upgraded products catering to the wealthy, rather than focusing on mass-market offerings. This is evident in zooming sales of ultra-luxury gated housing and premium phones, even as their lower-end variants struggle. Affordable homes now constitute just 18% of India’s overall market compared with 40% five years ago. Branded goods are also capturing a ******* share of the market. And the “experience economy” is booming, with expensive tickets for concerts of international artists like Coldplay and Ed Sheeran selling like hot cakes. Companies that have adapted to these shifts have thrived, Sajith Pai, one of the report’s authors, told the BBC. “Those who are too focused at the mass end or have a product mix that doesn’t have exposure to the premium end have lost market share.” The report’s findings bolster the long-held view that India’s post-pandemic recovery has been K-shaped – where the rich have gotten richer, while the poor have lost purchasing power. In fact, this has been a long-term structural trend that began even before the pandemic. India has been getting increasingly more unequal, with the top 10% of Indians now holding 57.7% of national income compared with 34% in 1990. The bottom half, meanwhile, have seen their share of national income reduce from 22.2% to 15%. Getty Images Brands are driving growth by doubling down on expensive, upgraded products catering to the wealthy The latest consumption slump, however, has deepened amid not just a destruction in purchasing power, but also a precipitous drop in financial savings and surging indebtedness among the masses. The country’s central bank has also cracked down on easy unsecured lending that propped up demand post the Covid pandemic. Much of the consumption spending of the “emerging” or “aspirant” class of Indians was led by such borrowings and “turning off that tap will definitely have some impact on consumption”, said Pai. In the short run, two things are expected to help boost spending – a pick-up in rural demand on the back of a record harvest and a $12 billion tax give-away in the recently-concluded budget. It won’t be “dramatic”, but could boost India’s GDP – largely driven by consumption – by over half a percent, says Pai. But major longer-term headwinds remain. India’s middle class – which has been a major engine for consumer demand – is being squeezed out, with wages pretty much staying flat, shows data compiled by Marcellus Investment Managers. “The middle 50% of India’s tax-paying population has seen its income stagnate in absolute terms over the past decade. This implies a halving of income in real (adjusted for inflation) terms,” according to the report, published in January. “This financial hammering has decimated the middle class’s savings – the RBI [Reserve Bank of India] has repeatedly highlighted that net financial savings of Indian households are approaching a 50-year low. This pounding suggests that products and services associated with middle-class household spending are likely to face a rough time in the years ahead,” it adds. Getty Images A pick-up in rural demand on the back of a record harvest could help boost spending The Marcellus report also points out that white-collar urban jobs are becoming harder to come by as artificial intelligence automates clerical, secretarial and other routine work. “The number of supervisors employed in manufacturing units (as a percentage of all employed) in India has gone down significantly,” it adds. The government’s recent economic survey has flagged these concerns as well. It says labour displacement as a result of these technological advancements is of particular concern for a majorly services-driven economy like India, where a significant share of the IT workforce is employed in low value-added services sectors that are most prone to disruption. “India is also a consumption-based economy, thus the fall in consumption that can result from the displacement of its workforce is bound to have macroeconomic implications. If the worst-case projections materialise, this could have the potential to set the country’s economic growth trajectory off course,” the survey said. Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Source link #billion #people #real #money #spend #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can Europe still count on the US coming to its defence? Can Europe still count on the US coming to its defence? EPA Ukraine’s President Zelensky met the US envoy to Ukraine and Russia in Kyiv on Thursday European leaders have been left stunned by the open rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin – and not-so-subtle hints that the US may abandon its obligation to defend European allies. After World War Two, West European countries joined the US and Canada to set up Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to counter the then-Soviet Union. The alliance’s famous Article 5 holds that Nato members will come to the defence of an ally which comes under attack. The US has long been the anchoring power, but now questions are being asked openly about Nato’s future – most recently by the man set to become Germany’s chancellor. Friedrich Merz said his aim would be to achieve independence from the US in terms of security. “The events of the past week have shown that Trump has undermined Nato, undermined its secretary general and undermined the Article 5 of collective defence,” said Armida van Rij, head of the European programme at the ***-based Chatham House think tank. “The idea behind it was this all for one and one for all belief – and that’s been broken.” What is Nato’s Article 5 and is it moot? While the Trump administration says it is not pulling out of Nato and remains committed to the defence partnership with Europe, it has warned that it will “no longer tolerate an imbalanced relationship which encourages dependency”. Trump has consistently told European allies to considerably raise their financial contributions – at one stage last year he openly encouraged Putin to invade those who failed to pay their bills. But what is alarming, say experts, is how the message is being delivered as the war in Ukraine – the greatest security crisis for the continent in decades – rages. Under Trump, the US has started to even promote Russian objectives, said Chatham House defence analyst Minna Alander. “It even looks like Trump outright switched sides into Russia’s team.” Some of this pivoting by Trump includes: Praise for Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, who he called earlier this month – the first phone call between the White House and Kremlin since Russia’s full-scale invasion three years agoTalks between the US and Russia last week – which, though aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, cut out Ukrainian officials and European alliesAttacks on Ukraine’s President Volodymr Zelensky, who Trump called a “dictator”Repeating Putin’s lies that Ukraine had started the war – not Russia “This war is far more important to Europe than it is to us – we have a big, beautiful ocean as separation,” Trump has said. The phrasing of Article 5 has long been understood as an automatic obligation by member states – and most significantly, the US military – to come to the other members’ defence. But that does not always mean sending troops. For example, if Estonia was invaded by Russia, the US could send a single surveillance plane in support and “that would meet the letter if not the spirit of Article 5”, explained Edward Arnold, an analyst with the Royal United Services Institute, a defence and security think tank in London. “There’s nothing to suggest that the US has to put its full forces in,” he said. “But the assumption has always been under previous US presidents that that would happen, so now people are starting to worry.” The US is the dominant military power in Nato – committing about 70% of its capabilities and command, Mr Arnold said. Along with sheer numbers – the US has more than 100,000 troops deployed in Europe – Nato has relied on the US for key capabilities such as planes refuelling mid-air, moving troops or supplies via aircraft, and military mobility. The US also provides the bulk of nuclear weapons, as well as significant intelligence, logistics, and reconnaissance tools. And it has always been seen as group leader. The Supreme Allied Commander for Europe – the top military leader in Nato – has always been an American and Americans are in most senior Nato roles. “Because the US is militarily so overpowering, it has always been a natural leader of Nato,” says Ms Rij. No other single European Nato ally can step into that space, she says “because no one has the capabilities or troop levels”. What does Europe do now? The US warned a decade before Trump that Europe would need to step up its defence. Under Joe Biden, it declared its top security priority would be the Indo-Pacific theatre, amid its competition with China, and thus a shift away from Europe. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine pulled the US’s focus back on Europe. But Trump’s direction this past fortnight has been the push for a drastic rethink. Merz said after his ******* election victory that his “absolute priority will be to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that, step by step, we can really achieve independence from the USA”. He even said he wasn’t sure if an alliance leaders meeting in June “would still be talking about Nato in its current form or whether we will have to establish an independent European defence capability much more quickly”. Once in office, Merz will be one of the European Big Three, which includes the *** and France in addition to Germany. The *** prime minister heads to Washington on Thursday, following the visit there on Monday by French President Emmanuel Macron. “I don’t think there are any good options for Europe at the moment. It’s more about avoiding the worst one,” said Mr Arnold. “It is about mitigating risk. It’s not about keeping NATO together in its current form.” The Europeans are acting quickly. Greece, Norway and others have voiced concerns while Denmark last week announced a major increase in defence spending. The *** also announced a hike on Tuesday, cutting foreign aid to fund the extra £13bn a year. Keir Starmer warned it was a “painful” choice, but said defence and security of the country comes first. Mr Arnold says it’s the price Europeans will have to pay, especially as “we’ve sent so much stuff to Ukraine now, our own stocks are quite dry”. We are seeing now what is a “long term shift” in the global security order, he said. “The US is not the ally that it once was, and it is very, very unlikely to ever go back to that view,” he said. Source link #Europe #count #coming #defence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

White House takes control of press pool that covers Trump White House takes control of press pool that covers Trump Bernd Debusmann Jr BBC News, White House Watch: White House announces changes to “pool” of reporters covering Trump The White House plans to determine which news outlets have access to President Donald Trump, taking control from an association of journalists after more than a century. The changes, announced by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday, mean the White House will determine which outlets participate in the “pool” that covers presidential events and shares material with other media outlets. The rotation of pool reporters was previously determined by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA), which said the decision “tears at the independence of a free press”. The surprise announcement comes as the Associated Press fights to restore its access to presidential events after it was blocked. “The White House press team in this administration will determine who gets to enjoy the very privileged and limited access in spaces such as Air Force One and the Oval Office,” Leavitt said at a news briefing on Tuesday. She said the changes would allow “new media” outlets – including streaming services and podcasts – to “share in this awesome responsibility”. “Legacy media outlets who have been here for years will still participate in the pool, but new voices are going to be welcomed in as well,” she said. “[By] deciding which outlets make up the limited press pool on a day-to-day basis, the White House will be restoring power back to the American people,” Leavitt added. Founded in 1914, the WHCA has historically handled some logistics around day-to-day coverage of the president, most notably the “pool” of reporters, which includes a camera crew from one of the five major US networks, a radio correspondent and a rotating group of print outlets. The WHCA has long claimed the pool is beneficial both for the president – who is able to quickly disseminate news – as well as for the wider media who receive pool reports, photographs, video and audio. Pool reporters are on-duty every day – including weekends and holidays – both at the White House or when the president is travelling. BBC News is among the outlets that participate in the radio pool. Getty Images Pool reporters attend smaller presidential events such as those in the Oval Office The WHCA expressed concern that the move will benefit the White House by giving access to news outlets that it sees as sympathetic or friendly. “This move does not give power back to the people – it gives power to the White House,” Fox News reporter Jacqui Heinrich, a WHCA board member, wrote on X. In its own statement, the WHCA said that the decision “suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president”. The WHCA said it was not given any notice about the White House’s decision before Tuesday’s news briefing. Leavitt, meanwhile, said the WHCA would no longer have a “monopoly” on controlling the pool. President Trump was asked about the announcement in the Oval Office later on Tuesday. “We’re going to be calling those shots,” he said of the changes. Earlier this week, a US judge declined a request by the Associated Press to immediately restore its access to presidential events after the Trump administration blocked the agency in a dispute over the term “Gulf of America”. The news agency has refused to change its style from the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America”, after President Trump renamed it with an executive order. The AP argues the ban is retaliatory and infringes on First Amendment rights to freedom of speech and the press. The ban has meant that the AP – which hundreds of news outlets rely on – has been unable to access press events alongside the rest of the pool at the White House as well as Air Force One. A hearing has been scheduled for 20 March. Source link #White #House #takes #control #press #pool #covers #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Nurse charged over video that referenced harming Israeli patients Nurse charged over video that referenced harming Israeli patients A Sydney nurse who was suspended over a video in which she allegedly made threats against Israeli patients has been charged by police. Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, is facing three charges: threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to harass or cause offence. Ms Abu Lebdeh and another man were both suspended from their duties at Bankstown Hospital after the video – filmed on an anonymous online platform which pairs people randomly for a chat – was released online. Authorities say there is “no evidence” the pair actually harmed patients. In the footage, which appeared to have been filmed inside a hospital and was published by an Israeli content creator, Ms Abu Lebdeh and Ahmad Rashad Nadir allegedly bragged about refusing to treat Israeli patients, killing them, and said they would go to hell. The video spread widely online and caused public outcry, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing it as “disgusting” and “vile”. New South Wales Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the charges are a significant breakthrough in what has been a complicated investigation. “Detectives must be commended for acting swiftly under enormous pressure and public expectation,” she said. Ms Abu Lebdeh was granted bail and will return to court on 19 March. Mr Nadir has not been charged. Earlier this month Australia passed tougher laws against hate crimes following a wave of unrelated antisemitic attacks. In recent months, there have been a several of arson and graffiti incidents involving homes, cars, and synagogues in Jewish communities across Australia. A caravan packed with power gel explosives that police warned had the potential to cause a “mass casualty event” was found in New South Wales in January, alongside a document with antisemitic sentiments and a list of Jewish targets in Sydney. Source link #Nurse #charged #video #referenced #harming #Israeli #patients Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine, U.S. agree to framework for economic deal with access to rare earth minerals, Ukrainian officials say Ukraine, U.S. agree to framework for economic deal with access to rare earth minerals, Ukrainian officials say Ukraine and the U.S. have reached an agreement on a framework for a broad economic deal that would include access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, three senior Ukrainian officials said Tuesday. The officials, who were familiar with the matter, spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. One of them said that Kyiv hopes that signing the agreement will ensure the continued flow of U.S. military support that Ukraine urgently needs. The agreement could be signed as early as Friday and plans are being drawn up for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to travel to Washington to meet Trump, according to one of the Ukrainian officials. Another official said the agreement would provide an opportunity for Zelenskyy and Trump to discuss continued military aid to Ukraine, which is why Kyiv is eager to finalize the deal. President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, said he’d heard that Zelenskyy was coming and added that “it’s okay with me, if he’d like to, and he would like to sign it together with me.” Trump called it “a very big deal,” adding that it could be worth a trillion dollars. It could be whatever, but it’s rare earths and other things.” According to one Ukrainian official, some technical details are still to be worked out. However, the draft does not include a contentious Trump administration proposal to give the U.S. $500 billion worth of profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for its wartime assistance to Kyiv. Instead, the U.S. and Ukraine would have joint ownership of a fund, and Ukraine would in the future contribute 50 percent of future proceeds from state-owned resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. One official said the deal had better terms of investments and another one said that Kyiv secured favorable amendments and viewed the outcome as “positive.” The deal does not, however, include security guarantees. One official said that this would be something the two presidents would discuss when they meet. The progress in negotiating the deal comes after Trump and Zelenskyy traded sharp rhetoric last week about their differences over the matter. Zelenskyy said he balked at signing off on a deal that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pushed during a visit to Kyiv earlier this month, and the Ukrainian leader objected again days later during a meeting in Munich with Vice President JD Vance because the American proposal did not include security guarantees. Trump then called Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator without elections” and claimed his support among voters was near rock-bottom. But the two sides made significant progress during a three-day visit to Ukraine last week by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. The idea was initially proposed last fall by Zelenskyy as part of his plan to strengthen Kyiv’s hand in future negotiations with Moscow. Source link #Ukraine #U.S #agree #framework #economic #deal #access #rare #earth #minerals #Ukrainian #officials Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Charli XCX named songwriter of the year Charli XCX named songwriter of the year Pop star Charli XCX has been named songwriter of the year by the Brit Awards, indicating that she could dominate this year’s ceremony when it takes place on Saturday. The singer already had the most nominations of any artist this year – five in total – recognising the global success of her agenda-setting album, Brat. The songwriting prize is her first Brit Award, and comes 12 years into her career. She has previously been nominated for best female and best pop act, but never won. In 2023, she criticised the Brits for failing to nominate any female musicians in the artist of the year category. “We’re doing everything right, I don’t think it’s our fault, I think it might be theirs,” alluding to the Brits’ voting academy. This year, Charli, 32, is the front-runner for best artist, where she goes up against seven-time Brit winner Dua Lipa, rap star Central Cee and indie singer Sam Fender. She is also up for album of the year, best dance act, best pop artist and song of the year – for Guess, her duet with Billie Eilish. Her long-time collaborator AG Cook was also named producer of the year by the Brits earlier this week. It caps an incredible year for the star, whose real name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, that saw her cross over from cult pop artist to commercial success, without compromising her artistic vision. Her seventh album, Brat, was named the best album of 2024 in multiple end of year lists, with critics calling it “pop music for the future“, and praising the way its “painfully relatable” lyrics captured Charli’s insecurities, anxieties and obsessions. In the star’s own words, the record is “chaos and emotional turmoil set to a club soundtrack”. With it’s brash, lime-green artwork, and a viral dance craze linked to the song Apple, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, dubbed “Brat summer”. Earlier this month, she won best dance album and best packaging at the Grammy Awards – marking her first victories at the US ceremony as a solo artist. She also closed the show with a wild performance of the singles Von Dutch and Guess, which ended with the stage being showered in underwear (later donated to the domestic violence charity, I Support Girls). The 2025 Brit Awards take place at the O2 Arena in London on Saturday, 1 March, hosted by Jack Whitehall. Performances will come from Lola Young, Sam Fender, Sabrina Carpenter, *****, Myles Smith, The Last Dinner Party and Teddy Swims. The nominees in the main categories are as follows: Artist of the year BeabadoobeeCentral CeeCharli XCXDua LipaFred AgainJamie xxMichael KiwanukaNia ArchivesRachel ChinouririSam Fender Group of the year Bring Me The HorizonColdplayThe CureEzra CollectiveThe Last Dinner Party Album of the Year Charli XCX – BratThe Cure – Songs of A Lost WorldDua Lipa – Radical OptimismEzra Collective – Dance, No One’s WatchingThe Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy Read the full list of nominees here. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ITV from 20:15 GMT. BBC News will run a live page with full coverage, including red carpet interviews. Source link #Charli #XCX #named #songwriter #year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]