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Throssell, Quellington and Wilberforce bushfire: Authorities issue emergency earning Throssell, Quellington and Wilberforce bushfire: Authorities issue emergency earning Residents have been warned of an “out of control and unpredictable” bushfire threatening communities in the Wheatbelt. Department of Fire and Emergency Services issued an emergency bushfire warning for Throssell, Quellington and Wilberforce, north of York, at 4pm on Monday. The warning is in place for people bounded by Carter Road, Grass Valley South Road, Quellington Road and Northam-York Road in parts of Throssell, Quellington and Wilberforce. “The alert level for this fire has been upgraded as the fire is now impacting Northam-York Road,” DFES said. People have been told to leave in a southerly direction towards York. Those who are not currently home have been told not to return home as it is unsafe. The alert advises that those who cannot leave “need to get ready to shelter in your home”. WHAT TO DOIf the way is clear, leave now for a safer place. This may be with family or friends away from the area.Leave in a southerly direction towards York website.Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute could put your life in danger.Take your emergency kit with you.If you become stuck in your car, park away from bushes, cover yourself with a woollen blanket, get onto the floor as the windows may break from the intense heat.Close all doors and windows and turn off evaporative air conditioners but keep water running through the system if possible.If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home.You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.Go to a room in your home where you can shelter from the approaching fire.The room should have running water, such as a kitchen or laundry, and have a clear exit so you can easily escape.If you are not at home, it is too dangerous to return. Source link #Throssell #Quellington #Wilberforce #bushfire #Authorities #issue #emergency #earning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump revels in mass federal firings and jeers at Biden before adoring conservative crowd Trump revels in mass federal firings and jeers at Biden before adoring conservative crowd OXON HILL, Md. (AP) — President Donald Trump said Saturday that “nobody’s ever seen anything” like his administration’s sweeping effort to fire thousands of federal employees and shrink the size of government, congratulating himself for “dominating” Washington and sending bureaucrats “packing.” Addressing an adoring crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference just outside the nation’s capital, Trump promised, “We’re going to forge a new and lasting political majority that will drive American politics for generations to come.” The president argues that voters gave him a mandate to overhaul government while cracking down on the U.S.-Mexico border and extending tax cuts that were the signature policy of his first administration. 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. Trump clicked easily back into campaign mode during his hour-plus speech, predicting that the GOP will continue to win and defy history, which has shown that a president’s party typically struggles during midterm elections. He insisted of Republicans, “I don’t think we’ve been at this level, maybe ever.” “Nobody’s ever seen anything like this,” Trump said, likening his new administration’s opening month to being on a roll through the first four holes of a round of golf — which he said gives him confidence for the fifth hole. Trump has empowered Elon Musk to help carry out the firings, and the billionaire suggested Saturday that more might be coming. “Consistent with President @realDonaldTrump’s instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week,” Musk posted on X, which he owns. “Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.” Later, an “HR” email was sent to federal workers across numerous agencies titled “What did you do last week” and asking that recipients “reply with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished last week and cc your manager.” It cautioned against sending classified information, and gave a deadline of Monday at 11:59 p.m. ET. Trump also said during the speech that he’d carry out harsher immigration policies. But those efforts have so far largely been overshadowed by his administration’s mass federal firings. He announced that one entity with a workforce that had been significantly reduced, the U.S. Agency for International Development, would have its Washington office taken over by Customs and Border Protection officials. “The agency’s name has been removed from its former building,” he said. The president also repeated his previous promises to scrutinize the country’s gold depository at Fort Knox. “Would anybody like to join us?” he asked to cheers from the crowd at the suggestion that administration forces might converge on the complex. “We want to see if the gold is still there.” But Trump also devoted large chunks of his address to reliving last year’s presidential race, jeering at former President Joe Biden and mispronouncing the first name of former Vice President Kamala Harris — his Election Day opponent — gleefully proclaiming, “I haven’t said that name in a while.” He went on to use an expletive to describe Biden’s handling of border security, despite noting that evangelical conservatives have urged him not to use foul language. Trump had kinder words for ******** President Xi Jinping, saying “I happen to like” him, while saying, “we’ve been treated very unfairly by China and many other countries.” On the sidelines of the conference, Trump met with conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda amid rising tensions in Europe over Russia’s war in Ukraine. After he took the stage, Trump saluted Duda and another atendee, Argentine President Javier Milei. Trump called Duda “a fantastic man and a great friend of mine” and said “you must be doing something right, hanging out with Trump.” He noted that Milei was “a MAGA guy, too, Make Argentina Great Again.” Poland is a longtime ally of Ukraine. Trump upended recent U.S. policy by dispatching top foreign policy advisers to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian officials that were aimed at ending fighting in Ukraine. Those meetings did not include Ukrainian or European officials, which has alarmed U.S. allies. Trump is meeting on Monday at the White House with French President Emmanuel Macron and Thursday with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Trump also has begun a public tiff with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom the U.S. president called a “dictator” while falsely suggesting that Ukraine started the war — though on Friday Trump acknowledged that Russia attacked its neighbor. Trump told the CPAC crowd, “I’m dealing with President Zelenskyy. I’m dealing with President Putin” and added of fighting in Ukraine, “It affects Europe. It doesn’t really affect us.” Zelenskyy has said Trump is living in a Russian-made “disinformation space.” For much of the time since Russia invaded in February 2022, the United States, under Biden, pledged that Ukraine would play in any major effort to end the fighting, vowing “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” Trump’s administration has dispensed with that notion, as the Republican president has accelerated his push to find an endgame to the war. “I think we’re pretty close to a deal, and we better be close to a deal,” Trump said Saturday. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently told reporters that Trump and his team were focused on negotiations to end the war and “the President is very confident we can get it done this week,” though such a tight timeline seems difficult. Leavitt is one of three administration officials who face a lawsuit from The Associated Press on First- and Fifth-Amendment grounds. The AP says the three are punishing the news agency for editorial decisions they oppose. The White House says the AP is not following an executive order to refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. Later, Trump hosted a formal dinner at the White House for governors from around the country who were in Washington for a meeting of the National Governors Association. Trump said Republicans and Democrats can always call him and joked that he might address Democratic concerns first. “Let us all recommit ourselves to strengthening America and making it something even more special than it has been,” Trump said. “And we’re going to be one united nation, and maybe together, this is going to be easier if we start uniting.” The president, who wore a tuxedo and bow tie, was accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, who had her own tuxedo but no tie. Trump told those gathered that his wife helped organize the event. “She worked very hard on making sure everything was beautiful,” he said to applause. Trump also said he’d give a tour of the Lincoln Bedroom after the meal to anyone who wished to see it. “I think maybe it’s like the most important room in the whole country,” he said. “The most important bedroom definitely.” ___ Weissert reported from Washington. Source link #Trump #revels #mass #federal #firings #jeers #Biden #adoring #conservative #crowd Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

European stock futures, euro climb as Germany stays mainstream – Reuters European stock futures, euro climb as Germany stays mainstream – Reuters European stock futures, euro climb as Germany stays mainstream ReutersMerz wins a messy election then calls for independence from America The EconomistGermany’s conservatives declare victory in Berlin. Now the hard work begins CNBCGermany’s Merz calls for ‘independence’ from US as conservatives win vote Al Jazeera English’Next time we’ll come first’: ******* far-right celebrates breakthrough Reuters Source link #European #stock #futures #euro #climb #Germany #stays #mainstream #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA election 2025: Liberal candidate Merome Beard’s car stolen and used in ram-raid as voting begins WA election 2025: Liberal candidate Merome Beard’s car stolen and used in ram-raid as voting begins A Liberal candidate’s car was stolen and used in a ram-raid in the State’s north, and a Labor candidate copped abuse in Perth’s south, as voting got underway across the State on Monday. Source link #election #Liberal #candidate #Merome #Beards #car #stolen #ramraid #voting #begins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

People Who Become Lonelier as They Get Older Usually Display These 10 Subtle Behaviors, Psychologists Say People Who Become Lonelier as They Get Older Usually Display These 10 Subtle Behaviors, Psychologists Say Loneliness can be a full-body experience—yes, we said “body.” “Loneliness is more than just a feeling—it is a signal from your brain, like hunger or thirst, telling you something is missing,” explains Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. “When we feel lonely, our bodies may react as if we are under stress, releasing hormones like cortisol that can harm us over time.” In fact, former US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy cited data in a 2023 advisory that showed social disconnection had a similar effect on health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day—more significant than lack of physical activity and obesity. People of all ages can—and do—experience loneliness, but it can become especially pronounced as people age. Children leave the home, loved ones and friends may pass away and they can start to feel forgotten about. However, loneliness and its signs are harder to spot than those associated with smoking. “Loneliness isn’t always obvious,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa explains. “Someone might seem busy or cheerful but still feel deeply disconnected.” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says that understanding the signs and subtle behaviors associated with loneliness can help us help our loved ones before it becomes a serious, chronic physical and mental health issue. Here, two psychologists share under-the-radar traits of people who become lonelier as they age. Related: 6 Behaviors That Signal a Person’s Lonely, According to Psychologists 10 Subtle Traits of People Who Become Lonelier as They Age, According to Psychologists1. Increased reliance on technology Technology can foster connection. Ironically, it’s also a sign of disconnection. “Overuse or over-reliance on digital forms of communication can sometimes replace more meaningful face-to-face in-person interactions,” says Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a licensed clinical psychologist. “It can be an attempt to fill the void, but the person may still feel disconnected or unsatisfied because texts and calls can lead to a hollow sense of connection, leaving them feeling lonely in those interactions.” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says a prime example is a retired grandparent posting more on Facebook or texting their family daily. He echoes Dr. Schiff’s sentiments—they’re likely seeking interactions they miss in real life. 2. Excessive TV watching Social media and smartphone use aren’t the only screen-related activities that lonely people engage in more frequently. “Television or hobbies might become a way to pass time without addressing their emotional needs,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. “For example, a retiree might watch hours of news or game shows, finding comfort in the predictability of those routines.” 3. Overly nostalgic It’s fun to reminisce. However, talking about the past more than usual can be a sign a person wishes they were still living in it because they’re becoming lonelier in the present. “If someone is feeling lonely, they may find comfort in the past, excessive dwelling on that ******* and feeling nostalgic,” Dr. Schiff says. “It might have been a time when they had social connections and more meaningful relationships. To cope with the isolation of the present, they tend to focus on memories of better times.” Related: People Who Felt Lonely as Children Usually Develop These 13 Traits as Adults, Psychologists Say 4. Frequent complaints about minor health issues The cry for help may not be for physical reasons (yet—because loneliness can contribute to those). “Physical ailments can sometimes mask emotional pain or serve as a way to seek attention and care,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. For instance, he adds that an older adult might frequently mention feeling tired or achy, explaining they may be trying to trigger concern and start conversations to feel less alone. 5. Sudden interest in talking to strangers There’s nothing inherently wrong with talking the mail carrier’s ear off, especially if it’s this person’s “normal.” However, it’s something to note, particularly if it seems sudden, out of character and chronic. “Casual conversations may feel like a lifeline when deeper connections are lacking,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. 6. Changes in eating habits Are they hungrier than usual? Trying to lose weight? Getting sick? These questions may (understandably) go through your head if you notice a loved one is overeating or undereating. However, Dr. Lira de la Rosa says it can also be a sneaky behavior in someone feeling isolated. “Food can become a source of comfort or control in the absence of social interaction,” he explains. 7. Not asking for help People who are becoming older and lonelier might be less inclined to ask for help. This behavior can set off a vicious cycle that’s easy to overlook because independence is often seen as “healthy” and “desired.” “They may be reluctant to ask for help because of a deep sense of pride; they don’t want to burden others with their problems,” Dr. Schiff says. “Even if they need help, they might avoid asking for it, which leads to further isolation. They prefer to do everything alone, even at the cost of their well-being.” 8. Over-attachment to pets and objects Yes, pets are becoming more like family members these days. However, keep an eye on a loved one if they’re displaying behaviors like talking about their dogs as if they were a person or spending significantly more time looking through an old photo album. “Pets or sentimental belongings may fill the emotional void left by human connections,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. 9. Loss of interest in hobbies or interests This behavior can present subtly, like an overgrown garden or the absence of a book on a lifelong bookworm’s nightstand. “Loneliness can lead to a diminished sense of purpose, which causes people to lose interest in hobbies or activities they once enjoyed,” Dr. Schiff says. “They won’t feel fulfilled and it can further perpetuate a sense of isolation and loneliness.” 10. Overly agreeable or people-pleasing behaviors People can display this behavior for various reasons, including increased feelings of isolation. “They may fear losing what little connection they have, so they prioritize pleasing others over expressing their own needs.” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. Related: 11 Phrases That Signal a Person’s Lonely, According to Psychologists The No. 1 Thing You Can Encourage a Lonely Loved One To Do Dr. Lira de la Rosa advises people to encourage their friend or family member who is feeling lonely to join a community activity or group that aligns with their interests. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s helpful. “Shared activities create opportunities for natural connections without the pressure of one-on-one interactions,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. “For example, joining a book club, gardening group, or walking club gives people a reason to gather regularly and build relationships over time.” It also serves as an important reminder. “Loneliness often makes people feel like they’re the only ones feeling this way, but being part of a group reminds them they’re not alone,” Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. “Even small, consistent interactions can have a big impact on their emotional well-being.” Up Next: Related: Psychologists Are Begging People To Pay Attention to These 11 Early Signs of Loneliness Expert Sources: Source link #People #Lonelier #Older #Display #Subtle #Behaviors #Psychologists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope is resting on 10th day of hospitalization after early stages of kidney failure detected – The Associated Press Pope is resting on 10th day of hospitalization after early stages of kidney failure detected – The Associated Press Pope is resting on 10th day of hospitalization after early stages of kidney failure detected The Associated PressPope had good tenth night in hospital ******** NewsPope Francis, in critical condition, had a ‘good’ night in hospital, ******** says ReutersPHOTOS: Pope Francis receives get-well cards, drawings from schoolchildren in Rome Catholic News Agency Source link #Pope #resting #10th #day #hospitalization #early #stages #kidney #failure #detected #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More than 150,000 Canadians sign petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship | Elon Musk More than 150,000 Canadians sign petition to revoke Musk’s citizenship | Elon Musk More than 150,000 people from Canada have signed a parliamentary petition calling for their country to strip Elon Musk’s ********* citizenship because of the tech billionaire’s alliance with Donald Trump, who has spent his second US presidency repeatedly threatening to conquer its independent neighbor to the north and turn it into its 51st state. British Columbia author Qualia Reed launched the petition in Canada’s House of Commons, where it was sponsored by New Democrat parliamentary member and avowed Musk critic Charlie Angus, as the ********* Press first reported over the weekend. Born in South Africa and helming US companies including electric vehicle-maker Tesla, aerospace company SpaceX and the social media platform Twitter/X, Musk has ********* citizenship through his mother, who is from Saskatchewan’s capital, *******. He has been crusading to slash the US federal government’s size at the behest of the US president, who has consistently challenged Canada’s sovereignty since returning to the White House for a second presidential term on 20 January. Reed’s petition – filed on 20 February – accuses Musk of having “engaged in activities that go against the national interest of Canada” by acting as an adviser to Trump. Trump has invited the scorn of Canada’s 40 million residents by making threats about imposing steep tariffs on ********* products and openly boasting about having the US annex the country, including shortly before its national hockey team defeated a selection of American opponents in a politically charged 20 February tournament final. The petition asserts that Musk’s alignment with Trump makes him “a member of a foreign government that is attempting to erase ********* sovereignty”. It asks ********* prime minister Justin Trudeau to take away Musk’s ********* passport and revoke his citizenship with immediate effect. Trump has often mocked Trudeau as “governor”, the title given to US states’ chief executives. And Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he bought in 2022 for $44bn to relish Trudeau’s announcement in January that he would resign as the head of Canada’s Liberal party after it selected a new leader, with the tech billionaire praising clips of the prominent ********* Conservative party chief Pierre Poilievre. As the ********* Press noted, petitions like Reed’s require 500 or more signatures for them to gain the certification necessary to be presented to Canada’s House of Commons and potentially garner a formal government response. Reed’s petition evidently had no trouble clearing that threshold, having collected about 157,000 signatures as of late Sunday, with no indication that the number would soon stop rising. skip past newsletter promotion Sign up to This Week in Trumpland A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Canada’s House of Commons is scheduled to resume its work on 24 March, though the country could call for a general election before parliamentary members return. The signing ******* for Reed’s petition was set to expire on 20 June. Musk’s directive to ostensibly cut federal spending – after Trump lost re-election in 2020 to Joe Biden but then secured it in November at the expense of Kamala Harris – has affected hundreds of thousands of US government civil servants. The cuts include thousands at the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, Health and Human Services, the Internal Revenue Service and the National Parks Service, among others. An Economist/YouGov poll of nearly 1,600 respondents recently found Musk and his so-called “department of government efficiency” (Doge) are far less popular with the public that they claim to be serving than many of the areas they are targeting. Nonetheless, on Friday at a gathering of conservatives in Maryland, Musk made light of his involvement in the Trump administration by giddily waving a giant chainsaw in the air. And on Sunday, Musk boosted an X post reading: “Of course we support Doge! Those who don’t support it are unAmerican.” This article was amended on 24 Feburary 2025. The petition closes on 20 June, not 20 January as stated in an earlier version. Source link #Canadians #sign #petition #revoke #Musks #citizenship #Elon #Musk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Teen bloody after ******* accused ‘chased him into bush’ Teen bloody after ******* accused ‘chased him into bush’ An Indigenous teenager was spotted holding his bloody head after being chased into bushland by two men with metal poles, a ******* trial has been told. Cassius Turvey, a 15-year-old Noongar Yamatji boy, died in hospital 10 days after prosecutors say he was chased, knocked to the ground and “deliberately struck to the head” in Perth’s eastern suburbs on October 13, 2022. Aleesha Louise Gilmore, 23, her boyfriend Jack Steven James Brearley, 23, and his mates Brodie Lee Palmer, 29 and Mitchell Colin Forth, 26, are on trial in the West *********** Supreme Court charged with murdering Cassius. A young woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the jury on Monday she caught a bus with Cassius and a group of other teens to a grassy open space near a TAFE college following talk about a fight. After they arrived a ****** ute drove past with a woman and three men. The witness said someone in the group yelled: “You smashed our windows, you ****** c**ts”. The now-19-year-old said the ute returned sometime later and “the three men jumped out”. She said the trio continued yelling about the smashed windows and the teens denied having a hand in the incident. “I remember seeing all of them walk back towards the car to grab weapons,” she said. “Really skinny kind of long poles.” The witness described one of the men as muscular and said the other two were skinny. “The boys started running and the men were chasing after them,” she said. She also said Cassius was among the teens fleeing from the men and that they fled into bushland near the TAFE. The witness said the muscular man and one of the skinny men ran into the bush after the boys with metal poles. She said Cassius later emerged from the bush and he was “holding his head and it was bleeding down like his head and his ear, and he was crying”. Prosecutor Ben Stanwix has previously said Gilmore got out of the ute before it returned to the teens and that Brearley, armed with a metal pole, attacked two teens in the group before climbing back into the ute with Palmer and Forth and driving after some of the other teens in the group who had run across the grassy open space. Cassius was among them and Brearley “hunting for kids” struck him on the head at least twice. One blow split his left ear in half and another lacerated his forehead. Mr Stanwix said Brearley “was filled with fury about his broken car windows”, which happened a day earlier, and about threats communicated via social media that a group of “kids” could damage the home he shared with Gilmore. Brearley allegedly later bragged about his “vigilante violence”, saying: “He was just lying in the field and I was striking him with the trolley pole so hard so he learned his lesson”. Prosecutors say Forth, Palmer and Gilmore helped Brearley and knew his intent. The smashed car windows were part of a series of escalating ****-for-tat incidents that started on October 9 when some of the accused allegedly “snatched two kids off the street” and unlawfully detained them, punching, kicking and stabbing one of them. The incident was triggered by a “love triangle” involving Gilmore’s 14-year-old brother and another teen of similar age, and social media exchanges about the boys fighting. The trial continues. Source link #Teen #bloody #******* #accused #chased #bush Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis writes personal message to supporters amid hospitalization. Read his statement Pope Francis writes personal message to supporters amid hospitalization. Read his statement Pope Francis is thanking Catholics around the world for their prayers as he continues battling double pneumonia in a Rome hospital where he remains in critical condition as of Feb. 23. “I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!” the 88-year-old pope wrote in a personal message Feb. 23 on X. “I urge you to continue your apostolate with joy and to be a sign of a love that embraces everyone, as the #GospelOfTheDay suggests. May we transform evil into goodness and build a fraternal world. Do not be afraid to take risks for love!” he added. Francis’s message comes hours after the ******** announced he had a “tranquil” night and was alert and rested on Sunday after undergoing multiple blood transfusions. In an update Sunday, the ******** said his condition “remains critical; however, he has presented no further respiratory crisis since last night.” The update noted that some blood tests show “initial, mild, renal insufficiency” that is “at present under control.” The prognosis is still “reserved.” “The Holy Father continues to be alert and well oriented,” the ******** said. The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing for several days. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. The ******** described the pope’s condition as critical for the first time on Feb. 22. Pope Francis issued a personal message on Feb. 23 thanking Catholics around the world for their prayers as he battles double pneumonia and other health challenges. The pope required both high-flow oxygen therapy and multiple blood transfusions after tests showed a condition associated with anemia, the ******** said in a late update. “The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved,” the statement Feb. 22 said. The pope shared a written message for his usual Sunday prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Feb. 23, which he was unable to deliver for the second week in a row. Francis said in his written message that he was “confidently” continuing with his treatment. He also thanked his physicians and others who have sent him messages of support. Pope Francis has dealt with multiple health issues in recent years, including a previous flu diagnosis and various respiratory problems. The elderly pope, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, also underwent a surgery in 2021 for a gastrointestinal disease called diverticulitis and another surgery in 2023 for a hernia. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Source link #Pope #Francis #writes #personal #message #supporters #hospitalization #Read #statement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Millions of supporters attend ******** of Hezbollah's ex-chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut | Pics – Hindustan Times Millions of supporters attend ******** of Hezbollah's ex-chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut | Pics – Hindustan Times Millions of supporters attend ******** of Hezbollah’s ex-chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut | Pics Hindustan TimesThousands of supporters of Hezbollah’s slain leader Nasrallah fly into Beirut for his ******** The Associated PressIsrael Performs Parade-Like Fighter Jet Flyover For Arch Enemy’s ******** YahooAnti-Israel activists hold ******** event for terror chief Nasrallah in NYC The Times of Israel Source link #Millions #supporters #attend #******** #Hezbollah039s #exchief #Hassan #Nasrallah #Beirut #Pics #Hindustan #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Scarborough Beach incident: Emergency services rush to scene as person pulled unconscious from water Scarborough Beach incident: Emergency services rush to scene as person pulled unconscious from water Emergency services were called to the incident at the popular beach just before 2pm. Source link #Scarborough #Beach #incident #Emergency #services #rush #scene #person #pulled #unconscious #water Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Paedophile French surgeon on trial for abusing almost 300 patients Paedophile French surgeon on trial for abusing almost 300 patients A former surgeon is to go on trial in France on Monday charged with raping or ********* assaulting almost 300 former patients, most of them children. Joel Le Scouarnec, 74, is already in jail after a court in 2020 found him guilty of abusing four children, including two of his nieces. In the latest trial, to last four months, he faces allegations that he also assaulted or ****** 299 patients, many while waking up from anaesthetic or during post-op checkups, at a dozen hospitals between 1989 and 2014. In total, 256 of the 299 victims were under 15, with the youngest aged one and the oldest aged 70. The trial is likely to be a new shock for France. It comes just two months after Frenchman Dominique Pelicot was convicted of enlisting dozens of strangers to ***** his heavily sedated wife Gisele Pelicot, who has since divorced him and become a feminist hero for refusing to be ashamed. In this case, Le Scouarnec is the sole defendant accused of crimes against hundreds of victims. The trial in the city of Vannes in the western region of Brittany will be held in public, but seven days of testimony from victims who were targeted while minors will be held behind closed doors. If convicted, Le Scouarnec faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison — French law does not allow sentences to be added together even when there are multiple victims. – ‘Collective failure’ – The surgeon practised for decades until his retirement despite a 2005 sentence for owning ********* abusive images of children and colleagues raising their concerns. Le Scouarnec was practising in the western town of Lorient in 2004 when the FBI alerted French authorities that he was among hundreds in France who had been consulting sex abuse images of children online. A court in nearby Vannes handed him a suspended four-month jail sentence the following year. But by that time the doctor had already moved on to work in another Brittany town, Quimperle, where he was promoted despite the management being made aware of his conviction. He then moved to southwestern France, where he worked until his retirement in 2017. Investigators uncovered his alleged crimes after he retired in 2017, when a six-year-old girl accused him of ***** and police found accounts of abuse in his diaries. Victims and child rights advocates say the case highlights systemic shortcomings that allowed Le Scouarnec to repeatedly commit ******* crimes. Frederic Benoist, a lawyer for French advocacy group La Voix de l’Enfant (The Child’s Voice), said the fact Le Scouarnec was never barred from practising was the result of “collective failure”. A separate investigation has been opened by regional prosecutors over these failures, though it is not yet targeting any individual or institution. bur-ah/sbk/tw Source link #Paedophile #French #surgeon #trial #abusing #patients Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Humanoid Robot Protoclone Stuns Internet with Lifelike Movements Humanoid Robot Protoclone Stuns Internet with Lifelike Movements A humanoid robot with an anatomically accurate structure has gained widespread attention after a video showcasing its movements went viral. Designed by Clone Robotics, the prototype named ‘Protoclone’ has been built to mimic human musculoskeletal functions. The video, viewed millions of times, displays the robot’s limbs twitching as artificial muscles activate while it hangs from the ceiling. Social media reactions have been divided, with many users expressing unease over the robot’s unsettlingly lifelike appearance. Despite the public response, the company remains focused on advancing its capabilities. Prototype Development and Features As per the post on X, Protoclone has been engineered with over 200 degrees of freedom, 1,000 artificial muscle fibers, and 500 integrated sensors. Clone Robotics claims that the android possesses human-like skeletal, vascular, and nervous systems, offering a significant leap in biomimetic robotics. The robot’s movements are powered by a pneumatic system, though plans for a hydraulic-driven version have been announced. Equipped with four cameras and an array of sensors, the humanoid is designed to navigate environments with increased precision. Public Reaction and Industry Context As reported by Live Science, responses to the viral footage have ranged from fascination to apprehension. Social media users have compared the robot to fictional depictions of artificial intelligence from dystopian narratives, while others have called for aesthetic modifications to make it appear less unsettling. Despite this, humanoid robots continue to be integrated into industrial applications, with companies such as Figure and Apptronik deploying similar technology in manufacturing environments. Reports indicate that Protoclone will be available for preorder later this year, although pricing details have yet to be disclosed. Future of Humanoid Robotics Industry experts suggest that humanoid robotics could see increased adoption across various sectors. Similar projects have been developed for warehouse automation and industrial manufacturing, with multiple companies working towards commercialising advanced humanoid systems. As robotics technology evolves, the discussion surrounding ethical, aesthetic, and functional aspects of humanoid designs continues to grow. Clone Robotics has yet to announce an official release date for Protoclone, but ongoing developments suggest that lifelike androids could soon play a more prominent role in everyday settings. Source link #Humanoid #Robot #Protoclone #Stuns #Internet #Lifelike #Movements Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Profits, Not D.E.I., Are Why Companies Exist Profits, Not D.E.I., Are Why Companies Exist A prominent group of chief executives said almost six years ago that making profits for shareholders was only part of their business — and not necessarily the main part. Speaking collectively as the Business Roundtable, C.E.O.s from companies like Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, Wells Fargo and Amazon said that, really, they were devoted to serving employees and customers, protecting the environment and treating suppliers ethically. Thank you, I wrote in a column back then. And may I sell you a bridge? Now that many companies are muting their commitments to programs embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as to environmental sustainability, I can’t say I’m shocked. The Trump administration has declared D.E.I. to be “********” and “immoral.” It has derided efforts to ensure “sustainability” and stave off climate change as misguided undertakings that are only weakening America. Faced with the administration’s threats of litigation and investigation, corporate America is, to a large extent, bending with the political wind. My colleagues, here and at other news organizations, have been documenting the retreat on these issues by countless companies, including Target, Meta, Google, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock and Vanguard. The spectacle of corporations changing their posture in waves, like groves of saplings in a storm, may seem startling. But corporations have always done this. What we’re seeing now is an accelerated version. In fact, it’s what Milton Friedman, who was both a Nobel laureate economist and a high priest of conservative, free-market ideology, said they should do. Social Responsibility Professor Friedman chose to explain his views in The New York Times Magazine to a broad swath of Americans, including many who were not entirely comfortable with right-wing political beliefs. His article, published on Sept. 13, 1970, carried a provocative headline: “A Friedman doctrine — The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits.” In it, he acknowledged that many leading companies in those days — as in the recent past, before the Trump victory — openly advocated a broad sense of corporate responsibility. This was a grave mistake, he contended. “The businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned ‘merely’ with profit but also with promoting desirable ‘social’ ends; that business has a ‘social conscience’ and takes seriously its responsibilities for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers.” This kind of talk was naïve, vacuous and worse, he said. Professor Friedman, an apostle of unfettered capitalism, said that if anyone took corporate social responsibility seriously, it would lead the United States on the road to socialism. Instead, he wrote, what companies should do was stick to their essential function: Using resources efficiently to maximize profits. Businesses needed to abide by government rules and regulations, he said. Furthermore, he allowed that sometimes executives had to speak as though they believed that corporations had a responsibility to do more than simply make money. “If our institutions, and the attitudes of the public make it in their self-interest to cloak their actions in this way,” Professor Friedman wrote, “I cannot summon much indignation to denounce them.” But he did so anyway, calling them “incredibly short sighted and muddle-headed” as well as “socialist” and “collectivist.” One motivation for writing this full-throated defense of pure profits was clear in his piece: He was troubled by the rise of shareholder proxy campaigns, in which shareholder votes push corporations to act in a progressive manner. Professor Friedman referred specifically to the “G.M. crusade,” a pioneering shareholder rights campaign begun earlier that year and spearheaded by Ralph Nader. Professor Friedman died in 2006. Mr. Nader remains active, and this past week, I called him for his perspective on shifting corporate views on D.E.I. and sustainability since the 1960s. He said that in the General Motors campaign, “We had three goals: to get G.M. to produce safer cars, less polluting cars and more fuel-efficient cars.” The effort centered on a proxy fight — ostensibly, an electoral battle for a plurality of shareholder votes. But, Mr. Nader said, there was never a serious hope of winning a proxy vote contest because the organizers only owned a handful of shares, while richer and more conservative investors had vastly more resources. Instead, the G.M. campaign was a battle for the nation’s hearts and minds. Mr. Nader’s tactics were inspired by a proxy battle at Eastman Kodak, started a few years earlier by the community organizer Saul Alinsky. Mr. Alinsky, who died in 1972, said he took on Kodak because it was the most powerful institution in its home base, Rochester, N.Y. The point of the campaign was to persuade the company to use its clout to get Rochester to build decent housing for poor people of color. In his classic book, “Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals,” Mr. Alinsky wrote, “There was never any thought, then or now, of using proxies to gain economic power inside the corporation or to elect directors to the board.” He added, “Boards of directors are only rubber stamps of management.” Similarly, Mr. Nader said that he knew at the outset of the G.M. campaign in 1970 that it would be impossible to “win” a shareholder voting contest outright. But the campaign succeeded in putting pressure on the company for a while, he said. “Kicking and screaming, they started producing safer cars, more fuel-efficient cars and less polluting cars,” he said. But obviously, he said, “when you look back, it’s clear that they didn’t do nearly enough.” And, he added, proxy campaigns and corporate commitments can only go so far. That shouldn’t be surprising, he said, because corporate executives and board members “just put their fingers in the wind and when the wind changes, they just back off. It’s a rhetorical cycle, but it doesn’t much change how they actually behave one way or another.” On the other hand, Mr. Nader said, most corporate executives are pragmatists who understand that having a diverse work force and making efficient use of energy “is in their companies’ own interest.” If the political cycle shifts again, expect to hear much more from corporate America about the need for social responsibility, Mr. Nader said. Profits and Politics I don’t expect — or want — corporate executives to be political leaders. I would prefer that they do the right thing, and I’m troubled when they don’t. But I invest in them anyway. Maybe that’s because I learned early on to be skeptical of smooth-talking strangers. As an investor, I focus on the money. As I’ve said before, when somebody offers something for nothing, I reach into my pocket to see if my wallet is there. My wallet is intact. That’s at least in part because I’ve been careful to separate my personal and political opinions from my investments. I don’t necessarily trust all publicly traded companies or approve of all of their practices, but I hold a piece of them through broad, cheap stock and bond index funds that put money into the entire global market. I intend to keep doing so, regardless of changes in fashion or politics. Now, on a personal note: I’m taking a break — a monthlong sabbatical. The Strategies column will be back in the spring. Let’s see what the winds of change have done to corporate America by then. Source link #Profits #D.E.I #Companies #Exist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Foreign leaders visit Ukraine to show their support on war’s 3rd anniversary – The Associated Press Foreign leaders visit Ukraine to show their support on war’s 3rd anniversary – The Associated Press Foreign leaders visit Ukraine to show their support on war’s 3rd anniversary The Associated PressUkraine live: Zelensky hails ‘absolute heroism’ of Ukrainians, three years since Russian invasion began BBC.comZelensky hails Ukraine’s ‘absolute heroism’ on third anniversary of Russia’s invasion CNNForeign leaders arrive in Kyiv to mark anniversary of war as Zelenskyy hails ‘three years of resistance’ – Ukraine war live The GuardianUrsula von der Leyen arrives in Kyiv with €3.5 billion in fresh financial aid Euronews Source link #Foreign #leaders #visit #Ukraine #show #support #wars #3rd #anniversary #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bozena Knapinksi: Jury unanimously finds wife accused of poisoning husband not guilty Bozena Knapinksi: Jury unanimously finds wife accused of poisoning husband not guilty A woman accused of trying to poison her controlling husband has been found not guilty on all six counts against her. Bozena Knapinski, 63, went on trial in the Supreme Court of WA last week, charged with intentionally doing an act that would likely endanger the life, health or safety of Robert Knapinski. The Polish migrants had been married for 39 years when he reported her to police in 2023 after years of frosty relations. The 65-year-old was tested in hospital and found to have elevated levels of the trace mineral selenium, with 10 micromoles per litre in his blood compared to a normal range of 1.1-2.5. He testified at his now ex-wife’s trial that he had long suffered symptoms of a mystery illness including abdominal pain and began detecting a chemical smell in his water from about 2020. He said he became suspicious in 2022 when he felt better on a four-month trip to Poland but started to feel unwell again upon his return to Australia. So he covertly filmed Mrs Knapinski when he left the room, capturing her squeezing the substance into his water bottles. He stashed 13 of them and later testing revealed selenium levels up to 275 times higher than the upper limit of safe drinking water. Camera IconRobert Knapinski accused his wife of attempting to ******* him by poisoning him with selenium. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West *********** When Mrs Knapinski was questioned by detectives, she said she had been taking selenium as part of her own health and beauty regime. He was a hypochondriac and must have been taking some too, seeing that she was healthy, she told them. But her story changed when she was confronted with the footage. “He’s putting a trap, isn’t he? Typical,” she said, seeing him setting up the recording. She then said he didn’t take supplements long enough to give them a chance to work, so she did it behind his back to make him healthy. “To stop being ********** and concentrate on life,” she said. “It’s not only for your hair, it’s a supplement for longevity.” The jury deliberated for less than four hours on Monday and her supporters wept with relief as the verdicts were read out. Mrs Knapinski said “thank you” to the jury. In a video of her police interview played in court, Mrs Knapinski rattled off a litany of complaints about her husband. She said he was emotionally and verbally abusive, bringing her to the edge of a nervous breakdown and seriously considering divorce. He was so controlling, he checked “every single” ingredient in food she brought into the house, she said. Claiming hypersensitivity, he called her “Chemical Ali” for her use of cleaning products and forcing her to keep her perfumes in the garage, she said. Mrs Knapinski said she did everything in their household after he ceased work within just a few years due to a back injury. Source link #Bozena #Knapinksi #Jury #unanimously #finds #wife #accused #poisoning #husband #guilty Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I used the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 side-by-side; here’s why this year is different I used the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 side-by-side; here’s why this year is different For the past several years, my routine has remained the same. I’ll enjoy using the latest OnePlus flagship. I love the performance and value for money the company is known for, and the OnePlus 11 and 12 have been legitimately good smartphones. Still, a part of me is always glad to get back to the warm embrace of the Samsung Galaxy series once the review ******* is over. I’m an old-school Galaxy Note fan, and even though we’re a long way from that era, the Galaxy Ultra phones do enough to keep me hooked. Samsung offers excellent devices with great software and powerful hardware to match. However, 2025 is turning out differently than in previous years, and OnePlus has stepped up its game with the OnePlus 13. Let’s find out if it did enough to make me forget about the Galaxy S25 Ultra and keep my SIM exactly where it is. What I like about the OnePlus 13A complete 2025 flagship phone OnePlus 13 in blue sitting next to a Pusheen The OnePlus mission statement always sounded good. The company offered the latest flagship processor and premium materials for less than the competition, allowing US customers to experience something different with a device featuring impressive power without the Samsung price tag. But something would always hold me back from thoroughly enjoying the phones. That’s not the case this year, as OnePlus did a fantastic job making the OnePlus 13 a complete flagship experience. I’ll start with the design. When you pick up the OnePlus 13, you can immediately tell the engineers put time and effort into the device’s feel. Despite the larger camera array, it’s balanced, and I love the thin aluminum band around the edge. It’s actually a thicker phone than the Galaxy S25 Ultra but feels thinner because of the design — it’s a fantastic device to hold. The OnePlus 13 on a white backdrop with a closeup on the camera and Hasselblad logo. I also love that OnePlus gives us a 16GB RAM variant. You’ll pay an additional $100, but it’s still significantly cheaper than a base Galaxy S25 Ultra. It gives added peace of mind that my OnePlus 13 will be snappy for years, even with whatever AI advancements are in store. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite, my OnePlus 13 is a performance monster with a fantastic gaming experience. The Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset delivers as advertised, and I’m excited to see what powerful applications will eventually take full advantage of it. OnePlus already had an advantage over Samsung regarding charging speeds, but the company took things further with the battery for 2025. You should believe everything you’ve heard about the OnePlus 13’s 6,000mAh silicon-carbide battery — it’s fantastic. I get a full two days of battery life, whereas, with the Galaxy S25 Ultra, I’m searching for a charger after lunchtime on the second day. You might not think that’s a big deal, as you always remember to plug your phone in overnight. However, it’s an excellent safety blanket when you don’t, and whenever I forget, I don’t worry about getting through my day. The OnePlus 13 with its Qi2 case and supported wireless charger. Even if you forget, faster charging speeds ensure you can top off quickly. The OnePlus 13 supports 80 and 100W wired recharging with the proper adapters. Those are massive figures, considering Samsung is stuck at 45W again. OnePlus uses a dual-cell design to help with long-term battery health, which is a concern people have with faster charging speeds. All told, the OnePlus 13 comes out ahead on battery. The hardware on OnePlus devices has always been fantastic, but the software has prevented me from truly enjoying them. I don’t think OxygenOS 15 is better than One UI 7. However, OxygenOS 15 is in a much-improved position compared to previous years, and it’s no longer a negative for OnePlus phones. It may not be a reason I’d buy a OnePlus 13, but it’s not a reason I’d avoid picking one up. OnePlus 13 camera samples Photo of balloons taken on the OnePlus 13 Camera performance is another reason I’ve previously avoided OnePlus phones. Photos appear a step below those of Samsung, Google, and Apple, and while I’m not a shutterbug, I want to know that my flagship phone will take a decent point-and-shoot image when needed. Whatever OnePlus and Hasselblad did for the OnePlus 13 is working, as the photos are excellent. Nighttime photography is improved, and while it’s all a personal preference, there are instances when I prefer the output from my OnePlus 13 over the Galaxy S25 Ultra — something I wouldn’t have been able to say in previous years. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra photo samples Stuffed animals photo taken on the Galaxy S25 Ultra What I like about the Galaxy S25 UltraA best-in-class Samsung display with excellent software Galaxy S25 Ultra sitting next to a happy plush I’m not going to rehash my misgivings about the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It didn’t include the innovations I hoped for on the hardware side, as Samsung seems content appealing to previous Galaxy owners trading in older phones. If you’re coming from a Galaxy S21 Ultra, you’ll notice meaningful upgrades, and it’s hard to say anything bad about the phone. It’s an excellent performer in a sleek (albeit non-descript) package. If you’re a long-time Samsung fan, and the newest battery and camera hardware don’t excite you, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is fantastic. However, I’d be fooling myself if I said Samsung still didn’t hold significant advantages over OnePlus. One UI 7 is a phenomenal piece of software, and it’s silky smooth on the Galaxy S25 Ultra. It’s vital to differentiate One UI 7 from Galaxy AI, as the latter is in an awkward spot. Samsung touted AI as a reason you’d buy a Galaxy S25 Ultra, but the features aren’t ready for **********. It’s not the transformative experience the company hoped for, but it doesn’t mean all is lost. One UI 7 is solid, and Samsung offers 7 One UI version upgrades and 7 years of software support. There are plenty of reasons you’d choose a Galaxy S25 Ultra over a OnePlus 13; its software is at the top of the list. One UI 7 app drawer on Galaxy S25 Ultra Another reason you’d buy a Galaxy S25 Ultra is the display. I understand it’s not the newest display technology, but it’s a gorgeous panel — the best I’ve seen on a smartphone in a long time. I don’t know how many phone screens I stare at yearly, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s display dazzles me every time I pick it up. I’m glad Samsung moved away from the natural color tones on the Galaxy S24 Ultra, returning to the vibrant hues it’s known for. You can still dial back the saturation if needed, but I love having the option. We stare at our smartphone displays for hours a day, so a good panel is essential. I understand some users will struggle with PWM dimming on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, but it’s an incredible smartphone display that will please most of us. The Galaxy S25 Ultra laying on a blanket. I’m disappointed that Samsung removed some S pen functions, but I’m glad it’s there. I use it to scroll through social media and scribble notes on documents. It’s fantastic for cropping GIFs to send to friends and write down a number quickly. I hate to see the S pen’s role diminished, and I hope it’s not a sign that Samsung plans to remove it entirely. It’s not an easy decision between the two I prefer the OnePlus 13 over the Galaxy S25 Ultra this year, but I understand it’s difficult for most people to switch. There aren’t OnePlus stores in the US you can walk into when something goes wrong, and you can’t finance one through your carrier. A smartphone is a lifeline for people, and the thought of going without when something goes wrong frightens many consumers. In most years, I wouldn’t mention carrier store financing, but Samsung targeted upgrade cycles to sell new flagships, banking on users coming from an older Galaxy model. If you’re an enthusiast like myself, pick up a OnePlus 13. If you’ve never removed a SIM card from a phone, buy the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Product box image of OnePlus 13 OnePlus 13 The OnePlus 13 is a beast of a phone. With a refreshed design, a mostly curveless display, and a massive 6,000mAh battery capable of getting you through a day without breaking a sweat, this could be the Snapdragon 8 Elite-powered smartphone to beat in 2025. And hey, it’s got a pretty great camera system, too. s25-ultra-square Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra leaves the Note-like design behind for the very first time. With flat edges, curved corners, and a massive 6.9-inch display, this is a modern flagship through and through — and yes, that S Pen is still here too. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S25 #Ultra #OnePlus #sidebyside #heres #year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The center-right returns to power in Germany but faces many challenges The center-right returns to power in Germany but faces many challenges Supporters hold up signs reading “Chancellor” and “Merz” during the final campaign event of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union party in Munich, on Feb. 22, 2025. Alexandra Beier | Afp | Getty Images The conservative alliance made up by the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) is set to lead Germany again following the federal election on Sunday, bringing an end to a ******* of political instability that has dogged Berlin for months. The center-right CDU-CSU won 28.6% of votes, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) coming in second place with 20.8%, while the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) came in third with 16.4% of the vote, according to preliminary results from the Federal Returning Officer. The results, which will be confirmed later on Monday, mean the CDU-CSU’s candidate Friedrich Merz will likely be confirmed as Germany’s next chancellor, taking over from the SPD’s Olaf Scholz after his three-party coalition collapsed late last year. “We have won it because the CDU and CSU worked well together and we prepared very, very well for this election and also for taking over governing responsibility,” Merz said on Sunday as exit polls emerged, signaling the alliance’s victory. Friedrich Merz, Union candidate for chancellor and CDU federal chairman, joins the “Quadrell” TV round in the Bundestag election campaign. Michael Kappeler | Picture Alliance | Getty Images The win for the Christian alliance brings an end to a ******* of uncertainty in Europe’s largest economy, although there could now be weeks of political horse-trading as a coalition government is formed. The most likely outcome is for the CDU-CSU to form a two-party coalition with the SPD, a tried and tested coalition formula in Germany, although a three-party coalition made up of the CDU-CSU, SPD and Greens is also a possibility. Merz had already ruled out forming any governing alliance with the anti-immigration, populist AfD party, which saw its best election result ever on Sunday. Merz “clearly has a mandate to form a new government,” David McAllister, CDU politician and member of the European Parliament, told CNBC Monday. “He will be a very good chancellor because I know him for many years, we can absolutely trust this man and hopefully he can bring confidence back, he can restore confidence in Germany, that is his main task and I wish him all the best for that.” From ‘debt brake’ to Trump European markets have had a somewhat muted reaction to the election result although Germany’s DAX stock market index opened around 0.4% higher on Monday. But despite this respite, the new ******* government has a lot to contend with. Political division in Berlin has been seen as an undesirable distraction by investors who warn that Germany must overcome a series of challenges. These include an economic malaise that has gripped the country in recent years, with its car-and-export-orientated economy looking vulnerable, as well as a thorny debate over immigration and integration that has seen the likes of the AfD rise in prominence and popularity. Germany’s wider role in European geopolitics is also a matter for debate, particularly given the ongoing war in Ukraine, and as U.S. President Donald Trump and his trade tariffs threat pose another potential headwind. Volkswagen ID.7 electric cars are seen at the Volkswagen (VW) electric fleet lead plant in Emden, Germany, Feb. 18, 2025. Carmen Jaspersen | Reuters Economists are considering what a CDU-CSU-led government means for Germany’s economy and fiscal reform after lengthy debate and division over Germany’s “debt brake,” a fiscal policy that’s enshrined in Germany’s constitution, limiting how much debt the government can take on. Strategists at Deutsche Bank noted that while the election result “may reduce the risks of particularly fractious coalition talks, it still confirms an ongoing anti-establishment trend that has been visible both in Germany and Europe as a whole.” “The result marks the lowest ever vote share for the two major parties, even as the turnout (82.5%) was the highest since at least 1990. And it leaves the centrist parties short of a 2/3rds constitutional majority, with the CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens jointly at just under 66% of seats. That means any debt brake reform, including for defence spending, would require support from one of the fringe parties. This may not be impossible, but it would require significant political compromises,” they wrote in a note. The fiscal policy has proved to be a persistent political bugbear for Berlin, with arguments between parties over the extent to which the debt brake ensures responsible spending, or limits growth and investment. Both arguments could be moot points for an economy that has been flirting with recession for months. ‘Less bad news’ “The less bad news first: Germany will get a new government that can put an end to a long ******* of debilitating political uncertainty once it has agreed on its agenda,” Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg Bank, said in a note Monday. “We expect a two-party coalition between the CDU/CSU and the centre-left SPD to enact some pro-growth supply-side reforms, ease the regulatory and tax burden on businesses somewhat, and pursue a more rational immigration and a less inefficient and costly energy policy,” Schmieding noted. He questioned, however, the extent to which populist parties such as the AfD and The Left (Die Linke) could combine and block changes to the ******* constitution, such as loosening the debt brake rule. Other economists noted that The Left (Die Linke) has signaled that it’s actually in favor of reforming the debt brake rule and will not stand in the way of such a move. “Although the AfD and The Left together appear to have the number of seats required to form a blocking ********* for constitutional amendments and reforms, which require a two​-​thirds majority in parliament, we note that The Left is in favour of reforming the debt​-​brake rule,” economists in Barclays Cross-Asset Reserach team said in a note Monday. “Therefore, although still at risk, we think that it is more likely than not that a new coalition government will reform it and modestly ease fiscal policy,” they noted in emailed comments. Source link #centerright #returns #power #Germany #faces #challenges Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Joint statement on the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine | News Joint statement on the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine | News Three years ago Russia started its full-scale and ******** war of aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s brutal war deliberately targets civilian and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian people have shown bravery in defending their country and the core principles of international law. We pay tribute to all those who have sacrificed their lives and have lost loved ones for Ukraine’s independence and freedom. Russia and its leadership bear sole responsibility for this war and the atrocities committed against the Ukrainian population. We continue to call for accountability for all war crimes and crimes against humanity committed. We welcome the recent steps made towards the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. The European Union and its partners have acted swiftly and in unity to support Ukraine. The European Union has provided to Ukraine economic, humanitarian, financial and military assistance that totals to EUR 135 billion, with EUR 48.7 billion of military assistance. The European Union will continue to provide Ukraine with regular and predictable financial support, including reconstruction of the country after the war. Russia and its people are paying a price for their leader’s actions. Together with partners, we have imposed unprecedented sanctions against Russia and those complicit in the war and remain ready to increase the pressure on Russia to limit its ability to wage war. We are already using windfall profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defence industry and energy recovery. Today, we have adopted a sixteenth sanctions package to further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. In parallel, we have taken unprecedented actions at the EU level to ramp up European defence industry production, and we will continue to increase our capacity. This will allow us to step up our military support and cooperation with Ukraine while simultaneously strengthening our defence readiness and European sovereignty. Ukraine is part of our European family. Ukrainians have expressed their wish for a future within the European Union. We have acknowledged that by granting Ukraine the status of candidate country and launched accession negotiations. Ukraine has made significant progress in accession related reforms under the most challenging circumstances. We are already integrating Ukraine into the EU’s internal market. The future of Ukraine and its citizens lies within the European Union. In a challenging international and geopolitical environment, we stress the importance of maintaining transatlantic and global solidarity with Ukraine. We highlight the need to ensure the international community’s continued focus on supporting Ukraine in achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace based on the Ukrainian peace formula. We stand firm with Ukraine, reaffirming that peace, security, and justice will prevail. Source link #Joint #statement #3rd #anniversary #Russias #invasion #Ukraine #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope had good tenth night in hospital – ******** News Pope had good tenth night in hospital – ******** News Pope had good tenth night in hospital ******** NewsPope is resting on 10th day of hospitalization after early stages of kidney failure detected The Associated PressPHOTOS: Pope Francis receives get-well cards, drawings from schoolchildren in Rome Catholic News AgencyFaithful pray for Pope Francis as he remains in critical condition Yahoo Source link #Pope #good #tenth #night #hospital #******** #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grenfell Tower contractor to challenge council ban in court Grenfell Tower contractor to challenge council ban in court Adrian Zorzut Local Democracy Reporting Service PA Media Siderise Insulation says its inclusion in RBKC’s banned contractors list is “without foundation” A contractor involved in the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower before the 2017 fire is mounting a legal challenge to a ban by Kensington and Chelsea Council (RBKC). It comes after RBKC extended a ban in November on contractors involved in the tower’s refurbishment including Kingspan, Celotex, Arconic and Rydon – with more companies, including Siderise Insulation, added later. Siderise said the council’s decision was “without foundation or justification” because its products do not meet the council’s own criteria for the ban. However, a spokesperson for RBKC said the council stood by its decision. Emma O’Connor, who escaped in a lift from the 20th floor with her partner during the fire, said she was shocked to hear of Siderise Insulation’s legal challenge. “My first thoughts were ‘they can’t be serious’. We didn’t ask for our lives to be disrupted by this fire. It’s complete and utter disbelief,” she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Siderise manufactured some of the cavity barriers used in the tower’s 2015-16 refurbishment. However, the company launched judicial review proceedings against the council on Tuesday, arguing the ban on its products was “unwarranted” because they did not meet the council’s own criteria for the ban. PA Media Responding to Siderise’s application, a spokesperson for RBKC said the council stood by its decision A Siderise spokesperson said: “While Siderise products were used in the Grenfell refurbishment, the Grenfell Inquiry report is clear that neither Siderise nor its products contributed to the tragic fire or its spread, and there is no suggestion that Siderise was not candid before the inquiry, and therefore this exclusion is unwarranted. “The RBKC decision is therefore without foundation or justification. “Siderise is acting to protect its reputation as a British manufacturer which supplies its products globally.” The Grenfell Inquiry’s Phase 2 report found no evidence of Siderise acting dishonestly on its part but said some aspects of the company’s marketing materials “gave cause for concern”. It also found Siderise had supplied cavity barriers for use in voids larger than those for which they had been tested. The firm manufactured the Lamatherm cavity barriers used in the refurbishment. However, the spokesperson for Siderise said its products were and still are fit for purpose and that criticism of Siderise’s marketing literature is not that it stated something incorrectly, but that it did not state further information that would have been helpful so was ambiguous. In December, the government also started plans to ban firms involved in the Grenfell Tower fire from public procurement. Junior housing minister Alex Norris said at the time the Prime Minister had written to 49 firms, adding it was “the first step to stopping them being awarded government contracts”. Siderise said it had not received a letter from the government and did not expect to be part of any restriction in the government’s forthcoming announcements on the matter. Source link #Grenfell #Tower #contractor #challenge #council #ban #court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Beverley grain grower Duncan Young named Australia’s best cropping farmer Beverley grain grower Duncan Young named Australia’s best cropping farmer WA grains legend Duncan Young says he was shocked and surprised to be named Australia’s best cropping farmer after being recognised for his on-farm excellence and industry leadership. Source link #Beverley #grain #grower #Duncan #Young #named #Australias #cropping #farmer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GOP Senator Has Cold Reaction to Constituents Fired From Federal Jobs GOP Senator Has Cold Reaction to Constituents Fired From Federal Jobs Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin offered some cold comfort to his own constituents who have been dismissed from their federal jobs and are struggling to pay their bills. During an interview with NBC News’ Kirsten Welker on Meet the Press Sunday, the Oklahoma lawmaker delivered a harsh response to the claim that thousands of people faced mounting costs after being fired as part of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency cuts. “I would tell you that the majority of American people want to make sure that their taxpayers are being used correctly,” he told NBC News after he was asked what message he would send to the “people in Oklahoma” who were “hurting” after losing their jobs. “I don’t want anybody to lose their job,” he continued. “That’s the last thing we want. But at the same time, any time you’re trying to secure this country, which is a national security risk we have right now in our national debt, we have to make changes, and we have to make it quickly.” He blamed officials acting under the Biden administration for failing to take notice of “waste” and cutting the national debt. “We have to actually look any further than USAID to see the wasteful billions of dollars that were spent. Cuts had to take place,” he said. He also managed to squeeze in some special praise for Elon Musk’s newly created DOGE that is radically slashing bills and wiping out thousands of jobs. “Every business owner understands that you have to get your house in order before you can advance,” he said. “That’s exactly what DOGE is doing.” DOGE said this week it had made $55 billion in savings, but the figures have been proven to be misleading by multiple sources. Meanwhile, several unions are preparing lawsuits to block mass firings, according to the Associated Press. In a separate news report on ABC’s This Week, Martha Raddatz interviewed three former federal workers who said they were sacked in abrupt circumstances. “I’ve certainly never lost a job with this kind of notice,” a former employee of the Environmental Protection Agency said. “It should be done with more dignity than this. It’s all I ask for.” Source link #GOP #Senator #Cold #Reaction #Constituents #Fired #Federal #Jobs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Peter is Not Gone’ in Spider-Man 3, Lowenthal Reveals ‘Peter is Not Gone’ in Spider-Man 3, Lowenthal Reveals At a recent benefit held to fundraise for those impacted by the LA wildfires, Yuri Lowenthal caught up with one publication about Spider-Man 3. The benefit – MultiCon – was held on February 22 and featured guests such as Rob Liefeld, Kevin Smith, and Seth Green, and Lowenthal, who has played Peter Parker since 2018’s Spider-Man, was also in attendance. He couldn’t say much, but what he confirmed was that Peter Parker is not gone in Spider-Man 3 and will still play a pivotal part in the campaign, despite what the ending of Spider-Man 2 might suggest. The OG Remains In a report published by The Direct, it was confirmed by Yuri Lowenthal himself that Peter Parker is not ‘relegated to the couch’ in Spider-Man 3, which will be developed by Insomniac Games: There are very few things that I can say about this game, but you have somehow landed on the one thing that I can answer, and that’s that, yes, Peter is not gone. He will be a part of the next game and he won’t be relegated to the couch, I promise. The running theory is that Spider-Man 3 will have three protagonists, much like 2013’s Grand Theft Auto 5. It’s envisioned that players will be able to utilise the live switching mechanic introduced in Spider-Man 2 to flick between these heroes at the press of a button and that the third playable character will be Cindy Moon, otherwise known as Silk. Spider-Man 2’s fluidity between protagonists allowed players to soak up a dual perspective, with each protagonist – Peter Parker and Miles Morales – boasting unique abilities and aesthetics. One protagonist is the norm, two is rarer but not unheard of, and three protagonists is downright nuts for some gamers to comprehend, but in an expansive open-world hero title like Spider-Man, it just might work. The third game has been teased since 2023, so it could be revealed soon. Could three be the magic number? Do you want to see Silk become a playable character in Spider-Man 3? Let us know in the comments. For more Insider Gaming coverage, check out the news that OG Verdansk is coming back to Warzone SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Peter #SpiderMan #Lowenthal #Reveals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Newspaper headlines: 'Zelensky offers to quit' and 'Germany turns Right' – BBC.com Newspaper headlines: 'Zelensky offers to quit' and 'Germany turns Right' – BBC.com Newspaper headlines: ‘Zelensky offers to quit’ and ‘Germany turns Right’ BBC.comZelensky says ready to quit if it brings peace, pushes back on US demand for Ukrainian minerals CNNVideo: Zelenskyy offers to swap presidency for Ukraine NATO membership Al Jazeera EnglishZelensky seeks Trump meeting, questions terms of U.S. mineral deal The Washington PostZelenskyy says he’s ready to step down if it means peace for Ukraine ABC News Source link #Newspaper #headlines #039Zelensky #offers #quit039 #039Germany #turns #Right039 #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]