Pelican Press

6 arrested for ******* of man caught breaking into cars at Atlanta apartment complex 6 arrested for ******* of man caught breaking into cars at Atlanta apartment complex Atlanta police say they have made half a dozen arrests in the ******* of a man found sitting in a car in the parking deck of an apartment complex in August. Police say the man was found in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head in the parking lot of the Mark at West Midtown apartments on Bishop Street. He ***** several hours later. Investigators say the victim, whose identity has not been released, was likely behind several car break-ins near Lenox Square before breaking into two more at the Bishop Street complex. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Channel 2 Action News previously reported on the arrest of Matt Washington Jr. in Clayton County in connection to this deadly *********. Washington was found hiding underneath the covers of his bed pretending to be asleep in early October. Officers are now sharing more details about the other men tied to the case. On August 31, Cedron Tigner was arrested for prowling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and theft by receiving stolen property. On September 2, while he was still being held at the Fulton County Jail, detectives charged him with *******. TRENDING STORIES: On September 16, Justin Burton, 19, was arrested in DeKalb County and charged with *******. On October 28, officers arrested Gary Price, 23, in Conyers and charged him with *******. Earlier this week, Darius Blake, 19, and Malachi Sanabria, 18, were arrested by Morrow police. Both have been charged with *******. Investigators haven’t commented on what role each of the six suspects had in the *********. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Source link #arrested #******* #man #caught #breaking #cars #Atlanta #apartment #complex Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I feel ***** about signing that phone contract’ ‘I feel ***** about signing that phone contract’ Undercover filming of a sales pitch by a Hii Com representative An undercover investigation into the alleged mis-selling of phone contracts has revealed questionable sales practices, prompting calls for stronger regulation. The BBC has spoken to 12 small businesses who say they were misled. “I feel ***** every time I think about it,” says Paul Toplass. “I’ve been in business for over 25 years. We’ve never experienced anything like this.” Mr Toplass, who runs a pest control firm, says he was misled into signing a business contract for three phones that he is now “powerless” to break free from. It has left him “being asked to pay over £10,000” for the phones he believes are worth less than £200 each. Secret filming of a pitch by a representative of Hii Communications Ltd showed them making verbal promises that did not accurately reflect the contract terms and failing to highlight clauses around third-party finance and extra charges. The Lincoln-based firm, also known as Hii Com, said it worked within “guidelines and rules set out by our funders”. Supplied Paul Toplass with one of the phones he signed up for Mr Toplass, from Nottingham, claimed he was not told important facts about the contract he signed in February 2023. He said he thought he was signing a two-year deal with Hii Com and did not know he was renting the phones under a finance arrangement with another company. He had “completely trusted” the salesman, but lived to regret not reading the small print. The contract stated that the equipment would be rented by a third party – the finance company Grenke – over 27 quarters. Mr Toplass found he now owed more than £10,000, to be paid over seven years. “They never at any point said we were entering a lease-hire contract,” he said. “It’s morally wrong on every level. We do business and we are open and transparent with every one our customers. Upfront, fixed pricing. “This business didn’t do any of that.” Hii Com claims to have more than 3,000 customers. The BBC secretly filmed a 90-minute sales pitch by a representative of the firm. During the meeting, a would-be customer was told three times he would only be dealing with Hii Com. A lease hire agreement was not mentioned. Undercover filming of a sales pitch by a Hii Com representative He was told he was signing a five-year contract totalling £18,100 and offered a “price promise” fixing the cost. After an hour, the salesman asked him to sign a seven-page document. However, having been made aware by the BBC of complaints from other businesses, the customer began looking through the contract in detail. He found it contained extra costs after the first year and was for a longer term than discussed. When questioned, the salesman offered to cross out seven different passages. They included one detailing an “annual maintenance charge” of £983 after the first year, which the salesman said only applied if the customer had no insurance. Asked repeatedly why the contract was for 84 months – two years longer than promised verbally – the salesman said the business would own the phones after five years and then pay for a “licence” during a two-year upgrade *******. ‘On your own’ While consumer law gives individuals a cooling-off ******* after signing a contract, there is no such protection for businesses. Mr Toplass complained to telecoms regulator Ofcom, only to be told it does not deal with individual cases. He then turned to the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS), but was told he lacked proof such as “photographs of the documents at the time that he signed them”. CISAS concluded that “on the balance of probabilities” he had “agreed to contracts with minimum terms of 84 months”. Mr Toplass said it was unrealistic to expect people to be able to provide the kind of photographic evidence wanted. “You are on your own,” he said. Financial lawyer Arun Chauhan believes Ofcom or financial regulators should investigate further in light of the BBC’s findings All 12 of the small businesses spoken to by the BBC claimed sales representatives had not drawn their attention to the third-party lease agreement or extra charges. Once they had signed, all were told they were tied in for seven years. Shown the undercover footage, financial lawyer Arun Chauhan said: “Whatever is put in writing, you can see how these customers are being told one thing that they almost feel so trusting in that they don’t really need to read the agreement. “I know that ignorance is no defence in terms of the law, but people get to the contract and they think, ‘I’ve been told everything I need to do’. So they sign it.” He said he would like to think Ofcom or financial regulators would investigate further in light of the BBC’s findings. Hii Com said: “All our customers are aware that they are entering a lease agreement from the outset.” It said CISAS had also determined it had “behaved properly and correctly” in the case of Mr Toplass. Grenke said it would be conducting a “full internal review” across its telecoms portfolio. It was committed to transparency but there was “an expectation and obligation that the customer completes their own due diligence”. Fashion wholesaler Miya *** says she feels “betrayed” by Hii Com Miya ***, who runs a scarves and accessories business in Manchester, said she agreed to meet Hii Com after a representative told her they were a BT wholesaler – a claim the company also made on its website. She said she had “diligently checked” the contract and it was only when money started going out of her bank account that she learned she was locked into a seven-year agreement with a finance provider. She felt “betrayed” and worried because “you never know what you’re going to be paying” every month. BT said Hii Com was not an accredited BT Wholesale partner for fixed broadband products and services, and it was “concerned to hear about the examples raised by the BBC”. ‘Soul searching’ Dave Millett, an independent telecoms advisor, said few people knew CISAS was funded by the industry itself and there was “no obligation on any supplier” to sign up to it. He called for “a genuine independent ombudsman”. CISAS said complaints were “carefully assessed by a trained independent adjudicator with legal qualifications”. Businesses unhappy with the findings could ******* them and pursue a claim against a provider through the county courts. The Financial Conduct Authority said its regulatory powers did not give it the power to investigate the concerns highlighted. For Mr ********, the experience has led to “soul-searching moments”. “How have I got myself into this position, how have I put the business into this position?” he said. “You do business every single day and you trust. It’s about trust with the person who sat opposite you. “To then find out months and weeks later that you have been conned is not a nice feeling.” If you would like to get in touch with your own experiences of sales techniques in the telecoms industry, good or bad, then please email [email protected].*** – including a contact number if you would like to speak to a journalist. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Source link #feel #***** #signing #phone #contract Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gold faces worst week since 2021 as Fed signals no rate cut rush Gold faces worst week since 2021 as Fed signals no rate cut rush Gold traded near a two-month low, on course for its worst week since June 2021 as traders wind back expectations for a US Federal Reserve interest rate cut next month. Bullion has fallen six days in a row and is set for a weekly loss of more than 4 per cent. Traders pared back expectations for lower rates in December and policy-sensitive US bond yields jumped after Powell said that the central bank will be in no rush to cut given the “remarkably good” performance of the economy. Lower borrowing costs and declining yields tend to benefit gold, as it doesn’t pay interest. The precious metal has dropped about 8 per cent from a record high on October 31, with losses accelerating after Donald Trump’s election victory last week. A gauge of the dollar has risen to a two-year high on expectations that a Trump presidency will lift economic growth and corporate profits. A stronger greenback makes commodities priced in the currency more expensive for most buyers. Still, gold is up more than 24% this year, with gains supported by the Fed’s easing cycle, central bank purchases and heightened geopolitical and economic risks that have driven haven demand. Bloomberg Source link #Gold #faces #worst #week #Fed #signals #rate #cut #rush Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rodent ******, mislabeled fish, no sanitizer, old food & more at Wichita restaurants Rodent ******, mislabeled fish, no sanitizer, old food & more at Wichita restaurants Eleven restaurants, hotels and other businesses that serve or sell food in Wichita and surrounding Sedgwick County towns were out of compliance during food safety and lodging inspections conducted by the Kansas Department of Agriculture from Nov. 3-9. The businesses were cited for a number of violations, including rodent ******, mislabeled fish, cross-contamination risk because foods weren’t stored properly, old tomatoes, employees who skipped washing their hands or didn’t wash them correctly, no plans for cleaning up ****** or diarrhea, propped-open doors and more, according to inspection reports. Information about the businesses, as well as a summary of their violations, appears below. The businesses listed are all located in Sedgwick County. The list was compiled Nov. 12 using information available in the KDA’s statewide inspections database on that date. At least 45 businesses passed their inspections during the same *******. A list of those also appears below. Some may have been non-compliant in previous weeks. Business owners and managers can contact Eagle reporter Amy Renee Leiker at 316-268-6644 or *****@*****.tld to comment on inspection results that appear in this story. Comments will be added to the online version of this article. More details about inspections are in The Eagle’s searchable database of non-compliant restaurant and hotel inspections at www.kansas.com/databases. File Out-of-compliance inspections BC’s Bar & Grill, 4423 S. Broadway in Wichita — Five violations on Nov. 5 during a complaint inspection. Violations include doors that were propped open, salsa didn’t have a date marking, old tomato, fresh rodent droppings observed on shelf next to food spray and clean bowls, fresh rodent droppings in kitchen and office area, opened container of half and half had no date marking. Next inspection: Nov. 15. Brooks Center for STEM and Arts Magnet Middle School, 3802 E. 27th St. North in Wichita — Two violations on Nov. 8 during a routine inspection. Violations include fresh and dried rodent droppings in a dry storage room along a wall and by food utensils, fresh droppings observed on the floor. Next inspection: Nov. 18. Chuck’s Hot Chicken, 2625 W. Pawnee in Wichita — One violation on Nov. 8 during a follow-up inspection. Hot water at a three-compartment sink was below the required temperature. Next inspection: Jan. 8, 2025. La Michoacana Ice Cream (mobile vendor/food truck), 829 W. Maple in Wichita — One violation on Nov. 8 during a modified complaint inspection. The business was selling pizza by the slice from pre-made pizza purchased at Costco, McChicken sandwiches were also advertised for *****. Next inspection: Jan. 8, 2025. Lokal Eatz LLC (mobile vendor/food truck), 5210 E. 21st St. in Wichita — Seven violations on Nov. 5 during its first operational inspection after licensing. Violations include cooked rice and noodles left out at room temperature for too long, raw shell eggs weren’t kept cold enough, fried chicken nuggets and chopped fried chicken weren’t kept hot enough, no food probe thermometer on site, dedicated hand-washing sink was blocked by a case of lids, unlabeled chemicals including window cleaner and multi-purpose cleaner, food offered for ***** was prepared in an unlicensed commissary kitchen. Next inspection: Nov. 15. MainStay Suites Wichita Northeast, 3141 N. Webb in Wichita — Three repeat violations on Nov. 5 during a follow-up inspection. Violations include emergency lighting not working, no sign alerting guests that the hotel is “****-friendly,” ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet was not working in one room. Next inspection: Jan. 5, 2025. Oh K-Dog & Egg Toast, 8131 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite 13D in Wichita — Seven violations on Nov. 4 during its first operational inspection after licensing. Violations include hand-washing sink used to store ****** blenders, unlabeled containers of chemicals including sanitizer and degreaser, employee washed dishes and prepared food with the same gloves, ranch dressing was not kept cold, no sanitizer available, blenders were not sanitized, no written plan for cleaning up ****** or diarrhea. Next inspection: Nov. 14. Panda Kitchen Express, 217 S. Meridian in Valley Center — Two violations on Nov. 7 during a routine inspection. Violations include employee washing hands in a three-compartment sink instead of in a dedicated hand-washing sink, hot water in restrooms did not reach required temperatures. The business was in compliance, with no violations noted, during a follow-up inspection on Nov. 12. Sapporo ********* Sushi Restaurant, 8065 E. Peachtree Lane in Wichita — Fourteen violations on Nov. 8 during a routine inspection. Violations include employee washing hands at the wrong sink, several foods including eggs and shrimp tempura weren’t kept hot or cold enough, escolar was mislabeled on menu as white tuna, employee didn’t use soap to wash their hands, cross-contamination risk because raw meat and fish were stored above or by ready-to-eat foods, raw tuna thawing in intact vacuum packaging, employees didn’t use single-use gloves properly, a container of bean sprouts was too warm, wiping cloths were stored in soap and water instead of in sanitizer solution, no chlorine sanitizer test strips, no sign in bathroom reminding employees to wash their hands, no plan for cleaning up ****** or diarrhea, an employee rinsed a ****** in a sink dedicated to hand-washing. Next inspection: Nov. 18. Tianluo Bistro, 11309 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite 200 in Wichita — Five violations on Nov. 7 during a follow-up inspection. Violations include an employee who didn’t dry their hands after washing them, cabbage and other foods including beef and noodles weren’t cold enough due to refrigeration issues, raw chicken was stored directly above a container of cooked noodles, back kitchen door was propped open, employee washed hands at a three-compartment sink instead of at a dedicated hand-washing sink. Next inspection: Jan. 7, 2025. Wichita Hoops at Bel Aire, 5260 N. Toler Drive in Bel Aire — Four violations on Nov. 9 during its first operational inspection after licensing. Violations include sanitizer stored improperly next to paper plates, hot water in restrooms did not reach the required temperature, no food thermometer available, no hand drying provisions at concession stand hand-washing sink. Next inspection: Nov. 19. The violation summaries above were compiled and drafted with the help of AI tools. They were fact-checked for accuracy and edited by Wichita Eagle journalists. Bug in *******, cockroaches, no hand-washing, old olives & more at Wichita restaurants Bugs, filth, too much trash, fast-food sandwiches resold & more at Wichita restaurants The ICT Pizza Fest will return for its second year in August. How do businesses fail inspections? Businesses fall out of compliance when they have too many violations, issues that can cause a foodborne illness, when a problem can’t be fixed right away, and more. But most violations are minor and are corrected during an inspection. Typically, establishments are reinspected within 10 days to ensure they are following the rules. It’s rare for a business to shut down over a ******* inspection. But it can happen. Usually closures are temporary, voluntary and the result of major problems, such as sewage backups, pest infestations, and water or power outages. The lists in this story include only businesses from Sedgwick County. But you can search food and lodging inspection results anywhere in Kansas at [Hidden Content]. What to do if you have a complaint If you see problems at a food or lodging establishment, you can file a complaint. To notify the state about unsavory or questionable conditions anywhere that serves or sells food to the public, email [email protected] or call 785-564-6767. You can also file a complaint at www.foodsafetykansas.org. To report an illness you think was caused by a restaurant, food or event where food was served, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment at 877-427-7317 or www.foodsafetykansas.org. Complaints about conditions at hotels and motels can be submitted at www.agriculture.ks.gov/public-resources/comments-complaints/lodging-complaint. For more information about foodborne illnesses, visit www.foodsafety.gov. File photo These businesses passed inspections ********* Legion Post #273-Arthur Gossett, 1335 N. Hydraulic in Wichita Apollo Elementary School, 16158 W. Apollo in Goddard The Beacon Restaurant, 909 E. Douglas in Wichita Beech Elementary School, 1830 S. Cypress in Wichita Blessed ********** ********* School, 125 N. Quentin in Wichita Braum’s Ice Cream & Dairy Store, 550 E. 47th St. South in Wichita Bricktown Brewery, 2142 N. Tyler Road in Wichita Burger King (in Kwik Shop), 5340 N. Maize Road in Maize Burger King, 2111 N. Woodlawn in Wichita Casey’s General Store, 222 S. Meridian in Valley Center Cessna Elementary School, 2101 W. 45th St. South in Wichita Clark Davidson Elementary School, 333 S. Walnut in Goddard Dillons, 3211 S. Seneca in Wichita Doc Green’s Gourmet Salads & Grill, 2441 N. Maize Road in Wichita Dunkin’ Donuts, 3100 E. Central in Wichita Earhart Environmental Magnet Elementary School, 4401 N. Arkansas in Wichita Eisenhower Middle School, 16152 W. Explorer in Goddard Fazoli’s, 8520 W. Central in Wichita Hampton Inn & Suites Wichita Northeast, 2433 N. Greenwich in Wichita Hickory Farms at NewMarket Square, 2413 N. Maize Road in Wichita Irving Elementary School, 1642 N. Market in Wichita Jimmy John’s, 10758 W. 21st St. in Wichita KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot **** at Towne East Square, 7700 E. Kellogg Drive, Suite N03 in Wichita Kwik Shop, 3601 E. 47th St. South in Wichita Maize South High School, 3701 N. Tyler Road in Maize Maize South Intermediate School, 9701 W. 37th St. North in Wichita Maize South Middle School, 3403 N. Tyler Road in Wichita McDonald’s, 3527 N. Rock Road in Wichita McLean Science & Technology Magnet Elementary School, 2277 N. Marigold Lane in Wichita Mueller Aerospace & Engineering Discovery Magnet Elementary School, 2500 E. 18th St. in Wichita On The Border ******** Grill & Cantina, 2347 N. Maize Road in Wichita Ortiz Elementary School, 3361 N. Arkansas in Wichita Premier Food Service at Boot Barn, 4969 S. Lulu Court in Wichita Premier Food Service at the McGinty Machine Company, 123 N. Hydraulic in Wichita Premier Food Service at Midwest Drywall BKRM, 1351 S. Reca Court in Wichita Premier Food Service at NIAR MRO, 4174 S. Oliver in Wichita Premier Food Service at Sunshine Metals, 3941 S. Norman in Wichita St. Jude ********* School, 3030 N. Amidon in Wichita Subway, 747 N. Ridge Road in Wichita Super China Star Buffet, 5825 W. Central in Wichita University Mart and Deli, 3223 E. 17th St. in Wichita Valley Center Middle School, 800 N. Meridian in Valley Center Valley Center West Elementary School, 501 N. Sheridan in Valley Center Vita Bella, 9310 W. Central in Wichita Wichita North High School, 1437 N. Rochester in Wichita Note: Sometimes addresses listed — especially for mobile vendors and food trucks — are not where food is actually served to the public. Contact those establishments directly for specific service locations. Italian restaurant that arrived in Wichita five years ago is about to pack up, leave town Three Wichita restaurants announce that they’re closed, but owners say it’s only temporary Wichita developer follows through by closing her restaurant, but is it for good? Wichita chicken restaurant that opened a little more than a year has permanently closed Source link #Rodent #****** #mislabeled #fish #sanitizer #food #Wichita #restaurants Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Victoria close in on victory over WA as seamers shine Victoria close in on victory over WA as seamers shine Victoria are in sight of victory over Western Australia and the outright lead in the Sheffield Shield standings, despite resolute innings by Hilton Cartwright and Joel Curtis. Seamers Fergus O’Neill (3-54) and Sam Elliott (3-38) made regular inroads at Junction Oval on Sunday to have the visitors 7-278 at stumps, a lead of just 72 runs with a day to play. Western Australia wicketkeeper Curtis (83no) has played a defiant knock to keep his side’s faint hopes alive. WA spinner Ashton Agar has a shoulder injury and there is a question mark over whether he will bat. O’Neill ended Cartwright’s 166-ball vigil on 78 with a perfect cutter that tickled the outside edge. The 23-year-old speedster, who also snared three wickets in the first innings, has proven to be a revelation for Victoria, and also starred for Australia A against India A. Cartwright held the three-time reigning Sheffield Shield champions’ innings together with support from skipper Ashton Turner (41) and Curtis. The visitors resumed on day three at 1-34 and were made to battle before and after rain took the players off the field either side of lunch. Strapping allrounder Elliott hit the pitch hard and snared Sam Fanning and Jayden Goodwin in the morning session, both edging into the bucket hands of first slip Peter Handscomb. Victoria, with vital bonus points from the match, will go top of the ladder if they can secure victory. In four Shield matches this year Cartwright has scored 420 runs at an average of 70 in a reminder of why he played two Tests for Australia in 2017. His defiance may not be enough to salvage anything for his side from this match, but along with Curtis he has made the Victorians ****** hard. Source link #Victoria #close #victory #seamers #shine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Final Atlanta Streets Alive of the season held from West End to Grant Park Final Atlanta Streets Alive of the season held from West End to Grant Park The final Atlanta Streets Alive event of this season happens today. The route stretches from West End to Grant Park along Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW/Georgia Avenue SW. Along that route, the street is closed to vehicle traffic and taken over by pedestrians, bicyclists, roller skaters, joggers, etc. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Atlanta Streets Alive is a free, all-ages event that encourages not only pedestrians and bicyclists to attend, but also welcomes e-bikes, e-scooters, OneWheels, skateboards, Segways, and similar devices. There will be lots and lots of vendors offering food, drinks, art, music, and more. You can see a detailed map of the route at [Hidden Content]. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Source link #Final #Atlanta #Streets #Alive #season #held #West #Grant #Park Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nadal may skip singles action in Davis Cup farewell Nadal may skip singles action in Davis Cup farewell Rafael Nadal says he could skip singles matches at the Davis Cup Finals and limit himself to playing doubles if it helps Spain’s title chances in his last tournament as a professional player. Nadal will call time on his glittering tennis career spanning more than two decades at the team competition in Malaga, Spain. The 22-time grand slam champion is aware he has not played a competitive singles match since losing to Novak Djokovic at the Paris Olympics. Severely hampered in the past two seasons by a serious hip injury and a string of minor problems, the 38-year-old said he would give his best in Malaga but was also ready to sit out. “I’m going to try to prepare in the best way possible to be available and then see what the captain decides,” Nadal said in an interview published by the Spanish tennis federation. “I want to help in any way, whether it’s playing or not, just being here and contributing what I can. “First we have to see how I feel in training. If I really don’t see myself ready to have a chance of winning in singles, I’m the first one who will not want to play. “Sometimes one sees oneself ready and things go very wrong.” Former world No.1 Nadal said he had spoken to Spain captain David Ferrer and asked him not to make any decisions based on the fact that this is his final week on the tour. “The team comes first and he should not be affected in the slightest by the noise that may be around. He has to do what is best for the team, and that’s what I want,” Nadal said. Nadal, who led Spain to their sixth and most recent Davis Cup triumph in 2019, said he was satisfied with his career. “What I would like, obviously, is for the team to work well and have the chance to win another Davis Cup, whether by playing or cheering from the stands,” he said. Spain face the Netherlands in their opening match at the November 19-24 tournament featuring eight nations. Source link #Nadal #skip #singles #action #Davis #Cup #farewell Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WBBL: Sophie Devine shakes off dust, primed for deep finals run with Perth Scorchers WBBL: Sophie Devine shakes off dust, primed for deep finals run with Perth Scorchers Kiwi dynamo Sophie Devine says a few night’s rest in her second home of Perth was enough to shake off the dust of a monumental World Cup and India campaign to get back to her WBBL best. Source link #WBBL #Sophie #Devine #shakes #dust #primed #deep #finals #run #Perth #Scorchers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia targets Ukraine’s power grid in ‘massive’ missile strike, officials say Russia targets Ukraine’s power grid in ‘massive’ missile strike, officials say Anton Petrus | Moment | Getty Images Blasts rang out across Ukraine’s capital Kyiv and other cities early on Sunday, as Russia staged its biggest missile ******* since August and targeted power facilities with the winter setting in, officials said. Ukrainians have been bracing for a major ******* on the hobbled power system for weeks, fearing crippling damage to the grid that would cause long blackouts and build psychological pressure at a critical moment in the war Russia launched in February 2022. “Another massive ******* on the power system is under way. The ****** in attacking electricity generation and transmission facilities throughout Ukraine,” Ukrainian Energy Minister ******* Galushchenko wrote on Facebook. Air defences could be heard engaging drones over the capital in the night, and a series of powerful blasts rang out across the city centre as the missile ******* was under way in the morning. The scale of the damage was not immediately clear. Officials cut power supply to numerous city districts, including in Kyiv, the surrounding region and Dnipropetrovsk region, in what they said was a precaution to prevent a surge in case of damage. Authorities in the Volyn region in northwestern Ukraine said energy infrastructure had sustained damage but did not elaborate. Officials often withhold information on the state of the power system because of the war. In Mykolaiv in the south, two people were ******* in the overnight drone *******, the regional governor said. Blasts shook the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia and the ****** Sea port of Odesa, Reuters witnesses said. More blasts were reported in the regions of Kryvyi Rih in the south and Rivne in the west. “Russia launched one of the largest air attacks: drones and missiles against peaceful cities, sleeping civilians, critical infrastructure,” said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. He described the strike as Moscow’s “true response” to leaders who had interacted with President Vladimir ******, an apparent swipe at ******* Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who placed a phone call to the Russian leader on Friday for the first time since late 2022. NATO member Poland, which borders Ukraine to the west, said it had scrambled its air force within its airspace as a security precaution due to the Russian *******, which it said used cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and drones. Poland “activated all available forces and resources at his disposal, the on-duty fighter pairs were scrambled, and the ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems reached the highest state of readiness,” the operational command of its armed forces posted on X. Ukraine’s air force urged residents to take cover, providing regular updates on the progress of Russian cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles it said were hurtling through Ukrainian air space. In Kyiv, the roof of a residential building caught ***** due to falling debris and at least two people were hurt, city officials said on the Telegram messaging app. “Emergency services were dispatched to the scene,” Kyiv’s Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Russia last conducted a major missile strike on Kyiv on Aug. 26, when officials said it fired a salvo of more than 200 drones and missiles across the country in an ******* that ******* ******* seven people. Source link #Russia #targets #Ukraines #power #grid #massive #missile #strike #officials Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFL Draft 2024: Joe Berry among contenders to be taken by West Coast with their first pick AFL Draft 2024: Joe Berry among contenders to be taken by West Coast with their first pick West Coast could add another small forward to their stocks with Victorian goalsneak Joe Berry among the players understood to be in consideration with their first pick on Wednesday. Source link #AFL #Draft #Joe #Berry #among #contenders #West #Coast #pick Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Socceroos should take risks against Bahrain: Caceres Socceroos should take risks against Bahrain: Caceres If Socceroo Anthony Caceres learnt anything from watching Australia lose to Bahrain, it’s that they need to take risks the next time they meet. The Socceroos’ bid to directly qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is hanging in the balance after a 0-0 home draw to Saudi Arabia. With little margin for error, next up on their path is Bahrain – the side that clinched a shock 1-0 win in Australia in September following a late own goal. The sides will meet in Riffa on Wednesday morning (AEDT) with the stakes even higher. Behind leaders Japan (13 points) in Group C, three teams – Australia, Saudi Arabia and China – have six points and Bahrain five. The top two teams earn direct qualification for 2026 while third and fourth go into another round of qualifying – something the Socceroos are determined not to experience again after their path to the 2022 tournament. Having watched their first Bahrain match before his maiden call-up, Caceres is refusing to shy away from the challenge and believes playing safe is the wrong option. “What I do remember from that game is, I was thinking we could take more risks and look to take it to Bahrain and be the team that dictates the game,” Caceres said. “I feel if we play with bravery, freedom and belief in our ability, then we can really hurt them structurally. “We have a great backline who are great, individually winning their duels, and the formation allows us to get pressure on the ball, even though it could be perceived as defensive. “It actually allows you to be on the front foot and close people down when they receive the ball.” The 32-year-old made his national debut in the 74th minute of their goalless draw with Saudi Arabia after substitute Nishan Velupillay suffered an ankle injury. Though his playing time was limited, the central midfielder backed himself to be the difference in their Bahrain rematch. “It sunk in the second I stepped onto that field,” Caceres said. “It immediately became the highlight of my career. “It’s about embracing every moment. If I can come in with a freshness of energy and a fresh set of skills to offer the team, I can make a difference. “I feel comfortable receiving the ball in all areas. “I’m not so much of a vocal leader but with the ball, I try to lead the team and find solutions.” After finishing his first national team camp, Caceres will return to the A-League Men for Sydney FC in a derby against Western Sydney, and go face-to-face with fellow Socceroo, striker Brandon Borello. “I’ve completely ignored him this whole camp,” Caceres joked. Source link #Socceroos #risks #Bahrain #Caceres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia earnings, FedSpeak: What to Watch Nvidia earnings, FedSpeak: What to Watch Market Domination Overtime Hosts Julie Hyman and Josh Lipton outline key events investors should monitor in the coming week. A wave of quarterly earnings reports is expected, with industry leaders Nvidia (NVDA), Walmart (WMT), Lowe’s (LOW), Gap (GAP), TJX Companies (TJX), Williams-Sonoma (WSM), and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) all set to release their results. Several Federal Reserve officials will take the stage throughout the week. Scheduled speakers include Chicago Fed president Austan Goolsbee, Cleveland Fed president Beth Hammack, Fed Governor Lisa Cook, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman, and Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr. The housing market will also be in the spotlight with the upcoming release of Housing Starts and Building Permits data. To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action, check out more Market Domination Overtime here. This post was written by Angel Smith Source link #Nvidia #earnings #FedSpeak #Watch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Who was the notorious cannabis smuggler ‘Mr Nice’? Who was the notorious cannabis smuggler ‘Mr Nice’? BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/Paul Eddy In the mid ’80s, Howard Marks was considered the most prolific high-grade hashish smuggler in the business Howard Marks made his name initially as a notorious cannabis smuggler before becoming a campaigner, writer and something of a counterculture legend in the process. But who was the man behind the ********* dubbed Mr Nice? That rather depends on who you ask, a new two-part documentary has discovered. To some he was a “dealer junkie” and narcissist obsessed with his own myth. To others he was an opportunist, a rockstar and Robin Hood character. BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo Howard Marks was a master of disguise who had a number of identities Marks was raised by his schoolteacher mother and merchant sailor father in Kenfig Hill in the county of Bridgend in south Wales. His childhood friend Marty Langford remembers a child held back by orthopaedic issues. “He was slow… he would be the last to be picked and I think that must have been very humiliating for him,” he told the makers of Hunting Mr Nice. “Then he blossomed and started dressing up like a teddy boy and chasing the ******, getting them too.” In 1964, Marks became the first boy from Garw grammar school to win a place at Oxford University, where he studied physics. His teddy boy appearance was an instant hit with women. BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/James Incledon Writer Lynn Barber recalled being seduced by Howard Marks when at university “I fancied him immediately and he was really notorious for asking ****** ‘do you want to go to bed with me?’,” recalled Lynn Barber, a writer and friend from Oxford who recalled Marks being an “exotic looking person and an exotic character”. “He did say ‘do you fancy sleeping with me?’ and I did say yes and I’m glad I did.” Lynn said Marks always had drugs on him. “At the beginning he was seen as a sort of Robin Hood character who was helping people obtain cannabis,” she said. “I think he was a great opportunist and I don’t think he had some master plan at all.” BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/Paul Eddy Howard Marks was raised in Kenfig Hill in Bridgend Later in life Marks would explain how he got into smuggling cannabis. “I started dealing, buying and selling, initially just to be able to afford to have enough to smoke, which was quite common amongst students,” he says in an archive interview unearthed by the documentary. “It changed my life completely.” Twenty years after leaving Oxford he was running his international ***** smuggling operation from his home in Palma, Mallorca, where he lived with his wife and three children. By the mid ’80s he was believed to be the most prolific high-grade hashish smuggler in the business, importing thousands of tonnes of cannabis into the *** and US. BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/James Incledon ***** Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Craig Lovato spearheaded the investigation that finally took down Howard Marks Across the Atlantic, ***** Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent Craig Lovato was determined to bring him down. Marks had first come to his attention in 1973 when he got away with smuggling hash into the US by placing it into the speakers of British rock bands when they went there on tour. Then in 1981 he was acquitted of ***** charges after telling a jury at the Old Bailey he was an MI5 agent spying on IRA ***** smugglers and gunrunners. “I became obsessed with the ******* to take him and his organisation down”, the former agent told the documentary. Police in Spain had been secretly recording Marks’s phone calls and Lovato was sent over where he listened to hundreds of hours of Marks’ calls. He found Marks to a very clever and convincing man. BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/Patrick Smith The documentary uses dramatic reconstructions and well as interviews with those who knew Marks “He felt that he was untouchable,” he said. “He was particularly clever – he had a worldwide organisation where he had to launder millions of dollars, ships, aeroplanes and submarines, and do all that without any paperwork. You have to be incredibly organised. “He always convinced the people he was talking to to do what he wanted to do.” Lovato became almost obsessed with his nemesis. “The man was literally an icon within *** law enforcement,” he said. “He wasn’t your typical British gangster he was more like a ********, he looked like a rockstar.” BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/James Incledon Former associate Roger Reeves says Howard Marks was the “worst thing that ever happened to me in my life” It was actually Marks’ own book that he had written after the 1981 acquittal that helped Lovato piece together his operation and identify the other ********** he worked with. One of them was Roger Reeves, an investor in the operation who went on to serve 33 years in prison for drugs offences. “For sure, Howard Marks was the worst thing that ever happened to me in my life,” he tells the documentary. “I think that Howard didn’t care. He thought he was smarter than everybody else.” Gerry Wills, who organised the transportation of the cannabis and went on to spend six years in an ********* prison, said Marks’ skill was bringing “misfits” together. “Best Welshman I ever met,” he said. BBC/Passion Pictures Ltd/James Incledon Gerry Wills was one of Howard Marks’ former associates In 1988, Lovato finally got his man and Marks was arrested in Spain on trafficking charges. He was extradited to the US and in 1990 jailed for 25 years. BBC journalist Penny Roberts interviewed him from behind bars. “He was moved. He hadn’t seen his children for the best part of 18 months and he knew that they would probably never come to see him in America,” she tells the documentary. During her interview she asked him if his children were unnecessary casualties of his ego. He told her: “Without the war on drugs I wouldn’t be here. Without my ego I probably wouldn’t be here either.” In 1995 he was released on the grounds of his good behaviour. This is when his second career as a writer, raconteur and campaigner for the legalisation of cannabis began. Press Association Howard Marks, pictured in February 2015, 14 months before he ***** from ******* He began by writing his memoirs, Mr Nice, which became a bestseller, was translated into several languages and made into a film. He regularly toured a one-man show in which he recounted stories about ***** smuggling and his time in prison. He had cameo roles in the 1999 movie Human Traffic, appeared on TV shows including Never Mind the Buzzcocks, collaborated on songs with the Super Furry Animals and made appearances at Glastonbury festival. He also began campaigning for the legalisation of cannabis and stood for election to Parliament in 1997 on a single-issue ticket of reforming drugs laws. Press Association In 1997 Howard Marks signed copies of his book at ******* Megastore in London Marks ***** from ******* at the age of 70 in 2016. But away from the spotlight who was the real Howard Marks? “He’s not an evil guy. He enjoyed smoking and it got out of hand,” said his childhood friend Marty. He added: “He was a dealer junkie, he couldn’t give up the deals… it was feeding his narcissism.” Lovato recalls a man “obsessed with his own myth”. Perhaps surprisingly he speaks of Marks with fondness. “I have a sense of loss with regard to Howard,” he said. “For a time ******* we were uniquely tied to one another and even though he was a crook, he had no moral values, blah blah blah, he had some very redeeming values as well. “I’m regretful that he’s gone.” Episode one of Hunting Mr Nice is on BBC One Wales and BBC Two at 21:00 GMT on 21st November and available on iPlayer on the same day Source link #notorious #cannabis #smuggler #Nice Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool: Boy fighting for life after near-drowning Whitlam Leisure Centre, Liverpool: Boy fighting for life after near-drowning A young boy is fighting for his life in hospital after he was pulled from a public pool on Sunday. The child was rushed to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead in a serious condition after he was located unconscious at the Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool about 1.40pm. NSW Police confirmed they attended the incident and established a ****** scene. More to come Source link #Whitlam #Leisure #Centre #Liverpool #Boy #fighting #life #neardrowning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starbucks adding “commonsense guardrails” to drink customizations Starbucks adding “commonsense guardrails” to drink customizations Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is addressing long-standing complaints about complex drink customizations by introducing “commonsense guardrails” to simplify orders on the mobile app. Niccol aims to speed up service and reduce strain on baristas, setting a goal for every order to be completed within four minutes. The new guidelines will help streamline customization options to improve consistency and avoid unexpected costs for highly customized drinks. Starbucks will also reintroduce condiment bars next year, allowing customers to adjust their drinks themselves with milk and sugar. These adjustments are part of Niccol’s strategy to enhance the Starbucks experience while focusing on efficiency and quality. Source link #Starbucks #adding #commonsense #guardrails #drink #customizations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Atelier Yumia Reveals New Trailer, Gameplay, Details, Enemies, Art, and Screenshots Atelier Yumia Reveals New Trailer, Gameplay, Details, Enemies, Art, and Screenshots Vits81d ago And it’s a logical move as well – not starting by releasing the middle or final game of a trilogy or anything like that. It’s great to see Guts continuing to expand their fanbase. The Atelier series has been around for literally decades but was ******* on PlayStation for most of that time. Things improved for fans and the developer once they started porting the games to PC in 2017, though those initial efforts were lacking, to say the least. The real payoff came with the Ryza trilogy, thanks to better ports, Nintendo Switch support, and of course, the protagonist’ appeal. I don’t expect the same level of boost that Ryza enjoyed, but given that the franchise took decades to find its audience on its original platform, hopefully, Xbox can add a few tens of thousands of fans as well. Source link #Atelier #Yumia #Reveals #Trailer #Gameplay #Details #Enemies #Art #Screenshots Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police officers ‘punch bags’ in ‘epidemic’ of violent attacks Police officers ‘punch bags’ in ‘epidemic’ of violent attacks BBC PC Stuart Furlonger suffered a double leg break in an ******* Attacks on the police happen on average 100 times a day in the ***, the BBC has found. Officers say they are used to being punched and kicked, but assaults have become more frequent – and more extreme. In September 2023, PC Stuart Furlonger was attending a low-risk call at a block of flats in Peterlee, County Durham. As the 33-year-old attempted to ******* two people from the building, a man riding a quad bike deliberately crashed into him at speed. The “whole world was spinning” as he was thrown to the ground and noticed his leg “felt like jelly”. He had suffered a double leg break, which required extensive surgery to fit pins and rods. Stuart Furlonger PC Furlonger suffered a double leg break when he was run over by a quad bike His force – Durham Constabulary – recorded the biggest rise in attacks on *** police in the three years to the end of 2023, according to figures seen by the BBC. That came as no surprise to PC Furlonger, who has been punched and “spat at twice” while on duty. A colleague had recently been stabbed, he said, and another had their elbow broken in an arrest, which would have been “unheard of in Durham five years ago”. “The impact on our families is huge,” said PC Furlonger, whose mother was left “shaken” after he suffered a ****** eye. “If you’re assaulting us, kicking us, stabbing us, whatever – those injuries and that trauma we have to take home.” Increase in attacks The BBC submitted Freedom of Information requests to every police force in the ***, which showed there were 37,786 physical assaults on the police in 2023 – an average of 103 every day and an 11% rise from 33,864 in 2021. The numbers are expected to be even higher, because only 35 of 45 police forces provided the figures. Durham Constabulary recorded 522 attacks on police officers in 2023, up from 111 assaults in 2021 – a 370% rise. That is the biggest increase in the ***, but the force said officers were now being encouraged to report attacks, which would be reflected in the numbers. The Metropolitan Police recorded 7,856 assaults last year, an average of more than 150 a week, while police in Scotland saw 5,224 attacks in 2023 – a 23% increase compared with 2021. PC Ruth Coates was left scarred after being bitten by a man under arrest Over a career of 21 years, Cumbria Constabulary’s PC Ruth Coates has been “punched, kicked, spat at numerous times, headbutted and dragged along by a moving vehicle”. One “harrowing” ******* left her needing tests for Hepatitis B after a woman with the condition, who had a bleeding foot, kicked her in the mouth, she said. But nothing could prepare her for the extreme ********* she faced in November 2022. She and a colleague were responding to a report of ********* damage in Alston when the man they were attempting to arrest attacked them. PC Coates felt “the most excruciating pain” and realised he was “savagely biting” her arm. Disturbing bodycam footage showed her crying out for help during the *******, which lasted several minutes. She “immediately screamed” while also trying to help her colleague, who thought the man was “biting his finger off”. PC Coates said without the other officer’s bravery she could have lost her arm. Ruth Coates PC Coates said she was lucky to have only been left with this scar following the ******* Both of the police officers recovered, but the mental and physical consequences were significant. “I did have sleepless nights after it,” PC Coates said. “I’ve still got the scar to remind me of that every day and it does have an impact on you.” Figures seen by the BBC show in the first five months of 2024, a police officer was attacked, on average, every day in Cumbria. “The level of ********* and how often it happens now is unprecedented,” PC Coates said. “We don’t deserve to be attacked just because we’re wearing a uniform.” ‘Really high numbers’ Most of the police forces with a higher number of assaults cover major cities or large areas, but Cleveland Police in north-east England is one of the exceptions. Its force area is the second smallest in England and Wales and serves a population of approximately 570,000 people. In the 12 months up to the beginning of July, Cleveland recorded 860 assaults on officers, according to Supt John Wrintmore, who was shocked at the “really high numbers”. “To put that into perspective, that’s nearly one in two of all our officers across the whole force in any single year being the victim of an ********,” he said. “A high number of those have resulted in injuries and in some cases really serious injuries.” PA Media Police officers were injured during the riots in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool over summer Nineteen Cleveland Police officers were injured during this summer’s riots in Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, after responding to events promoted as anti-immigration protests. PC Furlonger was called in to offer assistance in Hartlepool and came “under missile ******* straight away”. “There was a young ****, who can’t have been any more than eight or nine, and he picked up a rock, threw it at the police line and ran away,” he said. “It was crackers.” He called the experience surreal, and said even the most experienced officers had “never faced anything like the severity” of the *********. ‘Epidemic’ of ********* Officers are starting shifts “expecting” to be attacked, according to Paul Crowley of the Police Federation of England and Wales. He said there was a national increase in assaults on police workers, which was affecting them “physically and mentally”. “No-one comes to work and should accept the fact they’re being assaulted.” Officers had “effectively become a punching bag”, he said. Police Federation chair for Cumbria Ed Russell said it was an “epidemic affecting the country”. “As to why it’s happening, I’m afraid I can’t answer,” he said. “These are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, and it’s happening every day.” The Home Office said: “Any ******** on a member of the police workforce is a ********* offence. “Those convicted of assaulting an emergency worker can face up to two years’ imprisonment, with escalating sentences for more serious incidents.” More stories from the BBC Source link #Police #officers #punch #bags #epidemic #violent #attacks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

10 Best Cozy Games That Work On Steam Deck 10 Best Cozy Games That Work On Steam Deck Espangerish20h ago I have the OLED deck and kids have gloss versions. Looking side by side you can see that the anti glare is of mixed value. Gives the screen a really nice paper like texture but washes out the deep backs and punchiness of the colours. @Hofstaderman, the clear screen protector cancels our maybe 90% of the anti glare. Enough that it’s no longer noticeable. Put one on mine cos I just know sooner or later I would have scratched that screen. Source link #Cozy #Games #Work #Steam #Deck Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sheffield Shield: WA’s Joel Curtis standing between Victoria and victory with one day to play Sheffield Shield: WA’s Joel Curtis standing between Victoria and victory with one day to play Western Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Joel Curtis is the last hurdle standing between Victoria and victory in their clash at the Junction Oval. The reigning champions closed the penultimate day of their third Sheffield Shield clash in a perilous position, leading by just 72 runs with three wickets in hand. The visitors were left in a ***** after conceding a 206-run first-innings lead to Victoria on day two, before losing desperately out-of-form opener captain Cam Bancroft before stumps. It left emerging batters Sam Fanning and Jayden Goodwin to pick up the pieces, but both were back in the sheds early on day three after a strong burst from Sam Elliott. Even the hot form of Hilton Cartwright wasn’t enough to pull WA back into contention. The all-rounder paired with fellow veteran Ashton Turner to add 97 to the total before the latter fell to Fergus O’Neill caught behind for 41. Cartwright remained stoic as he and Curtis chipped away at Victoria’s advantage before O’Neill got a length ball to nibble his outside edge on its way to Sam Harper’s greedy gloves for 78 from 166 deliveries. Curtis showed his rare Premier Cricket form, where he reached triple figures in successive innings, could translate to state cricket. Camera IconJoel Curtis of Western Australia celebrates reaching 50 runs. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images Batting with the tail, he showed strong decision-making to cash in on bad ****** and protect the lower order. He saw his side to a lead and ended the day unbeaten on 83 alongside paceman Brody Couch who will resume on the last day with 11 runs. Meanwhile, Queensland opener Matthew Renshaw graced national selectors with a reminder of what he could do, working his way to an unbeaten century against Tasmania. The 28-year-old had been the forgotten man in the debate over who should open for Australia in the India series before Nathan McSweeney ultimately got the nod, but his unbeaten 120 for the Bulls has sent a message about his class. But Renshaw showed renewed purpose on Sunday, cracking his first boundary with a delightful whip through mid-on that set the tone for his innings. Queensland finished day three on 7-274 and need 37 runs to avoid the follow-on with a day remaining on a placid deck in Brisbane. Source link #Sheffield #Shield #Joel #Curtis #standing #Victoria #victory #day #play Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Melania Trump’s Latest Announcement Shows She Isn’t Stopping This Controversial Side Hustle Anytime Soon Melania Trump’s Latest Announcement Shows She Isn’t Stopping This Controversial Side Hustle Anytime Soon It seems that even though Donald Trump is heading back to the White House, Melania Trump is continuing this controversial business venture, and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Earlier this week, Melania released a limited-edition photo series called “On the Move,” which shows Melania in various professional settings. the 16 digital images show her on the campaign trail, in her office, and more; and she’s selling them via blockchain. More from SheKnows Melania Trump Continues Her First Lady Feud With Jill Biden After Declining White House Visit It’s being sold on her website for nearly $200, and is being sold on Solana blockchain, which is an “eco-friendly proof-of-state blockchain protocol,” per Fox News via MSN. Melania Knauss Trump, Donald Trump For those wondering: what the heck is a blockchain? Well, per IBM, a blockchain is basically, it’s a technology that records transactions, often associated with cryptocurrency, NFTs, and more. And this isn’t the first time Melania has dabbled in this world. In fact, she’s been in this controversial world since 2021, making it her first post-White House project. Since 2021, she’s released a series of NFTs, many of which are ornaments for the holiday season or other holidays. Now, why are blockchains and NFTs controversial? Well, because they’ve been linked to many scams, intellectual property issues, and have been linked to contributing a lot to carbon emissions, to name a few. So it seems that despite the Trump family going back to the White House, Melania may be keeping up this side hustle, especially since she’s reportedly only been at the White House part-time. Before you go, click here to see the biggest presidential scandals in US History. Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows’ Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Source link #Melania #Trumps #Latest #Announcement #Shows #Isnt #Stopping #Controversial #Side #Hustle #Anytime Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Farming minister urges farmers to ‘look calmly’ at tax plans Farming minister urges farmers to ‘look calmly’ at tax plans BBC/Martin Giles Farming minister Daniel Zeichner says fewer than 500 farms a year will be affected by the tax changes The farming minister has urged farmers to “look calmly” at the government’s plans to make them pay inheritance tax and insisted that “the vast majority will be fine”. Daniel Zeichner, the MP for Cambridge, was speaking as hundreds of farmers prepared to travel to London this week to protest at the measure announced in last month’s Budget. He told the Politics East programme that the decision to make the heirs of farmers pay inheritance tax on land worth more than £1m was necessary and he described claims that thousands of families would be affected as “extraordinary” . The National Farmers Union (NFU), which believes that a majority of farmers will be affected, has described the announcement as a “miscalculation… which demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of how farming is shaped and managed”. BBC/Shaun Whitmore Daniel Zeichner insists that most farmers will not be affected by the government’s inheritance tax plans Until now farm land has not been subject to inheritance tax but the chancellor wants to change that. From April 2026, any land worth more than £1m will be taxed upon the ****** of its owner at the reduced rate of 50%. The news has caused consternation among farmers, but the farming minister insists that their worry is misplaced. “I urge people to look calmly at the detail and I think they will find that the vast majority will be fine,” he said. “The figures from the Treasury are very clear: under 500 farms a year are likely to be affected and I would say to people take advice because every person’s situation is different and there will be many, many people who will find they are not actually going to be caught by this.” The minister says couples and farms with property should be able to claim further reductions in their bill, and if land is passed on more than seven years before a person ***** there will be nothing to pay. “People should look at the actual facts rather than the slightly extraordinary projections which are being made,” he said, referring to claims from the NFU and Country Land and Business Association that 70,000 people would be affected. ‘I want Rachel Reeves to spend a day on my farm’ BBC/Andrew Sinclair Simon Dann says inheritance tax plans are a “kick in the teeth” for farmers who are already struggling to make money Simon Dann farms 680 acres near Dereham in Norfolk. His herd of 400 cows are milked three times a day on behalf of a major milk supplier and his 18,000 hens lay eggs for a leading supermarket. He also runs a successful ice cream business which supplies hotels and restaurants across the county. “Farming is getting *******,” he says, blaming the fluctuating milk price, the after effects of Brexit and the difficulty in finding good staff. “I would dearly love to bring the chancellor out to my farm and get her to work with me for a day. I’d love her to go home and think ‘gosh there are some people working really hard out there to put food on our plates, we ought to take more notice of them’.” He calls the new inheritance plans which could leave his children facing a bill of more than £1m as “a kick in the teeth”. “Because we’re in a *********, they (the government) think they can get away with it. “But this…has created a potentially large tax burden which the average farm may not be able to come up with.” ‘We absolutely get it’ Zeichner made it clear that there were no plans to withdraw the tax. He blamed the last government’s handling of the economy for the move but said the farming and food production budget had been increased in the Budget, which he said was a positive message for the sector. The minister, who was in Labour’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs team while in opposition, told Politics East that he was “a champion of farmers”. “We absolutely get it and I am absolutely prepared to look them (farmers) in the eye and say ‘we are with you, we will support you through what I understand is a difficult transitional *******’,” he said. Source link #Farming #minister #urges #farmers #calmly #tax #plans Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super typhoon weakens as it barrels through Philippines Super typhoon weakens as it barrels through Philippines Super typhoon Man-Yi has swept across the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, threatening heavy rain in the capital region Metro Manila after triggering more than one million evacuations and damaging buildings in several areas. Packing winds of 185km/h, it weakened slightly after hitting land in the town of Panganiban in Catanduanes province on Saturday night to arrive over the coastal waters of Camarines Norte province by 8am Sunday, weather officials said. “We evacuated because every time there is a typhoon, the water rises in the nearby river,” said Amalia Santisas, who lives in the coastal area in the capital Manila. “We have children with us and we are scared.” Santisas was among the more than one million people evacuated from the typhoon’s expected path to keep them safe from storm surges. Despite the evacuations, no casualties were reported, although the typhoon’s strong winds damaged homes, schools and commercial buildings in Catanduanes, civil defence chief Ariel Nepomuceno told Reuters. Man-Yi, the sixth tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in a month, is hurtling towards southern and central areas of Luzon. “Pepito is forecast to slightly weaken as a typhoon prior to its second landfall,” state weather agency PAGASA said in a statement, using the storm’s domestic name, as it urged precautionary measures. “Significant weakening will occur during the passage of this tropical cyclone over mainland Luzon today.” The highest storm alert has also been declared for eastern parts of the islands of Polillo and Calaguas. Winds had weakened in the Catanduanes town of Virac and the rain had eased to a drizzle, allowing some of those who had sought shelter to return home, provincial disaster officer Roberto Monterola told DZBB radio. Source link #Super #typhoon #weakens #barrels #Philippines Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Multi-car ****** causes 4-mile backup on I-5 South at I-405 Lynnwood, WA junction Multi-car ****** causes 4-mile backup on I-5 South at I-405 Lynnwood, WA junction SEATTLE – Multiple cars could be seen in a ****** zone on I-5 South Saturday afternoon while rainy weather conditions complicated traffic. Traffic backed up four miles north in the Lynnwood area following the ****** reported on I-5 near the I-405 Lynnwood junction. The ****** blocked the right lane completely, with only limited traffic making it through other lanes just after 3 p.m. on Nov. 16. MORE NEWS FROM FOX SEATTLE Lacey parents charged in possible attempted honor ******** of daughter Advertisement Advertisement Bird flu ****** rare goose at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo Here’s when ski resorts in western WA are planning to open Over 1,500 salmon counted in 1 day at Seattle’s Carkeek Park Bellevue officer who fell onto I-5 during VP visit sues state Seattle home sales skyrocket, median home price soars to $740K How to watch UW Huskies vs. UCLA Police investigating at least 3 deadly crashes overnight in western WA Tacoma Humane temporarily waives adoption fees as shelter is ‘beyond full’ To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation. Source link #Multicar #****** #4mile #backup #South #I405 #Lynnwood #junction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Biden, Xi agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear arms Biden, Xi agree that humans, not AI, should control nuclear arms US President Joe Biden (L) speaks with ******** President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, Peru, November 16, 2024. Leah Millis | Afp | Getty Images U.S. President Joe Biden and ******** President Xi Jinping agreed on Saturday that human beings and not artificial intelligence should make decisions over the use of nuclear weapons, according to the White House. “The two leaders affirmed the need to maintain human control over the decision to use nuclear weapons,” the White House said in a statement. “The two leaders also stressed the need to consider carefully the potential risks and develop AI technology in the military field in a prudent and responsible manner.” An official ******** government summary of the meeting echoed this point. The ******** foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not clear whether the statement would lead to further talks or action on the issue. But it marks a first-of-its-kind step between the two countries in the discussion of two issues on which progress has been elusive: nuclear arms and artificial intelligence. Washington has been pushing Beijing for months to break a longstanding resistance to nuclear arms talks. The two countries briefly resumed official-level talks over nuclear arms in November but those negotiations have since stalled, with a top U.S. official publicly expressing frustration regarding China’s responsiveness. Formal nuclear arms control negotiations have not been expected any time soon, despite U.S. concerns about China’s rapid nuclear weapons build-up, even though semi-official exchanges have resumed. On artificial intelligence, China and the ******* States launched their first formal bilateral talks on the issue in May in Geneva, but those talks are not believed to have touched on nuclear weapons decision-making. The U.S. defense department estimated last year that Beijing has 500 operational nuclear warheads and will probably field more than 1,000 by 2030. That compares to 1,770 and 1,710 operational warheads deployed by the ******* States and Russia, respectively. The Pentagon said that by 2030, much of Beijing’s weapons would probably be held at higher levels of readiness. Since 2020, China has also modernized its nuclear program, starting production of its next-generation ballistic missile submarine, testing hypersonic glide vehicle warheads and holding regular nuclear-armed sea patrols. Weapons on land, in the air and at sea give China the “nuclear triad” – a hallmark of a major nuclear power. China has not formally detailed its arsenal but officially maintains a policy of no first use and maintaining a modern nuclear deterrence that is minimal. Officials this year urged other powers to adopt the same stance. In recent semi-official exchanges with U.S. scholars and retired officials, ******** academics said its policies remained unchanged and described Western assessments as “exaggerations.” The Biden administration updated classified nuclear guidance this year, and a White House spokesperson previously said the update was “not a response to any single entity, country, nor threat,” despite oft-expressed concern about the nuclear arsenals of China, North Korea and Russia. Source link #Biden #agree #humans #control #nuclear #arms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Glastonbury 2025 tickets to go on ***** from 9am Glastonbury 2025 tickets to go on ***** from 9am Tickets for Glastonbury Festival 2025 go on ***** from 09:00 GMT. The world-famous event will be held from 25 to 29 June before taking a year off in 2026 to allow the ground at Worthy Farm in Somerset to recover. An automatic ****** system has been introduced with fans needing to be online before the start of the ***** with a valid registration number. Tickets cost £373.50, including a £5 booking fee – an increase of £18.50 on 2024. Around 210,000 people attended the Festival in June, with general tickets for the event selling out in under an hour. Coldplay, Dua Lipa and SZA played the Pyramid Stage, with Shania Twain performing the Sunday Legends spot. Registration for 2025 tickets closed at 17:00 on 11 November and fans can buy a maximum of six tickets per person. Tickets must be fully paid for by the end of 7 April 2025. Any not paid for by then will be put up for resale. Organisers are keen to encourage people to use environmentally-friendly travel options, with combined ticket and coach packages going on ***** earlier this week. The artists playing Glastonbury 2025 are yet to be announced. Source link #Glastonbury #tickets #***** #9am Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]