Pelican Press

U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off final draws 9.3 million viewers, most-watched NHL-sanctioned game in decades – The New York Times U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off final draws 9.3 million viewers, most-watched NHL-sanctioned game in decades – The New York Times U.S.-Canada 4 Nations Face-Off final draws 9.3 million viewers, most-watched NHL-sanctioned game in decades The New York TimesJustin Trudeau sends fiery message to US after Canada’s 4 Nations win Fox NewsCanada Just Beat the United States in Hockey. What the NHL Players Did Afterward Was Inspiring Inc.USA-Canada 4 Nations final sets betting records ESPN4 Nations Face-Off final performs better than any NHL game in U.S., ever NBC Sports Source link #U.S.Canada #Nations #FaceOff #final #draws #million #viewers #mostwatched #NHLsanctioned #game #decades #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Editorial: Weakness only emboldens anti-Semites to spread hatred Editorial: Weakness only emboldens anti-Semites to spread hatred WA ministers have followed Federal Labor’s lead on dealing with anti-Semitism following revelations a teacher used a classroom whiteboard to praise slain terrorist Ismail Haniyeh as ‘a great leader’. Source link #Editorial #Weakness #emboldens #antiSemites #spread #hatred Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trader Joe’s Just Issued a Nationwide Recall on This Fan-Favorite Item—Here’s What You Need to Know Trader Joe’s Just Issued a Nationwide Recall on This Fan-Favorite Item—Here’s What You Need to Know It’s never a fun experience to learn that your favorite foods may be responsible for some serious health concerns. However, it is nice to see brands do their best to get out ahead of the problem. And such is the case for Trader Joe’s as the fan-favorite store has issued a recall of its frozen Organic Açaí Bowls, citing the possible contamination with plastic. The official recall notice was published on February 14 and solely includes Trader Joe’s Organic Açaí Bowl with Berries, Banana, Granola and Dried Coconut. This is a fairly popular TJ’s offering that just made its return to shelves last December. The product contains a base of açaí purée mixed with strawberries, blueberries and bananas. That purée is then topped with a granola and coconut mixture that has chia, flax seeds and quinoa flakes mixed in. SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter While the Trader Joe’s announcement was short and to the point, it did not include any further information regarding the product in question. Lot numbers, UPC codes and sell-by/best-by dates have yet to be provided. What we do know is that the notice specifically cites the potential presence of a foreign plastic material in the Organic Açaí Bowls. Related: Shoppers Say They Have ‘Been Waiting For’ Trader Joe’s’ Newest Korean Grocery Item There is a little snippet of information that might shine some light on the recall, however. A post shared to the Trader Joe’s subreddit points out that the frozen açaí bowls officially made their return to shelves just a couple of months back. A commenter on the post mentioned that the bowls are being produced by a new supplier. This could explain why the contamination was possible in the first place. Out of an abundance of caution, Trader Joe’s is urging customers to discard any Trader Joe’s Organic Açaí Bowls or return them to their neighborhood Trader Joe’s for a full refund. Those with further questions can reach out to Trader Joe’s Customer Relations at 626-599-3817, or the customer feedback page on Trader Joe’s website. Up Next: Related: Canned Tuna Sold at Trader Joe’s, Costco and More Recalled Over ‘Potentially Fatal’ Issue—Here’s What to Know Source link #Trader #Joes #Issued #Nationwide #Recall #FanFavorite #ItemHeres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine to sign critical minerals deal ‘in the very short term’, US claims – Financial Times Ukraine to sign critical minerals deal ‘in the very short term’, US claims – Financial Times Ukraine to sign critical minerals deal ‘in the very short term’, US claims Financial TimesUkraine Promises Swift Deal for Minerals as Trump Cuts Kyiv Out of Peace Talks The New York TimesTrump says deal with Ukraine for US access to its rare earth minerals is ‘pretty close’ Fox NewsTrump ramps up Zelenskyy attacks as US official says mineral deal close Al Jazeera EnglishVideo: National security adviser dodges question on if Trump thinks Putin is a dictator | CNN Politics CNN Source link #Ukraine #sign #critical #minerals #deal #short #term #claims #Financial #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Carey takes stunning one-handed 'goalkeeper's' catch to remove England's Salt Carey takes stunning one-handed 'goalkeeper's' catch to remove England's Salt Australia’s Alex Carey takes a stunning one-handed catch to remove England’s Phil Salt for 10 in the ICC Champions Trophy match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Source link #Carey #takes #stunning #onehanded #039goalkeeper039s039 #catch #remove #England039s #Salt Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

American Angel flies to top of leaderboard in Thailand American Angel flies to top of leaderboard in Thailand Angel Yin has birdied three of her final four holes on the front nine to help set up an eight-under 64 to take a five-stroke lead into the final round of the LPGA Thailand tournament. The American had a three-round total of 21-under 195 at Siam Country Club’s Pattaya Old Course. Sponsor invite Akie Iwai of Japan, who led after the first two rounds, shot 71 and dropped into second place on Saturday. The 22-year-old earned her LPGA tour membership after finishing in a tie for fifth at the LPGA Final Qualifier last year. World No.2 Jeeno Thitikul, who turned 22 on Thursday, shot 69, as did fellow Thai Moriya Jutanugarn to be joint-third at 15 under. Defending champion Patty Tavatanakit (65) is 12 under, with 2023 winner Lilia Vu (74) of the United States seven over. Gabriela Ruffels is the best-placed *********** in a tie for 39th at three under after her round of 72. Steph Kyriacou (75) is two over, with Grace Kim (75) a further six shots adrift. The event is the first stop of the LPGA’s so-called Asian swing before the tour moves to Singapore and China over the next two weeks. Source link #American #Angel #flies #top #leaderboard #Thailand Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dirk Nowitzki Admits Luka Doncic Was ‘Pretty Down’ After Trade to Lakers – Sports Illustrated Dirk Nowitzki Admits Luka Doncic Was ‘Pretty Down’ After Trade to Lakers – Sports Illustrated Dirk Nowitzki Admits Luka Doncic Was ‘Pretty Down’ After Trade to Lakers Sports Illustrated’Ripped away’: Inside the Mavericks’ struggle to manage the post-Luka trade backlash ESPNDirk Nowitzki shares first reaction to Mavericks’ Luka Dončić trade: ‘Disappointed and sad for him’ Yahoo SportsCould Rick Welts’ ‘superpower’ help Mavs fans move past Luka trade? The Dallas Morning NewsMavericks legend Dirk Nowitzki explains support for Luka Doncic following trade to Lakers USA TODAY Source link #Dirk #Nowitzki #Admits #Luka #Doncic #Pretty #Trade #Lakers #Sports #Illustrated Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tropical low off Qld coast forecasted to strengthen into category 2 tropical cyclone in less than 24 hours: BOM Tropical low off Qld coast forecasted to strengthen into category 2 tropical cyclone in less than 24 hours: BOM A tropical low bearing down the Queensland coast is less than 24 hours from developing into a category 2 tropical cyclone – forecasted to bring gusty conditions and showers in its wake. Currently located 505km east northeast of Cairns, in the state’s Far North, the tropical low is moving at a speed of about 6km per hour eastwards. Sustained winds near the centre of the low – dubbed 22U – are reaching about 75kmh, with wind gusts of up to 100kmh. Despite the system lingering off the coast, the Bureau of Meteorology’s latest models have forecasted it will develop into a tropical cyclone by Sunday morning, “During next week, the system is expected to turn southeast and then south while continuing to strengthen,” the bureau’s latest cyclone information bulletin states. Camera IconForecast rainfall accumulations across the Coral Sea and western Pacific Ocean over the next week, amid forecasts a tropical low off the Queensland coast could strengthen into a category 2 tropical cyclone by Sunday. Supplied / Weatherzone Credit: Supplied “Considerable uncertainty exists in the track the system will take beyond that, but there is a risk it will move closer to the central Queensland coast late next week.” Earlier on Saturday, BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines said the weather formation was unlikely to move anywhere quickly should it strengthen into a tropical cyclone. He explained it was forecasted to linger in the Coral Sea for several days. “This could bring some gusty conditions, showers and increased swell to the central and northern Queensland coast,” Mr Hines said. “But otherwise (it) will have minimal impact on our weather.” The system may start to move “more swiftly” later in the week, Mr Hines explained. He said there were a few paths it could follow – most of which would result in the system moving to the southeast, further away from Australia and resulting in its impacts weakening. Camera IconDespite the forecasts, the system is unlikely to move quickly towards Australia and continue tracking east. Supplied / BOM Credit: SuppliedCamera IconMeteorologist Angus Hines said the system would likely have minimal impacts on the weather. Supplied Credit: Supplied “But there is definitely still a chance late in the week, it could veer towards Queensland – bringing stronger weather impacts to parts of the Queensland coast,” Mr Hines said. The updated warning comes as a second tropical low – located off the Western *********** coast – is also forecast to develop into a tropical cyclone. However the low is currently located more than 500km north in the Indian Ocean and is moving further west. Mr Hines said little to no impact was being forecast for the *********** mainland and even the offshore islands due to the system’s trajectory. Source link #Tropical #Qld #coast #forecasted #strengthen #category #tropical #cyclone #hours #BOM Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Live Updates: ****** Is Set to Release More Hostages From Gaza – The New York Times Live Updates: ****** Is Set to Release More Hostages From Gaza – The New York Times Live Updates: ****** Is Set to Release More Hostages From Gaza The New York TimesHamas releasing final living hostages due to be freed under first phase of Gaza ceasefire CNNHamas says ready to proceed to ceasefire’s second phase The Times of IsraelLIVE: Two of six Israeli captives freed in Gaza, second handover to follow Al Jazeera EnglishHamas releases more hostages in exchange for more than 600 ************ prisoners as part of ceasefire deal Fox News Source link #Live #Updates #****** #Set #Release #Hostages #Gaza #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Labuschagne in as Aussies opt to bowl against England Labuschagne in as Aussies opt to bowl against England Marnus Labuschagne has won selection for Australia’s Champions Trophy opener against England, despite his recent struggles with the bat. Source link #Labuschagne #Aussies #opt #bowl #England Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

People Are Genuinely Stunned They Agree With Mike Pence’s Ukraine Tweet People Are Genuinely Stunned They Agree With Mike Pence’s Ukraine Tweet In the past few days, Donald Trump has made several controversial statements about Ukraine. A person in a suit stands on stage at a formal event with a podium and emblem in the background Trump falsely claimed that Ukraine started the war, saying, “You should have never started it.” Man in a suit gestures on stage at a public event, with a serious expression, in front of a backdrop featuring text and patterns He called Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections.” Donald Trump criticizes U.S. support to Ukraine, questioning funds and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s actions. He emphasizes the need for elections And he has claimed that Zelenskyy’s approval rating had dropped to 4%, when recent polls actually show it at 57%. Person at a podium speaking, wearing a suit and tie, with a flag and ornate background Well, one person’s tweet is going viral about this whole thing… Person in a suit speaking at an event, holding a microphone with branding, with cityscape in the background Mike Pence posted this in response to Trump’s actions: Mike_Pence/x.com Well, this one is getting lots of reacts. I’m sorry, I can’t identify or describe people in images This person said, “Mike Pence is showing more courage than a lot of elected officials right now.” Tweet by Kyla Scanlon stating, “Mike Pence is showing more courage than a lot of elected officials right now.” Another person said, “I’m sorry but when MIKE PENCE is making me more proud to be an American than our President… something is seriously wrong.” Tweet expressing discontent: “I’m sorry but when Mike Pence is making me more proud to be an American than our President… something is seriously wrong.” And then you have a TON of people saying the same thing. Person in a suit holding a microphone with a “JPOST” label, speaking at an event They can’t believe they agree with him. Person with long hair in a home setting. Text on image: “Hell has frozen over honey.” “Never thought I’d be in agreement with Mike Pence about anything but here we are,” one person said. Tweet reading: “Never thought I’d be in agreement with Mike Pence about anything but here we are.” “Good God, I’m in agreement with Mike Pence. you see what Trump does to us all,” another person said. Tweet from Jonathan Pie expressing agreement with Mike Pence, mentioning the impact of Trump And lastly, this person said, “It’s a measure of how utterly bonkers the world has become when I find myself agreeing with Mike Pence.” Tweet by Kevin Eaves: “It’s a measure of how utterly bonkers the world has become when I find myself agreeing with Mike Pence.” Source link #People #Genuinely #Stunned #Agree #Mike #Pences #Ukraine #Tweet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple pulls data protection tool after *** government security row – BBC.com Apple pulls data protection tool after *** government security row – BBC.com Apple pulls data protection tool after *** government security row BBC.comApple Pulls iPhone Security Feature in *** The New York TimesFBI’s New iPhone, Android Security Warning Is Now Critical ForbesApple Removes Cloud Encryption Feature From *** After ********* Order BloombergApple removes end-to-end security encryption tool for *** cloud users rather than renege on its privacy commitments to all Sky News Source link #Apple #pulls #data #protection #tool #government #security #row #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA State Election 2025: Liberal Merome Beard confident of chances in Mid-West amid Opposition leader challenge WA State Election 2025: Liberal Merome Beard confident of chances in Mid-West amid Opposition leader challenge Liberal candidate for the Mid-West Merome Beard says she is not worried about the higher profile of Opposition leader Shane Love as the pair battle for the newly-formed electorate. Source link #State #Election #Liberal #Merome #Beard #confident #chances #MidWest #Opposition #leader #challenge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Massive Ban Wave Suggests Ubisoft Wants to Start Rainbow Six Siege X With a Clean Slate Massive Ban Wave Suggests Ubisoft Wants to Start Rainbow Six Siege X With a Clean Slate Ubisoft has initiated a massive ban wave in Rainbow Six Siege, wiping out many of the cheaters from the console convicted of using a mouse in the game. This recent wave is an attempt to start with a clean slate for Ubisoft’s upcoming title, Rainbow Six Siege X. A lot of cheaters get wiped out from Rainbow Six Siege. Image Credit: Ubisoft This operation came as a surprise. It wiped out a lot of players from the game, almost like a military operation clearing out a terrorist base by surprise and moving out without them even realizing what hit them. This game has had a cheating problem for a very long time. Ubisoft’s upcoming Rainbow Six Siege X will not take cheating lightly Ubisoft’s preparation for Rainbow Six Seige X starts from banning cheaters. Image Credit: Ubisoft Ubisoft has made one thing clear: It will not be tolerating cheating in its competitive games anymore. Rainbow Six Siege has a massive following and has played an important role in strengthening Ubisoft’s position in the competitive market. It is one of the most successful competitive games on the market, with a huge player base. The only concern fans had before was with the inflow of a large number of cheaters, especially in the higher ranks where the game gets difficult. Rainbow Six Siege has one of the highest skill ceilings. Cheating is not appreciated in competitive games, especially because it hinders integrity and creates a massive imbalance, resulting in people losing interest in the game eventually. A good anti-cheat is extremely necessary for the success of any competitive game. Comment byu/Accomplished-Cod1571 from discussion inRainbow6 Comment byu/Intelligent-Cash-340 from discussion inRainbow6 A large number of players have been banned from the game overnight. Ubisoft’s strategy did wonders for the game since its player community is extremely thrilled at this feat. Creating a healthy gaming environment is necessary for competitive play Cheaters will no longer be tolerated. Image Credit: Ubisoft Competitive play can get very serious and frustrating at times, especially at higher ranks where players are competing against the best of the lot in the game. Cheating at such high ranks is extremely disheartening to witness since most of the players present there have climbed the ladder through hard work and dedication. Ubisoft’s recent implementation of its anti-cheat strategy seems to be working in its favor. It might seem like the game is losing a lot of its players due to being banned at the moment, but the numbers will soon stabilize and more players will be now attracted towards the game. Establishing a healthy gaming environment pays well in the long run for competitive games, and Ubisoft has set pretty nice grounds for its upcoming Rainbow Six Siege X with many graphical and audio enhancements. What do you think about it? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Massive #Ban #Wave #Suggests #Ubisoft #Start #Rainbow #Siege #Clean #Slate Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bystanders Help Cop Free Trapped Driver From Fiery Truck Bystanders Help Cop Free Trapped Driver From Fiery Truck Dramatic footage shows a pick-up truck on fire after the vehicle was slammed from behind by a cement truck. When an Arizona motorcycle cop realized a woman was trapped, he went to grab a baton. Good Samaritans stepped in to try to break the windows. That’s when a heroic off-duty firefighter on his way to work pulled the woman to safety. Miraculously, the driver survived. Inside Edition’s Les Trent has more. Source link #Bystanders #Cop #Free #Trapped #Driver #Fiery #Truck Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Texas measles outbreak reaches 90 cases; 9 cases in New Mexico – Ars Technica Texas measles outbreak reaches 90 cases; 9 cases in New Mexico – Ars Technica Texas measles outbreak reaches 90 cases; 9 cases in New Mexico Ars TechnicaMeasles outbreaks rise to nearly 100 cases between Texas and New Mexico. Here’s what you should know The Associated PressTexas measles outbreak grows to 90 cases, largest in over 30 years ABC NewsIn Texas, vaccine-choice activists are ascendant The EconomistUS CDC reports five-fold increase in weekly measles cases as Texas outbreak grows Reuters Source link #Texas #measles #outbreak #reaches #cases #cases #Mexico #Ars #Technica Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Night recoups hefty price tag to narrowly salute in Group 1 Blue Diamond ****** Night recoups hefty price tag to narrowly salute in Group 1 Blue Diamond Exciting two-year-old ****** Night clinched victory in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, clinging on to win the feature at just his second start. Source link #****** #Night #recoups #hefty #price #tag #narrowly #salute #Group #Blue #Diamond Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shocking deep sea discovery made in area where ****** says Moses parted Red Sea Shocking deep sea discovery made in area where ****** says Moses parted Red Sea Scientists who have been exploring the Red Sea have discovered natural death traps in the region now believed to be the location where Moses parted the waters. The brine pools were found 4,000 feet below the surface of the Gulf of Aqaba, where the water is estimated to be up to 10 times saltier than normal seawater and a lack of oxygen causes the pools to kill or stun all marine life that enters it, according to a study published in Nature Communications. The study also claimed larger predators lurk near the edge of the pools to grab the helpless prey after they have succumbed to the effects. Deep-sea Discovery: Ancient Coral May Have Been The First Glow-in-the-dark Creatures, Study Finds A research team led by Sam Purkis, a professor and chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami, used remotely operated submersibles and deep-sea probes to explore the area of deep-sea trenches lying between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The team speculates that the environment caused by these conditions also mimics the harsh conditions of early Earth and believe this is especially true for this location in the deep sea where they speculate life may have first emerged. Read On The Fox News App “Our current understanding is that life originated on Earth in the deep sea, almost certainly in anoxic—without oxygen—conditions,” said Purkis. Spooky Deep-sea Fish Rarely Seen By Humans Caught On Camera In Shallow Water: ‘Nightmare Fuel’ The parting of the Red Sea, illustration of the Old Testament, the end of the 19th century, engraving by Bequet, Delagrave edition, Paris. The study even suggested that these “death pools” could possibly provide clues assisting in the search for extraterrestrial organisms. This unique ecosystem is one of the most extreme environments on the planet, the study said, and that it was possible they resemble conditions found on distant “water worlds” beyond our solar system. Because very few organisms survive in the brine pools, the sediment layers have remained undisturbed and have preserved an archive of past climate changes and geological events. “Ordinarily, these animals bioturbate or churn up the seabed, disturbing the sediments that accumulate there,” according to Purkis. “Not so with the brine pools. Here, any sedimentary layers that settle to the bed of the brine pool remain exquisitely intact.” Passover is the annual commemoration of Moses leading the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt. He and his team hope the pristine conditions will allow them to better study ancient ocean conditions and assist them in reconstructing climate patterns and tracking the evolution of Earth’s ecosystems over millions of years. Oceanographers have discovered similar formations in the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of America, and the Antarctic Ocean, but none at this depth. Original article source: Shocking deep sea discovery made in area where ****** says Moses parted Red Sea Source link #Shocking #deep #sea #discovery #area #****** #Moses #parted #Red #Sea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Rock is coming for Cody Rhodes’ soul at WWE Elimination Chamber – Cageside Seats The Rock is coming for Cody Rhodes’ soul at WWE Elimination Chamber – Cageside Seats The Rock is coming for Cody Rhodes’ soul at WWE Elimination Chamber Cageside SeatsSmackDown results, Feb. 21, 2025: The Rock to Cody Rhodes: “I want you to be my champion” WWEWWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: The Rock wants the soul of Cody Rhodes to be his ‘corporate champion’ CBS SportsDamian Priest And Braun Strowman Beat Solo Sikoa And Jacob Fatu On WWE SmackDown Yahoo EntertainmentBackstage News On Major Announcement From The Rock Set For Tonight’s WWE SmackDown Wrestling Inc. Source link #Rock #coming #Cody #Rhodes #soul #WWE #Elimination #Chamber #Cageside #Seats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Beterbiev vs Bivol: Late replacement Martin Bakole misses weigh-in as he travels to Saudi Arabia Beterbiev vs Bivol: Late replacement Martin Bakole misses weigh-in as he travels to Saudi Arabia Briton Hamzah Sheeraz (11st 5lb) and WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames (11st 4lb) made weight for their world title bout. At 6ft 2in, the wiry Sheeraz, 25, towered over his 30-year-old opponent at the head-to head. Dominican Adames cut a confident figure, though, and dismissed his rival’s physical advantages. “Coconuts are high and we can still take them down, so I’ll do the same to him,” said Adames. Earlier, part-time electrician Josh Padley – who also accepted late call-up to fight WBC lightweight world champion Shakur Stevenson on just a few days’ notice – promised he would grab the opportunity “with both hands”. Doncaster’s Padley and American Stevenson weighed in a pound under the 9st 9lb limit. In Saturday’s opening bout, British rivals Callum Smith (12st 7lb) and Joshua Buatsi (12st 6lb) will be hoping to push their claim for a light-heavyweight title shot against the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol. “[Buatsi] is a good fighter but I’ve said all along I’m better,” said former super-middleweight world champion Smith, 34. Source link #Beterbiev #Bivol #Late #replacement #Martin #Bakole #misses #weighin #travels #Saudi #Arabia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘The tyranny of apps’: those without smartphones are unfairly penalised, say campaigners | Consumer affairs ‘The tyranny of apps’: those without smartphones are unfairly penalised, say campaigners | Consumer affairs Michael is in his late 50s and is among the millions of people in the *** who cannot or do not want to use mobile apps, and feels he is being penalised for his choice. He does own a smartphone – an Apple iPhone he bought secondhand about three years ago – but says: “I don’t use apps at all. I don’t download them for security reasons.” Apps have burrowed their way into seemingly every aspect of our lives and there are lots of reasons why companies are pushing us to use them. With an app, it is often “one click and you’re in”, rather than having to faff around online finding the website and remembering passwords. It is also for the “push notifications” that mobile apps send to grab our attention and get us to buy stuff. Many tech experts also argue that apps are generally more secure than websites and allow banks and others to carry out sophisticated ID verification using face, voice and fingerprint biometrics. But millions of people who cannot afford a smartphone or have an older device that does not support some services are increasingly being locked out of deals, discounts and even some vital services, say digital exclusion and pro-cash campaigners. They are missing out on everything from savings on their weekly shop, to some of the best interest rates for their cash. And not signing up to the app revolution is making activities including paying for parking and going to concerts increasingly challenging. “It’s the tyranny of the apps,” says Ron Delnevo, the chair of the campaign committee at lobby group the Payment Choice Alliance. “In this country we’re being treated like sheep,” he says. “We’re always being told there’s no alternative.” But when a new smartphone can set you back hundreds of pounds, it is “an expensive passport to participate”, Delnevo says. According to the latest data from the telecoms regulator Ofcom, 8% of people aged 16 or over do not have a smartphone, which for the *** translates into just under 4.5 million people. Among those aged 75-plus, the proportion is said to be 28%. Add in all those who don’t or can’t use apps and the total number of people affected is a lot *******. Lots of retailers offer enhanced or exclusive deals to their app users, and some run loyalty schemes through them. This is potentially a big deal as those schemes often give you access to discounts that are not otherwise available. “Some people are missing out on lower prices offered by loyalty schemes as they do not have access to phones or smart devices to download apps,” Reena Sewraz, the retail editor at Which? says. The consumer group is among those to have highlighted Lidl’s loyalty scheme, Lidl Plus, as one that is only accessible via an app, with an email address also required. That means the “big savings” available via the scheme’s weekly offers – at the time of writing these included 25% off tinned tuna and 20% off microwave rice and grain pouches – plus various coupons and rewards, are off-limits to those who cannot or do not wish to go digital. Delnevo says Lidl is “disenfranchising” many of its customers, adding: “The people who probably need the discounts most are the people who can’t afford or don’t have a smartphone.” In response, the supermarket chain says the Lidl Plus scheme “forms part of our commitment to providing customers with the best value. Nonetheless, we remain mindful of those who don’t have access to a smartphone or tablet and continue to offer in-store promotions through our ‘pick of the week’ offers.” Rival supermarket Asda also runs a scheme, Asda Rewards, where you have to download an app and there is no physical card available. This scheme does not offer price promotions – instead, you earn Asda “pounds” when you shop, which you convert into vouchers to spend in-store and online. Some retailers have gone further down the app path than others. The Boots Advantage card scheme, one of the ***’s most popular, still lets you use a physical plastic card, although there are “tailored offers” available via the app. At Greggs you get a free hot drink just for downloading the app. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian And at the bakery chain Greggs, you can collect loyalty “stamps” for free food and drink and get “exclusive app-only gifts”. You currently get a free hot drink just for downloading the app. Meanwhile, the online clothes retailer Asos and the tools and hardware specialist Screwfix are just two of those that are or have recently been running “app exclusive” campaigns. Asos was this week offering 20% off “1,000s of styles,” while Screwfix’s Stacks of Rewards promotion let you collect coins and earn rewards by spending via the app. Parking If there is one area of life where many people probably feel the app revolution has got out of hand, it is parking. In the *** there are thought to be at least 30 different parking apps, and it is not unusual for an individual to have eight to 10 different ones on their phone. Many older people have told the charity Age *** that they are “at the end of their tether” when it comes to paying for parking because they cannot park if an app or mobile is required. “In some cases this has meant missing important appointments like seeing their GP,” it adds. Many older people have told Age *** they cannot park if an app or mobile is required. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian The RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, says many people are overwhelmed by the multitude of apps they have to use, “when in reality you want one that you like and you’re happy using and that you can use everywhere”. Six years ago the Department for Transport started developing a “national parking platform” (NPP) designed to enable drivers to use one app of their choice to pay for all their parking. It has been trialled by a number of councils, but a big question mark hangs over its future as public funding for the project looks likely to be withdrawn. The RAC’s head of policy Simon Williams says many people are overwhelmed by the multitude of apps they have to use, “when in reality you want one that you like and you’re happy using and that you can use everywhere”. Six years ago the Department for Transport started developing a “national parking platform” (NPP) designed to enable drivers to use one app of their choice to pay for all their parking, and it has been trialled by a number of councils. However, a big question mark now hangs over its future as public funding for the project looks likely to be withdrawn imminently. Some councils are now permanently getting rid of parking ticket machines that accept debit and credit cards in order to save money (many stopped accepting cash a long time ago). The London borough of Barnet is one area where all the council pay and display machines at car parks have just been taken out of service. As of last month, motorists have been greeted with signs telling them to use the PayByPhone app. “Withdrawal of the ability to pay by card, following the removal of the payment by cash facility, will disappoint some drivers, especially the elderly, who find it difficult to use the PayByPhone app,” according to an article on the Barnet Society website. A Barnet council spokesperson says: “Pay and display machines were declining in use and in 2023-24 accounted for less than 7% of overall transactions. There are easy alternatives … including the PayByPhone app, phone or text, and cash payments at over 100 local PayPoint retailers.” Entertainment Increasingly with gigs and other events, you need to download an app to access your tickets. For example, tickets for some events at the O2 arena in London are delivered as a “mobile ID” via the venue’s own app, and you get a barcode which is scanned to let you in. This type of app-based mobile ID system is also billed as the only admission method at venues including Ovo Arena Wembley in London and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. James Bay at the OVO Arena in London, where an app-based system is billed as the only admission method. Photograph: Gus Stewart/Redferns That said, the venue websites do usually provide details of how people who do not have a smartphone or cannot download the app can gain entry to their event – but it might involve bringing photo ID and your confirmation email to the box office perhaps 90 minutes before the doors open. When it comes to theatre, popular services such as TodayTix offer savings on tickets and can be accessed online, although to take advantage of some of the benefits and offers, such as discounted same-day “Rush” tickets, you need to have the app. Eating and drinking Those who cannot or do not use apps are missing out on some of the best deals for meals, takeaways and pub grub. McDonald’s is running a high-profile promotion called Deal Drop, where it offers items at “bargain” prices, such as a classic Big Mac for £1.49 (normally £4.99) and a children’s Happy Meal for £1.99 (normally £3.59) – but all of the discounts are available exclusively with the company’s app. The fastfood chain Subway runs a loyalty scheme where you earn points that you can convert into “Subway Cash” that can be spent on anything on the menu – but again it is app-only. If you were a member of Subway’s previous rewards scheme, which closed last May, your plastic membership card “is no longer usable”. Similarly, many pubs have apps that offer big discounts or let you earn rewards. The more than 200-strong Sizzling Pubs chain has recently been promoting eye-catching app-only deals such as 40% off main meals at some locations. Some coffee shop chains, such as Harris + Hoole, have also gone app-only with their loyalty schemes. With the Harris + Hoole one, you get a free drink for every six coffees you buy. With the Harris + Hoole app, you get a free drink for every six coffees you buy. Photograph: Sarah Lee/The Guardian Banking Some of the best savings rates are offered by app-only providers – made up of banks and “electronic money institutions” (EMIs), which do not have their own banking licence, but put your money in a bank that does. At the time of writing, the Moneyfacts list of top-paying easy access accounts included products from the app-only providers Atom Bank, Chip and Plum paying 4.6%, 4.58% and 4.38% respectively. “App-only accounts are the new ‘online-only’ accounts,” says Anna Bowes, savings expert at the financial advisory firm The Private Office. “While not for everyone, apps are becoming far more popular with savers, especially as they can often be found paying some of the best rates.” To give you an idea of how apps have taken over savings, she says the current top five easy-access cash Isas are all provided by EMIs. “The next five top paying cash Isas are all with regulated banks or building societies but two must be opened via a mobile banking app,” she says. Some of the providers aimed at smartphone users are not entirely app-based. For example, saving and investing firm Moneybox primarily provides its services via its app, but says you can access them through other means, including its website. Meanwhile, the high street banks sometimes have products or services that are app-only – for example, HSBC’s Global Money service, which lets you convert, spend and send multiple currencies with no bank fees, is only available via the HSBC app. Source link #tyranny #apps #smartphones #unfairly #penalised #campaigners #Consumer #affairs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Call for more lung ******* investment as report reveals shortfall in timely care for WA treatment wait times Call for more lung ******* investment as report reveals shortfall in timely care for WA treatment wait times A majority of West Australians with suspected lung *******, the leading cause of ******* deaths in the State, are waiting close to two months to begin lifesaving treatments. Source link #Call #lung #******* #investment #report #reveals #shortfall #timely #care #treatment #wait #times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I feel disrespected’: Ontario town considers removing U.S. flags from its buildings ‘I feel disrespected’: Ontario town considers removing U.S. flags from its buildings A township in Ontario is moving to remove permanently affixed American flags from municipal facilities, citing growing tensions with the U.S. over trade and political relations. A West Lincoln council committee voted 4-3 on Tuesday directing staff to take down the flags, though the decision still requires final approval from the township council. During the meeting, Coun. William Reilly questioned why the American flag remains up year-round at the West Lincoln community centre, while Ontario’s provincial flag is absent. “We have an American flag that seems to be fixed in our community centre and we don’t even have an Ontario provincial flag that’s up even one day a year,” Reilly said. “I feel disrespected by our American neighbours. It kind of strikes a nerve that here we are in our country, in our facility, proudly displaying their flag.” Story continues below advertisement While all members of the township agreed that they do not want to ban the flag, the majority agreed it should only be displayed when an American team is visiting. 2:06 Trump’s tariffs an ‘existential threat’ to Canada, Joly says Coun. Jason Trombetta, who supported the motion, cited concerns about vandalism at the other buildings as another factor in the removal of the flag. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. “If this (the flag) is going to possibly cause a disruption or a safety issue, because we’ve had damage at the community centre, then for the time being, I will support that,” he said. Reilly, however, stood by his position that the issue is about respect. “I have no problem with their flag being raised when their team is playing here, but outside of that, the flag should be pulled down and stored away. I don’t think it has earned the right to remain in our facility 365 days a year,” he said. Trending Now Alberta separatist behind divisive ‘Let’s join the USA!’ billboard 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles parts of B.C. Friday Story continues below advertisement The debate continues as cross-border tensions play out not just in politics, but also in sports. 0:34 ********* anthem singer changes lyric to protest Trump remarks at 4-nations championship On Thursday, Canada faced off against the U.S. in a tense hockey match, winning 3-2 in overtime furthering the ongoing tensions between the two nations. Justin Trudeau was quick to respond back to Trumps ongoing economic threats, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” he wrote on X. Some councillors argued that while the American flag should be raised when U.S. teams visit, its permanent placement in a township facility sends the wrong message, especially amid rising trade tensions. “Our neighbours from the south aren’t necessarily respecting us,” Reilly said. “What happens if our relationship deteriorates further?” he added, before closing off the debate. Story continues below advertisement The final decision on the flag’s removal will be made Feb. 24. More on Canada More videos &copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link #feel #disrespected #Ontario #town #considers #removing #U.S #flags #buildings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

RFK Jr.’s Stunning Claim About ****** People And Vaccines Sparks Concern From Medical Experts RFK Jr.’s Stunning Claim About ****** People And Vaccines Sparks Concern From Medical Experts From COVID-19 conspiracy theories to confusion on the facts about Medicare and Medicaid to refusing to say that vaccines aren’t linked to autism, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s February confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill were anything but smooth for someone who is hoping to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. While his history of anti-vaccine remarks was a major talking point throughout the hearings, his beliefs were also front and center during a heated exchange in which Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) brought up a comment that Kennedy once made about vaccinations and the ****** community. In 2021, Kennedy had said, “We should not be giving ****** people the same vaccine schedule that’s given to whites, because their immune system is better than ours.” Alsobrooks asked Kennedy to explain what he meant by that remark, and he went on to reference a “series of studies” while saying research shows that “******* need fewer antigens.” (For the record, experts say that this is not true.) “Right now, how vaccine schedules are tailored is based on things like your age, your exposure risk, if you have other chronic underlying health conditions ― but race isn’t one of them, and there isn’t research that suggests that it should be,” Joel Bervell, a recent medical graduate and medical myth-buster on social media, told HuffPost. What especially bothered Bervell about Kennedy’s exchange with Alsobrooks was the fact that he doubled down on his comment from 2021. Kennedy could have used this as an opportunity to admit that he needs to do more research and understand the vaccine schedule, “but instead, he defended what he said, which I think, for me, that’s where the problem lies in,” Bervell told HuffPost. “Not necessarily the fact of the misinformation is out there, but the fact that he wasn’t willing to at least confront it or admit that onstage.” Below, experts like Bervell share their concerns about Kennedy’s statement and how it reflects a larger problematic picture: Kennedy’s comment can be considered ‘scientific racism,’ experts say. “In medicine, in science, we know that race is a social construct, meaning that you can’t look at someone’s genes and identify what race they are,” Bervell said. That means differences in vaccine timelines just don’t make scientific sense. “The comment that [Kennedy] made about the vaccine schedule, it’s basically scientific racism, which has been debunked,” Dr. Oni Blackstock, a primary care and **** physician who is the founder and executive director of Health Justice, a racial and health equity consulting company, told HuffPost. “He’s really perpetuating this false belief that ****** people are somehow biologically different from white people and, in that way, justifying differential and ultimately unequal treatment for ****** people versus white people,” Blackstock added. “By saying that, he was putting on one of the larger stages in health care this notion that race-based medicine should still exist, when that’s actually what many scientists recently have been trying to root out,” Bervell said. Race-based medicine and scientific racism has led to undertreatment of ****** patients, dismissal of pain and even death, Blackstock stressed. Both experts pointed to real-life examples of this, like the false belief that ****** people have better-functioning kidneys than white people. This made it harder for ****** people to get the treatment they needed, like kidney transplants, according to Bervell. And this thought pattern isn’t from some faraway time ― a medical equation that reinforced this bias wasn’t changed until 2021, Bervell said. What’s more, during the 1793 yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia, ****** people were believed to be resistant to yellow fever, which was not true and led to high mortality rates among ****** people, Blackstock explained. “The importance of understanding the problem with the myths is that they can literally lead to regulations being written into medicine that treat populations differently just based on race,” Bervell said. “It can actually change the care that people receive.” While it’s easy to look at a particular viewpoint as a one-off, medical racism has real-world consequences that irresponsible comments can make worse. Promoting debunked beliefs “distracts us from really doing the work that we need to do, which is dismantling systemic racism in health care and ensuring that everyone has equitable access to preventive care and treatments that they need,” Blackstock added. Cabinet nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s comment about vaccines in the ****** community has medical experts worried. Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images Such stances may lead to more mistrust in the health care system. “One thing that is also kind of strange about him [Kennedy] is he’s someone who for a long time has said that he doesn’t support vaccines,” Bervell said. “Apparently, now he’s changed his mind, but for a long time he said he hasn’t supported vaccines, and then he’s also saying that ****** people should get a different vaccine schedule. So you have to wonder, what is your goal in saying that if you don’t even believe in vaccines?” Bervell said comments like those from Kennedy can sow vaccine hesitancy in the ****** population, which is dangerous and can erode trust in evidence-based medicine. It’s not the first time that this has happened, either, Blackstock added. In 2021, Kennedy produced a documentary called “Medical Racism: The New Apartheid,” which Blackstock said promoted misinformation about health and vaccines to the ****** community, along with other marginalized groups. “It’s interesting how some of his efforts have been focused on taking advantage of [and] exploiting the mistrust that some in the ****** community have around vaccines and the health care system because of structural racism and medical racism,” Blackstock said. With misinformation and scare tactics rampant on social media, misinformation from government leaders will only make it harder to tell what’s real and what’s fake in medicine. Trust needs to be paramount for health care as an institution, Bervell said. “The trust is already eroded in health care,” Bervell explained. “We need to have someone that is going to work with scientists, researchers, doctors that are on the ground seeing these problems every day, not someone that’s in an ivory tower watching from above without understanding of what’s actually happening on the ground.” Experts say this rhetoric aligns with messaging from Donald Trump. Blackstock stressed that while such false beliefs are very problematic, they track with much of the messaging from Donald Trump and his new presidential administration. “It echoes some of the rhetoric that [Trump] has shared around eugenics and immigrants,” Blackstock said. “He’s talked about immigrants having ‘bad genes’ or ‘poisoning the blood of our country.’ It just speaks to this idea of racial purity or genetic purity, and this false idea that certain groups of people are inherently inferior or predisposed to certain behaviors because of their genetics.” And, again, race is a social construct and does not equal genetic differences. “It’s just really shocking that in the year 2025 we are still dealing with these beliefs being propagated that have been around for several centuries that have been used to justify slavery, used to justify inequitable treatment, used to justify forced sterilization,” Blackstock said. Blackstock added that she thinks individuals get away with this kind of rhetoric because people become accustomed to outlandish comments and bad behavior. “But we need to really flag this and say this is really dangerous and really concerning rhetoric that can have real health implications,” Blackstock said. Related… Source link #RFK #Jr.s #Stunning #Claim #****** #People #Vaccines #Sparks #Concern #Medical #Experts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump wants to replace Canada’s car industry. How much would that cost? – National Trump wants to replace Canada’s car industry. How much would that cost? – National If there’s one sector in the ********* economy that has faced the particular focus of U.S. President Donald Trump‘s tariff threats, it’s Canada’s auto industry. Trump has said that he wants to “make the cars in Detroit,” indicating that he wants to replace Canada’s industry with a fully domestic American car industry. But experts say it could end up costing the U.S. tens of billions of dollars and in the end, the squeeze might not be worth the juice.å In an interview with Fox News earlier this month, Trump said Canada “stole” the automobile industry from the United States. “If you look at Canada, Canada has a very big car industry. They stole it from us. They stole it because our people were asleep at the wheel,” Trump said. He added, “If we don’t make a deal with Canada, we’re going to put a big tariff on cars. Could be a 50 or 100 per cent because we don’t want their cars. We want to make the cars in Detroit.” Story continues below advertisement But can that be done? A map depicting car manufacturing facilities in Canada. “It’s not feasible,” said Brian Kingston, president and CEO of the ********* Vehicle Manufacturers Association. “It’s not realistic to onshore the entirety of the North American automotive industry into the United States.” He added, “We’ve had, for over 60 years, policies that have been purposely designed to create an integrated North American industry.” How does the auto sector work? The automobile manufacturing sector and its supply chain in Canada and the United States have been deeply integrated since the 1960s. Story continues below advertisement In 1965, former prime minister Lester B. Pearson and former U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Canada–United States Automotive Products Agreement, commonly known as the Auto Pact. Canada’s automotive parts manufacturing industry, in numbers. The agreement removed tariffs on cars and car parts between the two countries. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. This was in effect until 1994, when the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) went into effect, extending free trade to all sectors, not just car manufacturing. In 2018, NAFTA was replaced by the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), which is up for re-negotiation in 2026. 1:49 Should you speed up car purchases as Trump imposes metal tariffs? This has meant decades and billions of dollars worth of facilities, infrastructure and contracts that have been developed between car manufacturers and parts suppliers. Story continues below advertisement If Trump imposes tariffs, this would mean car makers would have to break some of their contracts and abandon infrastructure to move to the U.S. Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, said, “When you break a supplier contract, you owe the money. We think closure costs are upwards of US$500 million on a (car manufacturing) plant.” Canada has 14 car manufacturing facilities, all in Ontario. American companies General Motors and Ford Motor Company have three plants each in Canada, while three belong to Stellantis, which is partly American owned. More on Canada More videos By Volpe’s estimate, closure costs on nine plants alone would be around US$4.5 billion. To build them from scratch in the United States, which has higher currency rates and labour costs than Canada, would cost billions more. In 2023, Volkswagen announced they were investing US$2 billion in building a new plant in South Carolina. Volpe said US$2 billion is a pretty good estimate for how much each plant would cost to build. For nine plants, that would cost US$18 billion. For all 14 plants, it would cost $28 billion. This estimate includes neither the 26 car manufacturing plants in Mexico, nor Canada’s vast car parts manufacturing industry. “There are 1,400 parts and tools facilities in Canada. There are 156 ********* owned parts and tools manufacturing facilities in the U.S. in 18 U.S. states that employ 50,000 Americans,” Volpe said. Story continues below advertisement Kingston said, “Canada and Mexico were responsible for about 22 per cent of the vehicles consumed in the United States last year.” Trending Now Grimes pleads with Elon Musk for him to contact her over child’s ‘medical crisis’ Canadians call Wayne Gretzky a ‘traitor’ after tense 4 Nations hockey final He added the cost to replace both manufacturing bases would be “phenomenal.” “US$50 billion to onshore the entirety of the industry is a very conservative estimate. If you look at the amount of investment that has been announced by automakers and suppliers in North America since 2020, it’s over US$288 billion,” he said. It would also take a long time, he said. “That would take years, anywhere from three years to a decade, to build out assembly plants on that scale. And it would cost billions of dollars,” he said. Volpe said some of America’s big car companies might not survive that transitional decade. “It is an impossible hypothetical because the companies that you would force to do that would go bankrupt,” he said. 2:06 Trump’s tariffs an ‘existential threat’ to Canada, Joly says Dimitry Anastakis, professor at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, said, “You’d be literally talking about uprooting plants that have been in place for decades where companies have spent billions of dollars.” Story continues below advertisement In recent years, car companies have invested billions in their ********* facilities to match China’s dominance in the EV sector. To move those plants would mean their investments would have to be written off. “Stellantis has that plant in Windsor, where they build the Dodge Charger. They just spent US$1.5 billion retooling that line so that it can build both internal combustion engine Dodge Chargers and EV Dodge Chargers,” he said. “If you’re going to try to bring that home, you’d basically be uprooting US$2 billion investment.” Kingston said the advantages of keeping Canada and Mexico within the North American supply chain go beyond just the dollar value. “What makes us so attractive is we have a highly educated, highly skilled workforce. We have a history of automotive manufacturing and people that are very close to the industry and have skills that they can provide to the industry,” he said. In 2024, ******** automaker BYD dethroned Elon Musk’s Tesla as the number one EV maker in the world. Kingston said the U.S. needs Canada to have any chance of beating China in the EV race. “China controls about 80 per cent of the inputs that go into advance batteries. The only other source that you have in the Western Hemisphere is Canada. Canada has the full suite of minerals required to build next generation electric vehicle batteries,” he said. Story continues below advertisement 2:04 Trudeau, premiers discuss easing interprovincial trade barriers Anastakis said the North American consumer will suffer the consequences of Trump’s trade war. “We in North America are going to face a future where, if tariffs go through and this uncertainty continues, cars are going to be much more expensive. We’re going to have fewer choices on cars. We’re going to be driving fossil fuel cars when the rest of the world accelerates their transition to EVs,” he said. Source link #Trump #replace #Canadas #car #industry #cost #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]