Pelican Press

Teens assist police inquiries into alleged ******* assault Manunda Teens assist police inquiries into alleged ******* assault Manunda Police are investigating allegations a woman was ********* assaulted during an armed home invasion. Source link #Teens #assist #police #inquiries #alleged #******* #assault #Manunda Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

CBS Lawyers Say They Will Seek Donald Trump’s Personal Financial Information If President’s ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit Proceeds To Discovery Phase CBS Lawyers Say They Will Seek Donald Trump’s Personal Financial Information If President’s ’60 Minutes’ Lawsuit Proceeds To Discovery Phase CBS’ legal team said in a court filing this week that the network planned to seek Donald Trump’s personal financial information if the president’s $20 billion lawsuit against the network proceeds to a discovery phase. The network’s attorneys outlined their likely requests in a filing in Texas federal court Tuesday. They also said they would seek the financials of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, the Trump Media & Technology Group and Truth Social, and the president’s $TRUMP meme crypto project. More from Deadline “Defendants further anticipate that discovery will be needed into President Trump’s legal relationship, if any, with the Donald J. Trump for President 2024 campaign and the Trump Media & Technology Group,” the network’s legal team said in a joint proposed scheduling order. Typically, defendants in litigation seek the other party’s financial information to challenge a plaintiff’s damages claim. In this case, the $20 billion sum is more than the value of CBS’ parent company, Paramount Global, which is also a defendant in the case. Trump sued the network and Paramount Global in October, after 60 Minutes aired an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. His lawsuit originally claimed a violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, claiming that the network deceptively edited the interview to boost Harris’ electoral chances. The basis of the claim was the fact that, in a Face the Nation promo for the 60 Minutes interview, Harris answered a question differently than the one that was featured in the October 7 60 Minutes broadcast. At one point in the interview, correspondent Bill Whitaker asked Harris why Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not listening to the Biden administration. Harris said, “Well, Bill, the work that we have done has resulted in a number of movements in that region by Israel that were very much prompted by, or a result of many things, including our advocacy for what needs to happen in the region. And we’re not going to stop doing that. We are not going to stop pursuing what is necessary for the United States to be clear about where we stand on the need for this war to end.” In a Face the Nation promo for the interview, Harris was shown giving the first sentence in her answer. On 60 Minutes, she was shown answering with the last sentence. The network said that there was no deception involved, and that the edit was made in the interest of time, a routine practice in broadcast news. In the face of an FCC inquiry, the network turned over an unedited transcript and video of the interview earlier this month. Trump, though, has pressed ahead in his lawsuit. He amended his lawsuit earlier this month, doubling his damages figure and adding claims of false advertising and unfair competition under the Lanham Act. He now claims that CBS deceptively edited the interview in a way that cost traffic and viewership to his own media company, Trump Media and Technology Group, which includes his social media platform Truth Social. Legal observers and some industry groups, including the National Association of Broadcasters, have characterized Trump’s lawsuit as frivolous. But the litigation has proceeded just as Paramount Global is seeking regulatory approval of its ***** to Skydance. The latest court filing confirmed that both sides in the litigation have had settlement talks. While the idea behind a settlement would be to pave the way for approval of the Skydance-Paramount Global merger, according to sources, it also has created consternation and pushback within CBS News as caving to Trump on a frivolous complaint. For their part, Trump’s legal team wrote that it plans to seek internal communications from the network, something that they say is needed to determine “internal biases and prejudices” and “the animus against President Trump,” among other things. Because they are suing under laws traditionally used to target false advertising and marketing, Trump’s legal team also claims that the Harris interview was “commercial speech calculated to drive profits and viewership for Defendants.” The network, though, says that what they are challenging are editorial decisions protected by the First Amendment. Trump’s new complaint added Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) as a defendant, something intended to bolster their claim that the case should proceed in Amarillo. But CBS’ legal team, seeking dismissal on a number of grounds, says that the addition of Jackson was “a vain attempt to create a nexus to the forum.” Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Source link #CBS #Lawyers #Seek #Donald #Trumps #Personal #Financial #Information #Presidents #Minutes #Lawsuit #Proceeds #Discovery #Phase Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tony Hawk on turning down $500,000 for Pro Skater Tony Hawk on turning down $500,000 for Pro Skater Skateboarder Tony Hawk performs a trick as his role as an ambassador for shoe company Vans. Vans STOCKHOLM — Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk once turned down half a million dollars in future royalties from the popular video game Pro Skater — and he says it was the “best financial decision” of his life. Hawk was offered $500,000 in a one-time buyout deal for use of his name and likeness for Activision’s Pro Skater title, which was released in 1999. Speaking at the Techarena technology conference in Stockholm on Thursday, Hawk said that, when he received the proposal, it “didn’t seem like a real number to me.” He ultimately decided to turn it down, citing success in both his personal and professional life as giving him the boost to take the risk and bat away the bid. “I had a family, I had just bought a new house, and I felt like I could afford the mortgage. And I thought, I’m doing pretty well in my life outside this video game project,” Hawk said. “And so I thought, I can afford to take a chance. And so, that was the lucky timing of it, so I turned it down. That was absolutely the best financial decision of my life,” he added. Hawk instead negotiated a royalty arrangement under which he would receive a cut for every copy sold. “That was a much better deal,” Hawk said, adding: “It’s probably one of the reasons why I’m here today.” Right after Hawk turned down the check, Activision mentioned a sequel to the game — meaning Hawk’s earnings would continue. The licensing agreement between Hawk and Activision, which is now owned by tech giant Microsoft, ran for 16 years until 2015. Ultimately, it paid off: the Pro Skater franchise has gone on to generate more than $1.4 billion in sales since its launch, skyrocketing Hawk’s career. The athlete has been skateboarding since the 1970s and was widely regarded as the best skateboarder in the world by the age of 16. But it wasn’t until the publication of his video game that he became seriously famous. Today, his name is practically synonymous with skateboarding and the culture that surrounds it. He invented numerous skateboarding tricks, including the Madonna, the rodeo flip, the airwalk, the Kickflip McTwist, the 720, the door-opening, and the internationally televised 900. WATCH: Tony Hawk on making skateboarding a ‘genuine career’ at the age of 16 Source link #Tony #Hawk #turning #Pro #Skater Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Global Crypto Regulation and 2025 Market Outlook Global Crypto Regulation and 2025 Market Outlook The global cryptocurrency market has seen unprecedented growth in the previous year, spearheaded by and . Institutional participation was very important in driving prices higher, with Bitcoin reaching an all-time high above $100,000 in December 2024. With the spreading adoption of crypto assets, regulators have paid even more attention to the industry. Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, explains what regulation can be expected in 2025 and beyond. Key Events Shaping the Cryptocurrency Market in 2024–2025 The cryptocurrency market has entered a new phase, defined by record-breaking milestones and regulatory shifts that are reshaping opportunities for traders and institutional investors. Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 in December 2024 underlined the increasing mainstream acceptance of digital assets. Institutional adoption played a leading role in this rally. Companies such as MicroStrategy expanded their Bitcoin holdings, cementing the asset’s store-of-value status, while Bitcoin ETFs made access easier for retail and institutional investors alike, boosting liquidity and demand. This trajectory is also framed through regulatory changes. The friendly crypto attitude taken by the Trump administration, from its Crypto Task Force to the plan for a national Bitcoin reserve, has put the grounds on a much friendlier landscape for institutional investments. Meanwhile, Europe has moved in a structured manner with the full implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets framework in January 2025, bringing legal clarity and market stability across EU member states. Yet, in Asia, the regulations are mixed: Hong Kong has been trying to reaffirm ambitions to be a digital-asset hub by issuing fresh licenses for new crypto exchanges, while China is tightening restrictions on crypto-related financial activities in its bid to cut high-risk transactions. Factors Influencing Cryptocurrency Prices Regulatory decisions, institutional involvement, and macroeconomic conditions will interact in complex ways to determine the prices of cryptocurrencies in 2025. Regulatory Factors: Frameworks and Compliance Standards Regulatory oversight has remained one of the most significant drivers of market sentiment. The FATF revised its guidelines on virtual assets to include a more robust framework toward compliance to mitigate illicit financial activity. While such efforts bring greater transparency, they simultaneously affect transaction privacy and how decentralised exchanges function, shifting how market participants operate. Yet, in the United States, the SEC’s relaxing of restrictive accounting rules on cryptocurrency holdings has given corporations a clearer pathway for putting Bitcoin on their balance sheet. This, along with the expected acceleration of institutional adoption, will likely increase the presence of digital assets in corporate portfolios. According to Kar Yong Ang, a financial market analyst at Octa Broker, ‘Regulation is going to make the difference to crypto market stability in 2025: even as clearer rules can boost investor confidence, rigid measures may affect liquidity and innovation’. Critical decisions on regulation, macroeconomic factors, and the rise of institutional investors’ participation in the digital asset space will shape the outlook for this year. Macroeconomic Factors: Interest Rates, Inflation, and Monetary Policy Besides regulation, broader economic trends are driving investor behaviour toward crypto assets. For example, the Federal Reserve’s monetary tightening in 2024 to contain inflation accelerated demand for alternative assets such as Bitcoin. Many investors now consider Bitcoin digital , a hedge against inflation and a store of value during periods of economic turmoil. This trend has been most pronounced in countries with weak fiat currencies, where crypto adoption has accelerated to preserve purchasing power.H2: Institutional Investors and Market Liquidity With the increased participation of corporations and investment funds, crypto markets have become more liquid, thus increasing stability and raising concerns about over-centralisation and regulatory control. With the launch of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, BlackRock (NYSE:), the world’s largest asset manager, has further consolidated its position and opened up crypto assets to traditional investment channels. This has helped legitimise cryptocurrency further and fed demand for regulated crypto investments. Meanwhile, speculation continues to build over potential government Bitcoin accumulation. Some analysts say the U.S. Treasury could consider adding Bitcoin to its reserves, which would change market dynamics and speed up institutional adoption. While institutional involvement strengthens market stability, it also concentrates Bitcoin holdings in fewer hands, increasing the risks of regulatory intervention and market manipulation and challenging the decentralised foundation of digital assets.The Road Ahead for Crypto Markets In 2025, the cryptocurrency market is defined by regulatory shifts, institutional expansion, and macroeconomic forces. Bitcoin’s surge past $100,000 reflects growing confidence, but its long-term trajectory depends on global policy decisions. The EU’s MiCA framework fosters stability, while the U.S. adopts a more crypto-friendly stance. Meanwhile, Asia remains divided between regulatory tightening and innovation. Institutional players like BlackRock continue to drive liquidity, but the industry must balance mainstream adoption with decentralisation. Staying adaptable will be key for investors looking to navigate and capitalise on emerging opportunities. *** Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Octa is an international broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and a variety of services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools. The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including the improvement of educational infrastructure and short-notice relief projects supporting local communities. Since its foundation, Octa has won more than 90 awards, including the ‘Most Reliable Broker Global 2024’ award from Global Forex Awards and the ‘Best Mobile Trading Platform 2024’ award from Global Brand Magazine. Source link #Global #Crypto #Regulation #Market #Outlook Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump administration cuts duration of deportation protections for 521,000 Haitians – Reuters Canada Trump administration cuts duration of deportation protections for 521,000 Haitians – Reuters Canada Trump administration cuts duration of deportation protections for 521,000 Haitians Reuters CanadaTrump Cuts Protections for Haitians, Putting Them on Track for Deportation The New York TimesSecretary Noem Rescinds Extension of Haiti’s Temporary Protected Status Homeland SecurityTrump scales back Biden-era TPS extension for Haitian migrants The Washington Post Source link #Trump #administration #cuts #duration #deportation #protections #Haitians #Reuters #Canada Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Boeing Stock Drops 3% as Trump Blasts Air Force One Delays Boeing Stock Drops 3% as Trump Blasts Air Force One Delays Boeing stock was down about 3% on Thursday. The stock fell likely due to comments by President Trump about delays in delivering new Air Force One jets. Boeing stock is up 2% YTD. The company has pushed off the delivery of new Air Force Ones. Boeing (NYSE:), the leading manufacturer of commercial jets, has had a difficult past 12 months of so. The company has been beset by safety issues, union strikes, leadership turnover, quality control issues, and delivery delays, to name a few. These issues and others have contributed to financial struggles that have seen the company consistently operate at a net loss. This week, the problems grew as President Donald Trump called out Boeing for the delays on delivering overdue Air Force One jets. “I’m not happy with Boeing,” Trump said Wednesday aboard Air Force One, Fox Business reported. “It takes them a long time to do, you know, Air Force One. We gave that contract out a long time ago as a fixed-price contract, and I’m not happy with the fact that it’s taking so long, and we may do something else. We may go and buy a plane or get a plane or something. But I’m not happy with the fact that it’s taking Boeing so long. There’s no excuse for it.” Delivery Delayed to 2029 or Beyond Boeing won a contract in 2018 during Trump’s first term to build two new 747-8 aircraft to be used as Air Force One. According to Fox Business, the new planes were supposed to be delivered in December of 2024, and that had initially been pushed back to 2027 or 2028 due supply chain and other issues. The most recent delay has the delivery date pushed back until 2029, or beyond. In January, Reuters reported that new Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said the company was working to deliver the aircraft earlier than anticipated, but now this new delay clouds the matter. Boeing stock was moving lower on the news, down about 3% to around $180 per share. The stock has a median price target of $200 per share, which would suggest a 10% increase. Boeing stock is down about 11% over the past year and up 2% YTD. However, the company is in the middle of a leadership transition with a lot of heavy lifting ahead. And it has not been profitable in recent years so investors should be wary. Original Post Source link #Boeing #Stock #Drops #Trump #Blasts #Air #Force #Delays Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** Athletics Indoor Championships: Olympic medallists Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Georgia Hunter Bell in action *** Athletics Indoor Championships: Olympic medallists Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Georgia Hunter Bell in action Olympic stars Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Georgia Hunter Bell are among those competing for British titles at the *** Athletics Indoor Championships in Birmingham this weekend. The two-day event, live on the BBC, will double as the British trials for the European Athletics Indoor Championships, which take place in Apeldoorn, in the Netherlands, from 6-9 March. Johnson-Thompson, who ended her wait for an Olympic medal with heptathlon silver at Paris 2024, is entered in the 60m hurdles and shot put events at Utilita Arena. Olympic bronze medallist Hunter Bell will seek to defend her British indoor 1500m title, while world indoor champion Molly Caudery competes in the women’s pole vault. Laura Muir will aim for her 10th British title as she races in the women’s 3,000m, and former world 1500m champion Jake Wightman is also in action. An exciting women’s 400m features Olympic relay medallists Amber Anning, Victoria Ohuruogu, Lina Nielsen and Hannah Kelly. The top two finishers in each final will secure a place on the team for the European Indoor Championships, provided they have achieved the qualification standard or a world ranking place in their event. Keely Hodgkinson is one high-profile name missing after the Olympic 800m champion suffered a hamstring tear earlier in February. The European Indoor Championships are followed by the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from 21-23 March. The latest athlete entry list is available on the British Athletics website., external Source link #Athletics #Indoor #Championships #Olympic #medallists #Katarina #JohnsonThompson #Georgia #Hunter #Bell #action Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy S25 review: the smallest top-tier Android left | Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 review: the smallest top-tier Android left | Samsung The smallest and cheapest of Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 line might be the one to buy, offering top performance and the very latest AI features for less and proving that smaller-sized Androids can still be great. Unlike previous generations of Samsung’s smaller models sold in the *** and Europe, the regular S25 has the same top-flight chip as the enormous and pricey Ultra model, offering a lot of performance while costing £799 (€919/$800/A$1,399). The rest of the S25 hasn’t changed materially since last year. It still has a great 6.2in screen, three cameras on the back, flat aluminium sides and glass front and back. That makes it the most compact of high-end Android phones available, competing with Apple’s iPhone on size where others including Google’s Pixel 9 have grown steadily larger. The regular S25 is significantly smaller and lighter than its superphone sibling the S25 Ultra. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian With its small size comes a smaller battery than most modern Androids, although Samsung does well to squeeze a solid 37 hours out of the S25. In general use on a mix of 5G and wifi, and actively using the screen for more than six hours, I had to charge the phone every other day. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chip makes the S25 one of the fastest phones available and is great for games, but playing them significantly dents the battery life. AI upgrades The big changes for the S25 are all software and AI-based. It runs the same latest version of One UI 7 (Android 15) as the S25 Ultra, including various new AI tools that expand on writing, summarisation and drawing tools introduced last year. Most of the new tools are designed to either anticipate what you want to do to find information you might need ahead of time or to perform multiple complex tasks on your phone via text or voice commands. Gemini has replaced Bixby and Google Assistant on the S25 and is far more capable. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Google’s next-generation Gemini assistant is the biggest upgrade, able to interact with information from the web and apps on your phone to get things done without you having to manually tap buttons. Ask it to put the date into your calendar from a party invitation flyer that has been texted to you and it can do so. It can find restaurant recommendations and send them to a friend as a suggestion for dinner with a simple voice command. It can also understand what is on your screen from text, photos and videos to answer questions, find out more information or perform actions. It can be almost magical when it works. But it can’t be relied on to get things right every time. Sometimes it trips up on trivial things such as different spellings of names, and it can confidently hallucinate information that looks good on first glance but is in fact totally wrong. Neither Google nor Samsung has solved these fundamental problems that plague all AI bots at the moment. Samsung’s new “Now” bar at the bottom of the lock screen is more successful as a useful place where timely information widgets, timers, media-playing controls and other handy bits appear. You can swipe through a stack of them to see what’s happening or quickly change track. Samsung will support the S25 with software and security updates for seven years from release, which matches the best from Google and Apple. Specifications Main screen: 6.2in FHD+ Dynamic Amoled 2X 120Hz Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy RAM: 12GB Storage: 128, 256 or 512GB Operating system: One UI 7 (Android 15) Camera: 50MP + 12MP 0.6x + 10MP 3x; 12MP front-facing Connectivity: 5G, USB-C, wifi 7, NFC, Bluetooth 5.4, UWB and GNSS Water resistance: IP68 (1.5m for 30 mins) Dimensions: 146.9 x 70.5 x 7.2mm Weight: 162g Sustainability The S25 has wireless and USB-C charging, reaching 50% in 25 minutes and full power in just over an hour (power adaptor not included). Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Samsung does not provide an expected lifespan for the battery but it should last in excess of 500 full charge cycles with at least 80% of its original capacity. The phone is generally repairable. Screen repairs cost £149 by authorised service centres and include a battery replacement. Samsung also offers a self-repair programme. The phone contains multiple recycled materials including aluminium, cobalt, copper, glass, gold, plastic, rare earth elements and steel. Samsung offers trade-in and recycling schemes for old devices. The company publishes annual sustainability reports and impact assessments for some individual products. skip past newsletter promotion A weekly dive in to how technology is shaping our lives Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. after newsletter promotion Camera Three cameras on the back including a 3x telephoto camera gives the S25 a boost over dual-camera rivals from Apple and Google. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian The S25 has a triple camera setup on the back with a 50-megapixel main, 12MP ultrawide and 10MP 3x telephoto, which is a combination that hasn’t really changed since the S22 in 2022 and is exactly the same as last year’s model. That means it shoots generally very good photos across the three cameras. The main is the best and can produce some great shots, although it has a tendency to over-brighten some scenes, causing highlights to be blown out, such as bright direct light washing out shots of people. The 2x zoom is improved on the S24 with slightly more detail, while the 3x zoom is solid, although short on reach compared with the 5x cameras common on slightly more expensive rivals. The ultrawide is equally solid and rounds out a good but not groundbreaking package. The S25 shoots equally good video, excellent portraits and has plenty of modes with one exception: no macrophotography mode, which is disappointing. Overall, the S25 has a good camera system. It won’t trouble a Pixel 9 Pro or iPhone 16 Pro but it’s great for the size and money. Price The Samsung Galaxy S25 costs from £799 (€919/$799.99/A$1,399). For comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra costs £1,249, the S25+ costs £999, the Google Pixel 9 costs £649, the OnePlus 13 costs £899 and the iPhone 16 costs £799. Verdict The Galaxy S25 is the last really good small Android phone standing. Where competitors have grown ever *******, the Samsung feels refreshingly light, thin and narrow in the hand without having a tiny screen. As with its supersized sibling, the design feels like the endpoint for standard high-end phones, which means barely anything has changed in the last few years. The switch to Qualcomm’s new top chip makes for a significant performance boost. But the rest is down to software introducing more advanced AI tools, which can be spectacular when they work but frequently can’t be trusted. They will also make their way to older Samsung S-series phones over the next couple of months, which makes last year’s S24 more tempting. But if you’re after the smallest flagship Android going that’s actually good, the S25 is it. Pros: compact size, good 6.2in screen, decent camera, good software with seven years’ support, top Android chip, access to the latest AI features, cheapest Samsung flagship model. Cons: iterative design, no 5x zoom, battery life short of larger models, AI capabilities overhyped for now. OneUI 7 has had a bit of a jazz up but remains familiar to anyone who has previously used a Samsung or standard Android phone. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S25 #review #smallest #toptier #Android #left #Samsung Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

WA election 2025: Premier Roger Cook calls Albanese ‘a mate’ while defending PM’s absence from Labor launch WA election 2025: Premier Roger Cook calls Albanese ‘a mate’ while defending PM’s absence from Labor launch The election launch on Sunday – understood to be in central Perth – will feature Labor luminaries including Mark McGowan, but the Prime Minister will instead be in Tasmania. Source link #election #Premier #Roger #Cook #calls #Albanese #mate #defending #PMs #absence #Labor #launch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fortnite Downtime: When Will Fortnite Servers Be Back Up For Chapter 6 Season 2? Fortnite Downtime: When Will Fortnite Servers Be Back Up For Chapter 6 Season 2? Fortnite is offline right now, but fortunately it’s not because anything is wrong. Quite the opposite, in fact–Fortnite is down because of routine scheduled maintenance that Epic does with every update. In this case, the update is a big one: the launch of Fortnite battle royale Chapter 6 Season 2, featuring major changes to the island, piles of new weapons and gadgets, and the arrival of Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat. Chapter 6 got off to quite a bang during Season 1, as Fortnite introduced the permanent OG mode with its own separate battle pass, and also the Counter-Strike-esque Ballistic mode. In January, the season ramped up once more with the addition of the player-controlled Godzilla boss and the arrival of Hatsune Miku in Festival. But all things must come to an end–we had our fun with the ridiculous Typhoon Blade, but now it’s time to move on to less civilized weapons, like the big drill weapon we saw in the trailer. Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 start time When the servers come back up, it’ll be Lawless season, which is all about committing armed robbery. That’s right, it’s Fortnite’s fourth heist-themed season. But where the past seasons like this had more of a classy bent, Lawless season is going to be more in the vein of Grand Theft Auto–mayhem is the name of the game here. Since we’re already in downtime, the wait shouldn’t be too long. Fortnite went offline at 2 AM ET/11 PM PT, and season updates typically take somewhere in the ballpark of 4-7 hours. If all goes well, you could be fragging away in Crime City by 6 AM PT / 9 AM ET. But don’t take that as a given–when Chapter 5 Season 2 launched a year ago, something went wrong, and Fortnite stayed offline until the evening. But that was a very unusual case. Most seasons launch between 4 AM – 7 AM PT / 7 AM – 10 AM ET. Every new battle royale season dramatically changes the gameplay meta, and Season 2 will not be an exception. This crime-fueled season will add a new urban location, Crime City, as well as a bundle of new tools, like timed explosives, sticky grenades, and a rocket drill, that will help you steal gold and whatever else you can find. For more on what you can expect in Season 2, check out our rundown here. Source link #Fortnite #Downtime #Fortnite #Servers #Chapter #Season Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This study finally settles the debate on which lasts longer This study finally settles the debate on which lasts longer Electric cars in the U.K. are proving just as durable as their gas-powered counterparts, according to a major new study. Researchers analyzed 300 million records from Ministry of Transport roadworthiness tests and found that the lifespan of battery electric vehicles nearly matched that of gas-powered cars and outlasted diesel vehicles, per the Guardian. The study, published in Nature Energy, showed that EVs have an average lifespan of 18.4 years, compared to 18.7 years for petrol cars and 16.8 years for diesel. These findings come as EV adoption skyrockets ahead of the U.K.’s 2035 ban on new gas-powered car sales. With EV sales surging worldwide — especially in China and Norway, which are leading the transition — this research provides further confidence in their long-term viability. Data on EV reliability has been limited until now, as the earliest mass-market models are only just reaching the end of their lifespans. They counter concerns that EVs wear out faster, instead showing rapid improvements in their reliability. While the researchers found that all new cars have improved in reliability over the years, electric vehicles have seen the most significant gains as manufacturers learned from early battery model flaws. As a result, automakers have quickly refined battery technology, while traditional gas engines have little room left for efficiency gains. “[Battery electric vehicles] offer significant environmental benefits, especially as Europe switches to a more renewable energy mix,” said Robert Elliott, an economist at the University of Birmingham and one of the study’s authors, per the Guardian. “Despite higher initial emissions from production, a long-lasting electric vehicle can quickly offset its carbon footprint, contributing to the fight against climate change — making them a more sustainable long-term option.” Notably, Tesla models had the longest lifespans among electric vehicles studied. Additionally, EVs were found to be driven an average of 124,000 miles over their lifetime — more than petrol cars, though slightly less than diesels, which have traditionally been favored for long-haul trips. Watch now: Honda reveals how it’s rethinking electric vehicles from the ground up with exciting new concept cars For drivers, this is a big win. A longer-lasting vehicle means fewer replacements, saving money and reducing waste. And as the grid continues to transition to renewables, the electricity that powers EVs will become cleaner each year, further slashing their carbon emissions and footprints. The study’s findings also push back against one of the biggest hesitations about EV ownership: expensive repairs and insurance costs. As EV reliability continues to improve, those costs could drop, making electric cars an even more attractive option. For those considering making the switch, now may be the perfect time to explore the growing number of EV options on the market. With increasing reliability, falling costs, and a cleaner energy future ahead, EVs are proving to be a smarter and more sustainable choice than ever. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #study #finally #settles #debate #lasts #longer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe stocks set for muted open after Thursday Wall Street sell-off Europe stocks set for muted open after Thursday Wall Street sell-off European stock markets are likely to open flat on Friday after a sell-off on Wall Street as earnings remain in focus for investors. The regional Stoxx 600 is set to open flat, the FTSE 100 lower by 0.28% and the DAX higher by 0.3%, according to CNBC’s calculation of FactSet futures data. Meanwhile, France’s CAC 40 and Italy’s MIB are expected to rise by about 0.3% European firms Kingspan Group, Standard Chartered, Air Liquide, Sika AG and others are set to report their fourth-quarter earnings. Overnight in the United States, the three major averages closed lower after the S&P 500 hit record highs for two consecutive days. Investors sold off shares of some popular companies following a weak forecast from retail giant Walmart, which raised concerns about the economic outlook. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 450.94 points, or 1.01%, to end at 44,176.65. The S&P 500 shed 0.43% and closed at 6,117.52, and the Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.47% and closed at 19,962.36. In Asian markets, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index rose 2.98% to its highest level since February 2022, according to data from LSEG. Shares of Hong Kong listed Alibaba rose 12.9% following a significant profit increase for the company in the December quarter, driven by growth in its Cloud Intelligence division and e-commerce sector. Source link #Europe #stocks #set #muted #open #Thursday #Wall #Street #selloff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Statement of APWU President Mark Dimondstein on Attacks to the Public Postal Service – APWU Statement of APWU President Mark Dimondstein on Attacks to the Public Postal Service – APWU Statement of APWU President Mark Dimondstein on Attacks to the Public Postal Service APWUTrump expected to take control of USPS, fire postal board, officials say The Washington PostTrump expected to take control of USPS, fire postal board, Washington Post reports ReutersThe Danger of Trump’s Plan for a Private USPS Mother JonesTrump Preps for Hostile Takeover of the Postal Service The Daily Beast Source link #Statement #APWU #President #Mark #Dimondstein #Attacks #Public #Postal #Service #APWU Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Buffett Sells Out of Vanguard S&P 500 ETF: What Could That Mean? Buffett Sells Out of Vanguard S&P 500 ETF: What Could That Mean? Berkshire Hathaway sold off two of its S&P 500 ETFs. One of them is the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, the largest in the world. What could this mean for investors? Is the Oracle of Omaha trying to tell us something? When Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:) (NYSE:) releases its quarterly 13F filing of its portfolio holdings, there is typically a lot to digest. Investors want to know what one of the world’s greatest investors, Warren Buffett, is thinking at any given time. And because he rarely discusses why he and his team made the moves that they did, it is left for us to speculate on the motives. This latest 13F is particularly interesting because Buffett completely exited out of a position in Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:) after holding it for about six months. He also completely sold out of two ETFs that track the – the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:) and the . These are the two largest ETFs in the world, in fact, just this week, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF surpassed the SPDR S&P 500 ETF as the largest in the world, with some $632 billion in assets. The portfolio only had about $23 million invested in each of these ETFs, which is a drop in the bucket for the $267 billion portfolio. But it signals something larger about perhaps Buffett and his team’s view on the market. What This Move Out of the S&P 500 Could Mean The decision to sell out of the S&P 500, particularly the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, flies in the face of what the average investor is doing. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is the fastest-growing ETF in the world by far, and it’s not even close. Last year, it attracted $116 billion in inflows, which is $30 billion more than the closest competitor. And in January of this year, it has already brought in about $22 billion in inflows, which is one-quarter of the entire $86 billion that flowed into all ETFs last month. So, while investors are piling into this S&P 500 ETF, Buffett is getting out. Again, it’s a small position, but this and other moves may indicate that Buffett sees rocky seas ahead for the S&P 500 and large caps in general. This is something that others have said as well, so it’s not earth-shattering. Large-caps and the S&P 500 in general is historically overvalued after two of the best years for the benchmark in recent history. The past two years marked the first time since 1998 that the S&P 500 returned 20% or more two years in a row. And the last time it happened, a couple of years later, the overvalued bull market turned into a bear. Stock Pickers Market Its because of that, and potential economic headwinds, that many experts are calling this a stock pickers market, where actively managed ETFs should become increasingly popular as investors look for pros to find the best stocks rather than relying on the index. The other huge sign that Buffett is less than bullish on the market right now is his massive, and growing, stockpile of cash. Buffett has some $325 billion in cash sitting on the sidelines, which is more than he has invested. That’s more than double the amount of cash that Berkshire Hathaway held just two years ago. And it’s another way the noted value investor is indicating that he doesn’t see a lot of good options out there right now. Keep in mind, that managing a mega-billion portfolio is a lot different than managing an individual portfolio. For starters, it is just too big to invest in a lot of small caps. But the takeaway here is to be wary of valuations and know that this market may be better suited for stock pickers. Original Post Source link #Buffett #Sells #Vanguard #ETF Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Champions Trophy 2025: Joe Root on England form, future and World Cup failure Champions Trophy 2025: Joe Root on England form, future and World Cup failure To even consider he could ever hold England back sums up Root’s modesty. Whether as young prankster, captain or back-in-the-ranks experienced pro, no batter has put more runs into England’s pot across all formats than the Yorkshireman. Yet even Root has been unable to escape the issues that have dogged England’s batting in one-day internationals since their win in 2019. Starved of opportunity, he averages 29.92 across the five and a half years and has not made a century. At the World Cup in India he made three fifties but, like his team-mates, could not prevent England’s spiral. “Anyone that says at any stage of their career ‘I have got no regrets’, ‘I wouldn’t change anything’, I think they are lying,” says Root, who also made double figures in all three innings in India this month but returned a highest score of 69. “You would change certain things, but in terms of how I approach this tournament, no, not really. You know what’s happened has happened.” Root was speaking shortly after England trained for the first time since arriving in Lahore. He had two turns in the nets before he and fellow batter Harry Brook threw ****** to each other on a strip of astroturf away from the rest of England’s group. It is why Root disagrees so strongly with the suggestion England did not train hard enough in India – claims made by his former international team-mate Kevin Pietersen. “They don’t come to training,” Root says. “They don’t see what we do and how we operate.” But Root would not argue that England have struggled to find rhythm in their 50-over batting. If Tests are about scoring as many runs as possible and T20s scoring as quickly as possible, ODIs sit somewhere in between. Supporters encourage Root to ‘just play like Joe Root’ in a bid to regain his top form. He would say it is not quite as simple. “I can’t think of any two innings that I have played that have been exactly the same,” he says. “I think the art of batting is assessing the conditions in front of you, managing the situation that you’re presented with and consistently making good decisions under pressure.” Root’s last ODI century came during a group-stage win over West Indies in the 2019 World Cup. That day Eoin Morgan went in the back, Jason Roy twinged a hamstring, Chris Woakes batted at number three and England still won by eight wickets with 16.5 overs to spare. Things have changed since. McCullum and Buttler are leading the new era while attempting to follow on from arguably England’s greatest cricketing side. It was never going to be easy. To some that constant comparison would weigh heavy. “I wouldn’t say it’s a negative,” Root, one of five surviving World Cup winners in this squad, says. “That team will have inspired a lot of this team. There’s a number of guys in this squad and in and around it that would have still been in school finishing their GCSEs or starting out on their journey as professional cricketers.” The reduction of international ODIs – Root played 89 matches between the 2015 and 2019 World Cups but only 31 matches since – and the downgrading of England’s domestic competition continues to push against their pursuit to return to the top. Root called for players to be given more regular opportunities in 2023 and while little has changed, he still thinks England can come again. “It’s just going to take something different,” he says. “There isn’t that opportunity to do that [play as regularly] nowadays but it doesn’t mean we can’t be as successful as that team. “There’s just different challenges that we’re going to have to overcome. “Can we find a way to speed that process up by having good, smart conversations and using our experience and share them so that when you get to the crunch moments within big games you get the team across the line? “I think we’ve got the right players that are able to do that and we’ve certainly got the talent.” Source link #Champions #Trophy #Joe #Root #England #form #future #World #Cup #failure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

King Arthur: Legends of Rise welcomes the Empress Charlotte in its latest update King Arthur: Legends of Rise welcomes the Empress Charlotte in its latest update Empress Charlotte is the new dealer-type hero New Sanctuary of Podarge added A special event features numerous rewards Netmarble has introduced a new update for King Arthur: Legends Rise, adding Empress Charlotte to the roster alongside fresh content and events. The squad-based RPG continues to expand with new characters, dungeons, and competitive features. Take a look at Charlotte by checking out her hero introduction video embedded below. King Arthur: Legends Rise’s latest character, Charlotte, is a dealer-type hero who wields the powers of earth and life, abilities that were once forcibly sealed within her by Merlin. Her skillset focuses on area of effect attacks and damage over time, making her especially effective in the new Item Dungeon, Sanctuary of Podarge. Speaking of the new dungeon, the Sanctuary is a hidden ruin dedicated to Jupiter. Located within the Lorraine Valley, it is home to the Harpies, a tribe of gods. Once you clear this dungeon, you’ll be able to get your hands on Equipment Sets with Prevention, Safeguard, and Ascension effects. To mark the update, a special event is also underway, offering rewards like Rate Up Summon Tickets, 5-star and 6-star Ascension Equipment Set Chests (Rare to Legendary), and Stat Change Stones. You can earn these by collecting points through first-time dungeon clears or completing repeat missions. Pick the best squad for battle by checking out our King Arthur: Legends Rise tier list! Furthermore, Season 2 of Clan War has begun, giving clans another chance to compete for the title of strongest clan of the season. Participating in Clan War and completing missions will grant various rewards, adding more incentive to join the battle. Explore all this new content by downloading King Arthur: Legends Rise now on your preferred link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. Visit the official website for more information. To stay updated on all the latest developments, you can also follow the official Facebook page. Source link #King #Arthur #Legends #Rise #welcomes #Empress #Charlotte #latest #update Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘It’s … like rearranging the pipeline’ ‘It’s … like rearranging the pipeline’ A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo discovered how to reduce energy use at data centers by up to 30%. Since computing uses an estimated 5% of global energy each day, the impact of this method could be enormous, reported Tech Xplore. The internet routes most traffic through data centers running on Linux software. Information arrives in “packets” at what Waterloo computer science professor Martin Karsten calls “the data center’s frontend, kind of like a receptionist at a front desk, figures out where to send those packets.” The current process wastes energy through inefficient sorting. But Karsten and graduate student Peter Cai found a simple solution: “We didn’t add anything. We just rearranged what is done when, which leads to a much better usage of the data center’s CPU caches. It’s kind of like rearranging the pipeline at a manufacturing plant, so that you don’t have people running around all the time,” Karsten said. Working with Joe Damato, an engineer at Fastly, they wrote about 30 lines of code to fix the issue. Linux recently added this solution to its newest software update. Major companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta can now use it. The timing couldn’t be better. Computing power needs keep rising, especially with artificial intelligence improving so quickly. But if companies activate this protocol, Karsten noted “it could save gigawatt hours of energy worldwide. Almost every single service request that happens on the internet could be positively affected by this.” “We all have a part to play in building a greener future,” Karsten continued. The research team published its findings in an academic journal, showing how small tweaks can benefit people and the planet. Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home’s indoor air quality? This kind of smart innovation makes preserving resources easier for everyone. By improving the efficiency of the internet’s backbone, we can keep our digital world running while reducing energy use and costs. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #rearranging #pipeline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lawsuit filed after Hanceville police dispatcher’s overdose death claims chain of evidence was destroyed – AL.com Lawsuit filed after Hanceville police dispatcher’s overdose death claims chain of evidence was destroyed – AL.com Lawsuit filed after Hanceville police dispatcher’s overdose death claims chain of evidence was destroyed AL.comGrand jury recommends Alabama police department be ‘immediately abolished’ ABC NewsHanceville community members share mixed reaction to Hanceville officer arrests WIAT – CBS42.comIndictments shed new light on charges against Hanceville Police chief, officers and spouse WHNT News 19 Source link #Lawsuit #filed #Hanceville #police #dispatchers #overdose #death #claims #chain #evidence #destroyed #AL.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gang leader shot dead in court by man disguised as lawyer Gang leader shot dead in court by man disguised as lawyer A notorious gang leader has died after he was shot inside a courthouse in Sri Lanka by a gunman disguised as a lawyer, say police. Police say the gunman used a revolver which was smuggled in a hollowed-out book by a female suspect, who remains at large. Gang leader Sanjeewa Kumara Samararathne had been escorted to court to face proceedings when he was shot. Police say he was a suspect in multiple ******* cases. The shooting in the capital Colombo is among a series of killings by rivalling gangs, which has persisted as authorities vow to crack down on gang violence in the country. The gang leader, popularly known as Ganemulle Sanjeewa, had been in custody since he was arrested in September 2023. Police said he had been escorted to the courthouse on Wednesday by a dozen police officers. He was rushed to the hospital after he was shot but was pronounced dead on arrival. The gunman managed to flee the scene but was later captured by police. He has been identified differently by authorities and local media, but police say that he used several names. Police have identified the female suspect as 25-year-old Pinpura Dewage Ishara Sewwandi. Authorities have put out a notice promising monetary compensation for anyone providing information on the woman. Police say they have also arrested a policeman and van driver suspected of helping the two suspects in the shooting. Lawmakers discussed reining in gang violence in parliament on Wednesday, with an opposition MP calling it a “major security issue”. Health and mass media minister Nalinda Jayatissa, who in December had pledged to crack down on such criminal activity, said on Wednesday that the government would “take the actions of organised underworld gangs seriously.” The incident has also raised questions about security in the courthouse, with authorities currently reviewing security measures. New security protocols are being implemented in the wake of the shooting, including deploying armed guards when certain people are brought to court. Armed security personnel are not typically allowed in court, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara said on Thursday. At least nine people have died this year in a spate of shootings blamed on gang rivalry, according to AFP citing police data. Source link #Gang #leader #shot #dead #court #man #disguised #lawyer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA election 2025: Libby Mettam says she’s never met recently dumped candidate Darren Spackman WA election 2025: Libby Mettam says she’s never met recently dumped candidate Darren Spackman Darren Spackman is now considering whether to run as an independent in the Kimberley seat after The West *********** exposed the expletive-filled rant. Source link #election #Libby #Mettam #shes #met #dumped #candidate #Darren #Spackman Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former New Caney ISD teacher, coach sentenced for improper relationship with a student Former New Caney ISD teacher, coach sentenced for improper relationship with a student The Brief A former New Caney ISD teacher and coach has been sentenced to four years in prison. She was convicted and sentenced on Tuesday for an improper relationship between an educator and a student. She was in a ******* relationship with a 17-year-old female student. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A former New Caney ISD teacher and coach was sentenced on Tuesday to four years in prison after being convicted of an improper relationship between a student and a teacher, according to the 359th District Court in Montgomery County. Former New Caney ISD teacher sentenced Timeline Samantha Cummings, who was 35 at the time, was in her first year of employment with the district, teaching culinary arts and coaching track and volleyball. Court documents show Cummings was having a ******* relationship with a 17-year-old female New Caney High School student. The relationship is believed to have started in December 2022. According to New Caney ISD, she resigned after being placed on administrative leave after the school received a report of alleged misconduct. She was arrested by New Caney ISD Police in January 2023 following an investigation into the situation. “Student safety is a top priority for New Caney ISD, and the district will always take immediate and appropriate action to protect the safety of students and staff,” school officials stated in a news release when Cummings was arrested. Improper relationship between an educator and a student is a second degree felony. In Texas, second-degree felonies are punishable by imprisonment for a term of up to 20 years but not less than two years. The Source Information in this article is from Montgomery County court records, previous FOX 26 Houston Coverage and New Camey ISD. Source link #Caney #ISD #teacher #coach #sentenced #improper #relationship #student Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Opinion | Germany Is in Big Trouble – The New York Times Opinion | Germany Is in Big Trouble – The New York Times Opinion | Germany Is in Big Trouble The New York TimesIs the Wirtschaftswunder kaputt? ReutersIt’s a make-or-break moment for Germany’s economy. Trump’s tariffs won’t help CNNIs Germany’s industrial economic model in danger? DW (English) Source link #Opinion #Germany #Big #Trouble #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Hundreds of thousands’ trafficked to Asia scam centres ‘Hundreds of thousands’ trafficked to Asia scam centres A group of 200 ******** nationals plucked from scam centres in Myanmar crossed into Thailand and were flown home as part of a multinational effort to repatriate hundreds caught up in massive internet fraud schemes, a senior Thai minister says. For years, criminal gangs have trafficked hundreds of thousands of people to scam compounds across Southeast Asia, including sites on the Thai-Myanmar frontier, forcing them to work in ******** online operations, the United Nations says. An initial group of 50 ******** nationals crossed into Thailand at Mae Sot, guarded by armed soldiers and military vehicles mounted with machine guns, from the town of Myawaddy in Myanmar, an area flanked by compounds that run the scams. A total of 600 ******** nationals from these scam centres will be sent home via Thailand this week, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said. “Co-operation between the three countries is essential for this operation,” he told reporters, adding that officials from China, Thailand and Myanmar will meet on the issue next week. Beijing is “actively co-operating bilaterally and multilaterally” with Thailand, Myanmar and other countries to eliminate ******** online operations, Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson of its foreign ministry, said. The Mae Sot arrivals were part of a renewed effort by Thailand to dismantle the compounds with Beijing’s backing, following the rescue of ******** actor Wang Xing, who went missing there after being promised an acting job. The plight of Wang, subsequently spirited across the border to the Myawaddy area from which he was rescued, drew widespread interest in China. He has since returned home. It also sparked a rare grassroots effort that collected the names of nearly 1800 ******** whose families said had been trafficked into Myanmar. The junta in Myanmar, which is battling a widening civil war since its 2021 coup, is also participating in the effort, detaining more than 1500 people in the Myawaddy area, 250 of them on Wednesday, state media said. “Officials are working with relevant agencies to collect personal information of these individuals for prompt repatriation,” the Global Light of Myanmar newspaper said. Some scam centre survivors among a group of 260 who returned last week from Myawaddy and are now sheltering in a military camp said cuts and bruises on their bodies were a result of beatings and electrocution inflicted on them. In all, about 7000 people rescued from scam compounds in Myanmar are waiting to be transferred to Thailand, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said. Source link #Hundreds #thousands #trafficked #Asia #scam #centres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Estonia’s tech investors take defence into their own hands as Russian threat looms Estonia’s tech investors take defence into their own hands as Russian threat looms By Michael Kahn PRAGUE (Reuters) – Estonia, a Baltic country of 1.4 million people that has long punched far above its weight in the tech sector, is now leading central and eastern Europe’s rush to fund defence projects spurred by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It is not hard to see why. While heightened security concerns have boosted defence investment across Europe, nowhere is Russia’s threat perceived so acutely as in Estonia and its Baltic neighbours, which border Russia and spent decades under Moscow’s rule during the Soviet Union era. “Philosophically, Estonians think about how to defend the country every day,” says tech entrepreneur Sten Tamkivi. The early-stage Skype executive told Reuters the war spurred him and his London partners to tap their 800 million euro investment platform Plural – which also includes TransferWise co-founder Taavet Hinrikus – for defence projects and others that support European sovereignty. “We never came into this saying we want to do defence but growing tension in NATO’s eastern flank is tactile,” Tamkivi said, noting a growing number of defence pitches and foreign investors scouring for opportunities in the sector. “We need to solve the urgent problem of defence first,” he said. For example, last July Plural joined the 450 million euro Series C funding in ******* AI company Helsing, which uses data to bolster defence, intelligence and national security systems, and has closed another defence deal so far in 2025. According to data from Dealroom.co, the share of European defence tech investments has risen to 1.7% of venture capital funding in 2024 from just 0.4% in 2022, reaching nearly $1 billion. Much of the money flows to western Europe but the number of funding rounds has tripled in central and eastern Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Dealroom.co data showed. European Union member Estonia plays an outsized role in its eastern flank. As a home to several tech Unicorns – startups that reached a $1 billion valuation, such as Skype, Bolt, TransferWise and others – it has minted scores of wealthy tech executives with the financial heft to support emerging defence companies. Its proximity to Ukraine also allows close cooperation with front-line units there to quickly test and tweak technology while the privately-funded groups in the Baltic nation are able to invest in purely military technologies. In contrast, in Poland – the region’s biggest economy and major provider of military aid to Kyiv – many venture firms receive public funding which prevents them from directly financing military projects. Story Continues Still, funds supporting defence projects also emerge elsewhere in the region. Vojta Rocek, a partner at Prague-based Presto Ventures, told Reuters his firm’s new 150 million euro fund launched in partnership with Czech arms maker CSG plans investments in defence-focused startups. Since last spring, the team has reviewed more than 1,500 pitches, held calls with more than 600 teams and short-listed 60 startups, resulting in three closed deals and three more nearing completion, Rocek said. He said cyber security, quantum computing and AI represent main areas of focus. STRAIGHT TO BATTLEFIELD Ragnar Sass, the founder of Tallinn-based Darkstar – a consortium of tech entrepreneurs and former military officers – told Reuters technology offering the best prospects of rapid deployment to the Ukraine battlefield such as drone thermal cameras and software systems is most appealing. For example, Darkstar recently invested in drone data analytic company Farsight, said Sass who estimated defence startups numbered around 100 compared to 10 a few years ago. “In the last few months there has been a big change among the sentiment of investors,” said Sass, the founder of Estonian unicorn Pipedrive. “I haven’t seen a sector developing as fast as I’ve seen now.” Growing venture capital interest across eastern Europe promises to fill a funding gap defence technology startups face because of banks’ reluctance to lend on fears of falling foul of environmental, social and governance regulations, which also limit public funding, investors say. “We were a little doubtful we would see enough pitch decks in the defence space but the number is growing each month,” said Presto Ventures’ Rocek. “Everybody woke up. People thought the war would end swiftly and it has not.” Governments in the region are also starting to act. The Czechs have launched a programme to co-finance small enterprises in the sector to spur its development, Radka Konderlova, the defence ministry official in charge of cooperation with industry, told Reuters. In Estonia, the government last month launched a 100 million euro fund for the emerging defence tech sector, said Sille Pettai, chief executive and fund manager at SmartCap, which will manage the funds. The longer term goal is to attract global investors to a tech ecosystem now supported by what she calls “patriotic capital” of local wealthy tech entrepreneurs. The Estonian defence industry aims to hit 2 billion euros in revenue by 2030, up from a current 500 million euros and with a focus on disruptive offensive defence technologies, she said. “Defending a small country is expensive. We need to be smart and know where our strengths are, so we built on technology,” Pettai told Reuters. (Reporting by Michael Kahn, Editing by Tomasz Janowski) Source link #Estonias #tech #investors #defence #hands #Russian #threat #looms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Ukraine working on new potential deal with US over mineral resources: Sources – ABC News Ukraine working on new potential deal with US over mineral resources: Sources – ABC News Ukraine working on new potential deal with US over mineral resources: Sources ABC NewsUS official demands Zelenskyy return to talks over critical minerals deal Al Jazeera EnglishScoop: U.S. and Ukraine discuss “improved” minerals deal after Trump raged at Zelensky AxiosVideo: National security adviser dodges question on if Trump thinks Putin is a dictator | CNN Politics CNN Source link #Ukraine #working #potential #deal #mineral #resources #Sources #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]