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Lawyers helping migrant children facing deportation ordered by Trump administration to “stop all work” Lawyers helping migrant children facing deportation ordered by Trump administration to “stop all work” Federal funding cuts are impacting migrant children in Chicago Federal funding cuts are impacting migrant children in Chicago 02:32 Legal services groups that offer representation and guidance to thousands of migrant children facing deportation said on Tuesday that they were abruptly directed by the Trump administration to halt their government-funded work. Affected organizations across the U.S. said the move would prevent them from offering critical legal services, including “know your rights” sessions, to migrant children who crossed the U.S. southern border without their parents or legal guardians. Under U.S. law, the Department of Health and Human Services is responsible for housing unaccompanied migrant minors who enter the U.S. without legal authorization, until they turn 18 or can be placed with a sponsor, who is typically a relative in the U.S. The government has long funded efforts by nonprofits to provide these children legal counsel — both in custody and after they are released from government care — while immigration judges decide whether they can remain in the U.S. The Acacia Center for Justice, an organization that oversees the main federal contract funding legal services for migrant children, received an order on Friday that directed the group to immediately “stop all work” under that contract, according to a copy of the notice obtained by CBS News. Shaina Aber, the executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, said her organization has nearly 100 subcontractors providing legal services to roughly 26,000 migrant children across the country who are or were at some point in the custody of HHS, which oversees a network of child shelters. Aber said the stop work order would immediately halt funding for know your rights presentations and legal screenings that lawyers conduct soon after migrant children arrive in the U.S. to determine whether they qualify for a benefit that would allow them to stay in the country legally. Those benefits could include asylum, for those fleeing persecution, and visas for abused, neglected or abandoned youth. But Aber said the contract pause would also force non-profits to use their own funds to continue representing migrant children in immigration court, noting that attorneys have ethical obligations to their clients and can’t simply abandon their cases. She said it’s unclear how long organizations could do this without federal support, since migrant youth typically don’t have the financial means to pay for lawyers. “I think the due process rights of children will reach a new low,” Aber said in an interview. The stop work order to Aber’s group was issued by the Department of Interior, who she said administers the federal contract for her organization, even though the funding comes from HHS. Both departments did not respond to requests for comment. Various immigration non-profit groups that received funds under the federal contract that was suspended protested the government’s decision, including the California-based Immigrant Defenders Law Center, the Texas-based Estrella del Paso and the Illinois-based National Immigrant Justice Center. “The Trump administration is abandoning children for the sake of politics and leaving kids to fend for themselves against our complex immigration system,” said Lindsay Toczylowski, the president of the Immigrant Defenders Law Center. It’s unclear what exactly prompted the stop work order, but the Trump administration has been moving aggressively to dramatically cut federal spending that it sees as wasteful and misaligned with its policy views, including on immigration. The administration, for example, has also issued stop work orders to the non-profit groups that resettle newcomers under the U.S. refugee program, which President Trump has suspended. The Trump administration has made other policy changes affecting unaccompanied migrant children. Last week, officials at the Office of Refugee Resettlement, the HHS branch that cares for unaccompanied children, significantly tightened the vetting process for those seeking to sponsor minors out of its custody. Under the policy change, all adults in households applying to sponsor migrant children will need to submit fingerprints for background checks, not just the prospective sponsors themselves. The Trump administration has also been working on expanding collaboration between the refugee agency and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a prospect that has alarmed advocates who say it will discourage some family members from sponsoring migrant children, if they are in the U.S. illegally. The administration installed a former ICE official to run the refugee office. Trump administration officials have said drastic changes are necessary to protect migrant children from exploitation and trafficking. They have accused the Biden administration, which faced a historic influx in unaccompanied children crossing the southern border, of not sufficiently tracking and protecting these minors. Neha Desai, an attorney at National Center for Youth Law, a group that represents migrant children in a federal court case, said the move to halt funding for lawyers undermined the Trump administration’s stated goals, calling it “reckless.” “Unaccompanied children who are unrepresented are far more likely to end up in exploitative situations, including child labor and trafficking,” Desai said. Camilo Montoya-Galvez Camilo Montoya-Galvez is the immigration reporter at CBS News. Based in Washington, he covers immigration policy and politics. Source link #Lawyers #helping #migrant #children #facing #deportation #ordered #Trump #administration #stop #work Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nikola files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Nikola files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection U.S. Nikola’s logo is pictured at an event held to present CNH’s new full-electric and Hydrogen fuel-cell battery trucks in partnership with U.S. Nikola event in Turin, Italy, on Dec. 3, 2019. Massimo Pinca | Reuters DETROIT — Nikola Corp. — an auto startup that was once a favorite of Wall Street analysts and retail investors — filed for bankruptcy protection after failing to secure a buyer or raise additional funds to maintain operations. The filing marks the finale of the Phoenix-based company’s yearslong fall from grace. At its peak in 2020, Nikola was valued more than Ford Motor at $30 billion, inked a multibillion-dollar deal with General Motors and was considered the pinnacle of auto startups to go public through reverse mergers and special purpose acquisition companies. The company’s downfall has played out over years, ignited by scandals and lies involving its founder and former CEO and chairman Trevor Milton. The fast-talking, energetic, disgraced executive was convicted of wire fraud and securities fraud in 2022 for misleading investors about Nikola’s operations and zero-emissions technology. Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola Corp., arrives at court in New York, on Monday, Sept. 12, 2022. Victor J. Blue | Bloomberg | Getty Images The controversies were first made public by short-seller Hindenburg Research after the deal with GM that included the Detroit automaker taking a $2 billion stake in the startup. Nikola’s core products are all-electric and fuel cell electric semitrucks, which it began producing in 2022. As of the third quarter of last year, the company had only produced 600 of the vehicles since then. Many of those vehicles have been recalled due to defects, costing the automaker tens of millions of dollars. Since moving from chairman to CEO in 2023, Steve Girsky has kept Nikola moving forward, including its production of zero-emissions trucks, but the company’s capital has been dwindling. Nikola warned investors on its third-quarter conference call that the company only had enough cash to support its business into the first quarter of 2025 but not beyond. Nikola reported $198 million in cash to end the third quarter. Stock Chart IconStock chart icon Nikola’s stock Girsky on the call in October said Nikola was “actively talking to lots of potential different partners who value what we do and value what we’ve built.” Girsky, a former bank analyst and GM executive, took Nikola public through his SPAC in June 2020. It was a catalyst for more EV companies to go public through SPACs. Similarly to Nikola, most, if not all, have failed to live up to their initial expectations. Many were the center of federal investigations, scandals and executive upheavals. Nikola’s stock has traded under $2 per share since early December. Factoring out a 1-for-30 reverse stock split last year, FactSet reports Nikola’s all-time closing price was nearly $80 in June 2020. Source link #Nikola #files #Chapter #bankruptcy #protection Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

GTA 6 Will Have DJ Khaled In-Game Radio Station – Report GTA 6 Will Have DJ Khaled In-Game Radio Station – Report Radio has always been a big part of the Grand Theft Auto series, with the celebrity hosts and playlists full of real-life bangers making the game’s world come alive. A prominent claims that DJ Khaled will host one of GTA 6’s radio stations, with the station also playing some of his songs. Leaker The Ghost Of Hope on X is usually known as a Call of Duty insider, but this time deviated from their usual wheelhouse to report about DJ Khaled’s apparent role in Rockstar’s highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. GTA 6 (Grand Theft Auto VI) Official Trailer Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter “DJ Khaled will feature in Grand Theft Auto 6 to host his very own music station that will also play his songs,” Hope said in a post. “There is potential for other real-life artists to be included as well on their own radio stations.” This isn’t new for the franchise–GTA V had 22 different radio stations playing various genres, with many of them hosted by musical artists whose songs were played on those stations. The report does imply that Rockstar will be taking a similar approach to radio for the upcoming title, however. One of the most highly anticipated games in years, if not all time, GTA 6’s release is being considered an important event not just for Rockstar’s parent company Take-Two, but for the industry at large, with multiple industry analysts speaking on the blockbuster game’s expected impact. Grand Theft Auto 6 is currently planned to release in Fall 2025, a window Take-Two has reiterated multiple times now. However due to the size and scope of the game, along with the importance of getting the initial release right, the potential for delay is high. Source link #GTA #Khaled #InGame #Radio #Station #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What to know about measles – CNN What to know about measles – CNN What to know about measles CNNHealth officials urge MMR vaccinations amid national measles outbreak WSFAAlabama urges parents to update children’s measles vaccinations as cases climb AL.comADPH suggests getting kids vaccinated for measles WBRC Source link #measles #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fact-checking Donald Trump’s claims about war in Ukraine Fact-checking Donald Trump’s claims about war in Ukraine Matt Murphy & Jake Horton BBC Verify Getty Images US President Donald Trump has appeared to accuse Ukraine of being responsible for the war with Russia, in a flurry of claims from his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Florida. Speaking to reporters, Trump also made claims about President Volodymyr Zelensky’s popularity and observed that Ukraine had yet to hold scheduled elections due to martial law. Trump’s comments – some of which appeared to mirror common Russian talking points about the war – came just hours after US officials met with a Russian delegation in Riyadh to open talks to end the conflict, which has raged for almost three years. Zelensky later accused Trump of “living in a disinformation space” created by Russia. BBC Verify has fact-checked Trump’s claims. Claim: ‘You should have never started it’ Ukrainian authorities expressed dissatisfaction over not being part of Tuesday’s talks in Riyadh. But Trump dismissed these concerns, telling reporters that Ukraine had had three years to end the war, before appearing to blame Kyiv for starting the conflict. “You should have never started it,” he said. The Kremlin has previously accused Ukraine of starting the war against Russia. “It was they who started the war in 2014. Our goal is to stop this war. And we did not start this war in 2022,” Russian President Vladimir Putin told US talk show host Tucker Carlson in February 2024. Ukraine didn’t start the war. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, having annexed Crimea in 2014. The annexation came after Ukraine’s pro-Russian president was ousted by popular demonstrations. Russia also backed proxy forces who seized areas of eastern Ukraine, and it accused the new government in Kyiv of discrimination and genocide against Russian speakers. The International Court of Justice has rejected Moscow’s claims. After the failure of agreements which aimed to end the post-2014 conflict – Russia began a massive build-up of troops on its border with Ukraine in late 2021. Putin launched the invasion on 24 February 2022, stating that the aim of the operation was to “demilitarise and denazify” the pro-Western government of Volodymyr Zelensky and prevent the country from joining Nato. In Ukraine’s last parliamentary elections, support for far-right candidates was 2%. It should also be noted that Zelensky is Jewish and that his party has been regarded as centrist. And while Nato officials said in 2021 that Ukraine was a candidate to join the Western alliance in the future, it was not part of any formal process. Claim: ‘I hate to say it, but he’s down at 4% approval rating’ President Trump also claimed that Zelensky’s approval rating has fallen to 4%. It’s unclear what source the president was citing as he didn’t provide evidence. We have asked the White House to clarify this. A survey conducted this month found that 57% of Ukrainians said they trusted the president, according to the Ukraine-based Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. However, that was down from 77% at the end of 2023, and 90% in May 2022 – suggesting that the president has suffered a drop-off in his popularity. Some other polls suggest Zelensky trailing his nearest rival, former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi, in the first round of any future election, indicating the two would face each other in a run-off. Official polling is limited and it is extremely difficult to carry out accurate surveys during a time of war. Millions of Ukrainians have fled and Russia has occupied around a fifth of the country. Getty Images Gen Valerii Zaluzhnyi could be a rival to President Zelensky were he to run in any future election, some polls suggest In the wake of Trump’s comments, some major Russian media outlets seized on the claim and cited a poll carried out by Ukrainian MP and Zelensky critic, Oleksandr Dubinsky, on Telegram which they claimed backed up Trump’s assessment. Mr Dubinsky has been charged with treason in Ukraine, and accused of “operating at the behest of Russian intelligence” – which he denies. Claim: ‘We have a situation where we haven’t had elections in Ukraine, where we have essentially martial law in Ukraine’ Trump also drew attention to the fact that Ukraine has not held a presidential election since 2019, when Zelensky – previously a comedian with no political base – swept to power. His first five-year term of office was due to come to an end in May 2024. However, Ukraine has been under martial law since the Russian invasion in February 2022, which means elections are suspended. Ukraine’s martial laws were drafted in 2015 – shortly after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula and years before Zelensky and his Servant of the People party came to power. In November all parties in Ukraine’s parliament backed postponing elections until the war ends, a position which a survey suggests is popular with Ukrainians. Some 60% of people were opposed to holding elections to replace Zelensky during the war, according to a survey of Ukrainians conducted in September and October by the International Republican Institute. Zelensky has vowed to hold a new election once the conflict ends and has yet to confirm that he intends to stand. Some experts have observed that holding elections in Ukraine before the conflict ends would be practically impossible, as Russian attacks on many cities persist and millions of citizens are displaced abroad or living under Russian occupation. Trump’s intervention on the subject came just hours after the Kremlin questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy as his term in office has ended, a claim Moscow has repeatedly made in the past months. On 28 January, Putin called Zelensky “illegitimate” in an interview with Russian media. Referring to the electoral situation, Trump appeared aware that it has been a frequent Russian allegation, saying: “That’s not a Russian thing, that’s something coming from me, from other countries.” For his part, Zelensky has previously said it would be “absolutely irresponsible to throw the topic of elections” in the middle of the conflict. Additional reporting by BBC Monitoring. Source link #Factchecking #Donald #Trumps #claims #war #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gemini in Google Meet Can Now Suggest ‘Next Steps’ After Meetings Gemini in Google Meet Can Now Suggest ‘Next Steps’ After Meetings Google Meet is getting a couple of new features, the company announced on Tuesday. The first feature is exclusive to the Google Workspace enterprise and business accounts, and it upgrades the existing note-taking capability in Gemini. Users will now be able to see a checklist of “next steps” suggestions from the AI, based on the conversations in the meeting to help the team set up follow-up tasks. The second feature is available to all users and will let any participants see the live captions of the last 30 minutes. Google Meet Is Getting New Features In a blog post, the Mountain View-based tech giant detailed the “next steps” feature. In August 2024, the company first introduced the “take notes for me” feature in Google Meet. It is an artificial intelligence (AI) feature that uses voice-to-text capability to transcribe the conversations in a meeting and summarise them in formatted paragraphs. The summary is then added to a Google Doc file and shared with all the participants. Next steps feature in Google Meet This Gemini feature is now being upgraded. Gemini will now generate a list of the next steps that can be done based on the conversations in the meeting. Additionally, the AI will also add due dates and assign them to participants that are most suitable for the task. This information will show up in the same Google Doc at the bottom of the summary. Google said users will be able to review and edit these tasks and follow-ups as needed to remove an item, change the due date or the person assigned. The post highlighted that the AI-powered feature can help align the participants on what happens after the meeting. This feature is rolling out to the Business and Enterprise subscribers of Google Workspace. Additionally, it is also available to anyone who previously purchased the Gemini Enterprise or “AI Meetings & Messaging” add-ons. Caption history in Google Meet Photo Credit: Google The company is also rolling out another feature to Google Meet. Updating the live captions and translated captions feature, users will now be able to scroll through the captions to see the last 30 minutes of conversations. Earlier, users could only see the captions for what was being said in real-time. Google said this update will make it easier for users to review a part of the meeting quickly in case they had to drop off briefly or were not able to read the captions in time. This feature will be available to all Google Workspace users, as well as users with personal Google accounts. Source link #Gemini #Google #Meet #Suggest #Steps #Meetings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australians targeted by foreign states in attempted assassinations, ASIO reveals in grim threat assessment Australians targeted by foreign states in attempted assassinations, ASIO reveals in grim threat assessment Hostile countries have targeted Australians and multicultural communities in attempted assassinations and coercion, the country’s chief spy has revealed as he painted a sobering assessment of the security environment. In the annual threat assessment, ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said brazen foreign states, fracturing social cohesion, increasing youth radicalisation, intersecting ideologies and blurring threats were increasingly complicating the security environment outlook to 2030. With several allies dealing with state-sponsored murders and attempted murders — some allegedly orchestrated by countries that have targeted Australia in the past — Mr Burgess revealed at least three nations had plotted to harm people living in Australia. “In a small number of cases, we held grave fears for the life of the person being targeted,” he said. In one foiled plot, a foreign intelligence service, wanting to silence an ***********-based human rights activist, attempted to lure the person to a third country where an “accident” would seriously injure or kill them. Last year a different foreign service “wanted to harm and possibly kill one or more” individuals in Australia, found to be part of a broader plot to eliminate critics of the foreign Government. In both cases, the plotters were offshore, but at home ASIO is also alive to foreign regimes and authoritarian nations monitoring, harassing, intimidating, and coercing people living in Australia. “Coerced repatriations” are an increasing occurrence, Mr Burgess said. Foreign actors are becoming more brazen when it comes to sabotage, foreign interference and espionage more broadly, he said, with the threats — already at extreme levels — increasingly targeting Australia’s defence systems. “Multiple countries are relentlessly seeking information about our military capabilities. Defence personnel are being targeted in person and online. Some were recently given gifts by international counterparts. The presents contained concealed surveillance devices,” he said. Mr Burgess warned: “We are getting closer to the threshold for high-impact sabotage”. “ASIO assesses authoritarian regimes are growing more willing to disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure to impede decision-making, damage war-fighting capabilities and sow social discord,” he said. He said ASIO was alive to the threat facing the AUKUS project, verbalising his determination the program would be delivered “without compromise”. Singling out Russia, Mr Burgess some regimes are “behaving more aggressively, more recklessly, more dangerously, and more willing to engage in ‘high harm’ activities”. “As a supporter of and supplier to Ukraine, it is conceivable Russia could also target Australia for sabotage,” he warned. Adding to the complex nature of the security challenge is a “greater crossover” between state and non-state actors, as proxies are increasingly employed to act for foreign states which could lead to a potential uptick in state-sponsored or state-supported terrorism or sabotage. Of the “number” of terrorist plots ASIO and law enforcement disrupted last year, none appeared directly inspired by the conflict in the Middle East or directed by offshore extremists, he said. But fragile social cohesion, strained in the “polarised, grievance rich environment” that has allowed nationalist and racist violent extremists to try and “mainstream”, will lead to spikes in “communal violence”. Referring to activities designed to incite violence between different groups, Mr Burgess acknowledged community violence is being experienced right now by Jewish Australians, and lamented that anti-Semitism had not yet plateaued. “The normalisation of violent protest and intimidating behaviour lowered the threshold for provocative and potentially violent acts. Narratives originally centred on “freeing Palestine” expanded to include incitements to “kill the Jews”,” he said. Politically motivated violence will also remain an elevated concern for years to come, Mr Burgess said, meaning the terrorism level — raised to probable last year — won’t be lowered in the foreseeable future. On a granular level, Mr Burgess reiterated his concerns that traditional distinctions between extremist motivations are breaking down, with people “choosing their own adventure” and cherry picking seemingly antithetical ideologies to adopt new, hybrid beliefs. “In one case last year, we found an individual apparently motivated by (both) Islamic State and neo-nazi propaganda. In another, an individual allegedly described himself as a left-wing environmentalist aligned with Adolf Hitler,” he said. “This diversity is expected to escalate, and further diversify.” Adding to the complexity is that radicalisation can now take just days or weeks, and that the most likely perpetrator of a terrorist attack is a lone actor. “We are seeing an increase in issue-motivated extremism, fuelled by personal grievance, conspiracy theories and anti-authority ideologies,” he said. Camera IconSingling out Russia, Mr Burgess some regimes are “behaving more aggressively, more recklessly, more dangerously”. Credit: MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE “This means you cannot assume there is a single ‘type’ of terrorist threat, or even a ‘most likely’ motivation for a terrorist attack.” Minors now represent the majority of ASIO’s case load, with 15 now the median age of first investigation. Mr Burgess revealed the agency had recently dealt with young people allegedly sharing beheading videos in the schoolyard, a 12-year-old allegedly wanting to blow up a place of worship, and a 17-year-old — allegedly watching nazi propaganda and Klu Klux Klan videos — scrawling “gas the Jews” on a classroom wall. ASIO also disrupted a 12-year-old American’s plot to livestream a school shooting, before moving on to a church, synagogue or mosque. “In many of the cases we’ve investigated, the minors did not have a clear or coherent ideology beyond an attraction to violence,” he said. Despite the grim outlook, Mr Burgess said Australia was well placed to meet the new and future security environment. “Yes, the outlook I am describing is troubling, but it would be much more difficult had we not already taken extensive and effective steps to harden our environment and build our resilience,” he said. Source link #Australians #targeted #foreign #states #attempted #assassinations #ASIO #reveals #grim #threat #assessment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Women urged to be vigilant after ‘sinister’ items found Women urged to be vigilant after ‘sinister’ items found Women are urged to stay vigilant and police patrols have increased after a bag containing several “sinister” items was discovered in Coleraine, County Londonderry. Cable ties, blue surgical gloves, condoms, a change of clothes and a balaclava were in the bag, former justice minister Claire Sugden told BBC’s Nolan Show on Wednesday. The assembly member said she is also aware of reports of a woman being followed by an individual in the Strand Road area of the town recently. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the bag and a bicycle had been seized in the Strand Road area of the town on 13 February. Women’s safety “It certainly does feel sinister, the reported items that were found. It certainly gives rise to really evil intentions,” Sugden told the BBC. “I think it’s difficult for any of us to imagine what those items would be used for. “I think that’s why there has been such a response in Coleraine, particularly from women who are starting to feel unsafe. “There was reports over a week ago from a women who felt she was being followed in the same area. “It’s a general concern for women, as a 38-year-old woman I wouldn’t feel safe walking around the town at night.” The story was first reported by Causeway Coast Women. Police said their investigation regarding the rucksack and bicycle seizure is ongoing and they are “progressing a number of lines of inquiry”. They said there has been an increased police presence in the area. On social media platform X, the PSNI also said that a mobile police station was also deployed in the Strand Road after “recent posts on social media regarding reports of a suspicious male in the Coleraine area”. The PSNI has increased its presence in the area with a mobile police station [Police Service of Northern Ireland] Ms Sugden said these incidents in Coleraine follow high-profile ******* assaults in Londonderry in recent months. “Women have to be really conscious to their surroundings, they have to be aware that maybe they are not safe while walking along at night, they have to take precautions in relation to that,” she said. “Regrettably, I am saying be aware, be careful, if they [women] are walking out at night, preferably don’t go alone.” She added: “Women are not feeling safe, when things like this happen, unfortunately it is men who usually are the perpetrators around this, I appreciate that men absolutely can be victims too.” ‘There is real concern’ Chief executive officer of Causeway and Mid Ulster Women’s Aid, Sharon Burnett, said many women in the area were “very nervous” and said she wanted to reassure them that help and support is available. “Every woman should be free and safe to walk on the streets,” Ms Burnett said. “We don’t know if this a real threat, but there is real concern, she said. “This is a topic of hot discussion among women that we support and among our staff team because it is something that has been widely discussed in the local area.” Police resources Sugden said police are doing all they can with the limited resources that are currently available to them. “The police will respond to things like this happening, they have a role in keeping people safe, people say to me that visibility on the ground is key to that,” she said. “To be fair to the police, resources just aren’t there for them. “What’s our government doing? We have this fantastic strategy to end violence against women and girls but what practical things, tangible things can we do on the ground?” Source link #Women #urged #vigilant #sinister #items Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here are 15 minutes of new gameplay from Crimson Desert Here are 15 minutes of new gameplay from Crimson Desert Here begins the saga of Pywel, a continent swept by war for unprecedented power. Endless challenges and threats arise as the portents of calamity throughout the land begin to unravel. Join Kliff and the Greymanes on their epic journey as they engage in fierce battles to save Pywel from an impending catastrophe. (This gameplay trailer contains actual in-game footage captured on PC. As a work-in-progress, the content is subject to change.) Crimson Desert is coming to PlayStation late 2025. Wishlist now! Source link #minutes #gameplay #Crimson #Desert Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Weekly mortgage demand drops 6%, as homebuyers remain ‘on the fence’ Weekly mortgage demand drops 6%, as homebuyers remain ‘on the fence’ A sign is posted in front of a home for ***** in San Rafael, California, on Aug. 7, 2024. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Mortgage rates dipped slightly last week, but so did mortgage demand, as housing affordability continues to sideline potential buyers. Total mortgage application volume fell 6.6% for the week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances ($766,550 or less) decreased to 6.93% from 6.95%, with points increasing to 0.66 from 0.64 (including the origination fee) for loans with a 20% down payment. “Mortgage rates decreased on average over the week, as markets brushed off unexpectedly strong inflation data. Despite mortgage rates declining, mortgage applications decreased to their slowest pace since the beginning of the year,” said Joel Kan, an MBA economist. Applications to refinance a home loan, which had been on the rise, dropped 7% for the week but were 39% higher than the same week one year ago. Percentage changes week-to-week have been large simply because the overall volume of refinancing is so low. The vast majority of borrowers today have mortgages with rates significantly lower than what is now being offered. Applications for a mortgage to buy a home fell 6% for the week but were 7% higher year-over-year. Housing affordability continues to weigh on potential buyers, and economic uncertainty, especially regarding the effect of potential tariffs, are only adding to the pressure. “Purchase applications were down for the week, as buyers remained on the fence, although loosening inventory may help support activity in the coming months,” Kan added. Mortgage rates moved slightly higher to start this week, but holiday-shortened weeks tend to see more volatility in the bond market. Source link #Weekly #mortgage #demand #drops #homebuyers #remain #fence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korean Officials Convicted Over Forcibly Sending North Koreans Home South Korean Officials Convicted Over Forcibly Sending North Koreans Home In 2019, two North Korean fishermen confessed to murdering 16 shipmates ​before they fled to South Korea by boat​ and sought asylum.​ The then-progressive government in ​the South denied them refugee status ​or a trial there and, in an unprecedented move, sent them back to the North​. ​That decision triggered ​not only a political firestorm at the time​ but also criminal charges against four senior officials prosecuted after the current conservative government, with a more hard-line stance against North Korea, took power in Seoul in 2022. On Tuesday, a three-judge panel in the Seoul Central District Court found the four top national security aides to former President Moon Jae-in guilty of abusing their official power when they sent the fleeing North Korean fishermen back. The court announced prison sentences but decided not to impose them immediately, indicating in its verdict that it considered the criminal charges against the​ officials to be politically motivated under Mr. Moon’s successor, President Yoon Suk Yeol. The four former officials — Mr. Moon’s national security adviser, Chung Eui-yong; his director of national intelligence, Suh Hoon; his presidential chief of staff, Noh Young-min; and his unification minister, Kim Yeon-chul — were sentenced to six to 10 months in prison. But the sentences were suspended for two years, after which they will be removed. The criminal charges the four faced were the first of their kind in South Korea and reflect the polarization between the country’s two main political parties when it comes to dealing with its decades-old foe North Korea.​ When South Korea captured the two North Korean fishermen, then ages 22 and 23, in its waters in 2019​, they were no ordinary defectors. They confessed that they fled after killing the captain and 15 other crewmen on their boat with ​hammers, dumping​ their bodies into the sea. South Korea had no treaty with North Korea for extraditing criminal suspects. Under its Constitution, it must treat North Koreans as its citizens and, until then, had accepted all North Korean asylum-seekers, regardless of their background. But this time, Mr. Moon’s government decided to repatriate them to the North, calling them “heinous criminals.” The two were denied access to lawyers or a chance​ at court to appeal the government’s decision to repatriate them. ​Five days after they were captured​, they were taken​, ​blindfolded and with their hands tied, to the ​inter-Korean border​. One of them​ resisted when he saw what was happening, and had to be dragged​ by South Korean officials to be handed over to their North Korean counterparts. Critics of Mr. Moon’s government accused it of denying the two fishermen a fair trial in the South​ and sending them to certain executions in the North in order to advance its policy of improving ties with ​the North. Mr. Moon’s government argued that there was no way for South Korea to serve justice ​for the two North Koreans through its judicia​l system because all ​key criminal evidence ​against them was in ​the North​. Prosecutors ​initially decided not to bring charges against the aides to Mr. Moon who were involved in the decision. But things changed after Mr. Yoon took office in 2022. Mr. Yoon​, a fierce critic of Mr. Moon’s North Korea policy, ​cited the case of the ​fishermen as a prime example of ignoring the human rights of asylum seekers for the sake of political appeasement.​ Under Mr. Yoon, the Unification Ministry, which ​had supported the repatriation, released​ video footage and photos showing the two North Koreans being led, against their will, to the borderline. In their ruling on Tuesday, the judges said that the former officials denied the fishermen their right to a fair trial in South Korea. But they also suspected a political motive behind the charges, citing Mr. Yoon’s comments on the case and the prosecutors’ decision to reverse their earlier position not to press charges. ​In South Korea, sitting presidents have long been accused of weaponizing prosecutors to discredit their predecessors’ governments with criminal charges, creating a vicious circle of political vengeance. Mr. Yoon himself is now suspended from office and faces criminal charges tied to his ill-fated declaration of martial law in December. The judges said South Korea should develop guidelines that could help its officials deal with cases like the two North Korean fishermen. Without such rules, “there is no guarantee that similar confusion won’t repeat itself should the same or ​a similar case happen again,” th​e judges said. Prosecutors have a week to appeal the ruling. Source link #South #Korean #Officials #Convicted #Forcibly #Sending #North #Koreans #Home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Review: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 | Hardcore Gamer Review: Lost Records: Bloom & Rage Tape 1 | Hardcore Gamer Technical issues aside, Lost Records: Bloom & Rage succeeds in telling a meaningful story. Source link #Review #Lost #Records #Bloom #amp #Rage #Tape #Hardcore #Gamer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk's DOGE dismantles the job security of federal work – Axios Musk's DOGE dismantles the job security of federal work – Axios Musk’s DOGE dismantles the job security of federal work AxiosFired probationary employees bring class-wide complaint to OSC Federal News NetworkTrump administration fires thousands for ‘performance’ without evidence, in messy rush The Washington PostWill Trump’s layoffs really improve the federal government? Vox.com Source link #Musk039s #DOGE #dismantles #job #security #federal #work #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Next THPS Remasters Will Shadow Drop at Xbox Summer Showcase, It’s Claimed Next THPS Remasters Will Shadow Drop at Xbox Summer Showcase, It’s Claimed · · February 19, 2025 According to an industry insider, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster will be released after the Xbox Summer Showcase in June 2025. Recently, we learned through the pro skateboarder Tyshawn Jones that a new remaster for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series is in the works and that he is in conversation with Activision again, which is “insanely exciting.” Industry insider eXtas1s has confirmed that the upcoming game is none other than Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster, and it might be released sooner than we think. eXtas1s posted a new video on YouTube (via r/GamingLeaksAndRumours) in which he confirmed that Jones’s information is accurate and that a THPS 3+4 remaster is in the works. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Remaster is internally referred to as Project Chicago at Microsoft and will be ready to be released by June 2025. The insider has stated that the THPS 3+4 remaster will be shadow-dropped after the Xbox Summer Showcase presentation. Moreover, THPS 3+4 Remaster will seemingly arrive as a Day One title for Xbox Game Pass and will also be available separately on Steam and PlayStation 5. eXtas1s couldn’t confirm whether the THPS 3+4 remaster will be released for the Switch 2, but he is pretty confident about his claim on the game’s release window. In other news, February Xbox Game Pass Wave 2 titles include Avowed, Watch Dogs: Legion, F1 24, and more games. Also, nine games will be removed from the service this month. What are your thoughts on THPS 3+4 Remaster shadow dropping at the Xbox Summer Showcase in June 2025? Let us know in the comments or on our community forum! For more information from Insider Gaming, read about NetEase’s statement on recent Marvel Rivals layoffs. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #THPS #Remasters #Shadow #Drop #Xbox #Summer #Showcase #Claimed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

OnePlus 13 Partners Instagram to Add Night Mode to In-App Camera OnePlus 13 Partners Instagram to Add Night Mode to In-App Camera OnePlus 13 users can now use the Night Mode from the built-in camera app while capturing images using the in-app camera on Instagram. The smartphone maker worked with Instagram to bring its low-light photography feature to the photo and video sharing platform. Users will now be able to capture better photos in low light conditions, without switching between the Instagram app and the built-in camera app on the OnePlus 13. The company has yet to announce whether the feature will be supported on its other handsets. OnePlus 13 Night Mode on Instagram: How it Works A OnePlus Community post reveals how the new OnePlus 13 Night Mode on Instagram works. The company partnered with the Meta-owned platform to introduce the Night Mode feature on Instagram, and users must update to the latest version of the app in order to access the feature on the recently launched OnePlus flagship phone. On the latest version of Instagram for Android, OnePlus 13 owners who want to click an image of a dimly lit subject or scene will see a new moon icon, while using the in-app camera on Instagram. This icon indicates that Night Mode has automatically been enabled, and it confirms that the phone is ready to capture low light photos. Instagram will show users a Moon icon (left) to indicate Night Mode is active Photo Credit: OnePlus Once Night Mode is enabled, users can tap the shutter button, then hold the OnePlus 13 for a couple of seconds while the camera app captures the image. Once the image is processed, it can be posted to an Instagram story or shared as a post. OnePlus says that Instagram’s in-app camera will be able to use the same multi-frame processing that is available while using the Night Mode available on the built-in camera app. The process eliminates the need to switch from the Instagram app to the built-in camera on the OnePlus 13, to capture decent low-light photos. There’s no word from OnePlus on whether this feature will remain exclusive to the OnePlus 13, or whether models — such as the OnePlus 13R or last year’s OnePlus 12 — will eventually be able to offer the same functionality while using the in-app camera on Instagram. Source link #OnePlus #Partners #Instagram #Add #Night #Mode #InApp #Camera Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kevin Spacey responds to Guy Pearce’s claim that he ‘targeted’ him Kevin Spacey responds to Guy Pearce’s claim that he ‘targeted’ him Paul Glynn Culture reporter Getty Images Kevin Spacey was last year found not guilty of all charges of ******* assault against four men between 2001 and 2013 Kevin Spacey has responded to fellow actor Guy Pearce’s allegation that the Oscar-winner “targeted” him during the making of 1997 movie LA Confidential, telling the *********** to “grow up”, adding: “You are not a victim”. It comes after Pearce – one of the stars of the recent Bafta-winning film The Brutalist – this week expanded on his alleged experiences with the US actor having previously called him “a handsy guy” in 2018. Spacey – whose career was brought to a halt by a string of allegations – admitted to “being too handsy” and “pushing the boundaries”, in an interview last year with Piers Morgan, while saying he’d not done anything ********. In 2023 the actor was found not guilty of all charges of ******* assault against four men between 2001 and 2013 after a trial in London; and in 2022 a US court dismissed a ******* assault lawsuit against him. ‘He targeted me, no question’Getty Images Guy Pearce appears alongside Adrien Brody in the Brutalist Pearce told the Hollywood Reporter that the Oscar-winner “targeted me, no question” during the making of the 1997 crime thriller LA Confidential. “But I did that thing that you do where you brush it off and go, ‘ah, that’s nothing. Ah, no, that’s nothing’. And I did that for five months,” he said. “And, really, I was sort of scared of Kevin because he’s quite an aggressive man. He’s extremely charming and brilliant at what he does – really impressive etc. “He holds a room remarkably. But I was young and susceptible, and he targeted me, no question.” Pearce revealed he had told his wife at the time that he felt safe on set when his co-star Simon Baker was present, because Spacey allegedly focused his attentions on him instead. He said the #MeToo movement, which saw allegations made against many men in Hollywood from 2017 onwards, had been “a really incredible wake-up call” for him. The actor said he “broke down and sobbed” and “couldn’t stop” after he saw the allegations against Spacey in the news headlines. “I think it really dawned on me the impact that had occurred and how I sort of brushed it off and how I had either shelved it or blocked it out or whatever.” Warner Brothers/Getty Images (Left to right) James Cromwell, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey in a publicity photo for 1997’s LA Confidential On Tuesday, Spacey responded directly to Pearce in a video posted on X, saying: “If I did something then that upset you, you could have reached out to me. “We could have had that conversation, but instead, you’ve decided to speak to the press, who are now, of course, coming after me, because they would like to know what my response is to the things that you said. “You really want to know what my response is? Grow up.” Spacey claimed Pearce omitted to mention he had flown to Georgia a year after LA Confidential was made “just to spend time with me” while he was filming another movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. “I mean, did you tell the press that too, or does that not fit into the victim narrative you have going?” he added. “I apologise that I didn’t get the message that you don’t like spending time with me. Maybe there was another reason, I don’t know, but that doesn’t make any sense. That you would have just been leading me on, right? But here you are now on a mission, some 28 years later, after I’ve been through hell and back.” Spacey concluded his message by saying he was happy to have a “conversation” with Pearce “anytime, anyplace”. “I’ve got nothing to hide,” he said. “But Guy – you need to grow up. You are not a victim.” Pearce earlier told the US publication he had raised Spacey’s alleged behaviour with him years later, and had “had a couple of confrontations with Kevin” that “got ugly”. His new strategy these days, he noted, was “just try to be more honest about it now and call it for what it is”. Source link #Kevin #Spacey #responds #Guy #Pearces #claim #targeted Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

17 Best Co-op Games Like It Takes Two & Split Fiction in 2025 17 Best Co-op Games Like It Takes Two & Split Fiction in 2025 Co-op gaming brings us all closer together—for better or for worse. While single-player gaming and online multiplayer continue to thrive, so does co-op. Certain studios and game makers are ensuring the art doesn’t die, and we’re here to recognize this with the best co-op games you need to be playing in 2025—especially if you want something akin to It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Hazelight Studios inspired this list, and I take great pleasure in declaring this. I grew up playing local co-op games with my friends whenever possible. A ****** Team Racing tournament, a backstage scrap in WWF Smackdown, or an intense 1v1 in Point Blank. Multiplayer gaming has veered off toward online for the most part. But you’ve got the likes of Hazelight Studios developing games intended as a co-op-only title. The developer is responsible for the Game of the Year-winning It Takes Two and the upcoming Split Fiction. If you need more local co-op fixes, here’s a list of contenders to consider in 2025. Best Co-op Games You Need to Play in 2025 A Way Out Where it all began. Credit to IDGB Game director Josef Fares’ first project heading up the newly-formed Hazelight Studios was A Way Out. Two human players have to choose their character—Vincent or Leo. The action plays out in split-screen fashion across a dramatic story with gameplay fueled by teamwork. It’s not as polished as It Takes Two, but it’s a breath of fresh air, and I’d recommend you try it out. Baldur’s Gate 3 Get ready to lose hours. Credit to IDGB Yes, 2023’s outstanding Baldur’s Gate 3 can be enjoyed locally with another player. There are no cutbacks or restrictions either as you can create your characters and unravel BG3’s world together like normal. The RPG is about as refined and revered as they come, and it has enough content to keep you going until a probable Baldur’s Gate 4. Borderlands Take your pick. Credit to IDGB I’ve stood by Borderlands since its 2009 debut and will continue to do so. From its first iteration to Borderlands 4, I don’t think it matters much which title you opt to play in co-op. Borderlands 2 is my favorite as it captures the soul of Pandora perfectly with its story, characters, and quests. But a stroll through Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands or enjoying a blast from the past with the Pre-Sequel won’t do any harm either in the epic looter shooter saga. Brothers A Tale of Two Sons True kinship. Credit to IDGB Brothers A Tale of Two Sons was Fares’ directorial debut in video games. He worked under the banner of Starbreeze Studios to bring the story of two brothers to life before he founded Hazelight Studios. The game didn’t have co-op at launch, but the remake addressed this overlooked issue. This narrative-heavy adventure is a must, and you can once again see the groundwork being laid down for It Takes Two and Split Fiction. Chained Together The only way up is down. Credit to Steam I watched internet darlings Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed almost destroy each other playing Chained Together. Its concept is simple: You and a partner are chained together, and you must work together to escape hell. Every step, jump, and action you take affects your cohort. One false move, and you’re sent spiraling back down to the bottom—potentially startling Satan in his slumber. Cuphead Good day for a swell battle! Credit to IDGB Cuphead is one of my favorite games of the last 10 years. Its presentation is incredibly niche and nuanced and Cuphead is essentially a boss rush—with a handful of platforming levels for good measure. It’s more fun with a partner but also frustrating as the enemy’s health scales accordingly. You can spend a good hour or two beating a boss, but the feeling of satisfaction is unbridled and unbeatable. It has a delicious last course through its DLC if you’re not satiated—called The Delicious Last Course! Diablo 4 Everyone’s heard of Diablo. Credit to IDGB Blizzard’s multimedia empire includes the iconic Diablo franchise. 2023 saw the release of Diablo 4, and the ARPG title not only offers more looting, dungeon crawling, bosses, and run-ins with demons and angels but also local co-op. You can buddy up with someone next to you, pick a class, and explore the plagued grounds of Sanctuary as you try to carefully tip-toe around the ongoing conflict between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. Don’t Starve Together Friendly. Credit to IDGB Whereas something like Cuphead is overtly difficult, Don’t Starve doesn’t give this impression. Don’t let it fool you though as Don’t Starve demands you survive at all costs. You need food, hydration, sleep, warm surroundings, and a means of defending yourself. You don’t need to channel your inner Bear Grylls on your own though as the free Don’t Starve Together update introduces local co-op. Lara Croft And The Guardian of Light Niche but needed. Credit to IDGB Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light—and its Temple of Osiris follow-up—feels derided. I question how many people (and even Tomb Raider fans) remember this 2010 gem. Unlike other entries on our best co-op games you need to play in 2025 list, this benefits from an in-person friend helping you out. It has Lara, her trademark pistols, outfit, and classic Tomb Raider exploration—what more do you want? Moving Out Frustration aplenty. Credit to IDGB Anyone who’s ever literally moved out in real life automatically understands this game. It’s a nuisance in so many ways. So what better way to exemplify the rigors of moving out than by taking this nightmare, cranking up the hyperbole, and inciting chaos in relationships and friendships? Moving Out is a wonderful display of co-op and calamity, and it has a sequel if you want more punishment. Overcooked It doesn’t start like this, I promise. Credit to IDGB Substitute “moving out” with “cooking” and I can be done with this entry. Alas, this wouldn’t be informative of me and lacks integrity. I will say that if I was ranking the games on this list, Overcooked 1 and 2 would be near the top. Ghost Town Games created something hilarious, hellacious, and heartwarming with this series. Your ability to coalesce with individuals into a unified force is tested with every meal. Unfortunately, I don’t think there will be any more Overcooked, but there’s a good reason why—more on this later. Portal 2 A classic. Credit to IDGB Remember when Valve used to make award-winning single-player games? No? I wouldn’t blame you as it’s incredibly slim picking nowadays. 2011’s Portal 2 is a compulsory play for anyone with a penchant for immaculate storytelling, puzzles, physics, and co-op capers. Separate from the main story is an independent and original adventure only intended for two players. The quality is just as good and requires you both to don thinking caps playing this one. Rayman Legends Eye sense danger here. Credit to IDGB Speaking of highly successful IPs being abandoned, Rayman Legends is an excellent 2D platformer bubbling with life and personality. It has the grace of a galloping gazelle and might be the best Rayman title ever. It has a ton of fun-to-find collectibles, one ingenious level design after another (don’t get me started on the music levels), and best of all? Local co-op. Sackboy: A Big Adventure Slowly does it. Credit to IDGB PlayStation and PC owners can sample a piece of this succulent Sackboy snack. It doesn’t do anything revolutionary or push the boundaries of 3D platforming in a way contemporaries and historical releases have, but it’s fun! Youngsters will get a kick out of it, and it’s mindless fun for older folks. You can get stuck into the bubble bursting with local users in co-op. Stage Fright A lot of promise. Credit to IDGB We’re back with Overcooked’s Ghost Town Games and its newest IP Stage Fright. I’m jumping the gun on this one as it’s not out yet. But its hilarious debut trailer could already be a sign of things to come. It’s also co-op focused, looks outstandingly creative, and could be one of the most-talked-about co-op games in 2025 after Split Fiction. The Binding of Isaac Rebirth The tears ****** around me. Credit to IDGB The Binding of Isaac Rebirth appeared as a PlayStation Plus Monthly game in November 2014. I barely batted an eyelid. However, one day, I needed something to play and decided to give it a crack. Even though I didn’t know what any items did, why my main weapon was a small child’s tears, or why I was trying to kill Isaac’s mother, I was engrossed forever. The Binding of Isaac kickstarted my roguelike/roguelite journey, and if you haven’t, I implore you to do the same as it has added co-op since release. Unravel Two Threading the eye of a needle. Credit to IDGB The first Unravel was a blast, but the sequel supersedes it by allowing two players to intertwine. Your relationship with your co-op partner is unlikely to unravel as the title is straightforward and shouldn’t trouble you. But its tamer nature is a more welcome and pleasant one. Once you’re done, you’ll both yarn for more. Let me know your favorite co-op games and experiences ever. Are you rooted in childhood with multiplayer classics like Goldeneye? Or are there fun story-based co-op adventures I’ve missed? If you love co-op games, Split Fiction will fix the itch. Keep up to date with our latest content including if it has crossplay or cross-platform play, as well as its Xbox Game Pass status. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Coop #Games #Takes #Split #Fiction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold power supply review Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold power supply review Though Asus as a company needs no introduction to our regular readers, even for us, it is easy to overlook just how vast its range of product lines is these days. As the company has moved beyond PC motherboards and core components to keep diversifying over the years, they’ve established whole subsidiary brand names in the process, such as the “Republic of Gamers” or “ROG.” Nowadays, the Asus logo can be found on almost every PC component and peripheral, from mouse pads to gaming laptops. One of the many products Asus offers under its brand name is a rather extensive array of power supply units. The company splits its units into three main series, the ROG, the TUF Gaming, and the Prime – all targeting higher market segments. Asus is fairly rare in this respect; unlike most other manufacturers, Asus largely stays out of the low-to-middle range of the market altogether, instead focusing on the more lucrative premium and gaming segments. Today’s review directs its focus towards Asus’s TUF Gaming series, which is – in our opinion – the most versatile series the company currently markets and could possibly compete among the best power supplies we have tested. The TUF Gaming units are designed with long-term reliability and high performance in focus and are being marketed accordingly. The new 850W Gold variant of this series aligns with Intel’s ATX 3.0 design guidelines, with the 80Plus Gold certification and 10-year manufacturer’s warranty as the major highlights, and retails for a reasonable price tag. Specifications and Design Swipe to scroll horizontally Power Specifications (Rated @ 50 °C) RAIL +3.3V +5V +12V +5Vsb -12V MAX OUTPUT 25A 25A 70.8A 3A 0.8A 130W 130W 850W 15W 9.6W TOTAL 850W Row 3 – Cell 2 Row 3 – Cell 3 Row 3 – Cell 4 Row 3 – Cell 5 AC INPUT 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz Row 4 – Cell 2 Row 4 – Cell 3 Row 4 – Cell 4 Row 4 – Cell 5 PRICE $120 Row 5 – Cell 2 Row 5 – Cell 3 Row 5 – Cell 4 Row 5 – Cell 5 In the Box Asus is known to be careful with their packaging and the box that the TUF Gaming 850W Gold is supplied in is no exception. The artwork on the box is detailed, with plenty of information to be found on the sides and rear of the box. The box is sturdy, and the unit is well-protected inside to ensure safe shipping. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) A fair bundle can be found inside the box of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU. Aside from the typical AC power cable and the mounting screws, Asus also supplies several cable ties, three quality cable straps, and a thick manual in 30 languages. There is also a “certificate of reliability” that indicates which tests the capacitors and chokes of the units had to pass for Asus to use them. Most of them are done in accordance with the MIL-STD-202 and MIL-STD-810H standards, which gave Asus the ground to boast about “military-grade reliability.” The tests are performed by iST, an independent laboratory based in Taiwan. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The TUF Gaming 850W Gold is a fully modular design, allowing for the removal of every DC power cable, including the 24-pin ATX connector. All of the cables are ******, with ****** connectors and individually sleeved wires, including the ATX 24-pin and the new 12VHPWR cables. It is interesting to note that the total number of connectors is fairly low for a unit with that kind of capacity. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Swipe to scroll horizontally Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold Connector type Hardwired Modular ATX 24 Pin – 1 EPS 4+4 Pin – 2 EPS 8 Pin – – PCI-E 5.0 – 1 PCI-E 8 Pin – 4 SATA – 5 Molex – 4 Floppy – – External Appearance Externally, the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is in direct contradiction to the “military” theme Asus’s marketing is heavily relying upon. The reason is that military designs are supposed to be entirely minimal and inconspicuous, while the designer of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU practically left no part of the body untouched in an effort to create an aesthetically appealing product. Chamfered edges, embossed designs, graphic prints, debossed lettering – this unit has it all. The chassis is just 150 mm deep, which ensures compatibility with all but the smallest ATX-compliant cases. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Both sides of the chassis are heavily decorated, but they are not identical. A cutout of the series logo can be seen on the left side, serving as a little cooling vent. There is no such cutout on the right side, and the series logo is printed on the chassis instead. The entirety of the top side is covered by a sticker with the electrical specifications and certifications of the unit. The fan cutout at the bottom side of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is hexagonal instead of round. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Naturally, the front side of the PSU is home to the connectors for the modular cables. A basic legend is printed directly onto the body of the PSU in white paint. The series logo is subtly etched across the top part of the front side. The rear side is typical, with just the AC power receptacle and a basic on/off switch in sight. Internal Design (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The fan responsible for the cooling of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is a dual-ball bearing engine fan made by Champion, a ******** manufacturer whose we very rarely encounter the products of inside PC components. The 135mm CF1325H12D has a maximum speed of 2100 RPM, which is very high for a fan of that size. Asus markets the fan as an “axial-tech” technology fan, which basically is a plastic ring that connects the outer part of the fan’s blades, supposedly increasing the fan’s pressure. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The OEM behind the creation of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is Great Wall, a ******** OEM that became known in the Western markets only a few years back when Corsair decided to use them for several of their mainstream products. The TUF Gaming 850W Gold is based on a platform that we have not encountered before and certainly is one of the latest Great Wall designs, developed to comply with the ATX 3.0 design guide requirements. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) We can see that the main switch and AC plug receptacle are attached to a vertical PCB that also hosts a few of the filtering stage components, with the rest on the main PCB. The filtering stage is typical, totaling four Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and two filtering inductors. It leads to a dual input rectifying bridge configuration supplied by Leshan Radio Company (GBU15K), a ******** company that we have never encountered before. The passive APFC components are two Rubycon 420V/390μF capacitors and a sizable filtering inductor. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) All of the active components before the main transformer that need cooling are attached to a single long heatsink across the edge of the PCB. The primary side inversion circuit is a typical half-bridge LLC topology, with the two switchers also supplied by a company that we have never seen before (WAYON) and we could not find any datasheet for these particular chips (WMJ36N6N65SF2). Considering the PSU’s efficiency rating and half-bridge configuration, these definitely are very efficient low on-resistance MOSFETs but we have been unable to come by their exact specifications. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) On the secondary side of the main transformer, six transistors from yet another manufacturer that we have never seen before (Jinlibo Electronics 4NA1R4C-A) form a conversion circuitry that generates the main 12V line. The secondary 3.3V and 5V lines are generated on the vertical daughterboard that is attached both to the main and the vertical PCB with the unit’s connectors. All of the electrolytic capacitors on the secondary side are supplied by Nippon Chemi-**** and Rubycon, while the solid-state capacitors are supplied by Nippon Chemi-**** and Nichicon. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Cold Test Results Cold Test Results (25°C Ambient) For the testing of PSUs, we are using high-precision electronic loads with a maximum power draw of 2700 Watts, a Rigol DS5042M 40 MHz oscilloscope, an Extech 380803 power analyzer, two high-precision UNI-T UT-325 digital thermometers, an Extech HD600 SPL meter, a self-designed hotbox, and various other bits and parts. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The overall efficiency of the Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is very good, with the unit easily meeting the 80Plus Gold requirements with an input voltage of 115V. Although the unit has its efficiency certification officially only with an input voltage of 115V, it would also pass the higher efficiency requirements and receive the 80Plus Gold certification with an input voltage of 230V if Asus pursued it. The average nominal load range (20% to 100% of the unit’s capacity) efficiency is 90.9% when powered from a 230 VAC source, which drops to 89.8% with an input voltage of 115 VAC. Generally speaking, the unit seems optimized for an input voltage of 230V, as there is a significant efficiency gap, especially at very high loads. Asus went with a semi-passive thermal design with an impressively lax cooling profile that has the unit operating fanless for more than half its entire load range. Once the fan starts, which would take a load of over 550 Watts at room temperature, it is barely audible. The fan speed quickly increases as the load reaches the maximum of the unit’s capacity but never becomes too loud. Conversely, the internal temperatures of the unit are allowed to climb significantly before the fan begins to spin, suggesting that Asus’ engineers have a lot of faith in the resilience of this unit’s components. Hot Test Results Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient) The performance of the Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU degrades measurably when the ambient temperature is high, but not exceedingly so. Its average energy conversion efficiency across the nominal load range drops to 89.9% with an input voltage of 230 VAC and down to 88.8% with an input voltage of 115 VAC, translating to an average efficiency drop of 1% regardless of the input voltage. The drop is consistent across the entire load range, suggesting no significant thermal stressing exists on the unit’s major components. Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Despite the high ambient temperature, the Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold will still operate fanless when lightly loaded. As a result, the internal temperatures of the unit are high – significantly high for a PSU with that kind of output and efficiency. Component temperatures reach over 100°C when the PSU is heavily loaded for prolonged periods under these conditions. There is a slightly higher efficiency degradation under maximum load than the rest of the operating range, suggesting marginal thermal stress on active components, but the effect is slight. Even with an ambient temperature greater than 45°C, the fan does not start at all when the load is lower than roughly 220 watts. Once it starts, it is relatively quiet at first but quickly speeds up to cope with the cooling requirements of the unit, becoming clearly audible at halfload and reaching high noise figures at loads greater than 600 watts. Regardless, it never reached its maximum speed, even when the unit was operating at maximum capacity. PSU Quality and Bottom Line Power Supply Quality Overall, the electrical performance of the Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is very good. It has strict voltage regulation on the major 12V line, fluctuating below 0.8% across the nominal load range. Regulation is not as tight on the 3.3V/5V lines, which are at 1.2 / 1.4%, respectively, but these still are very good performance figures. The filtering on all voltage lines is very good, with optimal results at 50% load. The maximum ripple on all voltage rails occurred at maximum load, with a ripple of 16 mV / 16 mV / 30 mV on the 3.3V / 5V / 12V lines, respectively. As part of our standard testing, we test the primary protections of all PSUs we review (Over Current, Over Voltage, Over Power, and Short Circuit). All of the Asus TUF Gaming 850W Gold protections are engaged normally. The over-current and over-power protection of the unit is markedly lax, allowing the draw of more than 140% of the unit’s rated current and 125% of its rated capacity for seconds before shutting the unit down. Swipe to scroll horizontally Main Output Load (Watts) 172.95 W Row 0 – Cell 2 431.86 W Row 0 – Cell 4 643.96 W Row 0 – Cell 6 2041.24 W Row 0 – Cell 8 Load (Percent) 20.35% Row 1 – Cell 2 50.81% Row 1 – Cell 4 75.76% Row 1 – Cell 6 99.57% Row 1 – Cell 8 Amperes Volts Amperes Volts Amperes Volts Amperes Volts 3.3 V 2.23 3.42 5.57 3.4 8.36 3.26 10.58 3.38 5 V 2.23 5.15 5.57 5.12 8.36 5.03 10.58 5.09 12 V 12.62 12.19 31.56 12.18 122.64 12 163.52 12.09 Swipe to scroll horizontally Line Regulation (20% to 100% load) Voltage Ripple (mV) Row 0 – Cell 3 Row 0 – Cell 4 Row 0 – Cell 5 Row 0 – Cell 6 Row 0 – Cell 7 Row 1 – Cell 0 Row 1 – Cell 1 20% Load 50% Load 75% Load 100% Load CL1 12V CL2 3.3V + 5V 3.3V 1.2% 18 14 18 22 16 22 5V 1.3% 20 12 18 22 16 20 12V 0.8% 28 22 26 36 30 22 Bottom Line The Asus TUF Gaming Gold power supply unit demonstrates a commendable level of build quality, underscored by the incorporation of high-quality Japanese electrolytic and solid-state capacitors. However, it is worth noting that a notable proportion of electrolytic capacitors and major active components stem from suppliers that may be unfamiliar to the seasoned observer. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Quality-wise, Asus is placing a lot of resources on the marketing of some of their products as “military grade” equipment, which does raise the eyebrows of more experienced system builders and engineers. To begin with, military designs are minimalistic, often limited to baseline functionality, favoring low cost and resource readiness above everything else – and we can all agree that the design of the TUF Gaming 850W Gold PSU is anything but minimalistic. What Asus is doing is that they are having the inductors and capacitors certified by an independent lab to verify compliance with certain standards (in this case, a US Department of Defense standard) – an undeniably nice (and costly) procedure – but, truth is, the Nippon Chemi-**** and Nichicon capacitors found in this PSU are no different than any other of the same series. All equipment manufacturers typically certify their products according to a national or international standard because these are what those involved in the commercial market typically ask for. Some could very well have certifications proving compliance with the US DoD standards as they would need those to directly or indirectly supply certain organizations – we cannot know because manufacturers typically do not publish those test reports publicly. What is certain is that every quality equipment manufacturer certifies their products according to at least one official standard, because no sane equipment procurer would publish a tender or even request a quote for parts that do not come with at least one official certification attached. Finally, the US DoD electronics standards are not actually all that strict, and most of their test methods were issued somewhere between two and six decades ago, making it easy for modern materials and manufacturing procedures to outperform their requirements. The OEM/ODM affiliation of the Asus TUF Gaming Gold power supply unit is with Great Wall, a sizable ******** manufacturer whose presence in mainstream and high-end PC power supply units has emerged only recently. The external design, while captivating, maintains a balance between aesthetics and functionality without veering into the realm of extravagance. When evaluating power quality, the Asus TUF Gaming Gold power supply unit offers commendable performance within its class. Its 12V line showcases precise voltage regulation, and the voltage filtering across all voltage rails is notably effective. The energy conversion efficiency surpasses the requirements stipulated by the 80Plus Gold certification, regardless of input voltage conditions. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) In terms of thermal performance, the Asus TUF Gaming Gold exhibits a noteworthy level of resistance to thermal stress. However, in demanding scenarios with extreme loads and elevated ambient temperatures, the cooling profile’s relatively lax nature leads to elevated operating temperatures. In terms of acoustics, the Asus TUF Gaming Gold power supply unit is virtually noiseless during typical operating conditions, even when subjected to substantial loads. The integrated fan remains dormant until the unit’s load surpasses fifty percent of its total capacity, contributing to a serene computing environment. In light of its features, performance, and affordability, the Asus TUF Gaming Gold offers fair value at its current price point of $120 in the US. The price is not very competitive by today’s standards, but it is not high enough to make the unit entirely unattractive for those seeking a high-performance power supply solution. Despite minor caveats, the Asus TUF Gaming Gold stands as a compelling option, addressing the needs of PC enthusiasts and professionals alike, making it a worthy addition to the Asus TUF Gaming lineup. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE: How We Test Power Supplies MORE: All Power Supply Content Source link #Asus #TUF #Gaming #850W #Gold #power #supply #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rihanna reacts to A$AP Rocky not guilty verdict – CNN Rihanna reacts to A$AP Rocky not guilty verdict – CNN Rihanna reacts to A$AP Rocky not guilty verdict CNNA$AP Rocky found not guilty in gun case ActionNewsJax.comASAP Rocky Found Not Guilty of Shooting Former Friend in Assault Trial The New York TimesWatch: A$AP Rocky dives into Rihanna’s arms after not-guilty verdict The Telegraph Source link #Rihanna #reacts #AAP #Rocky #guilty #verdict #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clues in Windows 11 suggest Microsoft has a nifty plan to help you move all your stuff from an old PC to a new computer more easily and conveniently Clues in Windows 11 suggest Microsoft has a nifty plan to help you move all your stuff from an old PC to a new computer more easily and conveniently A new ‘Migration’ feature has been found by digging around in the inner workings of Windows 11 It’s part of the Backup app and allows for a wireless transfer of all your files and settings from an old PC to a new one The idea is to use Nearby Sharing, with both PCs in close proximity and on the same Wi-Fi network Microsoft is apparently working on a way to make it easier for Windows 11 users to make the move from an old PC to a new computer that’s just been purchased (or built). This is a ‘Migration’ app which is purportedly part of Windows 11’s existing Backup app, and will transfer all your files and settings across wirelessly from the old PC to the new one, providing the devices are in close proximity. There are a few people to credit for spotting this via a recent Windows 11 preview build, as reported by Windows Latest, who noticed Dongle, an X user, had flagged up the feature in the below post. Migration app, build 22635.4945 (UI reconstruction)Courtesy of @phantomofearth for discovering the feature and @AhmedWalid605 for providing the decompiler.1/4 pic.twitter.com/XdGRvpdJgdFebruary 17, 2025 Dongle further credits regular leaker PhantomOfEarth on X for digging around and uncovering said feature, and also AhmedWalid605 for providing the decompiler used to reconstruct what this new feature might look like (based on the interface clues found by PhantomOfEarth in the preview build). The screenshots of the Migration app in the X post are mocked-up by Dongle (a best guess of what it’d look like), but the functionality is correct going by the clues dug up from the inner workings of Windows 11. As noted, the transfer of files happens wirelessly, and Dongle guesses that the feature might use Nearby Sharing, which is essentially Microsoft’s take on AirDrop, requiring both machines to be on the same Wi-Fi network, and near to each other. (Image credit: Getty Images) Analysis: A sound and handy alternative to a cloudy path Remember that what’s presented in this X post is just a mock-up and so the end version of Migration could look (or work) very differently. Indeed, because this is just code buried in Windows 11 and not even enabled in testing yet, it’s possible this is a capability Microsoft is toying with, but may yet abandon. In short, don’t get your hopes up too much. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. In theory, though, the Migration feature is a sound idea and plugs a gap in the existing functionality that the Backup app delivers. Backup already provides a way to transfer your old PC data over to a new system, but that’s facilitated via the cloud (files are uploaded to OneDrive to make the backup, which is then extracted from the cloud and onto the new PC at setup). The trouble is that if you’re looking at a hefty Windows 11 installation, and a ton of files, that could be sluggish to download from the cloud – especially if you don’t have a decent internet connection. Or indeed you may not have enough cloud storage space on OneDrive in the first place. Clearly, there are scenarios where the cloud is a less-than-ideal solution, so the idea with Migration is to facilitate a local transfer that doesn’t need anything aside from both PCs being next to each other (and being able to connect to the same local Wi-Fi network). That’s going to be a convenient and useful option to have for a good few folks, I’d imagine. As Window Latest observes, the hope is that Migration might also cater for third-party apps (and not just Microsoft Store apps, as with Backup), which would be a really nifty addition. Fingers crossed on that front, though I wouldn’t place any bets. There are, of course, other options for migrating your stuff from one PC to another aside from Microsoft’s official methods included in Windows 11. You may also like… Source link #Clues #Windows #suggest #Microsoft #nifty #plan #move #stuff #computer #easily #conveniently Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

ASIO boss Mike Burgess warns of foreign actors targeting defence staff amid “degraded” security concerns ASIO boss Mike Burgess warns of foreign actors targeting defence staff amid “degraded” security concerns Australia’s top spy boss has issued a stark warning that Australia’s security environment will become “more dynamic, more diverse and more degraded” over the next five years. Delivering the 2025 Annual Threat Assessment in Canberra on Wednesday, ASIO director general Mike Burgess noted foreign actors were “relentlessly seeking information about our military capabilities”. He said the national security agency was on high-alert over espionage attempts over the high-stakes AUKUS military deal, with Defence personnel being targeted in person and online. “Some were recently given gifts by international counterparts. The presents contained concealed surveillance devices,” he said. Camera IconASIO boss Mike Burgess gave a grim assessment of Australia’s security environment in his Annual Threat Assessment on Wednesday. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Threats were also coming from countries Australia would “consider friendly,” he said, adding that AUKUS would “remain a priority target for intelligence collection”. “ASIO has identified foreign services seeking to target AUKUS to position themselves to collect on the capabilities, how Australia intends to use them, and to undermine the confidence of our allies,” he said. Mr Burgess described his threat assessment as the “most significant, serious and sober address so far,” and said Australia was facing “multifaceted, merging, intersecting, concurrent and cascading threats”. Factors included worsening social cohesion due to conflict in the middle east, “more aggressive and reckless Russian intelligence” operations which have targeted Ukrainian supporters like Australia, and the lingering anti-authority and distrust in institutions spiked by the Covid pandemic. The concept of truth was also “being undermined” by conspiracy theories and misinformation and disinformation, which was being inflamed by social media. “Major geopolitical, economic, social and security challenges of the 1930s, 70s and 90s have converged,” he said. “As one of my analysts put it with an uncharacteristic nod to popular culture: everything, everywhere all at once.” Camera IconMr Burgess’ Annual Threat Assessment address follows a spate of increased anti-Semitic attacks, including the firebombing of the Adass synagogue in Melbourne. NewsWire/ Diego Fedele Credit: News Corp Australia Speaking to Australia’s national terrorism threat level, which had been raised to probable in 2024, Mr Burgess said he did not anticipate it being lowered “in the foreseeable future”. “Politically motivated violence is raising the temperature of the security environment and making acts of terrorism more likely,” he said. “We expect nationalist and racist violent extremists to continue their efforts to ‘mainstream’ and expand their movement. “They will undertake provocative, offensive and increasingly high-profile acts to generate publicity and recruit. While these activities will test legal boundaries, the greatest threat of violence comes from individuals on the periphery of these organised groups.” Mr Burgess also spoke to the increasing risk of proxies acting on behalf of foreign regimes in order to give “governments a degree of deniability”. He also rang the alarm bell for a potential acts of “state-sponsored or state-supported terrorism,” or instances which use “criminal proxies” to conduct sabotage. Mr Burgess said Australia wasn’t “immune to hostile nation states, such as Iran, undertaking acts of security concern on our shores or near region”. “We shouldn’t be complacent, or consider ourselves insulated from any of these threats,” he said. “Whether such acts serve an internal interest, or a form of retaliation against Israel or our allies, we need to remain alert and responsive to these evolutions.” Camera IconMr Burgess warned he would not likely lower the terror threat below probable in the ‘foreseeable’ future. NewsWire/ Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Burgess added that to date, ASIO had identified at least three countries “plotting to physically harm people living in Australia”. At least four countries had forced a resident to leave Australia and return to their home state through coercion or threats to their families. “In this instance, our Counter Foreign Interference Taskforce was aided by Australians who saw what was happening and reported the matter to authorities,” he said. “Australians have a tradition of backing the underdog. There is something to be said about the quality of a people based on what they stand up to.” There was also an “alarming increase” in young people being targeted by ASIO counter-terrorism investigations with the median age now at 15. Subjects were “overwhelmingly male” at about 85 per cent, and “overwhelmingly ***********-born”. Of the 17 per cent of minors under investigation who were born offshore, the median age of the cohort for when they arrived in Australia was four and a half years old. “The most obvious trend is that the young are getting younger,” he said. Source link #ASIO #boss #Mike #Burgess #warns #foreign #actors #targeting #defence #staff #degraded #security #concerns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Electrodes made from bread could replace metal conductors Electrodes made from bread could replace metal conductors David Bujdos holds a bread-based electrode Liz Palmer Old pieces of bread can be transformed into precisely shaped electrodes using water and heat. The bread-based components could replace metal electrodes in devices while reducing the hundreds of tonnes of bread wasted daily. “Bread has all sorts of stuff in it, such as starch, protein and water,” says David Bujdos at the University of Pennsylvania. “You can just heat it at a really high temperature without oxygen and you get the carbon backbone out of that.” Source link #Electrodes #bread #replace #metal #conductors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A record number of Americans are now 401(k) millionaires — but it’s probably fewer than you think A record number of Americans are now 401(k) millionaires — but it’s probably fewer than you think A record number of Americans now have $1,000,000 saved in their 401(k)s — but it’s probably fewer than you think A 401(k), an employer-sponsored retirement plan with tax benefits, is one of the most popular ways Americans save for their golden years. Collectively they hold almost $9 trillion in assets for 70 million participants (active and retired), according to the latest figures from the Investment Company Institute. The average balance in these accounts is $132,300, according to a recent Fidelity report in which the retirement plan provider analyzed the Q3 2024 data of 24.4 million 401(k) plan participants. The highest average balance is seen among Americans ages 65-69 at $252,800. It may therefore not surprise you to learn that few Americans have a balance topping $1 million in their 401(k) workplace retirement plans. But those who have reached that milestone no doubt worked hard to get there. And with proper planning, you can, too. According to Fidelity, 544,000 individuals are 401(k) millionaires. When you consider the total number of 401(k) participants included in its study (24.4 million), this is a tiny ********* of less than 3%. But there’s a reason this number is so small. Building wealth for retirement takes effort and time. And if you don’t start early, you might really struggle to catch up. Many people wait until they’re older to start building savings for retirement. And it’s easy to see why. It’s harder to set aside money for retirement when you’re grappling with childcare expenses or new mortgage payments. And then, once your children grow up and go to college, you might face exorbitant tuition bills in the course of helping out. A 2024 AARP study found that 20% of Americans aged 50 and older have no retirement savings whatsoever. But if you reach that age without any money set aside for your senior years, your chances of getting to the $1 million mark may be pretty slim. Read more: Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they’re banking on instead People who retire with $1 million or more tend to start working toward that milestone early on in their careers. If your goal is to retire with $1 million or more, then one of the most important things you can do is start funding an IRA, 401(k), or another dedicated retirement account, at a young age. Story Continues This doesn’t mean you have to start off with large monthly contributions. Even small contributions can go a long way over time. But if you wait too long, you’ll miss out on years of compounded returns in your retirement account. And that could leave you with a serious shortfall on your hands. Imagine you set out to retire at 65, which is when Medicare eligibility typically begins, and you begin funding an IRA or 401(k) at age 25, giving yourself a 40-year investment window. If you contribute $420 a month to your retirement plan during that time and your portfolio delivers a 7% yearly return, which is a bit below the stock market’s average, you’re looking at just over $1 million. But watch what happens when you wait until age 35 to start saving that money. Assuming the same monthly contribution and return, you’re looking at roughly $476,000. Put another way, in this specific example, waiting 10 years to start saving for retirement could cost you over $500,000 for your senior years. So it’s important to start young and stay invested regardless of what’s happening in the market. Experts advise maintaining a diversified, balanced portfolio with an asset allocation that adjusts as you age. If you’re not sure how to shape the best retirement portfolio for your goals, enlist the help of a financial adviser. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of any free money for retirement you can get. In a 2024 Vanguard report, 95% of its employer-sponsored retirement plans offered a match. Of course, another way to build retirement wealth is to consistently live below your means. Roughly 25% of U.S. households were living paycheck to paycheck in 2024, according to Bank of America. If your recurring expenses leave you with no room to fund a retirement account, it may be time to set up a new budget and make some cuts. Another important thing to do is put your retirement savings on autopilot. The good thing about 401(k)s is that once you sign up, your account is funded automatically each pay *******. But not everyone has access to a 401(k). And if you’re limited to an IRA, you won’t get that payroll deduction feature. In that case, your best bet is to set up an automatic transfer from your bank to your IRA each time a paycheck hits. Putting the process on autopilot could help you stay on track. And that could lead to a scenario where you retire with $1 million or more to your name. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #record #number #Americans #401k #millionaires Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How both your genes and lifestyle alter risk of age-related diseases How both your genes and lifestyle alter risk of age-related diseases Exercise can influence your risk of developing age-related conditions Olja Simovic / Alamy Does your lifestyle play the biggest role in determining your risk of age-related conditions, or does the influence of your genes dominate? Thanks to the largest study of its kind, we now have our most comprehensive view yet of how these two factors influence the chance of developing 22 conditions, including dementia and heart disease. Prior studies have linked a wide range of environmental factors to ageing more quickly. But these have involved just a few thousand people and didn’t look at the risks of specific… Source link #genes #lifestyle #alter #risk #agerelated #diseases Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Building a chipmaking fab in the US costs twice as much, takes twice as long as in Taiwan Building a chipmaking fab in the US costs twice as much, takes twice as long as in Taiwan The semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly as countries race to build new fabs. While it takes around 19 months to build a fab in Taiwan, it takes a whopping 38 months to build a fab in the U.S. due to the extensive time it takes to get a permit and because fabs are not constructed 24/7, according to Exyte, a leading engineering, construction, and design company that specializes in high-tech facilities like chip production plants, reports Semiconductor Digest. Swipe to scroll horizontally Region Permit & Design (Months) Construction Start (Month) Construction Duration (Months) Total Duration (Months) USA 14-20 14 24 38 Europe 10-18 10 24 34 SEA (Singapore & Malaysia) 7-15 7 16 23 Taiwan 6-13 6 13 19 Taiwan completes fabs in around 19 months, followed by Singapore and Malaysia at 23 months. European projects take 34 months, while the U.S. is the slowest at 38 months. A key reason for this is Taiwan’s streamlined permit process and round-the-clock construction, whereas the U.S. and Europe face delays in approvals and do not construct 24/7. The U.S. has enacted a law that exempts certain U.S. fabs from federal environmental assessments, but that is obviously not enough to be on par with Taiwan. Costs also differ widely. Constructing a plant in the U.S. is about twice as expensive as in Taiwan, despite similar equipment costs, according to Exyte. This discrepancy arises from higher labor costs, extensive regulatory requirements, and inefficiencies in supply chains. Also, Taiwanese workforce is highly experienced, so Taiwanese builders require fewer detailed blueprints because they are familiar with every step of the process, which speeds up completion of fab projects, according to Herbert Blaschitz, an executive at Exyte. To compete efficiently with Taiwan — which has well-integrated supply chain, experienced workforce, and efficient regulatory processes — the U.S. and Europe must streamline permitting, optimize construction techniques, and adopt advanced planning tools like digital twins. Blaschitz suggests adopting ‘virtual commissioning,’ where a digital model of the plant is created before physical construction begins. This allows potential problems to be identified early, reducing costs and environmental impact while improving speed and efficiency. Modern semiconductor production facilities are huge, both in terms of dimensions and investments. A leading-edge fab — such as those operated by Intel, Samsung Foundry, or TSMC — requires investment exceeding $20 billion, with $4-6 billion allocated just for the structure itself, according to Blaschitz, who highlighted Taiwan’s advantages at the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium. The construction process involves 30-40 million workhours, using 83,000 tons of steel, 5,600 miles of electrical wiring, and 785,000 cubic yards of concrete, according to Blaschitz. A typical fab may include a 40,000-square-meter cleanroom with 2,000 production tools used for lithography, deposition, etching, cleaning, and other operations. Each of the tools requires around 50 individual utility and process connections. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Building #chipmaking #fab #costs #takes #long #Taiwan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]