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Cost of living, spending limits cut *********** lottery spending Cost of living, spending limits cut *********** lottery spending Less people are gambling on lotteries, with digital spend limits hurting the take on one popular game. Financial results from The Lottery Corporation show spending limits lowered digital traffic on Keno in the past few months. The company also notes top lotto payouts have shrunk as people buy into fewer draws and games; overall, revenue has shrunk 5.6 per cent to $1.8bn for the first half of this financial year. Profit before significant items fell 9.9 per cent to $175.7m. The company did not disclose what the $22m significant items were. Camera IconThere were two $100m lotto draws in the past six months. Facebook Credit: News Corp Australia In the results, The Lottery boss says her company’s growth is outpacing inflation and population growth. Comparing the first half of this financial year with the previous, Oz Lotto turnover has fallen more than 20 per cent (down to $521m), and Saturday Lotto is pulling in 12 per cent less revenue ($755m). Powerball is still The Lottery Corporation’s biggest money spinner; attracting $1.2bn of revenue in the first half of this financial year, down just 0.2 per cent. “We grew our active registered customer numbers and digital share on the (previous corresponding *******) and, pleasingly, held onto most of the gains we made during the large jackpots in 2H24,” chief executive Sue van der Merwe said. Camera IconA breakdown of The Lottery Corporation’s revenue and patronage. Supplied Credit: Supplied There are now 4.71 million active registered lottery users, the company says. “This was delivered against a backdrop of 14 per cent lower Division 1 prize offerings across our three most popular games and economic pressures that saw consumers increasingly seek value and purchase less frequently. “The below-model jackpot outcomes are part of the variation in jackpots that can impact volumes in the short term but naturally smooth out over time.” Despite a reduced prize pool, Lottery still put on two $100m-plus Powerball draws in the first half of this financial year. The chief executive acknowledges a downturn but says the business is well placed. “The lotteries market continues to be attractive, delivering uninterrupted, long-term growth, generally ahead of combined population growth and inflation,” Ms van der Merwe said. Camera IconSue van der Merwe said The Lottery Corporation was facing a downturn. Supplied Credit: Supplied “This, together with the strong fundamentals of our business, underpins our ability to generate strong returns for shareholders through the economic cycle.” As spending limits reigned in Keno traffic, Ms van der Merwe says marketing has bolstered the game. “Keno continued to perform very strongly in hotels and clubs where local area marketing and our ‘Together We Play’ campaign have helped strengthen its position as a social connector that brings people together,” she said. In September, Lottery voluntarily brought in mandatory spend limits for all online Keno players. This move slashed digital Keno turnover by 17.5 per cent, “largely offsetting the strong retail performance”, it says in the results. The change also reduced the problem gambling risk rate of Keno from high to medium, the company says. Included in the results is independent research about problem gambling. The Roy Morgan survey finds Australians who only play lotteries and scratch tickets exhibit problem gambling tendencies only 0.05 per cent of the time. The *********** problem gambling average, across all forms of punting, is 4.3 per cent. The Lottery Corporation is offering an unchanged 8 cent interim dividend. Source link #Cost #living #spending #limits #cut #*********** #lottery #spending Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

St. Norbert professors vote ‘no confidence’ in college president after major cuts recommended St. Norbert professors vote ‘no confidence’ in college president after major cuts recommended DE PERE – St. Norbert College faculty voted no confidence in college president Laurie Joyner on Tuesday, more than a month since the college recommended cutting faculty and 13 academic majors. “In light of the overwhelming evidence of failed leadership, we, the faculty of St. Norbert College, formally declare no confidence in the Presidency of Laurie Joyner and call for immediate action by the Board of Trustees to restore leadership that aligns with the mission, values and sustainability of the college,” the resolution, shared with the Press-Gazette, reads. Faculty voted 66-11 to pass the motion, with two abstentions: 85% of voting faculty and administrators in total voted no confidence, according to multiple faculty members who attended the vote. The resolution calls for a pause on faculty and program eliminations, an independent financial review and a leadership change. While no confidence votes are symbolic, they show significant opposition among the faculty to leadership. Administrators who receive no confidence votes leave office within a year about half the time, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. The Press-Gazette reached out to St. Norbert with questions on whether the vote will impact recommendations to cut faculty or influence any other changes. The college did not respond, but provided statements from Patti Brash McKeithan, chair of the college’s board of trustees, and the abbot of St. Norbert Abbey, Dane Radecki, who stated the board and the Norbertines will both continue to back Joyner. “We are deeply disappointed by the vote of no confidence. This vote, unfortunately, adds to the misguided and misinformed campaign attempting to diminish President Joyner’s efforts and trust in her leadership. We stand firmly with President Joyner, and we urge the community to see the ******* picture and the progress we have made under her leadership,” a portion of the letter from McKeithan reads. “Votes of no confidence have become weapons of resistance rather than genuine warnings of leadership failure. We call on faculty, staff, students, and alumni to focus on constructive engagement—working with the administration to navigate challenges rather than seeking to delay, deny, and delegitimize the leadership charged with enacting essential changes to ensure St. Norbert College continues its inspiring mission.” The statement comes less than two weeks after McKeithan released an initial letter backing Joyner. This is the second no confidence vote Joyner has faced in her career. At Saint Xavier University, faculty members voted no confidence 71-33 after university administration reportedly stopped recognizing the faculty union and rewrote faculty bylaws. Joyner left Saint Xavier, which is in Chicago, for St. Norbert in 2023, just under two years after the vote. St. Norbert faculty were first notified they’d been recommended for cuts on Jan. 15. The college still hasn’t made a decision on whether those cuts will be finalized, which some professors have said leaves them in limbo on what their futures will look like. Faculty members declined to speak on the record before cuts have been finalized. The recommended cuts would eliminate 13 majors, including theology, and revise four more, and administrators said at a town hall that there would “probably” be a fourth round of cuts in the future. St. Norbert hasn’t released the final number of faculty recommended to be cut or what that timeline looks like. From a former president: ‘Snuffing out the light’: Former St. Norbert president opposes recommended cuts in letter to trustees Students were told the college would ensure they’d be able to fulfill their degree requirements and that the administration was exploring options including online programs, working with partners like UW-Green Bay and hiring adjunct professors. St. Norbert’s faculty handbook forbids the college from hiring new professors in academic areas where tenured faculty have been terminated unless the terminated professor was offered and rejected reinstatement. When asked about this, marketing communications director Morgan Bobinski said the college’s leadership is following faculty handbook guidelines “exactly as written.” On Jan. 31, the American Catholic Historical Association announced it was canceling its 2025 spring conference, which was scheduled to be held at St. Norbert, due to news of the college’s recommended cuts to the humanities. The association urged the college not to go through with the recommendations. No confidence votes aren’t unheard of in Wisconsin. Last year, both the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and Marquette University voted no confidence in their administration. This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: St. Norbert professors vote ‘no confidence’ in president after cuts Source link #Norbert #professors #vote #confidence #college #president #major #cuts #recommended Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump says he may impose auto tariffs of around 25% Trump says he may impose auto tariffs of around 25% Trump weighs reciprocal tariffs President Trump says reciprocal tariffs will increase U.S. revenue, but some warn of risks 02:43 Washington — President Trump said Tuesday that he could impose hefty tariffs on automobile imports, but said he would have more to say in early April. “I probably will tell you that on April 2, but it’ll be in the neighborhood of 25%,” Mr. Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Florida. The president also mentioned tariffs on pharmaceuticals and semiconductor imports that he said would be “25% and higher — and it’ll go very substantially higher over course of a year.” Mr. Trump said he wants to give companies “a little bit of a chance” to set up factories in the U.S. before unveiling the new levies. Mr. Trump has threatened sweeping new tariffs, maintaining that they will bolster the U.S. economy over the long term, while acknowledging that they could cause prices to go up for Americans in the short term. He has imposed a 10% tariff on all imports from China and ordered 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. He also signed off on 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, but delayed them after both countries announced they would take actions to address the flow of fentanyl over the border into the U.S. Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Source link #Trump #impose #auto #tariffs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jury reaches verdict in A$AP Rocky assault trial – ABC News Jury reaches verdict in A$AP Rocky assault trial – ABC News Jury reaches verdict in A$AP Rocky assault trial ABC NewsJurors have reached a verdict at the felony trial of rapper A$AP Rocky YahooA$AP Rocky verdict is in CNNASAP rocky trial Los Angeles: Jurors reach verdict in rappers gun assault case ABC7 Los AngelesA$AP Rocky assault trial jury deliberations begin CBS News Source link #Jury #reaches #verdict #AAP #Rocky #assault #trial #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******* patients not getting right care, say doctors ******* patients not getting right care, say doctors Getty Images Senior doctors responsible for monitoring ******* care in England and Wales are concerned failings in NHS services are contributing to up to half of patients are not getting the right treatment for some cancers. In evidence provided to the BBC, the National ******* Audit Collaborating Centre (NatCan) highlighted particular problems with prostate, kidney and colon cancers. The expert group said it had found significant variation between hospitals and warned the problems accessing nationally-recommended treatments were putting lives at risk. It carries out audits across nine major cancers – responsible for 80% of cases – and has found shortfalls across a range of different ******* types and stages. Figures shared with the BBC show: 30% of patients with high-risk prostate ******* do not get curative treatment with either surgery or radiotherapy, with performance varying between 20% and 43% across different services34% of stage three colon ******* cases do not get chemotherapy within three months of surgery – at some hospitals the numbers exceed 60%50% of stage four renal cell carcinoma patients, a type of kidney ******* that has spread to other parts of the body, do not get drug treatment – with performance varying between 20% and 85% NatCan said while a ********* of patients would be choosing not to have treatment themselves and others may not be well enough, that could not fully explain the scale of the shortfall or variation between hospitals. Governments in both nations say improving services is a key priority and England is in the process of drawing up a new ******* strategy, which ministers say will revolutionise services. ‘I was lucky’ Ian Pattison is in remission after being diagnosed with high-risk prostate ******* in 2020 Ian Pattison’s case highlights the value of getting the right treatment. He was diagnosed with high-risk prostate ******* in 2020, at the age of 65. It had started spreading to nearby organs and he was offered the nationally-recommended treatment of hormone therapy and radiotherapy for his particular type of *******. He said the treatment was brutal but, now aged 70, his ******* is in remission and he is enjoying life. Mr Pattison, from Durham, said: “I was lucky that I live close to a specialist ******* centre in Newcastle where I could get the best treatment. “It was hard going through it all and coping with the side effects but I am so thankful I got the treatment. “I feel fit and well. I love walking, spending time with my family and looking after the grandchildren.” Huge difference But Prof Ajay Aggarwal, clinical director at NatCan, which is run by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) for NHS England and the Welsh government, said it was concerning so many patients were not getting the recommended treatment, adding that the variation was hard to understand. “We need to do better,” he said. “With *******, we often hear people talking about what the next breakthrough is but, the fact remains, using what we have better could make a huge difference. It would extend and save lives.” Prof Aggarwal said there were likely to be several reasons for the problems and variation, including some services unfairly assuming older patients could not cope with treatment, as well as problems with staffing and capacity. He said there was evidence of smaller hospitals not always referring patients on to specialist centres where they can get treatment but added that even some of the big centres were coming up short for some cancers. But the problems, he added, were not uniform with treatment rates for some ******* types much better. RCS president Tim Mitchell said echoed the concerns, saying: “The NHS has access to world-class ******* treatments and care, but inconsistent delivery means far too many patients miss out. “At worst, this may mean some patients are needlessly dying or in unnecessary pain.” Staggering And ******* charities said tacking the failings was arguably more important than reducing waiting times. Eve Byrne, from Macmillan ******* Support, said the findings were “quite staggering”, adding that tackling the variation should be the “number one priority” in the forthcoming national ******* strategy. “Getting the best care to give you the greatest chance of survival should not come down to which hospital you attend or where you live in the country,” she said. Ms Byrne said patients should get the right care for their particular type of *******, no matter where they are. “We are concerned that people from deprived, rural or ethnically diverse communities could be losing out in particular,” she said. Amy Rylance, from Prostate ******* ***, said patients were effectively being denied their “best chance of a cure”, adding: “This needs to change now.” NHS England ******* director Prof Peter Johnson said: “We know that patients’ experience of ******* treatment does vary too often – and we are working hard to address this.” And a Department of Health and Social Care spokesman said: “Patients should be able to access the ******* care they need regardless of where they live and we are committed to addressing health inequalities as we rebuild the NHS.” A new ******* strategy is expected to be published in the second half of the year, which Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said will revolutionise services. A Welsh government spokeswoman said it was working with the NHS to “plan, deliver, recover and improve ******* services”. She said the audit highlighted areas where further work was needed. Source link #******* #patients #care #doctors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Windy Harbour bushfire: DFES downgrades bushfire to watch and act following downfall of rain Windy Harbour bushfire: DFES downgrades bushfire to watch and act following downfall of rain The Windy Harbour bushfire, which has razed about 25,000ha of land, has been downgraded to a watch and act following a downfall of rain. The Department of Fire and Emergency Services downgraded its emergency warning for residents in Windy Harbour, Shannon National Park, Boorara-Gardner National Park and D’entrecasteaux National Park about 6am on Wednesday after light rain fell over the fireground. The watch and act is also in place for people living in parts of Shannon, Boorara Brooke, Broke, Meerup and Northcliffe State Forest, excluding the Northcliffe Townsite in the Shire of Manjimup. “While some light rain has reduced bushfire behaviour, forecast warm and windy conditions later today may increase fire behaviour,” a DFES spokesperson said. Camera IconThe Windy Harbour bushfire, which has razed about 25,000ha of land, has been downgraded to a watch and act following a downfall of rain. Credit: Emergency WA “Stay alert and monitor your surroundings as conditions could change. “Keep your doors and windows closed to keep out smoke. “Continue to patrol your property and be ready to put out spot fires.” The blaze — which was sparked by lightning — is not contained or controlled. Multiple bushfires are still burning in the area. Firefighters were patrolling the fire ground through the night and fire trucks remain on standby in the Windy Harbour sentiment. A number of roads including Windy Harbour Road, south of Summertime Track, Deeside Coast Road south from Middleton Road, Chesapeake Road south of Andrews Road to Broke Inlet Road and Broke Inlet Road from South Western Highway have been closed. Parts of Shannon and D’Entrecasteaux national parks are closed, including all roads and tracks east and west of Windy Harbour Road, and tracks located west of South Western Highway, northwest of Broke Inlet Road, and north of Broke Inlet and the Southern Ocean All roads south of Double Bridge Road have also been closed. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, reduce speed and drive carefully. A bushfire advice is also in place for parts of North Walpole, Shannon, Broke, Crowea, Boorara Brook, Northcliffe, Meerup and Callup, in the Shire of Manjimup. There is no threat to lives and homes. Source link #Windy #Harbour #bushfire #DFES #downgrades #bushfire #watch #act #downfall #rain Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Senate confirms Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary, a key role for Trump’s trade agenda Senate confirms Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary, a key role for Trump’s trade agenda U.S. President Donald Trump speaks from the Oval Office of the White House, flanked by U.S. Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, on the day he signs executive orders for reciprocal tariffs, in Washington, U.S., February 13, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters The Senate confirmed wealthy financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary Tuesday, putting in place a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump’s hardline trade polices. At the Commerce Department, Lutnick, who was CEO at the investment firm Cantor Fitzgerald, will oversee 50,000 employees who do everything from collecting economic statistics to running the census to issuing weather reports. But he’s likely to spend a lot of time — along with Jamieson Greer, Trump’s nominee to be the top U.S. trade negotiator — managing the president’s aggressive plans to impose import taxes on U.S. trading partners, including allies and adversaries alike. The Sentae vote to confirm Lutnick was 51-45. Trump views the tariffs as a versatile economic tool. They can raise money to finance his tax cuts elsewhere, protect U.S. industries and pressure other countries into making concessions on such issues as their own trade barriers, immigration and drug trafficking. Mainstream economists mostly view tariffs as counterproductive: They are paid by import companies in the United States, which try to pass along the higher costs to consumers and can thereby add to inflationary pressures throughout the economy. At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense” the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation. He expressed support for deploying across-the-board tariffs “country by country” to strong-arm other countries into lowering barriers to American exports. Trump last week announced plans for “reciprocal” tariffs — raising U.S. import tax rates to match the higher taxes that other countries impose on goods from the U.S. The move would shatter the rules that have governed world trade for decades. Since the 1960s, tariff rates have mostly emerged from negotiations between dozens of countries. Trump is commandeering the process. The president has also imposed 10% tariffs on ******** imports and effectively raised U.S. taxes on foreign steel and aluminum. He has threatened — and delayed until March 4 — 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. Lutnick was CEO at Cantor Fitzgerald when its offices were hit in the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center. The firm lost two-thirds of its employees — 658 people — that day, including Lutnick’s brother. Howard Lutnick led the firm’s recovery and is a member of the Board of Directors of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Lutnick has promised to sell off his business holdings. They’re complicated. His financial disclosure statement showed that he had positions in more than 800 businesses and other private organizations. Source link #Senate #confirms #Howard #Lutnick #commerce #secretary #key #role #Trumps #trade #agenda Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The #1 Habit to Quit by 50 to Lower Your Risk for High Blood Pressure The #1 Habit to Quit by 50 to Lower Your Risk for High Blood Pressure Having high blood pressure—something that roughly half of Americans are living with—is a big deal. It increases the risk for stroke, heart attack and heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the U.S. Here’s the good news: High blood pressure is largely preventable. As a cardiologist explains here, having high blood pressure when you’re older than 50 brings additional risks, making it even more dangerous. Here, he shares the one habit he wishes everyone would stop by 50 to significantly reduce the risk of getting high blood pressure. Related: SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week What Causes High Blood Pressure and Who Is Most At Risk? Dr. Deval Mehta, MD, FACC, a cardiologist at Texas Health Huguley Hospital Fort Worth South, explains that a variety of factors cause high blood pressure. One is genetics. “If you have a family history of high blood pressure, your risk is greater,” Dr. Mehta says. According to scientific research, having a family history of high blood pressure increases the risk between 40 and 50%. That doesn’t mean if it runs in your family that you are destined to have it, but it does mean you should talk to a cardiologist about what you can do to lower your risk. “An unhealthy diet, particularly one high in salt, saturated fats and cholesterol, can also contribute to elevated blood pressure levels,” Dr. Mehta says. He adds that a sedentary lifestyle is another major factor. “Lack of physical activity can lead to weight gain and subsequently, hypertension. Obesity itself puts extra strain on your heart, further increasing the risk,” Dr. Mehta says. Additionally, Dr. Mehta says that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are known to raise blood pressure. Related: What’s More Important for Heart Health: Lowering Dietary Cholesterol or Saturated ****? If you have a chronic health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes or sleep apnea, Dr. Mehta says you are at an increased risk for high blood pressure. “Managing these factors through lifestyle changes and medical intervention is crucial in preventing and controlling hypertension,” he says. Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous? Dr. Mehta explains that the reason why having high blood pressure is dangerous is because it can lead to a range of severe health problems. “One of the most significant risks is heart disease, as hypertension increases the likelihood of heart attacks and heart failure. Additionally, high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the brain to burst or become clogged more easily, leading to strokes,” he says. According to scientific research, 54% of strokes and 47% of coronary heart disease can be attributed to high blood pressure. “Hypertension can damage the blood vessels within the kidneys, potentially resulting in kidney failure,” Dr. Mehta says, highlighting another potential outcome of high blood pressure. “Furthermore, high blood pressure can harm the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss. Managing blood pressure is crucial to prevent these dangerous health issues,” he says. Related: The Heart Health Issue Nearly 1 in 5 People Don’t Know They Have, According to Cardiologists The #1 Habit To Quit by 50 To Reduce Your Risk of High Blood Pressure Here’s what’s scary about high blood pressure: You can have it and not even know it. “High blood pressure by itself does not cause any symptoms and patients can go undiagnosed for several years unless one undergoes routine blood pressure measurements at medical visits. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called a silent killer,” Dr. Mehta says. Being 50 or older and having high blood pressure comes with additional risks. Dr. Mehta says that older adults are more likely to experience complications from high blood pressure. “They are more likely to experience cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. Additionally, high blood pressure is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline, including dementia and cognitive impairment,” he says. He adds that older adults are also more susceptible to kidney damage caused by hypertension, making it crucial for them to manage their blood pressure effectively to reduce these risks. Related: If You Want to Lower Your Heart Attack Risk, Cardiologists Say You Should Do This One Thing Every Day This is why it’s important to do what you can to prevent high blood pressure before you’re 50. There’s one habit in particular Dr. Mehta says everyone under 50 should quit: smoking. “Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to lower your risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of heart disease. By quitting smoking, you can significantly improve your heart and overall well-being,” he says. Certainly no matter how old you are, quitting smoking is beneficial. The sooner you do it, the better! If you are 50 or younger and use tobacco, give up this unhealthy habit today to protect your heart both now and in the future. Up Next: Related: 20 Registered Dietitian-Approved Heart-Healthy Snacks That Taste Great, Too Sources Source link #Habit #Quit #Risk #High #Blood #Pressure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

******** confirms Pope Francis’ pneumonia, supporters gather outside hospital with prayers – CNN ******** confirms Pope Francis’ pneumonia, supporters gather outside hospital with prayers – CNN ******** confirms Pope Francis’ pneumonia, supporters gather outside hospital with prayers CNNPope Francis, Hospitalized, Has Pneumonia, ******** Says The New York Times Source link #******** #confirms #Pope #Francis #pneumonia #supporters #gather #hospital #prayers #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Birmingham driver rammed cyclist to teach him wheelies lesson Birmingham driver rammed cyclist to teach him wheelies lesson Shyamantha Asokan BBC News, West Midlands Driver Abdirahman Ibrahim pursued Liam Jones after seeing him pull a wheelie on his e-bike A driver murdered a cyclist by deliberately ramming him with his car to teach him a lesson for pulling a wheelie, police said. Victim Liam Jones, 22, died at the scene after Abdirahman Ibrahim drove into him twice as he rode his electric bike in Sheldon, Birmingham. Ibrahim, 21, of Bonham Grove, Birmingham, struck Mr Jones before driving off when the cyclist was fatally injured crashing into a bollard, West Midlands Police said. The defendant was convicted on Monday after a trial at Birmingham Crown Court, and is due to be sentenced on 26 March. West Midlands Police Police said Liam Jones fell off his bike and crashed into a concrete bollard after being hit by the car Police said Ibrahim’s brother, Abdullahi, was a passenger in his car when the ****** happened. Abdullahi Ibrahim, 21, of Acacia Close in Lewisham, London, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender at a hearing last April and is also due to be sentenced at the same hearing. West Midlands Police Abdirahman Ibrahim followed Liam Jones and deliberately rammed him twice with his car, West Midlands Police said Abdirahman Ibrahim first came across Mr Jones and a friend when they were riding their bikes late at night on Coventry Road on 1 August 2023, police said. He started to follow them in his Seat Leon and CCTV footage showed the car close behind Mr Jones, who was performing a “stand-up wheelie”, the force said. The driver kept pursuing the riders and drove into Mr Jones twice on Moat Lane in Sheldon, shortly before midnight. Mr Jones was confirmed dead at the scene. He then drove away and parked his car in another neighbourhood, while his brother called for a taxi to take them home, police said. Det Insp Nick Barnes said Abdirahman Ibrahim was “intent on causing harm” to Mr Jones and “menacingly” pursued him. “We believe he was angered by Liam’s showboating and wanted to teach him a lesson,” he said. “Tragically, Liam lost his life and Ibrahim will now spend many years of his own young life in prison.” Source link #Birmingham #driver #rammed #cyclist #teach #wheelies #lesson Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Looks Like We’re Getting GTA In Fortnite Before GTA 6 Looks Like We’re Getting GTA In Fortnite Before GTA 6 Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2, aka Lawless season, starts on Friday, and it’s bringing us an early dose of something we thought we’d have to wait until at least the fall for: a new Grand Theft Auto. Not literally, of course. Epic is not collaborating with Rockstar Games here–they’re just adding a new urban location on the map called Crime City, and we’ll be spending much of our time this season stealing stuff from vaults, armored cars, and the train, and each other. Yep, sounds like GTA to me. It’s amusing timing, given that the very long awaited Grand Theft Auto 6 looks like it might actually come out this year, a decade and two console generations since GTA 5 launched back in 2013. But even with a proper new GTA title finally peeking its head above the horizon, Epic beat them to the punch with Lawless season. Not convinced by the comparison? Let’s take a look at the season trailer. The cinematic part at the beginning puts a heavy emphasis on breaking into vaults and stealing stuff, but it’s a little different than it was in past heist seasons–in addition to the vaults that are in buildings, we’ve got armored security vans, and even the train will now be a moving vault you have to blow open and which is defended by turrets. In other words: we’ll have some GTA Online-style missions to do in the middle of our battle royale matches. But the big tell, for the purposes of the GTA comparison here, is the tone. While Fortnite loves its heist seasons, they’ve usually been a bit classier about it with more of an Ocean’s 11 feel–whereas Lawless season is more grungy and down in the dirt the way GTA has always been. And because it’s Fortnite, it doesn’t have any problem matching GTA’s irreverence–these two brands have a similar lack of respect for everything. After last summer’s controversial Wrecked season, the thought of another vehicle-focused season might be a little scary for some. But this appears to be a middle ground, meaning there appears to be a more measured increase in emphasis on vehicles this time–there’s no sign of upgrades or mounted weapons for the vehicles, for one thing, so you’ll have to stick your head out the window and shoot your guns as usual. That said, I actually thought Wrecked season was delightful, so you wouldn’t hear me complain about a potential new focus on cars anyway. Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 kicks off on Friday, February 21, and we’ve got a rundown of everything we know so far about the new season right here. Source link #GTA #Fortnite #GTA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jake Bradford disappearance: Kayle Adam Hansen pleads guilty to manslaughter after human remains found Jake Bradford disappearance: Kayle Adam Hansen pleads guilty to manslaughter after human remains found Just days before he was set to face trial, a man has made an admission in relation to a 21-year-old who vanished more than two years ago. Source link #Jake #Bradford #disappearance #Kayle #Adam #Hansen #pleads #guilty #manslaughter #human #remains Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jurors have reached a verdict at the felony trial of rapper A$AP Rocky Jurors have reached a verdict at the felony trial of rapper A$AP Rocky LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jurors in Los Angeles reached a verdict Tuesday at the trial of rapper A$AP Rocky, who is charged with firing a gun at a former friend. The jury of seven women and five men reached their unanimous decision after deliberating for only about three hours after a three-week trial that ended with closing arguments on Friday. The verdict will be read Tuesday afternoon. The hip-hop star is charged with two felony counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm. With a conviction, he could be sentenced to as much as 24 years in prison. He and his attorneys are making their way to the downtown Los Angeles courtroom, where he could be taken into custody if convicted. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Prosecutors said Rocky twice fired a gun at his former longtime friend, who goes by A$AP Relli, during a dispute on a Hollywood street in 2021. Relli, the key witness for the prosecution, said his knuckles were grazed by one of the shots, but he was otherwise uninjured. The defense argued that Rocky fired blanks from a prop gun that he picked up from a music video set. The jurors were also instructed that they could find him not guilty if they deemed he was acting in self-defense. The Grammy-nominated hip-hop star, fashion mogul and actor is the longtime partner of singing superstar Rihanna. The two 36-year-olds have two toddler sons together. She attended much of the trial and brought their sons to closing arguments last week. It wasn’t immediately clear whether she would be in the courtroom for the reading of the verdict. Source link #Jurors #reached #verdict #felony #trial #rapper #AAP #Rocky Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stocks set to rise; RBNZ expected to cut rates Stocks set to rise; RBNZ expected to cut rates Japan’s Osaka is the 43rd most expensive city to live in, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit. Mlenny | E+ | Getty Images Japan stocks were set to rise Wednesday, after Wall Street gained overnight with the S&P 500 closing at a record high as investors looked past tariffs and inflation headwinds. Futures for Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 in Chicago were trading at 39,320, while those in Osaka last traded at 39,290, compared with the index’s last close of 39,270.40. Business sentiment for Japanese manufacturers rose for the second month in February, results from the Reuters Tankan poll indicates. The manufacturers’ sentiment index rose to plus 3 — its highest level since November — from plus 2 in January. Overnight in the U.S., all three indexes rose, with the S&P 500 closing at a record high after stocks rallied seconds before the closing bell. The broad market index gained 0.24% to a record close of 6,129.58, after touching an intraday record of 6,129.63 before the final bell. The Nasdaq Composite closed up 0.07% at 20,041.26, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 10 points, or 0.02%, to finish the session at 44,556.34. The energy sector was the best-performer in the S&P 500, rising 1.9%, while tech stocks also ticked up. — CNBC’s Brian Evans and Sarah Min contributed to this report. Source link #Stocks #set #rise #RBNZ #expected #cut #rates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – The White House Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) – The White House Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Expands Access to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) The White HouseTrump signs order to study how to expand IVF and calls for ‘radical transparency’ from government The Associated PressTrump has signed an executive order on IVF. Here’s what you should know about the procedure YahooSen. Britt reacts to Trump’s order expanding IVF access CNN’Promises kept’: Trump signs executive order to ‘aggressively’ make IVF more affordable and accessible Fox News Source link #Fact #Sheet #President #Donald #Trump #Expands #Access #Vitro #Fertilization #IVF #White #House Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Zelensky could fall’, as US and Russia agree more talks ‘Zelensky could fall’, as US and Russia agree more talks The talks between Russia and the US over negotiating the end of the Ukraine war make the front of several newspapers. The Financial Times calls it an “extraordinary turn of events in a matter of days”, saying the sight of Russian and US flags flying next to each other was “almost unthinkable even a few weeks ago”. The paper says it has sparked fears in Ukraine and EU states that President Donald Trump will settle the conflict on Moscow’s terms, after the US previously said Ukraine’s ambition to join Nato and reclaim land taken by Russia were not “realistic”. As part of their provisional agreement, the US and Russia agreed that Ukraine must hold elections before any peace deal was reached, reports the Daily Telegraph. The paper says it raises concerns that Russia could use the ballot to oust Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and “install a pro-Putin candidate who would agree to peace terms favourable to Moscow”. The Telegraph says some polls suggest voters’ support for Zelensky dropping to about 50% in late 2024. The Guardian says the talks saw US and Russia agree to focus on the “economic and investment opportunities” that could come out of ending the war. The paper points out that the high-level discussions, which were the most extensive negotiations between the two countries in three years, marked a “clear break” with the Biden administration’s attempt to isolate Moscow. The i newspaper focuses on Russia’s refusal to accept foreign peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of any deal – something that the *** and some other European countries had suggested. It sets the *** on a “collision course” with Russia, the i says. The paper adds that *** Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer – who earlier this week said he would consider sending British troops to Ukraine – is preparing to “double down” on his plans. But according to the Times, the *** is exploring other ways of providing security guarantees to Ukraine in any peace deal – rather than necessarily sending in large numbers of troops on the ground. It cites a government source as suggesting there could be an “air policing” mission. In theory, says the Times, dozens of Typhoon fighter jets could patrol Ukraine’s skies. Away from Ukraine, the Daily Mail focuses on a row between Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and the most senior judge in England and Wales over comments made about an immigration case. Lady Chief Justice Baroness Sue Carr said on Tuesday she was “deeply troubled” by “unacceptable” remarks by Badenoch and Sir Keir about how a judge handled a decision over whether to let a Gaza family stay in the ***. The Mail says Badenoch has now “hit back”, saying politicians have a right to speak out about the judiciary. The Duchess of Sussex features in several of the papers after she announced a new name for her forthcoming lifestyle brand. But the Sun says Meghan has been accused of copying the coat of arms from a Majorcan town for her logo. The mayor of Porreres was reportedly “stunned” by the similarities, telling the paper: “We will ask Meghan to remove the logo from their website.” “Duchess facing pain in Spain,” quips the paper. The Mirror has an exclusive interview with the mother of Alice da Silva Aguiar, one of the three girls killed in the Southport attack. The paper says Alex Aguiar has paid a loving tribute to her daughter in her first public comments since the attack, saying she and her husband’s lives were complete with Alice. “We had everything,” she tells the paper. The Metro focuses on Thames Water winning the High Court’s approval to borrow a £3bn rescue loan to keep it afloat. The ***’s largest water and waste company – which supplies about 16 million households in London and the South East – was about to run out of cash by the end of March. The paper says it’s part of the “scandal of Britain’s waterworks”, saying three other water companies have separately asked the regulator Ofwat to let them raise bills again to help them fix their infrastructure. The Daily Star reports on a survey on people in the ***’s love of pyjamas – saying that 60% of workers change into their PJs as soon as they get home after work. Half of people who work from home also wear them all day, the paper adds. And the Daily Express reports on the latest in the row between farmers and the government over planned changes to inheritance tax rules for farms. The paper says farmers are furious and say their blood was “boiling” after talks between farmers’ union and the Treasury on Tuesday. Farmers say the government were “deaf” to their concerns. The government says it “strongly believe this is a fair and balanced approach which helps fix the public services we all rely on”. Source link #Zelensky #fall #Russia #agree #talks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Judge won’t block Musk from worker layoffs, data access Judge won’t block Musk from worker layoffs, data access A federal judge has refused to immediately block billionaire Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing government data systems or participating in worker layoffs. US District Judge Tanya Chutkan found there are legitimate questions about Musk’s authority, but said there isn’t evidence of the kind of grave legal harm that would justify a temporary restraining order. The decision came in a lawsuit filed by 14 Democratic states challenging DOGE’s authority to access sensitive government data. The attorneys-general argued Musk is wielding the kind of power the constitution says can only be held by those who are elected or confirmed by the Senate. The Trump administration, for its part, has maintained that layoffs are coming from agency heads, and asserted that despite his public cheering of the effort Musk isn’t directly running DOGE’s day-to-day operations himself. DOGE has tapped into computer systems across multiple agencies with the blessing of US President Donald Trump, digging into budgets and searching for what he calls waste, fraud and abuse, even as a growing number of lawsuits allege DOGE is violating the law. Chutkan recognized the concerns of the group of states, which include New Mexico and Arizona. “DOGE’s unpredictable actions have resulted in considerable uncertainty and confusion,” she wrote. Their questions about Musk’s apparent “unchecked authority” and lack of congressional oversight for DOGE are legitimate and they may be able to successfully argue them later. Still, at this point, it remains unclear exactly how DOGE’s work will affect the states, and judges can only issue orders to block specific, immediate harms, she found. Chutkan, who was nominated by Democratic President Barack Obama, previously oversaw the now-dismissed criminal election interference case against Trump in Washington, DC. Source link #Judge #wont #block #Musk #worker #layoffs #data #access Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3.0-magnitude earthquake shakes western Washington, seismologists say. What to know 3.0-magnitude earthquake shakes western Washington, seismologists say. What to know A 3.0-magnitude earthquake shook the western part of Washington on Tuesday, Feb. 18, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The 5.4-mile deep quake hit about 7 miles east from Greenwater at 9:54 a.m., according to the USGS. The quake’s epicenter was in the Snoqualmie National Forest. More than 20 people from as far away as Everett and Seattle reported feeling the tremor to the agency. Greenwater is a a census-designated place in Pierce County with a population of 97. The turquoise dot shows where the earthquake hit. What to know about earthquakes Magnitude measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, the U.S. Geological Survey says. It replaces the old Richter scale. Quakes between 2.5 and 5.4 magnitude are often felt but rarely cause much damage, according to Michigan Tech. Quakes below 2.5 magnitude are seldom felt by most people. Earthquakes’ sudden, rapid shaking can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. They can happen anywhere, but they’re most common in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico and Washington, according to the Department of Homeland Security. If an earthquake strikes, it’s best to protect yourself right away. Here are tips from experts: If you’re in a car: Pull over and stop. Set your parking brake. If you’re in bed: Turn face-down and cover your head with a pillow. If you’re outdoors: Stay away from buildings. Don’t go inside. If you’re inside: Stay and don’t run outdoors. Stay away from doorways. The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. “Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy,” officials say. “If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.” Be sure to cover your head and neck with your arms, and crawl under a sturdy table if possible. If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Once under a table, officials say you should hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it. “There can be serious hazards after an earthquake, such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines,” officials say. “Expect aftershocks to follow the main shock of an earthquake. Be ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On if you feel an aftershock.” Source link #3.0magnitude #earthquake #shakes #western #Washington #seismologists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

HP acquires Human Ai and gives the AI pin a humane death HP acquires Human Ai and gives the AI pin a humane death Humane AI Pin’s short, bumpy ride is over. HP announced on Tuesday (February 18) that it was acquiring the company and absorbing some employees for $116 million. According to a report in Bloomberg, the Human AI pin will be discontinued. In a release on the acquisition, HP notes that it will “acquire key AI capabilities from Humane, including their AI-powered platform Cosmos, highly skilled technical talent, and intellectual property with more than 300 patents and patent applications.” It makes no mention of hardware. Humane AI was a fascinating wearable AI computing device that arrived in November 2023. Instead of a screen, the device featured a camera to watch your world and a tiny projector; you held out your hand and could see little messages and information from the pin. You interacted with the platform through voice and gestures. It sounded, at the time, like the future. Humane AI Pin, though, ran aground in April 2024 when early adopters delivered scathing reviews. YouTube giant Marques Brownlee called it “The worst product I’ve ever reviewed… for now.” That conclusion and a collection of other terrible reviews more or less sealed its fate. Well, that and issues with the batter clip that may have been a fire hazard. Even TechRadar rated it one of the biggest tech flops of 2024. HP AI gets Humane HP, though, sounds more than impressed with the system’s AI capabilities and plans to weave them (or some form of them) throughout HP products. From the release: Humane’s engineers “will help us create an intelligent ecosystem across all HP devices from AI PCs to smart printers and connected conference rooms. This will unlock new levels of functionality for our customers and deliver on the promises of AI.” For HP, which has been comparatively quiet on the AI innovation front, this acquisition could be a real boon to its business. As for the Humane AI team, they have nothing but praise for their new owners. In a release on the Humane website, Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri, Co-founders of Humane, wrote, “We’re excited to join HP at such a pivotal moment in the industry and help shape the future of intelligent experiences,” said. Humane’s release also makes no mention of the AI Pin. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. This is good news for Humane AI fans and, obviously, less good news for those who paid $699 for the pin. Perhaps HP will offer them, discounts on whatever HP products end up featuring Humane AI. You might also like Source link #acquires #Human #pin #humane #death Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kevin Spacey Responds To Guy Pearce's 'L.A. Confidential' Set Allegations – Deadline Kevin Spacey Responds To Guy Pearce's 'L.A. Confidential' Set Allegations – Deadline Kevin Spacey Responds To Guy Pearce’s ‘L.A. Confidential’ Set Allegations Deadline‘He targeted me’: Guy Pearce says he ‘sobbed’ over Kevin Spacey encounters The GuardianKevin Spacey says Guy Pearce is ‘not a victim’ after Pearce says he was ‘targeted’ by Spacey Yahoo EntertainmentKevin Spacey Fires Back After Guy Pearce Says He Was ‘Targeted’ on ‘L.A. Confidential’ Set: ‘Grow Up, Guy. You Are Not a Victim’ VarietyKevin Spacey posts agressive video refuting Guy Pearce’s allegations Marca English Source link #Kevin #Spacey #Responds #Guy #Pearce039s #039L.A #Confidential039 #Set #Allegations #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clive Palmer to announce his new political party, Trumpet of Patriots Clive Palmer to announce his new political party, Trumpet of Patriots Billionaire Clive Palmer is set to announce his new political party, Trumpet of Patriots, with initial campaign material echoing lines from Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again pitch, including calls to “drain the swamp”. The mining magnate is expected to share more details of the new political party at a press conference in Canberra at 11am on Wednesday. According to the party’s temporary website, Trumpet of Patriots is promising “commonsense policies for Australia” and will be critical of the “Labor and Liberal duopoly” as well as the Greens and teal independents. Camera IconClive Palmer is set to announce his new political party Trumpet of Patriots. NewsWire/ Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia The website also features candidate nomination forms for both lower house and senate seats. “The simple reason your cost of living is so high is because Australians are being ripped off by the political system, unelected bureaucrats and the lobbyists who support them,” the website says. “Enough is enough! We will drain the swamp!” Mr Palmer’s political pitch follows the voluntary deregistration of his former United Australia Party (UAP) in late 2022, which was unable to be re-registered despite a failed High Court challenge. The Queensland-based rich lister has also previously spent $123m on the 2022 federal election, which installed his candidate Ralph Babet in the Senate. Anthony Albanese dashed the political effectiveness of Mr Palmer’s new party while acknowledging people were entitled to run. “A bloke who spends over $100 million to deliver one senate seat with a bloke who sits in the corner and just engages in conspiracy theories I don’t think represents value for money,” the Prime Minister said. “I’m not sure what the objective of them is, but people are entitled to put themselves forward in an election, but if you’re a serious political party, then you have to have serious policies.” More to come Source link #Clive #Palmer #announce #political #party #Trumpet #Patriots Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Conagra Stock Tumbled by Nearly 6% on Tuesday Why Conagra Stock Tumbled by Nearly 6% on Tuesday The market didn’t find the stock of Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) very tasty on the first trading day of the week after the holiday weekend. On the back of significantly lowered guidance, investors collectively traded out of the veteran packaged foods company to the point where the shares lost almost 6% of their value. And this was on a day when the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) landed in positive territory, with a 0.2% rise. Conagra revealed the new outlook for its fiscal 2025, and it’s no wonder investors found it wanting. The company now believes its organic sales will fall by roughly 2% compared to the previous fiscal year; formerly, it was guiding for a decline of only around 0.7% to 0.8%. It also shaved its forecast for non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) adjusted earnings per share. Management is now modeling approximately $2.35 per share for the *******, where before it expected $2.45 to $2.50. By comparison, the fiscal 2024 result was $2.67. In its update, Conagra attributed the lowered guidance to “customer service interruptions.” These were due, the company said, to supply constraints on a pair of key frozen meal product categories: chicken and frozen vegetables. It added that foreign exchange rates are also expected to weigh negatively on results. In the outlook, Conagra quoted CEO Sean Connolly as saying that his company is still “pleased with the strong and consistently improving demand we have experienced this year.” “While we’ve faced recent challenges servicing that demand, our investments in infrastructure and strategic partnerships position us for long-term success,” he added. Conagra’s headwinds are hardly its own fault, so investors might have been somewhat harsh with their sell-off. Regardless, an deeper-than-expected revenue slump and eroding profitability are hardly encouraging developments. Investors will want to see a more concrete strategy for reversing those trends. Ever feel like you missed the boat in buying the most successful stocks? Then you’ll want to hear this. On rare occasions, our expert team of analysts issues a “Double Down” stock recommendation for companies that they think are about to pop. If you’re worried you’ve already missed your chance to invest, now is the best time to buy before it’s too late. And the numbers speak for themselves: Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2009, you’d have $360,040!* Apple: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2008, you’d have $46,374!* Netflix: if you invested $1,000 when we doubled down in 2004, you’d have $570,894!* Story Continues Right now, we’re issuing “Double Down” alerts for three incredible companies, and there may not be another chance like this anytime soon. Learn more » *Stock Advisor returns as of February 3, 2025 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Conagra Stock Tumbled by Nearly 6% on Tuesday was originally published by The Motley Fool Source link #Conagra #Stock #Tumbled #Tuesday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I wish the Steam Deck would solve its Call of Duty problem I wish the Steam Deck would solve its Call of Duty problem truthBombs2d ago Don’t get me wrong. As games become more demanding Steam Deck will struggle. But on this occasion, Wilds really isn’t the best optimized game. The requirements to play the game says it all. Heavy emphasis on frame generation for 1080p 60 experience. That is ridiculous. This is one of the advantages of a console. Devs don’t have a choice but to optimize their games on console. Source link #Steam #Deck #solve #Call #Duty #problem Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New York's governor meets top political leaders as she weighs removing Mayor Eric Adams from office – The Associated Press New York's governor meets top political leaders as she weighs removing Mayor Eric Adams from office – The Associated Press New York’s governor meets top political leaders as she weighs removing Mayor Eric Adams from office The Associated PressGovernor weighs removing NYC Mayor Adams after his top deputies quit amid criminal case turmoil The Associated PressNY Gov Hochul weighs decision to remove Mayor Adams Fox NewsNYC Eric Adams case: Federal judge schedules hearing to address motion to dismiss mayor’s bribery charges ABC7 New YorkN.Y. judge orders Trump DOJ prosecutors to appear in court to explain Mayor Adams case dismissal New York Daily News Source link #York039s #governor #meets #top #political #leaders #weighs #removing #Mayor #Eric #Adams #office #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ex-All ******* assistant joins Western Force program Ex-All ******* assistant joins Western Force program Former All ******* star and ex-Blues coach Leon MacDonald has joined the Western Force as a coaching consultant across their rugby programs. MacDonald most recently worked as an All ******* assistant coach following five seasons in charge of the Blues, including leading the side to the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific grand final. But in a coup for the Force, the 47-year-old signed on this season as part of a plan to make the Perth outfit the “best club in the world”. “Leon’s appointment is part of our three-stage plan and vision to make the Western Force the best club in the world as a player, as a coach, as a high performance staff member and as an administrator,” Force CEO Niamh O’Connor said in a statement. “Leon brings a wealth of experience, having played and coached at the highest level. His availability was too good an opportunity not to utilise.” Primarily a fullback, MacDonald earned 56 caps for the All ****** between 2000-2008 and won the Super Rugby title six times with the Crusaders. Departing his All ******* attack mentor role in August after “coaching differences” with head coach Scott Robertson, MacDonald said he was excited by the Force offer. “It’s a different role to that I’m accustomed to but I’m excited by that challenge and looking forward to supporting the coaches,” MacDonald said. “There’s plenty of optimism and excitement building around Australia rugby again. I was excited to be a part of this resurgence.” Source link #ExAll #******* #assistant #joins #Western #Force #program Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]