Pelican Press

Europe’s defence up as Washington meets Moscow Europe’s defence up as Washington meets Moscow A look at the day ahead in U.S. and global markets from Mike Dolan Europe’s defence stocks, up almost 20% for the year so far, surged another 1% on Tuesday as U.S. officials met Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia for talks about ending the war in Ukraine and Germany prepared to go to the polls this weekend. U.S. markets were closed on Monday for the President’s Day holiday and are set to return in relatively buoyant mood, with stock futures firmer near record highs even with Treasury yields and the dollar ticking back higher again. But attention has turned to Europe in what may prove to be a landmark week for the continent politically and economically, and as Europe’s broad stock indexes are drawing value investors back across the Atlantic again this year, given their near 40% valuation discount to S&P500 cousins. Euro zone stock gains of more than 12% in dollar terms this year are almost four times that of the American benchmark, with the record high ******* DAX up 14%. While rebalancing due to valuation extremes is a key driving force, the prospect of higher defence spending in Europe has added a major tailwind – with the outcome of Germany’s elections also likely to decide whether a new government in Berlin will have the two-thirds parliamentary support needed to loosen the so-called ‘debt brake’ embedded in its constitution. Hopes for some broader rethink of public investment spending as way to rebooting the sluggish ******* economy have encouraged portfolio investors to revise their aversion to the region even in the face of potential U.S. trade wars. And in the backdrop, ******* investor morale posted its strongest increase in two years this month, according to the ZEW economic research institute. DEFENCE TAKES CENTRESTAGE But defence is front and centre of the latest stock price moves, with even some renewed speculation about the EU returning to joint sovereign borrowing as a possible route to increased spending in the area. Reflecting in part Washington’s decision to engage Russia in talks this week without either Ukrainian or European Union governments at the table, Europe’s defence sector has surged again. ******* arms maker Rheinmetall added another 2% to its 14% jump on Monday, while Thyssenkrupp, looking to spin off its warship division, advanced 3% after soaring nearly 20% on Monday. Italy’s Leonardo was up another 2%, while Sweden’s Saab rose 2.5% and Britain’s BAE Systems also gained 1%. Leaders from major EU states and Britain met in Paris on Monday, saying they were ready to give Ukraine security guarantees but adding it was dangerous to conclude a ceasefire there without a peace agreement at the same time. Story Continues EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would work with Washington on the talks while outlining plans “to scale up defence production and spending.” With the attention on defence spending and Germany’s election, the 10-year ******* bund yields pushed back up to their highest in more than two weeks – even though further European Central Bank easing remains markets’ best guess. The euro backed off recent highs on Tuesday, with the dollar index recovering some ground. Sterling held firm after news that British pay growth accelerated in late 2024 and the jobs market held up, underscoring why the Bank of England has been cautious about cutting interest rates despite a weak overall economy. Australia’s central bank cut its rates for the first time in more than four years but warned it was too early to declare victory over inflation and was cautious about the prospects of further easing. The Aussie dollar firmed on the hawkish outlook. ******** tech stocks continued to rally on Tuesday on optimism that President Xi Jinping’s rare meeting with the country’s tech entrepreneurs foreshadowed a regulatory U-turn after years of a sector-wide crackdown. The Hang Seng Tech Index climbed 2.5% to close at a fresh three-year high and bring the gains for the past month to over 30%. The broader Hang Seng was up 1.6%, even though mainland ******** shares fell back about 1%. Back on Wall Street, housing and manufacturing indicators top the economic diary while the earnings season starts to wind down. With almost 80% of S&P500 corporate earnings now out, annual profit growth is tracking a punchy 15.3% through the final quarter of last year. Key developments that should provide more direction to U.S. markets later on Tuesday: * US February NAHB housing index, New York Federal Reserve’s Feb manufacturing survey, US December TIC data on overseas holdings of Treasuries; Canada January consumer price inflation * San Francisco Federal Reserve President Mary Daly and Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr speak; Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey speaks * US corporate earnings: Allegion, Arista, Celanese, CoStar, Devon, Entergy, EQT, International Flavors & Fragrances, Medtronic, Occidental, Vulcan etc * U.S. Treasury sells inflation protected 30-year bonds * World Trade Organization’s main decision body meets in Geneva (Editing by Bernadette Baum) Source link #Europes #defence #Washington #meets #Moscow Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

EXCLUSIVE – Ubisoft is Confident on Releasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025 EXCLUSIVE – Ubisoft is Confident on Releasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025 Insider Gaming sources have said that the publisher and the developers are now confident that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on March 20, 2025. Of course, never say never of another delay, but Ubisoft has made preparations to increase its marketing of Assassin’s Creed Shadows ahead of its March 20, 2025 launch, including finalising the embargo dates for the games review. Assassin’s Creed Shadows reviews will be live on March 18, 2025. Speaking with several developers working on the game, they said that they felt confident that it will be ready for its March release date, with one source stating that the game is now “pretty much done”. As mentioned during Ubisoft’s latest earnings call, Shadows is currently on par with that of Assassins Creed Odyssey in terms of its pre-order numbers. “Early previews have been positive, praising its narrative and immersive experience, with both characters playing critical roles in the game’s storyline, as well as the quality and complementarity of the gameplay provided by the dual protagonist approach,” Guillemot said in the most recent earnings call. At the time of writing, Shadows currently has around 300,000 pre-orders, said sources and Odyssey’s day one player numbers were between 400-450,000; a gap of around 100-150,000 that needs to be made up in the next four weeks. In comparison, Star Wars Outlaws, a game that failed to meet Ubisoft’s expectations had less than half the pre-orders Shadow’s currently has in the same time ******* before launch, it was said. Looking at the data, if Shadows continues the same trajectory as Odyssey throughout launch, it’s estimated that the game could sell approximately 3.5 million units in its first month. Valhalla, which was the series’ most successful Assassin’s Creed game had some eight million players in its first month, with more than 65% being attributed to past-generation consoles at the time. Will you be buying Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Let us know in the comments or in the community forum! For more information from Insider Gaming, read about GTA 6 developers exploring user-generated content for their upcoming game. 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 #EXCLUSIVE #Ubisoft #Confident #Releasing #Assassins #Creed #Shadows #March Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Top Social Security official steps down after disagreement with DOGE over sensitive data Top Social Security official steps down after disagreement with DOGE over sensitive data Michelle King, the top official at the Social Security Administration, left her position this weekend after she refused a request from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency to access sensitive government records at the agency, according to two sources familiar with the situation. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields confirmed in a statement that King was no longer the head of the agency. “President Trump has nominated the highly qualified and talented Frank Bisignano to lead the Social Security Administration, and we expect him to be swiftly confirmed in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the agency will be led by a career Social Security anti-fraud expert as the acting commissioner. President Trump is committed to appointing the best and most qualified individuals who are dedicated to working on behalf of the American people, not to appease the bureaucracy that has failed them for far too long,” Fields said. The Washington Post first reported King’s departure. One of the sources familiar with the situation, Nancy Altman, president of Social Security Works, a left-leaning group focused on protecting and expanding Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, told NBC News she learned of the situation after having spoken with several current officials at the agency. Altman said some of the information involved in the dispute included Americans’ bank information, Social Security numbers, earnings records, marital statuses, dates of birth and, in some cases, medical records if people have applied for disability benefits. “She was replaced as acting commissioner because she would not give access to the sensitive information,” Altman said of King. “So she was replaced with someone who presumably will. But she was not forced to leave the agency. That was her choice. It was the White House’s choice to not let her be head of the agency anymore.” President Donald Trump has appointed Leland Dudek, a manager in charge of Social Security’s anti-fraud office, as acting commissioner now that King is out. Altman slammed DOGE’s request of King and the Social Security Administration. “I don’t think you can overstate how serious this breach is,” Altman said. “The information that the Social Security Administration has is a lot of personal data that most people would like to keep private and they entrusted to the government through tax returns and through their employers’ sending in earning statements. The assumption is that the government will be very careful with it.” King, who has worked at the Social Security Administration for decades, has chosen to retire, Altman said. The SSA did not immediately reply to a request for comment. It is the latest in a wave of exits from senior officials whose agencies have come into DOGE’s crosshairs. The agency is in charge of managing payments for more than 70 million Americans. Trump has vowed not to cut retirement benefits. In an interview with Fox News, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Trump “has directed Elon Musk and the DOGE team to identify fraud at the Social Security Administration.” She said that while the team had not “dug into the books,” it suspected that widespread fraud was occurring. The SSA’s inspector general released a report in July that found that from 2015 to 2022, only 0.84% of benefits payments were improper. It is not the first time DOGE has drawn scrutiny over attempts to access sensitive information. A DOGE-affiliated employee at the IRS is expected to seek access to an IRS system housing sensitive taxpayer information, an administration official told NBC News on Sunday. DOGE this month also accessed the Treasury Department’s payment system, which stores Social Security numbers and other confidential financial information. Several lawsuits were then filed claiming DOGE’s access to the data violated federal privacy laws. Justice Department attorneys agreed to temporarily restrict DOGE’s access to the Treasury Department’s systems, except for two employees given “read only” access “as needed.” A judge later temporarily blocked political appointees and special government employees — including those who work at DOGE — from accessing sensitive and confidential information stored within the Treasury. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem also said this month that Trump authorized Musk to access disaster data housed within the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Source link #Top #Social #Security #official #steps #disagreement #DOGE #sensitive #data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The next big immigration test for House Democrats – POLITICO The next big immigration test for House Democrats – POLITICO The next big immigration test for House Democrats POLITICOHow will Laken Riley Act effect the Las Vegas Valley? It’s complicated Las Vegas Review-JournalCongress clears immigrant detention bill for Trump’s signature on his 3rd day in office Idaho Capital SunMajor GOP-led immigration measure passed by U.S. Senate, heads to House Tennessee LookoutTrump signs the Laken Riley Act, the first legislation of his second term MU The Parthenon Source link #big #immigration #test #House #Democrats #POLITICO Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pakistan anger over death of child maid Pakistan anger over death of child maid A couple in north-east Pakistan has been detained on suspicion of murdering a 13-year-old girl who worked for them as a maid, for allegedly stealing chocolates. The girl who goes only by one name, Iqra, succumbed to multiple injuries in hospital last Wednesday. A preliminary police investigation said she had been tortured. The case in Rawalpindi has sparked widespread outrage and posts with the hashtag #JusticeforIqra having garnered tens of thousands of views, and reignited a debate over child labour and the mistreatment of domestic workers. Laws pertaining to child labour can vary across the country, but children under the age of 15 cannot be employed as domestic workers in the province of Punjab. “I felt completely shattered inside when she died,” Iqra’s father, Sana Ullah, told the BBC. He said that he had received a call from the police about Iqra last Wednesday. When he rushed to the hospital, he saw Iqra lying on a bed, unconscious. She died minutes later. Iqra began working as a maid from the age of eight. Her father, a 45-year-old farmer, said he had sent her to work because he was in debt. After working for a few employers, she went to work for the couple two years ago, who have eight children of their own. She was earning about £23 ($28) per month. Police said Iqra had been accused of stealing chocolates from her employers, adding that a preliminary investigation showed that Iqra had been tortured. Police also say there was evidence of frequent abuse. Pictures and videos obtained by the BBC showed multiple fractures in her legs and arms, as well as a serious injury to her head. An autopsy is being conducted to assess the full extent of her injuries, and the police has told the BBC that they were still awaiting the final medical report. “My heart cries tears of blood. How many… are subjected to violence in their homes every day for a trivial job of a few thousand?” activist Shehr Bano wrote on X. “How long will the poor continue to lower their daughters into graves in this way?” Others have pointed out that her ******* was allegedly triggered by something so minor. “She died over chocolate?” asked one Pakistani user on X. “This is not just a crime, it’s a reflection of [a] system that enables [the] rich to treat [the] poor as disposable,” another said. Iqra’s employers, Rashid Shafiq and his wife Sana, have been arrested, along with a Quran teacher, who worked for the family. The teacher had brought Iqra to the hospital and left after telling hospital staff that the girl’s father had died and her mother was not around. Police told the BBC it was unclear if she believed this to be the truth. Iqra’s father says he wants to see “those responsible for my daughter’s death punished”. Despite the public outrage such cases usually garner, they are typically settled out of court and it’s rare for suspects to be successfully prosecuted. In 2018, a judge and his wife were sentenced to three years in jail for torturing their then 10-year-old maid in what had been a highly publicised case that sparked outrage across the country. But they later had their sentences reduced to one year. Tayyaba was found with severe injuries, which the Pakistan Institute of Medical Science said included burns to her hands and feet. Pictures of the girl also showed cuts and bruising to her face, along with a swollen left eye. She told prosecutors she was beaten for losing a broom. Under Pakistani law, victims or their families have the right to forgive suspects in a number of serious crimes. To do so, they have to state in court that they forgive a suspect “in the name of God”. In reality, legal observers say that the primary motive for that “forgiveness” is normally financial, and paying victims is not ********. About 3.3 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labour, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef). Moreover, women and young girls make up the vast majority of Pakistan’s 8.5 million domestic workers, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). Source link #Pakistan #anger #death #child #maid Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FSP Vita GM 850W Power Supply Review FSP Vita GM 850W Power Supply Review FSP Technology, renowned for its power supply design and manufacturing expertise, has been delivering reliable and efficient PSU solutions for decades. With a strong reputation for creating advanced PC PSU platforms, FSP has built a significant presence in the global market. The company designs and produces its units in-house, unlike most PSUs available today, which an OEM manufacturer makes for the brand that contracts them. In today’s review, we are having a look at the Vita GM, a gamer-targeting series that is striving to put all eggs into one basket – looks, performance, quality, and value. Initially launched in Asia and the EU, the Vita GM 850W PSU is now available in the US. On paper, it is not a major upgrade over the Hydro Gold series, but the Vita GM brings ATX 3.1 / PCIe 5.1 compliance and efficiency upgrades. We’re looking to see if the Vita GM 850W can rank among our best power supplies recommendations. The unit achieves 80Plus Gold and Cybenetics Platinum efficiency certifications, boasts exceptional performance, and is backed up by a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Specifications and Design Swipe to scroll horizontally Power Specifications (Rated @ 50 °C) RAIL +3.3V +5V +12V +5Vsb -12V MAX OUTPUT 20A 20A 70.8A 3A 0.3A 100W 100W 850W 15W 3.6W TOTAL 850W 850W 850W 850W 850W AC INPUT 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz 100 – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz PRICE $110 Row 5 – Cell 2 Row 5 – Cell 3 Row 5 – Cell 4 Row 5 – Cell 5 In the Box The FSP Vita GM 850W PSU is packaged in a durable cardboard box with a simple charcoal-themed design. A large image of the unit dominates the front of the box. Inside, the PSU is secured within a thick nylon bag and cardboard inserts, ensuring it is well-protected during transit. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The package includes mounting screws, an AC power cable, a jump-start testing adapter, and a couple of high-quality cable straps for cable management. It is not the shiniest bundle but it is a very good one. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Most of the Vita GM’s cables are ribbon-like flat cables, providing excellent flexibility for easier routing and improved aesthetics. The only exception is the 12+4 pin PCIe 5.1 cable, which is covered in ****** nylon sleeving. Additionally, FSP includes one cable with only SATA connectors and two “hybrid” cables featuring both SATA and Molex connectors. The latter would make much more sense some years back when SATA and PATA drives were being mixed, requiring both kinds of connectors, but not really nowadays. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Swipe to scroll horizontally FSP Vita GM 850W 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 – 8 Molex – 4 Floppy – – External Appearance Measuring 150 mm in length, the ASRock Steel Legend SL-1000G is slightly larger than the standard ATX PSU but the unit should remain compatible with all ATX-compliant tower cases. Only very small HTPC cases or special design may not have enough room for a 150 mm PSU. The SL-1000G boasts an aesthetically striking design. Encased in a matte ****** chassis, the PSU features decorative embossments and stickers on its sides that add texture and visual appeal. The ASRock and Steel Legend logos are prominently displayed. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The PSU’s exterior features a textured ****** paint finish that is both durable and visually appealing. The bottom edges of the chassis are chamfered, adding a modern and refined look to the design. The sides of the unit are adorned with an embossed geometric C-like shape, with the company and series logos subtly printed on them, in an effort to make the unit visually appealing but not overly flashy. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) A sticker displaying the PSU’s electrical specifications and certifications covers the top side of the unit. The rear side of the PSU houses the standard AC power receptacle and an on/off switch, while the front side holds the modular cable connectors, which are surrounded by a minimalistic legend. The fan grille is integrated into the chassis with an intricate geometric cutout. While this design element contributes to the PSU’s unique appearance, it may slightly restrict airflow or introduce turbulence noise under certain conditions. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Internal Design The FSP VITA GM 850W PSU is equipped with a Yate Loon D12SH-12 120 mm fan that utilizes a rifle-bearing engine. This fan is the largest that could fit within the unit’s compact chassis. Rifle-bearing fans typically are very quiet but are not considered to be the best choice for continuous operation in high-temperature environments. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) As we mentioned before, the VITA GM is FSP’s in-house design and there is no hidden OEM behind its design or manufacturing. It shares similarities with the Hydro G series but incorporates improvements for higher efficiency and better power density. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The PSU’s filtering stage includes four Y capacitors, two X capacitors, and two filtering inductors, which is a typical setup. Right after the filtering stage, two bridges are found on their dedicated heatsink. The Active Power Factor Correction (APFC) circuit comes next and features two GP36S60YERD MOSFETs and one diode, supported by a single basic inductor and a huge 680 μF Nippon Chemi-**** capacitor rated for 105°C. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The primary stage consists of two Toshiba K25A60X5 MOSFETs configured in a half-bridge topology, which is part of a typical LLC resonant converter design. These MOSFETs are mounted on their dedicated heatsink located right after the APFC capacitor. On the secondary side, six SeCoS 170N04SV MOSFETs located on the underside of the main PCB generate the primary 12V rail. Small heatsink mounted on the top side of the PCB are their primary heat dissipation way. Two DC-to-DC converters mounted on a vertical daughterboard are responsible for the 3.3V and 5V rails. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Although the heatsinks are functional, they appear undersized given the unit’s power density and efficiency levels, which could affect thermal performance under extreme conditions. All secondary capacitors are sourced from Nippon Chemi-****, a highly regarded Japanese manufacturer known for its reliability and performance. 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 FSP Vita GM 850W PSU satisfies and easily surpasses the efficiency requirements for its 80Plus Gold certification during cold testing. The average efficiency is very high and the unit misses the 80Plus Platinum certification by a hair, being unable to meet the 89% efficiency at 100% load requirement with an input voltage of 115 VAC. However, it does meet the Platinum Cybenetics requirements, as Cybenetics tests the average efficiency. At 115 VAC input, the PSU achieves an average nominal load efficiency of 90.5%, which increases to 92.6% with a 230 VAC input. Efficiency peaks at approximately 40% load and the unit maintains a fairly stable efficiency across the nominal load range (10–100%). A 2.1% efficiency drop is observed when using a 115 VAC input compared to 230 VAC, a common behavior of FSP platforms, but it remains high enough for the unit to easily meet its certifications. This unit does not have a hybrid fan mode so the fan in the FSP VITA GM 850W PSU operates continuously, even at low loads. Its speed is very low up to a load of 500 watts, after which point it increases gradually as the load rises, becoming more and more audible as the unit approaches its maximum capacity. Under these conditions, the fan never reaches its maximum speed and noise levels are relatively low. Internal temperatures during these conditions are a bit higher than expected, suggesting that the designer tipped the scale towards acoustics, but remain safely within the unit’s operational limits. Hot Test Results Hot Test Results (~45°C Ambient) During hot testing, the FSP VITA GM 850W experiences a significant decrease in efficiency across the entire load spectrum. Efficiency drops to 88.8% at 115 VAC and 90.9% at 230 VAC, compared to 90.5% and 92.6% during cold testing. The efficiency degradation of approximately 1.8% is typical for this class of unit under elevated temperatures, but no signs of thermal stress are present. Despite the decrease in efficiency, the unit maintains a stable performance. 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) Expectedly, the fan of the Vita GM 850W speeds up more aggressively under these conditions, reaching its maximum speed when the load exceeds 750 watts. The fan operates at lower speeds under lighter loads, but the higher ambient temperatures prompt the fan to work harder. The unit does not exhibit any significant thermal issues but the internal temperatures are significantly elevated during heavy loads. Regardless, the temperatures inside the unit do get uncomfortably high. Apparently, FSP rates the maximum output of the VITA GM series at 40 degrees Celsius for good reason. PSU Quality and Bottom Line Power Supply Quality The FSP Vita GM 850W demonstrates solid electrical performance within its class. Voltage regulation is very good on the 12V rail, with a deviation of just 0.9%, but slacker on the minor rails, with the 5V rail at 1.8% and the 3.3V rail at 1.7%. Ripple suppression is exceptional, with maximum ripple values of 36 mV on the 12V line, 24 mV on the 5V line, and 24 mV on the 3.3V line, outstanding figures for a unit of this class. During our thorough assessment, we evaluate the essential protection features of every power supply unit we review, including Over Current Protection (OCP), Over Voltage Protection (OVP), Over Power Protection (OPP), and Short Circuit Protection (SCP). All protection mechanisms were activated and functioned correctly during testing. The OCP on the 12V line and, in extend, the OPP protection are extremely sharp for an ATX 3.1 unit – the VITA GM will easily shut itself down to protect itself and the equipment it is powering if overloaded. Swipe to scroll horizontally Main Output Load (Watts) 171.17 W Row 0 – Cell 2 426.35 W Row 0 – Cell 4 637.22 W Row 0 – Cell 6 847.85 W Row 0 – Cell 8 Load (Percent) 20.14% Row 1 – Cell 2 50.16% Row 1 – Cell 4 74.97% Row 1 – Cell 6 99.75% Row 1 – Cell 8 Amperes Volts Amperes Volts Amperes Volts Amperes Volts 3.3 V 1.82 3.37 4.56 3.35 6.84 3.33 9.11 3.31 5 V 1.82 5.06 4.56 5.04 6.84 4.99 9.11 4.97 12 V 12.91 12.07 32.26 12.03 48.4 11.99 64.53 11.97 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 1.7% 12 16 16 24 14 22 5V 1.8% 14 16 16 24 16 22 12V 0.9% 18 16 28 36 34 16 Bottom Line The FSP Vita GM 850W PSU is a notable entrant in the competitive mid-to-high-end power supply market, demonstrating a fairly balanced blend of performance, efficiency, and build quality. FSP, a well-regarded OEM, has done an excellent job in the design and assembly of this unit, showcasing their expertise in crafting reliable and efficient PSUs. The VITA GM 850W brings with it the latest ATX 3.1 and PCIe 5.1 compliance, ensuring it supports modern and future-proof systems, including the latest graphics cards and power-hungry components. Coupled with its 80Plus Gold and Cybenetics Platinum certifications, this unit stands out for its efficient operation under typical conditions, promising reliable and stable power delivery for mainstream gaming rigs, workstations, and other applications. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The design of the VITA GM 850W is solid but a bit visually extravagant. It features a compact chassis measuring just 140mm in length, adhering to the ATX standard. Aesthetically, the PSU has a rather aggressive look, with a textured ****** paint finish and a distinctive design. Inside, the VITA GM uses a combination of well-known, top-tier components and some more obscure choices, which may raise questions for some users. While the inclusion of reliable components from manufacturers like Nippon Chemi-**** and Toshiba enhances the PSU’s durability and performance, there are parts sourced from lesser-known companies. Some of these components lack readily available datasheets, which could raise concerns. This mixture of reputable and obscure sources makes it difficult to fully assess the unit’s long-term performance, especially in more demanding environments. However, FSP is confident and backs these units up with a 10-year long manufacturer’s warranty. Performance-wise, the VITA GM 850W excels in many areas, with its voltage regulation and ripple suppression being some of its strongest points. The 12V rail demonstrates impressive regulation with a deviation of just 0.9%, while the ripple suppression is exceptional, with values well below the acceptable thresholds, ensuring a clean and stable power output that minimizes stress on sensitive components. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The VITA GM 850W is priced at a reasonable $110, which positions it well within the competitive landscape. However, the VITA GM 850W does have its limitations. In hot environments, efficiency and acoustics performance drop significantly. While efficiency degradation at elevated temperatures is a common trait for many PSUs, the reduction was particularly severe in this case, although there are no signs of thermal stress at high loads. The fan does ramp up its speed but seems unable to cope with the thermal requirements of the unit under such conditions, which could potentially affect the unit’s long-term reliability if it is used in poorly ventilated or thermally stressed environments. Conversely, the VITA GM performs very well in typical ambient conditions. In conclusion, the FSP VITA GM 850W PSU is a solid choice for users seeking a reliable, efficient, and relatively affordable power supply. The mix of a good build, great overall performance under typical conditions, and competitive pricing, along with the excellent 10-year warranty, make it a worthwhile option for most mainstream PC gamers and workstations. For those looking for a unit to perform well under standard conditions with a reasonable price tag, the VITA GM 850W stands as a strong contender in its class, offering a good balance of performance and long-term value. MORE: Best Power Supplies MORE: How We Test Power Supplies MORE: All Power Supply Content Source link #FSP #Vita #850W #Power #Supply #Review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tensions laid bare as Germans worry about immigration Tensions laid bare as Germans worry about immigration Jessica Parker BBC Berlin correspondent BBC Alya made her way to Germany from Syria 10 years ago, with her then newborn Rami “I was crying,” says Alya, when she saw news of last week’s Munich attack that left a toddler and her mother dead. “Why should someone do something like that? Why? I can’t understand it.” An Afghan man’s in custody after what was the latest in a series of attacks in ******* cities where the suspect has been an asylum seeker. Last Thursday it was a mother and daughter in Munich; last month another child and an adult were killed in Aschaffenburg. Alya came here a decade ago from Syria with her baby son. Now 10, he and his mother welcome me into their home. They were among a record 1.2 million people who applied for asylum in Germany from 2015-16, many of them from Syria but also from countries including Afghanistan and Iraq. The attacks have put security and migration front and centre of an election campaign, days before Germans vote on their next government on 23 February. Alya despairs of those who commit violence in a country that, she says, has “given us everything”. The BBC first heard their story a decade earlier when they were filmed at a refugee centre in the city of Oberhausen. Rami looks at a photo of himself from 2015. He’s tiny, enveloped in a life jacket from when his mother fled war-torn Syria. “How could I go with him in that boat?” she asks herself, remembering how they crossed the Aegean Sea with 60 others, packed in a small boat. “I didn’t know I’d gone through that,” says Rami. It scares him to see it now. Asylum seekers were offered sweets as they arrived in Germany in 2015 Ten years on, Alya has trained in elderly care and re-married. She is looking for work, while Rami goes to a local school and is a passionate football fan. They both speak *******: Rami has grown up with the language and Alya has studied it. They’re grateful to their adopted country and plan to stay; Rami has dreams of becoming a doctor, policeman or footballer. Mother and child have, unsurprisingly, changed in the past 10 years. So has Germany. Situated in Germany’s Ruhr valley, Oberhausen was once an industrial powerhouse, producing coal, steel and zinc Back in 2015, there were scenes of sweets being handed out to refugees arriving at Munich train station, as an unparalleled number of people fled to Europe due to conflict, instability or poverty. ******* Willkommenskultur, or Welcoming Culture, was encapsulated when the then chancellor, Angela Merkel, declared: “We can manage this.” For her supporters, it was a pragmatic and compassionate reaction; for her critics, one of her most unforgivable mistakes. A decade later and anyone I have spoken to agrees that attitudes have hardened, in society and politically. Alya says she has “lots of ******* friends” but has detected the broader change in mood in Germany and mentions hearing the phrase Ausländer raus – foreigners out. However she is “very sad” about refugees and migrants who don’t learn ******* or, in her view, have failed to properly integrate. “The key to this country is the language,” she says, while adding: “There’s also a positive side that a lot of people have learned the language and they’ve started to work.” Near Oberhausen’s main park, Georg, 66, says he gets on with people from all backgrounds but worries about cases of “radicalisation.” He has lived in the city most of his life and used to work as a car mechanic and tiler. He mourns what he sees a general decline in Oberhausen, pointing to because of ageing infrastructure and a lack of investment. Many in Germany also talk of a wish for greater public safety and a disillusionment with the parties that have governed the country since reunification. Germany’s outgoing government has reimposed border controls as it tries to bring down the number of asylum seekers, and opposition parties want to go further. Georg says it’s a difficult issue but believes there needs to be security: “No matter who’s in charge. Not like it is right now. It has to change.” Before Europe’s migration crisis, Oberhausen was already a multicultural city. Local government figures show that in 2010, 22% of people in Oberhausen were either not born as ******* citizens or had one immigrant parent. By 2016, that figure had risen to 28% while the latest figure, from 2023, was up to 37%. Walking through the centre, the strained nature of Germany’s migration debate becomes quickly evident. Around one corner, there’s a demonstration against the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party which has embraced the concept of “remigration”; a phrase widely understood to mean mass deportations. On the main street, an AfD party stand has been put up, but it soon attracts shouts of “Nazis.” Two men of colour end up in a heated argument with party activists which we are openly filming. We hear one of the AfD campaigners, who we’d been speaking to earlier, say: “Go back to your Heimat (homeland) if you don’t like this here.” When I challenge this man, Jörg Lange, afterwards, he denies the remark was racist. A city councillor, he tells me voters will have their say and voices scepticism that one of the men grew up here, despite their fluency in the language. Jörg Lange is a local councillor in Oberhausen “Would you have said the same thing to a white person?” I ask. “No, of course not,” Mr Lange replies – but again denies it’s racist. “He personally attacked me,” says Mr Lange. “He said ‘you’re a Nazi’. And then of course you have to say that if something doesn’t suit you here in Germany then you can go back. Then leave us alone here.” Police arrive, during which time I talk with the two men involved in the argument, Kwame and Prathep, who are both in their thirties. “He told us to go back!” says Kwame while Prathep says going “back” would mean going about, “Three streets away from here.” “We went to school over here, we grew up over here… we have kids here,” they tell me. “We pay taxes, we pay a lot of taxes!” I ask the pair about whether their role in the altercation is adding to the rising temperature of political debate. Kwame, who used the term “Nazis” in the argument, says the “derogatory” language he hears about people of colour “triggers” him. “We feel like, wow, are we still in the same place right now?” A dance choreographer, he tells me he came to Germany from Ghana aged 13 while Prathep describes how he was born in the city. Prathep (left) and Kwame confronted AfD party activists, before being told to “go back to your home country” “I’m a *******,” says Prathep. “I’m proud of this city,” chimes in Kwame. “Wherever I go in the world [I say] I’m from Oberhausen.” Both think their community has become “drastically” more divided in recent years. The political climate, which includes consistently strong polling for the AfD, has led to a toughening of language by some of Germany’s main political parties. The conservative Christian Democrats who lead the polls have called for a “border ban” on anyone entering Germany without the right papers, even if they’re seeking protection. The Social Democrats have pledged to speed up asylum procedures and boost deportations. The AfD want to close Germany’s borders and leave the common European asylum policy. Alya hopes that Germany will keep its doors open to refugees: “There’s still war everywhere. And the people need this… maybe there are very good people running away from war.” The future of Germany’s migration policy will depend on which parties form a coalition after this election, and what they can agree on. But a rightward shift is already underway, in reality and rhetoric. Source link #Tensions #laid #bare #Germans #worry #immigration Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Biggest Backlash against Ghost of Yōtei Won’t Be the Reason if It Fails The Biggest Backlash against Ghost of Yōtei Won’t Be the Reason if It Fails Officially, Ghost of Yōtei is en route from Sucker Punch. In addition to placing us in the shoes of a new protagonist, the upcoming adventure, which is a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, will take us to a different part of Japan. Ghost of Yōtei is going to be released in 2025. | Credit: Sucker Punch Productions. Like the previous journey with Jin Sakai, our first glimpse of the open-world experience was stunning when it was first revealed as the major closing announcement in the PlayStation State of Play September 2024 showcase. Despite all this hype, the game faced heavy backlash as it will be featuring a female protagonist. But true fans don’t seem to be much bothered about it as something else is even more important. The gender of the protagonist is never a huge factor for the Ghost of Yōtei fans Ghost of Yōtei will feature a new protagonist. | Credit: Sucker Punch Productions. The plot of Ghost of Yōtei will be developed three hundred years after that of Ghost of Tsushima. Atsu, a new samurai warrior, will be the game’s protagonist even though the upcoming title won’t be a direct sequel to its predecessor. Since Atsu will be the franchise’s first female protagonist, her gender is currently the biggest issue for many people. But that’s not the case with true fans. They aren’t happy with Atsu’s inclusion not because of her gender, but because of the loose ends left in Ghost of Tsushima. Comment byu/Prestigious-Cup-6613 from discussion inghostoftsushima Considering how Ghost of Tsushima concluded, it’s safe to assume that many people were eager to see Jin and Yuna once more and relive their tales. Given how he handled the Uncle Shimura situation, the Shogun’s reaction to Ghost’s presence, and other factors, it makes sense that some would be disappointed to see a different lead. However, only a PlayStation Blog post and an announcement trailer have been made public by the developers thus far. So her being a female character is not even the main concern for fans now. Actually, this is the least of its worries right now. The shout was never regarding Atsu’s gender, it was because of Jin’s unfinished business Ghost of Yōtei could have featured its predecessor’s loose ends. | Credit: Sucker Punch Productions. When Atsu sets out on her adventure in feudal Japan in 1603, she will hide her face behind the ghost mask as she will write a new chapter in the Ghost franchise, steering away from Jin Sakai. However, that’s where the problem is. Fans want more of Jin Sakai, and would rather have a continuation of Jin’s story after the events of the Mongol invasion in Tsushima. Many would also have preferred to see Jin and Yuna going against the empire in mainland Japan. Jin Sakai created the Ghost persona in Ghost of Tsushima. The character’s ultimate goal was connected to his personal narrative and his sense of duty as Tsushima’s guardian. As he and many others were vastly outnumbered by the Mongol invaders on the island, Jin realized he needed to quietly defeat his adversaries. After saving his uncle, Lord Shimura, from the Mongols, Jin persisted in pretending to be the Ghost so that the invaders would be brought to their knees and their leader vanquished. Naturally, the cause was admirable, but Jin’s transformation into the Ghost eventually caused him to struggle with himself. He had been brought up to uphold the samurai code of honor and values, but to attack his enemies from the shadows meant abandoning them. Although Jin’s personal journey took place internally, his rejection of Samurai teachings caused him emotional and personal turmoil, particularly when he witnessed how it affected Lord Shimura’s perception of him. This is true even though the Ghost of Tsushima story was about him driving off the Mongol threat on Tsushima Island. And this is where the major controversy began, as we didn’t see the conclusion of that personal journey of Jin. So, what’s your thought about this matter? Are you going to play Ghost of Yōtei? Source link #Biggest #Backlash #Ghost #Yōtei #Wont #Reason #Fails Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Macmahon ready to see Decmil deal deliver after absorbing once-struggling civil builder Macmahon ready to see Decmil deal deliver after absorbing once-struggling civil builder Perth mining contractor Macmahon has copped a knock to its bottom line after bearing the cost of bringing once-struggling civil builder Decmil into the fold. Source link #Macmahon #ready #Decmil #deal #deliver #absorbing #oncestruggling #civil #builder Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Meghan Markle Ditches Jam Brand Before Selling a Single Jar Meghan Markle Ditches Jam Brand Before Selling a Single Jar Meghan Markle has dramatically scrapped her flailing American Riviera Orchard brand without selling a single jar of the jam she launched with great fanfare last year. The brand became a target for mockery after failing to bring any products to market despite a splashy online launch campaign a year ago which involved sending dozens of pots of jam to her celebrity friends. In a video released on her Instagram channel, Meghan said she was changing the name of her jam-to-wellness business to ‘As Ever’ describing the new identity as “a brand that I created and have poured my heart into.” However branding experts were quick to pour cold water on the move, with consumer marketing expert Warren Johnson of W Communications telling The Daily Beast that the last minute name change telegraphed “inauthenticity,” adding, “You wouldn’t catch Kim Kardashian doing this.” Another marketing expert said, “There are only so many relaunches you can do before you start to look ridiculous.” Meghan clearly wanted the new launch to have a home-spun feel, and it was prefaced by Harry’s voice saying, “It’s recording,” in a clear attempt to portray a mom-and-pop vibe. Meghan then says, “In two weeks, my show is coming out, which I’m so excited for, and also my business, which I think there’s been a lot of curiosity about. Last year, I thought, ‘American Riviera that sounds like such a great name.’ It’s my neighborhood. It’s a nickname for Santa Barbara, but it limited me to things that were just manufactured and grown in this area. “Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business, which was huge. I thought about it, and I’ve been waiting for a moment to share a name that I secured in 2022 and this is the moment, and it’s called, ‘As Ever.’ ‘As Ever,’ essentially means as it’s always been. And if you followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you’ll know, I’ve always loved cooking and crafting and gardening. This is what I do, and I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can.” Meghan added: “Of course, there will be fruit preserves. I think we’re all clear at this point that jam is my jam, but there’s so many more products that I just love that I use in my home and now it’s time to share it with you so I can’t wait for you to see it.” Internet sleuths were quick to find an online holding page for As Ever and a Shopify page. Source link #Meghan #Markle #Ditches #Jam #Brand #Selling #Single #Jar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Meta’s planned subsea cable will exceed circumference of Earth and support AI innovation Meta’s planned subsea cable will exceed circumference of Earth and support AI innovation Meta has announced its plan for a subsea cable that will span the globe, connecting emerging economies such as India, South Africa and Brazil to the US. Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp’s parent company announced what is known as Project Waterworth in a blog post. The social media giant’s vice-president of network engineering, Gaya Nagarajan, and Alex-Handrah Aimé, its global head of network investments, said the 50,000 km cable will be the world’s longest, and use “the highest-capacity technology available”. Regions of rapid economic growth will be connected directly to the US through the cable, which the Meta executives said “will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion and open opportunities for technological development in these regions”. Meta said it has already developed over 20 subsea cables. “With Project Waterworth, we continue to advance engineering design to maintain cable resilience, enabling us to build the longest 24 fibre pair cable project in the world and enhance overall speed of deployment,” wrote the Meta executives. The multibillion-dollar investment, which will see cables laid at depths of 7,000 meters, will take years to complete, but promises increased access to high-speed connectivity, which it said could, for example, support artificial intelligence (AI) innovation across the world. “AI is revolutionising every aspect of our lives, from how we interact with each other to how we think about infrastructure – and Meta is at the forefront of building these innovative technologies,” the company said. “As AI continues to transform industries and societies around the world, it’s clear that capacity, resilience and global reach are more important than ever to support leading infrastructure.” The blog post added: “With Project Waterworth, we can help ensure that the benefits of AI and other emerging technologies are available to everyone, regardless of where they live or work.” While subsea cables promise to enable global connectivity, there are concerns over how these costly and critical infrastructures can be protected from attacks from hostile states. MPs and peers recently launched an inquiry into the ***’s ability to protect undersea internet cables that link the country with the rest of the world. This followed heightened threats of sabotage. The Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, which scrutinises government decision-making on national security, aims to assess the ***’s readiness for potential attacks on critical undersea communication cables. The inquiry followed a statement by defence secretary John Healey, warning that Russian president Vladimir Putin is targeting the ***’s undersea oil, gas, electricity and internet cables after a Russian spy ship entered British waters. According to the parliamentary committee, 99% of the ***’s data passes through undersea internet cables. “As the geopolitical environment worsens, foreign states are seeking asymmetric ways to hold us at risk,” said committee chairman Matt Western. “Our internet cable network looks like an increasingly vulnerable soft underbelly. There is no need for panic – we have a good degree of resilience, and awareness of the challenge is growing. But we must be clear-eyed about the risks and consequences: an attack of this nature would hit us hard.” The global internet, which is critical for international communications and commerce, relies on a network of 500 cables that carry 95% of internet traffic. The cables are often in remote places, making them difficult and expensive to monitor. Source link #Metas #planned #subsea #cable #exceed #circumference #Earth #support #innovation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Senior U.S. and Russian Officials Meet for Extensive Talks in Riyadh Senior U.S. and Russian Officials Meet for Extensive Talks in Riyadh The two sides were expected to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine and restore relations between the U.S. and Russia. The meeting came less than a week after President Trump’s lengthy phone call with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia. Source link #Senior #U.S #Russian #Officials #Meet #Extensive #Talks #Riyadh Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Can You Play Elden Ring Nightreign With Two Players or Solo? Can You Play Elden Ring Nightreign With Two Players or Solo? FromSoftware games have always had an element of multiplayer. Elden Ring Nightreign also encourages this, but playing with two players is the dream for many duos. We’ve got the latest details on Nightreign’s party-formation features. Elden Ring Nightreign is a breath of fresh air from the minds at FromSoftware. This isn’t to say the company’s work is bad—not by a long shot—but Nightreign has a different feel. The take-your-time exploration of Elden Ring, Sekiro, and Bloodborne is replaced by frantic battling and a constant race to clear bosses and level up as fast as possible. A typical lobby involves three of you wailing away at tanky foes. But let’s see if it’s possible to play Nightreign as just two players or even one. Is Elden Ring Nightreign Two Player? Three players might be advisable. Credit to FromSoftware Elden Ring Nightreign currently doesn’t permit you to play with two players. The Network Test gave us a glimpse into Nightreign‘s potential. However, we also learned Nightreign is suited to a Trio. This direction comes at the behest of game director Junya Ishizaki. He explained: “The reason that we went with a three-player focus was that we wanted to retain that sense of accomplishment you get from battling a boss together or from conquering a map together and that sense of enjoyment, but we wanted to recreate that in a fresh way.” Will Elden Ring Nightreign Add a Two Player Mode? Junya Ishizaki has said even though the Network Test didn’t allow for two-player teams, FromSoftware is considering allowing two players. “Regarding having just two players, not three players or Solo, it is something we are considering, but it is currently not in the game at the moment,” explained Ishizaki. Technically, you can invite a friend and play a game of Nightreign together. But you still have to partner up with a third person to complete the matchmaking process. If the third person leaves for whatever reason, it becomes you and your friend battling as a duo! We’re still a while out from Nightreign’s full release, so we’ll have to see if FromSoftware changes its mind before the anticipated launch. Can You Play Elden Ring Nightreign Solo? Yes, Elden Ring Nightreign can be played Solo if you’re not up to having partners. Even though you can’t in two-player, Solo is an option. I wouldn’t say it’s smart (or feasible) to play Nightreign on your own though, so tread carefully around The Lands Between. Will you be put off buying Elden Ring Nightreign if it debuts without a two-player mode? Or are you tough enough to take on the Nights on your own? If you missed out on the initial test runs, fear not, more Nightreign Test Sessions may be coming to give you a chance to get involved. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Play #Elden #Ring #Nightreign #Players #Solo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Reliance Jio Offers Complimentary JioHotstar Subscription With Rs. 949 Prepaid Recharge Plan Reliance Jio Offers Complimentary JioHotstar Subscription With Rs. 949 Prepaid Recharge Plan Reliance Jio now offers complimentary access to JioHotstar with one of its prepaid recharge plans. The new streaming platform was created by bringing together JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar and was launched by the company last week. It combines the content library of the two over-the-top (OTT) platforms, in addition to hosting content from various international studios and streaming platforms. While users can subscribe to monthly and annual plans to watch content, Jio subscribers can now gain complimentary access by opting for a specific prepaid recharge plan. JioHotstar Subscription With Prepaid Recharge The Rs. 949 prepaid recharge plan on Reliance Jio now offers an ad-supported subscription to JioHotstar for a ******* of 90 days. The plan has a validity of 84 days and offers benefits such as unlimited voice calls, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of high speed 5G data per day. After exhausting the daily data allowance, the download speed is lowered to 64kbps. In addition to JioHotstar, the prepaid recharge plan also provides access to select other Jio apps such as JioCloud and JioTV. JioHotstar’s ad-supported plan starts at Rs. 149 per month. It offers content streaming on one mobile device in 720p resolution. The top-end JioHotstar Premium plan is priced at Rs 299 per month and Rs 1,499 per year. Reliance Jio claims JioStar features roughly 300,000 hours of content as well as live sports coverage. It will feature content in 10 Indian languages across a wide range of genres and content formats. Viewers will be able to watch movies, shows, anime, documentaries, and live sporting events on the streaming platform. Existing JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar subscribers will automatically be transitioned to the new platform. The company says these users will be able to set up their JioHotstar subscriptions when logging in for the first time. New subscribers can browse through the platform’s new plans starting at Rs. 149. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Samsung Galaxy A26 5G Regional Support Pages Hint at Imminent Global Launch Source link #Reliance #Jio #Offers #Complimentary #JioHotstar #Subscription #Prepaid #Recharge #Plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hochul to discuss ‘path forward’ after Eric Adams’ deputies resign amid mayor’s agreement to work with Trump Hochul to discuss ‘path forward’ after Eric Adams’ deputies resign amid mayor’s agreement to work with Trump New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a *********- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Awards Celebration at Gracie Mansion in New York City, U.S., Feb. 13, 2025. David Dee Delgado | Reuters Four of New York Mayor Eric Adams’ deputies have resigned amid the fallout over the Justice Department’s move to dismiss corruption charges against him last week and his cooperation with the Trump administration on immigration matters. Hours after the resignations were made public, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that she would be meeting Tuesday with “key leaders” to discuss a “path forward” to ensure stability for New York City. In a statement, she also addressed the governor’s constitutional power to remove a mayor. “In the 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly,” she said in the statement. “That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored.” Last week, Adams pledged to give Immigration and Customs Enforcement access to the city’s Rikers Island jail at the meeting with White House border czar Tom Homan. One day later, the Justice Department moved to dismiss criminal corruption charges against Adams, which acting deputy Attorney General Emil Bove had ordered days earlier, sparking allegations of a quid pro quo between Adams and the Trump administration. Adams and his lawyers have denied any quid pro quo. First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer; the deputy mayor for health and human services, Anne Williams-Isom; the deputy mayor for operations, Meera Joshi; and the deputy mayor for public safety, Chauncey Parker, all have told Adams they are stepping down, he confirmed in a statement Monday. “I am disappointed to see them go, but given the current challenges, I understand their decision and wish them nothing but success in the future,” Adams said. Torres-Springer, Williams-Isom and Joshi said in a joint statement that serving as deputy mayors had been “the greatest honor and privilege of our lives” and called the decision “difficult. “Due to the extraordinary events of the last few weeks and to stay faithful to the oaths we swore to New Yorkers and our families, we have come to the difficult decision to step down from our roles,” they said. Parker did not say why he was resigning, saying only that serving as deputy mayor under Adams was “an honor of a lifetime.” NBC New York first reported that resignations were pending after Politico reported that Adams and the deputies had a meeting Friday night. The deputy mayors’ announcements add to a wave of resignations following the Justice Department’s decision to dismiss the bribery and fraud charges against Adams. At least seven Justice Department officials have resigned over the department’s handling of Adams’ case, including Manhattan’s top federal prosecutor Danielle R. Sassoon, who refused to drop the charges against Adams after Bove ordered U.S. prosecutors to do so. Sassoon wrote in a memo to Attorney General Pam Bondi that “Adams’s attorneys repeatedly urged what amounted to a quid pro quo” — which the mayor and his attorney, Alex Spiro, have denied. Adams has pleaded not guilty and alleged the charges are politically motivated. After Adams met with Homan last week, the two men sat for an interview with “Fox & Friends” on Friday, in which Homan said he would be “up [Adams’] butt” if he did not follow through on his commitment. Homan said in an interview Sunday with CNN that allegations of a quid pro quo were “ridiculous” and that his conversation with Adams had been merely “cop to cop,” not “border czar to mayor.” Adams, who is up for re-election in November, had faced a trial in April. The governor did not detail who she was planning to meet with Tuesday but said New York City residents are her primary focus. “Let me be clear: my most urgent concern is the well-being of my 8.3 million constituents who live in New York City,” she said in a statement. “I will be monitoring this situation extraordinarily closely to ensure that New Yorkers are not being shortchanged by the current crisis in City government.” Source link #Hochul #discuss #path #Eric #Adams #deputies #resign #mayors #agreement #work #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Transgender vegan cult leader’ arrested in US over six deaths – The Telegraph ‘Transgender vegan cult leader’ arrested in US over six deaths – The Telegraph ‘Transgender vegan cult leader’ arrested in US over six deaths The TelegraphAlleged leader of cultlike Zizian group linked to Vermont border agent’s killing arrested in Maryland CBS NewsBay Area Zizians ‘death cult’ leader arrested after months on the run SFGATEAlleged leader of cultlike ‘Zizians’ arrested in US as group linked to killings Sky News Source link #Transgender #vegan #cult #leader #arrested #deaths #Telegraph Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DeepSeek ‘shared user data’ with TikTok owner ByteDance DeepSeek ‘shared user data’ with TikTok owner ByteDance South Korea has accused ******** AI startup DeepSeek of sharing user data with the owner of TikTok in China. “We confirmed DeepSeek communicating with ByteDance,” the South Korean data protection regulator told Yonhap News Agency. The country had already removed DeepSeek from app stores over the weekend over data protection concerns. The ******** app caused shockwaves in the AI world in January, wiping billions off global stock markets over claims its new model was trained at a much lower cost than US rivals such as ChatGPT. Since then, multiple countries have warned that user data may not be properly protected, and in February a US cybersecurity company alleged potential data sharing between DeepSeek and ByteDance. DeepSeek’s apparent overnight impact saw it shoot to the top of App Store charts in the ***, US and many other countries around the world – although it now sits far below ChatGPT in *** rankings. In South Korea, it had been downloaded over a million times before being pulled from Apple and Google’s App Stores on Saturday evening. Existing users can still access the app and use it on a web browser. The data regulator, the Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC), told South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency that despite finding a link between DeepSeek and ByteDance, it was “yet to confirm what data was transferred and to what extent”. Critics of the ******** state have long argued its National Intelligence Law allows the government to access any data it wants from ******** companies. However, ByteDance, headquartered in Beijing, is owned by a number of global investors – and others say the same law allows for the protection of private companies and personal data. Fears over user data being sent to China was one of the reasons the US Supreme Court upheld a ban on TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance. The US ban is on hold until 5 April as President Donald Trump attempts to broker a resolution. Cybersecurity company Security Scorecard published a blog on DeepSeek on 10 February which suggested “multiple direct references to ByteDance-owned” services. “These references suggest deep integration with ByteDance’s analytics and performance monitoring infrastructure,” it said in its review of DeepSeek’s Android app. Security Scorecard expressed concern that along with privacy risks, DeepSeek “user behaviour and device metadata [are] likely sent to ByteDance servers”. It also found data “being transmitted to domains linked to ******** state-owned entities”. On Monday, South Korea’s PIPC said it “found out traffic generated by third-party data transfers and insufficient transparency in DeepSeek’s privacy policy”. It said DeepSeek was cooperating with the regulator, and acknowledged it had failed to to take into account South Korean privacy laws. But the regulator advised users “exercise caution and avoid entering personal information into the chatbot”. South Korea has already followed a number of countries such as Australia and Taiwan in banning DeepSeek from government devices. The BBC has contacted the PIPC, ByteDance and DeepSeek’s parent company, High Flyer, for a response. Source link #DeepSeek #shared #user #data #TikTok #owner #ByteDance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Passenger films his escape from upside down crashed plane Passenger films his escape from upside down crashed plane A passenger has filmed his escape from an upside down plane after it skidded along a runway during a failed landing. Video from inside the crashed plane at Toronto airport shows passengers clambering over belongings and seats to exit the aircraft. Crew on board the flight can be heard telling people to leave everything behind as they are helped through a plane door. All passengers survived when the plane skidded and overturned when it came into land. Footage on social media shows the aircraft in flames as it careered along the runway. Read the latest on this story here. Source link #Passenger #films #escape #upside #crashed #plane Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

One Action That Broke Games like Skyrim Is What Feeds into the Narrative Sandbox of The Blood of Dawnwalker One Action That Broke Games like Skyrim Is What Feeds into the Narrative Sandbox of The Blood of Dawnwalker The Blood of Dawnwalker which is an upcoming game by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of Witcher 3 and quest lead Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz has one exciting feature that will offer you a taste of the old days of gaming. The Blood of Dawnwalker will give players a chance to reflect upon their morality. Image Credit: Rebel Wolves The duo has made sure to integrate the feeling of what it feels like to live like a creature of the night. A similar feature has done wonders for games like, Fallout: New Vegas and Elder Scrolls. The NPCs in the game will play a huge role in driving the narrative. The Blood of Dawnwalker will let you kill important NPCs The game will mostly be set during nighttime. Image Credit: Rebel Wolves Video games that allow you to kill NPCs have become a rarity now. Remember there was a time when the storyline could massively be impacted due to one wrong or right decision made by the player? This created an extra level of immersion which seems to be fading now. However, The Blood of Dawnwalker is here to revive this feature by allowing you to kill really important NPCs that will have major effects on the storyline. Since you will be playing as a bloodthirsty Dawnwalker in the game, the game will present to you countless difficult situations where killing NPCs might seem like the only good option but players would need to control their urges or go ahead with the kill, both of which will have consequences. The amount of freedom that players will be presented with will be restrictive. Not everybody in the game is a viable kill, however, there will be a lot of options and lore to find. During an interview with PC Gamer Tomaszkiewicz talked about the same, he said: It’s a sandbox, meaning we’re trying to maximize your options of your choice in the game. Sometimes this can lead to alternate outcomes or even cut off certain questlines. You being a Dawnwalker means that you have this blood hunger during the night time, so this can actually lead to these NPCs dying if you’re not careful. The Blood of Dawnwalker offers a unique approach to storytelling, by setting the game mostly during nighttime, it offers an intimate perspective of the life of a Dawnwalker which will be interesting to experience. The game promises a great adventure. Player freedom plays a huge role in open-world games The creators have made sure to give players a chance to make crucial decisions in the game. Image Credit: Rebel Wolves Restrictive open-world games do not have the same emotional depth to immerse players since they largely focus on pushing you toward the main quest line. Tomaszkiewicz has decided to not develop the game on the same engine as The Witcher 3. Whereas, games that offer complete player freedom with options to do whatever or kill whoever, the experience automatically becomes more intimate since you get to see the repercussions of misdeeds or bear the fruit of good deeds. This intimate experience is what the duo wants to offer, The Blood of Dawnwalker is expected to be released next year. How do you feel about killing important NPCs in the game and directing the flow of a story according to your actions? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Action #Broke #Games #Skyrim #Feeds #Narrative #Sandbox #Blood #Dawnwalker Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton’s citizenship ban has been extended by three months due to excess travel Perth Wildcats superstar Bryce Cotton’s citizenship ban has been extended by three months due to excess travel Perth Wildcats star Bryce Cotton’s four-year ban from applying for *********** citizenship was meant to end on Sunday, but now he’s been hit with another body blow and must wait until May to be eligible again. Source link #Perth #Wildcats #superstar #Bryce #Cottons #citizenship #ban #extended #months #due #excess #travel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump and allies celebrated court orders against Biden they now claim are ‘tyrannical’ Trump and allies celebrated court orders against Biden they now claim are ‘tyrannical’ President Donald Trump and top allies who have questioned the constitutionality of recent court orders blocking the administration’s agenda touted similar rulings by federal courts as “great news” and “brilliant” when they paused President Joe Biden’s policies. When a federal judge in Texas halted a Biden administration pause on deportations six days after Trump was inaugurated, presidential aide Stephen Miller took to social media to describe the temporary restraining order as “great news.” When a judge in Louisiana blocked Biden aides from asking social media platforms to remove content, Trump called the decision “amazing.” “Just last week, in a historic ruling, a brilliant federal judge ordered the Biden administration to cease and desist from their ******** and unconstitutional censorship in collusion with social media,” Trump told an audience in Florida in 2023. (The Supreme Court months later would decide in Biden’s favor.) Trump has faced a barrage of adverse initial rulings since his inauguration that have paused his efforts to end birthright citizenship, fire leaders at independent government agencies and withhold spending approved by Congress. Those orders are not final but are instead designed to give courts the time needed to review the law. Still, they can have enormous on-the-ground impacts, and they have allowed Trump’s allies to pour fuel on the notion that his critics are seeking out friendly judges to stall his agenda — just as conservatives often did during Biden’s administration. The temporary orders, handed down by a single federal judge but often with nationwide ramifications, are exactly the kind of court decisions that the president and his allies are now railing against. Vice President JD Vance, a Yale Law School graduate, carped on social media that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” “Judges should be ruling,” Trump said on the “Mark Levin Show” last week. “They shouldn’t be dictating what you’re supposed to be doing.” The complaints from Miller, who recently blasted a series of temporary court orders against Trump as “tyrannical,” have been particularly notable because he was heavily involved with seeking them against Biden. Following Trump’s first term, Miller created America First Legal, a group that frequently sued the Biden administration over its Covid-19 policies, immigration orders and its decision to remove Trump appointees from government boards. To be sure, presidents of both parties, several justices on the Supreme Court and many legal scholars have long raised concerns about temporary orders that block an administration’s policies. The highest-profile cases are usually tied to politically charged issues, which can make it impossible to have rational debates about the ability of courts to issue sweeping injunctions and restraining orders. A congressional fix, lamented Notre Dame law professor Samuel Bray, would “require putting aside partisan implications in the near term to solve the problem and get the law right in the long term.” The real puzzle, Bray said, “is why it has taken so long for the Supreme Court to address this.” “It may be that the onslaught of cases against the second Trump administration will be the occasion where the court is forced to decide,” he said. Trump’s complaints may also capture the attention of Congress. “The real question is whether this will incentivize Congress to pursue the very court reforms that were dismissed as Democratic hyperventilating as recently as last year,” said Stephen Vladeck, a Georgetown University Law Center professor and CNN legal analyst. Short-circuiting courts While the remarks by Trump and Vance set off a flurry of debate about the president’s fidelity to the judicial branch and the principle of separation of powers, they also drew attention to a decades-old — and at times bipartisan — fight over court-ordered nationwide injunctions that reach beyond the parties involved in the litigation. During the first three years of Biden’s administration, courts issued 14 nationwide injunctions blocking executive orders and policies, according to a Harvard Law Review article last year. During Trump’s first term, courts issued more than four times that many. Former Attorney General William Barr, who served in the first Trump administration, decried nationwide injunctions, writing in a Wall Street Journal op-ed in 2019 that granting a single judge such power “short-circuits” the usual judicial process. In the final days of the Biden administration, Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar urged the Supreme Court to consider limiting the procedure, arguing in an emergency appeal that the orders can lead to “substantial disruption on the execution of the laws.” The court declined to take Prelogar up on that offer. But the litigation now swirling around Trump may give the Supreme Court its best opportunity in years to weigh in on that dispute. “Sometimes an issue has developed to where it’s at a tipping point and something needs to be done,” said Paul Grimm, director of the Bolch Judicial Institute at Duke Law School and a retired district court judge. “This may be the opportunity that the court says, ‘All right, the time is right for us to take this on and give some guidance,’ because this is a flash point,” Grimm said. “The chance is greater in the next couple of terms than it has been in the past.” Several justices waded into the thorny issue last spring in a case dealing with Idaho’s strict statewide ban on gender-affirming care for most minors. The court ultimately allowed Idaho to enforce that ban, knocking down a lower court’s sweeping injunction. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a member of the court’s liberal wing who opposed letting Idaho enforce the law, conceded that “the questions raised by ‘universal injunctions’ are contested and difficult.” Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by two of his fellow conservatives, described the debate over temporary court orders as of “great significance” and said because the orders are often considered on an extremely expedited basis they lead to a “fast and furious business.” “Retiring the universal injunction may not be the answer to everything that ails us,” Gorsuch wrote. “But it will lead federal courts to become a little truer to the historic limits of their office.” Rogue judge vs. wise jurist Closely tied to the criticism of sweeping temporary orders is a concern that lawyers aiming to shut down an administration’s policies can seek out a friendly judge — or “judge shop” — and virtually guarantee a favorable, if temporary, outcome. The federal judiciary has tried to take some steps toward addressing that issue, but those measures have met with resistance and mixed success. Sebastian Gorka, who worked in Trump’s first White House and who the president has named senior director for counterterrorism this time around, reposted a message on X last weekend describing US District Judge Paul Engelmayer, an Obama appointee, as a “rogue judge.” But he celebrated a nationwide injunction against Biden’s vaccine mandate for federal workers in 2021 in a social media repost, suggesting that a “Federal Judge” had stepped in to block Biden’s “abuse of power.” Trump himself repeatedly touted or commented on temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions that blocked the Biden administration’s policies. When a federal judge in Louisiana in 2022 issued a preliminary injunction halting the administration from ending the Title 42 program, which allowed the administration to speed the removal of certain migrants, Trump reposted a supporter on his Truth Social platform thanking US District Judge Robert Summerhays for the ruling. Trump appointed Summerhays to the bench during his first term. White House spokesperson Harrison Fields dismissed the comparison between the Biden-era orders and those issued in the early weeks of the Trump administration. “It’s simple: Biden abused his executive power to implement policies not within the scope of his presidential powers, while President Trump is appropriately using his executive authority to implement his America First agenda,” Fields told CNN. “These court orders from left-wing judges are a continuation of judicial weaponization that Americans voted against at the ballot box on November 5.” While Trump has kicked up considerable dust about federal courts, lawyers in the Justice Department have continued to do what administrations have always done with adverse rulings: Appeal. Following the uproar over Vance’s tweet, the president told reporters in the Oval Office last week, “I always abide by the courts.” For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #Trump #allies #celebrated #court #orders #Biden #claim #tyrannical Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Department of Homeland Security preparing to fire hundreds of senior leaders this week Department of Homeland Security preparing to fire hundreds of senior leaders this week Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem speaks to employees at the Department of Homeland Security, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, in Washington, U.S. Manuel Balce Ceneta | Via Reuters The Trump administration is preparing to fire hundreds of high-level Department of Homeland Security employees this week as part of a move to rid the country’s third-largest agency of people deemed to be misaligned with the administration’s goals, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The sources said the Trump administration has a “centralized plan” and a list of people in high-level positions across every component of DHS who are to be targeted this week. The firings will come on top of hundreds of more general cuts that began across DHS on Friday night, which targeted the Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Those firings were the latest in a governmentwide effort to reduce the federal workforce. This week, the three sources told NBC News, career employees at high managerial levels, namely Senior Executive Service and General Schedule 15 employees, may be removed from agencies across DHS — not to reduce the size of the workforce but to remove employees whom the administration sees as potentially standing in the way of goals the Trump administration has for the agency. DHS, which includes Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is the primary agency tasked with enforcing U.S. immigration law. Trump has relied heavily on CBP to secure the southwest border and on ICE to ramp up arrests and deportations of undocumented immigrants living in the United States. The employees at those high levels “are career people who have an influence on policy and strategy in those positions,” said a former senior Biden administration official, responding to news of the plan. A Trump administration official defended the plan. Asked whether reducing the positions would make it harder for DHS to make good on Trump’s immigration goals, the administration official said the administration is removing people who it believes “willfully grind things to a halt.” “These people put themselves in a terrible position, and they need to be removed,” the Trump administration official said. In a statement, a spokesperson for DHS said, “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are making sweeping cuts and reform across the federal government to eliminate egregious waste and incompetence that has been happening for decades at the expense of the American taxpayer.” Source link #Department #Homeland #Security #preparing #fire #hundreds #senior #leaders #week Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

X doubles its Premium+ plan prices after xAI releases Grok 3 – TechCrunch X doubles its Premium+ plan prices after xAI releases Grok 3 – TechCrunch X doubles its Premium+ plan prices after xAI releases Grok 3 TechCrunchHow Elon Musk’s Grok 3 Compares to ChatGPT, DeepSeek NewsweekMusk’s xAI releases artificial intelligence model Grok 3, claims better performance than rivals in early testing CNBCGrok 3 Launch Time, Live Demo Details: Elon Musk says xAI’s Grok 3 chatbot to be unveiled on Tuesday The Indian ExpressGrok 3 launch: What do AI models think about their competitor? Hindustan Times Source link #doubles #Premium #plan #prices #xAI #releases #Grok #TechCrunch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jellycat toys thief given suspended jail sentence Jellycat toys thief given suspended jail sentence Getty Images Police found 40 Jellycat soft toys in Ruby Smith’s home A woman who stole almost £3,000 worth of Jellycat toys has been given a suspended prison sentence. Ruby Smith, 35, of Eye in Suffolk, was captured on CCTV putting the toys into her bag, her clothing and a child’s pram before leaving without paying, Norfolk Police said. She had previously admitted to seven counts of thefts between July and September from garden centres in Bressingham, Wroxham and Thetford in Norfolk. Police said 40 of the collectable toys had been seized from her home and on Monday she had been given a 26-week prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. Norwich Police A rabbit and an aubergine were among the items discovered Jellycat, founded in London in 1999, is known for its plush toys which retail from about £12 for smaller items and up to £200 for larger ones. The toys of animals and everyday items have become hugely collectable, with buyers often sharing their latest purchases on social media. Some ranges, including a peach which went viral last year, have sold out on release and caused a surge in secondary sales on platforms such as Vinted. Getty Images Last year Jellycat opened concept pop-up stores including a patisserie in Paris and a fish and chip shop in London At Norwich Magistrates’ Court, Smith was also ordered to pay £1,780 in compensation and a £154 victim surcharge. She was told to wear an electronic monitor for three months, participate in an accredited programme for 40 days and take part in a rehabilitation activity programme for up to seven days. Source link #Jellycat #toys #thief #suspended #jail #sentence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI Action Summit calls for a rethink of regulation AI Action Summit calls for a rethink of regulation Thank you for joining! Access your Pro+ Content below. 18 February 2025 AI Action Summit calls for a rethink of regulation Share this item with your network: In this week’s Computer Weekly, we report from the AI Action Summit in Paris on how easing red tape is overtaking safety as a priority. We examine the AI regulations that IT leaders need to understand. And we talk to the *** government’s AI minister about the country’s artificial intelligence opportunities. Read the issue now. Source link #Action #Summit #calls #rethink #regulation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]