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European countries will not create one united army, says Poland's Sikorski – Reuters.com European countries will not create one united army, says Poland's Sikorski – Reuters.com European countries will not create one united army, says Poland’s Sikorski Reuters.comZelenskyy’s chief of staff discusses ‘new reality’ for security in Ukraine and Europe PBS NewsHourZelenskyy calls for creation of ‘European army’ as he warns Russia ‘is not preparing for dialogue’ CNBCZelensky’s Big Pitch to Munich Foreign PolicyZelensky floats unified European Army: ‘The time has come’ The Hill Source link #European #countries #create #united #army #Poland039s #Sikorski #Reuters.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Israel receives heavy bombs shipment cleared by Trump Israel receives heavy bombs shipment cleared by Trump A Donald Trump-approved US shipment of 2000-pound bombs that can rip through thick concrete and metal, creating a wide blast radius, has arrived in Israel. Source link #Israel #receives #heavy #bombs #shipment #cleared #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

JPMorgan employee who questioned Jamie Dimon’s RTO mandate says he was fired—then told he could stay—after testy town hall – Yahoo JPMorgan employee who questioned Jamie Dimon’s RTO mandate says he was fired—then told he could stay—after testy town hall – Yahoo JPMorgan employee who questioned Jamie Dimon’s RTO mandate says he was fired—then told he could stay—after testy town hall YahooJPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon pops off on anti-RTO workers Fox BusinessBattle over work-from-home policies CNN‘I’ve had it’: JP Morgan boss rails against Gen Z in expletive-laden outburst The TelegraphJamie Dimon: ‘Don’t give me this s‑‑‑ that work-from-home Friday works’ The Hill Source link #JPMorgan #employee #questioned #Jamie #Dimons #RTO #mandate #firedthen #told #stayafter #testy #town #hall #Yahoo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine rejects initial Trump request for half its mineral wealth – The Washington Post Ukraine rejects initial Trump request for half its mineral wealth – The Washington Post Ukraine rejects initial Trump request for half its mineral wealth The Washington PostUkraine Rejects U.S. Demand for Half of Its Mineral Resources The New York TimesIn Ukraine, a potential arms-for-minerals deal inspires hope and skepticism The Seattle TimesZelenskiy says draft US minerals deal ‘does not protect’ Ukraine ReutersUkraine balks at signing Trump deal to hand over its mineral wealth POLITICO Europe Source link #Ukraine #rejects #initial #Trump #request #mineral #wealth #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Germany: 2 injured in Munich car ramming die – DW (English) Germany: 2 injured in Munich car ramming die – DW (English) Germany: 2 injured in Munich car ramming die DW (English)Mother, daughter die from injuries suffered in Munich car attack ABC NewsA 2-year-old girl and her mother have died after the car-ramming attack in Munich The Associated PressGerman authorities say they are investigating possible Islamic extremist motive for Munich car-ramming attack PBS NewsHour Source link #Germany #injured #Munich #car #ramming #die #English Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US sent Ukraine minerals deal, offered almost nothing in return US sent Ukraine minerals deal, offered almost nothing in return SLOVIANSK, UKRAINE – FEBRUARY 9: In an aerial view, a chalk quarry on Mount Karachun is seen in front of the city on February 9, 2025 in Sloviansk, Ukraine. Due to the strategic importance of the mountain and the telecommunication tower located on it, fighting continued between the Ukrainian military and pro-Russian armed groups over Karachun during the war in the east of Ukraine from April to July 2014. US President Donald Trump said that the US wants to receive rare-earth elements from Ukraine in exchange for further US support for Ukraine’s war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi commented that indeed, one of the points of the Ukraine’s Plan for Victory was the attraction of foreign investment into the Ukrainian economy. According to Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Ukraine has the largest reserves of lithium, titanium and significant deposits of other minerals in Europe. (Photo by Viktor Fridshon/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images MUNICH, Germany (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he directed his ministers not to sign off on a proposed agreement to give the United States access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals because the document was too focused on U.S. interests. The proposal, which was at the center of Zelenskyy’s talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, did not offer any specific security guarantees in return, according to one current and one former senior official familiar with the talks. Zelenskyy’s decision to reject a deal, at least for now, was described as “short-sighted” by a senior White House official. “I didn’t let the ministers sign a relevant agreement because in my view it is not ready to protect us, our interest,” Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday in Munich. The proposal focused on how the U.S. could use Kyiv’s rare earth minerals “as compensation” for support already given to Ukraine by the Biden administration and as payment for future aid, current and former senior Ukrainian officials said speaking anonymously so they could speak freely. Ukraine has vast reserves of critical minerals which are used in aerospace, defense and nuclear industries. The Trump administration has indicated it is interested in accessing them to reduce dependence on China but Zelenskyy said any exploitation would need to be tied to security guarantees for Ukraine that would deter future Russian aggression. “For me is very important the connection between some kind of security guarantees and some kind of investment,” the Ukrainian president said. Zelenskyy did not go into details about why he instructed his officials not to sign the document which was given to Ukrainian officials on Wednesday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent on a visit to Kyiv. “It’s a colonial agreement and Zelenskyy cannot sign it,” the former senior official said. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes did not explicitly confirm the offer, but said in a statement that “President Zelenskyy is being short-sighted about the excellent opportunity the Trump Administration has presented to Ukraine.” The Trump administration has grown weary of sending additional U.S. aid to Ukraine and Hughes said a minerals deal would allow American taxpayers to “recoup” money sent to Kyiv while growing Ukraine’s economy. Hughes added that the White House believes “binding economic ties with the United States will be the best guarantee against future aggression and an integral part of lasting peace.” He added, “The U.S. recognizes this, the Russians recognize this, and the Ukrainians must recognize this.” U.S. officials in discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in Munich were commercially minded and largely concentrated on the specifics of exploring the minerals and how to form a possible partnership to do that with Ukraine, the senior official said. The potential value of the deposits in Ukraine has not yet been discussed, with much unexplored or close to the front line. The U.S. proposal apparently did not take into account how the deposits would be secured in the event of continuing Russian aggression. The official suggested the U.S. did not have “ready answers,” to that question and that one of their takeaways from discussions in Munich will be how to secure any mineral extraction operation in Ukraine involving people and infrastructure. Any deal must be in accordance with Ukrainian law and acceptable to the Ukrainian people, the senior Ukrainian official said. “Subsoil belongs to Ukrainians under the Constitution,” Kseniiia Orynchak, founder of the National Association of Mining Industry of Ukraine previously told the AP suggesting a deal would need popular support. Zelenskyy and Vance did not discuss the details of the U.S. document during their meeting Friday at the Munich Security Conference, the senior official said. That meeting was “very good” and “substantive,” with Vance making it clear his and Trump’s main goal was to achieve a durable, lasting peace, the senior official said. Zelenskyy told Vance that real peace requires Ukraine to be in a “strong position” when starting negotiations, stressed that the U.S negotiators should come to Ukraine, and that the U.S., Ukraine and Europe must be at the negotiating table for talks with Russia. But Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, all but cut Europeans out of any Ukraine-Russia talks, despite Zelenskyy’s request. “You can have the Ukrainians, the Russians, and clearly the Americans at the table talking,” Kellogg said at an event hosted by a Ukrainian tycoon at the Munich Security Conference. Pressed on whether that meant Europeans won’t be included, he said: “I’m a school of realism. I think that’s not going to happen.” Ukraine is now preparing a “counter proposal” which will be delivered to the U.S. in “the near future,” the official said. “I think it’s important that the vice president understood me that if we want to sign something, we have to understand that it will work,” Zelenskyy told AP. That means, he said, “It will bring money and security.” Source link #Ukraine #minerals #deal #offered #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against union effort – CBS News Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against union effort – CBS News Amazon workers in North Carolina vote against union effort CBS NewsAmazon workers at North Carolina warehouse vote against unionizing CNNNC Amazon union | Results for vote to unionize Amazon in Garner, North Carolina ABC11 Raleigh-DurhamAmazon North Carolina workers reject union, handing retailer win in labor fight Reuters Source link #Amazon #workers #North #Carolina #vote #union #effort #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police slam Perth drivers after major Northbridge blitz catches 50 people drink driving Police slam Perth drivers after major Northbridge blitz catches 50 people drink driving The operation locked down the streets of Northbridge with five deployment locations set up as part of a major crackdown on drink and drug driving. Source link #Police #slam #Perth #drivers #major #Northbridge #blitz #catches #people #drink #driving Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US sent Ukraine minerals deal, offered almost nothing in return US sent Ukraine minerals deal, offered almost nothing in return SLOVIANSK, UKRAINE – FEBRUARY 9: In an aerial view, a chalk quarry on Mount Karachun is seen in front of the city on February 9, 2025 in Sloviansk, Ukraine. Due to the strategic importance of the mountain and the telecommunication tower located on it, fighting continued between the Ukrainian military and pro-Russian armed groups over Karachun during the war in the east of Ukraine from April to July 2014. US President Donald Trump said that the US wants to receive rare-earth elements from Ukraine in exchange for further US support for Ukraine’s war against Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi commented that indeed, one of the points of the Ukraine’s Plan for Victory was the attraction of foreign investment into the Ukrainian economy. According to Yulia Svyrydenko, Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Ukraine has the largest reserves of lithium, titanium and significant deposits of other minerals in Europe. (Photo by Viktor Fridshon/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images) Global Images Ukraine | Global Images Ukraine | Getty Images MUNICH, Germany (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he directed his ministers not to sign off on a proposed agreement to give the United States access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals because the document was too focused on U.S. interests. The proposal, which was at the center of Zelenskyy’s talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, did not offer any specific security guarantees in return, according to one current and one former senior official familiar with the talks. Zelenskyy’s decision to reject a deal, at least for now, was described as “short-sighted” by a senior White House official. “I didn’t let the ministers sign a relevant agreement because in my view it is not ready to protect us, our interest,” Zelenskyy told The Associated Press on Saturday in Munich. The proposal focused on how the U.S. could use Kyiv’s rare earth minerals “as compensation” for support already given to Ukraine by the Biden administration and as payment for future aid, current and former senior Ukrainian officials said speaking anonymously so they could speak freely. Ukraine has vast reserves of critical minerals which are used in aerospace, defense and nuclear industries. The Trump administration has indicated it is interested in accessing them to reduce dependence on China but Zelenskyy said any exploitation would need to be tied to security guarantees for Ukraine that would deter future Russian aggression. “For me is very important the connection between some kind of security guarantees and some kind of investment,” the Ukrainian president said. Zelenskyy did not go into details about why he instructed his officials not to sign the document which was given to Ukrainian officials on Wednesday by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bassent on a visit to Kyiv. “It’s a colonial agreement and Zelenskyy cannot sign it,” the former senior official said. White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes did not explicitly confirm the offer, but said in a statement that “President Zelenskyy is being short-sighted about the excellent opportunity the Trump Administration has presented to Ukraine.” The Trump administration has grown weary of sending additional U.S. aid to Ukraine and Hughes said a minerals deal would allow American taxpayers to “recoup” money sent to Kyiv while growing Ukraine’s economy. Hughes added that the White House believes “binding economic ties with the United States will be the best guarantee against future aggression and an integral part of lasting peace.” He added, “The U.S. recognizes this, the Russians recognize this, and the Ukrainians must recognize this.” U.S. officials in discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in Munich were commercially minded and largely concentrated on the specifics of exploring the minerals and how to form a possible partnership to do that with Ukraine, the senior official said. The potential value of the deposits in Ukraine has not yet been discussed, with much unexplored or close to the front line. The U.S. proposal apparently did not take into account how the deposits would be secured in the event of continuing Russian aggression. The official suggested the U.S. did not have “ready answers,” to that question and that one of their takeaways from discussions in Munich will be how to secure any mineral extraction operation in Ukraine involving people and infrastructure. Any deal must be in accordance with Ukrainian law and acceptable to the Ukrainian people, the senior Ukrainian official said. “Subsoil belongs to Ukrainians under the Constitution,” Kseniiia Orynchak, founder of the National Association of Mining Industry of Ukraine previously told the AP suggesting a deal would need popular support. Zelenskyy and Vance did not discuss the details of the U.S. document during their meeting Friday at the Munich Security Conference, the senior official said. That meeting was “very good” and “substantive,” with Vance making it clear his and Trump’s main goal was to achieve a durable, lasting peace, the senior official said. Zelenskyy told Vance that real peace requires Ukraine to be in a “strong position” when starting negotiations, stressed that the U.S negotiators should come to Ukraine, and that the U.S., Ukraine and Europe must be at the negotiating table for talks with Russia. But Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, all but cut Europeans out of any Ukraine-Russia talks, despite Zelenskyy’s request. “You can have the Ukrainians, the Russians, and clearly the Americans at the table talking,” Kellogg said at an event hosted by a Ukrainian tycoon at the Munich Security Conference. Pressed on whether that meant Europeans won’t be included, he said: “I’m a school of realism. I think that’s not going to happen.” Ukraine is now preparing a “counter proposal” which will be delivered to the U.S. in “the near future,” the official said. “I think it’s important that the vice president understood me that if we want to sign something, we have to understand that it will work,” Zelenskyy told AP. That means, he said, “It will bring money and security.” Source link #Ukraine #minerals #deal #offered #return Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Tkachuks help set tone, spark U.S. past Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off – NHL.com Tkachuks help set tone, spark U.S. past Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off – NHL.com Tkachuks help set tone, spark U.S. past Canada in 4 Nations Face-Off NHL.comUS, ********* hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos Fox NewsConnor McDavid, Canada determined to earn rematch with USA Sportsnet.ca2025 4 Nations Face-Off: Where to watch, schedule, scores, TV channel, format, rosters, live stream CBS SportsBrady Tkachuk dishes on what led to early fights in USA-Canada showdown New York Post Source link #Tkachuks #set #tone #spark #U.S #Canada #Nations #FaceOff #NHL.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mitchell Johnson: Pressure on younger players but Australia knows how to stand up in big tournaments Mitchell Johnson: Pressure on younger players but Australia knows how to stand up in big tournaments I was lucky enough to have played in three ICC Champions Trophy tournaments in my career. It is one of the most important series in the cricket calendar. In one-day cricket, it’s number two behind the World Cup. When I think back to the time we won the Champions Trophy in South Africa, we were given a white jacket with embroidery on the front as a prize. We didn’t even get anything like that for winning the World Cup! The tournament was also a good way to see how our next World Cup plans were tracking as a one-day unit. We had a good sense of the squad, but that wasn’t to say it wouldn’t change as performance was key as a player and injuries and retirements played a part in squads, too. Australia’s 15-player squad, captained by Steve Smith, has had some notable changes lately. With Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh unavailable, plus Marcus Stoinis’ unexpected retirement, the team will feel the impact of these core player absences. Mitchell Starc’s decision to step back adds more pressure on the next generation of players as they step into a major ODI tournament. Despite these challenges, the squad still has a solid foundation. Players like Ben Dwarshuis, Matthew Short, and Sean Abbott bring valuable first-class experience and most members of the squad have been involved with the Aussie setup at some point in recent years. Camera IconSean Abbott will have to step up in the absence of big names. Credit: AAP The crucial question will be whether they can gel under pressure. Experienced players like Maxwell, Smith, and Head will need to guide the team and alleviate some of the burdens on the newcomers once the tournament begins. I genuinely believe this Aussie team has the potential to win. However, it would have been beneficial for them to have played more ODIs together to build chemistry and form. And looking at the result in the 2-match ODI series in Sri Lanks, they have a bit of work ahead of them. Batting was the main concern and there is mounting pressure on Jake Fraser-McGurk who has struggled to find consistency. This can be the issue when you’re a young up-and-coming star and everyone is talking about you and your skills. In the end, you have to perform and when playing for your country, there is nowhere to hide. Camera IconJake Fraser-McGurk has had a torrid time as of late. Credit: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images Even after a series defeat, I still see the potential of this squad and knowing that *********** teams stand up in big tournaments, especially when the outside noise doesn’t back them it seems to get them up and about. The intriguing aspect of seeing this squad, especially with the injuries and retirements, is that it provides fans a glimpse of the future talents ready to step up. We’re getting a look at players who are not only in contention for the shorter formats but could also make an impact in longer formats down the line. It’s always tough to see favourite players miss out, whether due to injury or retirement, but that’s the reality of professional sport. The game moves forward. This transition opens doors for new talent, which is exciting for fans and crucial for the growth of the team. The potential of these emerging players is what keeps the spirit of the game alive, and it’s a great opportunity to see who might carry the legacy in the years to come. Two things that caught my attention were Stoinis’ retirement and Starc’s decision not to play for personal reasons, which have raised some questions. When a player feels it’s time to step away, they’ve usually given it a lot of thought. If you can’t give 100 per cent to your team, your country, or yourself, be it in training, matches, or everything else that comes with being a professional cricketer, then it’s often the right call to move on, regardless of the tournament or series on the horizon. Marcus Stoinis clearly felt it was time for the next generation to step in and make their mark, which shows his willingness to prioritise the team’s future. Making that decision can be incredibly tough, especially after dedicating so much to reaching the highest level of competition. As for the timing, yes, some may debate whether it’s ideal or not, but as we’ve discussed, these personal choices often come from deep reflection. It’s all part of the ongoing evolution of the sport and the transition that teams must navigate. Like I mentioned before, Stonis is better to make this decision now and not be there half-heartedly. It opens the door for someone else and even though it looks like a late decision, the next player will need to be ready. Camera IconMitchell Starc is a big loss. Credit: AAP And veteran fast bowler Mitchell Starc will be missing from this squad for personal reasons. I think most fans will be understanding when it comes to personal matters. What really matters is that it isn’t anything serious, and hopefully, we’ll see him back in *********** colours soon. He’s been one of Australia’s best with the white ball and his presence on the pitch is always significant. There has also been concern regarding Mitchell Starc’s physical condition, as he seems to be carrying a ******* or two. Throughout the *********** summer, there were worries about his fitness, but he managed to push through it, even participating in a two-match series in Sri Lanka. As a fast bowler, he has certainly proven his resilience by continuing to perform despite the challenges. His presence will definitely be missed around the squad, as he’s not just a key player but also a leader with a wealth of experience that younger players look up to. It’s hard for me to say if the Champions Trophy holds the same significance as when I played. Camera IconThe Champions Trophy has lost its lustre. Credit: Hamish Blair/Getty Images I’d like to think it still does and the legacy of past players and their performances have influenced this generation and the next as we move forward. I often hear that ODI cricket is dead, yet every time a World Cup comes around, it seems to be successful on all fronts. I hope the same holds true for this Champions Trophy. Time will tell, but personally, I feel it’s an important tournament. As Australians, we always want to showcase our talent and demonstrate to other countries just how good we are in any major competition. Source link #Mitchell #Johnson #Pressure #younger #players #Australia #stand #big #tournaments Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

McClung claims Slam Dunk contest 3-peat – theScore McClung claims Slam Dunk contest 3-peat – theScore McClung claims Slam Dunk contest 3-peat theScoreMcClung’s 4 perfect dunks clinch historic 3-peat; Herro wins 3s title ESPNMac McClung proves the NBA Slam Dunk Contest doesn’t need stars, just passionate showmen The AthleticWhere to watch NBA Slam Dunk Contest: Time, TV channel, live stream, picks for 2025 All-Star Saturday night CBS SportsWatch Mac McClung dunks that secured him a three-peat in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest USA TODAY Source link #McClung #claims #Slam #Dunk #contest #3peat #theScore Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xbox Game Pass To Lose 8 More Games February Xbox Game Pass To Lose 8 More Games February Discover which games are leaving Xbox Game Pass in February, including the major loss of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty. Source link #Xbox #Game #Pass #Lose #Games #February Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump name changes from the Gulf of America to Fort Bragg Donald Trump name changes from the Gulf of America to Fort Bragg Kayla Epstein National digital reporter Getty Images ​​President Donald Trump has always understood the power of branding. As a celebrity businessman, he affixed his name to the facades of his skyscrapers and licensed his name to an array of products, from hotels to wines. Now, he is attempting his boldest branding campaign yet: America itself. On his first day back in office, he signed an order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Denali, the indigenous name for the famed Alaskan peak, will revert back to Mount McKinley, a reference to the assassinated 19th century president. Fort Bragg, which was named for a Confederate general until the military changed it to Fort Liberty, will again bear its original name – but this time attributed to a far less controversial soldier from World War Two. Trump is not the first US president to rename a monument. It was Barack Obama, a Democrat, who renamed Mount McKinley to its Native American name, Denali, after years of lobbying from Alaskans. George W Bush, a Republican, renamed the Caribbean National Forest in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the El Yunque National Forest in 2007, to reflect the US territory’s heritage. And after the ******* of George Floyd in 2020 sparked a national reckoning on race, Congress initiated a process to rename US military bases named after Confederate figures. In 2023, during Joe Biden’s presidency, the Department of Defense renamed nine US military bases, including Fort Bragg. At the heart of these decisions is a desire to portray America, and its values, in a particular light. “The act of naming is a way that presidents can reshape their vision of the nation,” said Allison Prasch, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who studies political rhetoric. Trump’s choices in his second term send a clear message about his priorities too, she said. “It is elevating a very nationalist, imperialist vision of the United States,” Ms Prasch said. Some of Trump’s name choices are callbacks to America’s expansionist age, when the prevailing ideology said that America had a God-given mission to expand from shore to shore. Part of President William McKinley’s legacy was his role in annexing Puerto Rico, Guam, the Philippines and Hawaii. In changing Denali’s name, Trump said he wanted to honour McKinley because he “made our country very rich through tariffs and through talent”. It’s an ideology that seems to inform Trump today too, as he has also floated the idea of retaking the Panama Canal, which had once been under US control, buying Greenland and annexing Canada to become the “51st state”. Meanwhile, renaming Fort Bragg is the latest in an ongoing debate over the legacy of the Confederacy – the coalition of southern states that seceded from the US over the issue of slavery and triggered the Civil War. During Trump’s first administration, amid a national reckoning over racial injustice, Congress required the Pentagon to rename facilities named after Confederates and banned future military installations from being named after them. The move rankled Trump then, who tried to veto the measure and declared that “our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with!” Congress overrode him with bipartisan support. But historian Connor Williams, who served on the renaming committee that had recommended the name Bragg be removed in 2021, said that honouring the Confederacy is misguided. “What makes Confederates such bad topics for commemoration is that they have very little to redeem them,” Williams said. “They committed treason against the United States.” “What we commemorate, what we celebrate, what public displays we make, where we place wreathes – the president does have that ability to signal what he thinks is important,” he added. Getty Images In 2023, the Biden administration ordered the removal of the Confederate Memorial from the Arlington National Cemetery In 2023, the Biden administration changed Fort Bragg, named after Confederate general Braxton Bragg, to Fort Liberty. “We seized this opportunity to make ourselves better and to seek excellence,” Lt. Gen. Christopher Donahue said at the renaming ceremony. “That is what we always have done and always will do.” However, the name change prompted mixed feelings among lawmakers, former military personnel who spent time there, and the local community. “I understand the reasoning behind the change, and I have to accept it because it’s what the elected leadership has determined is in the best interest,” Cumberland County Commissioner Jimmy Keefe said at the time according to local media. “But I hate that so many people who have had positive experiences at Fort Bragg, who have had children born there, weddings there, that they will no longer have that tether of Fort Bragg in the name.” This week, Trump’s new Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, restored the base’s name to Fort Bragg. But this time, he said the base will be named after Private First Class Roland Bragg, who fought in World War II, rather than a Confederate general. “That’s right,” Hegseth said. “Bragg is back.” Republican lawmakers representing the base expressed enthusiasm about the change. “Renaming Fort Bragg for Pfc. Roland L. Bragg, who earned the Silver Star and Purple Heart in WWII, was always the right decision,” North Carolina Senator Ted Budd wrote on Facebook. Getty Images Google Maps has agreed to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America for US users But nationally, many of Trump’s name changes have proved controversial. A Marquette University poll suggested that 71% of US adults did not support changing the Gulf of Mexico’s name, and just 29% supported it. Some of the changes have sparked debates about whose vision of American history should officially stand. A poll by Alaska Survey Research suggested 47% of Alaska’s Trump’s voters favoured the name change. But overall, Alaskans opposed the name change by a two-to-one margin, the Juneau Express reported. Democrats and Republicans in Alaska’s legislature banded together to pass a resolution urging Trump not to change Denali’s name. “To officially change the name would not only dishonor those who have fought to protect Denali’s legacy but also dismiss the voices of the Native communities whose roots are intertwined with this land,” said Alaska Representative Maxine Dibert, a Democrat and a member of the indigenous Koyukon Athabascan community. Time will tell whether Trump’s symbolic name changes endure. But the arguments about them shows no signs of abating. This week, the White House blocked an Associated Press reporter from the Oval Office this week because the wire service kept Gulf of Mexico in its popular style guide. AP executive editor Julie Pace called the decision “alarming” and said it violated the constitution’s free speech rights. Meanwhile, Google – which now uses the name Gulf of America on its maps for US users – has begun deleting negative reviews of the name change. Renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America might be a land (or water) grab on paper only, but its symbolism is undeniable, said Ms Prasch, the professor of political rhetoric at the University of Wisconsin. And it goes beyond geography to strike a chord about how the country views itself – and its history. “I actually think that this is much more than renaming a body of water on a map,” she said. “It is a fundamentally rhetorical decision about how we think about the story of the nation.” Source link #Donald #Trump #Gulf #America #Fort #Bragg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The First Descendant Hotfix 1.2.7 The First Descendant Hotfix 1.2.7 Void Erosion Purge missions turned out to be more frustrating than challenging. To resolve it, Nexon promised some considerable changes. “To address this, we will be adjusting the difficulty of Stage 30 in the upcoming Hotfix 1.2.7 on February 13, making it more manageable for solo players.” Source link #Descendant #Hotfix #1.2.7 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA election 2025: Premier Roger Cook’s $210 million plan to get more people into housing WA election 2025: Premier Roger Cook’s $210 million plan to get more people into housing Roger Cook has put housing on the State election stage, promising to extend the government’s shared equity scheme to privately built apartments and townhouses if Labor secures another term. Source link #election #Premier #Roger #Cooks #million #plan #people #housing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Storm system brings potential for 'mixed bag of precipitation' to the Carolinas next week – WRAL News Storm system brings potential for 'mixed bag of precipitation' to the Carolinas next week – WRAL News Storm system brings potential for ‘mixed bag of precipitation’ to the Carolinas next week WRAL NewsImpactful winter storm possible on Wednesday in Central NC CBS17.comThunderstorms then a winter storm: Snow, sleet & freezing rain in wild Raleigh forecast Raleigh News & ObserverChance of wintry weather in the Triad next week WGHP FOX8 Greensboro Source link #Storm #system #brings #potential #039mixed #bag #precipitation039 #Carolinas #week #WRAL #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Adventurous cat takes train into London from Weybridge Adventurous cat takes train into London from Weybridge Sam Dixon-French BBC News, Surrey Jacob Panons BBC News, South East Michael Hardy Trains from Weybridge can take almost an hour and a half to get to Waterloo An adventurous cat had to be collected from London Waterloo station by her owner after taking a train into the capital from Surrey. Michael Hardy, from Weybridge, says his two-year-old cat Tilly is known for straying, having caught buses before and even climbing behind the bar of his local pub. Even so, he was taken aback when he received a call from a ticket office worker about Tilly’s 17.7-mile (28.5km) trip into the city. Mr Hardy said: “What the hell is my cat doing in Waterloo getting on trains and going for a ride?” Michael Hardy Mr Hardy said Tilly had previously gone to a local school Fortunately, Mr Hardy was working in London at the time and drove to the station to collect Tilly. He said: “We didn’t know where she was. We looked on the Apple [air] tag and realised she’d gone to Waterloo. “The only way she can get there is on the train. You look at the tag and you see it going from one stop to another.” Trains from Weybridge take between 30 minutes and almost 90 minutes to get into Waterloo. Michael Hardy Tilly has also ended up at a local pub Tilly was adopted by Mr Hardy and his girlfriend after she was found as a stray. He said: “We don’t know where she came from. These two girls knocked on my door with this cat. “They just believed it was our cat. We took it in as they were only young girls.” Mr Hardy explained how he had knocked on neighbours’ doors and got a local vet to check her microchip, but in the end the vet suggested they adopted Tilly. Source link #Adventurous #cat #takes #train #London #Weybridge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NBA All-Star Weekend: Mac McClung creates history in Slam Dunk Contest with third successive win NBA All-Star Weekend: Mac McClung creates history in Slam Dunk Contest with third successive win Mac McClung can lay claim to being the NBA’s all-time Slam Dunk Contest king, becoming the first man in history to snare three successive titles. McClung registered perfect scores of 50 on all four of his slams, including soaring over a car, grabbing the ball from a friend poking out of the sunroof, and flushing it behind his head. Camera IconSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Mac McClung #8 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the 2025 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest as part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night at Chase Center on February 15, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) ***BESTPIX*** Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images It was the statement slam on another superb night for the fringe NBA guard, who is part of Orlando’s roster but spends most of his time in the lower-level G-League. If you’d like to view this content, please adjust your Cookie Settings. To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. McClung’s victory also included a slam where he flushed two ****** in the one motion, receiving one from an ally spinning on a hoverboard – a nod to former Magic big man Aaron Gordon from the 2016 event – and pushed down another being held on the edge of the rim. The 26-year-old emulated the feat of Nate Robinson as a three-time Dunk Contest champion, but became the first to do it in three successive years. Michael Jordan, Jason Richardson, Zach LaVine and Robinson all achieved wins in back-to-back years. After his triumph, McClung announced he would donate the car used in the contest to a foundation in his hometown of Gate City, Virginia. Elsewhere on All-Star Saturday night in San Francisco, Miami’s Tyler Herro won the Three-Point Shootout after edging out Golden State’s hometown hero Buddy Hield, while Cleveland’s duo of Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley took out the Skills Challenge. Source link #NBA #AllStar #Weekend #Mac #McClung #creates #history #Slam #Dunk #Contest #successive #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk Says xAI’s Grok 3 Chatbot Will Be Released Monday – Bloomberg Musk Says xAI’s Grok 3 Chatbot Will Be Released Monday – Bloomberg Musk Says xAI’s Grok 3 Chatbot Will Be Released Monday BloombergView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Musk #xAIs #Grok #Chatbot #Released #Monday #Bloomberg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time Launches on Switch, PS, Xbox, and PC FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time Launches on Switch, PS, Xbox, and PC FANTASY LIFE i: The Girl Who Steals Time will be coming to Nintendo Switch, PS4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and will now include a local co-op mode. Source link #FANTASY #LIFE #Girl #Steals #Time #Launches #Switch #Xbox Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘We risked everything selling our home in Corby to travel’ ‘We risked everything selling our home in Corby to travel’ Charlie Jones BBC News, Northamptonshire The Hutchinsons The Hutchinson family left the *** in May 2023 and say they have never looked back A couple who “risked it all” by quitting their jobs and selling their home to travel the world with their three children said the adventure had saved them as a family. Chris and Tamira Hutchinson were “living from paycheck to paycheck” and barely spent any time together at home in Corby, Northamptonshire. They sold their three-bedroom house almost two years ago and drove straight to the airport to start their new life with their three daughters, Olivia, 10, Scarlett, eight, and Bella, four. “As a family, we were pretty much broken. But now we are living our dream,” Chris says. The Hutchinsons The Hutchinsons say they never had quality time together in the *** because the parents had to work so many hours to pay the bills Despite working “every hour under the sun” – Chris as a personal trainer and Tamira as a swimming teacher – they could not keep up with the cost of living in the ***. “We went down to one car, we got rid of Sky TV, we didn’t go on holiday but the bills kept going up and up,” says Tamira. “We only ate together as a family once a month because we didn’t get time. We were just working to make ends meet.” It was during Covid that they first talked about selling up and travelling the world. “We had a chance to breathe and we realised we didn’t want to go back to the life we were living,” Chris says. The couple put their house up for ***** in 2022 but it took longer to sell than they anticipated and they nearly backed out of the plan. When it finally sold in May 2023, they drove straight to Heathrow. “Our last night in the house, we were all on the floor because we had sold all our furniture,” says Chris. “We didn’t have the money to book our flights until we got the cash from the house, so we went to a hotel near Heathrow and booked flights to Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia]. “It was a huge risk. We thought it might not work and we might want to go home, but we’ve never looked back.” ‘We accidentally became famous in China’The Hutchisons The family became famous in China after posting about their travels in the country on social media Chris taught himself videography before they left so he could document their travels on social media, which has turned into their biggest source of income. “We were already making videos about family life, but we didn’t have a huge amount of followers,” the 36-year-old explains. “We had 7,000 subscribers on YouTube but now we have 100,000, and we had about 12,000 on TikTok where as now we have 250,000.” After exploring Malaysia, they went to Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia and Qatar. The Hutchinsons The Hutchinsons say they dreamed of one day seeing the Great Wall of China It was during their trip to China that their social media “blew up” and the family “accidentally became famous” in the country. One video they made about their drinks being dropped off by a drone received eight million views on TikTok. They also saw a huge growth on ******** social media platforms, where they have over one million followers and their videos reach tens of millions of views. ‘It hasn’t all been plain sailing’The Hutchinsons The family say they have no plans to return to the *** – unless their daughters ask about it The couple say the trip has been “incredible”, but there have inevitably been tough times. Tamira got dengue fever in Thailand, their family credit card got swallowed by a machine in Vietnam and all five of them got a sickness bug while staying in a hostel in the Philippines. “Another difficult time was when we got lost in China. We were walking round with all our possessions in the early hours of the morning and our phone maps didn’t work. But we eventually found our hotel and we can laugh about it now,” Tamira says. They have based themselves on the Malaysian island of Penang for the last few months, where their daughters, who are home schooled by Tamira, are “thriving”. “They are learning about different cultures, currencies, languages and how to get around,” Chris says. “All three of them have always been 110% on board with this idea, but if they ever changed their minds and wanted to go home, we would listen to them. “They have grown in confidence so much and they make friends wherever they go. There are a lot of digital nomad families travelling round, who are working remotely.” ‘I can’t see that we will ever go home’The Hutchinsons The family say they have loved every moment and rise to the challenges The Hutchinsons say they have got the next five years planned out, with trips to Dubai, Australia, India, Sri Lanka and Cambodia on the cards this year. They might also go back to the *** briefly, but they have no plans at the moment to return permanently, because their “quality of life is so much better now”. The couple receive lots of messages asking for advice and say they hope to inspire other parents. “It’s not flowers all the time but if you’re a person who enjoys a challenge and enjoys spending time with your family, go for it. You will never know until you try,” Tamira says. “It was a dream and we made it happen,” Chris adds. “As a family we have loved every moment and we have risen to the challenges.” The Hutchinsons The family say they want to inspire others to go for it and travel Source link #risked #selling #home #Corby #travel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

WA election: Liberals pledge ‘name and shame’ plan for prisoners and parolees on the run WA election: Liberals pledge ‘name and shame’ plan for prisoners and parolees on the run All prisoners and parolees on the run will be named and shamed under a new Liberal Party policy if it wins the March State election. Source link #election #Liberals #pledge #shame #plan #prisoners #parolees #run Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hundreds charged with online ‘speech crimes’ under ‘Orwellian’ crackdown Hundreds charged with online ‘speech crimes’ under ‘Orwellian’ crackdown Hundreds of people have been charged with online “speech crimes” amid claims from the Trump administration that civil liberties are under threat in Britain. Almost 300 people have been charged with spreading ******** “fake news” or sending “threatening communications” since the Online Safety Act came into force in 2023. Dozens have received convictions under the act. Multiple people were charged under the law following last summer’s rioting in the wake of the Southport stabbings. The riots also led to what are believed to have been among the first convictions under the new rules. Data from the Crown Prosecution Service, disclosed to The Telegraph under a Freedom of Information request, shows that 292 people have been charged with communications offences since the law came into effect in October 2023. This includes 23 people who were charged with sending a false communication and hundreds more for sending a threatening communication. So far, 67 people have been convicted under the new rules. The Online Safety Act, which was passed into law under Rishi Sunak’s Conservative government, requires technology giants to tackle dangerous online posts and videos or risk billions of pounds in fines. It also created a number of new criminal offences. These include cyberflashing, sharing “revenge porn” and sending ******** false communications, more commonly referred to as a “fake news” offence. This offence banned disinformation that could cause “non-trivial psychological or physical harm”. However, the provision has prompted concerns among free speech advocates, who warned it represented a new form of “speech crime”. The Southport riots are believed to have led to the first convictions under the Online Safety Act – Owen Humphreys/PA Wire Lord Toby Young, the Conservative peer and founder of the Free Speech Union, said: “The number of people who’ve been charged with this offence is deeply concerning. The problem with trying to criminalise ‘disinformation’ is that it empowers the state to decide what is and isn’t true.” Lord Young added that the false communications offence was the latest in a number of “speech crimes” created by successive governments. He said: “Causing someone psychological distress should not be a criminal offence.” After the Southport stabbings, several people were questioned by police over false communications for spreading claims the attacker was a ******* immigrant. In one instance, a man pleaded guilty to the offence for a livestreamed video on TikTok where he falsely claimed he was “running for his life” from rioters in Derby. Dimitrie Stoica was jailed for three months and fined £154 for making the claim to his 700 followers, which he said had been a “joke”. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 51 weeks in prison or a fine. Labour is under pressure from the US to water down Britain’s online safety regime as Donald Trump, JD Vance and Elon Musk rail against what they see as overbearing censorship of American companies in Europe. Sources close to the White House told The Telegraph last week the ***’s online rules were viewed as “Orwellian” and the US was likely to raise the issue in future talks over trade and tariffs. Speaking at a security conference in Munich on Friday, Mr Vance said: “In Britain and across Europe free speech, I fear, is in retreat.” He added: “Most concerningly, I look to our very dear friends the United Kingdom, where the backslide away from conscience rights has placed the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular, in the crosshairs.” Mr Musk, who now holds a role in the White House, has railed against Sir Keir and Britain’s online regulations. He has compared Britain’s digital rules to the “Soviet Union”. In August, he posted a picture from the TV show Family Guy, featuring a character in an electric chair with the caption: “In 2030 for making a Facebook comment that the *** government didn’t like.” Peter Kyle, the Technology Secretary, has insisted online safety is “not up for negotiation”. Legal experts have also questioned the new rules. David Hardstaff, a serious crime expert at the law firm BCL Solicitors, said the fake news offence was “problematic both for its potential to stifle free speech if misused, but equally for its lack of clarity and consistency”. He said: “Prosecutors face an uphill battle in proving that a defendant ‘knows’ information to be false, and also in proving ‘non-trivial psychological or physical harm to a likely audience’.” The new offence replaces an earlier law, from 2003, which could also punish false messages that spread “needless anxiety” and carried a lower potential sentence of six months. Technology giants are also required to remove offending posts under the Online Safety Act. However, in submission to media regulator Ofcom, Mr Musk’s X complained that “false communications” could apply to “many different types of communication on platforms”. It warned that draft regulations risked leading to over-enforcement and a “stymieing freedom of expression”. A government spokesman said: “We will not let the internet serve as a haven for those seeking to sow division and harm in our communities. That is why we are taking decisive action through the Online Safety Act, ensuring that social media platforms remove ******** content and prevent the spread of ******** disinformation. “The false communications offence, introduced in January 2024, reinforces this approach by targeting those who knowingly spread false information with intent to cause significant harm, without reasonable excuse. We will not stand by while online activity fuels real-world harm, and we remain committed to protecting the public from such threats.” Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #Hundreds #charged #online #speech #crimes #Orwellian #crackdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Major storm in Eastern US brings bring severe flash floods – ABC News Major storm in Eastern US brings bring severe flash floods – ABC News Major storm in Eastern US brings bring severe flash floods ABC NewsDangerous flooding hits US Southeast as snow and frigid cold forecast for Northeast and Plains The Associated PressCurrent road closures around the WBKO viewing area WBKOFIRST ALERT WEATHER DAY: Flash flooding threat continues through Saturday night WDBJRivers rise, heavy rain threatens much of Breathitt Co. WYMT Source link #Major #storm #Eastern #brings #bring #severe #flash #floods #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]