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‘Mass casualty’ ****** closes I-80 tunnel in Green River, WY ‘Mass casualty’ ****** closes I-80 tunnel in Green River, WY GREEN RIVER, Wyoming (ABC4) — A major, multi-vehicle ****** occurred in the tunnels on I-80 in Green River, Wyoming, on Friday, according to Wyoming Highway Patrol. Authorities are calling this a “mass casualty incident.” Just before 11:40 a.m. on Feb. 14, Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers responded to a multi-vehicle ****** on Westbound I-80 at Milepost 90.2. The accident reportedly occurred inside the westbound tunnel. Authorities are currently investigating the number of fatalities involved in the ******, though police have confirmed two dead at this time. Courtesy of Wyoming Dept. of Transportation Courtesy of Wyoming Dept. of Transportation A fire is currently active at the scene, officials said. Due to the heat, vehicle tires are reportedly exploding. “Emergency crews are on site,” Wyoming Highway Patrol said in a statement. “The roadway is closed, and the estimated time of reopening is unknown.” Eastbound lanes of the tunnel are currently being used for first responder staging, according to the Wyoming Dept. of Transportation. Westbound traffic is being diverted at mile marker 91 and eastbound traffic at mile marker 89 through Green River. The Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County is actively working to provide immediate care to those affected by this incident. Hospital officials are asking the public to refrain from visiting the hospital if you or your immediate family are not involved, unless it is an emergency. “We appreciate the support and understanding of our community during this challenging time,” hospital officials posted on Facebook. “Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation.” Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon is working with state agencies to monitor this incident. “I am praying for all concerned and their families. I have directed the appropriate agencies to work with the local communities to offer aid and assistance to the injured, to those who have suffered loss, and in support of efforts to resolve ongoing concerns,” Governor Gordon said. “I am immensely grateful to the emergency responders who acted so quickly and without concern for their own personal safety to reach those in peril. We will offer any and all assistance we can to the fullest extent of my powers. Safety for the community and for those directly affected is our top priority.” This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. Source link #Mass #casualty #****** #closes #I80 #tunnel #Green #River Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘SNL’ Goes Live In New York As 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins – Deadline ‘SNL’ Goes Live In New York As 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins – Deadline ‘SNL’ Goes Live In New York As 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins Deadline’SNL50′ concert blitzes New York with Cher, Lady Gaga, Nirvana in musical celebration USA TODAY‘SNL50: Homecoming Concert’ Kicks Off With Tom Hanks, James Franco, Donna Langley and Many More Stars in Attendance VarietyHow To Watch The ‘SNL50’ Anniversary Concert And Three-Hour Special This Weekend Deadline Source link #SNL #Live #York #50th #Anniversary #Celebration #Begins #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Essex Boys ******* convictions being reviewed again Essex Boys ******* convictions being reviewed again Lewis Adams & Tom Larsen-Wright BBC News, Essex BBC Jack Whomes, left, and Michael Steele were jailed in 1998, and Steele is now due to be released from prison The convictions of the two so-called Essex Boys murderers are being reviewed again, the BBC can reveal. Jack Whomes and Michael Steele were given life sentences in 1998 for shooting dead Craig Rolfe, Tony Tucker and Pat Tate in a Range Rover near Chelmsford. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) said appeal applications had been received and a “thorough review” was under way. Essex Police said the case had been “exhaustively examined” both prior to the killers’ prosecutions and since they were jailed. The Parole Board approved 82-year-old Steele’s release from prison on Thursday, four years after Whomes was freed. “It would be inappropriate for us to make any further comment while the applications are under review,” a CCRC spokesperson said. The gangland executions on a farm track in Rettendon inspired the 2000 film Essex Boys, starring Sean Bean, as well as the Rise of the Footsoldier television franchise. Various other documentaries and books examined its links to the 1990s rave scene. Craig Rolfe, 26, Tony Tucker, 38, and Pat Tate, 37, were all shot in the head with a pump action shotgun David McKelvey, a retired Met Police detective chief inspector who was involved in the original investigations, said he was “absolutely convinced” the wrong men were convicted. It was Mr McKelvey who arrested Darren Nicholls in May 1996 for drugs offences, before the suspect turned so-called supergrass and gave evidence against the defendants. The former detective chief inspector, now a private investigator, said he was contacted with new evidence about the case “almost on a weekly basis”. “[Steele] should never have been convicted in the first place,” said Mr McKelvey, speaking to BBC Essex on Friday. “There is absolutely, categorically, new evidence. “More importantly, there was evidence at the time within [Essex Police’s] systems that would prove categorically who actually did kill these people.” Despite having arrested him, Mr McKelvey said Nicholls’s witness account contained “blatant lies”. Sky Documentaries The three victims were ambushed while they sat in a Range Rover in Rettendon David McKelvey was the police officer who arrested so-called supergrass Darren Nicholls An Essex Police spokesman said: “This case has been exhaustively examined over the last 27 years. “We will of course always work with the CCRC and keep any new information under review.” Source link #Essex #Boys #******* #convictions #reviewed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Indigenous All Stars war cry sets Optus Stadium alight for clash with Fremantle Dockers Indigenous All Stars war cry sets Optus Stadium alight for clash with Fremantle Dockers The Indigenous All Stars put on a superb pre-game war cry before continuing to let their feet do the talking in a hot start to their exhibition game against Fremantle at Optus Stadium. WATCH IT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE The star-studded representative side didn’t have long to come together after most players arrived in Perth midway through the week, but they found time to collaborate on the dancing and actions that drew a huge cheer from the impressive crowd on Saturday. Camera IconThe war cry in full swing. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos Former Docker turned Saint Bradley Hill led the charge, with Dockers players lined up to watch from the other side of the wing. Camera IconBradley Hill leads his teammates. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos It helped set the scene for a superb start for the Michael Walters-led All Stars, who booted five first-quarter goals to Freo’s two to open up a 17-point buffer at the opening change. Bobby Hill kicked the opener and continued the dancing theme with a leg-bending celebration in the forward pocket, while Jason Horne-Francis was everywhere with eight touches, a goal and two goal assists before quarter time. Camera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 15: Bobby Hill of the Indigenous All Stars kicks a goal during the 2025 Toyota AFL Indigenous All Stars match between the Indigenous All Stars and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on February 15, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos) Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos Source link #Indigenous #Stars #war #cry #sets #Optus #Stadium #alight #clash #Fremantle #Dockers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Avowed Keeps Obsidian’s Reputation of Attracting Modders Intact as Game Receives Multiple Mods Ahead of Full Release Avowed Keeps Obsidian’s Reputation of Attracting Modders Intact as Game Receives Multiple Mods Ahead of Full Release Avowed is yet to be released in the market, and modders have already started to come up with various mods for the game. It seems like the mods will make the quality of life better and the overall gameplay experience smoother. Avowed’s early access enabled modders to come up with many mods. Image Credit: Obsidian Obsidian is known for providing a free space for modders to come up with unique and creative mods that keep the game fresh and exciting. This strategy has proved beneficial in the past with Fallout: New Vegas and Avowed seems to be following along the same path. Avowed already has tons of mods focused on giving players a better QoL Mods are created to make the gameplay better suited for individual needs and customize things according to one’s playstyle. Especially with extensive games in which there are tons of things to take care of, players often flourish in a customizable environment rather than a rigid one. Mods are a huge contributor to Obsidian’s success. Image Credit: Obsidian Similarly, Avowed is an extensive game with a lot of things to take care of, and the mods available are focused on making the gameplay experience smoother and more comprehensible. There are various mods available at the moment, including ones that help in inventory management by auto-sorting items or streamlining crafting menus to reduce a cluttered screen. Some mods improve combat responsiveness to speed up animations for a smoother gameplay experience. Some mods offer better map navigation by adding markers, giving clearer zoom options, and faster travel, all of which make the map navigation much smoother and easier. Mods for custom key bindings offer players an opportunity to customize controls according to what suits them the best. All of these mods significantly increase the quality of life in-game by enabling players to have a smooth gaming experience without being overwhelmed by the scope of the game. The modding community is a blessing for Obsidian Obsidian has a long-term relationship with its modding community. Image Credit: Obsidian Obsidian is known for fostering the modding community, and the same has worked in favor of its games in the past. Modding enables users to make the game feel more imaginative and personal and also adds longevity to the game. Avowed also has a deceptively small game size. Mods play a huge role in keeping the experience of playing a game fresh and exciting for a long time by offering various tweaks, and the same can be expected with Avowed, a game that is yet to release but already has tonnes of mods to choose from. Even the graphical quality of the game is extremely good. What these mods have to offer will get clearer once the game releases, but for now, it seems like a promising start since the mods have contributed largely to raising the expectations of the game. Are you excited to play Avowed with the mods available? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Avowed #Obsidians #Reputation #Attracting #Modders #Intact #Game #Receives #Multiple #Mods #Ahead #Full #Release Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Police chase in San Diego ends with spike strips, standoff Police chase in San Diego ends with spike strips, standoff SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A Valentine’s Day pursuit ended with police deploying spike strips and a brief standoff with police. San Diego Police Officers tried to pull over a vehicle at 3:10 p.m. Friday near the intersection of University Ave and College Ave in San Diego. Police say the traffic stop was initiated because it matched the description of an earlier call for a possible DUI driver. Two killed in multi-vehicle ****** on I-8 in East County identified According to police, the driver took off from the traffic stop and a police pursuit lasted about 10 minutes until officers deployed spike strips at the same intersection where the pursuit initially began. After a brief standoff, San Diego Police officers took the suspect into custody peacefully. That person, who has not yet been identified, is facing felony charges for evading. The incident and whether drugs and/or alcohol were a factor remains under investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Source link #Police #chase #San #Diego #ends #spike #strips #standoff Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dalton Knecht shines with Rising Stars, advances to All-Star Game – Silver Screen and Roll Dalton Knecht shines with Rising Stars, advances to All-Star Game – Silver Screen and Roll Dalton Knecht shines with Rising Stars, advances to All-Star Game Silver Screen and Roll View Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Dalton #Knecht #shines #Rising #Stars #advances #AllStar #Game #Silver #Screen #Roll Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roger Cook orders review after teacher promoted ****** in WA public school Roger Cook orders review after teacher promoted ****** in WA public school WA’s Education Department is refusing to reveal if it has sanctioned a public school teacher after it emerged on Friday that she had displayed a tribute to an assassinated ****** leader in her classroom. Source link #Roger #Cook #orders #review #teacher #promoted #****** #public #school Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Laid-off Meta employees blast Zuckerberg for running the ‘cruelest tech company out there’ as some claim they were blindsided after parental leave Laid-off Meta employees blast Zuckerberg for running the ‘cruelest tech company out there’ as some claim they were blindsided after parental leave Employees at Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, are taking to public forums to blast leadership after the company’s latest cuts. On Monday, Meta started making what it claimed were “performance-based layoffs.” CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an employee memo last month (as reported by Bloomberg) that he planned to cut around 3,600 positions—or about 5% of the workforce in said performance-based layoffs. But many of the employees affected by the move are speaking out on social media, stating that they have no prior history of not meeting company expectations. “The hardest part is Meta publicly stating they’re cutting low performers, so it feels like we have the scarlet letter on our backs,” one anonymous employee told Business Insider. “People need to know we’re not underperformers.” Meta did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Over on Blind, an anonymous app for verified employees often used in the tech space, employees are noting that an unseasonable chill has come over Silicon Valley. Besides allegations of the company misusing the low-performer label, some also claimed that Meta laid them off while they were taking approved leave. “ consistently exceeded expectations multiple years, had a baby in 2024, got laid off,” wrote one former Meta employee. They were responding to a fellow employee’s comment about “dozens of people with pristine history and exceeds rating that took parental or medical leave and got laid off.” Another employee who says they were on maternity leave for six months added they had “no history of below average performance,” and are seeking legal advice. Another Meta castoff called the layoffs cruel, adding that some people were pushed to “lowest” ratings while on medical leave. “Seems it was more about money than performance,” said the Meta employee, adding that people with almost a decade of experience at Meta were axed. “Be careful about joining this company. Zuck doesn’t care about his employees. Only the company,” they wrote. “Meta is now the cruelest tech company out there,” wrote a Meta worker. Another Amazon employee wrote that they believed Meta really is only now for young workers without a family that “don’t have anything else to focus on rather than making money.” The tech world has been going through a pendulum swing for some time now, and it’s hitting workers on their backs. Employees have been subjected to waning job stability in the form of layoffs, decreased flexibility with RTO mandates, and a change in culture as CEOs cut DEI initiatives while publicly backing President Trump. Story Continues Culture at Meta, once supposedly synonymous with Sheryl Sandberg and her “lean in” feminism standing at the helm, turned a page as Zuckerberg told podcaster Joe Rogan that companies need more “masculine energy.” A Microsoft employee wrote on Blind that a friend from Meta was told to “find someone” to let go even though everyone was performing at or above expectations. “All of these layoffs this year are payback for 2021–2022,” they wrote. “Execs were terrified of the power workers had [at] that time and saw the offers and pay at that time [are] unsustainable. Best way to stop that is put the fear of god back in the workers..” “It’s so sad. Don’t even know who to trust at this point,” wrote one Meta employee. Another commented that they knew someone with five years of exceeding expectations who was fired, claiming that “managers abused the system to fire people they simply do not like.” This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #Laidoff #Meta #employees #blast #Zuckerberg #running #cruelest #tech #company #claim #blindsided #parental #leave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

White House forcing out top leadership at National Archives in major shakeup – CNN White House forcing out top leadership at National Archives in major shakeup – CNN White House forcing out top leadership at National Archives in major shakeup CNNDeputy archivist of the U.S. to retire following Trump firing of National Archives chief CBS NewsNational Archives Head Resigns as Trump Takes Control of Records Mother JonesWhite House forcing out National Archives top leadership in major shakeup, CNN reports Reuters Source link #White #House #forcing #top #leadership #National #Archives #major #shakeup #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass ties the knot with Nadia Rosa Former West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass ties the knot with Nadia Rosa Former West Coast Eagles defender Tom Barrass has shared photos of his elegant wedding to influencer Nadia Rosa on Instagram just one day after tying the knot. The former vice-captain of the Eagles and Nadia posted an aesthetic sneak peek into their glamourous wedding on Friday with the simple caption, “Mr & Mrs Barrass . 14.2.25 ”. The pair shared their wedding with a large group of family and friends under a gazebo adorned with lights on Valentines Day, just over a year after getting engaged. Nadia and Tom, who have been dating for more than five years, got engaged in December 2023. Nadia, who is the step-sister of late Hollywood star Heath Ledger, and Tom share two young boys — Benson Edward Barrass, who was born in March 2023, and four-year-old Billy Tony Barrass. The footballer recently moved his young family to Melbourne to play under former West Coast assistant coach Sam Mitchell at the Hawks who made a semi final this year. 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. The 28-year-old AFL star made his debut with the West Coast Eagles in 2015 and won a premiership with the team in 2018. That same year, the Perth local made his first public appearance with Rosa at a West Coast club champion function. Source link #West #Coast #Eagles #defender #Tom #Barrass #ties #knot #Nadia #Rosa Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Deadly Eugene ****** prompts city and county to improve River Road intersection Deadly Eugene ****** prompts city and county to improve River Road intersection After a deadly car ****** in December, Eugene and Lane County officials are looking to install short- and long-term safety enhancements at the intersection of River Road and Beacon Drive in the Santa Clara Neighborhood. Neighbors in the area expressed safety concerns regarding the intersection after a fatal two-vehicle ****** left a 13-year-old dead and sent four other teens to the hospital with life-threatening injuries in December. “This is a challenging area where we have higher speed, rural roads meeting densely populated suburban streets,” Becky Taylor, Lane County Senior Transportation Planner said. “We’re working closely with the City of Eugene’s transportation staff to identify opportunities to enhance safety at the intersection.” Jeff Wetherell is a Eugene resident who lives near the intersection of River Road and Beacon Drive. In December, he told The Register-Guard that car wrecks are a frequent problem at the intersection. “I know that in the last year, it feels as if there’s been a wreck every single month. It’s happening a lot,” Wetherell said. “There’s never just a little fender bender where the police don’t have to show up. It is usually a car is flipped, a car spins out into a ditch.” Wetherell highlighted some of the issues he’s seen at the intersection, which include speeding cars, timing misjudgments, and lack of visibility at certain times of the day. A memorial at the intersection of Beacon Drive and River Road marks the scene of a vehicle accident that took the life of a local teenager and put four others in the hospital. County and city officials said current changes to the intersection include the following: The addition of red flashing beacons and reflective tape to the stop signs on Beacon Drive. Lane County has ordered the equipment needed to install solar-powered LED stop signs and a speed-feedback sign in the southbound lane of River Road north of the intersection with Beacon Drive. Once the needed hardware arrives, installation will occur. Lane County is evaluating whether supplemental warning signs for drivers traveling on Beacon Drive toward River Road could be effective without being distracting. City and county officials also claim they’ve started working with the Oregon Department of Transportation to evaluate the posted speed limit on Beacon Drive and will do so for River Road soon. Eugene plans to perform a preliminary engineering analysis of the viability of long-term safety improvements, such as a roundabout. “The City and Lane County agreed that adding eye-catching displays to remind drivers of the speed and the upcoming intersection would be beneficial,” Chris Henry, Traffic Operations manager with Eugene Public Works said. “It’s a start while we investigate larger possibilities.” Haleigh Kochanski is a breaking news and public safety reporter for The Register-Guard. You may reach her at *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: After teen’s death, work begins to make River Road intersection safer Source link #Deadly #Eugene #****** #prompts #city #county #improve #River #Road #intersection Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth – The Guardian ‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth – The Guardian ‘I closed my eyes to brace for impact’: the man who escaped a whale’s mouth The GuardianA humpback whale briefly swallows kayaker in Chilean Patagonia — and it’s all captured on camera The Associated PressMan Is Briefly ‘Swallowed’ by Whale in Chile The New York TimesSurviving inside a whale: Kayaker’s shocking experience in Strait of Magellan. ‘I closed my eyes, and…’ Hindustan Times Source link #closed #eyes #brace #impact #man #escaped #whales #mouth #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Teen bailed after anti-Semitic death threat to Liberal candidate David Goode Teen bailed after anti-Semitic death threat to Liberal candidate David Goode A Liberal candidate and his wife have been left ‘very shaken’ after becoming the target of an alleged anti-Semitic attack on the campaign trail. Source link #Teen #bailed #antiSemitic #death #threat #Liberal #candidate #David #Goode Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europeans to respond to US at security conference as Trump administration upends norms Europeans to respond to US at security conference as Trump administration upends norms MUNICH (AP) — European leaders trying to make sense of a tough new line from Washington on issues including democracy and Ukraine’s future were set to express their reactions on Saturday, as the Trump administration continues to upend trans-Atlantic conventions that have been in place since after World War II. ******* Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were to speak on the second day of the Munich Security Conference, a day after U.S. Vice President JD Vance all but scolded European allies over democracy and raised questions about the U.S. commitment to help Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces. U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week in which he said the two leaders would likely meet soon to negotiate a peace deal. Trump later assured Zelenskyy that he, too, would have a seat at the table. The war was sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Already Friday, the Ukrainian leader said that his country wants security guarantees before any talks with Russia. Shortly before meeting with Vance in Munich, Zelenskyy said he will only agree to meet in-person with Putin after a common plan is negotiated with Trump. After a 40-minute meeting with Zelenskyy, Vance said the Trump administration wants the war to end. Beforehand, Vance lectured European officials on free speech and ******** migration on the continent, warning that they risk losing public support if they don’t quickly change course. “The threat that I worry the most about vis-à-vis Europe is not Russia. It’s not China. It’s not any other external actor,” Vance said in a speech that drew a tepid response. “What I worry about is the threat from within — the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values shared with the United States of America.” On the sidelines of the event, Vance met with Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right and anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party, nine days before a ******* election. Mainstream ******* parties say they won’t work with the party — in a longstanding stance to shun the extreme right in a country scarred by Nazism. Vance later headed back to Washington. Among other speakers set to take the dais in Munich were NATO chief Mark Rutte and foreign ministers from countries including Canada, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and from Syria’s new government. ___ Source link #Europeans #respond #security #conference #Trump #administration #upends #norms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Three Israeli hostages set to return from Gaza as ceasefire holds – Reuters Three Israeli hostages set to return from Gaza as ceasefire holds – Reuters Three Israeli hostages set to return from Gaza as ceasefire holds ReutersLIVE: Three Israeli captives, 369 Palestinians set for release in Gaza deal Al Jazeera EnglishHostages board Red Cross vehicles, set out to IDF handover point The Times of IsraelMiddle East latest: 3 Israeli hostages and over 300 ************ prisoners are set to be exchanged The Associated Press Source link #Israeli #hostages #set #return #Gaza #ceasefire #holds #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Phillip Aaron Dodd: Magistrate grants alleged DV perpetrator bail twice after cutting off ankle monitor, twice Phillip Aaron Dodd: Magistrate grants alleged DV perpetrator bail twice after cutting off ankle monitor, twice Police have been hunting Phillip Aaron Dodd for more than two weeks after he removed his ankle monitoring device on January 31. Source link #Phillip #Aaron #Dodd #Magistrate #grants #alleged #perpetrator #bail #cutting #ankle #monitor Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

29 arrested for prostitution and drug charges, 4 victims rescued 29 arrested for prostitution and drug charges, 4 victims rescued The Brief A recent Florida undercover operation led to a massive human trafficking bust. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said they were able to arrest 29 people for prostitution and drug charges, as well as rescue four victims. Officials said they were able to provide resources to safely relocate and stabilize the victims. Detectives said they were able to arrest one of the suspects responsible for trafficking one of the victims during the investigation, and additional arrests related to the remaining three human trafficking victims are pending further investigation. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A recent Florida undercover operation has led to a massive human trafficking bust. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said the operation led to the arrest of 29 people for prostitution and drug charges. In addition, deputies reported rescuing four victims. They said they were able to provide resources to safely relocate and stabilize them. What led to the arrests? The backstory The Lake County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau recently conducted a three-day human trafficking operation, which they called “Operation Forced Labor.” Reports show that the operation was conducted from Feb. 6-8 at an undisclosed location in the central part of Lake County. Deputies said the focus of the undercover operation was the identification, safe recovery and stabilization of human trafficking victims. The investigation was a collaboration between detectives from the Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg and Mount Dora police departments, along with detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security. During the operation, detectives said they worked in an undercover capacity using various known prostitution websites to solicit prostitutes and individuals looking for services provided by prostitutes. During the operation, 33 individuals traveled to meet undercover detectives with the intent of engaging in criminal activity, officials stated. Twenty-nine people were arrested in the recent undercover human trafficking bust. Those arrested include (from top left to right) Darion Smith, Zachary Schuler, Gabriel Farquer, Wesley Hall, Justin Meyers and Shawnee Rochester. (Credit: Lake County Sheriff’s Office) What’s next Detectives said they were able to arrest one of the suspects responsible for trafficking one of the victims during the investigation: Darion Smith. Additional arrests related to the remaining three human trafficking victims are pending further investigation, reports show. Officials from multiple organizations said they collaborated to help provide monetary aid to the victims to supplement necessary expenses associated with recovery and stabilization, such as food, clothing, temporary lodging and transportation. Lead detectives said they plan to maintain communication with the victims to support continued stabilization efforts and to attempt to facilitate relationships between victims and non-governmental support organizations. What they’re saying “This was a collaborative effort,” Lake County Sheriff Peyton Grinnell said. “Our detectives and other law enforcement partners worked very hard together to identify and rescue these victims of human trafficking and connect them to valuable resources that are available to assist them. We want these victims to know there is a way out.” STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: The Source This story was written based on information shared by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. Source link #arrested #prostitution #drug #charges #victims #rescued Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sensitive Bank Data Set for Deletion in CFPB Purge, Ex-Aide Says – Bloomberg Sensitive Bank Data Set for Deletion in CFPB Purge, Ex-Aide Says – Bloomberg Sensitive Bank Data Set for Deletion in CFPB Purge, Ex-Aide Says BloombergUS consumer watchdog broadens layoffs beyond probationary staff, sources say ReutersJudge Orders Freeze on Firing Consumer Bureau’s Staff and Deleting Its Data The New York TimesTrump administration agrees to pause any layoffs at CFPB Government Executive Source link #Sensitive #Bank #Data #Set #Deletion #CFPB #Purge #ExAide #Bloomberg Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Curiosity Rover Observes Iridescent Clouds on Mars, Offering New Insights Curiosity Rover Observes Iridescent Clouds on Mars, Offering New Insights Images captured by NASA’s Curiosity rover have shown rare iridescent clouds drifting across the Martian sky. These formations, observed in the planet’s twilight, were seen at high altitudes where sunlight still reaches them despite nightfall on the surface. The images were taken on January 17, using one of the rover’s onboard cameras, with individual frames stitched together to create a time-lapse video. Scientists are analysing these cloud patterns to gain insights into Mars’ atmospheric processes and climate conditions. Details of the Findings A report from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) detailed that these high-altitude clouds, composed of carbon dioxide ice, were seen floating between 60 and 80 kilometres above the surface. The cold temperatures at these heights cause the condensation of carbon dioxide, forming distinctive cloud structures. Some of the ice crystals were observed descending before evaporating at approximately 50 kilometres, where temperatures begin to rise. As reported by space.com,that this is the fourth Martian year in which Curiosity has recorded these cloud formations. The phenomenon was first observed by NASA’s Pathfinder mission in 1997, which captured images from a location just north of the Martian equator. Expert Analysis on Martian Clouds In a statement to NASA’s JPL, Mark Lemmon, Atmospheric Scientist at the Space Science Institute in Colorado, remarked that the first sighting of these iridescent clouds was initially thought to be a colour anomaly. He highlighted that their seasonal recurrence has allowed researchers to predict their appearance and plan observations in advance. Last year, scientists produced the most comprehensive cloud map of Mars, compiled from two decades of data gathered by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express orbiter. This study classified a range of cloud formations, including patterns not seen on Earth. Daniela Tirsch, Planetary Geologist at the ******* Aerospace Center, commented at the time that Martian clouds exhibit significant diversity. Unanswered Questions About Cloud Formation Observations have so far been limited to specific regions, with no twilight clouds detected by the Perseverance rover, which landed in Jezero Crater in 2021. This has led scientists to question what makes certain areas more conducive to their formation. Lemmon explained that carbon dioxide was not expected to condense into ice at these altitudes, suggesting an unknown cooling mechanism at work. He pointed to atmospheric gravity waves as a possible factor, though their role in Martian weather patterns remains uncertain. Further studies are planned to better understand these cloud formations and their implications for the planet’s climate. Source link #Curiosity #Rover #Observes #Iridescent #Clouds #Mars #Offering #Insights Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA Election 2025: Allegations of ‘dirty deals’ fly as parties reveal how-to-vote preferences WA Election 2025: Allegations of ‘dirty deals’ fly as parties reveal how-to-vote preferences The major parties have accused each other of ‘dirty’ preference deals ahead of the State election. Source link #Election #Allegations #dirty #deals #fly #parties #reveal #howtovote #preferences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Scout Motors’ effort to directly sell its electric SUVs where they’ll make them stalls Scout Motors’ effort to directly sell its electric SUVs where they’ll make them stalls COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Legislation to let Volkswagen-backed Scout Motors sell its electric SUVs directly to people in South Carolina, where the vehicles will be built, has stalled after fierce opposition from traditional automobile dealers. A House subcommittee held a carefully prepared meeting this week, hearing just an hour of testimony from Scout and its supporters as well as dealers and opponents of direct sales. Then they adjourned debate on the bill, leaving it in a limbo unlikely to be resolved before the legislative session ends in May. Virginia-based Scout has made a big push to get the General Assembly to let South Carolina residents buy a car on its app, then use it to handle everything from repairs to updates to upgrades that typically are handled by dealers. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Auto dealers responded by saying they provide competition with car prices and service. By living and working in local communities, they say they are more responsive to problems and that the dealer structure has worked for decades. South Carolina is one of about two dozen states that ban manufacturers from selling vehicles directly to consumers and instead require that new autos be purchased through a dealer. The short subcommittee meeting on Wednesday caught the attention of Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who said the Republican-dominated General Assembly owes Scout a more thorough vetting of its request since the company is building a massive manufacturing plant in Blythewood just north of Columbia. The state is giving Scout more than $1 billion in incentives for the plant, which expects to roll the first vehicle off the line in 2027. “On a bill with a good company that has invested billions of dollars in South Carolina hiring to begin with 4,000 high paying jobs … we ought to give them the courtesy of having a full debate, let everybody have their say then take a vote,” McMaster said Thursday. Dozens of construction workers in hard hats and fluorescent orange and yellow vests came to the Statehouse Wednesday to support Scout. Dozens of auto dealers and their employees in business casual also showed up. Officials had to open an overflow room for everyone who wanted to attend the hearing. Scout Motors supporters said it is a simple matter of choice. Why in a world where everything from pants to jewelry to laundry detergent can be bought online should cars remain an exception? “If you believe in liberty, you support this bill. If you believe in consumer freedom you support this bill. If you believe in deregulation and economic prosperity you also support this bill,” said Scout Vice President of Growth Cody Thacker, who pointed out his company planned to create 10,000 jobs and put $4.2 billion into South Carolina’s economy. Auto dealers said buying a car isn’t as simple as buying a shirt. There are taxes, registration, regulations and complications if someone wants a test drive or isn’t satisfied with what they bought. Marc White is a Volkswagen dealer in Greenville. He told the subcommittee he offered to sell Scout vehicles at his business but never heard back. “The last thing I would ever want is for the state to give Scout more than a billion dollars and then have them competing against my own family business that we built without any government assistance,” White said. Sims Floyd, executive vice president of the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association, zeroed in on the state money given to Scout, which has become a point of contention with some people who think the state offered too much. “The 47 dealers behind me and in the overflow room have built their businesses from scratch,” Floyd said. “They built it from zero. They never asked for money from the government. They never expected money from the government. They pay their taxes faithfully.” Scout has said it will build its vehicles in South Carolina no matter what happens with direct sales and will keep pushing to change the law for itself and other electric vehicle makers like Tesla and Rivian. Source link #Scout #Motors #effort #sell #electric #SUVs #theyll #stalls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

A Valentine's Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S. – NPR A Valentine's Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S. – NPR A Valentine’s Day aurora may be visible in the skies of the northern U.S. NPRCatch The Aurora Borealis As Far South As Michigan And Maine This Valentine’s Day The Weather ChannelValentine’s Day Aurora Alert: Geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as Michigan and Maine tonight and tomorrow Space.comLook Up! The Northern Lights Will Dazzle in the US on Valentine’s Day—Here’s Where to See Them Martha StewartValentine’s Day northern lights: Will the aurora borealis be visible in AZ? The Arizona Republic Source link #Valentine039s #Day #aurora #visible #skies #northern #U.S #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Left-field lessons from an ice bath, Tom Brady, Akash Deep and being dumped by a wave, writes Justin Langer Left-field lessons from an ice bath, Tom Brady, Akash Deep and being dumped by a wave, writes Justin Langer Losing on the biggest sporting stages can be hard to come back from, but learning from your failures is what gives you a successful future, writes Justin Langer. Source link #Leftfield #lessons #ice #bath #Tom #Brady #Akash #Deep #dumped #wave #writes #Justin #Langer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Bank jugging’ on the rise, California police department warns ‘Bank jugging’ on the rise, California police department warns A police department in Los Angeles County warned residents on Wednesday to take extra caution when withdrawing cash at banks and ATMs. “The Burbank Police Department has seen an uptick in the crime of ‘bank jugging’ vehicle burglaries,” the department stated in a news release. “Bank jugging” describes the practice of criminals sitting in bank parking lots and watching customers come and go, targeting people carrying bank envelopes, money bags or coin boxes. “Thieves will select a customer they believe to be in possession of a large amount of currency and will follow the customer to their next destination, at which point they break into the victim’s vehicle and steal the money from within,” police said. Tips to protect yourself: Be aware of your surroundings, especially occupied parked vehicles in the parking lot Conceal money before entering and exiting the bank Be aware of anyone who may be watching or following you DO NOT leave your bank envelope, money bag, coin box, or currency in your vehicle If you suspect you are being targeted or followed, call the police immediately Anyone who sees a crime in progress or something that appears to be suspicious was asked to report it to the Burbank Police Department at 818-238-3000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Source link #Bank #jugging #rise #California #police #department #warns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]