Pelican Press

Trump launches plan to target countries with ‘reciprocal’ tariffs Trump launches plan to target countries with ‘reciprocal’ tariffs Getty Images US President Donald Trump is sharpening plans to hit exports from countries that he says have trade policies that are unfair to the US. On Thursday, Trump signed a memo that instructed staff to develop custom tariffs for each country, taking into account features such as their existing tariffs, exchange rates, trade balances and other rules. In outlining its concerns, the White House said that tariffs imposed by other countries were not necessarily the biggest issue, singling out the European Union for other policies the Trump administration said put US exporters at a disadvantage. While big questions remain about the plans, the announcement is likely to kick off trade talks around the world. Which countries could be affected? The memo signed by the president asked that staff report back for a plan for “reciprocal trade and tariffs” within 180 days. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said his team would be ready to hand a plan to the president by 1 April. Trump cast his plan for so-called reciprocal tariffs as part of his effort to bring investment to the US and boost manufacturing. “If you build your product in the United States, there are no tariffs,” he said, adding that he was “just doing what was fair”. “In almost all cases, they’re charging us vastly more than we charge them but those days are over,” he said. “This should have been done a long time ago.” As well as the European Union, Trump’s moves are expected to have an impact on trade relationships with countries such as India, Vietnam and Thailand, which have relatively higher tariffs and rely on the US as a big market for exports. Trump signed the memo ahead of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has already taken steps to reduce tariffs on key items such as motorcycles, which Trump made an issue during his first term. In recent days, officials in Thailand and Vietnam have also said they were reviewing trade with the US. Ahead of Trump’s announcement, the European Union said it was committed to “maintaining a close partnership with the US”. “We will continue to seek constructive engagement,” Olof Gill, the commission’s spokesperson for trade said. “At the same time, we stand ready to protect our interests.” What are reciprocal tariffs? A tariff is a tax on imports collected by the government. It is paid by the company importing the good. Countries typically ****** tariffs in a bid to protect certain sectors from foreign competition. Historically, the US has championed free trade and kept the majority of its tariffs low, except on certain products such as footwear and, more recently, steel and aluminium. On average, the US has 3.4% tariff, compared to 5% with Europe, according to the WTO. In setting out its plans, the White House cited objections to tariffs such as the 10% tax that US-made cars face in Europe, compared with the 2.5% tariff the US applies to cars brought into the US. The White House also said that Brazil charges an 18% tariff on ethanol imports, while the US charges a 2.5% tariff on the same product. But officials made clear that the US intends to use tariffs to challenge policies farther afield, citing concerns about the digital services taxes many countries, including Canada and the ***, have unveiled against Big Tech firms – many of which are US-based – as well as Europe’s rules for its Value Added Tax (VAT), a kind of sales tax. What impact could tariffs have on the economy? Thursday’s announcement comes after a string of tariff-related moves from the new administration. Earlier this week, Trump ordered the US to start charging a 25% import tax on all steel and aluminium brought into the country, ending exemptions for countries including the European Union, *** and Brazil. That is due to go into effect next month. He also raised tariffs on all goods from China to 10% and threatened to hit imports from Canada and Mexico with duties of 25%, a plan that has been put on hold until March. Shares on Wall Street rose after no immediate tariffs were announced. John Cassidy, chief executive of Red Cedar Investment Management, said Trump’s string of rapid-fire tariff announcements had unnerved Wall Street, which “does not like the unknown”. But he warned against over-reacting, noting that tariffs that Trump imposed during his first term had a relatively mild impact on the US economy. “I think Trump’s playing a hand here and I think he’s got a very strong hand to play.” he said. However, Alex Durante, economist at the Tax Foundation, said it remained to be seen what changes could result from Trump’s moves. He does not think tariffs are the best strategy for dealing with trade complaints, given the costs and uncertainty they introduce for US firms and risks of retaliation. “I think we’re inching toward more and more tariffs with each coming week and further escalation of a trade war with other countries,” he said. He noted that Trump in his first term walked away from the Trans Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement that had been intended to address some of these same issues with countries in Asia. “They were open to doing this without having to put the US through more trade uncertainty,” he said. Trump has dismissed concerns about collateral trade damage, saying his plans will boost manufacturing in the US over the long term. “What’s going to go up is jobs are going to go up,” he said. “Prices could go up somewhat short term, but prices will also go down.” But surveys indicate the US public remains concerned about the cost of living and is unconvinced about the benefits of tariffs, which economists have warned are likely to lead to higher prices for US businesses and households. A recent Marquette Law School poll found just 24% of respondants believe tariffs will help the US economy, including just under half of Republicans and just 12% of independents and 4% of Democrats. “The question is are these tariffs going to lead to higher inflation, higher costs of goods,” said Charles Franklin, director of the poll. “The fairness argument is probably a good argument for the president to make but the price impact is much more of a hard thing to sell”. Reporting contributed by Tom Espiner Source link #Trump #launches #plan #target #countries #reciprocal #tariffs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Jaysley Beck felt manipulated by ‘suicidal threats’, inquest told Jaysley Beck felt manipulated by ‘suicidal threats’, inquest told Bea ******** BBC News, WIltshire Family photo Gunner Jaysley Beck felt responsible for her senior colleague’s mental health, an inquest has been told A female soldier who complained of being harassed by a senior colleague did not report him due to “manipulation tactics” and threats of suicide, an inquest into her death has been told. Royal Artillery Gunner Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead in her barracks at Larkhill Camp, Wiltshire, on 15 December 2021. She had been subjected to an “intense ******* of unwelcome behaviour” from Bombardier Ryan Mason, who was experiencing mental health issues at the time. Bombardier George Young told the inquest Gunner Beck felt pressure to be Mr Mason’s emotional support, and worried what would happen to him if she complained. Gunner Beck was found dead in her barracks at Larkhill Camp, 10 days before Christmas The nine-day hearing, which began at Salisbury Coroner’s Court on Monday, was shown a series of messages between Gunner Beck and Mr Mason. Between October and December 2021, Mr Mason sent Gunner Beck more than 4,600 messages confessing his feelings for her. ‘She dreaded work’ “It was stressful [for her], you could tell,” Bomardier Young said. “I don’t think it made her feel particularly comfortable going to work, she would actually dread it.” Bombardier Young said Gunner Beck told him Mr Mason would use “manipulation tactics” and make “threats to do something to himself” to gain her attention. He also expressed jealousy over her friendships with other male colleagues. In one message, Gunner Beck told him: “I feel like I can’t do certain things because it hurts you. I’m sorry but I don’t need this. “I want to live my life and if that’s being friends with George, which is all it is, then nobody should have to question that. “I’m not gonna lie, this has to stop now because it’s becoming hard for me also.” Another text from Mr Mason said Gunner Beck “had literally saved [his] life”. Family Handout Colleagues described Gunner Beck as “outgoing, lively, confident and inspiring” Bombardier Young said he urged Gunner Beck to report the behaviour, but she worried it would “add to the list of his [Mr Mason’s] problems”. “She just cared about people a lot, and she put their wellbeing above her own,” he said. “She’d say ‘I don’t want to get him in trouble’, despite it not being right. The situation was clearly not normal.” He added Gunner Beck, who was originally from Cumbria, was also worried making a complaint would affect her position on the team, because low-rank Gunners “are easily replaceable” when compared to experienced officers. “She loved the job so her biggest fear was being sent back to the unit and losing her posting,” he explained, saying Gunner Beck was worried she would be removed rather than senior officers dealing with the issue. “From what she was telling me she didn’t want to seem like that girl that was constantly putting in complaints. She was worried she would be seen as causing drama.” Family Handout Gunner Beck (front) was described as the “epitome” of what the military looked for in soldiers Gunner Beck had filed a previous complaint against Battery Sergeant Major Michael Webber following a seperate incident at a work social. While deployed to an adventure training exercise at Thorney Island, near Emsworth in Hampshire, in July 2021, she said Mr Webber “pinned her down and tried to kiss her” after an evening of drinking. Mr Webber subsequently received a minor sanction on his record and was made to write an apology letter to Gunner Beck. Giving evidence at the inquest, Lance Bombardier Braddon Haigh said she was disappointed with this conclusion. “I remember her saying it was pathetic, ‘it’s easy for him to just write a letter’,” he recalled. “She was obviously not happy with it, but she’d done what she was told to do by escalating it, and that was the outcome.” Bombardier Haigh said once people became aware of Mr Mason’s “obsession” with Gunner Beck they advised her to report it, but she responded: “Oh I’ll just get another letter again”. Family photo Mr Mason told Gunner Beck he was “head over heels” for her, and thought about her constantly The court heard how Mr Mason’s behaviour intensified during the final weeks of Gunner Beck’s life, and reached a climax point while on a training exercise in Newbury on 7 December. Bombardier Young told the hearing he received a phone call from Gunner Beck, who was “trembling, crying and in shock”. “She said that it had gone too far, that she could no longer deal with being around Ryan,” he said. “The intensity of the behaviour had really ramped up in terms of what was being said. I think he’d tried knocking on her hotel room door as well.” Bombardier Young picked her up from the hotel where she was staying and drove her back to Larkhill Camp. Later that week, Mr Mason texted Gunner Beck to inform her he was removing himself from his post. He wrote: “After what you said, I’m only doing this to make sure you can continue as normal and keep on the upwards path you’re on. “Hopefully you can still talk because I’d hate to think that this is it. Again I’m sorry you feel like this, as you know, this is nothing I ever intended or thought would happen. Speak soon, maybe.” A few days later, Gunner Beck was found dead in her room. An Army service inquiry report published in October 2023 detailed three additional “contributory factors” to her death: The “significant strain” of a ******* relationship with a married colleague in the last few weeks of her life.A relationship that ended in November 2021 which involved “repeated allegations of unfaithfulness on the part of the boyfriend”.An “unhealthy approach to alcohol, with episodes of binge-drinking”. The hearing continues. Source link #Jaysley #Beck #felt #manipulated #suicidal #threats #inquest #told Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Beauty for Ashes: Community and Hope Rekindled by Operation Blessing in Fire-Stricken California Beauty for Ashes: Community and Hope Rekindled by Operation Blessing in Fire-Stricken California Thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed, but as the long road to recovery begins for California communities, a spark of joy is much needed. Amidst the immense loss, CBN’s Operation Blessing stands alongside those affected, offering not just practical aid but also a powerful reminder of community support. The ****** says in Isaiah 61:3, “To all who mourn he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.” Survivors of the Los Angeles fires are in desperate need of laughter and a break from their harsh realities. For a few hours, the weight of their losses was lifted at two fundraising dances hosted by Operation Blessing at Bel Air Church. These events, which had been canceled due to the fires, brought together mothers and sons on Friday and fathers and daughters on Saturday, providing a much-needed respite filled with joy, music, and community. ***Please sign up for CBN Newsletters and download the CBN News app to ensure you keep receiving the latest news from a Christian perspective.*** Edward McGlasson, a father who lost his home and community to the fires, drove a long distance just to participate. “And you can hold my balloons,” one child was heard saying to their parent, underscoring one of the simple joys that brought light to the evening. For Mary Fish Hardin, the night was bittersweet, a reminder of all she had lost, including her church and children’s school. Despite the devastation, she found solace in the support of the community, saying, “There’s a lot to be angry about, but if you’re open, if your eyes are open enough, you can also see so many angels out there. And that has really surprised me.” Operation Blessing didn’t just organize the dances; they also raised crucial funds to provide essential help to families, including meal kits, hygiene supplies, and generators. Hayley Henson, a representative from Operation Blessing, emphasized, “All of the proceeds from these events are going to help those impacted by these fires that have been so widespread here in Southern California. We want to bring some joy to those impacted by such a difficult situation and let them know that they’re not alone and loved by God and all of us at Operation Blessing.” Jenny Martinez, a longtime resident of Altadena, felt the personal toll deeply, as the wildfires destroyed her multi-generational family home. Overwhelmed by the community’s support, she began volunteering with Operation Blessing, eager to give back. An unexpected blessing came her way when a local builder, moved by her story, personally offered to rebuild her home. “It is a blessing… it’s a blessing to me and my family that you guys are putting forth that effort. You don’t know me,” she expressed gratefully. For 46 years, Operation Blessing has helped families rise from the ashes. Founded by Pat Robertson, it’s now supported by his grandson, Willis Robertson, Interim Director of Family Ministries at Bel Air Church. Willis shared, “It’s just been amazing this month to be part of it in this way and to help connect my own community, my church, and friends impacted by the fires – with what he started.” As these communities rebuild from the devastation, Operation Blessing continues to provide crucial support and a reminder that no one has to face such trials alone. Source link #Beauty #Ashes #Community #Hope #Rekindled #Operation #Blessing #FireStricken #California Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Australia a winner after Trump unveils roadmap for US reciprocal tariffs Australia a winner after Trump unveils roadmap for US reciprocal tariffs Australia has dodged Donald Trump’s tariff stick after the US President announced his plan to introduce reciprocal tariffs on every country that puts duties on US imports. Helping Australia is the fact it has not imposed a tariff on US goods since the nations signed a free trade agreement 20 years ago. Uncertainty remains, however, over whether Australia could be granted an exemption on steel and aluminium tariffs previously announced by Mr Trump. The president has said he would consider an exemption for Australia from the 25 per cent imposts that are slated to come into effect on March 12. Announcing the reciprocal tariffs, Mr Trump said, “We want a level playing field”. The tariffs were not going into effect immediately but could begin to be imposed within weeks as Trump’s trade and economic team study bilateral tariff and trade relationships, a White House official told reporters on a conference call. “I have decided for purposes of fairness that I will charge a reciprocal tariff meaning whatever countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them. No more, no less,” Trump said. “In other words, they charge us a tax or tariff, we charge them the exact same tax or tariff,” he said. Howard Lutnick, Trump’s pick for Commerce secretary, said the administration would address each affected country one by one. He said the administration’s studies on the issue would be completed by April 1. Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to bring down consumer prices, said prices could go up in the short term as a result of the moves. “Tariffs are great,” he said. The White House official, who spoke to reporters before Trump’s event in the Oval Office, said the administration would examine what it called the most “egregious” issues first, including countries with the biggest trade surpluses and highest tariff rates. Trump’s reciprocal tariffs would match the higher duty rates charged by other countries, he said. They also would aim to counteract non-tariff trade barriers such as burdensome regulations, value-added taxes, government subsidies and exchange rate policies that can ****** barriers to the flow of US products to foreign markets. The effort also aims to launch negotiations with some countries to reduce these barriers. The announcement appeared designed at least in part to trigger talks with other countries. The official said Trump would gladly lower tariffs if other countries lowered theirs. “So the president is more than happy to lower tariffs if countries want to lower tariffs. But let’s also recognise that tariffs, higher tariffs, are not the biggest part of the problem in many, if not most cases,” the official said. Targets include China, Japan, South Korea and the European Union. The tariffs would avoid a “one size fits all” approach for more customised levies, he said, though he did not rule out a flat global tariff. The official said a lack of US reciprocal tariffs had contributed to a large and persistent US trade deficit. Trump, who took office on January 20, has already announced tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports beginning on March 12, imposed 10 per cent tariffs on goods from China and imposed a 30-day hold on tariffs on goods from neighbouring Canada and Mexico. Trade experts say structuring the reciprocal tariffs that Trump wants poses big challenges for his team, which may explain why the latest duties were not announced earlier in the week. Damon Pike, a trade specialist and principal with the US division of accounting firm BDO International, said the reciprocal tariffs that Trump envisioned would result in a monumental undertaking, given that each of the 186 members of the World Customs Organisation had different duty rates. “At the international level, there’a something like 5000 different descriptions at the 6-digit (product subheading) level, so 5000 times 186 nations. It’s almost an artificial intelligence project,” he said. with DPA and AP Source link #Australia #winner #Trump #unveils #roadmap #reciprocal #tariffs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Quantum batteries charge faster the larger they are Quantum batteries charge faster the larger they are Quantum batteries could charge much faster than standard devices pinkeyes/Shutterstock An experimental but fully functioning quantum battery system may have helped nudge the technology a small step closer to real-world applications. The quantum devices can charge and discharge a little like standard batteries, but the process gets faster as you make the quantum battery larger. Batteries that work by harnessing quantum effects instead of chemical reactions, known as quantum batteries, have many theoretically exciting properties, such as fast charging and discharging. But no one has managed to build a working quantum battery system – until now. Source link #Quantum #batteries #charge #faster #larger Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Walgreens robbed of drugs at gunpoint in Rochester: Police seek suspect Walgreens robbed of drugs at gunpoint in Rochester: Police seek suspect ROCHESTER — Police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man involved in an armed robbery early Thursday at Walgreens pharmacy. Police Capt. Jeremy Aucoin said no one was injured during the incident. Police provided surveillance images from the pharmacy and hope someone can help identify the suspect. Rochester officers responded to Walgreens for a report of the pharmacy being robbed at gunpoint at approximately 3:22 a.m. The pharmacy at 104 South Main St. is open 24 hours a day. Rochester police released surveillance images from an armed robbery at Walgreens on South Main Street Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. Aucoin said it was reported a male handed the pharmacist a note claiming to have a firearm and demanding prescription drugs. “The male brandished a portion of the firearm during the incident,” Aucoin said. “The male was able to get away, prior to police arrival, with an undisclosed amount of prescription drugs.” Rochester police released surveillance images from an armed robbery at Walgreens on South Main Street Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025. The man was described as leaving the store and heading in the direction of Winter Street. It is believed he may still be armed, police said. Rochester police deployed their K-9 (dog) team to search for the suspect, who was not located. More local news: Rochester man charged with shooting neighbor headed to trial “It’s possible the suspect left the area in a vehicle that was parked nearby,” said Aucoin. “There was a vehicle parked in the area during this time described as a white SUV-style vehicle. It is unknown at this time if there is any correlation to this vehicle being involved with the incident.” Rochester police released surveillance images from an armed robbery at Walgreens on South Main Street Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, including this one showing a vehicle police say may have been involved. The suspect was described as a ****** male, 6 feet tall, average build, wearing a ****** face mask, a ****** puffy jacket with hood, ****** jean-style pants, ****** hat, dark shoes and wearing work gloves. Rochester police are asking anyone who may have information to call the department at 603-330-7128. Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500. Cash rewards are offered for information leading to an arrest. This article originally appeared on Fosters Daily Democrat: Walgreens in Rochester, NH robbed of drugs: Suspect sought Source link #Walgreens #robbed #drugs #gunpoint #Rochester #Police #seek #suspect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Using AI tools like ChatGPT can reduce critical thinking skills Using AI tools like ChatGPT can reduce critical thinking skills Are we losing critical thinking skills to artificial intelligence? Naeblys/Alamy Generative AI tools can limit users’ critical thinking when doing tasks. People using generative AI also think less critically when they trust the AI to do a task, such as developing an argument for a paper or presentation. The researchers behind the findings say the solution is to adapt the technology, rather than to limit its use. Lev Tankelevitch at Microsoft Research and his colleagues asked 319 people to take part in a survey. The participants,… Source link #tools #ChatGPT #reduce #critical #thinking #skills Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Archaeologists Discover 5 Stunning Roman Statues In Ancient City of Perge Archaeologists Discover 5 Stunning Roman Statues In Ancient City of Perge Ancient Greek city of Perge. Credit: Saffron Blaze / CC BY-SA 3.0 Archaeologists unearthed five Roman statues in Perge (Greek: Πέργη), a well-preserved ancient city in today’s Turkey, highlighting the rich artistic legacy of Greek and Roman cultures. A city rooted in Greek heritage While its early history remains debated, Perge likely saw Greek settlement by the 7th century BC, possibly as a colony of Rhodes. After Alexander the Great’s conquests the city flourished. By the 2nd century BC, it began minting its own coins, often depicting the Greek goddess Artemis and her temple. The city quickly became an important hub for trade, culture, and art under Greek influence. The city’s urban design reflects classical Greek architectural principles, including its grand colonnaded streets, theaters, and temples. Perge’s significance grew when it became part of the Roman Empire in the 1st century B.C., blending Greek artistic traditions with Roman innovation. Perge has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2009 for its historical and cultural importance. Remarkable discoveries of ancient statues The latest excavation efforts have revealed five statues, each offering a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the era. Among them is a 2-meter-tall statue of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, depicted seated on a dolphin beside Eros, the god of love. Archaeologists believe this statue, dating to the 2nd century A.D., exemplifies Roman adaptations of Greek mythology, merging divine symbolism with lifelike artistry. Nearby, researchers uncovered a 1.87-meter statue of a clothed woman, attributed to the Severan *******, known for its refined sculptural techniques. A newly discovered statue of a clothed female figure. Credit: Türkiye Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums Another similar statue of a clothed female figure, found in two pieces, further underscores the city’s commitment to detailed and realistic art. On the Eastern Street of Perge, excavations revealed two additional statues – a clothed man and woman standing side by side. Roman statues in the ancient Greek city of Perge. Credit: Türkiye Directorate of Cultural Heritage and Museums These discoveries provide valuable insights into the social structures and sculptural traditions of the ancient Greek city of Perge, highlighting the city’s role as a center of artistic production. A blend of Greek and Roman artistic traditions Perge’s art and architecture illustrate a seamless blend of Greek and Roman influences. While the city’s early structures reflect Greek designs, Roman rule introduced grand monuments, lifelike sculptures, and detailed frescoes. Roman Imperial art, flourishing from the 1st century B.C. to the 5th century A.D., drew heavily from Greek and Etruscan traditions. It emphasized realism, human expression, and monumental scale. Antalya Perge Antik Kenti’nde Geleceğe Miras kapsamında yürütülen kazı çalışmalarında Aphrodite heykeli ile birlikte toplam 5 heykel açığa çıkartıldı pic.twitter.com/Qkp8XGYQSK — Basileos (@arkeologbirey) February 12, 2025 The newly discovered artifacts highlight Perge’s importance as an artistic hub where Greek mythology and Roman craftsmanship converged, enriching the region’s cultural tapestry. Preserving Perge’s legacy The excavations are part of the “Heritage to the Future Project,” an initiative to preserve and promote Perge’s cultural legacy for future generations. As archaeological efforts continue, Perge remains a testament to the artistic and cultural brilliance of the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Source link #Archaeologists #Discover #Stunning #Roman #Statues #Ancient #City #Perge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Coinbase revenue surges more than 130% driven by postelection crypto rally Coinbase revenue surges more than 130% driven by postelection crypto rally In this photo illustration, a Coinbase logo is displayed on a smartphone with stock market percentages on the background. Omar Marques | SOPA Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images Coinbase Thursday reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and its biggest quarterly revenue in three years, strengthened by a raging postelection rally that pushed crypto prices to new high after new high at the end of last year. The stock rose 2% in extended trading. Here’s what the company reported for the fourth quarter compared with what Wall Street expected, according to a survey of analysts by LSEG: Earnings per share: $4.68 vs. $1.81 expectedRevenue: $2.27 billion vs. $1.88 billion expected Coinbase, which operates the largest U.S. marketplace for buying and selling cryptocurrencies, reported net income of $1.3 billion, or $4.68 per share, compared with $273 million, or $1.04 a share, in the same ******* a year ago. It also posted revenue of $2.3 billion, compared with $953.8 million in the same ******* a year ago. Transaction revenue more than doubled from last year to $1.56 billion, and beat analyst estimates of $1.29 billion, according to StreetAccount. Total trading volume was $439 billion, up 185% year-over-year. Consumer trading volume rose 224% from the same ******* a year ago while institutional trading volume increased 176%. “The majority of the Y/Y growth in Trading Volume was driven by higher levels of Crypto Asset Volatility — particularly in Q1 and Q4 — as well as higher average crypto asset prices,” the company said in its shareholder letter. “The two primary factors underpinning these stronger macroeconomic factors were the launch of the bitcoin ETF products in Q1’24, and the election of a pro-crypto President and Congress in Q4’24 and the associated expectation of regulatory clarity—both of which resulted in elevated spot crypto trading activity.” Coinbase reported it has generated $750 million in trading revenue through Feb. 11, and it is expected to be in the mid-to-high teens as a percentage of net revenue for the current quarter. The company has been making efforts to diversify its revenue streams away from trading. As of the fourth quarter, trading makes up 68.5% of its total revenue — with most of it coming from retail traders. Revenue from its subscription and services business – which includes stablecoins, staking, custody, and its Coinbase One product – is expected to be between $685 million and $765 million for the current quarter. This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates. Don’t miss these cryptocurrency insights from CNBC Pro: Source link #Coinbase #revenue #surges #driven #postelection #crypto #rally Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why we may crave dessert even when we are full from dinner Why we may crave dessert even when we are full from dinner You always have room for a sugary treat MarioGuti/iStockphoto/Getty Images Even after eating a large meal, most people can still find room for sweets. Now, research in mice shows that the neurons responsible for feelings of fullness are also those that trigger sugar cravings. In other words, there seems to be a neurological basis for our love of dessert. Previous studies have shown that naturally occurring opioids in the brain play a crucial role in sugar cravings. The main producers of these opioids are neurons located in a brain region that regulates appetite, metabolism and hormones, called the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. These cells, known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, also control feelings of satiety after eating. To understand whether the cells have a role in sugar cravings, Henning Fenselau at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Germany and his colleagues traced the opioid signals the POMC cells send in the brain. They did so by bathing brain slices from three mice in a fluorescent solution that binds to receptors of these opioids. The brain region with the highest density of these receptors was the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT), known to regulate feeding and other behaviours. That suggested that sugar cravings were related to communication between these two brain regions – the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and the PVT. So, the researchers monitored the activity of neurons in these regions as mice ate their usual food. After 90 minutes, the animals seemed to be full – they only nibbled at additional food. At that point, the team gave them a dessert of sugary chow. On average, neuronal activity between the brain regions roughly quadrupled while mice ate their dessert compared with when they ate their regular meal. The spike began before they even started eating the sweets, suggesting this brain pathway dictates sugar cravings. The researchers confirmed this using a technique to switch cells on and off with light, called optogenetics. When they inhibited signals from POMC neurons to the PVT, the mice consumed 40 per cent less dessert. “The cell types, which are extremely well known for driving satiety, also release signals that cause the appetite for sugar, and they do so particularly in the state of satiety,” says Fenselau. “This would explain why animals – humans – over-consume sugar when they’re actually full.” We don’t know why this pathway evolved in animals. It may be because sugar is more easily converted into energy than other sources like fats or proteins, says Fenselau. Eating dessert could thus be almost like topping up your gas tank. He hopes this research could lead to new treatments for obesity, though he acknowledges that hunger and cravings are complicated in day-to-day life. “There are so many other pathways in the brain that, of course, could override this. We have found this pathway, but how it plays together with many others is something we don’t know at the moment.” Topics: Source link #crave #dessert #full #dinner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Issa Rae Cancels Kennedy Center Appearance After Trump’s Takeover – The New York Times Issa Rae Cancels Kennedy Center Appearance After Trump’s Takeover – The New York Times Issa Rae Cancels Kennedy Center Appearance After Trump’s Takeover The New York TimesTrump Appoints Weirdest Board Ever to the Kennedy Center YahooHear what Trump said to new Kennedy Center board in audio obtained by Jake Tapper CNNPatriots owner Robert Kraft’s wife, Dana Blumberg, among Kennedy Center’s new board The Boston Globe Source link #Issa #Rae #Cancels #Kennedy #Center #Appearance #Trumps #Takeover #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft Has More Games Slated For PS5 This Year Than Sony (So Far) Microsoft Has More Games Slated For PS5 This Year Than Sony (So Far) Microsoft’s cross-platform release strategy puts the company in a unique position this year–as it currently stands, there are more Xbox first-party games than Sony titles confirmed for a PlayStation release in 2025. The February 2025 State of Play livestream on Wednesday contained announcements for several games, but the presentation showcased very few first-party PlayStation games, instead highlighting many third-party titles like Monster Hunter Wilds and Borderlands 4. The only notable Sony-published PS5 titles shown were a Days Gone re-release, Lost Soul Aside, and Housemarque’s Saros, which is scheduled for 2026. For those keeping track (and as pointed out by Eurogamer), Sony’s PS5 games confirmed for 2025 are Days Gone Remastered, Lost Soul Aside, MLB: The Show 25 (which also releases for Xbox and Nintendo Switch), Ghost of Yōtei, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Release windows for Marvel’s Wolverine, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and Marathon from Bungie have yet to be confirmed. Conversely, Microsoft has Forza Horizon 5, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Doom: The Dark Ages, Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, Age of Mythology: Retold, The Outer Worlds 2, and Ninja Gaiden 4 confirmed for PS5 this year. That’s seven PS5 games from Microsoft, not even including the inevitable next Call of Duty game, compared to Sony’s own five titles with solid 2025 release windows. It’s a bizarre future for console owners dedicated to one brand over the other, but a future we’ll all have to get used to as more Xbox properties potentially migrate to PlayStation. Of course, the balance between the two competitors in this year’s release schedule could shift as Sony announces more dates for its titles. Ultimately, this ironic twist may not matter to Sony, which touted successful hardware sales numbers from its most recent quarter, with 9.5 million PS5 consoles shipped and 75 million sold in the platform’s lifetime. Source link #Microsoft #Games #Slated #PS5 #Year #Sony Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Senate narrowly confirms RFK Jr to lead Health and Human Services Senate narrowly confirms RFK Jr to lead Health and Human Services The Senate narrowly confirmed Robert F Kennedy Jr, one of President Donald Trump’s most controversial cabinet picks, to head the Health and Human Services department Thursday. The former presidential candidate will now oversee key health agencies with about 80,000 employees and a trillion-dollar budget. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle had questioned his baseless health claims and vaccine scepticism. But on Thursday, Kennedy was confirmed by a vote of 52-48. No Democrats backed him. Former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the lone Republican to vote against Kennedy. His confirmation marks another win for Trump as he seeks to rapidly overhaul almost every level of government. The Senate is putting in late nights and early mornings as they hurry to round out the president’s cabinet by confirming his remaining nominees. Lawmakers also approved Brooke Rollins as head of the Department of Agriculture by a vote of 72-28. Kennedy is the second controversial cabinet pick to be confirmed this week after Tulsi Gabbard, another contested pick, was confirmed as director of National Intelligence in a narrow Senate vote on Wednesday. He will now oversee agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kennedy will also be charged with overseeing the US health industry which includes food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health and vaccinations. He ran for the White House himself in 2024 as an independent, but dropped out and backed Trump. The president’s decision to tap Kennedy to lead the federal health agency drew scepticism among several Republicans. Many questioned Kennedy’s past comments casting doubt on immunisations, his ties to groups making unsubstantiated health claims and his views on abortion. Kennedy is the founder of the anti-vaccine group Children’s Health Defense, which gained prominence in the US for casting doubt on the safety and efficacy of childhood vaccinations and making the discredited claim that the shots are linked to autism. Kennedy, the nephew of former President John F Kennedy, has denied that he is anti-vaccination, pointing to the fact that his own children are immunised. He insisted during his confirmation hearings that he merely supports more stringent studies and safety tests for injections. Some Republicans have praised Kennedy for his criticism over the use of food additives and push to curb big pharma. During the hearings, lawmakers also grilled Kennedy on his promotion of health misinformation and knowledge of the US healthcare system. He was asked to explain his stance on abortion, as he previously indicated that he was in favour of abortion rights. He responded by telling lawmakers he agreed with Trump that access to abortion should be controlled by individual states and that “every abortion is a tragedy”. The exchange drew scrutiny from Democrats who accused Kennedy of “selling out” his pro-choice values in order to secure President Trump’s nomination. One of his hearings was interrupted by shouting protesters. But he also received loud applause when promising to make America healthy again, a slogan used by Trump’s administration. Ahead of the hearing, Caroline Kennedy – the cousin of Robert F Kennedy Jr – urged US senators to reject him as the next health and human services secretary. She said Kennedy’s views on vaccines disqualify him from the role of being one of America’s leading health policymakers. Yet it wasn’t enough to dissuade several Republicans, who previously withheld their support from Kennedy but wound up approving his nomination during Thursday’s vote. Many eyes were on Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, who chairs the Senate Health Committee. Cassidy, a doctor, previously indicated that he was struggling with Kennedy’s stance on vaccines. He voted to confirm Kennedy on Thursday. “We need to make America healthy again, and it is my expectation that Secretary Kennedy will get this done,” Cassidy posted on X after the vote. Others closely watched McConnell, a Kennedy critic and polio survivor. McConnell had warned Kennedy not to undermine the polio vaccine. He voted against confirmation on Thursday. “Individuals, parents, and families have a right to push for a healthier nation and demand the best possible scientific guidance on preventing and treating illness,” McConnell said in a statement. “But a record of trafficking in dangerous conspiracy theories and eroding trust in public health institutions does not entitle Mr. Kennedy to lead these important efforts.” The Senate continues moving forward with Trump’s nominees. After confirming Kennedy, lawmakers are expected to advance the nomination of Howard Lutnick as the next Secretary of Commerce. This tees up the final vote for his confirmation to take place by the end of the week. Lawmakers are also expected to take up the nomination of Kash Patel, Trump’s controversial choice to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), after the pick received approval from a key committee on Thursday. Source link #Senate #narrowly #confirms #RFK #lead #Health #Human #Services Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

It Takes Two Boss Says Studio Will Never Make A Live-Service Game It Takes Two Boss Says Studio Will Never Make A Live-Service Game Josef Fares, the director of It Takes Two and the upcoming Split Fiction, said that Hazelight Studios will never make a live-service game. “We will not have them, I do not believe in them,” Fares said in an interview with Eurogamer. “I think [live service] is not the right way to go. I hope more and more [developers] focus on their passion and what they believe in.” Fares explained that he understands the financial pressures of having to make live-service games, but emphasized the need to not lose all focus on creativity. He believes that there should be a balance between the financial and creative aspects, as developers can’t just ask for $100 million in funding and do whatever they want. He pointed to the success Hazelight has seen as evidence that “trust[ing] in your vision” can still lead to a “big audience.” Last year, Hazelight revealed that It Takes Two had surpassed 20 million copies sold. Other studios have recently followed the live-service trend to varying success. PlayStation started its live-service initiative several years ago. While Helldivers 2 exceeded expectations, games like Concord failed to take off and several games have been canceled, including Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us multiplayer game and reportedly a God of War live-service one. Bungie veteran Joe Tung said that the live-service model is better than the traditional $60 box approach, as it helps developers consider what’s best for players in the long-term. In a recent earnings call, Ubisoft said that it would double down on both live-service games and open-world action adventure titles. Fares also recently discussed his thoughts about AI and its effects on the video game industry, saying that it needs to learn how to work with AI and other emerging technologies. Hazelight’s previous game, It Takes Two, won Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2021. The studio’s next game, Split Fiction, launches on March 6 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. Like Hazelight’s past projects, Split Fiction is a co-op adventure game and it follows two women named Zoe and Mio as they traverse through both fantasy and sci-fi-themed levels in order to survive. Source link #Takes #Boss #Studio #LiveService #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kayaker survives being swallowed by humpback whale Kayaker survives being swallowed by humpback whale A kayaker off the Chilean coast has lived to tell the tale of being swallowed by a whale, with video of incident going viral online. Source link #Kayaker #survives #swallowed #humpback #whale Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Civil society groups urge Meta’s Oversight Board to resign in protest Civil society groups urge Meta’s Oversight Board to resign in protest Meta’s Oversight Board is coming under new pressure to respond to the company’s recent policy changes on fact-checking and moderation, which were made without input from the advisory group. A coalition of civil society organizations has published an open letter to the Oversight Board saying the group should resign en masse as “recent developments make it clear that the company has abandoned any pretense of oversight and acts with no regard as to the consequences.” The letter, which was first by The Washington Post, comes from the , which is made up of more than 250 human and digital rights advocates, fact-checking organizations and other civil society groups from around the world. “A mass resignation would be a historic act of conscience — one that makes clear Meta’s reckless disregard for human rights cannot be excused, ignored, or concealed behind the curtains of an oversight board that has no real power,” says. “By stepping down collectively, you would show solidarity with all those communities impacted by Meta’s unconscionable actions, increase public pressure on Meta and demonstrate that true accountability cannot exist within a system designed to suppress it.” Last month, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta its long-running fact-checking programs and roll back content moderation standards that protected immigrants and LGBT people on its platform. The Meta CEO, who upon creating the board said that “Facebook should not make so many important decisions about free expression and safety on our own,” decided to make the changes following a visit with then President-elect Donald Trump last year and consulted only a “handful” of people at Meta. The Oversight Board’s co-chair that these changes came as a “surprise” to the group, which was created to help shape platform-wide policy but was not consulted ahead of time in this instance. The Global Coalition for Tech Justice isn’t the first group to question the Oversight Board’s role in the wake of Zuckerberg’s sweeping policy changes. Members of Congress the issue in a letter addressed to the Meta CEO. “The Oversight Board, once touted as a beacon of accountability, is rendered toothless when Meta itself refuses to adhere to the principles of ‘trust and safety,’” they wrote. One member of the Global Coalition for Tech Justice has been even more direct. “If the Oversight Board has no role (even consultory) in the single biggest change in content moderation since their founding, clearly the experiment has failed,” the “Real Facebook Oversight Board,” a group of longtime , said in a statement last month. Meanwhile, the Oversight Board’s response to Meta’s changes has so far been muted. The group published shortly after Zuckerberg’s announcement, saying that it would “engage with Meta” on its plan to implement community notes. It later added a brief update that said it would be “reviewing the implications of the various changes” that go “beyond fact-checking.” Representatives for Meta and the Oversight Board didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. In a statement to The Washington Post, the board said that it planned to propose “nuanced policy recommendations that Meta must respond to.” Source link #Civil #society #groups #urge #Metas #Oversight #Board #resign #protest Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super-Fast Dessert Recipes You Can Make Right Now Super-Fast Dessert Recipes You Can Make Right Now These homemade sweets are ready in 25 minutes or less. Make yourself a sticky toffee pudding in no time at all with this easy microwave recipe.Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. By Ali Slagle Ali Slagle is a recipe developer and regular contributor to NYT Cooking. Published Feb. 13, 2025Updated Feb. 13, 2025 That familiar feeling hits: the craving for a little something sweet. But it’s late, or the emergency chocolate stash went poof, or you’re really “not a baker.” It’s going to be OK because you probably already have the ingredients you need to rustle together one of these homemade treats. You can make yourself a warm cake faster than it takes an oven to heat, a joyful bite of Funfetti (sort of) when there seems little reason to blow out candles, a jammy fruit crisp when summer is far, far away, and a chewy chocolate-chip cookie without creaming butter or sifting flour — and without butter or flour, *******. The four recipes below are far from projects; they serve just one or two people, take five minutes to half an hour, and skip the mixer in favor of a bowl and spoon. They’re gentle, lazy, and, much like petting dogs, doing the crossword and saying thank you, small ways to sweeten any day. Beloved in Australia and New Zealand, fairy bread can be a Funfetti-like sweet treat.Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Triangles of untoasted white bread covered with margarine or butter and “hundreds and thousands” (those are sprinkles stateside), fairy bread is a much-loved treat often served at children’s birthday parties in Australia or New Zealand. Even if you didn’t grow up with it, fairy bread might still taste familiar because the sugary-waxy sprinkles, tender crumb, butter and vanilla are reminiscent of Funfetti cake. These simple cookies are rich with nut butter and miso paste for a perfect salty-sweet balance.Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Forget what you thought you knew about making a great chocolate-chip cookie. This two-step recipe delivers crisp edges, gooey middles and rich salted-caramel flavor with any nut or seed butter, brown sugar, miso paste and an egg. These may be dairy- and gluten-free, but they’re not lacking in any way. Microwaving the topping while the filling simmers on the stovetop balances this crisp’s texture.Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Sink into this berry crisp any night of the week, no matter the season. The topping clumps and crisps in the microwave, and fresh or frozen berries simmer on the stovetop until jammy. Because the two elements are cooked separately, the topping won’t get soggy, delivering a brown sugary crunch to every bite. Ice cream, sour cream or whipped cream are all great on top of this gooey cake.Kelly Marshall for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Samantha Seneviratne. Feel the warmth of this ready-in-10-minutes take on sticky toffee pudding cake as soon as you spoon out a bite. You don’t have to top the soft, date-flecked cake with vanilla ice cream, sour cream or whipped cream, but the cold dairy swirling with the warm, glistening toffee sauce is something special. Follow New York Times Cooking on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest. Get regular updates from New York Times Cooking, with recipe suggestions, cooking tips and shopping advice. Source link #SuperFast #Dessert #Recipes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mitch McConnell’s party of one Mitch McConnell’s party of one Three months ago, Mitch McConnell ran the Senate GOP. Now he’s going it alone as he wages battles against some of President Donald Trump’s highest-profile nominees. The Kentucky Republican became the only member of the Senate GOP’s 53-seat conference to oppose more than one Trump pick with his votes this week — first opposing Tulsi Gabbard’s director of national intelligence nomination on Wednesday and then Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Health and Human Services nomination on Thursday. “He has expressed the fact that he is going to be independent,” said Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). “He is not burdened with … leadership, and if he has a disagreement on a particular individual he will express that.” McConnell was hardly alone among Senate Republicans in raising doubts about Gabbard, Kennedy and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose confirmation he opposed last month. Several colleagues who hail from the same traditionalist wing of the GOP aired similar concerns about those nominees’ fitness for office. But only the 82-year-old Kentucky Republican ended up voting against all three. That’s a reflection of the fact that he is unlikely to stand for reelection and thus has no need to curry favor with Trump. Their relationship, in fact, went sour years ago. It gives him immunity from the primary threats, arm-wringing and behind-the-scenes lobbying that brought other GOP senators into line. Asked about his votes, McConnell’s office on Thursday pointed back to his Jan. 16 floor speech where he offered an early outline of what his approach would be. Known as a ruthless operator but committed Senate institutionalist, he said he would support a “large slate of nominees” who have “credentials and records prove them worthy of the highest public trust and whose policy views align with the administration’s goal.” In comments since then, McConnell has been unflinching in making clear he believed the Senate should exercise its constitutional powers and reject some of Trump’s nominees. “The Senate’s power of advice and consent is not an option; it is an obligation, and one we cannot pretend to misunderstand,” he said in a blistering statement opposing Gabbard. “When a nominee’s record proves them unworthy of the highest public trust, and when their command of relevant policy falls short of the requirements of their office, the Senate should withhold its consent.” Still, Republicans don’t expect McConnell to be a larger headache where it will matter — on Trump’s legislative agenda, with the former leader himself predicting that he will support most of what the administration tries to do. With 53 seats, the Senate GOP can afford to lose his vote at times, freeing him to cast symbolic opposition to some of Trump’s most controversial nominees while supporting the rest. Notably, he voted to advance Hegseth, Gabbard and Kennedy past key procedural hurdles before opposing their final confirmation. He has also voted for the other 13 of the 16 nominees the Senate has confirmed so far. McConnell is also following the golden rule of the Senate: How you vote is up to you, but don’t surprise your own party leaders. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said McConnell’s votes weren’t unexpected. “Like any senator he is entitled to vote however he chooses to vote,” he said. McConnell made clear that after stepping down as party leader he would use his perch in the Senate to try to enact and speak up for his priorities — particularly by pushing back on an isolationist worldview that has increasingly dominated his party’s foreign policy posture. Ahead of Trump’s formal return to office, McConnell said at a national security conference at the Ronald Reagan Library in December that “America will not be made great again by those who are content to manage our decline.” He also warned in a statement late last year that Trump’s picks should avoid trying to undermine vaccines, saying that “anyone seeking the Senate’s consent to serve in the incoming Administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.” McConnell, a polio survivor, took an especially dim view of Kennedy’s skepticism about the vaccine that could have spared him from a devastating childhood illness that affected his mobility into adulthood. Yet those warnings didn’t prevent any of the picks he opposed from ultimately getting confirmed — or from preventing some of his colleagues from criticizing his strategy. It’s a move that would have once been unthinkable given McConnell’s iron grip over his conference, but became increasingly common in the final years of his leadership reign. “As I said when I ran against him for leader, we ought to have somebody up here who supports the Trump agenda and supports the Trump nominees and he hasn’t now — he hasn’t, he doesn’t,” said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), whom McConnell easily defeated in a leadership race in 2022. Lisa Kashinsky contributed to this report. Source link #Mitch #McConnells #party Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Girl’s overdose death not preventable Girl’s overdose death not preventable An inquest into the death of a 12-year-old girl who said she was ****** by an older boy has found none of the authorities who had contact with her could have prevented her death. Semina Halliwell, of Southport, died at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in June 2021, three days after taking an overdose of prescription medication. Her mother, Rachel Halliwell, told the inquest last month that Semina “felt like she wasn’t believed” after making an allegation of ******* assault to police, and at the conclusion of the inquest she said she felt her daughter had been “betrayed” by the agencies that were supposed to help her. The assistant coroner for Sefton, Johanna Thompson, concluded Semina had died “while in a state of distress and her intention at that time is unknown”. The coroner had earlier said that a conclusion of suicide was not possible in this case. Ms Thompson said Semina had a “complex social history” and was “highly vulnerable”. However, she said she did not agree with submissions from the family that Merseyside Police, Semina’s school, health trusts and Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council had breached their operational duties to her. She added: “The evidence has not revealed a real and immediate risk to Semina’s life known to the state agencies which would have made her death preventable by the state.” ‘Destroyed her’ The inquest, which was held at Bootle Town Hall for six days last month, heard that Semina had told her mother in March 2021 she had been ********* assaulted by an older boy in January that year. The boy had been messaging her online since the previous summer, the hearing was told. Ms Halliwell said the incident “destroyed” her daughter, who had been self-harming in the year before her death. She reported the allegation to police, but said that when officers came to speak to Semina she “felt like she wasn’t believed”. Ms Halliwell said: “I think to say to a 12-year-old child ‘it is going to take 18 months to two years to go to court, do you really want it hanging over your head?’ and ‘it’s your word against his’ is not what any woman or child who has been through ******* assault or ***** needs to hear and she was 12 with autism.” She told the inquest she believed Semina would still be alive if there had been more support. Semina initially withdrew her complaint but later decided to pursue it and was due to have a video interview on 10 June, the court heard. The inquest was told police officers had visited her home on 8 June regarding a separate complaint and Semina had gone upstairs after saying: “I’ve had enough of this.” She was later found and taken to hospital. Det **** Chris Loughead told the inquest Semina’s allegation of ******* assault had been taken “very seriously” by Merseyside Police. ‘Pain continues’ After the inquest, Ms Halliwel said she was feeling an “enormous dissatisfaction that failures by the agencies involved in Semina’s care have not been acknowledged”. She added: “What I wanted to hear was a finding of the failures that I see in all of the agencies’ interactions with Semina, and recommendations and improvements being made so that further tragedies cannot be allowed to happen in the future. “My pain continues as I believe that Semina was betrayed by those responsible to help protect her and I hope for some acknowledgement of this for me and my family and because personally I will never stop believing that this was the case. “I believe it was as a consequence of these agencies’ failures that my precious daughter is no longer with me.” Additional reporting by PA Media. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer. More on this story Source link #Girls #overdose #death #preventable Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Saros: Release Date Window, Platforms, And Everything We Know So Far About The Next Housemarque Game Saros: Release Date Window, Platforms, And Everything We Know So Far About The Next Housemarque Game One of the big reveals of the PlayStation February State of Play was a first look at Saros, the next game from developer Housemarque. A spiritual sequel to Returnal, Saros builds on the foundation of that roguelike action game and is described as the “ultimate evolution” of the company’s approach to gameplay-first adventures. The debut cinematic trailer for Saros was short, but it did reveal a few details for eagle-eyed viewers. Here’s everything we know about the game so far, ahead of its upcoming release. When will Saros released? Housemarque has set a release window of 2026 for Saros. Preorder Saros Preorders are not yet available for Saros. Saros trailer The first trailer for Saros was released during the February State of Play event–check it out below. The trailer spotlights the setting, tone, and story. We think it looks pretty great. Saros platforms Saros will launch on PS5, but Housemarque hasn’t mentioned a PC release yet. Its previous game, Returnal, did come to PC two years after it first arrived on PS5, and with Sony adopting a multiplatform release strategy, it’s likely that Saros will eventually find its way to this platform in the future. Will Saros be PS5 Pro Enhanced? Creative director Gregory Louden did confirm during State of Play that Saros will be PS5 Pro-enhanced, although what those exact enhancements are remains to be seen. Housemarque makes some of the best-looking games around, with Returnal being one of the more graphically impressive games on PS5 when it first launched. If that game is any indication, you can probably expect some terrific monster designs and particle effects for days when Saros launches. Saros stor, setting, and characters Set on the planet Carcosa, Saros puts you in the boots of Arjun Devraj, a powerful Soltari Enforcer who ison the hunt for answers on this lost off-world colony that is currently caught in the shadow of a very ominous eclipse. Housemarque says that it has crafted a haunting story for the game, one full of nightmarish monsters judging by the teaser trailer. A familiar face Your eyes are not deceiving you, that is indeed actor Rahul Kohli lending his voice and likeness to Devraj. According to Housemarque, the Midnight Mass actor delivers a “grounded” performance in Saros. “Every time the sun dies, madness reigns, then everything begins again. “But after every death, I always come back stronger,” Devraj says in the trailer. Saros gameplay You’ll have to wait until later this year to get a closer look at the gameplay of Saros, as well as more details on the art, audio, music, and technology that Housemarque is using to develop the game. Housemarque did note that Saros will have permanent resources and progression to help you out should you die during a run, a big difference when compared to Returnal and how each death effectively had you start back at square one. “After every death you will face a changed world, but in Saros you will be able to choose and permanently upgrade your loadout from an evolving set of weapons and suit upgrades to ‘come back stronger’ to overcome the challenges you face on Carcosa,” Housemarque explained. Saros screenshots Gallery Source link #Saros #Release #Date #Window #Platforms #Housemarque #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge blocks Trump order restricting access to gender-affirming care for now Judge blocks Trump order restricting access to gender-affirming care for now Trans executive orders from Trump Trump to sign executive order banning trans athletes from competing in girls and women’s sports 03:45 Washington — A federal judge in Maryland agreed Thursday to temporarily halt President Trump’s executive action that restricts access to gender-affirming care for people under the age of 19, according to the groups challenging the move, delivering a setback to the Trump administration efforts targeting what it calls “gender ideology” while the legal proceedings move forward. The ACLU, which is representing a group of transgender young people diagnosed with gender dysphoria and LGBTQ advocacy groups, said U.S. District Judge Brendan Hurson issued a temporary restraining order from the bench following a hearing on their bid to temporarily block enforcement of the restrictions. The challengers have argued that the Trump administration’s actions violate the Constitution and discriminate on the basis of sex and transgender status. Mr. Trump’s executive action requires federal agencies to ensure medical institutions that receive federal research or education grants end the so-called “chemical and surgical mutilation of children,” defined as those under the age of 19. Medical treatments covered by the order include puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgical procedures. “It is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures,” the order states. Mr. Trump’s measure also calls for federally run insurance programs like TRICARE, the Defense Department’s health care program, and Medicaid to exclude gender-affirming care for minors from coverage. The measure came on the heels of other executive action taken by the president on his first day back in office that prohibits the use of federal funds to “promote gender ideology” and declares U.S. policy as recognizing only “two sexes, male and female.” Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts. Source link #Judge #blocks #Trump #order #restricting #access #genderaffirming #care Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

********* investigation after British woman shot in USA ********* investigation after British woman shot in USA Police in Texas said they have launched a manslaughter investigation into the death of a British woman who was shot dead on holiday. Lucy Harrison, from Great Sankey in Warrington, Cheshire, was visiting her father in the town of Prosper, on the outskirts of Dallas, when she was fatally injured. A redacted report from the Prosper Police Department confirmed the case was being investigated as a “criminally negligent *********”. A spokesperson confirmed the case has been passed to the Collin County District Attorney (DA) for review. The exact circumstances of how Miss Harrison was shot at her father’s property on the afternoon of 10 January have not been publicly revealed. The heavily redacted police report said a “suspect” had been identified by officers, along with five witnesses. The BBC understands the matter will be considered behind closed doors by a Grand Jury, which will decide if a criminal case should move forward. On Wednesday, an inquest was opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington and adjourned until 28 March. After the hearing, a statement from Miss Harrison’s family was shared via Cheshire Police. They described her as having lived “fiercely and fearlessly”. “She was the embodiment of wonderful contradictions,” her family said. “She adored travel and being away, experiencing new places and cultures, yet at the same time, she loved nothing more than snuggling up in her pyjamas with her candles on at home.” They added she “was truly thriving in life and although this gives us great comfort, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful, gorgeous Luce”. Source link #********* #investigation #British #woman #shot #USA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Avowed – All Totem Of Rightful Rulership Pieces And Locations Avowed – All Totem Of Rightful Rulership Pieces And Locations In each of Avowed’s regions you can find pieces of a Totem, which provides passive buffs once activated in your camp. In order to get the most out of each Totem, you will need to find all seven pieces, including the base. The Totem of Rightful Rulership can be found in Dawnshore, the first area. There is a document you can find to add the list of totem pieces to your quest, but it doesn’t provide map markers, just single-sentence clues to the pieces locations. In this guide, we’ll show you where to find all pieces, including the base, which you’ll need to place in your camp in order to enjoy any of its passive buffs. It’s worth noting that Totem pieces can be collected in any order. Totem Base The Totem Base can be found in the Shrine to Woedica. The Totem Base can be found in the Shrine to Woedica, which is located in the northeast corner of Dawnshore, in the region called The Rise. The Totem Base is sitting on an altar in the center of the shrine. The Totem Base cane be found on this shrine. Broken Crown Jewel The Broken Crown Jewel can be found in Sanza’s Emporium in Northern Paradis. The Broken Crown Jewel can be found in Northern Paradis, which is a subregion of Paradis. In Northern Paradis, head to Sanza’s Emporium. Behind the vendor there is a door leading into the back room of the shop, where the jewel can be found sitting on a desk. It is on a desk in the back room of the emporium. Golden Plaque of Promises The Lighthouse can be found just southwest of Claviger’s Landing. The Golden Plaque of Promises can be found at the Lighthouse, which is just a bit west of Calviger’s Landing. The totem piece is on the top of the Lighthouse, which can be reached by heading to the base of the building, and climbing around the lighthouse in a circular path until you reach the top. The Totem piece can be found near the top of the lighthouse. Golden Scale of Order The totem piece is at the top of Pargrun Cahce, in the northeast part of the area. The Golden Scale of Order can be found in the Pargrun Cache, in the northern part of Dawnshore. The Pargrun Cache is a set of ruins, which you need to navigate to the top of. The totem piece is up on the ledge shown in this image. There isn’t a trick to it, but instead you just need to head through and up, scaling up platforms wherever you can, until you reach a small cave off to the side of the ruins. The totem is in a small nest in this small cave, which can be reached by navigating through the Pargrun Cache. Golden Flames The Golden Flames can be found on Castol’s Folly, the large island off the southern coast. The Golden Flames can be found on Castol’s Folly, the large island off the southern coast. Upon reaching the island, from the small camp on the northern tip, follow the path to the eastern part of the island. Follow the path to the left of these ruins, where the lit flame is. There are some ruins with an orange roof, to the left is a small cliff you can wrap around, which is where you can find the totem piece. The Totem piece can be found on this ledge overlooking Dawnshore. Golden Scale of Justice The Golden Scales of Justice can be found north of the Market District, but you need to head to the Apothecary’s Shop. This one is located north of the Market District in Paradis, but you will need to start at the Apothecary’s Shop to the east and you will need some way to set spider-webs on fire, so either bring Kai or a fire-based spell. Jump up the ledge shown here, near the Apothecary’s Shop. Jump up the ledge to the left and follow the path right. You will reach a ledge. Head over these boards towards the Market District. Jump down and over the scaffold in front of you. Follow the dirt path left to the edge where there will be some boards heading right. Jump across to the balcony with the painting on it. From here, jump towards the balcony and head inside. Head into the building and down the ladder, the Totem piece is in the back right of the room, past some enemies. The totem piece can be found in the back of the room. Golden Plaque of Oaths The final totem piece can be found in Usher’s Hand. The Golden Plaque of Oaths can be found in Usher’s Hand in the eastern part of Dawnshore, just outside of Paradis. It’s in a hand shape on the map. Head there and jump down into the opening to see a pool of water. Dive into the water and swim towards the small grate. Swim down into the water and continue forward to pop up through a small grate, to reveal a small room with the totem piece inside. The Golden Plaque of Oaths can be found in the small room you emerge in. Obsidian is no stranger to crafting compelling RPGs. For more help on the team’s latest effort, use our Avowed guides hub. Source link #Avowed #Totem #Rightful #Rulership #Pieces #Locations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, February 14 (game #348) NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, February 14 (game #348) Looking for a different day? A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing ‘today’s game’ while others are playing ‘yesterday’s’. If you’re looking for Thursday’s puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, February 13 (game #347). Strands is the NYT’s latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it’s great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints. Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc’s Wordle today page for the original viral word game. SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. NYT Strands today (game #348) – hint #1 – today’s theme What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands? • Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Will you be my valentine? NYT Strands today (game #348) – hint #2 – clue words Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system. PIKE SPIKE SPOON SOON MOON BUNG NYT Strands today (game #348) – hint #3 – spangram What is a hint for today’s spangram? • Lovey dovey words NYT Strands today (game #348) – hint #4 – spangram position What are two sides of the board that today’s spangram touches? First side: left, 4th row Last side: right, 4th row Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. NYT Strands today (game #348) – the answers (Image credit: New York Times) The answers to today’s Strands, game #348, are… DARLING ANGEL LOVEBUG HONEY POOKIE SNOOKUMS SPANGRAM: ENDEARMENT My rating: Moderate My score: 1 hint Today’s puzzle was far more taxing than it should have been, thanks to the inclusion of a pair of rarely uttered terms of ENDEARMENT and a Spangram snake that started and ended in the middle. It looks so wrong. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. It’s hard to imagine anyone calling their loved ones POOKIE or SNOOKUMS, both of which sound as if they are hangovers from a 1975 sitcom, likely to be uttered in a baby voice and preceded by the word “wittle”. I’m just thankful Strands didn’t include Schmoopsie **** or Sweetcheeks. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below. Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 13 February, game #347) BIRTHDAY BABY WEDDING SYMPATHY CONGRATS LOVE SPANGRAM: GREETINGS What is NYT Strands? Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT’s games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile. I’ve got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you’re struggling to beat it each day. Source link #NYT #Strands #hints #answers #Friday #February #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why benefit increases from Social Security Fairness Act may take time Why benefit increases from Social Security Fairness Act may take time Cavan Images | Cavan | Getty Images More than 3.2 million individuals scored a legislative victory due to a new law that will increase the Social Security benefits for which they are eligible. However, many of those individuals now face a lengthy wait for the extra benefit money coming to them. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on Jan. 5 by then President Joe Biden. The law eliminates certain provisions — the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset — that previously reduced Social Security benefits for people who receive pensions from non-covered employment. The changes will result in higher monthly payments ranging from $360 to $1,190, depending on their circumstances, the Congressional Budget Office has estimated. In addition, the law also provides lump-sum payments for those benefit increases dating back to benefits payable for January 2024 and after. More from Personal Finance: ‘Keep your hands off our Social Security,’ lawmakers warn amid DOGE budget cuts Here are changes Americans would make to close Social Security’s funding gap Why retirees may feel the 2025 Social Security COLA isn’t enough The Social Security Administration is already helping some affected beneficiaries, the agency stated on its website. However, it cannot commit to a timeline as to when it will have processed the benefit increases for everyone affected. “Under SSA’s current budget, SSA expects that it could take more than one year to adjust benefits and pay all retroactive benefits,” the Social Security Administration’s website states. SSA will struggle without more money, expert says On Feb. 5, a bipartisan group of Senators sent a letter to Acting Social Security Commissioner Michelle King urging for swift implementation of the benefit changes affecting certain teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public servants. “We call for the immediate implementation of this legislation to provide prompt relief to the millions of Americans impacted by WEP and GPO,” the Senators wrote. However, some experts say the agency needs more financial resources to make that happen. “Congress either provides funding to cover the implementation costs, or SSA is going to struggle to work these cases,” said David A. Weaver, a former Social Security Administration executive who currently teaches statistics at the University of South Carolina. The Social Security Fairness Act was voted into law with broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. Yet retirement policy experts have strongly criticized the new policy. One sticking point is the cost — estimated by the CBO to tally $200 billion over 10 years — with no offsets to help pay that increase. That outlay will move Social Security’s trust fund depletion date six months closer, according to estimates. The Social Security Administration is funded through a continuing resolution set to expire in the middle of March. “When Congress addresses that … it’d be useful for Congress to increase SSA’s budget to account for the implementation costs,” Weaver said. At a minimum, the agency will need around $200 million to implement the Social Security Fairness Act’s changes, he said. The last time there was a similar change was with the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act of 2000, in which Social Security beneficiaries who had reached full retirement age no longer saw benefit reductions due to earned income. That law affected about 1 million beneficiaries and cost about $65 million to implement in today’s dollars, according to Weaver. The new Social Security Fairness Act will affect about three times as many beneficiaries, he said. The Social Security Administration’s staffing is currently at a 50-year low, said Dan Adcock, director of government relations and policy at the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. Prior to President Donald Trump taking office, it had been suggested that additional funding would help the Social Security Administration to fulfill the demands of the WEP and GPO repeal. If instead the appropriations from Congress to the agency are reduced, the implementation of the new law may take even longer than one year, Adcock said. Why new law may be complex to implement As the Social Security Administration works to implement the law’s new benefit changes, the agency will face some pain points that may contribute to delays, according to Weaver. When the Social Security Fairness Act was first introduced in 2023, the bill called for the changes to go into effect starting with benefits payable for January 2024. As lawmakers rushed the legislation through in late December, that effective date was not changed. Calculating those back payments will create more work for the Social Security Administration, according to Weaver. The effective date also presents other potential complications. For example, in any given year, 4% of Social Security beneficiaries die. Consequently, the Social Security Administration will be tasked with identifying more than 100,000 beneficiaries who are affected by the law who may have died in 2024 and distributing money to their survivors, Weaver said. Moreover, individuals who were affected by the Government Pension Offset, which reduced Social Security benefits for spouses and widows of people who received non-covered pensions, may have previously been told they were not eligible for benefits, Weaver explained. As a result, in some cases they may have never applied for benefits. For those who did apply, their personal addresses or bank account information on file with the agency may be outdated, he added. For those individuals affected by the GPO, the Social Security Administration will likely have to do a lot of work to find basic information on how to pay them, Weaver said. For survivors and spouses who are newly eligible for benefits, the agency will also have to confirm those relationships. The Social Security Administration may be able to automate 95% of the Windfall Elimination Provision cases, Weaver said. Yet some unusual cases may crop up, for example if a beneficiary was also affected by the earnings test. That will require manual input from Social Security employees, and therefore more time to process, Weaver said. Source link #benefit #increases #Social #Security #Fairness #Act #time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]