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South Africa-Trump land row may move from aid to trade South Africa-Trump land row may move from aid to trade Khanyisile Ngcobo BBC News, Johannesburg Reporting fromJohannesburgGetty Images Like Trump, South African-born tech billionaire Elon Musk has been critical of the new land law South Africa appears to be at a crossroads in its waxing and waning relationship with the US following President Donald Trump’s controversial decision last week to cut financial aid to the country. Trump said South Africa was pursuing what he called “unjust and immoral practices” against the white ********* Afrikaner community and by filing a genocide case against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023. His move has sent shockwaves across South Africa, with experts fearing he may go on to use this opportunity to end preferential access to the US market through its special US-Africa trade programme known as the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). The two countries have generally had friendly relations since the end of white-********* rule in 1994 when anti-apartheid icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela was elected South Africa’s first ****** president. Though it took the US another 14 years to remove Mandela from its “terrorist watch list” for his role in fighting the racist system of apartheid, which had been introduced by South Africa’s then-Afrikaner rulers in1948. AFP Bill Clinton, seen here visiting Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was jailed for many years, was in the White House when apartheid ended The latest tension flared up a few days after Trump’s inauguration last month when South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law the Expropriation Bill, which allows the government to confiscate land without compensation in certain circumstances. Trump’s response came last week when he threatened to cut future funding over what he termed “terrible things, horrible things” the country’s leadership was doing. The US president further accused South Africa, without any basis in fact, of “confiscating land” and “doing things that are perhaps far worse than that”. He doubled down in the face of the South African government’s vehement rebuttal and signed an executive order last Friday freezing aid. This adds up to nearly $440m (£353m) – the amount of aid reportedly allocated in 2023 – though the US embassy in South Africa has subsequently said that funding from Pepfar, an American programme countering the global spread of ****, will not be affected, adding the caveat that “not all Pepfar activities will resume”. South Africa is one of the biggest beneficiaries of Pepfar, which contributes about 17% to its ****/Aids programme in which around 5.5 million people receive anti-retrovirals. In his executive order, Trump also accused South Africa of a “shocking disregard of its citizens’ rights” and taking “aggressive positions” against the US and its ally Israel in its ICJ case. In addition to the aid freeze, Trump offered to help refugees from the Afrikaner community, who are most white descendants of early Dutch and French settlers, to settle in the US. His stance has played into the hands of conservative Afrikaner lobby groups, including AfriForum and Solidarity, which want the government repeal what it calls “race-based laws” such as affirmative action and ****** economic empowerment. This chimes with views by Trump’s close adviser Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who was born in South Africa. He questioned on X why Ramaphosa had “openly racist ownership laws”. This is not the first time South Africa’s land reform policy has drawn Trump’s ire. In 2018, during his first presidency, he accused South African authorities of the “large-scale killing of farmers” and asked his then secretary of state to look into the matter of the government “seizing land from white farmers”. While Trump’s remarks sparked a backlash at the time, Dr Oscar van Heerden, a political analyst at the University of Johannesburg, told the BBC there had “never been this kind of radical action taken to the point of an executive order being signed”. With their relationship now in a precarious state – both countries are weighing up their next move. On the trade front, Donald MacKay, CEO of Johannesburg-based trade consulting firm XA Global Trade Advisors, said that while the US was one of South Africa’s biggest partners, it was not its “closest trading partner”. South Africa exports a variety of minerals to the US, including platinum, iron and manganese. It also the one of the largest exporters under Agoa, generating about $2.7bn in revenue in 2023, mostly from the ***** of vehicles, jewellery and metals. EPA South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola (L) says the genocide case against Israel will not be dropped “Over the years, that relationship has waxed and waned. It’s never been terribly strong [since white-********* rule ended in South Africa]. But at the same time, I think it also never deteriorated quite as much as it has in recent years and I don’t think it’s South Africa’s fault,” Mr MacKay told the BBC. But he admitted South Africa had done “a lot” in recent years to irritate the US. “Those irritations get to accumulate and under President Trump… this is seen as an opportunity to put South Africa in its place.” Dr Van Heerden put the change in dynamics partly down to “global shifts” and “new competition driving up against the US” from the likes of China, India and Brazil. While experts spoke on the benefits of Agoa, which is coming up for review later this year, they agreed that the impact might not be as significant as some fear. Agoa was introduced in 2000 and it gives eligible sub-Saharan African countries duty-free access to the US for more than 1,800 products. Mr MacKay said he would be surprised if South Africa continued benefiting from this preferential agreement after the review. “My instinct is, whatever the reason that Trump is upset with South Africa, at the moment Agoa would be the easiest mechanism to use to punish South Africa.” Dr Van Heerden added that even if agreement was not renewed, or South Africa ended up being excluded, those businesses currently benefiting from it would suffer short-term losses but would manage to bounce back in a few years. He said at the moment President Ramaphosa’s government was opting for the diplomatic route – though the Trump administration’s seeming lack of interest in diplomacy drastically reduced chances of success. This has probably not been helped by South Africa’s Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola blunt response on Wednesday to Trump’s move, saying there was “no chance” that South Africa would withdraw its case against Israel at the ICJ. “Standing by our principles sometimes has consequences, but we remain firm that this is important for the world, and the rule of law,” Lamola told the Financial Times. South Africa has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians living in Gaza, an allegation Israel denies. AFP Three US presidents have visited South Africa since the end of apartheid – Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama Meanwhile, Ramaphosa, in his capacity as G20 president, has announced he will be sending a delegation around the world to clarify South Africa’s domestic and foreign policies – with Washington being a key stop. South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, a cohort of countries that meet to discuss global economic and political issues, in December last year, seeing it as an opportunity to bolster its international standing. But in a snub to South Africa, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced that he will not attend a G20 meeting of foreign ministers taking place next week in Johannesburg. “My job is to advance America’s national interests, not waste taxpayer money or coddle anti-Americanism,” he said. South Africa is part of Brics, and alliance of major developing countries including Brazil, Russia, India and China, that is attempting to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe. Mr MacKay believes it will be difficult for South Africa and other nations to navigate relations with the US under “the most unpredictable politician in the world”, suggesting that they will have to increasingly see Brics as an alternative partner. But significantly for South Africa, the European Union (EU), one of its largest trading partners, has reaffirmed its support for the country. António Costa, president of the European Council – which sets the general political direction and priorities of the EU – posted on X on Monday that he had spoken to Ramaphosa by phone to highlight the “EU’s commitment to deepen ties with South Africa”. Should South Africa’s charm offensive fail, Mr Van Heerden suggests the government could opt to “negotiate hard” and use the minerals it supplies to the US as a “bargaining chip”. But he voices a warning: “South Africa is going to have to think very carefully about how they play this chess game [where] the opening gambit has already been made by President Trump and Elon Musk.” You may also be interested in:Getty Images/BBC Source link #South #AfricaTrump #land #row #move #aid #trade Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

British woman shot dead on holiday in Texas British woman shot dead on holiday in Texas A young British woman was shot dead while on holiday in America, a coroner’s court heard. Lucy Harrison, from Great Sankey in Warrington, Cheshire, died after being wounded at her father’s property in the town of Prosper, Texas on 10 January. The 23-year-old’s family said in a statement that Ms Harrison had a “huge capacity to love and be loved”. An inquest into her death was opened and adjourned at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington which stated she had been “fatally shot with a firearm”. No details were shared in court as to how Ms Harrison was shot, or whether any criminal investigation is underway. An official from the Town of Prosper said a “thorough investigation” into the “tragic incident” had been carried out by the Prosper Police Department and a file had been passed to the Collin County District Attorney (DA) for review. The spokesperson said it was “normal practice” not to comment further once a case has been referred to the DA. After the inquest hearing Cheshire Police shared a statement from Ms Harrison’s family saying she lived “fiercely and fearlessly”. “She was the embodiment of wonderful contradictions; 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 said. They added she was “was truly thriving in life and although this gives us great comfort, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful, gorgeous Luce”. The inquest was adjourned until 28 March. Source link #British #woman #shot #dead #holiday #Texas Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting a free demo this week Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting a free demo this week Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii is getting a free demo this week, ahead of its release date. The demo will be released for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam tomorrow, Thursday Feb 13, at 7am PST / 4pm CET, according to *****. The free trial will allow players to explore part of the Honolulu and Madlantis locations, test the game’s new combat system, take on four ship and deck battles in the Coliseum, and try three songs in karaoke. The full game will be released on February 21. DEMO AHOY Play the Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii demo on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam tomorrow, Thursday Feb 13th @ 7am PST | 4pm CET DEMO CONTENT PREVIEW Freely explore part of the Honolulu and Madlantis locations Switch between Mad Dog and Sea… pic.twitter.com/IUrqTqHReQ — RGG Studio | Like a Dragon & Yakuza Series (@RGGStudio) February 12, 2025 Source link #Dragon #Pirate #Yakuza #Hawaii #free #demo #week Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dutton calls for migration review after NSW nurses’ anti-Semitic threats Dutton calls for migration review after NSW nurses’ anti-Semitic threats A NSW nurse fired for anti-Semitic comments is facing calls for his *********** citizenship to be stripped after it was revealed he was originally from Afghanistan. Source link #Dutton #calls #migration #review #NSW #nurses #antiSemitic #threats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Darwin’s Paradox! – Reveal Trailer Darwin’s Paradox! – Reveal Trailer Neil writes: “It’s always interesting to hear of debut games from brand new development studios, especially when those who have created the studio are known as specialists in their field. Darwin’s Paradox is the latest game to emerge from one such team, as animation, visual effects and cinema gurus come together with their video game compatriots to create ZeDrimeTim Studio.” Source link #Darwins #Paradox #Reveal #Trailer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NASA says chance of asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 is 2.3% NASA says chance of asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 is 2.3% NASA says chance of asteroid hitting Earth in 2032 is 2.3% Source link #NASA #chance #asteroid #hitting #Earth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Metal Gear Solid Delta Digital Deluxe Edition Includes 48-Hour Early Access To The Full Game The Metal Gear Solid Delta Digital Deluxe Edition Includes 48-Hour Early Access To The Full Game Konami has finally confirmed the long-awaited Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater launches for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on August 28, and preorders for the anticipated remake are now live. The game will be available in multiple versions including a special day-one launch version, digital editions, and a massive physical collector’s edition. Each version includes a selection of bonus content, and fans who are eager to play as soon as possible may want to check out the Digital Deluxe edition that is offering 48-hour early access to the full game starting August 26. Considering the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater is often cited as one of the greatest games of all time and a highlight of the Metal Gear franchise, it’s nice to see Konami going all-out for the remake’s release. However, preorders for the collector’s edition have already sold out at Best Buy, Amazon, and GameStop. If you see it in stock, we’d recommend snagging your copy as soon as possible. Check the links below for everywhere you can preorder Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, plus information on all preorder bonuses. Editor’s Note: This article was updated on February 12, 2025. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater preorder bonuses Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater preorder bonus All Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater preorders include immediate access to the White Tuxedo camo uniform in-game as a bonus (Note that the White Tuxedo uniform is also obtainable later in the game; the preorder bonus simply unlocks it from the beginning of the game). Additionally, preordering the Digital Deluxe Edition gets you access to the game up to 48 hours early, starting August 26. $70 | Releases August 28 This is the standard physical edition release for Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater. It includes the base game with limited “Day One edition” box art (not shown above), the Sneaking DLC Pack, plus the White Tuxedo camo outfit preorder bonus. The Sneaking DLC Pack adds a selection of bonus outfits, face paints, and equipment for Snake to equip in-game, including: Battle Suit Uniform (Peace Walker version) Sneaking Suit Uniform (Peace Walker version) Crocodile Suit Uniform Naked (Woodland) Uniform Naked (Ammunition Beld) Uniform Gold Uniform Glasses Face Camo Sunglasses Face Camo GA-KO Mask Kerotan Mask Note that the Sneaking DLC Pack is also available as a separate DLC purchase. You can preorder Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Day-One Tactical Edition for PS5 and Xbox Series X at Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop. We expect preorders will be available at more retailers soon. $70 | Releases August 28 The digital standard edition includes the base game and White Tuxedo preorder bonus. Digital preorders are available for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. $80 | Releases August 26 (48-hour early access) Konami is also offering a Digital Deluxe Edition of the game that includes the Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater base game and a Sneaking DLC pack. As mentioned above, preorders also include the White Tuxedo camo uniform as a bonus in-game item and up to 48-hour early access to the full game starting August 26. The Metal Gear Solid Digital Deluxe Edition can be preordered at the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, and Steam. $200 | Releases August 28 (Sold Out) The Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition includes everything in the physical Day One Tactical Edition plus a bunch of exclusive collectibles, the main one being a mini terrarium scene of Snake during the game’s opening mission. Additionally, there’s a replica of the in-game fake ID card featuring Snake wearing the scientist disguise that fans of the originals will recognize. You also get FOX UNIT and HALO jump patches, as well as a special steelbook case featuring Yoji Shinkawa’s artwork from the original Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. It all comes packed in a special collector’s edition box. As of February 12, 205, the Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition is sold out at all retailers. It’s possible stocks could be refreshed between now and release, so be sure to check the links below to see if its available. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, which originally launched on PS2 back in 2004. Largely considered one of the best games in the series Metal Gear Solid 3 takes the story back to the Cold War to show the origins of the franchise’s winding political mythos. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater retains the dialog, cutscenes, and level layouts of the original game, and updates it all with new visuals in the Unreal 5 engine, and overhauled gameplay mechanics that let players choose between classic and modern control options. Check out our latest Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater coverage for more information on the game. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Collector’s Edition Source link #Metal #Gear #Solid #Delta #Digital #Deluxe #Edition #Includes #48Hour #Early #Access #Full #Game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hotter-than-expected CPI may keep rates high Hotter-than-expected CPI may keep rates high Eggs for ***** at 72.2 cents per egg from a supermarket on Feb. 10, 2025 in Monterey Park, California, U.S. Frederic J. Brown | Afp | Getty Images What do arthouse movies and U.S. interest rates in 2025 have in common? There’s a chance both will have no cuts. The 3% figure for 12-month headline inflation hasn’t been seen since June. While it’s just 10 basis points higher than the 2.9% reading in December, the psychological shock of seeing that number — the way a $2.99 coffee might seem a lot cheaper than a $3 one — is already causing traders to lower their bets of an interest rate cut in the first half of the year, or of one happening at all in 2025. That is, if the U.S. Federal Reserve is allowed to operate as the independent body that it has traditionally been. Seemingly changing his mind again, U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated that interest rates should go down — while his tariffs, ranging from country-specific to industry-targeted to reciprocal ones, are implemented. Wall Street seemed unprepared on how to take the news. Lower rates are mostly good news for investors, but tariffs are generally bad for prices. Stocks fell, but not as dramatically as some of the art movies do. What you need to know today Annual U.S. inflation hits 3%The U.S. consumer price index rose 0.5% month on month in January and 3% for the year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. Both figures were higher than the Dow Jones estimate of 0.3% and 2.9%, respectively. Core CPI, which excludes food and energy prices, was also higher than expected. The hot inflation report dimmed hopes of more interest rate cuts this year by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Trump reiterates rates should be cutU.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he thinks rates should come down, posting on Truth Social, “Interest Rates should be lowered, something which would go hand in hand with upcoming Tariffs!!! Lets Rock and Roll, America!!!” The Trump administration’s position on interest rates has been inconsistent. Trump said in January that he would demand interest rates drop “immediately” but subsequently said the Fed keeping rates unchanged in January was “the right thing to do.” Trump to announce reciprocal tariffs on ThursdayReciprocal tariffs by the U.S. could be announced by Thursday, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. Trump said Sunday that he plans reciprocal tariffs on “every country” that imposes import duties on the U.S. “Very simply it’s if they charge us, we charge them,” he said on Air Force One, NBC News reported. On Monday, Trump signed an order to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. Cooling inflation in IndiaIndia’s headline inflation for January came in at 4.31% for the year, lower than the 4.6% expected in Reuters poll and the softest since August 2024, providing room for the Reserve Bank of India to continue cutting rates. Separately, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet Trump and Elon Musk in Washington, D.C. on Thursday to discuss trade and artificial intelligence policy, CNBC has confirmed. U.S. markets dip and Treasury yields jumpA hot CPI report singed U.S. stocks on Wednesday. The S&P 500 fell 0.27%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite was slightly above the flatline. Higher-than-expected prices also sent the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield above 4.6%. Europe’s regional Stoxx 600 index added 0.11%, recovering from earlier losses, and notched another record close. [PRO] Year of the spinoff?While Wall Street is holding its breath for 2025 to be the year mergers and acquisition deals spring back to life, breakups — such as Lennar’s spinoff of Millrose Properties last week — might dominate the narrative instead. Such corporate moves might unlock value for shareholders, if investors play them properly. And finally… Alice Weidel, chancellor candidate of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) political party, speaks to supporters as they wave ******* flags at the AfD election campaign launch rally. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images East Germany is a far-right stronghold — and economic concerns helped make it happen Germany’s far-right party, the Alternative fuer Deutschland, is dominating polls in the country’s eastern region less than two weeks before the federal elections on Feb. 23 — and economic concerns have played a part in its popularity. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the economy in East Germany broadly collapsed as local businesses and companies faltered and unemployment soared. These issues have since largely disappeared, according to Holger Schmieding, chief economist at Berenberg. But the far right has worked to trigger pre-existing feelings of being a “second class citizen,” Matthias Diermeier, head of the research unit for democracy, society and the market economy at IW, told CNBC. Source link #Hotterthanexpected #CPI #rates #high Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The next PixelJunk game has players shooting clouds with a machine gun The next PixelJunk game has players shooting clouds with a machine gun Q-Games has announced its newest PixelJunk title for PS5 and PSVR2, the third-person exploration-action game Dreams of Another. Directed by artist Tomohisa ‘Baiyon’ Kuramitsu (PixelJunk Eden 2), Q-Games says Dreams of Another is built around the philosophical theme of “no creation without destruction.” “Rather than destroying objects by shooting—as in traditional shooting games—here, your shots materialize and create the world,” Kuramitsu told the PlayStation Blog. “This unconventional mechanic offers a gameplay experience that challenges the norms of the genre and invites players into a whole new dimension. “As a developer, I’ve long been interested in finding a new perspective on third-person shooting games. Could we create a game that explores the beauty of life and creation in the context of destruction? This question inspired Dreams of Another.” The world of Dreams of Another is crafted using point cloud technology, which Q says creates an “ethereal, impressionistic dreamscape”. Existing in an abstracted state, made up of clouds of particles, the environment reacts to players’ gunfire, transforming into objects they can interact with. “The story revolves around two emotionally scarred characters: The Man in Pajamas and The Wandering Soldier,” the game’s director explains. “While the focus is on these two characters, players will also interact with sentient objects like talking trees and doors, uncovering their thoughts, emotions, and secrets. “As you journey through the dream world, you will witness the unfolding story of the characters and their experiences, discovering what they have encountered and how they feel along the way; all the while piecing together the mysteries of the world and navigating the liminal space between dreams and reality.” Source link #PixelJunk #game #players #shooting #clouds #machine #gun Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What to know about the CFPB amid apparent DOGE efforts to shut it down – CBS News What to know about the CFPB amid apparent DOGE efforts to shut it down – CBS News What to know about the CFPB amid apparent DOGE efforts to shut it down CBS NewsCFPB’s new leadership begins staff purge with dozens of employees terminated CNBC‘Utterly outrageous’: CFPB terminates expert witness contracts CNNDozens of CFPB Workers Fired in After-Hours Blitz WIRED Source link #CFPB #apparent #DOGE #efforts #shut #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tides of Annihilation Q&A (2026 Tentative Launch, 30+ Hours, Light RPG Elements) + Exclusive Screens Tides of Annihilation Q&A (2026 Tentative Launch, 30+ Hours, Light RPG Elements) + Exclusive Screens Check out Wccftech’s developer Q&A with Eclipse Glow Games, the studio behind the newly announced action/adventure game Tides of Annihilation. Source link #Tides #Annihilation #QampA #Tentative #Launch #Hours #Light #RPG #Elements #Exclusive #Screens Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Four Takeaways From Tulsi Gabbard’s Road to Confirmation Four Takeaways From Tulsi Gabbard’s Road to Confirmation Tulsi Gabbard’s confirmation to serve as the director of national intelligence once seemed in doubt. Republican senators voiced private skepticism about her qualifications, and her stances on Russia and Syria were at odds with the party’s old positions. But, on a party-line vote on Wednesday, the Senate approved Ms. Gabbard to serve in the senior intelligence post. After all of the Republicans on the Senate Intelligence Committee endorsed her nomination, her confirmation was all but assured. Those private worries of Republican lawmakers never became significant public opposition. Elon Musk, President Trump’s billionaire ally, took to task one Republican whose vote was in doubt, and Ms. Gabbard worked the halls to win over the support of the wavering lawmakers. Here are four takeaways about Ms. Gabbard’s road to confirmation and her mandate going forward. It is very hard to vote down a cabinet member. When Mr. Trump made his initial announcements of his choices for key roles in his cabinet, there was lots of hand-wringing, even from some Republican senators. One pick, former Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida, withdrew after his first day of concerted lobbying in Senate offices. But Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kash Patel and Ms. Gabbard hung on, working Republican senators who were on the fence. Democrats were unimpressed with Ms. Gabbard’s efforts. But that did not matter. She won over all but one of the Republicans. The bottom line is that it is all but impossible to defeat a cabinet member on the floor of the Senate in the current age. No nominee has been rejected since 1989, when John Tower, President George H.W. Bush’s pick for defense secretary, was rejected, 47 to 53. Since then, cabinet nominees facing doubts in Congress have withdrawn. But a nominee with the support of the president, and the tenacity to take criticism, has a good chance of getting through. Gabbard stood her ground on Edward Snowden. Ms. Gabbard adjusted her position on warrantless wiretaps of overseas communications. She promised not to oppose reauthorization of the measure, a key switch in time that reassured Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the Republican chairman of the Intelligence Committee, and Senator Todd Young, Republican of Indiana and one of the fence sitters. But Ms. Gabbard stood her ground on Edward Snowden, the former intelligence contractor who released a huge amount of classified information on secret surveillance programs. Ms. Gabbard and lawmakers knew going into her confirmation hearing that Mr. Snowden would be a flashpoint. But few expected the fireworks that erupted. Denouncing him as a traitor, as both Republicans and Democrats wanted her to do, would have been the politically expedient position. Even Mr. Snowden, from his refuge in Russia, encouraged her to distance herself from him. But Ms. Gabbard, long a defender of privacy rights and a skeptic of government surveillance, refused to say the word “traitor.” Instead, she stuck to her promise that under her leadership, whistle-blowers would have legal ways to report their concerns about government programs that they believed had overreached. The most important job is briefing the president. The director of national intelligence has broad authority to set intelligence-collection priorities and coordinate the work of the various intelligence agencies. But the director does not run those agencies, which have their own leadership. The most important role of the director of national intelligence is gathering the intelligence from those agencies and presenting it to the president in a daily brief. In his first term, Mr. Trump sometimes clashed with his briefers. The most skilled of them had to work hard to present him information that he might not want to hear — including about Russian influence operations. In Ms. Gabbard, Mr. Trump has someone who largely shares his worldview on terrorism, the importance of better relations with Russia, skepticism of the Ukrainian government and the danger of endless wars. In her confirmation hearing, Democrats were skeptical that she would be willing to tell Mr. Trump something he did not want to hear. But Republicans came around to the view that as long as Ms. Gabbard pledged not to undermine their priorities, it was important for Mr. Trump to have his person in a key advisory role. Old issues are going to get a new look. Ms. Gabbard has repeatedly said her top priority is to depoliticize the intelligence community and focus it on its core mission: the objective collection of information. What that will mean in practice is not entirely clear. But she is going to be conducting a review of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and efforts like the Foreign Malign Influence Center, which has been criticized by Republicans, are likely to get a hard look. Ms. Gabbard also promised senators of both parties that she would review some old intelligence issues, including the origin of the coronavirus pandemic, unidentified aerial phenomena and the mysterious ailments known as Havana Syndrome, which spies and diplomats have reported over the years. Source link #Takeaways #Tulsi #Gabbards #Road #Confirmation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

BBC reporter asks Trump about return to pre-2014 Ukraine borders BBC reporter asks Trump about return to pre-2014 Ukraine borders BBC reporter Bernd Debusmann Jr asked US President Donald Trump if he believed a return to pre-2014 Ukraine borders was likely. It came after Trump said he would “likely” meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth earlier said it was “unrealistic” to expect Ukraine to return to its pre-2014 borders and downplayed the prospect of Ukraine joining Nato. Source link #BBC #reporter #asks #Trump #return #pre2014 #Ukraine #borders Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater – Release Date Trailer Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater – Release Date Trailer METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER will be released on August 28, 2025 ! Pre-Order Now! METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER is a remake of the 2004 game METAL GEAR SOLID 3: SNAKE EATER. The remake maintains what players loved from the original, like the story, characters, voice acting, gameplay, and music, but presented now in an even more immersive experience. Source link #Metal #Gear #Solid #Snake #Eater #Release #Date #Trailer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Critics decry Trump’s purge of federal watchdogs Critics decry Trump’s purge of federal watchdogs Critics decry Trump’s purge of federal watchdogs – CBS News Watch CBS News President Trump is purging the government of investigators. Some prosecute criminals while others are watchdogs who make sure our food, veteran hospitals, highways and more are safe. The Trump administration says they can’t be trusted, but critics of the president say he’s gutting the very offices that weed out people who shouldn’t be trusted. Scott MacFarlane has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Critics #decry #Trumps #purge #federal #watchdogs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Insurer IAG romps to big profit rise but says premium growth slowing Insurer IAG romps to big profit rise but says premium growth slowing Australia’s biggest insurer, Insurance Australia Group, has romped to a big profit rise while insisting it is doing everything possible to moderate premium increases for customers battling cost of living pressures. IAG, which owns brands including NRMA, CGU and WFI, said on Thursday net profit surged 91 per cent to $778 million in the first half, with its pre-tax insurance earnings racing 56 per cent higher on a near 50 per cent jump in margins. The profit growth compared to just a 6 per cent increase in gross written premiums, down from 11.3 per cent for the 2024 financial year, as premium increases moderated with slowing inflation though they still remain above inflation. That unnerved investors, who marked down IAG shares by as much as 10 per cent to $8.04 in early trading. *********** insurers have hit up customers with hefty annual premium increases of up to 25 per cent over the past three years, blaming elevated labour and repair costs, increased reinsurance costs and more frequent severe weather events such as storms and bushfires. The premium rises have swelled profits, with the companies pivoting to justifying their better returns by arguing they need to be financially strong to meet the threat posed by climate change. IAG’s latest result was aided by the release of a $200m COVID interruption provision and favourable weather that saw its natural peril costs come in $215m under expectations. The group is sticking with its forecast of a full-year profit of at least $1.4b, but it has softened its expectations for premium growth, which is now seen around “mid-single digit” because of easing premium increases. “Inflation is coming down (and) … premium increases have started to moderate,” chief executive Nick Hawkins said. “A year or two ago, everything we looked (premium increases in motor and home and contents insurance) was double digits,” he said. “That’s not the case now. Motor is now low to mid single digit increases, property is still a little more than that, mid to high single digits.” More to come Source link #Insurer #IAG #romps #big #profit #rise #premium #growth #slowing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to establish trade routes in Civilization 7 How to establish trade routes in Civilization 7 There are a lot of tips and tricks to learn about managing your growing civ in Civilization 7, but a key mechanic for long-term success is forming trade routes with the other Leaders. Even if you’re aiming to dominate the world with a military victory, you will want to leverage the resources of other civs before you eventually go to war with them. Trade routes between cities have been in the series for years now, but they look a bit different in this version since it no longer hinges on diplomacy like before. There’s no need to spend your Influence on us since we’re more than happy to trade all the information you need about how to set up trade routes for free. 2K Games How to establish trade routes Trade routes can be formed between your cities and towns and any other Leader’s properties. Doing so will allow you to gain access to all of the natural resources that specific location currently holds. This can give you access to a ton of buffs that might otherwise be inaccessible, but you do need to do a little work to set it up. Step 1: Start a game and find at least one other civ on the map. Step 2: While you’re doing step 1, make sure you check the Civic Tree and work towards researching the Code of Laws. Step 3: Once you have finished researching the Code of Laws, you can build or buy a Merchant unit. Step 4: Select your Merchant and it will show you all the trade routes, both possible and not possible, as well as all the potential resources you will get in each. Trade routes may not be possible if your Merchant cannot physically reach that location or you have a bad relationship with that Leader. Step 5: Select one that is possible and the map will take you to that location. Step 6: Have your Merchant unit travel to that town. Step 7: Wait as many turns as it takes for them to navigate there. Step 8: Once the Merchant arrives, click the icon of two arrows pointing in either direction to establish a trade route. This will “consume” your Merchant. Source link #establish #trade #routes #Civilization Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Todd Blanche Spends Confirmation Hearing Defending Trump’s Record Todd Blanche Spends Confirmation Hearing Defending Trump’s Record President Trump’s former criminal defense lawyer and pick for deputy attorney general, frequently called out what he considered to be politically motivated legal retaliation against his former client orchestrated by the Department of Justice. Source link #Todd #Blanche #Spends #Confirmation #Hearing #Defending #Trumps #Record Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

North Jersey schools announce delayed openings for Thursday, Feb. 13 North Jersey schools announce delayed openings for Thursday, Feb. 13 With more winter weather Wednesday night into the morning hours, some North Jersey schools have announced delayed openings for Thursday. The National Weather Service is forecasting snow, sleet and freezing in the northern parts of New Jersey with the precipitation switching to rain. While the snow accumulation should not be significant, officials warn of potentially treacherous driving conditions Thursday morning. “We urge all drivers to exercise caution on the roads with snow and sleet forecast for this afternoon into tomorrow. Bundle up and stay safe, New Jersey!” Gov. Phil Murphy posted on X on Wednesday afternoon. Here is a look at schools that have altered their learning schedules for Thursday. Delayed openings Morris Knolls High School Check back for updates to this list through Wednesday night and Thursday morning. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ schools announce delayed openings for Thursday, Feb. 13 Source link #North #Jersey #schools #announce #delayed #openings #Thursday #Feb Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hell Is Us Gets Grim New Trailer At State Of Play, Launching In September Hell Is Us Gets Grim New Trailer At State Of Play, Launching In September Hell is Us is a dark, melee-focused combat game set in a war-torn country, featuring tons of monsters and tough combat, and it’s launching on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 4. While the focus seems to be on war, the trailer also features tons of sci-fi and horror elements, to create a surreal atmosphere. The new trailer shows the main character, Rémi, and his trusty sidekick, a drone, exploring the war-torn countryside and villages, interacting with survivors, and fighting off monsters. While there are plenty of gruesome images showing the devastation of the war, there are also sci-fi monsters, like a white figure with no face, and an evil business man with a ridiculous-looking chin. Detailed in a press release, Rémi will be voiced by Elias Toufexis, an actor who has appeared in multiple TV shows and is best known for voicing Adam Jensen in Deus Ex. Hell is Us is described as an action-adventure game focused on exploration, but without pesky map markers and quest lists. The game will use an approach called Player-Plattering, meant to incentivize players to follow their own instincts in exploration and discover new objectives and areas on their own. Rémi will need to discover the origins of the mysterious monsters in the region, which have started appearing amidst the destruction caused by the war. Hell is Us launches on September 4 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For more announcements, check out our State of Play roundup. Source link #Hell #Grim #Trailer #State #Play #Launching #September Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AP Accuses White House of Violating First Amendment AP Accuses White House of Violating First Amendment The Associated Press on Wednesday accused the White House of violating the First Amendment and called on the Trump administration to stop blocking its reporters from press events. Julie Pace, the executive editor of The A.P., said in a letter addressed to Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, that the White House had blocked A.P. journalists from attending two press events with President Trump on Tuesday: an executive order signing in the Oval Office and an evening press event in the Diplomatic Room. Ms. Pace said that the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, had earlier informed an A.P. reporter that the news organization’s access to the Oval Office would be restricted if the news organization did not start using the term “Gulf of America” to refer to the Gulf of Mexico. On his first day in office, Mr. Trump ordered U.S. authorities to make the change to official maps in an executive order. “The actions taken by the White House were plainly intended to punish The A.P. for the content of its speech,” Ms. Pace wrote in the letter. “It is among the most basic tenets of the First Amendment that the government cannot retaliate against the public or the press for what they say. This is viewpoint discrimination based on a news organization’s editorial choices and a clear violation of the First Amendment.” Ms. Pace said The A.P. was prepared to “vigorously defend its constitutional rights.” The A.P. had issued editorial guidance on the geographical name change, explaining that it would continue calling the body of water the Gulf of Mexico because Mr. Trump’s executive order only carried authority within the U.S. and had not been recognized by Mexico. The outlet did, however, say it would refer to Denali, the peak in Alaska, as Mt. McKinley, a change Mr. Trump declared in the same order. At the White House briefing room podium on Wednesday, the press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, talked about the administration’s commitment to the First Amendment while maintaining that the administration was within its rights to single out The A.P. “It is a privilege to cover this White House,” she said, calling her own role a privilege, too. “Nobody has a right to go into the Oval Office and ask the president of the United States questions.” She added that other reporters with credentials were not part of the press pool and said, “We reserve the right to decide who gets to go into the Oval Office.” Asked if the standard was being set for how news outlets would be dealt with if they did not use “Gulf of America,” she did not directly answer but said she’d been clear “that if we feel there are lies being pushed by outlets in this room, we are going to hold those lies accountable.” She maintained that “Gulf of America” was the name for the body of water and said she did not understand why some news outlets were not using it. Later on Wednesday, another A.P. reporter was blocked from an Oval Office event, this time the swearing in of Tulsi Gabbard as the director of national intelligence, according to an A.P. spokesman. Ms. Pace, the executive editor, added in a statement that the outlet was “deeply concerned that the White House continues to prevent AP reporters from doing their job covering the president.” First Amendment supporters and freedom of the press groups objected strongly to the Trump administration’s moves on Tuesday. Timothy Richardson, the journalism and disinformation program director at PEN America, a free-expression nonprofit, called the actions “retribution, plain and simple, and a shameful attempt to bully the press into ideological compliance.” The White House Correspondents’ Association president, Eugene Daniels, said in a statement on Tuesday that the White House “cannot dictate how news organizations report the news, nor should it penalize working journalists because it is unhappy with their editors’ decisions.” Charlie Stadtlander, a spokesman for The New York Times, said in a statement on Wednesday: “We stand by The Associated Press in objecting to governmental retribution for editorial decisions that the government disagrees with.” Source link #Accuses #White #House #Violating #Amendment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – Announcement Trailer Shinobi: Art of Vengeance – Announcement Trailer The iconic SHINOBI returns August 29, 2025 in an all-new 2D action platformer with a unique hand-drawn look created by the team behind the hit brawler Streets of Rage 4. Play as the legendary Shinobi Joe Musashi, master of the ninja arts. After finding your village burned to the ground and your clan turned into stone, you must set off on a quest for vengeance, ready to face an unparalleled evil and avenge your clan. Source link #Shinobi #Art #Vengeance #Announcement #Trailer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gabbard Sworn In as Director of National Intelligence Gabbard Sworn In as Director of National Intelligence new video loaded: Gabbard Sworn In as Director of National Intelligence transcript Back transcript Gabbard Sworn In as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was sworn in at the Oval Office on Wednesday as President Trump’s new director of national intelligence. “I do solemnly swear” “I, Tulsi Gabbard, do solemnly swear” “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States” “that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States” “against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” “against all enemies, foreign and domestic,” “and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” “and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,” “that I take this obligation freely,” “I take this obligation freely,” “without any mental reservation” “without any mental reservation” “or purpose of evasion” “or purpose of evasion” “and that I will well and faithfully” “that I will well and faithfully” “discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.” “dischar — discharge the duties of the office on which I’m about to enter.” “So help me God.” “So help me God.” “Congratulations.” “Thank you.” Recent episodes in U.S. Show more videos from U.S. Source link #Gabbard #Sworn #Director #National #Intelligence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dollars still flow after political donations shake-up Dollars still flow after political donations shake-up NEW LAWS GOVERNING POLITICAL DONATIONS: * Political candidates can receive up to $50,000 from a single donor * Political parties can receive up to $450,000 from a single source because a person can donate $50,000 to each state or territory branch and the national branch * Donors can offer up to $1.6 million to different political parties and candidates nationwide, but this is limited to $250,000 in any state or territory * Aggregated donations over $5000 from a person will need to be disclosed, after the threshold was lowered from $16,900 * Federal spending for non-political parties, like unions and special interest groups such as Climate 200, will be capped at $11 million * Major parties can spend up to $90 million across Australia, while spending from independent MPs is capped at $800,000 * Senate candidates can spend up to $200,000 for each federal electorate in their state Source link #Dollars #flow #political #donations #shakeup Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces dimension-hopping races Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds introduces dimension-hopping races Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds – Announce Trailer The only time Sonic is faster than when he wears his trusty sneakers is when he’s behind the wheel of a vehicle built for speed, and that’s the case with Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds. Sony’s State of Play gave a brand-new entry into the Sonic Racing franchise, and though we didn’t get a long look, Geoff Keighley has just confirmed there will be a closed network test on February 21. With gorgeous graphics, a variety of vehicles, and an absolutely wild-looking choice of levels, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds brings more of the same racing shenanigans you know and love. Maps aren’t as straightforward as they might seem, though; Travel Rings let players warm into entirely new dimensions where surprises wait around every bend. It’s one thing to race on a steady track, but what about the broken hull of a wrecked ship? Please enable Javascript to view this content Though we get a look at Sonic in his appropriately-blue racer, you can customize your machine to give you every advantage you need to dominate the track. Opt for something sleek like Sonic or pick an over-the-top monster like Knuckle’s half-monster-truck, half-race-car vehicle. Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds will have both online and offline play. Get your practice in and master your vehicle offline before you take to the web to establish your dominance as the fastest thing on four (or two) wheels. The courses are littered with Rings, power ups, and other items that can give you an edge over your opponents. But the true standout element of this game is how seamlessly players can shift from a standard track to something with unbelievable obstacles, like a giant octopus or a sky full of pterodactyls. Remember Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart? Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds looks to have borrowed the same seamless transitions between zones to keep every race interesting. PlayStation didn’t provide a release date for Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, but it did list it as “coming soon.” If you’re interested, make sure to sign up for the closed network test. Source link #Sonic #Racing #CrossWorlds #introduces #dimensionhopping #races Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]