Pelican Press

South of Midnight Hands-On Preview – Folklore Fantasy I The Koalition South of Midnight Hands-On Preview – Folklore Fantasy I The Koalition Richard Bailey Jr. of The Koalition writes: Compulsion Games officially revealed South of Midnight during the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase. Described as a stunning third-person action-adventure game set in a fictionalized version of the Deep South, the concept sounded and looked intriguing. I walked away curious to learn more about this world and its characters. Source link #South #Midnight #HandsOn #Preview #Folklore #Fantasy #Koalition Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SMIC flags chip oversupply risk; quarterly revenue meets estimates SMIC flags chip oversupply risk; quarterly revenue meets estimates BEIJING (Reuters) -China’s largest chipmaker SMIC said the market for its staple mature-node chips could be in a state of oversupply in the second half of 2025, tempering optimism about recovery from a post-pandemic slump. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp focuses on established chips for consumer electronics and home appliances which enjoyed a demand surge during stay-at-home policies of the COVID-19 pandemic, but which suffered as consumer replacement demand tailed off with people returning to offices. Advanced chips such as those found in Huawei Technology’s smartphones represent only a marginal portion of revenue. SMIC has never confirmed it produces Huawei chips. “We face two major concerns for the second half of 2025. First, we expect order volume to decline as demand has been pulled forward to the first half,” Co-CEO Zhao Haijun told analysts on Wednesday following the release of fourth-quarter earnings. Secondly, new production capacity across the industry will likely trigger intensified price competition as manufacturers compete for orders, Zhao said. SMIC reported October-December revenue of $2.2 billion, up 31.5% on year and in line with market expectations of $2.18 billion, LSEG data showed. It attributed growth to consumer stimulus measures in its home market boosting sales of electronic products such as televisions and smartphones that use its chips. The chipmaker said it also benefited from customers’ increased localisation, as manufacturers shifted to domestic production due in part to geopolitical tension. Its shares in Hong Kong rose by 3.86% in Wednesday morning trade. U.S. export controls restricting access to advanced chipmaking technology has seen ******** chip firms including SMIC focusing on the mature-node segment, gaining market share from established players such as Taiwan’s Powerchip. SMIC has ramped up investment to expand production capacity and strengthen China’s domestic semiconductor capability. Its capital expenditure surged from $4.5 billion in 2021 to $7.3 billion in 2023, and it maintained that level with $7.33 billion in 2024, its financial results showed. Spending will be around $7.5 billion in 2025, Co-CEO Zhao told analysts. Gross profit margin, however, has since shrunk to around 20% in 2023 from more than 30% in the two years prior. It improved to 22.6% in October-December versus 16.4% in the year-earlier *******. Zhao forecast profitability will remain under pressure in 2025, with depreciation costs rising by 20% due to capital expenditure. Story Continues Profit attributable to owners reached $107.6 million in October-December versus analysts’ estimate of $193.45 million, LSEG data showed. (Reporting by Liam Mo and Brenda Goh; Editing by Louise Heavens and Christopher Cushing) Source link #SMIC #flags #chip #oversupply #risk #quarterly #revenue #meets #estimates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tap Wizard 2 Review (Xbox Series X) – XboxAddict Tap Wizard 2 Review (Xbox Series X) – XboxAddict XBA says: Idle hands are finally a good thing. Source link #Tap #Wizard #Review #Xbox #Series #XboxAddict Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Realme GT 7T Tipped to Be in the Works; Said to Offer NFC Support Realme GT 7T Tipped to Be in the Works; Said to Offer NFC Support Realme GT 6T was introduced in India in May 2024. A successor to the handset will likely launch soon as per a new report. The company is said to be working on a new smartphone which could carry the moniker Realme GT 7T. The report also suggests some of the key features of the handset including RAM and connectivity options. The launch timeline of the rumoured smartphone has yet to be revealed. More details about the purported Realme GT 7T may likely surface online over the next few days. Realme GT 7T Under Development According to a 91Mobiles report, the Realme GT 7T is in the works. It is tipped to be an affordable alternative to the yet-unreleased Realme GT 7. The report added that the Realme GT 7T will likely support 8GB of RAM and be offered in a Blue colourway. The report claims that the Realme GT 7T carries the model number Realme RMX5085. An X user called Mochamad Farido Fanani (@faridofanani96) suggested that the handset was spotted on Indonesia’s TKDN certification site. The Realme GT 7T will reportedly come with support for NFC as well as INT. The latter is said to be similar to Apple’s Intercom feature which allows users to send and receive messages from a HomePod or HomePod mini to another or other Apple devices. The existing Realme GT 6T, powered by a Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 SoC, sports a 6.78-inch full-HD+ LTPO MOLED screen with up to 120Hz refresh rate. It supports up to 12GB of LPDDR5X RAM and up to 512GB of UFS 4.0 onboard storage. The handset ships with Android 14-based Realme UI 5. In the camera department, the Realme GT 6T has a 50-megapixel main sensor alongside an 8-megapixel wide-angle shooter at the back and a 32-megapixel front camera sensor for selfies and video calls. It is backed by a 5,500mAh battery with 120W SuperVOOC charging support. The Realme GT 6T started in India at Rs. 30,999 for the 8GB + 128GB option. The 8GB + 256GB, 12GB + 256GB and 12GB + 512GB variants were listed at Rs. 32,999, Rs. 35,999, and Rs. 39,999 respectively. It is offered in Fluid Silver and Razor Green shades. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Sony Confirms PlayStation State of Play Broadcast for January 12: Here’s What to Expect Google I/O 2025 Dates Confirmed, Android 16 and Gemini AI Announcements Expected Source link #Realme #Tipped #Works #Offer #NFC #Support Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

EP TODAY, Wednesday, 12 February | News EP TODAY, Wednesday, 12 February | News Commission 2025 Work Programme and new competitiveness strategy At 9.00, Commissioner Śefčovič will present the Commission’s 2025 work programme, followed by a discussion with MEPs and Polish EU Affairs Minister Szłapka. In an afternoon debate, starting around 14.00, plenary will review the recently tabled proposal for a new competitiveness roadmap, with Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Minister Szłapka. Andreas KLEINER (+32) 498 98 33 22 EuroParlPress Estefania NARRILLOS (+32) 498 98 39 85 EuroParlPress Repression in Russia one year after Navalny’s ******* MEPs will examine the Kremlin’s continued repression of Russia’s political opposition a year after the ******* of Alexei Navalny, in a debate starting around 10.30. US withdrawal from WHO and the Paris deal and suspension of external aid Starting around 16.30, MEPs and Commissioner Lahbib will debate the consequences of the US Administration’s decision to pull out of the World Health Organisation and the Paris Agreement on climate change, as well as the impact of the suspension of US humanitarian and development aid. Dana POPP (+32) 470 95 17 07 EP_Environment Thomas HAAHR (+32) 470 88 09 87 EP_Environment Eoghan WALSH (+32) 485 39 94 43 EP_Development In brief Support to EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. From around 15.00, plenary will debate with Commission Vice-President Fitto and Minister Szłapka EU support to regions sharing borders with Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Seven years after the Kuciak murders: threats to journalists in the EU. MEPs will assess with Commissioner McGrath the state of media freedom across the EU and discuss how to ensure the protection of journalists. Mental health of Europe’s youth. MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will discuss how to tackle increasing mental health issues among European young people. Human rights in Türkiye, Nicaragua and Nigeria. MEPs and Commissioner Micallef will consider the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye, repression in Nicaragua and the risk of the death penalty in Nigeria for blasphemy charges. Three draft resolutions will be put to a vote by plenary on Thursday. Collaboration between conservatives and far right. In this session’s topical debate at 13.00, MEPs will discuss with Commission Vice-President Séjourné and Polish Minister Szłapka whether collaboration between conservatives and far right threatens competitiveness in the EU. Votes At noon, plenary will vote, among others, on: New VAT rules for the digital age, and Improved administrative cooperation in the field of taxation. Live coverage of the plenary session can be found on Parliament’s webstreaming and on EbS+. For detailed information on the session, please also see our newsletter. Find more information regarding plenary. Source link #TODAY #Wednesday #February #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Saints hire Kellen Moore as head coach: Cowboys' Dak Prescott 'super, super, super happy' for ex-teammate, OC – CBS Sports Saints hire Kellen Moore as head coach: Cowboys' Dak Prescott 'super, super, super happy' for ex-teammate, OC – CBS Sports Saints hire Kellen Moore as head coach: Cowboys’ Dak Prescott ‘super, super, super happy’ for ex-teammate, OC CBS SportsSaints hire Kellen Moore as head coach: Eagles offensive coordinator lands job after Super Bowl win CBS SportsReport: Eagles assistant Kevin Patullo a candidate for Saints’ OC, Eagles’ OC Yahoo Sports‘The right person’: Saints hire Kellen Moore as head coach. He’s the youngest in the NFL Idaho Statesman Source link #Saints #hire #Kellen #Moore #coach #Cowboys039 #Dak #Prescott #039super #super #super #happy039 #exteammate #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview | TheSixthAxis Monster Hunter Wilds Final Preview | TheSixthAxis Monster Hunter Wilds is set to launch in two weeks. Despite being Capcom’s largest AAA release, the PC port’s state is dire, requiring upscaling and frame generation for playable framerates. The developers have released a benchmarking application, allowing players to gauge the systems’ readiness. Unfortunately, the performance is dismal, and tweaking the graphics settings barely makes a difference. Source link #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #Final #Preview #TheSixthAxis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Beyond the Saleyards: Booking space limited, but grids hold firm Beyond the Saleyards: Booking space limited, but grids hold firm Sheep markets in WA have been congested for the last week with booking space limited at feedlots and processors, but grids have held relatively firm. Feedlot prices have eased back towards $3 for prompt delivery but remain in the $3.20 to $3.30 range for heavier lambs that aren’t in need of immediate delivery. With a bit of luck, we will soon see some WA processors with some forward pricing to encourage producers to hold onto lambs into April, May and June. On the east coast, NSW hook prices for lambs is back to about $8.40 for crossbred lambs and $8 for Merinos. In South Australia the market is $8 and $7.60. Store lamb prices remain about $3.60 — meaning there’s no margin in sending WA lambs east. Mutton prices on the east coast have also eased — the spread between WA and SA is minimal. Goat prices in NSW are holding at $3/kg hot score carcase weight versus $2.90 in WA. Live export markets have been volatile. The flooding in Queensland has seen a few ships cancelled, however for the vessels still loading, the price continues to firm. If you want to see prices from feedlots, live exporters, processors and restockers — download the Agora Livestock app and jump on a free trial to see what’s available. For more information call us on 1300 812 345 or visit agoralivestock.com.au/marketplace If you have sheep, lambs or cattle to sell – you can advertise them to dozens of buyers for free at agoralivestock.com.au/marketplace Current WA feeder lamb bids with Agora: Crossbred store lambs: minimum 34kg, $3.20. Merino lambs: minimum 30kg, $2.90. Merino lambs: minimum 36kg, $3. Shedder lambs: minimum 34kg, $3.20. To find out more about these orders and other buyers in the market, call Rob Kelly on 0483 929 988. Source link #Saleyards #Booking #space #limited #grids #hold #firm Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Port Hedland Cr Adrian McRae withdraws bid for seat in 2025 WA State election Port Hedland Cr Adrian McRae withdraws bid for seat in 2025 WA State election Port Hedland Cr Adrian McRae has withdrawn his bid for an Upper House seat in the March State election, less than a week after Premier Roger Cook called him out for his “extremist views”. Source link #Port #Hedland #Adrian #McRae #withdraws #bid #seat #State #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk and Trump Appear Together in the Oval Office Musk and Trump Appear Together in the Oval Office new video loaded: Musk and Trump Appear Together in the Oval Office transcript Back transcript Musk and Trump Appear Together in the Oval Office Elon Musk, who was accompanied by his 4-year-old son, claimed without evidence that the Department of Government Efficiency had found multiple instances of fraud and waste across the federal government. X, are you O.K.? This is this is X. And he’s a great guy. Cursory examination of Social Security. And we’ve got people in there that are 150 years old. Now, do you know anyone who’s 150? I don’t. They should be in the Guinness Book of World Records. They’re missing out. So, that’s the case where I think they’re probably dead. And if you looked at the. If you looked at the founders today and said, ‘What do you think of the way things have turned out?’ Well, we have this unelected, fourth unconstitutional branch of government, which is the bureaucracy, which has, in a lot of ways, currently more power than any elected representative. And this is not something that people want. And it’s not — it does not match the will of the people. We actually are trying to be as transparent as possible. In fact, our actions, we post our actions to the DOGE handle on X and to the DOGE website. Recent episodes in U.S. & Politics Show more videos from U.S. & Politics Source link #Musk #Trump #Oval #Office Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Where Trump, Musk and DOGE Have Cut Federal Workers So Far Where Trump, Musk and DOGE Have Cut Federal Workers So Far Targeted for agency dismantling At least 8,700 D.E.I. workers At least 129 Jan. 6 and Trump investigators At least 33 Government watchdogs At least 22 Other staffers At least 224 President Trump has moved swiftly to wage his war on the federal bureaucracy, defying norms and legal limits. On Tuesday, he signed a new executive order to limit new hiring and commence what he called a “critical transformation” of government. Mr. Trump has specific targets: foreign aid workers, inspectors general, Jan. 6 investigators, and diversity, equity and inclusion workers. He has also given broad powers to Elon Musk’s government efficiency operation, which has inserted itself into more than a dozen agencies in search of spending and staffers to cut. Many of those agencies had been investigating Mr. Musk’s companies. Courts have temporarily halted some of the administration’s efforts but many more layoffs across the government are expected in the weeks ahead. Here are the cuts and temporary removals that The Times has confirmed as of Tuesday. Targeted for agency dismantling Upward of 7,000 on leave or fired from U.S.A.I.D. More than 1,700 halted work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 4 fired from FEMA Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk have made it clear they intend to shut down the nation’s aid agency, U.S.A.I.D. The administration began by putting nearly 60 senior staffers on leave and letting internal records be examined by what has been called the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative led by Mr. Musk. “We spent the weekend feeding USAID into the wood chipper,” Mr. Musk posted on X on Feb. 3. Days later, the Trump administration said it would drastically reduce the aid agency’s work force, from more than 10,000 down to just a few hundred staffers. A judge temporarily halted the effort for more than 2,000 employees. Mr. Trump’s 90-day freeze on foreign assistance has also put thousands of nonprofit and private sector jobs in limbo. Employees of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a financial industry watchdog, may be next. Mr. Musk posted “CFPB RIP” on X on Feb. 7. The next day, the acting director of the bureau told the staff of more than 1,700 to effectively halt work. Mr. Trump has also proposed closing other agencies, including the Education Department and FEMA, where he fired the chief financial officer and three others on Tuesday. D.E.I. workers Nearly 60 on leave from Veterans Affairs About 15 on leave from the E.P.A. At least 50 on leave from the Education Department 1 fired from the Coast Guard 3 fired from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Only a few agencies have reported these figures and the list above is incomplete. In late January, the Trump administration ordered agencies to put staff members with oversight of diversity, equity and inclusion efforts on leave, though some affected workers have said they had no connection to D.E.I. in their daily work. Within 24 hours of his inauguration, the Trump administration also fired the U.S. Coast Guard commandant for supposed mismanagement and an “excessive focus” on diversity within the service, according to a Department of Homeland Security statement. The president also removed two Democratic commissioners and the general counsel from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, an independent agency that fights workplace discrimination. The commission’s new acting chair said her priorities would include “rooting out unlawful D.E.I.-motivated race and sex discrimination.” Mr. Trump signed an executive order on his first day in office to rescind federal support for D.E.I. policies — rolling back initiatives aimed at reversing discrimination and systemic inequities that have disproportionately affected ****** people, women and underserved communities. Jan. 6 and Trump investigators The Justice Department’s campaign of retribution against officials who investigated Mr. Trump and his supporters has led to abrupt upheavals at the agency. In late January, the acting attorney general fired more than a dozen prosecutors who worked on the two criminal investigations into Mr. Trump for the special counsel Jack Smith, saying they could not be trusted to “faithfully implement” the president’s agenda. Days later, the department fired more than a dozen prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington who had been hired to investigate the Jan. 6 riot. The same day, the Justice Department’s leadership ordered the Federal Bureau of Investigations to gather names of the thousands of agents involved in the Trump and Jan. 6 investigations. At least nine high-ranking officials at the F.B.I. have also been removed since Mr. Trump’s term began. Government watchdogs The Trump administration fired at least 17 inspectors general in a late-night purge on Jan. 24. The cuts defied a law that requires presidents to give Congress 30 days’ notice and detailed reasons for the removal of the watchdogs, who work to uncover corruption and fraud across government agencies. In Mr. Trump’s first term, inspectors general investigated at least eight of his cabinet members, according to Campaign Legal Center. On Tuesday, the inspector general for U.S.A.I.D. was fired, a day after he released a report warning that agency cuts risked the misuse and waste of hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars. Mr. Trump also fired the three Democrat-selected members of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board, an independent agency that investigates national security activities that can intrude upon individual rights. Only one Republican member remains, and another seat is vacant, leaving the board unable to take official action. On Feb. 10, Mr. Trump fired the director of the Office of Government Ethics, who was involved in vetting the new Trump administration appointees for potential conflicts of interest. Mr. Trump also removed the director of the Office of Special Counsel, a government watchdog agency, but a judge has temporarily blocked this firing. Other staffers 1 fired from the Federal Election Commission 1 fired from the National Archives and Records Admin. 2 fired from the National Labor Relations Board 60 fired from the State Department About 160 sent home from the National Security Council Mr. Trump has also moved to fire individual members of certain agencies, including the chairwoman of the Federal Election Commission, the nation’s archivist, and the general counsel and a Democratic board member of the National Labor Relations Board, which protects workers’ rights. The firing of the labor board’s general counsel was widely expected in normal administration turnover. But the removal of the board member, who was meant to serve out a five-year term, is without modern precedent. The board now has just two members; under federal law, it needs at least three members to act. Mr. Trump’s new staff has also carried out broad removals of employees within their agencies: The State Department fired about 60 contractors who work for its Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. And Mr. Trump’s national security adviser sent about 160 National Security Council workers home. Source link #Trump #Musk #DOGE #Cut #Federal #Workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Social media erupts after Schumer opens tipline for whistleblowers to report government ‘abuses of power’ Social media erupts after Schumer opens tipline for whistleblowers to report government ‘abuses of power’ Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., faced widespread mockery after launching a tipline to “expose corruption, abuses of power, and threats to public safety.” On Monday, Schumer shared a link calling on “whistleblowers” to report violations, arguing they “are a vital part of Congressional oversight to hold the administration accountable.” The categories whistleblowers can report include “retaliation,” “wasteful spending,” “fraud,” “criminal activity,” and “other.” “Today, I’m calling on our brave public servants,” the Senate ********* Leader wrote as he shared the tipline form on X. “I’m launching a new portal for anyone who wants to expose corruption, abuses of power, and threats to public safety with the legal protections of being a whistleblower.” The new project was shredded by a wide variety of commentators online. Schumer Mocked For Corona And Guac Clip Warning Trump Tariffs Will Hurt Super Bowl Parties: ‘Not Good At This’ “We already have that… it’s called DOGE,” comedian Tim Young quipped. Read On The Fox News App Tesla founder Elon Musk joked, “Look into this Schumer guy, he’s definitely done crime!” “Great! I wanna report: Joe Biden. Kamala Harris. Chuck Schumer,” Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, replied. “And the entire corrupt Democrat party that weaponized & abused the federal government for the past four years.” While some commentators shared a video of Schumer’s failed Father’s Day photo-op where he appeared to not know how to properly grill a burger, others called out far more serious aspects of his political past. Many commentators recalled when Schumer issued a warning to Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh in 2020, during a rally held as the court heard arguments in a high-profile abortion case. “I want to tell you, Gorsuch. I want to tell you, Kavanaugh. You have released the whirlwind and you will pay the price!” Schumer warned. “You won’t know what hit you if you go forward with these awful decisions.” Judicial Network president Carrie Severino noted his mention of “’Threats to public safety…’” and wrote, “This is rich coming from Senator Schumer, who stood on the steps of the Supreme Court and threatened Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, saying they would ‘pay the price’ for exercising judicial review.” Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. speaks during a news conference following the weekly Senate Democratic policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol on Dec. 10, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Chuck Schumer Mocked By Late-night Hosts For Recent Attempts To Slam Trump “I have someone to report, pictured here at the Supreme Court threatening Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch,” Fox News’ Katie Pavlich said. The Federalist editor-in-chief Mollie Z. Hemingway responded with a screenshot of a lengthy report she was filing using the tipline to call out Schumer for either “retaliation” or “criminal activity.” “Wild that you’re recruiting government employees involved in the corruption to target the people exposing the corruption,” market analyst and political commentator Jeff Carlson wrote. “Public Servant is a pretentious term for people who went into government because they knew the graft pays well.” Original article source: Social media erupts after Schumer opens tipline for whistleblowers to report government ‘abuses of power’ Source link #Social #media #erupts #Schumer #opens #tipline #whistleblowers #report #government #abuses #power Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Hitch’ Director Says Will Smith Tried to Bail on Production 3 Days Before Filming – IndieWire ‘Hitch’ Director Says Will Smith Tried to Bail on Production 3 Days Before Filming – IndieWire ‘Hitch’ Director Says Will Smith Tried to Bail on Production 3 Days Before Filming IndieWire’Hitch’: How behind-the-scenes drama almost sank Will Smith’s now-classic rom-com Business Insider’Hitch’ Director Says Will Smith Is Developing A Sequel Film Without Him: “Hey, That’s Hollywood” DeadlineHitch Director Reveals Will Smith Feud 20 Years Later – E! Online E! NEWS’Hitch’ director says Will Smith tried backing out of rom-com days before filming started Entertainment Weekly News Source link #Hitch #Director #Smith #Bail #Production #Days #Filming #IndieWire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Appearing With Trump, Musk Makes Broad Claims of Federal Fraud Without Proof Appearing With Trump, Musk Makes Broad Claims of Federal Fraud Without Proof The billionaire Elon Musk said in an extraordinary Oval Office appearance on Tuesday that he was providing maximum transparency in his government cost-cutting initiative, but offered no evidence for his sweeping claims that the federal bureaucracy had been corrupted by cheats and officials who had approved money for “fraudsters.” Answering questions from the media for the first time since his arrival in Washington to run the Department of Government Efficiency, Mr. Musk stood next to the Resolute Desk and asserted that his work was in the interest of the public and democracy. President Trump sat behind the desk, chiming in with approval as he let the world’s richest man expound for roughly 30 minutes on the rationale for the drastic overhaul of the federal bureaucracy. The goal is to “restore democracy,” Mr. Musk said. “If the bureaucracy’s in charge, then what meaning does democracy actually have?” Among Mr. Musk’s claims, which he offered without providing evidence, was that some officials at the now-gutted U.S. Agency for International Development had been taking “kickbacks.” He said that “quite a few people” in the bureaucracy somehow had “managed to accrue tens of millions of dollars in net worth while they are in that position,” without explaining how he had made that assessment. He later claimed that some recipients of Social Security checks were as old as 150. “We are actually trying to be as transparent as possible,” Mr. Musk said, referring to postings by his team on his social media site, X. “So all of our actions are maximally transparent.” He continued, “I don’t know of a case where an organization has been more transparent than the DOGE organization.” In reality, Mr. Musk’s team is operating in deep secrecy: surprising federal employees by descending upon agencies and gaining access to sensitive data systems. Mr. Musk himself is a “special government employee,” which, the White House has said, means his financial disclosure filing will not be made public. Mr. Musk’s appearance came at what was billed a presidential signing of new executive orders related to his cost-cutting initiative. The text of the executive order, which was made public after the event ended, ordered agency heads to pursue “large-scale” work force reductions and gave Mr. Musk’s team an expanded role in overseeing any subsequent hiring at certain agencies. The wide-ranging remarks by Mr. Musk came amid mounting criticism that he was operating with unchecked power and no accountability, questions that have been dogging the president when he speaks to reporters. Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration’s rapid efforts to upend the bureaucracy, and several federal judges have ordered halts to the actions while the challenges are heard. Mr. Trump said Tuesday that with Mr. Musk’s team, he was simply following through with what he promised in his campaign: a radical overhaul of the federal government. Indeed, he pledged repeatedly on the campaign trail to root out what he called “the deep state” and to make it easier to fire civil servants — promises that drew robust backing from his supporters. But less central to his core pitch in 2024 was a plan he announced in September to have Mr. Musk lead a commission to audit the government and recommend broad changes. The effort was also described initially as operating “outside of government” in Mr. Trump’s statement about it. But after Mr. Trump won the presidency, Mr. Musk’s vision for the initiative expanded, and he allowed Mr. Musk to embed inside government by taking over a White House technology office. Mr. Trump attacked the judges who have ruled against his administration, saying he would abide by their decisions but would appeal rulings they made. A federal judge ruled this week that the administration had defied his order to release billions of dollars; the administration has filed an appeal. On his website X, Mr. Musk described a “judicial coup” to stop Mr. Trump. As he claimed more and more territory in Washington, Mr. Musk, who has echoed Mr. Trump’s hostility toward the media, had not answered questions from reporters since Election Day until Tuesday. Mr. Musk had spoken at a few technology conferences and on a Tesla earnings call, where he fielded a few inquiries from sympathetic questioners. On Tuesday, Mr. Musk, wearing a ****** “MAGA” hat that Mr. Trump appeared to have signed on its brim, seemed eager to defend his team’s work. As he answered questions, Mr. Musk’s 4-year-old son, X, stood between the two men when he was not hoisted on Mr. Musk’s shoulders or sitting on the floor. Mr. Trump often appeared to be staring at the child, relegated to something of a side character in his own office. Mr. Musk repeatedly rebuffed suggestions that he was operating without oversight. Asked about the possibility of his own conflicts of interest, given that some of Mr. Musk’s companies have contracts with agencies like the Defense Department, Mr. Musk said, “First of all, I’m not the one filing the contract.” “It’s the people at SpaceX or something,” said Mr. Musk, the founder of SpaceX. Over and over again, he asserted his intention to bring accountability to a civil service that he claimed had gone unchecked. The bureaucracy is an “unelected, fourth, unconstitutional branch of government, which has, in a lot of ways, currently, more power than any elected representative,” insisted Mr. Musk, who serves as an unelected appointee with vast reach across the government. “It does not match the will of the people,” he said. Mr. Musk, whose approach to cost-cutting at his own companies has been to reinstate spending if the cuts go too deep, said that mistakes might be made as he slashes the size of federal agencies. Should he make cuts that are gratuitous, the billionaire said, they would simply be reversed. “Some of the things that I say will be incorrect and should be corrected. Nobody’s going to bat 1.000,” Mr. Musk said when asked about a false claim he had spread about foreign aid money for condoms. “We will make mistakes. But we’ll act quickly to correct any mistakes.” Source link #Appearing #Trump #Musk #Broad #Claims #Federal #Fraud #Proof Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Private parking rules to change after ‘five-minute fines’, sector confirms Private parking rules to change after ‘five-minute fines’, sector confirms Dan Martin BBC News, East Midlands BBC Rosey Hudson was taken to court after a private operator sent her 10 parking charge notices (PCNs) in a matter of days Private parking rules are set to change to ensure motorists are not unfairly penalised if they do not pay within five minutes. The sector’s code of practice was reviewed after the BBC reported on the case of Rosey Hudson, who was taken to court by Excel Parking over a £1,906 claim after taking longer than five minutes to pay at the Copeland Street car park in Derby. Her case was eventually dropped, with other motorists raising similar concerns and seeing their claims discontinued. Now the updated rules, to be brought in from Monday by the Private Parking Scrutiny and Advice Panel (PPSAP), will ensure “motorists who face genuine difficulties in paying in a short timeframe are treated fairly”. The British Parking Association (BPA) and the International Parking Community (IPC) previously announced it had set up the panel to review the code of practice, following coverage of Miss Hudson’s case last year. The new code of practice will mean that drivers using private car parks, monitored by camera technology such as CCTV and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), will have a “safeguard” in place if they experience delays making payments. Under the change, if motorists pay before they leave ANPR-managed pay on entry car parks, regardless of whether they pay within five minutes, they should not receive a penalty notice. However, it “remains essential” for drivers to read signage carefully and follow the rules of the specific car park. And the updated rules only apply to sites where technology supports this change, and does not apply to council car parks and private sites without camera monitoring. IPC chief executive officer Will Hurley said: “It is crucial that there is a mechanism to identify and resolve issues quickly. I am pleased that the panel has acted swiftly to introduce safeguards for motorists.” Andrew Pester, chief executive of the BPA, added: “It is a real testament to the [panel] that this change has been implemented so efficiently. The parking sector is always striving to ensure it operates in the interest of compliant motorists and to ensure that parking is fairly managed for all.” A group of MPs previously called on the government to introduce its own statutory code of practice that private car park operators must follow, adding that the private industry cannot be trusted to regulate itself. MP calls parking fine a “five-minute rip-off charge” Miss Hudson is one of several people Excel Parking took to court over its five-minute payment rule. At the time, she said she was unable to pay while in the car park due to poor signal on her phone. She walked to where she could get connected and paid the full tariff every time she parked there, but was still repeatedly sent parking charge notices (PCNs). In December, Excel Parking dropped its case against her without explanation and did the same for Garry Kay, who parked at the same car park and was preparing to fight costs of £255. Meanwhile, last month a judge ordered the operator to pay a Peter Barton £19.50 in expenses after he took 19 minutes to pay because he could not find a suitable parking space. Miss Hudson, 31, told the BBC she was cautiously optimistic about the changes. Miss Hudson said she hoped the industry would make meaningful changes “I am pleased because my hope, in speaking out about my case, was that something would change,” she said. “I wasn’t doing it just for me. There are lots of people in the same situation as me who don’t push back and pay these fines just to get the companies off their backs. “They are being treated very unfairly by private parking firms, paying fines that are not reasonable. “I hope the changes proposed are meaningful, and I do think it should be in all private car parks, not just some.” The government said it would make an announcement on plans for a statutory parking code of practice “in due course”. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Motorists must be protected when using private car parks and we are determined to drive up standards in the industry. “We know how much of an issue this is for drivers, which is why we will set out further details on the private parking code of practice as soon as possible.” Analysis By Caroline Lowbridge, BBC News A lot has happened in the two and a half months since I spoke to Rosey Hudson. She originally contacted the BBC because she wanted to warn others about what was happening to her. She told us she was under a huge amount of stress as a result of legal proceedings by Excel Parking, and she didn’t want others to go through the same. Miss Hudson’s story struck a chord with other motorists. Hundreds of them contacted the BBC with their own stories of being issued with PCNs. The two trade associations for private car park operators also announced their intention to end the so-called five-minute payment rule, and set up a panel to oversee changes to the sector’s own code of practice. This sounded promising but parking campaigners and some MPs remain sceptical. They believe the sector cannot regulate itself, adding the government needs to introduce a statutory code of practice. A government spokesperson told the BBC it will set out details on this “as soon as possible”. Meanwhile, drivers are still being threatened with legal action as a result of Excel Parking’s five-minute rule. Some are challenging the PCNs and winning when the cases are heard in court, but others are paying up due to fear, or to avoid the stress and hassle of legal proceedings. Excel Parking also remains insistent that Miss Hudson was in the wrong – despite its claim against her being discontinued. Source link #Private #parking #rules #change #fiveminute #fines #sector #confirms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

LIV Adelaide: Cameron Smith wants to repeat 2024 The Grange Golf Club success with Ripper GC LIV Adelaide: Cameron Smith wants to repeat 2024 The Grange Golf Club success with Ripper GC Cam Smith has never had a feeling on course like last year’s dramatic LIV Golf Adelaide team event play-off win. And he’s determined to repeat the magic of the thrilling victory later this week when the event tees off again at The Grange Golf Club. “It kind of felt like you were trying to get it done for Australia,” Smith, the captain of the all-Aussie Ripper GC team, said of the thrilling win over Stinger GC on the second extra hole. “Just the amount of people that were all on your side was pretty unique. I’ve never really felt like that before where everyone is leaning on you to get it done.” Smith and teammates Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert and Matt Jones are treating their home event like a “LIV major”. This year’s edition is two months earlier in the schedule than previously, and they were keen to not repeat the slow starts that have hampered past seasons. At the season-opener in Saudi Arabia last weekend, Ripper GC finished second in the team event and Herbert (fourth), Leishman (sixth) and Smith (12th) all performed strongly. “We put in a fair bit of work earlier this year just to try and be ready for that first event, we had a training camp in Miami where we all practised for a week just so we didn’t feel underdone at that first event,” Leishman said. “You put the work in, and you don’t know if you are going to get the results straight away, so it was nice to get a good result first up.” Herbert, the newest member of Ripper GC having switched to the LIV tour last year, said the team aspect was something he enjoyed, especially when it came to winning. “It’s so different from what you are used to when you win where maybe your caddy and your girlfriend and your physio are really happy for you,” he said. Camera IconLucas Herbert joined the LIV golf tour last year. Credit: Sarah Reed/Getty Images “It’s a whole different experience where everyone around you is so happy for you because they were part of winning as well. It feels like a real shared win and we are all able to celebrate together and it just brings a different dynamic to golf.” Jones said with another near sell-out crowd expected to nudge 100,000 across the event, he and his teammates were excited to feel the wave of support again. “It’s 95 per cent Aussie and every one of them is cheering for us,” he said. “You walk down ever fairway and they are all going ‘let’s go Jonesy’, where as when you play in the US sometimes they don’t even know who you are. I don’t even think Cam would experience this every week like we do here. The amount of support we have is phenomenal.” With hot weather forecast in the lead up to Friday’s first round Smith said he was expecting fast and firm conditions that will make scoring tough. And he’s excited for the challenge. “This is our big one this week and hopefully we can walk away with the win,” he said. WATCH LIV ADELAIDE LIVE AND FREE ON 7 AND 7PLUS FROM FRIDAY Source link #LIV #Adelaide #Cameron #Smith #repeat #Grange #Golf #Club #success #Ripper Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Egg prices soar in the US due to bird flu outbreak Egg prices soar in the US due to bird flu outbreak STORY: Shoppers in the U.S. are seeing egg prices soar and purchase limits imposed due to a bird flu outbreak affecting supply. Stores like Trader Joe’s now limit egg purchases to only one dozen per customer. And it’s all just another blow for consumers after years of rising prices. This shopper was unhappy, but trying to be understanding: “I saw one store, Trader Joe’s, that limited to one dozen, but their prices were cheaper than a lot of other places. Their price I happened to look theirs was $4.99 and I think Walmart’s was six something. So I understand where they’re doing it. I do understand. I’m not happy about it, but I do understand.” So far, the bird flu outbreak in the U.S. has infected nearly 70 people, mostly farm workers, since April. The H5N1 virus has also raised egg prices by killing millions of hens. Supply chain expert Matt Sutton-Vermeulen from consulting firm Kearney explains: “The price of eggs has gone up because of this supply demand relationship. It’s a highly inelastic commodity, which means it doesn’t, the demand for doesn’t move when the supply is tightened and so the price moves up unfortunately with it.” Authorities have also found a second strain of bird flu in dairy cattle – ramping up concerns about its spread. Experts are also worried that the virus no longer seems connected to the movement of wild birds: “Typically in the past, you know, in the historical view of the virus, we’ve seen it stop, we’ve seen it peak and fall around the migratory flights. But we are not seeing that anymore. We are seeing a more prevalent disease state.” Last week, regulators closed poultry markets in New York City and some neighboring counties in a bid to stop the spread of the disease. Source link #Egg #prices #soar #due #bird #flu #outbreak Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

stocks, U.S. inflation data, earnings stocks, U.S. inflation data, earnings European markets are heading for a positive open Wednesday as global markets await the latest inflation reading out of the U.S. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 4 points higher at 8,785, Germany’s DAX up 75 points at 22,104, France’s CAC up 12 points at 8,042 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 102 points higher at 37,798, according to data from IG. Global market focus is on the latest U.S. consumer price index report for January that will be published on Wednesday. Headline inflation is expected to have grown 0.3% from the prior month and 2.9% from 12 months earlier, according to Dow Jones. Some economists on Wall Street have raised concerns that even as certain categories may see disinflation, Trump’s tariffs could offset that. More inflation data is due on Thursday, with the producer price index set to be released. — CNBC’s Brian Evans contributed to this market summary Source link #stocks #U.S #inflation #data #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Hitch' Director Recalls "Difficulties" Working With Will Smith & Why Actor Tried To "Back Out" 3 Days Before Filming Began – Deadline 'Hitch' Director Recalls "Difficulties" Working With Will Smith & Why Actor Tried To "Back Out" 3 Days Before Filming Began – Deadline ‘Hitch’ Director Recalls “Difficulties” Working With Will Smith & Why Actor Tried To “Back Out” 3 Days Before Filming Began Deadline’Hitch’: How behind-the-scenes drama almost sank Will Smith’s now-classic rom-com Business Insider’Hitch’ Director Says Will Smith Is Developing A Sequel Film Without Him: “Hey, That’s Hollywood” DeadlineHitch Director Reveals Will Smith Feud 20 Years Later – E! Online E! NEWS’Hitch’ director says Will Smith tried backing out of rom-com days before filming started Entertainment Weekly News Source link #039Hitch039 #Director #Recalls #quotDifficultiesquot #Working #Smith #amp #Actor #quotBack #Outquot #Days #Filming #Began #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lithium Universe collaboration develops battery industry in Canada Lithium Universe collaboration develops battery industry in Canada Lithium Universe has partnered with a research-focussed ********* engineering school, Polytechnique Montreal, to drive innovation in lithium processing in the country and increase local expertise in battery metals to improve its supply chain. The initial five-year deal is outlined in a memorandum of understanding and will focus on three key areas: industry education, curriculum development and research and development collaboration. Polytechnique Montréal is one of Canada’s leading engineering schools and is recognised for its research and innovation in applied sciences and technology. It is affiliated with the Université de Montréal and is a hub for multi-disciplinary research and development. The school’s commitment to addressing global challenges, including sustainability and energy transition, also aligns with Lithium Universe’s mission to advance critical materials for use in clean energy. Lithium Universe says future education is a fundamental objective of the partnership and internships, student placements, fellowships, co-ops and joint academic projects will all be up for grabs. The training opportunities will be designed to boost the educational landscape and promote practical experience in the lithium industry. Company experts will conduct short courses on lithium spodumene mining, processing and conversion technologies and will work with Polytechnique personnel to enhance academic programs related to lithium processing. Polytechnique will support Lithium Universe’s research initiatives, including environmental studies and secondary product testing. Both partners are also committed to supporting diversity and sustainability, encouraging entrepreneurship and incubating start-ups within the lithium battery sector. It is a privilege to partner with this prestigious university as we ignite innovation and cultivate a thriving lithium battery industry in Canada. Together, we are committed to educational excellence and sustainable industry growth, shaping a future where ********* expertise leads the global stage. The alliance aims to strengthen and transform Canada’s capabilities in lithium processing, which in turn, can only benefit Lithium Universe as it develops its planned Bécancour lithium refinery in Quebec. The refinery is projected to produce a whopping 18,270 tonnes per annum of green battery-grade lithium carbonate. The partnership offers a next step in Lithium Universe’s aim to close the lithium conversion gap in North America, which has millions of tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent resources but a distinct lack of chemical conversion capacity. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: *****@*****.tld Source link #Lithium #Universe #collaboration #develops #battery #industry #Canada Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Apple’s best workout buds are back with a bang | Apple Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review: Apple’s best workout buds are back with a bang | Apple After five years, Apple is back with a full revamp of the earbuds that put its Beats headphones brand on the map for athletes and sports people: the Powerbeats Pro 2. The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. Designed to hook on to the ear and stay put without wires, the original Powerbeats Pro were the best earbuds for working out and were worn by sports superstars including LeBron James and Anthony Joshua. For 2025 Apple has taken all the good bits of the originals and refined the fit, slimmed down the bulk, and added noise cancelling and heart rate monitoring for £250 ($250), aiming to retake the premium workout earbuds top spot. The overall shape of the earbuds has stayed the same. A flexible silicone wire hooks over the back of the user’s ear while an arm connects it to an earbud that sits in their ear. The fit is lighter but no less secure than their predecessors: comfortable for extended listening sessions on the commute while not budging at all during vigorous exercise. Each earbud has a multifunction ‘b’ button for playback and noise cancelling control, plus a volume rocker for easy adjustment during workouts. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian The earbuds last about eight hours of playback with noise cancelling (10 hours without it) and charge in a good flip-top case that contains enough juice for 3.5 full charges of the earbuds. The case is 30% smaller than before but it is still quite large, fitting easily in a bag but only in a pocket at a push. The Powerbeats Pro 2 have the same H2 chip and connectivity as Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, which means a seamless connection with various Apple gear, including spatial audio for movies and music, audio sharing, Siri support and lossless audio when used with an Apple Vision Pro. But the earbuds also support advanced features on Android too, using the Beats app for one-touch pairing, customisation, updates and other functions, making them much more flexible than other Apple earbuds. Great Beats sound and effective noise cancelling You can adjust noise cancelling and other bits in the iPhone Bluetooth settings or with the Android Beats app. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian The H2 chip gives the Powerbeats many of the top-class features of the AirPods. That includes active noise cancelling that is almost as effective as Apple’s top buds, able to significantly reduce outside sounds and only falling slightly behind by letting a little more of higher tones break through, such as chatting or clicks. The earbuds handle wind noise well and have a best-in-class transparency mode, which is excellent while out walking or in the gym. While running it accentuates your own footsteps a little and reduced my awareness slightly compared with bone-conduction headphones, but was perfectly usable in environments such as parks and safer streets. The new Powerbeats are easily Beats’ best-sounding earbuds, producing a balanced sound with great separation of tones, well-controlled punch in the low end and plenty of detail with high notes. They do justice to pop, hip-hop and big rock tracks while remaining rounded enough for more nuanced genres such as classical or jazz. They aren’t quite as good as the AirPods Pro and have no ability to adjust how they sound, which can be a little too clean and controlled for some tracks, lacking a little energy in dance tracks, but they are far better than most workout buds. The Beats also have Apple’s personalised spatial audio system with head-tracking for immersive movie sound with Apple devices, similar to AirPods, and excellent call quality for both ends of calls. Specifications Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, SBC, AAC, H2 chip, HR sensor Battery life: 8 hours ANC playback (36 hours with case) Water resistance: IPX4 earbuds (sweat resistant) Earbud dimensions: 45 x 41 x 24mm Earbud weight: 8.7g each Charging case dimensions: 75 x 66 x 34mm Charging case weight: 69g Case charging: USB-C, Qi wireless Heart rate monitoring in your ear The optical heart rate sensor sits just inside your ear next to the silicone tip. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian The Powerbeats have optical heart rate sensors that can monitor your pulse through your ears similar to Sennheiser’s recent Momentum Sport earbuds. The sensors are on the part of the earbuds that touches the inside of your tragus, and in theory can match or better the accuracy of optical heart rate monitors on watches. The sensors only work when wearing both earbuds, which compare the data between your ears before sending out a reading via Bluetooth to a connected phone or device every five seconds. In testing they were similar in accuracy to a Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch and stayed in place, but an appropriate app is needed on Android or iPhone to connect to the earbuds. Neither Beats nor Apple make a workout app for them and only a small number of apps work out of the gate on an iPhone, including the popular Runna, Peloton and Nike Run Club apps, the latter of which worked seamlessly. On Android, any app that works with heart rate devices such as Bluetooth chest straps should work with the earbuds, including Strava when tested. Heart rate data is stored in the Health app on an iPhone or in the connected workout app for Android users. Sustainability The case for the Powerbeats Pro 2 is smooth and solid, charging via USB-C and Qi, but is quite large and not water resistant. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Apple does not provide an expected lifespan for the batteries, but they should last in excess of 500 full-charge cycles with at least 80% of their original capacity. The earbuds contain recycled plastic in some internal components. They are not repairable but Apple will offer individual replacements for lost or damaged parts. It does not publish environmental impact reports for accessories such as headphones. The company offers trade-in and free recycling schemes, including for non-Apple products. Price The Powerbeats Pro 2 cost £249.95 ($249.99). For comparison, the Beats Fit Pro cost £219.99, the Beats Studio Buds + cost £179.99, the Beats Solo Buds cost £79.99, Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 cost £229 and the Sennheiser Momentum Sport cost £199. Verdict The Powerbeats Pro 2 are an upgrade to just about every aspect of the originals, making them some of the very best premium workout earbuds available. The fit is super-secure but surprisingly light, holding themselves in place for vigorous workouts without the pinching force many similar alternatives with ear hooks require. They sound great for powering through workouts but have enough nuance to be daily earbuds for all sorts of music genres too. The effective noise cancelling helps with commutes or quietening busy roads. The very good transparency mode is miles better than most competitors, but still diminishes your awareness compared with open-ear headphones so best saved for workouts in safer spaces. Built-in heart rate monitoring in earbuds is still a novelty. The sensors worked well in my ears, but they rely on third-party apps to work, which are in short supply with an iPhone. That’s not a problem for Android users who can use Strava and most heart-rate compatible apps from the off. At £250, Beats is certainly asking a lot for a set of workout buds. But unlike many fitness rivals the Powerbeats Pro 2 are good enough to be the only earbuds you might need, particularly if you’re an iPhone user who get on with the fit of Apple’s AirPods – these are not going to fall out. The biggest disappointment is that the battery is still not replaceable, ultimately making them disposable and losing a star. Pros: great sound, very good noise cancelling and transparency modes, very long battery life, secure and comfortable fit, excellent controls, spatial audio, great call quality, cross-platform compatibility with enhanced features for iPhone and Android. Cons: expensive, case still not very pocketable, not many compatible apps for the heart rate feature on an iPhone, no multipoint connectivity, battery can’t be replaced making them disposable. The sensors on the underside of the earbud pause the music when you take off the Powerbeats Pro 2. Photograph: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian Source link #Beats #Powerbeats #Pro #review #Apples #workout #buds #bang #Apple Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Researchers ignored after making ‘startling discovery’ about widely used product ‘It’s insidious’ Researchers ignored after making ‘startling discovery’ about widely used product ‘It’s insidious’ Scientists at 3M made a “startling discovery” in the early 2000s: high levels of toxic perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or forever chemicals, were accumulating in sewage sludge used as fertilizer on U.S. farmland, per The New York Times. Despite being warned in 2003, the Environmental Protection Agency has continued to promote sludge fertilizer without requiring testing. What’s happening? As reported by the Times, this alarming discovery has seen barely any rectification. High levels of toxic forever chemicals have been accumulating in sewage sludge across the U.S. This sludge, often repurposed as fertilizer with support from the EPA, was contaminating farmland, food, and water supplies nationwide. Despite learning about this data in 2003, the EPA has continued to promote the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer without requiring testing for PFAS. According to the Times, only one state, Maine, has begun systematically testing its farms for contamination. “These are highly complex mixtures of chemicals,” said David Lewis, a former EPA microbiologist who raised early warnings about the risk of spreading sludge on farmland, per the news outlet. “[The soil] becomes essentially permanently contaminated.” Why is this concerning? PFAS — used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging — effectively don’t break down in the environment or the human body, so they can accumulate. Long-term exposure has been linked to *******, birth defects, and immune system suppression. By spreading sewage sludge on farmland, PFAS can seep into crops, milk, and groundwater, putting people at risk even in areas without direct industrial pollution. The contamination is particularly troubling because once these chemicals enter the soil, they don’t leave. Watch now: Could this concentrate replace all the toxic cleaning chemicals in your home? “It was ending up in the sludge, and that was becoming biosolids, being mixed into soil,” former 3M chemist Kris Hansen told the Times. “From there, it can run into the groundwater, go back into people. It’s insidious.” Despite growing awareness, the EPA has been slow to act. While the agency recently classified certain PFAS as hazardous and set near-zero limits for them in drinking water, it has yet to regulate their presence in fertilizers. What’s being done about this? Maine has taken the strongest action, banning the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. Other states, including Oklahoma, are pushing for similar policies. Meanwhile, cities such as Burlington, North Carolina, and Calhoun, Georgia, have forced local factories to stop releasing PFAS into wastewater, per the Times, proving that solutions can exist at the source. For individuals, staying informed is key. Choosing organic produce and supporting policies that limit PFAS pollution can help reduce exposure. Additionally, installing a high-quality water filter designed to remove PFAS can help protect households from contamination. With mounting evidence and growing pressure, meaningful policy changes could finally close this regulatory gap, ensuring a cleaner, safer food system for everyone. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #Researchers #making #startling #discovery #widely #product #insidious Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SoftBank posts surprise loss in third quarter, revenue also misses estimates SoftBank posts surprise loss in third quarter, revenue also misses estimates The logo of SoftBank is displayed at a company shop in Tokyo, Japan January 28, 2025. Issei Kato | Reuters SoftBank Group posted a surprise quarterly loss Wednesday and the Japanese company’s revenue also missed analysts’ estimates. Here are Softbank’s results compared with LSEG SmartEstimate, which is weighted toward forecasts from analysts who have been more consistently accurate: Revenue: 1.83 trillion yen vs. 1.84 trillion yen Net loss of 369.17 billion yen vs. a profit of 298.53 billion yen This is breaking news. Please check for updates. Source link #SoftBank #posts #surprise #loss #quarter #revenue #misses #estimates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SoftBank posts surprise loss in third quarter, revenue also misses estimates SoftBank posts surprise loss in third quarter, revenue also misses estimates The logo of SoftBank is displayed at a company shop in Tokyo, Japan January 28, 2025. Issei Kato | Reuters SoftBank Group posted a surprise quarterly loss Wednesday and the Japanese company’s revenue also missed analysts’ estimates. Here are Softbank’s results compared with LSEG SmartEstimate, which is weighted toward forecasts from analysts who have been more consistently accurate: Revenue: 1.83 trillion yen vs. 1.84 trillion yenNet loss of 369.17 billion yen vs. a profit of 298.53 billion yen This is breaking news. Please check for updates. Source link #SoftBank #posts #surprise #loss #quarter #revenue #misses #estimates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

White House fires USAID inspector general following critical report – The Hill White House fires USAID inspector general following critical report – The Hill White House fires USAID inspector general following critical report The HillUSAID IG fired day after report critical of impacts of Trump administration’s dismantling of the agency CNNTrump fires USAID inspector general one day after blistering report The Washington PostUSAID inspector general fired days after publishing report critical of aid pause Fox News Source link #White #House #fires #USAID #inspector #general #critical #report #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]