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******** companies could see another year of record dividend payouts ******** companies could see another year of record dividend payouts The ******** national flag fluttering with the Lujiazui Financial District in the background. Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images ******** companies are enticing investors with record dividend payouts and share buybacks amid rigorous corporate governance reform, with some market watchers saying more are on the horizon. Last year, ******** listed firms paid out a record 2.4 trillion yuan ($328 billion) in dividends, according to data from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC). Additionally, companies bought back 147.6 billion yuan worth of shares — an all-time high. Goldman Sachs estimates that ******** companies’ cash distribution could hit $3.5 trillion this year to notch a new high, the bank’s China equity strategist Kinger Lau wrote in a note published in early February. HSBC’s Asia equity strategist Herald van der Linde echoed similar sentiments when asked about the prospects of another year of record-high dividends. “I think they will continue. Companies don’t know where to put their cash. They don’t get too much from the bank, so they return it up to shareholders. This is a very big shift in mindset,” he said. More than 310 companies are expected to have distributed dividends exceeding 340 billion yuan in December 2024 and January alone, marking a nine-fold jump in the number of companies paying dividends and a 7.6-fold increase in the total payout compared to the same ******* last year, CSRC added in a statement. The dividend yield on ******** stocks also climbed to around 3%, the highest level in nearly a decade, Goldman Sachs’ data showed. ******** stocks with high-dividend yields outperformed those in Asia’s emerging markets by around 15%, according to index data. A priority for the government China’s government has been actively promoting companies to pay higher shareholder returns by providing tax incentives to them, said., said HSBC’s van der Linde. Improving shareholder returns became a priority for the State Council and the CSRC in 2024. Last October, China’s central bank launched a 300 billion yuan targeted relending program to help listed companies and major shareholders buy back shares. In April of 2024, regulators also reinforced stock listing standards, clamped down on unlawful share sales, and bolstered the regulation of dividend payouts. In August of last year, 677 listed companies reported cash dividend plans, up from 500 from the same ******* last year in 2023, data from the China Association for Public Companies showed. This is very much driven by Beijing in a move to improve corporate efficiency. When Beijing says jump, the SOEs say, ‘how high?’ Jason Hsu Rayliant Global Advisors State-owned enterprises. in particular. have been at the forefront of this surge in dividend payouts and share buybacks, noted Allianz Global Investors. Some notable companies include PetroChina, with a dividend yield of around 8%, and CNOOC Group with a 7.54% yield. “This is very much driven by Beijing in a move to improve corporate efficiency. When Beijing says jump, the SOEs say, ‘how high?'” said Jason Hsu, founder and chairman of Rayliant Global Advisors, adding that the ******** government is providing ******** companies with favorable loan rates to finance the dividend boost. Private companies are also increasing their cash payouts as well. For instance, e-commerce giant JD.com approved a $5 billion buyback over three years in September, on top of its 1.9% dividend yield. For large-cap companies especially, investors can count on more record dividend payouts, especially from the SOE behemoths, Hsu told CNBC. However, China’s dividend payout ratio, which measures the dividends doled out to shareholders vis-a-vis the company’s net income, still lags behind some of its Asian counterparts. China’s dividend payout ratio stood at 52.58% as of late January, according to data compiled by Reuters and LSEG. While higher than Japan’s 36.12% and South Korea’s 27.6% the figure still falls behind that of Australia’s 89.2% and Singapore’s 78.13%, among others. Drawing locals back to the stock markets The government’s push for high-dividend payouts boosts ******** stocks in the short run, while also attracting long-term investors from domestic and overseas markets, said Le Xia, chief economist for Asia at BBVA Research. However, this could also mean more cash payouts flowing out of China to offshore markets, which could exert some pressure on the ******** yuan, Xia told CNBC. The higher dividend payouts are good for placating local investors in the short term because there’s really “no other place for ******** to hold their money” aside from gold, as the country’s real estate and equities market remain in the doldrums, said Shaun Rein, managing director of China Market Research Group. The sentiment around China’s economy and markets has been poor in recent years. An initial surge in the country’s benchmark CSI 300, sparked by a blitz of government measures introduced in September, has petered out. “The simple way to look at it, you should be paid enough in dividends, or some other common action, for you to take the pain of the fact that the recovery might not happen in valuations,” said Julius Baer’s chief investment officer for Asia, Bhaskar Laxminarayan. Investors are being paid for their patience, he said. “If you’re not, then it’s not worth it.” Dividends get cash into the hands of households, and the attractive yields will draw investors back into the stock market — especially those looking for alternatives to low-yielding bank deposits, said Rayliant Global Advisors’s Hsu. “To be paid a very high-dividend yield, while waiting for [a] catalyst, is a pretty good trade,” said Hsu. Source link #******** #companies #year #record #dividend #payouts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ye is selling T-shirts bearing a swastika after placing local TV ad during the Super Bowl – CBS News Ye is selling T-shirts bearing a swastika after placing local TV ad during the Super Bowl – CBS News Ye is selling T-shirts bearing a swastika after placing local TV ad during the Super Bowl CBS NewsKanye West’s Bizarre Super Bowl Ad: Shot on an iPhone While Sitting in a Dentist Chair VarietyADL Calls on Fox Sports to Condemn Kanye West Super Bowl Ad for Website Selling Nazi T-Shirt YahooKanye West’s Yeezy Brand Is Selling Only One Thing: A Swastika T-Shirt ForbesKanye West is selling $20 T-shirts with swastikas CNN Source link #selling #Tshirts #bearing #swastika #placing #local #Super #Bowl #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Okon Jr ready to follow path blazed by his father Okon Jr ready to follow path blazed by his father Paul Okon-Engstler is eager to follow in the footsteps of his famous father and lead the Young Socceroos to their first U20 World Cup in over a decade. Okon Jr, a midfielder currently on the books of Portuguese giants Benfica, is in China as part of Australia’s squad for the U20 Asian Cup. A semi-final finish or better will guarantee Australia qualifies for this year’s World Cup, which kicks off in May in Chile. Australia hasn’t made it to an U20 World Cup – a tournament historically seen as a shop window for emerging players – since 2013. The Young Socceroos’ recent struggles on the global stage flies in the face of the success Paul Okon Snr enjoyed as captain in 1991 Youth World Cup. Okon Snr led a team containing the likes of Tony Popovic, Mark Bosnich and Steve Corica to the semi-finals, an achievement that remains one of the best performances by an *********** junior national team at a World Cup. Okon Jr captained Australia’s U20s last year and appears the leading contender to take the armband in Wednesday’s tournament opener against Kyrgyzstan. “It’s always special to captain your country,” Okon Jr told AAP. “It’s a big responsibility and for me it’s special because my father has done it and I’ve had the chance to share the same role as him. “You have a different responsibility for your team and I like that opportunity. “I’ve obviously spoken to him about it, I didn’t know he’d captained Australia at an Under 20s World Cup and he said it would be good if I could do that too.” After facing Kyrgyzstan, the Young Socceroos will meet Qatar (February 15) and hosts China (February 18) to round out their group stage matches. For the 20-year-old Okon, it’s a rare chance to show his talent after he has been restricted to just four games at club level in Benfica’s B team. “It hasn’t been the best year for me, in terms of game time,” he said. “I’ve obviously prepared myself for this tournament, and I think I’m ready to to display (my quality with) my performances and help my team. “When a player doesn’t play, they get frustrated. It’s normal. “I think at a club like Benfica it’s difficult to always be playing but at this age I think it’s important to be playing constantly. “My focus is on here and living in the moment, I’ll worry about that other stuff when this tournament finishes.” Source link #Okon #ready #follow #path #blazed #father Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk Leads $97.4 Billion Bid to Acquire OpenAI, Sam Altman Claps Back With ‘No Thanks’ Burn on X Elon Musk Leads $97.4 Billion Bid to Acquire OpenAI, Sam Altman Claps Back With ‘No Thanks’ Burn on X Elon Musk is leading a group of investors who made an unsolicited $97.4 billion offer to acquire the nonprofit that controls OpenAI, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. The bid is the latest twist in the ongoing feud between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who has been pushing to convert the company behind ChatGPT into a for-profit business. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 alongside Altman and a handful of other executives, but Musk has vehemently opposed Altman’s plan to shift away from the company’s nonprofit status. OpenAI referred to Altman’s X post about the matter, in which he says: “no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want”: Musk replied: “Swindler.” The X and Tesla boss sued Altman and another OpenAI founder last year over the move, saying they “betrayed” OpenAI’s founding principles. “It’s time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was,” Musk said in a statement provided to WSJ by his attorney, Marc Toberoff, on Monday. “We will make sure that happens.” The other investors tied to Musk’s bid include Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel, Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale, Valor Equity Partners, Baron Capital, Atreides Management, and Vy Capital, per WSJ. Their bid was submitted to OpenAI’s board of directors, w Musk, who stepped down from OpenAI’s board in 2018, has been critical of the company in recent years. He joked it should change its name to “ClosedAI” in March 2024 due to its move away from its initial mission: providing open source AI technology that benefits everyone. And last September, the X owner shared his displeasure with OpenAI’s planned business restructuring. “You can’t just convert a non-profit into a for-profit,” Musk posted. “That is ********.” OpenAI created a for-profit subsidiary a year after Musk’s departure, allowing it to raise money from Microsoft, its primary backer, and other investors. The company is currently aiming to raise funding at a $340 billion valuation; Bloomberg reported in September that Altman would end up with a 7% equity stake in OpenAI if it becomes a for-profit business, meaning his slice would be worth $23.8 billion if the company is valued at $340 billion. The post Elon Musk Leads $97.4 Billion Bid to Acquire OpenAI, Sam Altman Claps Back With ‘No Thanks’ Burn on X appeared first on TheWrap. Source link #Elon #Musk #Leads #Billion #Bid #Acquire #OpenAI #Sam #Altman #Claps #Burn Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel – BBC.com ****** says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel – BBC.com ****** says it will postpone hostage release, blaming Israel BBC.comIsraeli Hostages’ Accounts of Abuse Raise Alarms for Remaining Captives The New York TimesPaul Adams: Why the Gaza ceasefire is under growing strain BBC.comLive briefing: Trump says ‘Let hell break out’ in Gaza if hostages aren’t returned by Saturday The Washington PostHamas says it’s delaying next hostage release, claiming ceasefire violations Fox News Source link #****** #postpone #hostage #release #blaming #Israel #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Waroona auction: More than 900 vintage machinery enthusiasts turn out to bid $220,000 for ‘biggest’ collection Waroona auction: More than 900 vintage machinery enthusiasts turn out to bid $220,000 for ‘biggest’ collection One of Australia’s biggest vintage machinery collections netted more than $220,000 at the weekend when collector Neil Twaddle auctioned all 600 pieces from his private museum. Source link #Waroona #auction #vintage #machinery #enthusiasts #turn #bid #biggest #collection Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple fixes iPhone and iPad bug used in an ‘extremely sophisticated attack’ Apple fixes iPhone and iPad bug used in an ‘extremely sophisticated attack’ On Monday, Apple released updates for its mobile operating systems for iOS and iPadOS, which fixed a flaw that the company said “may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.” In the release notes for iOS 18.3.1 and iPadOS 18.3.1, the company said the vulnerability allowed the disabling of USB Restricted Mode “on a locked device.” Introduced in 2018, USB Restricted Mode is a security feature that blocks the ability for an iPhone or iPad to send data over a USB connection if the device isn’t unlocked for seven days. Last year, Apple released another security feature that reboots devices if they are not unlocked for 72 hours, making it harder for law enforcement or criminals using forensic tools to access data on those devices. Based on its language used in its security update, Apple hints that the attacks were most likely carried out with physical control of a person’s device, meaning whoever was abusing this flaw had to connect to the person’s Apple devices with a forensics device like Cellebrite or Graykey, two systems that allow law enforcement to unlock and access data stored on iPhones and other devices. The vulnerability was discovered by Bill Marczak, a senior researcher at the Citizen Lab, a University of Toronto group that investigates cyberattacks against civil society. Do you have more information about this flaw, or other iPhone zero-days and cyberattacks? From a non-work device, you can contact Lorenzo Franceschi-Bicchierai securely on Signal at [Visit our travel help center for real support], or via Telegram and Keybase @lorenzofb, or email. You also can contact TechCrunch via SecureDrop. Apple did not respond to a request for comment by press time. Marczak told TechCrunch that he couldn’t comment on the record at this point. It’s unclear at the moment who was responsible for abusing this flaw, and against whom it was used. But there have been documented cases in the past where law enforcement agencies have used forensic tools, which usually abuse zero-day flaws in devices like the iPhone, to unlock the devices and access the data inside. In December 2024, Amnesty International released a report documenting a series of attacks by Serbian authorities where they used Cellebrite to unlock the phones of activists and journalists in the country, and then install malware on them. Security researchers said that the Cellebrite forensic devices were likely used “widely” on individuals in civil society, according to Amnesty. Source link #Apple #fixes #iPhone #iPad #bug #extremely #sophisticated #attack Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump signs order shifting US back towards plastic straws – BBC.com Donald Trump signs order shifting US back towards plastic straws – BBC.com Donald Trump signs order shifting US back towards plastic straws BBC.com‘BACK TO PLASTIC!’: Why Trump is coming after paper straws again The Washington Post‘BACK TO PLASTIC’: Trump Vows to Keep the Government on Plastic Straws The New York TimesDonald Trump sides with plastic over paper in the straw wars USA TODAY Source link #Donald #Trump #signs #order #shifting #plastic #straws #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

OnlyFans star Anna Polly falls to her death from eighth-floor hotel balcony in Brazil while filming threesome OnlyFans star Anna Polly falls to her death from eighth-floor hotel balcony in Brazil while filming threesome An OnlyFans star has fallen to her death from a hotel balcony while filming a kinky threesome. Anna Polly was with three men in a room on the eighth floor of the Mont Blanc Apart Hotel in Nova Iguacu in Brazil when she slipped while climbing onto the railing. The risque influencer, who had a big following in South America, and the men had been drinking and had taken drugs minutes before the tragedy on January 23. Police said that Polly — real name Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves — was in the hotel shooting sex scenes with two of the men. Camera IconAnna Polly fell to her death while filming a threesome. Credit: InstagramCamera IconThe Mont Blanc Apart Hotel in Nova Iguacu in Brazil. Credit: Google Maps At the time of the 27-tear-old’s death, police said it was a complex case and did not rule out any possibility. However, authorities this week ruled her death accidental. Polly’s boyfriend Pedro Henrique posted on social media that she was buried on January 25. “It’s so difficult without you,” he said. “‘As the hours pass it’s starting to sink in and the hole in my heart is only getting *******.” A friend of Polly’s said: “She had loads of plans, she wanted to expand her presence on social media and she always spoke enthusiastically about her future projects. ‘This news has left everyone stunned.” Camera IconAnna Polly, real name Anna Beatriz Pereira Alves. Credit: Instagram Source link #OnlyFans #star #Anna #Polly #falls #death #eighthfloor #hotel #balcony #Brazil #filming #threesome Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

If You Have an iPhone, You Should Download iOS 18.3.1 Right Now If You Have an iPhone, You Should Download iOS 18.3.1 Right Now Tech Tips Apple released iOS 18.3.1 on Monday, a few weeks after the company released iOS 18.3. While that update tweaked a few iPhones features, like for AI summaries, the latest update patches an issue that Apple said might have been actively exploited in an “extremely sophisticated attack.” Therefore, everyone should download the update now. You can download the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update, tapping Update Now and following the prompts on your screen. Read more: An Expert’s Guide to iOS 18 According to Apple’s release notes, iOS 18.3.1 patches a security issue where a third-party could disable USB Restricted Mode on a locked device. Apple/Screenshot by CNET When enabled, USB Restricted Mode prevents USB accessories from connecting to your iPhone via the Lightning port if it’s been locked for more than an hour. According to NordVPN, this feature can help prevent others from accessing your data, and it can block hacking tools that connect to your Lightning port. Apple said this issue might have been used against specific individuals. While you may not be the intended target, you should still download the update now to ensure you have the most protection available for you and your data. For more on iOS 18, here’s what you need to know about iOS 18.3 and iOS 18.2. You can also check out our iOS 18 cheat sheet. Source link #iPhone #Download #iOS #18.3.1 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hong Kong will file complaint to WTO on U.S. tariffs, official says Hong Kong will file complaint to WTO on U.S. tariffs, official says The headquarters of the World Trade Organization in Geneva on Feb. 5, 2024. Fabrice Coffrini | Afp | Getty Images Hong Kong will file a complaint on recent U.S. tariffs imposed on the city to the World Trade Organization, claiming the U.S. has completely ignored the city’s status as a separate customs territory, chief secretary Eric Chan said on Tuesday. “This is absolutely inconsistent with the WTO rules. Of course, they have totally disregarded Hong Kong is a separate customs territory,” Chan, the China-ruled city’s number two official, told reporters. “We will file a complaint to the WTO regarding this unreasonable arrangement,” he said without giving specifics. Chan was responding to a U.S. decision to impose 10% tariffs on goods from the Asian financial hub as U.S. President Donald Trump targets ******** imports. The U.S. Postal Service last week suspended all inbound mail and packages from China and Hong Kong, then reversed that decision soon afterwards. The move to stop accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong had caused chaos and confusion among retailers and express shipping firms over how to deal with the U.S. tariffs. “All I can say is the policies are mercurial,” said Chan. Trump’s move also included closing the “de minimis” duty exemption for packages valued at under $800, with the stated aim of stopping the flow of fentanyl and precursor chemicals into the United States. Hong Kong has long been known as a free and open trading hub, but China’s imposition on Hong Kong of a sweeping national security law in 2020 drew criticism from the U.S. and led it to end the former British colony’s special status under U.S. law, escalating tensions between China and the U.S. The U.S. subsequently stipulated that goods made in Hong Kong for export to the U.S. needed to be labelled as made in China, ending one of Hong Kong’s longstanding competitive advantages as a trading hub. Source link #Hong #Kong #file #complaint #WTO #U.S #tariffs #official Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Judge Rules That Trump Administration Defied Order to Unfreeze Billions in Federal Grants – The New York Times Judge Rules That Trump Administration Defied Order to Unfreeze Billions in Federal Grants – The New York Times Judge Rules That Trump Administration Defied Order to Unfreeze Billions in Federal Grants The New York TimesFederal judge says Trump administration ignoring his order to pause funding freeze PBS NewsHourThe Courts Blocked Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze. Agencies Are Withholding Money Anyway. ProPublica Source link #Judge #Rules #Trump #Administration #Defied #Order #Unfreeze #Billions #Federal #Grants #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kai playing it cool as Lions dance into title defence Kai playing it cool as Lions dance into title defence Kai Lohmann has promised not to curb the “carry on” even though the re-signed Brisbane Lions premiership star reckons he’s grown up quickly since inking his last AFL deal. The 21-year-old has extended his contract for a further two seasons, until the end of 2027. Injuries in the forward line allowed Lohmann the chance to shine in 2024, kicking 36 goals in 27 games. Four of those came in the grand final, Lohmann’s early influence telling in the 60-point rout of Sydney. Most of those 36 majors were celebrated emphatically, Lohmann often running to good mate Darcy Wilmot or forward-line partner Charlie Cameron as part of the theatrics. On Tuesday Lohmann revealed Cameron’s guidance extended beyond the playing field and let slip he would debut a new song – Boney M’s 1976 hit Daddy Cool – after his goals at the Gabba this year. “It’s a bit catchy, a bit of a TikTok song at the moment a few fans sent it to me,” Lohmann smiled. “They’ll (the celebrations) never go; shout out to Charlie how he’s always sending me TikToks of dances and stuff. “So expect a bit this year. “I’m a little bit more mature, but I carry on a bit still. “I’m someone who is always himself, but I think I’ve grown up over the last few months.” The Victorian had played just eight games in his first two seasons at the Lions and wasn’t in the top side when he recommitted during the 2023 finals series. That leap of faith had immediate dividends, Lohmann citing his apprenticeship under Cameron and Lincoln McCarthy as key reasons to remain in Brisbane. “I wasn’t playing, was a little bit homesick but the club’s been great and now it feels like home and it’s an easy decision,” he said. “They’ve (Cameron and McCarthy) been huge; coming in and learning off them, seeing how they work. “I watch vision with, learn stuff on the track. “He’s (Cameron) a special player, special person and I love the energy he brings to the group. “I love celebrating with him and carrying on, as we tend to do.” Lohmann knows there will be a target on his back after the breakout campaign and has challenged himself to string together his best football more often as the Lions attempt to defend their title. Source link #Kai #playing #cool #Lions #dance #title #defence Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Rep. Nancy Mace accuses ex-fiancé, associates of assaulting her, raping others in House speech Rep. Nancy Mace accuses ex-fiancé, associates of assaulting her, raping others in House speech CHAPIN, S.C. (AP) — Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina on Monday used a nearly hour-long speech on the U.S. House floor to accuse her ex-fiancé of physically abusing her, recording sex acts with her and others without their consent, and conspiring with business associates in acts of ***** and ******* misconduct. Mace said she was speaking out because her home state’s top prosecutor didn’t take action even after she alerted investigators. That same prosecutor is likely to be Mace’s opponent if she runs for governor of South Carolina in 2026, which she is considering. Saying she was going “scorched earth,” Mace detailed how, in November 2023, she says she “accidentally uncovered some of the most heinous crimes against women imaginable. We’re talking about *****, non-consensual photos, non-consensual videos of women and underage girls, and the premeditated, calculated exploitation of women and girls in my district.” Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Mace mentioned four men as being involved, including Charleston-area businessman Patrick Bryant, who was her fiancé until 2023 and went door-to-door stumping for her during her 2022 reelection campaign. The AP wasn’t able to independently verify Mace’s claims. Bryant told AP: “I categorically deny these allegations. I take this matter seriously and will cooperate fully with any necessary legal processes to clear my name.” Mace accused South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson of slow-walking any investigation of Bryant and the other men after she brought the photos and video to state authorities. “Did South Carolina’s attorney general have any of these predators indicted after being provided clear cut-and-dry evidence including video, photos and witnesses?” Mace asked, noting that her office had stood up a tip line for anyone with information on the allegations. In a statement after Mace’s speech, Wilson’s office called her comments regarding the prosecutor’s conduct “categorically false” and said the office “has not received any reports or requests for assistance from any law enforcement or prosecution agencies regarding these matters.” Mace, a former South Carolina state House member, was the first woman to graduate from The Citadel, the state’s military college, where her father then served as commandant of cadets. Briefly serving in the state House, in 2020 she became the first Republican woman elected to represent South Carolina in Congress, flipping the 1st District after a single term with a Democratic representative. Her decision to air the allegations in a floor speech was unusual. In a release, Mace stressed that members’ statements on the House floor “are quintessential ‘legislative acts’” and thereby protected by the “speech or debate” clause, which generally protects lawmakers from being sued for what they say. “This isn’t a story about bitter ex-girlfriends or consensual sex tapes — there are plenty of those. I don’t care what two consenting adults agree to do,” Mace said. She mentioned a dozen bills on which she had worked in the House, on topics ranging from stopping voyeurism to banning transgender women from using women’s bathrooms at the U.S. Capitol or House office buildings. In 2019, Mace spoke publicly for the first time about a ******* assault she said had occurred more than two decades earlier, addressing South Carolina legislative colleagues in advocating for adding a ***** and ******* exception to a state House ban on all abortions after detection of a fetal heartbeat. On Monday, Mace said she was joined in the House gallery by several women she said had been victimized by Bryant and the other men. Among the Republican lawmakers who sat behind Mace during her speech to show their support were Reps. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo, and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. “Nancy Mace is our friend and we wanted to support her and give her the encouragement she needed to get that message out,” Boebert said. Mace, 47, won a third U.S. House term in November and has said that she is “seriously considering” a 2026 run for South Carolina governor. If she enters that race, she will likely face Wilson — in his fourth term and also the son of Rep. Joe Wilson — in the Republican primary. Mace has largely supported President Donald Trump, working for his 2016 campaign but levying criticism against him following the Jan. 6, 2021, violence at the U.S. Capitol, critique that spurred Trump to back a GOP challenger in her 2022 race. Mace defeated that opponent, won reelection and was endorsed by Trump in her 2024 campaign. Mace declined additional comment to reporters in the Capitol after the speech. Asked how she felt now, she said: “I’m at peace.” ___ Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro and Kevin Freking contributed. Kinnard can be reached at Source link #Rep #Nancy #Mace #accuses #exfiancé #associates #assaulting #raping #House #speech Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk-led consortium offers $100bn to take control of OpenAI – Financial Times Elon Musk-led consortium offers $100bn to take control of OpenAI – Financial Times Elon Musk-led consortium offers $100bn to take control of OpenAI Financial TimesExclusive | Elon Musk-Led Group Makes $97.4 Billion Bid for Control of OpenAI The Wall Street JournalElon Musk Leads $97.4 Billion Bid to Control OpenAI The New York TimesElon Musk reportedly offers $97.4B for OpenAI. Sam Altman says ‘no thank you’ Yahoo FinanceAltman Says ‘No Thank You’ to Musk-Led Group’s OpenAI Bid Bloomberg Source link #Elon #Muskled #consortium #offers #100bn #control #OpenAI #Financial #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Albany RSL to commemorate *********** Defence Force service in the last 50 years for second year running Albany RSL to commemorate *********** Defence Force service in the last 50 years for second year running In February 2024, the Albany RSL held its first service to recognise all forms of *********** Defence Force service in the past 50 years. The service was the idea of newly appointed RSL president Rex Hendriks, and was extremely successful. As a result of this, a second service will be held on Saturday, and will incorporates some upgrades to the original service. For example, this week’s service will be held at 5pm instead of earlier in the day. This will allow those wishing to attend from other parts of the State to travel to Albany during the day, attend the service and function after the service, and return to various home locations on Sunday. As such, disruptions to work should be minimised for most attendees. The service is designed to recognise all forms of ADF service, essentially since the mid-1970s. Although there are various services held to commemorate various deployments overseas, many who served have no formal recognition of their time in uniform in the last half-century. Some examples of this are the naval patrols regularly conducted in the *********** sphere of interest and further afield, as well as Royal *********** Air Force members also conducting the very same tasks by air. Further examples are the ongoing deployment of army members to Malaysia to the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base Butterworth, near Penang, to protect *********** RAAF assets in the base area. These deployments have been conducted since 1973, with about 20,000 army personnel undertaking the three-month rotations. Initially, these were only manned by regular soldiers. However, for a number of years, army reserve members have now formed a part of these deployments, giving them valuable training overseas. This, in turn ,very much highlights the value of part-time service in the navy, army or air force. In addition, the value of *********** contributions to peacekeeping operations since 1947, as well as humanitarian operations, cannot be understated The service on Saturday will be held at the Forts, starting at 5pm with a drumming display by the Air Force cadets from the Albany 705 Squadron commencing at 4.30pm. The service is scheduled to run for about an hour and followed by a public function at the Albany RSL. All are welcome to attend the service and function to commemorate all ADF service in the last half-century. Queries can be directed to Albany RSL services director Michael Tugwell on 0421 647 301 or by emailing [email protected]. Source link #Albany #RSL #commemorate #*********** #Defence #Force #service #years #year #running Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Housing restrictions for transgender college students approved by Utah Legislature Housing restrictions for transgender college students approved by Utah Legislature SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Transgender college students in Utah will be prohibited from living in dorms consistent with their gender identity, under a bill that cleared its final legislative hurdle Monday. The state House, which had already passed the measure, again approved it with small tweaks following a heated Senate debate in which one Republican told trans people, “If you don’t fit in, then that’s your own fault.” It now heads to the desk of Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, who has expressed support for the restrictions. Spokesperson Robert Carroll said the governor will closely examine the bill, which passed with veto-proof margins in both chambers. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Under the bill, students at the state’s public colleges and universities can only enter or live in a gendered space, such as a dorm building, locker room or bathroom, that corresponds with their sex assigned at birth. Transgender students can otherwise live in single rooms in coed dorm buildings. The bill goes a step beyond existing laws in Utah and 11 other states that bar transgender girls and women from women’s bathrooms at public schools, and in some cases other government facilities. It would be the first transgender restriction explicitly aimed at university housing, though some states have broad laws that could be interpreted to apply to dorms. Bathroom laws are in effect in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah. Ohio’s will take effect Feb. 25. A judge has placed enforcement on hold in Idaho. Republican legislative leaders pledged to address campus housing after a mother’s viral social media post called out a Utah university for not providing prior notice that her daughter would have a trans suitemate. Utah State University sophomore Marcie Robertson, a transgender woman, was assigned to be the resident assistant for a women’s dorm and share a suite with freshman Avery Saltzman. After learning of Robertson’s identity, Saltzman requested and received a room transfer, then her mom posted about it online. Robertson told lawmakers during a recent committee hearing that life has been “excruciating” since the online attention led to harassment and death threats. But she said it has been most painful to see legislation target her specifically. Saltzman testified that current policies allowing a trans woman to be placed in her dorm made her feel uncomfortable. Female students, she said, have to decide whether to “put ourselves at risk” or face social stigma for refusing to live with a trans person. The bill’s Republican sponsor, Rep. Stephanie Gricius of Eagle Mountain, said it’s needed to support the privacy needs of female students. Rep. Sahara Hayes, a Millcreek Democrat and Utah’s only out LGBTQ+ lawmaker, said no one’s privacy has been violated more than Robertson’s. This is the fourth straight year, she said, that the Republican supermajority has pushed legislation aimed at Utah’s tiny transgender population. In 2022, Utah banned transgender girls from playing girls school sports. A judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of the ban and scheduled a trial for this spring. In 2023, the state banned gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. And last year, Cox signed the bathroom ban into law. “The LGBTQ community is so tired,” Hayes said through tears on the House floor. “We are so tired of being scared every year when this body meets because we don’t know how we’re going to be targeted. It’s starting to feel inevitable.” In the Senate, Sen. David Hinkins shared how he was once booted from housing approved by Brigham Young University, the Utah private school run by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for smoking and drinking alcohol in violation of the rules. The Republican from Ferron then found other housing, which he said is the appropriate action for someone who can’t follow rules or social expectations. In a remark clearly aimed at the trans people affected by the bill, he said only they are to blame if they don’t fit in. Sen. Daniel Thatcher of West Valley City was the only Republican from either chamber to oppose the bill. He criticized his colleagues for repeatedly passing legislation that he said harms a small group of vulnerable people. This bill, he said, is just an invitation for another lawsuit. Source link #Housing #restrictions #transgender #college #students #approved #Utah #Legislature Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kanye West thanks Elon Musk for letting him 'vent' on X, but the billionaire removed his account. Why? – The Times of India Kanye West thanks Elon Musk for letting him 'vent' on X, but the billionaire removed his account. Why? – The Times of India Kanye West thanks Elon Musk for letting him ‘vent’ on X, but the billionaire removed his account. Why? The Times of IndiaBianca Censori Rep Denies Cry for Help After Husband Kanye West’s Hate-Filled Tirade Hollywood ReporterKanye West dramatically quits X after Super Bowl jab at Taylor Swift New York Post Source link #Kanye #West #Elon #Musk #letting #039vent039 #billionaire #removed #account #Times #India Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump tariffs could boost case for rate cut: economists Trump tariffs could boost case for rate cut: economists Even if Australia is exempted from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, the indirect impact of a global trade war on the domestic economy is likely to be larger than any imposts on exports. With steel and aluminium exports to the US making up just 0.03 per cent of Australia’s GDP, the 25 per cent tariffs signed by Mr Trump on Tuesday AEDT would have a “trivial” macro-economic impact, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said. “While it would be horrible for the affected industries … the main threat to Australia would come via Trump’s tariffs leading to less global trade and a hit to ******** and global GDP, weighing on demand for our exports and hence our GDP,” Dr Oliver said. The trade war has arguably added to the risk of a recession but the impacts would likely be offset by other things, such as tax cuts and deregulation in the US, along with central bank rate cuts and lower currencies in other countries. “If we are right and the average US tariff rate is capped below 10 per cent of US imports, then the hit to global and *********** economic growth should be contained to around 0.5 per cent, which is not enough to drive a recession,” Dr Oliver said. He said the downside threat to growth posed by the tariffs outweighed the upside threat to inflation, so added to the case for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates next week. NAB senior economist Taylor Nugent did not expect the tariffs to have much of a bearing on the RBA’s policy making until and unless a negative impact to growth becomes more obvious. The *********** dollar has fallen against the greenback as a result of the tariff threats, which would act as a shock absorber to lowering global demand for *********** exports by making them more price competitive. However, a weaker *********** dollar could also result in greater imported inflation, as the relative cost of overseas goods increases. “While the depreciation of the *********** dollar is putting some upward pressure on inflation, the prospect of trade diversion in global manufacturing capacity is a competing force that may ultimately prove disinflationary,” Mr Nugent said. ANZ commodity strategists Daniel Hynes and Soni Kumari did not expect a big impact on *********** steel exports to the US, but the tariffs could weigh on China’s steel exports and weaken iron ore demand. Treasurer Jim Chalmers said his department had modelled the impacts of potential US tariffs on the *********** economy directly and as a result of a trade war between the US and China, but not the specific implications of a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminium. “We’re confident that we can navigate them,” Dr Chalmers told reporters. “We are well placed and well prepared to deal with announcements coming out of D.C., and part of that effort is engaging directly, as the prime minister has this morning, with President Trump.” Source link #Trump #tariffs #boost #case #rate #cut #economists Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Husband sues after wife and son, 8, allegedly die from food poisoning at upscale resort Husband sues after wife and son, 8, allegedly die from food poisoning at upscale resort A ********* man is suing a resort in the Dominican Republic after his wife and 8-year-old son died from food poisoning he claims they contracted from the hotel’s buffet. On Jan. 27, Stephen Gougeon, 38, filed a wrongful death lawsuit seeking nearly $7 million that alleges his wife, 41-year-old April Gougeon, 41, and his son, Oliver, died within 24 hours of arriving at the Viva Dominicus Beach at Wyndham Resort, according to court papers obtained by Law & Crime. The lawsuit lists Wyndham Hotels and Air Transat as defendants. “We planned this trip so our family could get some rest and relaxation. The thought that something like this could happen was the furthest thing from our minds,” Gougeon said in a statement shared by his lawyer. Gougeon told The New York Times that the tragedy has left him broken. “I don’t think I’ll ever recover. I’ve lost my wife, who I loved so much, and my son, who was just such a beautiful person and who I was so looking forward to seeing grow up,” he said. A spokesperson for Air Transat issued a statement in the wake of the lawsuit, saying the company was “deeply saddened” by the deaths, but it rejects the allegations, according to People magazine. “At the time of these events, we supported the Gougeon family,” the statement said. “In such cases, we act with diligence, prudence, and compassion, making every effort to assist our clients. Moreover, we choose our suppliers with great care and the hotel operator has assured us of its full cooperation with the authorities in shedding light on these tragic deaths.” The Independent has requested comment from Wyndham Hotels and Resorts and Air Transat. According to the lawsuit, the family ate at a buffet at the Wyndham Resort in late December. They then got sick, prompting them to visit the resort’s on-site clinic, but their conditions worsened. April and Oliver died at nearby hospitals. A coroner’s report determined they died from secondary causes related to food poisoning, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the food preparations were not sufficiently sanitary, that the family did not receive timely medical evaluation and treatment, and that the resort’s staff were not properly trained to identify and respond to emergencies. “We called asking for help,” Stephen Gougeon said. “They did not take our call seriously, did not follow up on our request for medical help, and did not check in on us. When they finally responded after our further plea, there appeared to be confusion about how to handle the situation. These delays cost precious time that could have been used to treat our illness. And in the end, it cost my wife and my son their lives.” The attorney representing the family, Meghan Hull Jacquin, told Law & Crime that the Gougeon family was “failed on so many levels.” “Tens of thousands of Canadians purchase these all-inclusive packages each year thinking a resort vacation is safe,” she said. “The Gougeons are taking action against the companies whose negligence allowed this to happen, not only to get answers and realize a sense of justice for themselves, but to shine light on these events, effect change in the failed processes and procedures and ideally protect other vacationers from having to experience anything similar.” Source link #Husband #sues #wife #son #allegedly #die #food #poisoning #upscale #resort Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 for Starlink satellite mission from Vandenberg SFB – KGET 17 SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 for Starlink satellite mission from Vandenberg SFB – KGET 17 SpaceX to launch Falcon 9 for Starlink satellite mission from Vandenberg SFB KGET 17Live coverage: SpaceX to launch 23 Starlink satellites on Falcon 9 rocket from California Spaceflight NowSpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-18 Kennedy Space CenterWhat Was That Orb In The Sky Above SoCal? PatchUPDATE: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch from VSFB pushed back to Monday evening KSBY News Source link #SpaceX #launch #Falcon #Starlink #satellite #mission #Vandenberg #SFB #KGET Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Major parties bunker down ahead of federal election Major parties bunker down ahead of federal election Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton are issuing calls to action during final parliamentary sittings as they prepare to face off in the looming federal election. Source link #Major #parties #bunker #ahead #federal #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Strange New Cosmic Explosion May Have Just Been Discovered A Strange New Cosmic Explosion May Have Just Been Discovered A bizarre cosmic explosion has puzzled astronomers. It’s either a very rare case of the stars aligning just right (literally) – or something powerful never seen before. The event is designated EP240408a, as it was first detected by the Einstein Probe, an X-ray space telescope, on 8 April 2024. At a glance, it appeared to be a run-of-the-mill gamma ray burst, which typically emits bright X-rays too. But when an all-star cast of telescopes observed it in a range of wavelengths, including ultraviolet, optical, near-infrared, radio, X-rays, and gamma rays, they found that it didn’t quite match any particular known type of event. The current leading explanation, according to a new study, is that it’s the death throes of a white dwarf being torn apart by a medium-sized ****** hole. This created a high-speed jet of material that, as luck would have it, is pointing directly at Earth. “EP240408a ticks some of the boxes for several different kinds of phenomena, but it doesn’t tick all the boxes for anything,” says Brendan O’Connor, astronomer at Carnegie Mellon University and lead author of the study. “In particular, the short duration and high luminosity are hard to explain in other scenarios. The alternative is that we are seeing something entirely new!” An artist’s impression of a tidal disruption event, as a ****** hole devours a star. (C. Carreau/ESA) The Universe is ablaze with transient events – energetic flashes caused by outbursts from stars and ****** holes, stars exploding as supernovae, stars being devoured by ****** holes, and all kinds of other cosmic drama. Astronomers can figure out what each event is by its duration, frequency, source, and the specific combination of wavelengths it emits. After its discovery by the Einstein Probe, EP240408a was observed by a squad of other ground- and space-based telescopes, including the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), Swift, Gemini, Keck, the Dark Energy Camera (DECam), the Very Large Array (VLA), the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), and the Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER). Armed with this data, astronomers pieced together the event’s properties – but that only deepened the mystery. EP240408a flared up in soft X-rays for the first 10 seconds, plateaued at a steady glow for about four days, then faded quickly within another day. That’s much longer than most gamma-ray bursts, which last up to several hours, but not long enough to fit into other known categories. Its brightness in X-rays was in a similar reverse-Goldilocks zone: too bright for some phenomena and not bright enough for others. Weirdest of all, the VLA saw no sign of radio emission from the source when it checked 11 days, 158 days, and 258 days after the initial flare-up. “When we see something this bright for this long in X-rays, it usually has an extremely luminous radio counterpart,” says O’Connor. “And here we see nothing, which is very peculiar.” After ruling out several possible explanations, such as quasars or the mysterious fast blue optical transients, the astronomers put forward the most likely culprit: a tidal disruption event (TDE). These are flashes of light thrown off when ****** holes messily gobble up stars. In rare cases, TDEs produce huge jets of material that blast off from the ****** hole’s poles. These can, by chance, point straight towards Earth, which produces the signature seen. The characteristics of the signal suggest that specifically, it was an intermediate-mass ****** hole chowing down on a white dwarf star. The thing is, there should still be some radio emissions from a jetted TDE. The team’s hypothesis for why none have been found so far is that the event was caught too early – previous research suggests that it can take hundreds or even thousands of days for jet material to slow down enough to begin beaming radio signals. If future observations do detect radio emissions, this could close the case on EP240408a. But if it stays silent, it could mean it’s a particularly weird gamma-ray burst – or perhaps a brand new type of transient. The research was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Related News Source link #Strange #Cosmic #Explosion #Discovered Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New strain of bird flu is detected in a Nevada dairy worker, CDC says – The Associated Press New strain of bird flu is detected in a Nevada dairy worker, CDC says – The Associated Press New strain of bird flu is detected in a Nevada dairy worker, CDC says The Associated PressNew version of bird flu infects Nevada dairy worker The Washington PostNew Strain of Bird Flu in Nevada Reveals a Concerning Mutation ScienceAlertBird flu confirmed in Nevada dairy worker The Hill Source link #strain #bird #flu #detected #Nevada #dairy #worker #CDC #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Private jets collide in Arizona, killing at least one Private jets collide in Arizona, killing at least one Two private jets collided at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona with at least one fatality, and others injured. Source link #Private #jets #collide #Arizona #killing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]