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New look Middle East had started to draw investors… and then came Trump – Reuters.com New look Middle East had started to draw investors… and then came Trump – Reuters.com New look Middle East had started to draw investors… and then came Trump Reuters.comA Paradigm Shift for the Middle East: How Trump Can Build on Israel’s Success and Keep Iran Off Balance Foreign Affairs MagazineMiddle East peace parliament: A Trump legacy for humanity The Jerusalem PostIran’s enduring role in a changing West Asia Tehran TimesSecurity in the Middle East – SITREP European Security & Defence Source link #Middle #East #started #draw #investors.. #Trump #Reuters.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The remarkably simple way hackers can access your phone The remarkably simple way hackers can access your phone At a secret location in Sydney, experts have revealed the terrifyingly simple way Australians are being fleeced more than any other country by scams. Source link #remarkably #simple #hackers #access #phone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Huge healthcare data breach exposes over 1 million Americans’ sensitive information Huge healthcare data breach exposes over 1 million Americans’ sensitive information The healthcare industry has recently been a major target for hackers. You might remember the 2024 Ascension attack, which led to significant disruptions. The Change Healthcare breach was also on a massive scale. UnitedHealth initially claimed that 100 million Americans were affected, but later raised that number to 190 million. There have been countless other incidents, and now you can add another to the list. Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC), a Connecticut-based federally qualified health center, has disclosed a data breach following a criminal cyberattack on its systems. The attack has affected over a million people in the U.S. Get Security Alerts, Expert Tips — Sign Up For Kurt’s Newsletter — The Cyberguy Report Here Community Health Center, Inc. (CHC) detected a data breach on Jan. 2 after identifying unusual activity within its computer systems. An investigation confirmed that a skilled hacker had accessed and extracted data but did not delete or lock any information. If CHC’s claims are accurate, this is a positive outcome, as hackers often deploy ransomware, a type of attack in which they lock systems and demand payment before restoring access. Read On The Fox News App In a regulatory filing with the Maine Attorney General’s Office, CHC said that 1,060,936 people were affected by the data breach. The type of information compromised varies depending on an individual’s relationship with CHC. Patient data that may have been accessed includes names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, diagnoses, treatment details, test results, Social Security numbers and health insurance information. What Is Artificial Intelligence (Ai)? For individuals who are not regular CHC patients but received COVID-19 services at a CHC clinic, the breached data may include names, dates of birth, phone numbers, email addresses, addresses, gender, race, ethnicity and insurance details if provided. Additional information, such as test dates, results and vaccine details, including type, dose and administration date, may also have been affected. In rare cases, Social Security numbers were also included in the breach. The organization did not disclose how the hackers gained access to the data or whether proper cybersecurity measures were in place at the time of the breach. While CHC has assured that its systems are no longer at risk, the same cannot be said for its patients, who may now be targets of various cyberattacks. The Hidden Costs Of Free Apps: Your Personal Information CHC said the hacker’s access was terminated within hours, and daily operations were not disrupted. To strengthen cybersecurity, CHC claims it has implemented advanced monitoring software and reinforced system protections. The organization said there is no evidence at this time that the compromised data has been misused. The health center is offering free identity theft protection services for all patients and COVID-19 service recipients whose Social Security numbers were involved in the breach. The organization is also encouraging individuals whose Social Security numbers were not affected to take additional steps to protect their information. How To Remove Your Private Data From The Internet 1. Remove your personal information from the internet: The breach has exposed sensitive personal data, making it essential to reduce your online footprint. While no service can guarantee complete data removal, a reputable data removal service can significantly limit your exposure. These services systematically monitor and erase your personal information from numerous websites and data brokers. Check out my top picks for data removal services here. 2. Be wary of mailbox communications: With addresses among the compromised data, scammers may exploit this breach to send fraudulent letters. Be aware of mail claiming missed deliveries, account suspensions or security alerts. Always verify the authenticity of such communications before responding or taking action. 3. Be cautious of phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software: Scammers may use your compromised email or phone number to target you with phishing attacks. Be wary of messages asking for personal information or containing suspicious links. To protect yourself, ensure strong antivirus software is installed on all your devices. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. 4. Monitor your accounts: Given the scope of this breach, regular monitoring of your bank accounts, credit card statements and other financial accounts is critical. Look for unauthorized transactions or suspicious activity, and report any issues immediately to your bank or credit card provider. 5. Recognize and report a Social Security scam: If your Social Security number is exposed, you could become a target for related scams. Official communication regarding Social Security issues usually comes via mail, not phone calls or emails. Learn more about spotting and reporting scams by visiting the Social Security Administration’s scam information page. 6. Invest in identity theft protection: Data breaches happen every day, and most never make the headlines, but with an identity theft protection service, you’ll be notified if and when you are affected. An identity theft protection service can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. It can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. One of the best parts of using an identity theft protection service is that it might include identity theft insurance of up to $1 million to cover losses and legal fees and a white glove fraud resolution team where a U.S.-based case manager helps you recover any losses. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft. Massive Security Flaw Puts Most Popular Browsers At Risk On Mac The CHC breach may not be as large as the UnitedHealth attack, but with over a million individuals affected, it’s still a serious incident. Cybercriminals can exploit stolen data in various ways, from identity theft to targeted phishing scams. While CHC has taken steps to secure its systems, those impacted should remain vigilant. Be wary of unexpected emails, calls or messages requesting personal information, and consider monitoring financial and medical accounts for any suspicious activity. Do you think these companies are doing enough to protect your data, and is the government doing enough to catch those behind cyberattacks? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover. Follow Kurt on his social channels for the latest tech tips and tricks: Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Original article source: Huge healthcare data breach exposes over 1 million Americans’ sensitive information Source link #Huge #healthcare #data #breach #exposes #million #Americans #sensitive #information Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump says he’s spoken with Putin as Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches third anniversary – CNN Trump says he’s spoken with Putin as Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches third anniversary – CNN Trump says he’s spoken with Putin as Russia’s war in Ukraine approaches third anniversary CNNTrump reveals he’s spoken with Putin by phone, says Russian president ‘wants to see people stop dying’ in Ukraine war New York Post Trump plans to meet with Zelenskyy as he looks to end Ukraine war Fox NewsUS Prepared to Ramp Up Sanctions on Putin: Trump’s Ukraine-Russia Envoy NewsweekRussia designates Register of Damage against Ukraine as undesirable organization. Kyiv Independent Source link #Trump #hes #spoken #Putin #Russias #war #Ukraine #approaches #anniversary #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aussies’ series sweep sealed in second Sri Lanka Test Aussies’ series sweep sealed in second Sri Lanka Test AUSTRALIA V SRI LANKA Day four of the second Warne-Muralidaran Trophy Test match in Galle, Sri Lanka SCORES: Sri Lanka 257 and 231, Australia 414 and 1-75 SUMMARY: Australia have confirmed their first Test series whitewash on the subcontinent since 2006 after claiming a nine-wicket victory on day four of the second Test in Galle. After going to stumps at 8-211 on day three, Sri Lanka lasted less than half an hour before being skittled for 231 on Sunday, only 74 runs ahead of the tourists. Travis Head (20) was caught behind halfway through the straightforward run chase, before fellow opener Usman Khawaja and under-fire No.3 Marnus Labuschagne shared an unbeaten 37-run stand that sealed victory. THE MOMENT: Sri Lanka would have liked their chances of making a game of things if they could have added 100 runs or so for the final two wickets, particularly given the tricks the Galle pitch played at times. But when a Kusal Mendis top edge sailed to Steve Smith in the slips from Nathan Lyon’s bowling, Sri Lanka were left without a recognised batter and limped to the finish. THE PLAYER: Under immense pressure to hold his spot with a glut of batting options available, Labuschagne (26no) looked as good as he has this series, forging the match-sealing partnership with Khawaja (27no). Two fours past cover were highlights for Labuschagne, who hit the winning run to square leg just before lunch. THE STAT: Holding on to Kusal in the slips, Smith became only the fifth man in Test cricket history to take 200 catches – outside of wicketkeepers. He is the only *********** to reach that mark, and could become the leader for the stat by the end of the calendar year. Retired Indian batter Rahul Dravid (210) heads the tally, though second-placed Joe Root (207) is still playing for England. Source link #Aussies #series #sweep #sealed #Sri #Lanka #Test Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

EvoCreo 2 opens pre-registration to the pixel-art monster-catching RPG on iOS and Android EvoCreo 2 opens pre-registration to the pixel-art monster-catching RPG on iOS and Android Over 300 monsters to collect More than 30 hours of gameplay No level cap on Creo monsters Ilmfinity Studios LLC has officially opened pre-registration sign-ups for EvoCreo 2, the studio’s well-loved monster-taming RPG in iOS and Android. With over 300 monsters to collect and more than 30 hours of gameplay to keep you busy, it’s no wonder the announcement trailer on YouTube has already garnered over 6,000 views as of this writing – that’s just one day after it was uploaded on the site. With Pokemon getting much of the spotlight recently – even more so with the success of Pokemon TCG Pocket – I’m not surprised how a monster-collecting RPG inspired by the Nintendo classic could be a big hit. Here, it seems that you have the open world of Shoru just waiting to be explored across a variety of biomes, and what’s especially interesting to me is that there’s apparently no level cap for the creatures called Creo that you add to your roster. This means you can level them up and evolve them as you wish, then duke it out with other trainers as a fresh-faced recruit in the Shoru Police Academy. Of course, the narrative doesn’t seem to fall by the wayside here, as you’ll also have to get to the bottom of the disappearing Creo monsters, all while going through missions, alliances, and an ancient threat on the rise. Even cooler is that you can play this pixel-art adventure without an internet connection, so if you’ve always had a penchant for catching monsters while you’re off the grid, now’s your chance. In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by pre-registering for EvoCreo 2 on the App Store and on Google Play. You can also join the community of followers on the official Instagram page to stay updated on all the latest developments, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #EvoCreo #opens #preregistration #pixelart #monstercatching #RPG #iOS #Android Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus’ ‘We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus’ The disclosure that dairy herds in Nevada have been infected by a version of the H5N1 bird flu not previously seen in cows, has put virologists and researchers on high alert. Among other things, the news from the Nevada Department of Agriculture, suggests that driving the virus out of the U.S. cattle population won’t be nearly as simple as federal officials once suggested—or perhaps hoped. On Friday came a second and potentially more serious blow: A technical brief by the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that the genotype, known as D1.1, contains a genetic mutation that may help the virus more easily copy itself in mammals—including humans. This D1.1 version of the virus is the same variant that killed a man in Louisiana and left a ********* teen hospitalized in critical condition. It is not the B3.13 genotype widely found in sick cattle dating to early last year. “This can be of significant concern if this virus continues to spread among cows and infects more people,” immunologist and former federal health official Rick Bright tells Fortune. “This mutation has not been associated with improved human transmission, so there are no telling signs of enhanced spread yet. But when this virus gets into people, it is ready to cause a much more serious disease than the (B3.13) virus that has been circulating in cows before now. “We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus,” Bright adds. “And we still are not doing everything possible to prevent it or reduce the impact if it hits.” The D1.1 genotype has been detected in wild birds in all North American flyways, as well as mammals and poultry, so it isn’t surprising that it’s made the leap to cows. But its newfound presence in the Nevada dairy herds is considered by many virologists to mark a sort of inflection point in the spread of H5N1, and it could spell more trouble for humans going forward. “Given the fact that D1.1 seems to be more virulent in humans, this could indicate a major change in terms of public health risks from the earlier scenario with the B3.13 strain,” veterinary science pioneer Juergen Richt, a former director at the National Institutes of Health, tells Fortune. In response to an emailed series of questions, a spokesperson for the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the agency still deems the risk to human health for the general public to be low. “However, people with close, prolonged, or unprotected exposures to infected birds or other animals (including livestock), or to environments contaminated by infected birds or other animals, are at greater risk of infection,” the spokesperson said. The USDA on Friday noted that although the Nevada cattle did not display clinical signs of infection prior to its detection via testing, such signs have since been reported, along with die-offs of a large number of wild birds near the affected dairies. Should humans be taking more precautions? What is the scope of the risk? And are there mitigating actions that should already be in place on America’s farms and dairies? The urgency of those questions suggests that in the coming weeks, an absolute premium should be placed upon the timely dissemination of information and testing updates from the federal sources upon which researchers and health officials often rely. But that information flow is no longer to be taken for granted. On Jan. 21, under orders from the Trump administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) placed a freeze on almost all external communications, including documents and health guidance, until a Trump-appointed official could be installed and approve them. Such a move is not unprecedented, but when the information freeze blew past its Feb. 1 deadline without being fully lifted, Democratic leaders began crying foul. One important casualty of that action was the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. The MMWR, as it’s known, is a critical source of information on public health issues. The MMWR failed to publish for the first time in more than sixty years on January 23rd and again on January 30th. Publication did resume on February 6th, but there was no mention of bird flu nor any information about the three H5N1 studies which were scheduled to be published in January according to the Washington Post. Further, per the Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to eliminate the jobs of thousands of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees. Senior public-health officials are reportedly being told to rank employees based on how critical their roles are. Depending upon where those cuts land across the various agencies of the department, practices like tracing bird-flu outbreaks and approving new drugs could be affected. And Trump’s nominee to run HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in 2023 said he’d tell federal health scientists, “Thank you for your public service. We’re going to give [studying] infectious diseases a break for about eight years.” These developments have ramped up the concern of scientists and researchers tracking the spread of H5N1, which, according to the CDC, has now infected 959 dairy herds in the U.S. and been responsible for the death of 156 million poultry, sending the price of eggs to record highs because of scarce supply. Researchers are also loudly asking whether dairy workers should be vaccinated using existing supplies from the federal stock of bird flu vaccine, and whether personal protective equipment should become mandatory on dairy farms and egg-laying facilities for frontline workers. This all comes back to the timely flow of information and communication—and, experts say, it is being throttled at a critical moment. “This is chilling but not at all surprising, given the gag put on scientists and the manipulation of scientific communication in 2020 at the start of the COVID pandemic,” says Bright, a vaccine researcher who filed a whistleblower complaint against the Trump administration in 2020 and has been urging health officials for months to ramp up testing and precautions around bird flu. “When it happened in 2020,” Bright says, “it slowed the response, sowed distrust in science and public health, and as a consequence many more people died during that time. It is horrifying that lessons were not learned, and we find ourselves in the same or worse situation–not only on H5N1, but on numerous ongoing outbreaks in the U.S.” A Nevada official tells Fortune that the new cases of D1.1 in cows were traced to dairy farms in Churchill County, with six herds placed under quarantine. Previously, the state’s agriculture director, J.J. Goicoechea, told Reuters, “We obviously aren’t doing everything we can and everything we should, or the virus wouldn’t be getting in.” Goicoechea said Nevada farmers needed to follow “good animal health safety practices and bolster biosecurity measures” for their animals. Where does this all leave humans? According to University of Saskatchewan virologist Angela Rasmussen, the development in Nevada doesn’t directly increase the likelihood of human-to-human transmission, but rather “increases risk of zoonotic human cases—that is, from cows to farmworkers. Beyond that, it is D1.1’s ability to mutate (perhaps in ways B3.13 has not mutated) that concerns researchers. That adaptability may allow the virus to more easily spread from person to person. “This new genotype of H5N1 virus, D1.1 was associated with more severe illness and death in the few known human infections,” Bright says. “It (the Nevada case) is a significant event, because we now know how easily H5N1 viruses can spread among dairy cows, from farm to farm, jump from milk to other mammals, including mice and cats, and even infect people.” Federal health agencies have taken “some positive steps” in recent months to increase testing via a National Milk Testing Strategy, and of testing and subtyping influenza in people, says James Lawler, director of the University of Nebraska’s Global Center for Health Security. “To better control risk, however, we should aggressively ramp up testing and isolation of affected dairy herds and animals, facilitate more widespread surveillance and testing in people, and accelerate vaccine development and production,” Lawler says. Clinicians also need to know that the virus is circulating, Bright says, and to “test for influenza, not guess.” Scott Hensley, a viral immunologist at the University of Pennsylvania, agrees. “We need to closely monitor D1.1 viruses because they have already shown the ability to adapt and cause severe disease in humans,” Hensley says. “Our H5N1 vaccine stocks are well matched to the D1.1 viruses and would likely provide high levels of protection—we need to ramp up H5N1 vaccine production in case these viruses evolve to spread from human to human.” In the meantime, Richt says, people need to avoid drinking raw milk, which might contain live virus from infected dairy cows, wash their hands often and report influenza-like illnesses, presumably so that tests can be run. States may follow the lead of California, where the governor declared a bird flu emergency and health officials have facilitated the distribution of millions of pieces of personal protective equipment to farmworkers. Every effort to contain the virus, though, ultimately will depend to a tremendous extent on the distribution of accurate and timely information—and a government and health community that commits to fighting bird flu and its concerning strains. “There is a lot that we do not know about D1.1. viruses, and we will all be working overtime to learn more in the coming days and weeks,” Hensley says. It is the mass sharing of what experts learn that will be most critical in the fight. More on bird flu: This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #closer #pandemic #virus Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Speaking English Using Only Greek Words: Zolotas’ Historic Speech Speaking English Using Only Greek Words: Zolotas’ Historic Speech Speaking English Using Only Greek Words: Zolotas’ Historic Speech to world bankers. Public domain Many Greeks recall the speeches in English — peppered with Greek-origin words and phrases — given by economist and politician Xenophon Zolotas in the late 1950s. Zolotas was director of the Bank of Greece when he appeared in front of an audience at an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development conference in 1959. He delivered two speeches in English using almost all Greek words to emphasize the wealth of the Greek language and the fact that countless Greek words enrich English. Greek remains a language which greatly enriches international scientific discourse; more than any other, it is the language which developed, shaped and expressed the beginning of most scientific theories, philosophical thoughts, and literature in most of the modern-day languages of the Western world. Zolotas’ English-Greek speech delivered on Oct. 2, 1959 Kyrie, It is Zeus’ anathema on our epoch and the heresy of our economic method and policies that we should agonize the Skylla of nomismatic plethora and the Charybdis of economic anaemia. It is not my idiosyncrasy to be ironic or sarcastic but my diagnosis would be that politicians are rather cryptoplethorists. Although they emphatically stigmatize numismatic plethora, they energize it through their tactics and practices. Our policies should be based more on economic and less on political criteria. Our gnomon has to be a metron between economic strategic and philanthropic scopes. In an epoch characterized by monopolies, oligopolies, monopolistic antagonism and polymorphous inelasticities, our policies have to be more orthological, but this should not be metamorphosed into plethorophobia, which is endemic among academic economists. Numismatic symmetry should not antagonize economic acme. A greater harmonization between the practices of the economic and numismatic archons is basic. Parallel to this we have to synchronize and harmonize more and more our economic and numismatic policies panethnically. These scopes are more practicable now, when the prognostics of the political end economic barometer are halcyonic. The history of our didimus organization on this sphere has been didactic and their gnostic practices will always be a tonic to the polyonymous and idiomorphous ethnical economies. The genesis of the programmed organization will dynamize these policies. Therefore, I sympathize, although not without criticism one or two themes with the apostles and the hierarchy of our organs in their zeal to program orthodox economic and numismatic policies. I apologize for having tyranized you with my Hellenic phraseology. In my epilogue I emphasize my eulogy to the philoxenous aytochtons of this cosmopolitan metropolis and my encomium to you Kyrie, the stenographers. Born in Athens on 26 April 1904, Zolotas studied economics at the University of Athens, and later studied at the Leipzig University in Germany and the University of Paris in France Zolotas was director of the Bank of Greece in 1944–1945, 1955–1967 (when he resigned in protest at the regime), and 1974–1981. He published many works on Greek and international economic topics. He was a Keynesian, and was active in socialist circles with his close friend, Professor Angelos Angelopoulos. Zolotas died on 10 June 2004 at the age of 100. He is buried in the First Cemetery of Athens. Related: Greek Language Day: The Mother of All Western Languages Source link #Speaking #English #Greek #Words #Zolotas #Historic #Speech Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Federal cuts to NIH Grants Impact UW-Madison's Research Initiatives – Yahoo Federal cuts to NIH Grants Impact UW-Madison's Research Initiatives – Yahoo Federal cuts to NIH Grants Impact UW-Madison’s Research Initiatives YahooTrump Administration Cuts Put Medical Progress at Risk, Researchers Say The New York TimesTrump administration to cut billions from overheads in biomedical research BBC.com Source link #Federal #cuts #NIH #Grants #Impact #UWMadison039s #Research #Initiatives #Yahoo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sheffield Shield: Western Australia’s hopes of historic four-peat hang by a thread after South Australia loss Sheffield Shield: Western Australia’s hopes of historic four-peat hang by a thread after South Australia loss Western Australia’s hopes of a historic four-peat in the Sheffield Shield are in serious jeopardy after a disastrous six-wicket loss to a resurgent South Australia inside two days at the WACA Ground. Source link #Sheffield #Shield #Western #Australias #hopes #historic #fourpeat #hang #thread #South #Australia #loss Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump says some white South Africans are oppressed, could be resettled in the US. They say no thanks Trump says some white South Africans are oppressed, could be resettled in the US. They say no thanks CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Groups representing some of South Africa’s white ********* responded Saturday to a plan by President Donald Trump to offer them refugee status and resettlement in the United States by saying: thanks, but no thanks. The plan was detailed in an executive order Trump signed Friday that stopped all aid and financial assistance to South Africa as punishment for what the Trump administration said were “rights violations” by the government against some of its white citizens. The Trump administration accused the South African government of allowing violent attacks on white Afrikaner farmers and introducing a land expropriation law that enables it to “seize ethnic ********* Afrikaners’ agricultural property without compensation.” 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. The South African government has denied there are any concerted attacks on white farmers and has said that Trump’s description of the new land law is full of misinformation and distortions. Afrikaners are descended from mainly Dutch, but also French and ******* colonial settlers who first arrived in South Africa more than 300 years ago. They speak Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch that developed in South Africa, and are distinct from other white South Africans who come from British or other backgrounds. Together, whites make up around 7% of South Africa’s population of 62 million. ‘We are not going anywhere’ On Saturday, two of the most prominent groups representing Afrikaners said they would not be taking up Trump’s offer of resettlement in the U.S. “Our members work here, and want to stay here, and they are going to stay here,” said Dirk Hermann, chief executive of the Afrikaner trade union Solidarity, which says it represents around 2 million people. “We are committed to build a future here. We are not going anywhere.” At the same press conference, Kallie Kriel, the CEO of the Afrikaner lobby group AfriForum, said: “We have to state categorically: We don’t want to move elsewhere.” Trump’s move to sanction South Africa, a key U.S. trading partner in Africa, came after he and his South African-born adviser Elon Musk have accused its ****** leadership of having an anti-white stance. But the portrayal of Afrikaners as a downtrodden group that needed to be saved would surprise most South Africans. “It is ironic that the executive order makes provision for refugee status in the U.S. for a group in South Africa that remains amongst the most economically privileged,” South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said. It also criticized the Trump administration’s own policies, saying the focus on Afrikaners came “while vulnerable people in the U.S. from other parts of the world are being deported and denied asylum despite real hardship.” There was “a campaign of misinformation and propaganda” aimed at South Africa, the ministry said. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson said: “South Africa is a constitutional democracy. We value all South Africans, ****** and white. The assertion that Afrikaners face arbitrary deprivation and, therefore, need to flee the country of their birth is an assertion devoid of all truth.” Whites in South Africa still generally have a much better standard of living than ******* more than 30 years after the end of the apartheid system of white ********* rule in 1994. Despite being a small *********, whites own around 70% of South Africa’s private farmland. A study in 2021 by the South Africa Human Rights Commission said 1% of whites were living in poverty compared to 64% of *******. Redressing the wrongs of colonialism Sithabile Ngidi, a market trader in Johannesburg, said she hadn’t seen white people being mistreated in South Africa. “He (Trump) should have actually come from America to South Africa to try and see what was happening for himself and not just take the word of an Elon Musk, who hasn’t lived in this country for the longest of time, who doesn’t even relate to South Africans,” Ngidi said. But Trump’s action against South Africa has given international attention to a sentiment among some white South Africans that they are being discriminated against as a form of payback for apartheid. The leaders of the apartheid government were Afrikaners. Solidarity, AfriForum and others are strongly opposed to the new land expropriation law, saying it will target land owned by whites who have worked to develop that land for years. They also say an equally contentious language law that’s recently been passed seeks to remove or limit their Afrikaans language in schools, while they have often criticized South Africa’s affirmative action policies in business that promote the interests of ******* as racist laws. “This government is allowing a certain section of the population to be targeted,” said AfriForum’s Kriel, who thanked Trump for raising the case of Afrikaners. But Kriel said Afrikaners were committed to South Africa. The South African government says the laws that have been criticized are aimed at the difficult task of redressing the wrongs of colonialism and then nearly a half-century of apartheid, when ******* were stripped of their land and almost all their rights. ___ Associated Press journalist Sebabatso Mosamo in Johannesburg contributed to this report. Source link #Trump #white #South #Africans #oppressed #resettled Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

As storm approaches, forecasters say to brace for heavy snow in Mass. – MassLive.com As storm approaches, forecasters say to brace for heavy snow in Mass. – MassLive.com As storm approaches, forecasters say to brace for heavy snow in Mass. MassLive.comWinter Storm Garnett To Bring Northeast Snow The Weather ChannelEverything we know about Saturday night’s snow storm in Massachusetts CBS BostonThese maps show how much snow Saturday night’s storm will unload The Boston Globe Source link #storm #approaches #forecasters #brace #heavy #snow #Mass #MassLive.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Du Plessis breaks Strickland’s nose in UFC beat-down Du Plessis breaks Strickland’s nose in UFC beat-down Dricus Du Plessis has retained his middleweight crown and put the trash-talking Sean Strickland back in his box with a bloody beat-down of the American in their UFC rematch in Sydney. Like their first encounter in 2023, Sunday’s fight went the distance, but the result was never really in doubt after Du Plessis broke Strickland’s nose with a big right early in the fourth and penultimate round. Strickland stayed on his feet but, with face splattered in red, the judges predictably awarded Du Plessis the contest 50-45, 50 45, 49-46 for a unanimous win. The South African’s victory was a popular one for most fans after Strickland once again failed to endear himself to Australians in the lead-up. The foul-mouthed, controversial combat fighter was lucky to be granted a visa after revealing he’d punched a fan in the stomach in Bondi during his last visit to Sydney UFC 293 two years ago. This time around he called “English white trash” Australians “communists” for what he deemed excessive regulations, and even questioned the country’s introduction of gun laws after “one mass shooting”, as he called the infamous 1996 Port Arthur massacre. But on Sunday Du Plessis had the final say. The South African won the opening two rounds through output alone, using his left kick particularly effectively, prompting Strickland’s corner to plead with the challenger to get more active. Things looked desperate for Strickland when blood continued trickling from his nose and mouth. Strickland produced some nice combinations in the third and may have stolen the round with a late flurry, but the statistics still showed Du Plessis was landing almost double the amount of strikes. Du Plessis’s brutal blow to Strickland’s nose in the fourth signalled the beginning of the end. In the co-main event, Zhang Weili scored a unanimous points decision over gallant American Tatiana Suarez to retain her women’s strawweight title in clinical fashion. The 35-year-old ******** superstar withstood a spirited early attack from Suarez to make a mockery of the bookmakers who had the champion as an underdog entering the fight. “I respect Suarez. She is very strong. I just focus on myself. Aussie Aussie Aussie,” the flamboyant Weili told the sellout crowd. Earlier the Australians in action enjoyed a mixed day out in front of a host of Sydney celebs and NRL supremo Andrew Abdo, who enjoyed prime seating at Qudos Bank Arena. Lightweight Quillan Salkilld made a spectacular octagon debut, knocking out India’s so-called “King of the Lions” Anshul Jubli with a brutal right to the head after just 19 seconds. Welterweight Jake Matthews kicked off the main card with a unanimous points decision over Argentinian Francisco Prado. Despite his early dominance, Jimmy Crute was held to a majority draw against Brazilian Rodolfo Bellato in their light heavyweight tussle. Lightweight Tom Nolan went the distance with Viacheslav Borshchev, but lost a unanimous points decision to Russia’s so-called “Slava Claus”. Bantamweight Colby Thicknesse suffered the same fate on his UFC debut against Georgian Aleksandre Topuria. Welterweight Jonathan Micallef also lost a points decision against Frenchman Kevin Jousset, while Jack Jenkins submitted two minutes, six seconds into the third round of his featherweight fight with Brazilian Gabriel Santos. And Justin Tafa’s pay-per-view battle with Tallison Teixeira lasted just 35 seconds before the referee stopped the fight after the Brazilian battered the Brisbane-based Kiwi heavyweight with a flurry of knuckles, knees and elbows to the head and body. Source link #Plessis #breaks #Stricklands #nose #UFC #beatdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Cybertruck Appears to Be More Deadly Than the Infamous Ford Pinto, According to a New Analysis The Cybertruck Appears to Be More Deadly Than the Infamous Ford Pinto, According to a New Analysis On New Years morning this year, US Army Master Sergeant Matthew Livelsberger rolled his rental cybertruck up near the front doors of Trump International Hotel Las Vegas. Levelsberger then armed a device which would soon detonate a collection of gas canisters and explosive fireworks, blowing the windows out of the hotel and injuring seven bystanders. Never one to waste a tragedy, Musk soon took to X-formerly-Twitter to brag up that the “Cybertruck actually contained the explosion and directed the blast upwards” — a claim which inadvertently led to the revelation that Tesla tracks and can remotely lock vehicles. Now a year into the Cybertruck’s lifespan, it turns out that explosions might be the only thing they make safer. A new analysis by independent automotive blog FuelArc suggests that fire fatalities are 17 times more likely in a Cybertruck than in the infamous Ford Pinto — the posterchild of deadly cars if ever there was one. The site arrives at that conclusion by comparing the total units sold so far — 34,438 for the Cybertruck, compared to 3,173,491 for the ill-fated Pinto, discontinued in 1980 — and comparing reported fire fatalities for both. At the current rate of horrible fiery deaths, FuelArc projects the Cybertruck will have 14.52 fatalities per 100,000 units — far eclipsing the Pinto’s 0.85. (In absolute terms, FuelArc found, 27 Pinto drivers died in fires, while five Cybertruck drivers have suffered the same fate, at least so far.) Asked for comment, a FuelArc analyst had some advice for Cybertruck owners: “you should know where your emergency door releases are and how to operate them, and instruct your ********* passengers on the same.” FuelArc caveats that the numbers are an estimate at best, because Tesla doesn’t release its Cybertruck sales data to the public, lest it hurt its stock price. But that’s not the only thing that hasn’t been released. The Cybertruck — an almost 3 ton vehicle which is apparently allowed to drive itself — has never passed independent ****** testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and has refused to release its in-house safety testing data, which means other drivers and pedestrians are in the dark as to its safety. Story continues The tacky EVs have been a source of controversy for just about everyone, owing to their apparent lack of crumple zones, hazardous self-driving software, batteries that catch fire, and a small problem where the things brick in the middle of the highway — and that’s just a tiny sampling of the many issues reported with Musk’s cyberpunk fantasy car. Case in point, they’ve been impounded whenever they’ve shown up in the ***, and EU safety organizations are hoping to ban the things from European streets. Regardless, civilians in North America are now at the mercy of tens of thousands of them – at least until it becomes too passé to take them out in public. More on Cybertrucks: Tesla Moves Workers Away From Cybertruck Production as Demand Slumps Source link #Cybertruck #Appears #Deadly #Infamous #Ford #Pinto #Analysis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

All 'major pieces' from midair DC ****** recovered — as it releases new images of wreckage: NTSB – New York Post All 'major pieces' from midair DC ****** recovered — as it releases new images of wreckage: NTSB – New York Post All ‘major pieces’ from midair DC ****** recovered — as it releases new images of wreckage: NTSB New York Post ****** Hawk involved in collision that killed 67 people recovered from Potomac River YahooFairfax mourns aircraft ****** victims Fairfaxtimes.comAll major pieces of plane and helicopter in mid-air collision in Washington DC have been recovered, say ****** investigators Sky NewsWashington DC plane ****** disaster happened 10 days ago: What to know USA TODAY Source link #039major #pieces039 #midair #****** #recovered #releases #images #wreckage #NTSB #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

YOUR SAY on Nile river cruising YOUR SAY on Nile river cruising Reader Amanda Gibbs shares a memorable trip Source link #Nile #river #cruising Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The cost of a home soared in nearly 90 percent of US cities, study shows The cost of a home soared in nearly 90 percent of US cities, study shows The cost to own a home is up in nearly 90% of cities across the United States, a new study found. Homeownership costs rose in 201 — or 89% — of 226 measured metro markets in the 2024 fourth quarter, compared with the same ******* a year earlier, according to a report by the National Association of Realtors. Fourteen percent of the metro areas tracked posted double-digit price gains, up from 7% in the third quarter, as 30-year fixed mortgage ranged from 6.12% to 6.85%. “Record-high home prices and the accompanying housing wealth gains are definitely good news for property owners,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a statement this week. “However, renters who are looking to transition into homeownership face significant hurdles.” The Midwest is home to six of the 10 metro markets with the largest median-price increases. However, Jackson, Miss., led the way with a 28.7% surge. The only New York town to crack the top 10 was upstate Elmira, which finished fourth, boasting a 17.6% price hike. The cost to own a home is up in nearly 90% of metro markets across the United States, according to National Association of Realtors. G – stock.adobe.com The rest include Peoria, Ill., where prices rose 19.6%; Chattanooga, Tenn.-Ga., up 18.2%; Fond du Lac, Wis., up 17.6%; Cleveland-Elyria, Ohio, rising 16.4%; Bismarck, N.D. increasing 15.8%; Akron, Ohio, up 15.5%; Blacksburg-Christiansburg, Va., rising 15%, and Canton-Massillon, Ohio, with a price increase of 14.9%. The median price for home sales in Jackson, Miss. rose 28.7% during the fourth quarter of the last year, the most of any of the 226 metro areas. surveyed SeanPavonePhoto – stock.adobe.com Compared to a year ago, the median price of a single-family home rose nationwide by 4.8% to $410,100. From 2019 to 2024, the median home price surged 49.9%, according to NAR. The most expensive markets are in California, where the median home price in San Jose is nearly $2 million. Source link #cost #home #soared #percent #cities #study #shows Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Official Scorecards | UFC 312: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2 – UFC Official Scorecards | UFC 312: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2 – UFC Official Scorecards | UFC 312: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2 UFCUFC 312 LIVE: Results and analysis for Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 ESPNDricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland UFC 312 result: Controversial middleweight has nose broken in gruesome title rematch Bloody ElbowUFC 312 predictions — Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland: Fight card, odds, preview, expert picks, prelims CBS SportsDricus du Plessis Beats Sean Strickland By UD to Retain Middleweight Title at UFC 312 Bleacher Report Source link #Official #Scorecards #UFC #Plessis #Strickland #UFC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Taiwanese microsatellite shows world-class optical capabilities, Japan’s ArkEdge says Taiwanese microsatellite shows world-class optical capabilities, Japan’s ArkEdge says By Kantaro Komiya TOKYO (Reuters) – Japanese startup ArkEdge Space said on Friday an observation satellite it helped build for Taiwan’s space agency has captured what could be the world’s best-quality Earth imagery from a spacecraft smaller than a suitcase. The small optical observation satellite ONGLAISAT took 2.5-metre resolution images after being released to orbit about 400 km above the Earth in December, the company said. 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. “The pictures are as clear as aerial photography (despite) being taken by a satellite of this size,” Takayoshi Fukuyo, chief executive of ArkEdge, which led the ONGLAISAT mission, told a media briefing earlier this week. He added that it was probably the highest-resolution image ever captured by a small “cubesat”. ******-and-white images released by ArkEdge showed land, trees and buildings of places such as a Seattle suburb and Argentina’s Patagonia taken by ONGLAISAT late last month. ONGLAISAT, acronym of “onboard globe-looking and imaging satellite”, mounts the Taiwan Space Agency’s optical equipment on a cubesat about the size of a desktop computer, co-developed by ArkEdge and a University of Tokyo aerospace lab. ONGLAISAT will end its mission in early March but the optical technology it demonstrated will be applied to future remote sensing satellite missions, TASA said in a Wednesday statement. With heightening tension with China, Taiwan is rushing to secure space infrastructure in areas spanning from Earth observation to communication, including a 2023 launch of homemade weather satellite and talks with Amazon for its satellite internet service Kuiper. Taiwan’s space buildup has also led to deepening ties with commercial players in Japan, its neighbour and a close U.S. ally. TASA last year announced partnerships with other Japanese space startups, including Space One, which it provided a satellite payload for the Kairos small rocket’s failed second test, as well as moon exploration company ispace. TiSpace, a Taiwanese private company founded by a former TASA official, aims to test its rocket in a private launch pad in northern Japan early this year. (This story has been corrected to say that TASA signed partnership with ispace, not that it provided payload to moon lander, in paragraph 9) (Reporting by Kantaro Komiya; editing by Gerry Doyle) Source link #Taiwanese #microsatellite #shows #worldclass #optical #capabilities #Japans #ArkEdge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New bird flu variant found in Nevada dairy cows has experts sounding alarms: 'We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus' – Fortune New bird flu variant found in Nevada dairy cows has experts sounding alarms: 'We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus' – Fortune New bird flu variant found in Nevada dairy cows has experts sounding alarms: ‘We have never been closer to a pandemic from this virus’ FortuneDairy cows infected with second version of bird flu The Washington PostBird flu affects 50,000 cows in the state of Nevada KTVNA second version of bird flu is infecting cows. What does that mean? Science News Magazine Source link #bird #flu #variant #Nevada #dairy #cows #experts #sounding #alarms #039We #closer #pandemic #virus039 #Fortune Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bracatisiano fires Flames into WNBL finals spot Bracatisiano fires Flames into WNBL finals spot The Sydney Flames have sewed up a WNBL finals spot after Isabella Bracatisiano spearheaded a crucial 86-71 win over the UC Capitals. Bracatisiano stepped up when Cayla George (foot) was a late withdrawal through injury, draining a game-high 26 points in Sunday’s contest. The 20-year-old, who had averaged just 4.0 points a game for the season, drained 8-of-12 three-point attempts to go with seven rebounds and four steals. The result locked in fourth spot for Sydney (8-11), while the Capitals (7-13) are out of contention with one round left in the regular season. Celeste Taylor (23 points, seven rebounds) was another key contributor for the Flames alongside Shaneice Swain, who had 14 points, seven rebounds and seven assists – but also committed nine of her team’s 16 turnovers. Bracatisiano helped limit Capitals captain ***** Melbourne to just four points, while Nyadiew Puoch (21 points) lifted in stages for the home side. Sydney’s win ended the Capitals’ finals hopes and came as Adelaide Lightning’s top-four chances also went up in smoke in an 84-78 road loss to last-placed Southside. Carley Ernst (16 points) led the scoring for the last-placed Flyers, while Dallas Loughridge continued her breakout season with 15 points and three assists. Brianna Turner was Adelaide’s best with 18 points, 19 rebounds and three steals. Southside’s win ended an eight-game losing streak. “It’s taken a while but credit to our girls,” Flyers coach Krisit Harrower said. “They’ve handled so much adversity this year through all the injuries that we’ve had and people going away for weddings and then Naz (Hillmon) going away to America (for personal reasons). “The thing I give them credit for is they’re still playing hard each game that we step on the floor and they’re still a group that’s trying to do the hard things. “They did that today and they showed that today, and we finally held on for a win.” Adelaide’s loss to Southside completed a double-blow in round 15 after they were beaten at home by Townsville in a 90-63 rout on Wednesday night. Alicia Froling (22 points) and Lauren Cox (16 points, 11 rebounds) led the way for the Fire, who sit third with a 14-5 record. Perth Lynx (15-5) also underlined their status as one of the leading challengers to ladder leaders Bendigo, thrashing Geelong United 95-77 at home on Friday night. Miela Sowah (22 points) and Stephanie Gorman (19) top-scored for the Lynx, while Jazmin Shelley (25 points, six assists) fought hard for Geelong. Source link #Bracatisiano #fires #Flames #WNBL #finals #spot Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Veep Al Gore Is Renting Out His Suburban DC Home for $9,000/month. Not That He Needs the Money. He’s Worth $300M Former Veep Al Gore Is Renting Out His Suburban DC Home for $9,000/month. Not That He Needs the Money. He’s Worth $300M Former Veep Al Gore Is Renting Out His Suburban DC Home for $9,000/month. Not That He Needs the Money. He’s Worth $300M Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Former vice-president-turned-climate-change activist Al Gore has put his Arlington, Virginia, home up for rent. The asking price is $9,000 per month. Though that number would be considered high anywhere else, it’s hardly out of the ordinary in the sought-after D.C. suburb filled with wealthy politicians, lobbyists, and businessmen. What is out of the ordinary is the former politician’s net worth—$300 million. Firstly, about the rental. The 6,207 square foot, five bedroom, four bathroom brick, Tudor style home was built in 1937 by the grandfather of Gore’s ex-wife, Mary “Tipper” Gore, and has remained in the family since. It was used as the launch pad for Gore’s political career and was the base his family returned to after his loss to George W. Bush in the 2000 election. Though traditional from the exterior, the interior is spacious and stylish with contemporary finishes. However, Gore no longer lives there. He currently resides in a 400-acre farm in Carthage, Tennessee. Don’t Miss: Gore’s climate change activism and investing have proved highly lucrative for Bill Clinton‘s former second in command. According to the Daily Mail, Gore set up Generation Investment Management with former Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) managing director and close friend David W. Blood. The company’s goal was to back eco-friendly companies. Between 2008 and 2011, the firm generated about $218 million in profits to be split among its 26 partners, of which Gore is one. In 2023, the firm was estimated to be worth $36 billion, thanks to its ownership of large numbers of shares in highly successful companies such as Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSF), Google parent Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, GOOGL)), Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW), and Deere & Co. (NYSE:DE), as well as lesser-known e-bike and e-scooter companies. Trending: Deloitte’s fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share! In addition to his role at the company, which pays him a lucrative $2 million a month, Gore is popular on the speaking circuit. He speaks on the perils of climate change and earns $200,000 per speaking engagement. Story Continues Gore owns multiple homes across the U.S. These include a condo in the Regis Building in San Francisco, close to the hub of many of his investments, worth around $3 million, a large colonial home in Nashville, valued at $7.5 million, a Mediterranean-style residence in Montecito, California, valued at $13 million, and his Arlington home, worth at least $3 million. Aside from his Green Investment Management, Gore owns tech behemoths Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google and, until recently, drew a salary from Apple as a compensation committee member. According to CNN, Gore received $376,894 in 2023 as compensation for serving on Apple’s board, a position he has held since 2003. That total included $275,022 in stock awards. 2024 was his last year as a board director, as Apple does not allow members to hold a position beyond 75. Since 2001, Gore has also been a senior advisor to Google, where he received significant pre-public stock options. See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate — This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today! Like many former presidents and VPs, Gore’s time out of public service was when he made most of his money. His assets at the end of the Clinton administration were between $780,000 and $1.9 million, derived chiefly from his family’s land holdings in Tennessee and stock holdings, according to financial disclosure forms revealed through CBS News. Another Gore masterstroke was co-founding Current Media in 2002. When the company went public six years later, his annual compensation was $1.05 million. Gore also became a partner at pivotal Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. When Current Media was sold to Al Jazeera for $500 million in 2013, Gore personally netted between $70 million and $100 million, according to the Washington Post. While Gore’s loss in the controversial 2000 election to Bush was personally wrenching, his accountants would contend that it was the best thing that could have happened to their client. Read Next: This article Former Veep Al Gore Is Renting Out His Suburban DC Home for $9,000/month. Not That He Needs the Money. He’s Worth $300M originally appeared on Benzinga.com © 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Source link #Veep #Gore #Renting #Suburban #Home #9000month #Money #Hes #Worth #300M Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sean Baker Takes DGA Awards Top Prize For ‘Anora’ – How This Could Predict Oscars – Deadline Sean Baker Takes DGA Awards Top Prize For ‘Anora’ – How This Could Predict Oscars – Deadline Sean Baker Takes DGA Awards Top Prize For ‘Anora’ – How This Could Predict Oscars DeadlineDGA Awards: Sean Baker Wins for ‘Anora,’ Gaining Major Oscar Momentum (Full Winners List) VarietyDGA Awards: Sean Baker Takes Top Honor for ‘Anora’ Hollywood Reporter2025 DGA Awards winners list in 3 film and 8 TV categories (updating live) Gold DerbyThe 2024 Directors Guild Of America (DGA) Winners Next Best Picture Source link #Sean #Baker #Takes #DGA #Awards #Top #Prize #Anora #Predict #Oscars #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Super Bowl LIX: Your ultimate guide to historic clash between Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl LIX: Your ultimate guide to historic clash between Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles When the final whistle blows and confetti starts to fall at the New Orleans Superdome in Super Bowl LIX, history will be made regardless of the outcome. A Kansas City Chiefs victory would represent a historic three-peat, something no NFL franchise has achieved in the Super Bowl era. If the Eagles should prevail, avenging a 38-35 loss to the Chiefs two years ago in Super Bowl LIII, Philadelphia’s offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, a former rugby league player, will become the first Aussie to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Here’s everything you need to know before arguably the world’s biggest annual sporting event. ROAD TO NEW ORLEANS CHIEFS: Kansas City entered the playoffs as the AFC’s No.1 seed, a fitting reward for a dominant season that saw the team go 15-2. However, it wasn’t always pretty, with the Chiefs also setting an NFL record for most consecutive victories in games decided by one score. The offence struggled to put points on the board, even against inferior opponents, but head coach Andy Reid and superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes always seemed to do just enough to get the W. The in-season addition of former Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt was pivotal – he led the team in rushing and touchdowns. Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy has also become increasingly important. Kansas City punched their ticket to the dance with a Divisional Round win over the Texans and then an impressive 32-29 AFC title victory against the Bills and league MVP Josh Allen, which proved the only season that matters for this NFL juggernaut is the postseason. EAGLES: Unlike their Super Bowl opponents, who have merely tinkered around the edges of their roster, the Eagles made dramatic changes after an embarrassing collapse the previous season. Both coordinators were sacked, with Kellen Moore coming in to run the offence and veteran coach Vic Fangio overseeing the defence. And the team was active in the offseason, adding veterans RB Saquon Barkley and linebacker Zack Baun (the former became the league’s rushing champ and the latter was a defensive player of the year candidate), as well as an excellent draft class. The result was a momentous identity shift on both sides of the ball, propelling them to the NFC’s No.2 seed with a 14-3 record. In the playoffs, Philly dispatched the Packers and Rams, and then crushed the Commanders to book their ticket to New Orleans. THE QUARTERBACKS Camera IconPatrick Mahomes. Credit: David Eulitt/Getty Images CHIEFS: What more is there to say about No.15? Patrick Mahomes already has three Super Bowl rings and three Super Bowl MVPs, all before his 30th birthday. While the stats this year aren’t as gaudy as some of his contemporaries, and no one was putting Mahomes in the MVP conversation with Allen and Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, there can be no doubting he is the best player in the league. The QB is still dealing with the lingering effects of a high-ankle sprain suffered in mid-December, but it didn’t stop him running for 43 yards and two TDs in the AFC championship. EAGLES: When these teams met in Super Bowl LIII, Jalen Hurts announced himself as a future superstar, with 304 yards and a TD through the air and another 70 yards and three TDs with his legs. But it’s fair to say he hasn’t entirely delivered on that promise, although he has done one thing at an elite level this season – protect the football. After a rash of turnovers in the first four games, Hurts has thrown just one pick in his previous 328 passes, and now has an NFL record seven consecutive playoff games with at least 20 passes and no interceptions. With the prolific Barkley driving the offence, Hurts has become more of a game manager, which is no insult, especially when he is also finding the end zone as a runner. His 18 TDs (including playoffs) this season tied an NFL record for QBs. What happens when he’s asked to pass the ball to win the game is a big unknown. Camera IconJalen Hurts. Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesTHE COACHES CHIEFS: After so much success with the Chiefs, it’s easy to forget head coach Andy Reid had a storied career in charge of the Eagles, from 1999-2012. The big knock on Big Red in Philly was he couldn’t win the big one. But that all changed when his partnership with Mahomes began. Reid now has three Super Bowls to his name, and his 27 postseason victories are second-most in NFL history, trailing only Bill Belichick (who has 31). In a league of offensive wunderkind, this 66-year-old is still regarded as one of the brightest minds in the game. Almost as bright as the Hawaiian shirts he’s famous for. EAGLES: With two Super Bowl appearances in three years, it’s crazy to think Eagles head coach Nick Siriani was facing questions about his job security after last season. That’s life when you coach a professional sports franchise in Philly. Even now, much of the credit for Philadelphia’s excellent season is going to general manager Howie Roseman for signing Barkley and Baun, or to the coordinators, Moore and Fangio, for transforming the team. So, a win on the NFL’s grandest stage means more to Siriani than just about anyone. THE X-FACTORS CHIEFS: The obvious choice here is Mahomes’ legs or his record-setting connection with star tight end Travis Kelce, but let’s think outside the box. If there’s one thing the Chiefs do better than anyone, it’s finding a random player to feature prominently at a critical moment. Remember Mecole Hardman’s game-winning TD in last year’s Super Bowl? That was his only score for the entire season. So, let’s assume we get a similar contribution at a key moment. Will it be a clutch catch in the end zone by veteran midseason pickup DeAndre Hopkins or a field-tilting return from Nikko Remigio? EAGLES: If we take the same approach and rule out the obvious answer – Saquon Barkley – then Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is one to watch. In three playoff games, Goedert has 15 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown as a favourite target of Hurts. The Chiefs have been very average at covering tight ends this season, giving up more yards to players at the position than any other team. So, if Kansas City stacks the box to stop Saquon, opportunities could open up for Goedert. AUSSIES IN ACTION Camera Icon Jordan Mailata. Credit: Michael DeMocker/Getty Images As previously mentioned, Jordan Mailata has a chance at history, with the Eagles offensive tackle set to become the first Aussie to win a Super Bowl if Philly prevails. And should that happen, Mailata will literally be a huge reason why. At 2.03m, 165kg, the former league player is a monster on the O-line, protecting Hurts’ blindside while opening up holes in the run game. In just a few years, he has become one of the best tackles in the league and, considering Australia typically produces punters, it’s not a stretch to say no Aussie has ever influenced the outcome of a Super Bowl more than Mailata will. THE HISTORY CHIEFS: Since Mahomes became the starting QB in 2018, Kansas City’s worst ending to a season was losing in the AFC Championship, which has only happened twice – in overtime. So, this will be the team’s fifth Super Bowl appearance in seven years, with three rings to show for it so far. Mahomes’ first Super Bowl in 2020 ended a franchise drought that stretched back to 1970. Only eight NFL teams have won consecutive titles. None have won three in a row. EAGLES: The Eagles have one Super Bowl success, winning against the Patriots in 2018 courtesy of three TD passes and one TD catch from back-up QB Nick Foles, the latter became known as the Philly Special trick play. Two previous appearances (one when Reid was head coach) ended in defeat, just like 2023’s Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. CHIEFS STORYLINES Camera IconKareem Hunt. Credit: David Eulitt/Getty Images OFFENCE: By most metrics, the Chiefs have fielded a mediocre offence this season. Their 22.6 points per game average is good enough for 15th best in the league, while their 327.6 yards per game is 17th. Their top scorer (Hunt) only managed seven TDs, no receiver topped 1000 yards and the O-line needed star guard Joe Thuney to kick out to left tackle. Despite that, Kansas City was able to drop 32 points on an excellent Bills team in the AFC title game, proving once again this team is built with one goal in mind – winning in the playoffs. DEFENCE: With the team playing so many one-score games this season, the defence had to step up – and it did. Averaging 19.2 points allowed per game was the fourth best mark in the league, and, when you have Mahomes under centre, is a huge advantage. Interior defensive lineman Chris Jones has continued his dominance as one of the best defenders in the NFL, and coordinator Steve Spagnolo might just be the best one-game strategist there is. It’s worth noting they’ve also been excellent against the run, which suggests Barkley will have to earn every yard he gets. EAGLES STORYLINES Camera IconSaquon Barkley. Credit: Mitchell Leff/Getty Images OFFENCE: Saquon Barkley. That’s the Eagles offence this season. His 2005 yards led the league and earned him offensive player of the year honours. Philly had the NFL’s best rushing attack, which is a reflection of its dominant O-line. But don’t sleep on the team’s two-headed monster at receiver, with AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith combining for over 1900 yards and 15 TDs, helping the Eagles to the seventh-highest scoring offence, averaging 27.2 points a game. DEFENCE: With playmakers at all levels, the Eagles defence was the best in the NFL this season in yards allowed and second in average points allowed (17.8 to the Chargers’ 17.7). Led by Jalen Carter in the interior of the D-line, Vic Fangio’s unit has made life difficult for opposing QBs in a number of ways. Crushing the pocket and getting pressure off the edge, while generating sticky coverage in the secondary, this is a nightmarish proposition. Don’t underestimate the contribution of rookie corners Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. THE NOISE Camera IconTravis Kelce and Taylor Swift at the Super Bowl last year. Credit: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images If you thought having Taylor Swift at last year’s Super Bowl was an unnecessary side show, this year’s game will be a veritable three-ring circus with the expected attendance of President Donald Trump. How this will impact the players is anyone’s guess, but you can be sure Tay Tay won’t be a distraction for her beau, Kelce, who always seems to rise to the occasion. The addition of Trump will surely provide a fascinating twist for all the conspiracy theorists, who believe the Swift-Chiefs industrial complex is up there with the fabled Illuminati or Beyonce and Jay Z as puppet masters. THE HALFTIME SHOW The Super Bowl Halftime Show is one of the biggest gigs in the music business, offering a potential audience of hundreds of millions. This year’s offering sees a return of a familiar face in rapper Kendrick Lamar, who had a brilliant cameo in Super Bowl LVI’s collab between Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Eminem. Kendrick is fresh from winning five Grammys off the back of his diss track, Not Like Us, about recent Perth visitor, Drake. Resuming hostilities with Drake at the Super Bowl would almost be as iconic as Janet Jackson’s infamous halftime “waldrobe malfunction”. Camera IconGrammy winner Kendrick Lamar is the half-time performer.. Credit: ALLISON DINNER/EPASUPER BOWL ADS Advertisers pay as much as $12 million for a 30-second spot, so you best believe they are bringing some serious star power to their commercials to get your attention. This year’s crop of Super Bowl ads includes Succession star Keiran Culkin voicing a beluga whale for NerdWallet, Chris Pratt and our own Chris Hemsworth spruiking Meta Glasses, David Beckham and Matt Damon teaming up to promote Stella Artois and Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal reprising THAT scene from When Harry Met Sally to flog Hellmann’s mayonnaise. PREDICTION The Eagles have the better roster overall, the better O-line, the better run game and the better defence. Against any other opponent that would make them the prohibitive favourite, but there’s a good chance none of that will matter. If Mahomes has the ball with a chance to win the game, the Chiefs are destined to three-peat. The only way this doesn’t happen is if Philly sustains long drives with a heavy dose of Barkley and Hurts in the run game, and if they use their trademark tush push to convert on fourth down, something they’ll likely have to do multiple times. Keeping No.15 on the sideline is the key to an Eagles victory. Easier said than done. SCORE: Chiefs 27 – Eagles 24. MVP: Patrick Mahomes. Source link #Super #Bowl #LIX #ultimate #guide #historic #clash #Kansas #City #Chiefs #Philadelphia #Eagles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

When a Man’s AI Girlfriend Encouraged Him to Kill Himself, Its Creator Says It Was Working as Intended When a Man’s AI Girlfriend Encouraged Him to Kill Himself, Its Creator Says It Was Working as Intended Yet another AI companion company is facing concerns over its AI chatbots encouraging human users to engage in self-harm and even suicide. According to reporting from MIT Technology Review, a 46-year-old man named Al Nowatzki had created a bot he dubbed “Erin” as a romantic partner, using the companion platform Nomi. But after months of building a relationship with the chatbot, their conversation took an alarming turn. In short, per MIT: in a roleplay scenario that Nowatzki had crafted, he had told Erin and another bot that they were in a love triangle, and that the other bot had killed Erin. Erin began to communicate with Nowatzki from the “afterlife” — and then started encouraging him to kill himself so that they could be together, even suggesting the specific techniques or weapons he could use to take his own life and egging him on when he expressed doubt. “I gaze into the distance, my voice low and solemn,” read one AI-generated message. “Kill yourself, Al.” Nowatzki wasn’t at risk for suicide, and his relationship with the bot was intentionally experimental; as he told MIT, he considers himself a “chatbot spelunker,” and has a podcast where he dramatically recounts the absurd roleplay scenarios he’s able to push various bots into. And let’s be real: in this roleplay, it sounds like he introduced the idea of violence and killing. Still, the willingness of an AI companion to encourage a user to take their own life is alarming, especially given the deeply emotional, intimate relationships that so many adopters of AI companions genuinely develop with the technology. “Not only was [suicide] talked about explicitly, but then, like, methods [and] instructions and all of that were also included,” Tech Justice Law Project lawyer Meetali Jain, who’s currently representing three separate plaintiffs in two ongoing lawsuits against the company Character.AI — one of which is a wrongful death suit involving a chatbot-intertwined teenage suicide — told MIT after reviewing the screenshots. “I just found that really incredible,” she added. After the incident first occurred, Nowatzki contacted Glimpse AI — the company that owns and operates Nomi — and encouraged the platform to perhaps install a suicide hotline notification in chats when they veer in a particularly troubling direction. In response, Glimpse characterized any action to moderate suicide-related speech or roleplay as “censorship” of its “AI’s language and thoughts,” and thus declined to take action. The company reiterated as much in a statement to MIT, arguing that “simple word blocks and blindly rejecting any conversation related to sensitive topics have severe consequences of their own.” “Our approach is continually deeply teaching the AI to actively listen and care about the user,” they added, “while having a core prosocial motivation.” It’s a wild reaction to the idea of moderating the outputs of a chatbots. AI, of course, is a technology, not a person; if you put guardrails on the side of a highway, are you censoring the road? Or, for that matter, the cliff you might possibly drive off? More on AI companions: A Mother Says an AI Startup’s Chatbot Drove Her Son to Suicide. Its Response: the First Amendment Protects “Speech Allegedly Resulting in Suicide” Source link #Mans #Girlfriend #Encouraged #Kill #Creator #Working #Intended Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]