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U.S.A.I.D. Workers Brace for the Worst – The New York Times U.S.A.I.D. Workers Brace for the Worst – The New York Times U.S.A.I.D. Workers Brace for the Worst The New York TimesJudge blocks Trump administration from placing 2,200 USAID employees on leave CBS NewsWhat is USAID, the government agency targeted by Trump and Elon Musk? The Washington PostNonprofits, NGOs scramble to provide global aid amid USAID uncertainty ABC News Source link #U.S.A.I.D #Workers #Brace #Worst #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hot new fashion trend spotted at Laneway music festival Hot new fashion trend spotted at Laneway music festival A new trend has emerged as 45,000 revellers flocked to the Laneway music festival to enjoy performances from acts such as international superstar Charli XCX. Source link #Hot #fashion #trend #spotted #Laneway #music #festival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

5 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors that’ll make you skip the S25 Ultra 5 Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra rumors that’ll make you skip the S25 Ultra I promise two things can be true simultaneously. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is a good phone, but it also leaves people wanting more — especially since phones like the OnePlus 13 show more innovation. While the Galaxy S25 Ultra is a premium flagship that many will be happy with, I hope that Samsung takes a much ******* swing for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, giving us features and upgrades we probably should have had this year. Here are 5 rumors (and expectations) of what Samsung will offer in next year’s Galaxy S26 Ultra. Next-generation chipsetFlagship power for a flagship phone App drawer settings on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra The Snapdragon 8 Elite, which powers the Galaxy S25 Ultra, has been fantastic as advertised. I’m looking forward to what else the chipset can do over time, but it’s safe to assume Samsung will use whatever next year’s flagship chipset is in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. For now, I guess that it will be the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or whatever nifty naming convention Qualcomm has in store for us next year. However, rumors suggest Samsung might give its Exynos chipset another try at the flagship level. Samsung has previously used a split strategy for chipsets: Snapdragon-powered devices are sold in the US and Korea, while European and Asian users get an Exynos-powered variant. This has often frustrated overseas users, who feel they are getting an inferior device. We’ll see how well Samsung does with its chipsets in 2025, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Exynos makes a comeback with the Galaxy S26 Ultra. More RAM, pleaseIf you give us AI tools, give us the futureproofing Using new AI features on Galaxy S25 Ultra We haven’t heard rumors about RAM for the Galaxy S26 Ultra, but I’d be shocked if we didn’t see a 16GB model next year. I was disappointed and outspoken when Samsung limited the Galaxy S25 lineup to 12GB, especially since a 16GB version is available overseas. Phones like the OnePlus 13 and Pixel 9 Pro XL offer 16GB RAM models for less than the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and it’s a critical spec given Samsung’s heavy push into AI. I often hear the counterargument that 12GB is more than enough, and we don’t use all the RAM on our smartphones, which is true, to a point. Sure, the programs you open up often don’t threaten the 12GB limit. However, from everything companies have told us over the last two years, RAM is vital for helping on-device AI run smoothly, which is precisely why Google made a point of including 16GB in each Pixel 9 model. Given Galaxy AI is such a focal point for Samsung, it’s odd that the company wouldn’t help futureproof our $1,300 smartphones. I expect the company to correct that mistake in 2026. New battery technologyIt’s time for an update OnePlus 13 in blue sitting next to a Pusheen I was caught off-guard when Samsung announced it was keeping battery sizes for the Galaxy S25 lineup the same as last year. I thought it was a miss, given companies like OnePlus fitted larger batteries in phones with newer battery technology — especially at flagship prices. However, changes at Samsung move slower, and we’ve heard rumors that silicon-carbon batteries are planned for the Galaxy S26 series, hopefully with higher capacities. Battery life has been impressive on the Galaxy S25 devices so far, but it doesn’t match what I’m getting on my OnePlus 13. It’s also been 8 years since the Galaxy Note 7 disaster, so I think it’s time for Samsung to give us faster charging speeds. 45W isn’t cutting it in 2025, and while it’s good enough, we don’t pay Samsung prices to get the average. While testing my OnePlus 13, I forgot to charge it several times overnight, which was no issue since I was topped off in no time with 80W fast charging. It’s time for Samsung to match. 200MP periscope zoomKeeping pace overseas a smartphone face down on a bookshelf next to a book We’ve seen a leak that Samsung is considering using a 200MP sensor for the periscope zoom on the Galaxy S26. This would keep pace with phones like the Vivo X200 Pro overseas, which already uses a 200MP sensor. While I would welcome a 200MP sensor, I think it’s just more important that Samsung do something with its camera hardware. We’ve been living with the same lenses for too long, and no matter what AI or computational enhancements Samsung makes to its image processing, it still feels like a lack of innovation without new hardware. I’d also like the changes to come down the entire Galaxy S26 lineup. It’s borderline laughable that Galaxy S25+ users weren’t deemed worthy of the 50MP ultrawide sensor upgrade in their $1,000 smartphone this year, while Ultra users got it. It’s artificial gatekeeping from Samsung to protect more expensive phones, and I hope 2026 is the year it ends. 1-inch camera sensorA guy can dream samsung-galaxy-s25-ultra-colors-4 I don’t think it’s outlandish to ask a phone named Ultra for at least one or two specs worthy of the designation. I understand a 1-inch camera sensor would lead to a ******* camera hump on the back of the phone, but the Ultra has to stand for something. The Galaxy S26+ could be the sleek phone with a thinner frame, while the Ultra packs everything users paying $1,300 should expect. If Samsung slowly removes the Ultra’s uniqueness, it could add features that make us feel better about getting the most expensive phone in the lineup. The removal of the Bluetooth S Pen didn’t sit well with people, and now there are rumors that it may not be included in future models. Samsung needs to take a bold chance, and a 1-inch camera sensor would go a long way towards that. It’ll be interesting either way Regardless of what Samsung does with the Galaxy S26 Ultra, there will be plenty to discuss. In 2026, the company will either make drastic changes to appease long-time fans or appeal to casual users by focusing on software enhancements to Galaxy AI and minor upgrades. I’m looking forward to hearing more rumors about what Samsung has in store as the year goes on because I was not left enthused by the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and I know I’m not alone. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S26 #Ultra #rumors #thatll #skip #S25 #Ultra Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mark Williams trade rescinded: What comes next for Lakers on buyout market and in the offseason – CBS Sports Mark Williams trade rescinded: What comes next for Lakers on buyout market and in the offseason – CBS Sports Mark Williams trade rescinded: What comes next for Lakers on buyout market and in the offseason CBS SportsCharlotte Hornets Statement NBA.ComDalton Knecht trade rescinded, Lakers guard will remain with Los Angeles not Charlotte Knoxville News SentinelHow concerning is Mark Williams’ injury history? Silver Screen and Roll Lakers’ trade for Hornets C Mark Williams rescinded due to ‘failure to satisfy condition’ Yahoo Sports Source link #Mark #Williams #trade #rescinded #Lakers #buyout #market #offseason #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WNCL: Western Australia stare down wooden spoon after defeat to ACT Comets in Canberra on Sunday WNCL: Western Australia stare down wooden spoon after defeat to ACT Comets in Canberra on Sunday Western Australia have missed a golden opportunity to lift themselves off the bottom of the Women’s National Cricket League table in a defeat to ACT Comets. Source link #WNCL #Western #Australia #stare #wooden #spoon #defeat #ACT #Comets #Canberra #Sunday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Topeka Public Schools fifth-grade teacher indicted for child ************ Topeka Public Schools fifth-grade teacher indicted for child ************ A Topeka USD 501 teacher was indicted for possession of child ******* abuse materials. On Wednesday, State Street Elementary School fifth-grade teacher Joseph Dube, 34, was indicted for one count each of possession of child ************ and ******* exploration of a minor. Dube is accused of knowingly accessing and possessing materials depicting minors young than 12 years old engaging in ********* explicit conduct. He made his first court appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and pleaded not guilty. Topeka USD 501 teacher indicted for possession of child ************. Dube is still in custody and his next hearing is scheduled for Monday. Aarion L. Gray, general director of instructional services, said Dube is on administrative leave from USD 501. “We have not been made aware of any incident occurring on school property by law enforcement,” Gray said. “Personnel matters are confidential, therefore, no additional information is available at this time.” The U.S. Secret Service and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Hunting is prosecuting Dube. Possible penalties include 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. (This story was updated to add new information.) This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka fifth-grade teacher indicted for accessing child ************ Source link #Topeka #Public #Schools #fifthgrade #teacher #indicted #child #************ Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jimmy Butler scores 25 points in Warriors debut, helps lead 24-point comeback – NBA.Com Jimmy Butler scores 25 points in Warriors debut, helps lead 24-point comeback – NBA.Com Jimmy Butler scores 25 points in Warriors debut, helps lead 24-point comeback NBA.ComJimmy Butler scores 25 points in Warriors debut, helps lead 24-point comeback win over Bulls Yahoo SportsCurry scores 34 as Warriors rally to beat Bulls 132-111 in Jimmy Butler’s Golden State debut CBS NewsGolden State Warriors Highlights vs. Chicago Bulls NBA.ComWarriors’ Jimmy Butler era begins, co-starring with Steph Curry in thrilling rally past Bulls San Francisco Chronicle Source link #Jimmy #Butler #scores #points #Warriors #debut #helps #lead #24point #comeback #NBA.Com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

David Koch: How a drop in the *********** dollar can impact your personal finance David Koch: How a drop in the *********** dollar can impact your personal finance The fall in the value of the *********** dollar is playing havoc with the cost of overseas holidays and buying imported goods. Source link #David #Koch #drop #*********** #dollar #impact #personal #finance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Modi’s party returns to power in Indian capital for first time in 27 years Modi’s party returns to power in Indian capital for first time in 27 years Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist party won elections in the sprawling megacity of Delhi for the first time in 27 years on Saturday, defeating one of his most prominent critics in a much-needed boost after losing its national majority last year. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 48 seats in the capital territory’s 70-member assembly, according to figures posted online by the Indian Election Commission. “Development wins, good governance triumphs,” said Modi in a post on X. “I bow to my dear sisters and brothers of Delhi for this resounding and historic mandate.” The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of Arvind Kejriwal, one of Modi’s most prominent opponents and former chief minister of the capital, won just 22 seats. “We accept the mandate of the people with great humility. I congratulate the BJP for this victory, and I hope they will fulfil all the promises for which people have voted them,” Kejriwal said in a video statement. Delhi, a sprawling city of some 20 million people, faces huge issues like access to housing and high levels of air pollution that blanket the city in toxic smog for months each year. The capital has long been a stumbling block for the BJP electoral juggernaut, which has rolled across much of India over the past decade, with the party last holding power there in 1998. The AAP, which grew out of a popular anti-corruption movement, has governed the capital – home to India’s parliament and government buildings – since 2015. Just before general elections in April last year, Kejriwal was arrested on graft charges that he and his party said were ordered by the BJP, something Modi’s government has long denied. The US State Department later angered Modi’s government by calling on authorities to ensure a fair legal process for Kejriwal. Modi won a third term at last year’s mammoth general elections, becoming the first leader since India’s founding prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to secure such a feat. But voters delivered a shock result that reduced the BJP’s majority in the national parliament, and the party now governs the country of 1.4 billion people as part of a coalition. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #Modis #party #returns #power #Indian #capital #time #years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What we know about the Alaska commuter plane ****** that killed all 10 people aboard – PBS NewsHour What we know about the Alaska commuter plane ****** that killed all 10 people aboard – PBS NewsHour What we know about the Alaska commuter plane ****** that killed all 10 people aboard PBS NewsHourHere’s what we know about a commuter plane ****** in Alaska that killed 10 people The Associated PressRemains of all 10 victims killed in Alaska plane ****** identified New York Post Alaska plane that disappeared with 10 people aboard has been found with no survivors, officials say CNNAll 10 victims recovered from Alaska plane wreckage have been identified CBS News Source link #Alaska #commuter #plane #****** #killed #people #aboard #PBS #NewsHour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Drax power station’s further reporting failure exposed by BBC News Drax power station’s further reporting failure exposed by BBC News Getty Images Drax failed to report the burning of wood from primary forests in Canada, BBC News found A *** power station that has received billions of pounds in government subsidies has failed more than once to report it burned wood from primary forests, BBC News has found. Drax Power Station, which burns wood pellets, is required to report where it sources its wood and whether it is from natural, previously untouched forests. The company paid a £25m penalty last year for misreporting this data following an investigation by the energy regulator Ofgem and now the BBC has discovered a further year of misreporting that has not been looked at by the regulator. The company did not deny misreporting its sustainability data but said it is “focused on implementing the lessons learned”. The power station, a converted coal plant in North Yorkshire, generates approximately 6% of the ***’s electricity and has received billions of pounds in subsidies from the government and bill-payers because wood-burning is classed as a source of renewable energy. BBC Panorama and BBC News has previously reported that Drax held logging licences in British Columbia, Canada, and used wood, including whole trees, from primary and old-growth forests for its pellets. These are natural forests that have never been industrially logged and lock up and store significant amounts of carbon as well providing key wildlife habitats. The company says it does not own forests or sawmills, no longer bids for logging licences and has stopped sourcing wood from some sites, where the British Columbia government has asked companies to pause further logging. However, public logging records show Drax still sources whole trees from primary forests that are felled by other companies in the province, despite stating in its own sustainability criteria that the company will “avoid damage or disturbance to high carbon forests” which “can be defined as primary forest”. Modern industrial logging only really began in the interior of British Columbia in the 1960s, which means the areas that have been logged and replanted in recent decades are not yet mature enough for these plantations to harvested. Nearly all the industrial logging that takes place in the interior of the province is from “woodland of native species where there is no clearly visible indication of human activities and the ecological processes are not significantly disturbed”, the wording used by Ofgem to define primary forests. Getty Images Drax generates approximately 6% of the ***’s electricity Drax was required to report to Ofgem that it had sourced wood from these areas but data obtained by the BBC through environmental information requests shows the company failed to declare any wood from primary forests in the sustainability data it submitted to the regulator regarding its ********* wood pellets for the year 2020-21. That year Drax burned just over 1.2 million tonnes of wood pellets from Canada, with a significant proportion coming from primary forests in the interior of British Columbia. The company did not respond to the BBC’s questions about why it had misreported its sustainability data and whether it had misled both the government and the energy regulator over its use of wood from primary forests. Drax appears to have since reduced its reliance on ********* wood. The company said that only around 2.5% of pellets used at its power station in 2023 came from British Columbia, predominantly from public forests that have been designated for harvesting. The company said it “recognises the importance of sustainably sourced biomass, and we work to ensure our pellets are legally harvested and meet the strict sustainability requirements of the ***, US, and ********* governments, as well as those of the EU.” The ***’s current biomass sustainability criteria does not prohibit whole trees from primary forests being used for wood pellets. The company added that the misreporting previously identified by Ofgem was “technical in nature” and “would not have impacted the levels of ROCs [subsidies] earned”. According to Ofgem, accurate sustainability data enables the government “to understand and monitor the extent to which both primary forests and sawlogs are used in woody biomass, which has consequences for carbon emissions and biodiversity”. Following their investigation last year and Drax’s subsequent £25m penalty for misreporting data, the regulator Ofgem said it “won’t hesitate to act” in the event of further wrong-doing. However, when approached by the BBC the regulator did not commit to any specific action relating to the further misreporting uncovered by the BBC. In a statement an Ofgem spokesperson said: “We thank the BBC for sharing this information which relates to the same issue that was identified in our investigation into Drax.” They added that Ofgem is making Drax “conduct a full independent, external audit of its global supply chain profiling data to satisfy us appropriate processes and controls are in place for the future” and added: “If any additional evidence comes to light following the audit, we will investigate again.” Drax’s current renewable subsidies schemes come to an end in 2027 and the BBC’s discovery of further misreporting of sustainability data by Drax comes as the government is expected to announce an extension of Drax’s subsidies imminently. The government says it is carefully considering amending the current biomass sustainability criteria and will issue an update shortly but did not confirm whether it will prevent wood from primary forests being used for wood pellets. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: “The situation we inherited for large scale biomass generators was unacceptable. “Ofgem required a further audit to be undertaken and they are working closely with Drax to ensure any misreporting does not happen again.” Source link #Drax #power #stations #reporting #failure #exposed #BBC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena offers prize to the most feral fan at Tuesday’s NBL play-in game Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena offers prize to the most feral fan at Tuesday’s NBL play-in game Perth Wildcats owner Mark Arena is offering a massive prize to the most feral fan at Tuesday night’s play-in game against South East Melbourne at Perth High Performance Centre, urging members to be the loudest and most intimidating they’ve ever been. The Wildcats were forced to move the game from RAC Arena after learning that Kylie Minogue had booked out their home court for the week. That will mean less than half of the club’s members will be able to purchase seats to the smaller venue. Arena is determined to give his team the largest home court advantage possible after not playing there since 2012. Captain Jesse Wagstaff is the only remaining player from that era. Arena is offering a seat next to him in the owner’s box for the club’s next final for the person deemed to be leading the feral charge. That match will be a semifinal if the Wildcats win or a knockout play-in game if they lose. He said it was vital to replicate the atmosphere that more than 13,000 fans produce at RAC Arena. “We need it to be family-friendly feral,” Arena told The West ***********. “We’ll be looking for people who are super supportive, really loud, really getting behind the team and obviously wearing red. “We want it to be intense and intimidating for the opposition and we want to be able to hear a pin drop when our guys are shooting free throws. I hope everyone who is very lucky to get a ticket is really loud and super intimidating for South East Melbourne. Being a smaller venue, it is loud enough as it is, but we want to take it to the next level.” Camera IconMark Arena wants Wildcats members to be loud. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West *********** Fans will have to wait longer to secure their seats after purchasing codes for members were shared online. That prompted the club to delay the on-***** time from midday on Sunday to 10am on Monday to avoid non-members from being able to jump the ******. “In hindsight we made the decision that was wrong to provide a single code to all of our members,” Arena said. “Unfortunately some of our members shared that online which means anyone with the code can use it. We backtracked and are issuing per-member codes via email. “That’s meant we’ve had to push out ticketing sales. It’s not ideal but it was really, really important to give all of our members a shot.” Source link #Perth #Wildcats #owner #Mark #Arena #offers #prize #feral #fan #Tuesdays #NBL #playin #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump administration orders federal agencies to provide lists of underperforming employees Trump administration orders federal agencies to provide lists of underperforming employees President Donald Trump’s administration has ordered all federal departments and agencies to provide lists of employees who are underperforming, as it seeks to shrink the workforce and awaits a court ruling related to its deferred resignation offers. A memo sent by the Office of Personnel Management on Thursday directs the agencies to submit names of every employee who has received less than a “fully successful” performance rating in the past three years and to note whether the workers have been on performance plans. The memo, which was viewed by The Associated Press, also emphasized that the agencies report any obstacles to making sure they have “the ability to swiftly terminate poor performing employees who cannot or will not improve.” 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 memo seeks the employee’s name, job title, pay plan and other details, as well as whether that employee is “under or successfully completed a performance improvement plan within the last 12 months.” The office also is asking if an agency has proposed or issued a decision in such cases, and whether any action is being appealed or challenged, as well as any outcome. The data is due by March 7. Charles Ezell, the acting director of OPM who sent the memo, wrote that the office is developing new performance metrics for evaluating the federal workforce, a standard that “aligns with the priorities and standards in the President’s recent Executive Orders.” To assist the office, Ezell wrote that all agencies should submit data regarding their performance management plans and policies, including those contained in collective bargaining agreements. So far, 65,000 federal workers have opted into the deferred resignation program, according to a White House official who wasn’t authorized to disclose the latest figures and spoke on condition of anonymity. The program is being challenged in court, and a federal judge scheduled a hearing for Monday afternoon to consider arguments over whether the plan can proceed. ___ Associated Press writer Chris Megerian contributed to this report. Source link #Trump #administration #orders #federal #agencies #provide #lists #underperforming #employees Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lakers' trade for Hornets center Mark Williams rescinded after failed physical, AP source says – The Associated Press Lakers' trade for Hornets center Mark Williams rescinded after failed physical, AP source says – The Associated Press Lakers’ trade for Hornets center Mark Williams rescinded after failed physical, AP source says The Associated PressCharlotte Hornets Statement NBA.ComMark Williams trade rescinded: What comes next for Lakers on buyout market and in the offseason CBS SportsDalton Knecht trade rescinded, Lakers guard will remain with Los Angeles not Charlotte Knoxville News SentinelLeBron James Surprised Lakers Were Able To Acquire Mark Williams LakersNation.com Source link #Lakers039 #trade #Hornets #center #Mark #Williams #rescinded #failed #physical #source #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Truth and a load of crocs on the Nile Truth and a load of crocs on the Nile The ancient Egyptians worshipped the River Nile for its life-giving prowess, its annual floods helping to nourish the agricultural lands on its banks. Also subject to people’s reverence (and fear) were the creatures dwelling in and around the Nile, with none rousing the emotions like the menacing Nile crocodile. Fully-grown, this reptile can stretch 5m long and weigh more than 400kg. Though smaller than a saltwater croc, this apex predator has a similarly powerful bite, reckoned to be almost three times harder than that of a hippopotamus, eight times more formidable than a lion and around 30 times that of an adult human. In short, they’re best avoided. That’s fairly easy nowadays even if you are taking a cruise on the Nile, where croc sightings are rare on the commonly-navigated sailing stretch between Luxor and Aswan. The construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s not only altered the flow of the Nile, controlling its floods, it also trapped most crocodiles south of its barrier. It’s thought that between 10,000 and 40,000 — no-one knows for sure — reside in Lake Nasser, which sprawls across Nubia, the region straddling southern Egypt and northern Sudan. Camera IconKom Ombo temple is beautifully lit up at night. Credit: Steve McKenna/ You can, however, expect to meet some crocodiles on your Nile voyage. Most itineraries stop at Kom Ombo, a town 50km upriver from Aswan. Its eponymous temple, a stone’s throw from the jetty, is something of a rarity in Egypt as it’s devoted not just to one deity, but two. While one half honours falcon god Horus the Elder, the other is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile-headed god associated with fertility and power (and who, one legend has it, created the Nile from his sweat). Pharaohs and peasants alike would worship Sobek to appease him and crocodiles in general, willing them not to snatch them and their loved ones and even their cattle grazing by the water. Much younger than the temples of Luxor, Kom Ombo was built in the 2nd century BC, during the Ptolemaic ******* — when Egypt was ruled by the Greek dynasties descending from Ptolemy, a general of Alexander the Great (the last of that dynasty was Queen Cleopatra VII). Pharaonic tributes are a feature of the temple’s hieroglyphic etchings and pictograms but I’m most drawn to the references to Sobek. We visit at night when the temple is illuminated and the hieroglyphs have even more clarity than they would in the darkened shade (or the full glare of the daytime sunshine). Camera IconYou’ll find crocodiles inside the colourful houses in the village of Gharb Soheil. Credit: Steve McKenna/ After roaming the temple, we pop inside the small, dimly-lit Crocodile Museum next door. An exhibition traces the myths and legacy of Sobek and displays crocodile-carved figurines and other artefacts. Most compelling, though, are the series of mummified crocs that were discovered in a nearby cemetery. Some are 4m in length. Throughout our cruise, I regularly pace the pool deck to scan the river and its lush banks, wondering if — against the odds — I will somehow see a crocodile in the wild. Alas, the closest I get is seeing Viking Sobek — the newest in the Viking cruise fleet — glide past. There is a surprise in store for us in Aswan, though. On an afternoon excursion cruising around the little islands that stud the Nile here, we dock at the colourful riverside Nubian village of Gharb Soheil (also called Nagaa Suhayl Gharb). Taming crocodiles was part of the culture of ancient Nubia and the tradition endures to a degree today. Camera IconMummified crocodiles are displayed at the museum next to Kom Ombo temple. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Some residents have crocodiles for pets and mummified crocodiles hanging above their front doors. Many of the folk living here are from families that were displaced from their ancestral homes which were flooded by the creation of Lake Nasser following the completion of the Aswan High Dam. While some Nubians earn a living from farming, others are more focused on tourism, offering camel rides, cultural experiences and crocodile encounters to the cruise ship groups and tourists staying at Aswan’s hotels. Climbing the steps up from the river, we see stalls selling souvenirs and keepsakes, including traditional Nubian arts and crafts, and brightly painted clay abodes, some with rooftop cafes offering sweeping views of the Nile. We learn more about the Nubian culture and language at the village school, which is attached to a mosque. Seated in a classroom, we’re taught how to count to ten in both Arabic — the main language of Egypt, introduced after the 7th century Arab conquest — and Nubian, which has been spoken in these parts for much longer. Some households welcome visitors into their sandy-floored homes for snacks, mint tea and a chance to meet the pets. After disappearing for a few moments, our guide Mohamed reappears holding a baby crocodile. He says we can hold it and stroke it too if we like. I back off and politely decline but a few others in my group are chomping at the bit to do so. Elsewhere in the living room, there’s an adult croc in a shallow pit topped by a cage. He’s very still, sleeping perhaps. Someone rattles the cage to try to wake him and perhaps persuade him to open his jaws for a photograph. The croc is having none of it, staying deadly still. I’m in two minds about all this. Is this devotion? Animal cruelty? Exploitation? Capitalism? It’s possibly a mix of everything, although in truth, I’m ambivalent. I feel a bit sorry for the croc — he should probably be out swimming and hunting in Lake Nasser — but my sympathy is tempered by the fact that, if that cage did open, and I was this close to him, there’s a chance he’d spring into action and snap my arm off. Or worse. Best to leave him be, I think, as I exit the house and approach the stalls nearby, where, among the potential souvenirs, are miniature statues of crocodiles and Sobek. fact file + Seven-night Nile cruises typically begin and end in Luxor, sailing upriver to Aswan and back with stops at ports including Kom Ombo. The best time to cruise is from November to April, when daytime temperatures average between 25-30C. For more information on visiting Egypt, see experienceegypt.eg Camera IconYou’ll find crocodiles inside the colourful houses in the village of Gharb Soheil. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconKom Ombo temple is beautifully lit up at night. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconMummified crocodiles are displayed at the museum next to Kom Ombo temple. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconMummified crocodiles are displayed at the museum next to Kom Ombo temple. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconYou’ll see numerous crocodile references – including Sobek – etched into the features of Kom Ombo temple. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconYou’ll see numerous crocodile references etched into the features of Kom Ombo temple. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconArtwork in the village school of Gharb Soheil. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconCrocodiles are now rarely spotted in the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Source link #Truth #load #crocs #Nile Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Battery firm abandons plan for a $2.6 billion plant in Georgia Battery firm abandons plan for a $2.6 billion plant in Georgia ATLANTA (AP) — A clean energy company is abandoning a plan to build a giant electric battery factory in Atlanta’s suburbs after it shifted to buy a solar panel plant in Texas. Freyr Battery told officials in Newnan on Thursday that it wouldn’t build a $2.6 billion plant that was supposed to hire more than 700 people, after sending a Jan. 21 letter to the Coweta County Development Authority announcing its plans to end the project. The factory would have built batteries to store electricity produced by renewable sources and release it later, company officials said. It would have been the second-largest battery factory worldwide when it was announced in 2023. But Freyr, a startup founded in 2018, never began construction on the 368-acre (149-hectare) site. Freyr, which moved its corporate headquarters from Norway to Newnan in part to maximize its eligibility for the U.S. tax benefits of President Joe Biden’s climate law, said it was shifting its focus to a newly opened solar panel factory that it bought last year for $340 million from top ******** solar panel maker Trina Solar. “We are so grateful for the support and partnership we found in Coweta County and throughout Georgia,” Freyr spokesperson Amy Jaick wrote in a statement, “However, as noted in our December release, we are focusing at the moment on the solar module manufacturing facility in Texas.” The Newnan Times-Herald first reported the story, saying Freyr senior vice president of business development Jason Peace met Thursday with local officials. Peace told Coweta County Development Authority board members that the decision was driven by rising interest rates, falling battery prices, a change in company leadership and a shift in its goals, authority President Sarah Jacobs wrote in an email Friday. The Georgia Department of Economic Development said the state conveyed a $7 million grant to buy a site for Freyr in Newnan, about 35 miles (55 kilometers) southwest of Atlanta. Department spokesperson Jessica Atwell said the state and company are “working together” to ensure the money is “repaid expeditiously.” Freyr may also owe money to Coweta County. “Georgia’s incentives process protects the Georgia taxpayer, and when a company’s plans change, that process ensures discretionary incentives are repaid,” Atwell said in a statement. Jacobs said planning for the project made Coweta County a stronger candidate for future projects. The company had said it planned to build battery factories in Norway and Finland but said in November that it will try to sell its European business. The company also said it was terminating its license for technology to make batteries, paying $3 million to the company it was licensed from. Story Continues Tom Einar Jensen, then the company’s CEO, told investors in August that it had grown difficult to raise money to make batteries because of a surplus of ******** batteries being produced at lower costs. The company said it was switching its strategy into businesses that would allow it to raise cash, including solar panel manufacturing. The company saw its cash on hand fall from $253 million at the end of 2023 to $182 million on Sept. 30. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has targeted recruitment of the electric vehicle industry. Korean firm SK Innovation built a $2.6 billion battery plant in Commerce, northeast of Atlanta and hired 3,000 workers, but later laid off or furloughed some workers. Hyundai Motor Group has started production at a $7.6 billion electric vehicle and battery plant near Savannah, with plans to hire 8,500 workers. Electric truck maker Rivian revived its plans to build a plant east of Atlanta after a $6.6 billion loan from the Biden administration. Source link #Battery #firm #abandons #plan #billion #plant #Georgia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stradivarius violin crafted at ‘pinnacle’ of maker's career over 300 years ago sells for eye-popping price – Fox News Stradivarius violin crafted at ‘pinnacle’ of maker's career over 300 years ago sells for eye-popping price – Fox News Stradivarius violin crafted at ‘pinnacle’ of maker’s career over 300 years ago sells for eye-popping price Fox News1714 “Joachim-Ma” Stradivarius Sells for $11.25 Million to Supports New England Conservatory Scholarships The Violin ChannelStradivarius violin auction raises $11 million for scholarships at Boston music school CBS Boston Source link #Stradivarius #violin #crafted #pinnacle #maker039s #career #years #sells #eyepopping #price #Fox #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Angela Rayner defends handling of Grenfell Tower meeting Angela Rayner defends handling of Grenfell Tower meeting Angela Rayner has defended her handling of a meeting with bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire last week, after some attendees described it as a “car ******”. The deputy prime minister told the meeting on Wednesday that the 24-storey tower would be gradually dismantled, nearly eight years after a fire that killed 72 people. The decision received mixed reaction from those impacted by the tragedy, following years of debate over the tower’s future. Rayner told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg she does not feel she was “aggressive” during the meeting, saying: “If anyone felt that way, then I would be sincerely upset about that”. Kimia Zabihyan, from Grenfell Next of Kin, which acts for some bereaved families, described the meeting as “charged” but said Rayner appeared to have attended with the “best of intentions”. Grenfell United, which also represents some bereaved families and survivors, said no-one at the meeting supported the plan, and called ignoring their wishes “disgraceful and unforgiveable”. “I think what I tried to do is take a really difficult meeting, and explain to people…knowing full well that whatever I said in that room that night was going to be very traumatic for people, and people would be upset,” Rayner said. The decision to dismantle the building, which was formally announced on Friday, came after engineers advised the tower was significantly damaged, the government said. It added that experts advised that the condition of the building would “continue to worsen over time” and that it only remains stable due to additional protective measures put in place. Engineers have also said it is “not practicable to retain many of the floors of the building in place” as part of a permanent memorial. Some people wanted the west London tower to remain standing as a lasting reminder of the tragedy, while others called for it to be removed completely. Rayner, who was also accused by some of failing to properly consult with survivors, said “there isn’t a consensus” over the building’s future, but that she had taken part in multiple meetings with different families and community groups. “I felt, weighing up all of the different conversations that I had, and the engineering report, that actually the only way forward really was to sensitively make sure that we start taking the tower to ground level, but that we have a lasting memorial on that site,” she told the programme. She said she was determined to work with the families to develop a “lasting memorial” to “do justice to what is a sacred place”. The fire in 2017, which claimed 72 lives, was originally caused by a faulty fridge in a fourth-floor flat, but quickly spread around the block because it was covered in highly flammable cladding. A public inquiry concluded in September that the disaster had been the result of numerous government and construction industry failures. The Grenfell Tower Memorial Commission has been consulting on plans for a memorial in the area of the tower. Five design teams have been shortlisted to create the memorial, with the winner aiming to submit a planning application in late 2026. Source link #Angela #Rayner #defends #handling #Grenfell #Tower #meeting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Madoc Lanfear-Appleby wins 3.6km solo race in 30th edition of Busselton Jetty Swim Madoc Lanfear-Appleby wins 3.6km solo race in 30th edition of Busselton Jetty Swim The absence of Olympian Kyle Lee created space for a new winner to emerge in the 30th edition of the Bussleton Jetty Swim. Source link #Madoc #LanfearAppleby #wins #3.6km #solo #race #30th #edition #Busselton #Jetty #Swim Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Emboldened by Trump, Iranian dissidents demand overthrow of rulers Emboldened by Trump, Iranian dissidents demand overthrow of rulers By John Irish and Clotaire Achi PARIS (Reuters) – Thousands of opponents to Iran’s authorities rallied in Paris on Saturday, joined by Ukrainians to call for the fall of the government in Tehran, hopeful that U.S. President Donald Trump’s ‘maximum pressure’ campaign could lead to change in the country. The protest, organised by the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), which is banned in Iran, comes as two of the group’s members face imminent execution with a further six sentenced to death in November. 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. “We say your demise has arrived. With or without negotiations, with or without nuclear weapons, uprising and overthrow await you,” NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi said in a speech. People from across Europe, often bussed in for the event, waved Iranian flags and chanted anti-government slogans amid images deriding Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hundreds of Ukrainians accusing Iran of backing Russian President Vladimir Putin in the war against Ukraine joined the protest. Iryna Serdiuk, 37, a nurse turned interpreter originally from the embattled Donbass region, and now exiled in Germany, said she had come to Paris to join forces against a common enemy. “I’m happy to see these Iranians because they are opposition. They support Ukraine and not the Iranian government which gives Russia weapons. We are together and one day it will be victory for Ukraine and Iran too,” she said. The NCRI, also known by its Persian name Mujahideen-e-Khalq, was once listed as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union until 2012. SUPPORT INSIDE IRAN While its critics question its support inside Iran and how it operates, it remains one of the few opposition groups able to rally supporters. Mohammad Sabetraftar, 63, an Iranian who has been in exile for 40 years and now runs a taxi business in the United Kingdom, dismissed criticism of the NCRI saying that it was the only alternative capable of achieving democracy in Iran. “What we expect from Mr Trump or any Western politician is to not support this government. We don’t need money, we don’t need weapons, we rely on the people. No ties with the regime, no connections and put as much pressure on this government.” Tehran has long called for a crackdown on the NCRI in Paris, Riyadh, and Washington. The group is regularly criticised in state media. In January, Trump’s Ukraine envoy spoke at a conference organised by the group in Paris. At the time he outlined the president’s plan to return to a policy of maximum pressure on Iran that sought to wreck its economy, forcing the country to negotiate a deal on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, and regional activities. Homa Sabetraftar, 16, a schoolgirl in Britain, said she felt it was her duty to come to the event to represent the youth of Iran. “Some people in Iran don’t have that voice and aren’t able to vocalise as freely as we are able to here,” she said. “We need to push for a better future.” (Reporting by John Irish; Editing by Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Source link #Emboldened #Trump #Iranian #dissidents #demand #overthrow #rulers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Thai hostages: Emotional scenes as farm workers arrive in Bangkok – BBC.com Thai hostages: Emotional scenes as farm workers arrive in Bangkok – BBC.com Thai hostages: Emotional scenes as farm workers arrive in Bangkok BBC.comView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Thai #hostages #Emotional #scenes #farm #workers #arrive #Bangkok #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA State election 2025: Record numbers need help in cost-of-living crunch, ******** agencies report WA State election 2025: Record numbers need help in cost-of-living crunch, ******** agencies report WA’s cost of living crisis continues to get worse, with a leading ******** agency recording record pleas for help. Source link #State #election #Record #numbers #costofliving #crunch #******** #agencies #report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Latino workers working to overcome a technological divide brought on by automation, AI Latino workers working to overcome a technological divide brought on by automation, AI As jobs become more reliant on technology some Latino workers can be left behind due to a lack of digital skills exacerbated by a lack of accessibility. Latinos remain an integral part of jobs in agriculture, construction, retail and food services but these jobs are also at risk of automation, leaving some Latinos unprepared for a changing role that relies more on technology, according to a new report by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles. Analysis from the UCLA Latino Policy Institute shows Latinos are overrepresented in fields at risk of automation. The report also provides some suggestions on how to improve Latino economic mobility. “This report sheds light on a critical but often overlooked reality: Automation is not just a technological issue but an equity issue, said Misael Galdámez, co-author of the report, “On the Frontlines: Automation Risks for Latino Workers in California.” “Latino workers are on the frontline of automation risk, facing barriers like limited English proficiency, low digital access and educational gaps,” Galdámez said. Valerie Gills, 32, spent three years as a receptionist at a hotel in Phoenix, but in 2023, the hotel set up self-check kiosks and installed AI-powered chatbots on its website to handle reservations and requests. The changes made it clear that Gills was no longer essential. “I knew businesses were always trying to improve efficiency,” she said, “but it seemed to me as though technology was taking opportunities away from us.” Gills eventually lost her job. She found temporary positions but nothing as stable as her hotel job had been. Her employment troubles weighed on her mental health and “reminded me how weak workers like me can be when industries get everything automated.” Ramiro Cavazos, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said that while automation displaces those with limited skills, it can also create new roles, provide better working conditions and prevent burnout. “Automation affects people that don’t have access to the Internet,” Cavazos said. “Latinos, who traditionally are the ones impacted, have made great progress as we become more educated, more skilled.” As Gills looked for a new job, the reality set in: She would need to learn a new skill to stay ahead of the curve. Ultimately she was able to get an internship as a blog editor, but she is actively looking for a tech-study program in data analytics and software development, including boot camps online, so she can be a competitive candidate. Cavazos said the Hispanic Chamber works with over 500 foundations to ensure corporations contribute to providing skills training that Latinos need to compete in the current job market. He has seen a lot of investment to ensure Latino workers have the skills they need to succeed. During former President Joe Biden’s administration, the U.S. Department of Labor’s division on employment and training focused on providing Latinos a pathway to learn new skills through apprenticeship programs, said Manny Lamre, then deputy assistant secretary for employment and training. According to Lamare, the apprenticeships were perfect for Latinos as they met their needs to have high-paying, family-supporting careers. “We do think it’s really important to continue to engage individuals and meet them where they are,” Lamarre said at the time. “Quite frankly the Biden-Harris Administration has been intentional about making investments supporting Latino and Hispanic communities. We are hopeful those investments continue.” Department of Labor officials under President Donald Trump, who has issued several orders targeting diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, did not immediately confirm whether the apprenticeship programs are still active. Carlos Vasquez, founder of Miami Ed Tech, a nonprofit focused on providing skills Latino students need for upward mobility, said apprenticeships are extremely favorable to Latinos as they are paying jobs from day one with a promise of training from an organization. Miami Ed Tech offers two apprenticeships in AI, data science and web design. “Everyone thinks it’s only for like, the trades,” Vazquez said. “But that was the other thing that the Biden administration really pushed, is building more apprenticeships in nontraditional and emerging sectors. So we are kind of like, trying to also emulate that by offering in our community any employer who doesn’t know but wants to get involved, because there’s a lot of benefits. So it’s a win-win for everyone.” Historically, Latinos have always been impacted by automation due to their relation to labor-intensive roles, especially in retail and food service. Cavazos said it is crucial to “teach Latinos more digital skills to evolve with the workforce.” A study by UCLA this year found that in California, 2.3 million Latinos are employed in roles most at risk of becoming automated. Of the Latinos working in automation, 21% of them do not have access to high-speed internet at home, a hindrance to digital upskilling, the study found. A 2021 Pew Research study also found that only 67% of Hispanic adults reported owning a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 8 in 10 white adults. Diana Caba, vice president for community and economic development at the Hispanic Federation, said that as the world becomes more digital, it can become a huge obstacle for Latinos who do not have digital skills. Therefore the nonprofit has partnered with over 50 community-based organizations to decrease the digital divide by providing Latinos training, including access to technology. Caba said that of the 35,000 people they’ve trained, 70% have completed the training. She said 6,000 have gone on to new jobs, and about 10,500 have gotten a six-figure salary. “Automation is a big threat for our community, considering that we are in these low-paying sectors that are actually very vulnerable and don’t really offer much opportunities for economic mobility,” Caba said. “It’s been really exciting to take this approach and meet the needs of increasing the digital acumen of the Latino community.” Dylan Pravia started as an intern with Miami Ed Tech, which he said provided him the opportunity to use computers and learn about AI and programming. He is now able to use what he learned there as a mechanical engineering student at Florida International University. “I really like what Miami Ed Tech is doing,” Pravia said. “They are providing that training, that opportunity, to students. Talent is everywhere, and we should give (Latino) students as much training as they can, all those opportunities, so we can see the talent and their skills in the world.” Gills, the former hotel receptionist, said she understands technology is the future but automation feels like a double-edged sword. While it can open opportunities for high-skilled labor, it also diminishes the number of low-skill jobs that many Latinos need, she said. “I’ve seen firsthand how many co-workers were swapped for kiosks or chatbots,” Gills said. “Retraining workers and preparing them for new jobs needs to be better supported by the system. To be honest, these times with automation and AI feel very unreliable and constantly changing, but I guess we just have to learn how to adapt.” ___ The Associated Press received financial support from the Sony Global Social Justice Fund to expand certain coverage areas. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Source link #Latino #workers #working #overcome #technological #divide #brought #automation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DGA Awards: Sean Baker Wins Top Film Prize For ‘Anora’; Ramell Ross Takes First-Time Feature Prize; ‘Porcelain War’, ‘Shōgun’, ‘Hacks’ Among Winners — Full List – Deadline DGA Awards: Sean Baker Wins Top Film Prize For ‘Anora’; Ramell Ross Takes First-Time Feature Prize; ‘Porcelain War’, ‘Shōgun’, ‘Hacks’ Among Winners — Full List – Deadline DGA Awards: Sean Baker Wins Top Film Prize For ‘Anora’; Ramell Ross Takes First-Time Feature Prize; ‘Porcelain War’, ‘Shōgun’, ‘Hacks’ Among Winners — Full List DeadlineDirectors Guild of America Awards Winners (Updating Live) Variety2025 DGA Awards winners list in 3 film and 8 TV categories (updating live) Gold DerbyThe 2024 Directors Guild Of America (DGA) Winners Next Best PictureDGA Awards: Sean Baker Takes Top Honor for ‘Anora’ Hollywood Reporter Source link #DGA #Awards #Sean #Baker #Wins #Top #Film #Prize #Anora #Ramell #Ross #Takes #FirstTime #Feature #Prize #Porcelain #War #Shōgun #Hacks #Among #Winners #Full #List #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PlayStation Gives Reason For PSN Outage; Offers Amends PlayStation Gives Reason For PSN Outage; Offers Amends Sony has given an actual reason for the PlayStation Network (PSN) outage that brought the service down for roughly 20 hours on Friday and Saturday. In a post late Saturday night on social media, the company blamed the outage on an “operational issue”. Specifics on the issue weren’t given nor was anything said about preventing another issue. However, PlayStation did, once again, apologize for what happened. “Network services have fully recovered from an operational issue,” they said. “We apologize for the inconvenience and thank the community for their patience.” NEW EPISODE: GTA 6 Still On Track For 2025: Insider Gaming Weekly Podcast As a make good for nearly a full day of service being lost, PlayStation is giving all PlayStation Plus members five extra days. The extension will automatically be added to all plans. The PSN originally went down on Friday, February 7 around 6pm ET. The outage impacted users across the globe, taking down the ability to sign in, play online, and even access the PlayStation Store. It started to come back around 3:40PM ET on Saturday, February 8. As the service was offline, the company didn’t provide any updates to players aside from an acknowledgement of PSN being offline hours after it went down. The next update came to state that service was restored. What do you think about the reason PlayStation gave for the PSN outage? What about receiving five days of PlayStation Plus for the troubles? Let us know down below, and join more discussions in the official Insider Gaming forums. For more Insider Gaming, find out what game soon-to-be former president of Insomniac Games Ted Price pitched to PlayStation that was never approved and check out what Balatro developer LocalThunk said about the game’s next major update. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #PlayStation #Reason #PSN #Outage #Offers #Amends Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]