Pelican Press

Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records – CBS News Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records – CBS News Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records CBS News Source link #Trump #fires #archivist #United #States #official #oversees #government #records #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What roles are Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda playing? What roles are Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda playing? Barbara Plett Usher BBC News, Nairobi AFP The Rwandan-backed M23 group has said they want to liberate DR Congo The seizure by M23 rebels of vast tracts of land in the mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has triggered a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis, involving several neighbouring countries. An alarming number of African countries already have troops deployed in the conflict zone, which has a long history of outside interference. The DR Congo is such a vast country – two-thirds the size of Western Europe – that it is a member of both the East and Southern African blocs. The two regional groupings are joining forces to hold an emergency summit on Saturday to try and end the fighting. So, who are the main players and what do they want? Democratic Republic of Congo – ‘The besieged giant’Getty Images DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi says his country has been invaded First and foremost is the Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. He wants to regain territory lost to the rebels, including the largest eastern town of Goma, and to prevent them from seizing more. He blames Rwandan leader Paul Kagame for backing the M23 with weapons and troops, accusing Kigali of invading Congolese territory with the aim of looting the country’s mineral wealth and orchestrating regime change. The case that Rwanda is supporting the M23 offensive is based on evidence presented in a UN report and broadly accepted by many African and Western governments, who have demanded that Kagame withdraw his forces. However, to Tshisikedi’s frustration, none have matched their rhetoric with action and responded to Kinshasa’s calls for sanctions and other tough measures. The Congolese leader is also worried about keeping his seat. “I think the political survival of his government is at stake,” said Jason Stearns, a former UN investigator in DR Congo and currently a professor at Simon Fraser University. There is concern that the M23 campaign might embolden internal opposition forces or trigger a coup in his army, which has a reputation for being fragmented and undermined by corruption. Rwanda – ‘The elusive player’Reuters Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame says he is fighting genocidal militias In this conflict, Rwanda’s long-time leader Kagame is the centre of attention, but he’s practised at deflecting it. He has a long history of military intervention inside DR Congo linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Rwanda does not admit to providing military support to the M23, but repeatedly insists it will do anything necessary to defend itself. Kagame maintains that Rwanda’s priority is to destroy an armed group formed by the Hutu genocide perpetrators, who massacred Rwandan Tutsis and then fled to what is now eastern DR Congo. He has accused DR Congo’s army of joining forces with them and others to not only slaughter Congolese Tutsis – who the M23 claims to be fighting to protect – but to threaten Rwanda. At a diplomatic level, Rwanda wants confirmation of its narrative – that the conflict is a Congolese problem, and Kigali is simply defending its borders against the spill-over of a civil war. It’s demanding that Kinshasa negotiate directly with the M23, which it refuses to do. But what it’s really after, said Mr Stearns, is “to maintain a sphere of influence in the eastern DR Congo”. AFP Friends and relatives watch as those who were killed when the M23 captured Goma are buried in fresh graves Rwanda has economic as well as security interests. Kigali denies UN evidence that it smuggles vast amounts of gold and other metals out of eastern DR Congo and sells them as its own. But access to DR Congo’s mineral wealth has been a driver of conflict in the region for decades. There are others this time around, not least the personal animosity between Kagame and Tshisekedi. “Kagame wants to teach Tshisekedi a lesson about who’s the strong guy on the block,” said Richard Moncrieff, who monitors Africa’s Great Lakes region for the International Crisis Group (ICG). The Rwandans are “just going to keep fighting until he makes concessions and…gives them fairly free rein in [the eastern province of] North Kivu,” he added. Burundi – ‘The watchful neighbour’Getty Images Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has had a tense relationship with Rwanda’s Kagame for years Rwanda sees Burundi’s army as another security threat in eastern DR Congo. The nation that borders both Rwanda and DR Congo has had thousands of soldiers there for years. They went to hunt down Burundian rebels but are now supporting Kinshasa’s army in battles against the M23. Relations between Rwanda and Burundi are hostile. The two countries have a similar ethnic make-up but unlike Rwanda, the majority Hutus are in power in Burundi. Both countries have accused each other of trying to overthrow their respective governments. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye has posted a strongly-worded warning on social media. “If Rwanda continues to make conquests,” he wrote, “I know that war will even arrive in Burundi… One day he [Kagame] wants to come to Burundi – we’re not going to accept that. The war will spread.” The threat would increase if the M23 continues its advance from Goma into the province of South Kivu closer to Burundi’s border, which is where its forces are stationed. “What Burundi is seeking here is regime survival,” said Mr Stearns. “Burundi is worried that if Rwandan troops… extend their influence into South Kivu that could destabilize the government in Bujumbura. What’s at stake here is stopping this rebellion before it gets too close to home.” Some fear a repeat of the two wars that engulfed the region in the late 1990s, which drew in nine different countries and reportedly led to millions of deaths. This time, direct clashes between the two armies could extend the DR Congo’s conflict beyond its borders. Uganda – ‘Playing it both ways’Getty Images Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has been accused of playing both sides Uganda is not directly involved, but it also has troops in eastern DR Congo. They are helping the Congolese government with a different security threat – hunting down militants with Ugandan origins who are connected to the Islamic State group. But Uganda’s role is confusing – it’s working with the Congolese, while also allegedly providing at least complicit support to the M23. UN experts report that it has allowed them to use Ugandan territory as a rear base and supply route. Kampala strongly denies that. But it has responded to the M23 offensive by putting its troops in a “forward defensive posture,” to prevent other armed groups from exploiting the crisis, it has said. Local residents have reported seeing Ugandan soldiers moving towards the conflict zone, heightening fears of a regional escalation. Like Rwanda, Uganda has entered eastern DR Congo in the past claiming to be protecting its borders. But it’s also accused of looting natural resources, especially gold. Analysts expect it to safeguard its economic interests while keeping an eye on the Rwandans. “It’s very clear that Uganda wants to retain its own influence in eastern DR Congo and not be pushed out by its rival in Rwanda,” says the ICG’s Mr Moncrieff. South Africa – ‘The peacekeeper taking sides’Getty Images President Cyril Ramaphosa found himself in a heated online back-and-forth with Rwanda leader Paul Kagame over the crisis in DR Congo South Africa has contributed most of the troops to a Southern African regional force fighting alongside the Congolese army and has suffered heavy losses. But it’s also been thrust into the headlines because of an astonishingly vitriolic exchange between Kigali and Johannesburg. The South Africans blamed the deaths of 14 of their soldiers on the Rwandan Defense Forces, which President Cyril Ramaphosa disparagingly referred to as the “RDF militia.” AFP Congolese people in South Africa have been protesting against the conflict in their country for decades His defence minister claimed he’d warned Kagame that any further shooting would be taken as a declaration of war. This infuriated the Rwandan president, who said that the account of their conversation was a “lie” and called the South Africans a “belligerent” force that must leave the DR Congo. This is the sharpest end of a broad division between the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (Sadc). The EAC supports Rwanda’s call for direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23. While Sadc condemns RDF attacks on its soldiers, including Tanzanian and Malawian troops, and has reaffirmed their commitment to DR Congo’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. More BBC stories on the conflict in DR Congo:Getty Images/BBC Source link #roles #Rwanda #Burundi #Uganda #playing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA Labor commits $10m for the development of plan to upgrade Port of Albany and increase tourism WA Labor commits $10m for the development of plan to upgrade Port of Albany and increase tourism WA Labor is continuing its string of promises in the lead-up to the State election in March, this time committing $10 million for the development of a business case to upgrade the Port of Albany. Source link #Labor #commits #10m #development #plan #upgrade #Port #Albany #increase #tourism Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google is bragging about Gemini 2.0 Flash, but how does it compare to ChatGPT for casual AI chatbot users? Google is bragging about Gemini 2.0 Flash, but how does it compare to ChatGPT for casual AI chatbot users? Google really wants you to know that Gemini 2.0 Flash is a big deal. It’s the first generally released member of the Gemini 2.0 family, and the company is hyping it up as faster, smarter, and more powerful than ever, hinting without outright claiming it should replace OpenAI’s ChatGPT in people’s hearts and smartphones. Gemini 2.0 Flash is essentially a high-efficiency version of the model that is faster but supposedly maintains as good an accuracy rate. I decided to play around with Gemini’s new model, testing it out in some basic ways the average person would use it. To spice things up, I sent the same prompts to ChatGPT. Working it out (Image credit: Screenshots of Google Gemini and ChatGPT) I started with a prompt about fitness as it’s the kind of thing a lot of people turn to the internet to help with. I think a good AI chatbot should not only suggest a reasonable workout routine but also explain the reasons for its suggestions, variations on the exercise, and more information about how to be healthy and avoid injury. I wanted to see which chatbot would provide the most well-rounded response, but both honestly did quite well. Gemini included links and tips for its workout, while ChatGPT had a whole weekly schedule for workouts and its own set of helpful advice on getting in shape safely. I had to call it a tie, though the multi-day schedule from ChatGPT did stand out somewhat. Translation Total (Image credit: Screenshots of Google Gemini and ChatGPT) (Image credit: Screenshots of Google Gemini and ChatGPT) Translations are always a popular use of AI chatbots, and this prompt covers three vastly different languages: one classical, one historical, and one fictional. Latin requires proper grammatical structure, while Middle English isn’t just modern English with “ye” thrown in; it has distinct grammar and vocabulary. Of course, Klingon follows an entirely different syntax, created artificially with its own fake etymology. A smart AI should recognize these differences and ask for and provide natural-sounding translations of a common saying instead of just swapping words. ChatGPT broke down each translated phrase and explained the word comparisons, including references to changes in phrasing. Gemini was more concise but included explanations for each translation in terms of alternate phrasing and spelling, as well as calling out when it might be a bit too literal. The Latin translations were the same, but the Middle English and Klingon versions differed. To be honest, I like the Gemini Middle English version more than ChatGPT’s, but the other aspects also put Gemini over the top as the winner here. Crossword Key (Image credit: Screenshots of Google Gemini and ChatGPT) For the final test, I used logic, word association, vocabulary, and pattern recognition. In other words, a crossword puzzle. Any AI chatbot should be able to quickly identify words that match letter patterns and match the definition. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Crossword clues can be tricky because words often have multiple meanings. Both handled it well, though Gemini decided to go for the British spelling for unknown reasons. Gemini Flash matches ChatGPT Both Gemini 2.0 Flash and ChatGPT offer incredibly advanced AI models, and for most users, the difference comes down to preferences, ecosystem, and specific use cases rather than raw ability. Any clear technological edge that might have existed a year ago has essentially closed for the average person. Even ‘personality’ differences are likely due to the prompts used as much as any underlying programming. If you primarily operate in Google’s ecosystem, Gemini 2.0 Flash has obvious appeal. Its integration with Google Search, Google Docs, Gmail, and other Google services makes great for anyone who relies on these tools daily. You can use it to draft emails, summarize documents, and even assist with research, all within the Google suite. If speed and efficiency are priorities, Gemini is there for you. On the other hand, ChatGPT is well-established and has deep partnerships. In particular, ChatGPT is embedded throughout Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel. ChatGPT is often more conversational and expressive in my experience, though again, that is likely contingent on the prompts used. At the core, both models have reached a level where their intelligence feels equally matched. There’s no longer a clear “better” option. You have to decide which AI fits more seamlessly into your daily life. Google and OpenAI are in an ongoing race, constantly refining their models and adding new capabilities. Gemini might take the lead in one update, only for ChatGPT to counter with an even stronger feature. There’s no wrong answer or best option. Whether you choose Gemini 2.0 Flash or ChatGPT, you’re getting one of the best AI models ever built. You just have to decide who you want to translate your Klingon for you. You might also like… Source link #Google #bragging #Gemini #Flash #compare #ChatGPT #casual #chatbot #users Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Staffer with Elon Musk’s DOGE amplified white supremacists online Staffer with Elon Musk’s DOGE amplified white supremacists online One of the people working with billionaire Elon Musk in his efforts to overhaul the U.S. government is a Berkeley-educated computer scientist who has boosted white supremacists and misogynists online. Gavin Kliger lists his job on LinkedIn as “Special Advisor to the Director” at the Office of Personnel Management, which has been spearheading Musk’s efforts to shrink the federal workforce. His USAID email address was copied on a message reviewed by Reuters that was sent to staffers at the international aid agency on Monday. It urged them to stay home while the agency was being shut down. He graduated in 2020 from the University of California, Berkeley with a 3.95 grade point average and degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, according to his LinkedIn profile. Reuters confirmed his attendance at Berkeley, but was unable to verify other details in his profile. Kliger is one of about a dozen men identified by Reuters and other news outlets who have been recruited by Musk and his DOGE office to reshape the federal government. Reuters could not determine the importance of Kliger’s role at OPM. In social media posts between October 2024 and January, Kliger has voiced controversial views and reposted content from white supremacist Nick Fuentes and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate. An OPM spokeswoman declined to comment on Kliger’s posts. Kliger did not respond to multiple requests for comment via email and text. Following Reuters’ request for comment on Thursday evening, public access to Kliger’s X account was blocked. In response to a post about New York Mayor Eric Adams possibly shutting down a migrant shelter in November, Kliger wrote: “Just leave them be for a few more months. Will be much more convenient to deport them all if they are in one spot.” Kliger has reposted comments from white supremacist Fuentes, who has at times been banned from social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter for hate speech. Kliger shared a December 4 post from Fuentes’ X account. Kliger has since unshared the post, but Reuters examined a copy of the original repost via the Internet Archive. In the post on X, Fuentes mocks a post praising a photo of an apparently white couple pictured with two light-skinned children and a dark-skinned baby. In his post Fuentes referred to “adopted ****** kids”, denigrating the apparent interracial adoption. He also used the word “huzz”, a pejorative term for women. Reuters could not immediately establish the identity or ethnicity of the people depicted. Fuentes did not respond to a request for comment on the post by email. Kliger has also reposted social media influencer and self-described misogynist Andrew Tate. The British-American former kickboxer is being investigated by Romanian prosecutors for human trafficking, trafficking of minors, ******* intercourse with a minor and money laundering and has since founded a nativist British political party. Tate has denied wrongdoing. The post, shared by Kliger, exhorts foreigners to “respect British culture, standards of hygiene and social norms. You operate within our parameters … Problem? leave … Multiple complaints of the contrary? Visa revoked.” Another Department of Government Efficiency staffer, Marko Elez, quit on Thursday amid questions from the Wall Street Journal about links to a deleted social-media account that advocated for racism and eugenics, according to the Journal’s subsequently published story. Reuters could not determine how Elez, Kliger, or any of the individuals working with Musk to slash government and staffing, were selected for their jobs. Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday said Elez should get his job back. Also on Friday, the ex-employer of Edward Coristine, another member of the DOGE team, disclosed that Coristine had been fired from a previous job amid a leak investigation. In a statement in a response to a query from Reuters on Coristine’s employment, Arizona-based network monitoring company Path Network said it could confirm that Coristine’s “brief contract” had been “terminated after the conclusion of an internal investigation into the leaking of proprietary company information that coincided with his tenure.” Coristine didn’t immediately respond to a request seeking comment. His dismissal from Path was first reported by Bloomberg. A White House official told Reuters on Wednesday that Musk and his engineers have appropriate security clearances and are operating in “full compliance with federal law, appropriate security clearances, and as employees of the relevant agencies, not as outside advisors or entities.” Source link #Staffer #Elon #Musks #DOGE #amplified #white #supremacists #online Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Alachua County Sheriff’s Office sergeant wins $15M racial discrimination verdict Former Alachua County Sheriff’s Office sergeant wins $15M racial discrimination verdict Following a week of testimony, a jury on Friday awarded more than $15 million in damages and loss of wages to a former Alachua County Sheriff’s Office employee who was found to have suffered racial discrimination under the administration of former Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr. The unanimous six-person jury agreed that Kevin Davis, who is white, was passed over by Watson, who is ******, for promotions and transfers in favor of less-qualified ****** officers. The verdict mandates that the sheriff’s office pay Davis $15 million in damages and an additional $115,724 for loss of wages and benefits. The sheriff’s office will pay damages from a risk management fund. “Today, the justice system worked. Justice is slow, but it works,” Davis’ attorney, Bobi Frank, told The Sun after the verdict was read. Frank said she was not surprised by the verdict but more relieved. At the end of closing arguments, Frank asked the jury to award Davis $3 million to $8 million in damages and $115,724 for loss of wages. Former Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Kevin Davis and his attorneys embrace Friday following the verdict in his racial discrimination lawsuit. “I think the verdict speaks for itself,” Frank said. “The jury wanted to send a message that we got more than what we asked for.” Attorney Wayne Evans, who represented the sheriff’s office, said the actions of Watson, who was not present when the verdict was announced, were not racial discrimination. “This shows that this case is all about assumptions and people want to say and believe what they want to hear,” Evans said. In his closing argument, Evans said multiple times that Watson never discriminated against his employees based on race. He said Watson did not promote Davis due to Davis having a consistent “antagonistic attitude” toward leadership. “Former Sheriff Watson gave 150 promotions to his employees: 120 were white and 30 were ******,” Evans said. Both Watson and Davis testified on Thursday. Former Sheriff Emory Gainey and current Sheriff Chad Scott also testified during the trial. Local news: University of Florida vet college takes lead on task force aimed at combating animal cruelty According to the lawsuit, filed in February 2023, Davis — a sergeant in the patrol division — had received “many promotions” during his time with the sheriff’s office before Watson was sworn in as sheriff in January 2021. The lawsuit states that Davis scored well on a lieutenant promotional exam taken in September 2021 and was among the top three candidates from the 2019 “promotional assessment process.” After he was passed over for a promotion, Davis made internal complaints regarding what he considered Watson’s discriminatory practices. The lawsuit goes on to detail seven other instances when a “********* candidate was promoted, reassigned, or otherwise selected over a Caucasian candidate, with the deciding factor being race.” “Since (Watson) took office, Davis, and other Caucasian employees, have continuously been passed over for promotion and transfer because of their race by the Sheriff and Undersheriff,” the lawsuit says. According to the lawsuit, Watson also required that a photograph be included with all “paperwork for promotions, transfers and special assignments.” “This request serves no other purpose than to confirm the race of the employee,” the lawsuit says. The lawsuit later contends that Davis was passed over for a promotion again in favor of two ****** employees in August 2022. That prompted Davis to file a complaint with human resource; however, he was told by the HR director that the promotion decision “was not grieve-able” And in January 2023, according to the lawsuit, in an “act of retaliation,” two white employees were promoted to lieutenant, despite Davis having better test scores and more experience as a supervisor. The lawsuit lists several command positions previously held by white employees that Watson filled with ****** employees, including undersheriff, the director of operations, director of human resources, chief inspector for the Office of Professional Standards, director of the jail, and the technical services division manager. “Upon information and belief, 100% of the ****** employees who have been eligible for promotion since Watson became Sheriff have been promoted, based at least in part on their race,” the lawsuit says. This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Sergeant wins lawsuit against Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Source link #Alachua #County #Sheriffs #Office #sergeant #wins #15M #racial #discrimination #verdict Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Administration Move to Freeze E.V. Charger Funding Confounds States – The New York Times Trump Administration Move to Freeze E.V. Charger Funding Confounds States – The New York Times Trump Administration Move to Freeze E.V. Charger Funding Confounds States The New York TimesAutomakers urge USDOT to quickly restart federal EV charging program Reuters Source link #Trump #Administration #Move #Freeze #E.V #Charger #Funding #Confounds #States #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Victorian voters head to polls in closely watched Werribee, Prahran by-elections Victorian voters head to polls in closely watched Werribee, Prahran by-elections Victorian voters head to the polls today for two closely watched by-elections that could spell trouble for embattled Labor Premier Jacinta Allan. Source link #Victorian #voters #polls #closely #watched #Werribee #Prahran #byelections Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Coca-Cola amongst the companies targeted in new round of boycotts Coca-Cola amongst the companies targeted in new round of boycotts Not dissimilar to the Boycott, Divest, and Sanction, or BDS, movement aimed at targeting businesses with perceived ties to Israel, a new grassroots movement has taken root on social media. While there have been calls to boycott businesses and their CEOs with ties to President Trump and his campaign in the past, the Latino Freeze Movement has renewed those calls. The president’s statements on immigration and his rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies have sparked new protests. The movement takes the boycotts a step further by encouraging the use of Latin-American-based products instead of U.S. products to oppose the president’s proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Which California companies are being boycotted? California’s fast food staple, In-n-Out, has been targeted again by boycotts due to the former CEO’s past donations to the president’s and other Republican candidate campaigns. The company has about 280 locations in California alone. Other California companies that have been named in the boycotts are: Coca-Cola is another big company that has faced social media backlash after a rumor spread that it was assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. However, no such evidence has been verified, and as of 4 p.m. Friday, the company has yet to release a statement. Google Trends showed the search term “why are people boycotting Coca-Cola” was a rising search term in California. Although the company is not based in the Golden State, it has dozens of plants and a large Latin-American consumer base inside and outside the country. According to its website, it serves approximately 530 million consumers in Latin America. The list of companies that are not California-based but have a large presence in the state include: Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at *****@*****.tld. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Boycotts fueled by DEI rollbacks could affect California Source link #CocaCola #companies #targeted #boycotts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Not 1. Not 2. Not 3. Not 4. 5 winter storms could deliver more snow than the last two winters combined – CNN Not 1. Not 2. Not 3. Not 4. 5 winter storms could deliver more snow than the last two winters combined – CNN Not 1. Not 2. Not 3. Not 4. 5 winter storms could deliver more snow than the last two winters combined CNNWinter Storm Marches East, Promising a Snowy Weekend for Many The New York TimesMultiple Winter Storms To Bring Snow To Northeast The Weather Channel Source link #winter #storms #deliver #snow #winters #combined #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Panama community that fled its drowning island The Panama community that fled its drowning island Gonzalo Cañada and Agustina Latourrette BBC Mundo, Panama BBC Scientists say rising sea levels are likely to render the island uninhabitable by 2050 “If the island sinks, I will sink with it,” Delfino Davies says, his smile not fading for a second. There is silence, except for the swish of his broom across the floor of the small museum he runs documenting the life of his community in Panama, the Guna. “Before, you could hear children shouting… music everywhere, neighbours arguing,” he says, “but now all the sounds have gone”. His community, living on the tiny low-lying island of Gardi Sugdub, is the first in Panama to be relocated because of climate change. The government has said they face “imminent risk” from rising sea levels, which scientists say are likely to render the island uninhabitable by 2050. Delfino says many of his family and friends have left the island In June last year, most of the residents abandoned this cramped jumble of wooden and tin homes for rows of neat prefabricated houses on the mainland. The relocation has been praised by some as a model for other groups worldwide whose homes are under threat, but even so, it has divided the community. “My father, my brother, my sisters-in-law and my friends are gone,” says Delfino. “Sometimes the children whose families have stayed cry, wondering where their friends have gone, he says. House after house is padlocked. About 1,000 people left, while about 100 stayed – some because there was not enough room in the new settlement. Others, like Delfino, are not fully convinced climate change is a threat, or simply did not want to leave. He says he wants to stay close to the ocean, where he can fish. “The people that lose their tradition lose their soul. The essence of our culture is on the islands,” he adds. Isberyala, the new settlement, is 15 minutes by boat and then a five minute drive from the island of Gardi Sugdub The Guna have lived on Gardi Sugdub since the 19th Century, and even longer on other islands in this archipelago off Panama’s northern coast. They fled from the mainland to escape Spanish conquistadors and, later, epidemics and conflict with other indigenous groups. They are known for their clothes called “molas”, decorated with colourful designs. The Guna currently inhabit more than 40 other islands. Steve Paton, a scientist at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, says it is “almost a certainty” that most, if not all, of the islands will be submerged before the end of the century. As climate change causes the Earth to heat up, sea levels are rising as glaciers and ice sheets melt and seawater expands as it warms. Scientists warn that hundreds of millions of people living in coastal areas around the world could be at risk by the end of the century. Getty Images Water had flooded into this home, below the hammocks, just before the relocation took place in June 2024 On Gardi Sugdub, waves whipped up during the rainy season wash into homes, lapping below the hammocks where families sleep. Mr Paton says, “it is very unlikely that the island will be habitable by 2050, based on current and projected rates of sea level rise”. However, the first discussions about relocation began, more than a decade ago, because of population growth, not climate change. The island is just 400m long and 150m wide. Some residents see overcrowding as the more pressing problem. But others, like Magdalena Martínez, fear the rising sea: “Every year, we saw the tides were higher,” she says. “We couldn’t cook on our stoves and it was always flooded… so we said ‘we have to get out of here’.” Magdalena was among those who clambered into motor boats and wooden canoes last June, bound for new homes. “I brought just my clothes and some kitchen utensils,” she says. “You feel like you are leaving pieces of your life on the island.” “You miss your friends, the streets where you lived, being so close to the sea,” says Magdalena The new community, Isberyala, is – weather permitting – just 15 minutes by boat, followed by a five-minute drive, from Gardi Sugdub. But it feels like another world. Identical white and yellow homes line tarmacked roads. Magdalena’s eyes light up as she shows off the “little house” where she lives with her 14-year-old granddaughter Bianca and her dog. Each house has a small area of land behind it – a luxury not available on the island. “I want to plant yucca, tomatoes, bananas, mangoes and pineapples,” she enthuses. “It is quite sad to leave a place you’ve been in for so long. You miss your friends, the streets where you lived, being so close to the sea,” she says. Isberyala was built with $15m (£12m) from the Panamanian government and additional funding from the Inter-American Development Bank. In its new meeting house, which is roofed with branches and leaves in the traditional style, waits Tito López, the community’s sayla – or leader. “My identity and my culture aren’t going to change, it’s just the houses that have changed,” he says. He is lying in a hammock, and explains that as long as the hammock keeps its place in Guna culture, “the heart of the Guna people will be alive”. When a Guna dies, they lie for a day in their hammock for family and friends to visit. It is then buried next to them. The school teaches its students traditional music and dance to help preserve Guna culture In the state-of-the-art new school, students aged 12 and 13 are rehearsing Guna music and dances. Boys in bright shirts play pan pipes, while girls wearing molas shake maracas. The cramped school on the island has closed now, and students whose families stayed there travel each day to the new building with its computers, sports fields and library. Magdalena says conditions in Isberyala are better than on the island, where she says they had only four hours of electricity a day and had to fetch drinking water by boat from a river on the mainland. In Isberyala, the power supply is constant, but the water – pumped from wells nearby – is only switched on for a few hours a day. The system has at times broken down for days at a time. Isberyala’s leader Tito López says his identity and culture won’t change in the new settlement Also, there is no healthcare yet. Another resident, Yanisela Vallarino, says one evening her young daughter was unwell and she had to arrange transport back to the island late at night to see a doctor. Panamanian authorities told the BBC that construction of a hospital in Isberyala stalled a decade ago over lack of funding. But they said they hoped to revive the plan this year, and were assessing how to create space for remaining residents to move from the island. Getty Images Overcrowding had become a problem on Gardi Sugdub, where homes are built right up to and over the water Yanisela is delighted that she is now able to attend evening classes in the new school, but she still returns to the island frequently. “I’m not used to it yet. And I miss my house,” she says. Communities around the world will be “inspired” by the way the residents of Gardi Sugdub have confronted their situation, says Erica Bower, a researcher on climate displacement at Human Rights Watch. “We need to learn from these early cases to understand what success even looks like,” she says. Yanisela still visits the island frequently and says she misses her old house As afternoon arrives, the school activities give way to the shouts and scuffles of football, basketball and volleyball. “I prefer this place to the island because we have more space to play,” says eight-year-old Jerson, before diving for a football. Magdalena sits with her granddaughter, teaching her to sew molas. “It’s hard for her, but I know she’s going to learn. Our unique ways can’t be lost,” says Magdalena. Asked what she misses about the island, she replies: “I wish we were all here.” Source link #Panama #community #fled #drowning #island Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

US states sue to block Musk from people's personal data US states sue to block Musk from people's personal data A newly filed lawsuit says Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has no legal power to access the personal information of millions of Americans. Source link #states #sue #block #Musk #people039s #personal #data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Arizona Lawmaker Insists He’s Immune From Receiving Speeding Tickets Because He’s A State Senator Arizona Lawmaker Insists He’s Immune From Receiving Speeding Tickets Because He’s A State Senator Screenshot: AZ Family Speeding isn’t just against the law. It’s also dangerous. And if it’s someone’s job to make those laws, you’d think they would show some respect for them. If we’re talking about Mark Finchem, an Arizona Republican state senator who was recently ticketed for speeding, though, you couldn’t possibly be more wrong. Finchem wants his ticket thrown out and not because he claims he wasn’t speeding. No, he insists he’s immunity from receiving speeding tickets while the legislature is in session, Arizona’s Family reports. A cop pulled Finchem over on January 25 and ticketed him for driving 48 mph in a 30 mph zone. Had he been ticketed driving 50 mph, that would have been enough to make it a misdemeanor speeding charge, but whether he was conveniently going just under that cutoff, or the cop cut him some slack, the ticket he received was a civil citation. Two days after being cited, Finchem’s office sent Prescott Police Chief Amy Bonney asking “that the citation be voided and stricken from the record” because he believes he is immune under an Arizona law that prohibits arresting and prosecuting lawmakers while the legislature is in session. The law was originally passed to prevent dirty politicians from using the police to try to prevent lawmakers from doing their jobs and was not originally intended to give all state representatives and senators immunity to do whatever they want. If you notice, no one arrested Finchem, and he isn’t being prosecuted. He’s simply been cited by local law enforcement and told to pay a fine. As Valley attorney Tom Ryan told AZ Family, “He’s not arrested, and that is very important to understand. The issuance of a citation is not an arrest.” He may be allowed to wait until after the legislative session ends to pay his fine, but he should still have to pay it. “Should” being the operative word there because the Prescott Police Department has already filed a motion with the court requesting that it dismiss the citation without prejudice, writing, “The Arizona Legislature is in fact in session, and if the court finds that legislative immunity extends to civil traffic citations, then the state would ask for the matter to be dismissed.” And it is still possible the court may decide to grant full and total immunity to Republican lawmakers. It is Arizona after all. Story continues Finchem also isn’t the first Arizona lawmaker to try to use the same excuse to get out of paying a speeding ticket. Last year, Finchem’s fellow state senator Justine Wadsack tried to pull the same thing when she was ticketed for driving 71 mph in a 35 mph zone. As Ryan told AZ Family, “It’s a civil citation. Grow up, be a man. Either go down and take responsibility and pay the fine and take the two points or if you don’t want to do that do the defensive driving school. Be a real Arizona citizen, Sen. Finchem. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Source link #Arizona #Lawmaker #Insists #Hes #Immune #Receiving #Speeding #Tickets #Hes #State #Senator Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US employers added 143,000 jobs in unspectacular January hiring and jobless rate fell to 4% – The Associated Press US employers added 143,000 jobs in unspectacular January hiring and jobless rate fell to 4% – The Associated Press US employers added 143,000 jobs in unspectacular January hiring and jobless rate fell to 4% The Associated PressHere’s where the jobs are for January 2025 — in one chart CNBCUS jobs report: Employers add 143,000 jobs in January as unemployment rate sits at 4% USA TODAYWall St slides, Treasury yields rise on mixed data, renewed tariff threats ReutersChicago Fed president on what the new jobs report says about the economy PBS NewsHour Source link #employers #added #jobs #unspectacular #January #hiring #jobless #rate #fell #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aussie Hannah Green lurking in LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup Aussie Hannah Green lurking in LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup Three-time champion Jin Young Ko has birdied six of her last nine holes for an eight-under 63 and a two-stroke lead in the LPGA Tour’s Founders Cup. Trying to win the event on a fourth venue, Ko had a 12-under 130 total at Bradenton Country Club after her second straight bogey-free round on Friday. “Golf is hard, so if lose focus, can make bogey or double,” Ko said. The 29-year-old South Korean player won the tournament that honours the tour’s founders in 2019 at Desert Ridge in Phoenix, 2021 at Mountain Ridge in New Jersey and 2023 in a playoff at Upper Montclair, also in New Jersey. Yealimi Noh had a 64 to match fellow American American Angel Yin, who shot her second straight bogey-free 66, and Japan’s Minami Katsu (65) and South Korea’s Jin Hee Im (66) at 10 under. American Lauren Coughlin was another stroke back after a 67. Another in the mix is 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner Hannah Green. The West *********** improved on her opening 70 by shooting a brilliant six-under 65 to claw her way back into contention. Green’s round included back-to-back birdies on Nos.12 and 13 and the 16th and 17th, finding eight of 14 fairways and hitting 16 out of 18 greens in regulation. She is tied seventh five behind Ko, who playing the back nine first in her afternoon round, opened with a birdie and added another on the 16th. She started her front-nine run with birdies on Nos.1 and 2, added another on No.4, then made three straight on Nos. 6-8. “I focused very well and I’m just trying to do my best,” said Ko, who broke the course record on the layout that hosted a Drive On event last year. “Shot was very consistent from the tee, from the second. I had a lot of good birdie chances, but I missed some putts.” The 15-time LPGA Tour winner played alongside top-ranked Nelly Korda (68-68) and *********** Minjee Lee (70-72) the first two days. “Really fun to play with Nelly and Minjee, of course,” Ko said. “I’m looking forward to the weekend. Playing in her Gulf Coast hometown, Korda was tied for 13th at six under after her second 68. She won the Drive On tournament on the course last year for the first of her seven 2024 victories. Lee is even par after a 72. Of the other Australians, Perth’s Hira Naveed followed her opening 70 with a 68, to be tied 18th at four under. Naveed is two ahead of Gabriela Ruffels (72-68) and four in front of Steph Kyriacou (70-72). Noh closed with a bogey on the par-3 ninth after birdieing five of the previous six holes. “Just trying to keep it simple,” Noh said. “Hitting fairways and a lot of greens never hurts, so just try to keep doing the same thing and keep the same tempo and rhythm.” The long-hitting Yin eagled the par-5 sixth on her back nine. She and Ko are only players without a bogey. “It’s really tough, honestly,” Yin said. “This is really challenging. … Wind picks up and everything gets really tight. Source link #Aussie #Hannah #Green #lurking #LPGA #Tours #Founders #Cup Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records Trump fires archivist of the United States, official who oversees government records President Trump has fired Archivist of the United States Colleen J. Shogan, the government official responsible for preserving and providing access to government records. Sergio Gor, director of the Presidential Personnel Office, announced Shogan’s dismissal Friday night. Shogan has held the job since 2023. “At the direction of @realDonaldTrump the Archivist of the United States has been dismissed tonight,” Gor wrote on X. “We thank Colleen Shogan for her service.” The move isn’t unexpected. Mr. Trump told radio host Hugh Hewitt earlier this month that “we will have a new archivist.” On Thursday, however, a senior archivist official told CBS News there was “no word that anything is changing.” “The archivist looks forward to continuing her strong working relationship with the president and first lady,” the official said at the time. The archivist of the United States, who oversees the National Archives and Records Administration, is typically an apolitical role that receives little attention. But Mr. Trump has expressed ire toward the agency in the past, after it was a key player in the case about his mishandling of classified records. When he left office in early 2021, Mr. Trump allegedly took dozens of boxes of presidential papers, including nearly 340 documents bearing classified markings, to his home in Florida. Mr. Trump was eventually charged with 40 felonies, including for allegedly refusing to turn over some of the papers. But after Mr. Trump won the election in November, then-special counsel Jack Smith removed him from the case due to Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. CBS News has reached out to NARA for comment. Ed O’Keefe contributed to this report. Kathryn Watson Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C. Source link #Trump #fires #archivist #United #States #official #oversees #government #records Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump AG’s revenge plans may haunt Trump in future cases Trump AG’s revenge plans may haunt Trump in future cases Attorney General Pam Bondi is joining efforts to go after perceived Trump critics, from local prosecutors to agents who worked to prosecute the insurrection. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports. (The Beat’s YouTube playlist: Ari: / arimelber Beat merch: www.msnbc.com/Beat5) Source link #Trump #AGs #revenge #plans #haunt #Trump #future #cases Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Critics Choice: Chelsea Handler Roasts Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni – Deadline Critics Choice: Chelsea Handler Roasts Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni – Deadline Critics Choice: Chelsea Handler Roasts Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni DeadlineChelsea Handler Goes There with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Jokes at 2025 Critics Choice Awards PEOPLEChelsea Handler Jokes About Blake Lively in 2025 Critics Choice Monologue Us WeeklyChelsea Handler takes swipes at Melania Trump, Cheryl Hines, Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni battle in Critics Choice Awards monologue Yahoo EntertainmentCritics Choice Awards: Why Chelsea Handler Thanked Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni for the Distraction E! NEWS Source link #Critics #Choice #Chelsea #Handler #Roasts #Blake #Lively #Justin #Baldoni #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

PlayStation Network Reported Down By Many Users PlayStation Network Reported Down By Many Users IGN – “There’s something goofy going on over on the PlayStation Store and the Nintendo eshop. Over the last few months, the two storefronts have been slowly filling up with what some users are referring to as “slop.” We asked developers why and how this is happening, and what needs to change.” Source link #PlayStation #Network #Reported #Users Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘*** tax cuts for tech giants’ and ‘hands off ISAs’ ‘*** tax cuts for tech giants’ and ‘hands off ISAs’ As with so many days in the past fortnight, a flurry of stories about the activities and plans of US President Donald Trump lead some of Saturday’s front pages. The i newspaper kicks off by reporting that the White House is expected to demand lower *** taxes for tech giants – such as Amazon, X and Facebook – in exchange for the *** escaping trade tariffs.Treasury sources tell the paper the chancellor is set to hold talks with the US, in which she is expected to come under pressure to exempt tech firms from certain taxes.This comes after Trump imposed a 10% tariff on ******** imports this week and set out plans for a 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico. More on the US president in the Financial Times as the paper says Trump’s new cryptocurrency has “sparked a flood of imitators”.More than 700 copycat and spam coins have been deposited into Trump’s digital wallet in “apparent attempts to suggest his endorsement”, according to Financial Times analysis.Trump and his wife Melania launched their own meme-coins – a cryptocurrency with no utility other than for fun or speculation – earlier this year. And the Guardian says Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that Trump’s plans to make large cuts to the US’s international aid budget could be a “big strategic mistake”.Lammy said the plan could instead allow China to “further its global influence”, the paper adds.This comes as the US president has vowed to close down USAID, the government’s main overseas aid agency, arguing it is not a valuable use of taxpayer money. Lammy is also mentioned on the front page of the Daily Telegraph, as the paper writes that his department is open to talks on slavery payouts.The paper adds that the Foreign Office is understood to be meeting with members of a Caribbean reparation team which has long demanded compensation.Sources told the paper that Caribbean officials and political leaders will “restate demands that Britain pay for its role in the slave trade.” Meanwhile, the chancellor has been warned that axing tax-free saving pots known as ISAs could hurt savers and “****** the mortgage markets”, writes the Daily Mail which is unequivocal with its headline “Hands off our cash ISAs”.Rachel Reeves is understood to be open to “axing or significantly reducing” the current cash ISA tax-free allowance, which sits at £20,000 per year, the paper adds. Also leading on Reeves, the front page of the Daily Express says the chancellor has been warned that changes to inheritance tax “hurts” British farms.In an interview with the paper to back what it calls its “crusade” against the plan announced in October’s Budget, Countryfile star Adam Henson urges Rachel Reeves to “soften the blow” by considering some “simple alternatives”. British universities risk cuts to their research budgets if they do not prioritise diversity and inclusion, writes the Times newspaper.Under proposals to change how £2bn of taxpayer funding for academic research is distributed every year, universities will need to show how they are promoting diversity and inclusion and tackling inequalities, the report outlines.The paper headlines the plan “Alarm over diversity push” and points to critics who warn the plan “will put ideological conformity above academic excellence”. The Daily Mirror’s front page features a picture of farmer Tony Martin, who died on Sunday aged 80. He was jailed for killing 16-year-old Fred Barras and wounding Brendan Fearon at his Fenland home in 1999.Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Fearon says he has “no anger” towards Martin, who – the newspaper writes – left him “injured for life”. “It’s time to get the big coat out”, the Daily Star says on its front page, as a spell of cold weather has set in across the ***. Over the weekend, some places are likely to see sleet and snow and temperatures ranging between about 5 to 8C – with a wind chill in the south making it feel closer to freezing. The Sun’s front page features a picture of 2009 I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Gino D’Acampo and runner-up Kim Woodburn, as the latter criticises D’Acampo’s behaviour on the reality show when they appeared together 16 years ago. Source link #tax #cuts #tech #giants #hands #ISAs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queensland Reds complete unbeaten pre-season tour of United Kingdom with win over Ulster Queensland Reds complete unbeaten pre-season tour of United Kingdom with win over Ulster The Reds don’t want to waste their good work on a successful pre-season tour of the United Kingdom when they kick-off their Super Rugby Pacific season later this month. Source link #Queensland #Reds #complete #unbeaten #preseason #tour #United #Kingdom #win #Ulster Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump Says He’s Firing Kennedy Center Board Members, Naming Himself Chairman Donald Trump Says He’s Firing Kennedy Center Board Members, Naming Himself Chairman Donald Trump on Friday proclaimed his intention to take over the leadership of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in DC and to boot the current board and chairman. “At my direction, we are going to make the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., GREAT AGAIN. I have decided to immediately terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture,” the president wrote on his own social media platform Truth Social. He added that the “amazing” new chairman will be none other than himself. “Just last year, the Kennedy Center featured Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth — THIS WILL STOP. The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!,” he wrote. Some of the drag shows Trump seemed to be referencing were the “Broadway Drag Brunch” and “Bertha: Grateful Drag.” David Rubenstein is the current chairman of the center and was set to hold the post through until 2026. Among the board members who Trump intends to replace are two appointed by former President Biden: one-time White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and adviser Mike Donilon. “The Kennedy Center has received no formal notifications from the White House about what you’ve reported,” Eileen Andrews, the center’s vice president of public relations, told The Atlantic, who first reported this story. During his first term, Trump did not attend the center’s annual galas. In 2017, when the enter’s honorees included legendary producer Norman Lear. Trump and the first lady chose not to attend. “The president and first lady have decided not to participate in this year’s activities to allow the honorees to celebrate without any political distraction,” the White House said at the time. The post Donald Trump Says He’s Firing Kennedy Center Board Members, Naming Himself Chairman appeared first on TheWrap. Source link #Donald #Trump #Hes #Firing #Kennedy #Center #Board #Members #Naming #Chairman Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The PlayStation Network is down The PlayStation Network is down The PlayStation Network is experiencing issues right now. Its network status page was updated at 7PM Eastern time with a warning that you may not be able to log in, access and edit your accounts, no matter what console you use. We’re also unable to log into the network on our computer or our phone. “We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible,” the notice reads. “Thank you for your patience.” It’s not possible to create an account at the moment. The service has also warned that you may “have difficulty” firing up games and apps on your consoles and the web, so you may not be able to play some titles or access certain features that need an internet connection. The network outage, unsurprisingly, affects the PlayStation Store. You’ll have to do your shopping another time — you can’t purchase and redeem vouchers, and you won’t even be able to browse titles and search for specific ones. You can’t start downloading new games and updates either, and if you were downloading anything before the issue began, it may not show any progress until the issue is fixed. Source link #PlayStation #Network Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DOGE targets Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as Musk tweets ‘RIP’ – The Washington Post DOGE targets Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as Musk tweets ‘RIP’ – The Washington Post DOGE targets Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as Musk tweets ‘RIP’ The Washington PostMusk’s DOGE Descends on CFPB With Eyes on Shutting It Down BloombergMusk team moves into US consumer finance watchdog as Trump defends billionaire ReutersDOGE Is Now Inside the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau WIRED Source link #DOGE #targets #Consumer #Financial #Protection #Bureau #Musk #tweets #RIP #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump ‘supportive’ of AUKUS after *********** government pays US $798m Trump ‘supportive’ of AUKUS after *********** government pays US $798m US President Donald Trump has flagged his support for AUKUS after the *********** government paid the US $798m as part of the deal. Defence Minister Richard Marles travelled to the US to meet with his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, in part to firm up a commitment from the new Trump administration for the complex defence deal, which would see Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines from the US. Mr Hegseth said President Trump supported AUKUS after the Albanese government delivered a $798m payment from a $4.78bn commitment to help the US with submarine manufacturing. “The president is very aware, supportive of AUKUS and … the investment Australia is willing to make,” Mr Hegseth said at the meeting. Mr Marles said the pair had a “very warm meeting”. Camera IconMinister for Defence Richard Marles travelled to the US to meet with his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia “It is really clear that there is a focus on our region, our part of the world, in terms of the way in which America sees itself, in terms of expressing its leadership,” Mr Marles told Sky News. “As part of this we talked about AUKUS and how fundamentally important it is in the contemporary expression of our alliance. “AUKUS is playing a really important role, not only in terms of building *********** capability, building *********** capability in the provision of a long range nuclear powered submarine capability, but also building American force posture on the *********** continent, and this is a very important statement for our region.” US Congressman and co-chair of the Friends of Australia Caucus Joe Courtney earlier said the payment “strengthened the ties of our two nations and the AUKUS agreement, ensuring the mission will endure and the US submarine industrial base can meet the demands of the security agreement”. “At every step of the way Australia has demonstrated AUKUS is a true partnership that the US benefits from as much as our partners and allies in the region,” Mr Courtney said. “I look forward to working with my counterparts on the Seapower Subcommittee to ensure this new investment is expeditiously made available to expand the supply chain, skill-up a talented workforce, and advance manufacturing technology.” Mr Marles had stressed at the time of President Trump’s inauguration that AUKUS was “happening now”. “We are continuing to build and invest in an *********** submarine industrial base capable of supporting our future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and underpinning a strong local economy over the coming decades,” Mr Marles said. “This new AUKUS agreement now in effect will further bolster the strong continued progress the *********** government is making with AUKUS partners to deliver Australia this vital capability.” Mr Marles said he looked “forward to reaffirming Australia’s commitment to the Alliance” ahead of his meeting in the US, where he was set to also meet with members of the US congress and other senior Administration officials. Mr Marles and Mr Hegseth were also set to attend the Arlington National Cemetery to honour American service members and their families with a wreath. Source link #Trump #supportive #AUKUS #*********** #government #pays #798m Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]