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Trump freezes South Africa aid over land expropriation law – National Trump freezes South Africa aid over land expropriation law – National By Zeke Miller The Associated Press Posted February 7, 2025 6:01 pm 2 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size President Donald Trump signed an executive order Friday formalizing his announcement earlier this week that he’ll freeze assistance to South Africa for a law aiming to address some of the wrongs of South Africa’s racist apartheid era — a law the White House says amounts to discrimination against the country’s white *********. “As long as South Africa continues to support bad actors on the world stage and allows violent attacks on innocent disfavored ********* farmers, the United States will stop aid and assistance to the country,” the White House said in a summary of the order. The White House said Trump is also going to announce a program to resettle white South African farmers and their families as refugees. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Trump was responding to a new law in South Africa that gives the government powers in some instances to expropriate land from people. The White House said the law “blatantly discriminates against ethnic ********* Afrikaners.” Story continues below advertisement The Expropriation Act was signed into law by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa last month and allows the government to take land in specific instances where it is not being used, or where it would be in the public interest if it is redistributed. It aims to address some of the wrongs of South Africa’s racist apartheid era, when ****** people had land taken away from them and were forced to live in areas designated for non-whites. Elon Musk, a close Trump ally and head of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, has highlighted that law in recent social media posts and cast it as a threat to South Africa’s white *********. The order also references South Africa’s role in bringing accusations of genocide against Israel before the International Court of Justice. The halt in foreign aid to South Africa comes amid a broader pause to most U.S. overseas assistance under Trump, as he looks to shift to what he calls an “America First” foreign policy. More on World More videos &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Trump #freezes #South #Africa #aid #land #expropriation #law #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Monster Hunter Wilds Release Date, Platforms, Editions, Pricing, and PC System Requirements Monster Hunter Wilds Release Date, Platforms, Editions, Pricing, and PC System Requirements The release date for is the last day of February, ie, Friday, February 28, 2025. It will be playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Source link #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #Release #Date #Platforms #Editions #Pricing #System #Requirements Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Not just these white guys in cowboy hats’: Increasing demand for country music in Australia driven by ‘concrete cowboys and cowgirls’ ‘Not just these white guys in cowboy hats’: Increasing demand for country music in Australia driven by ‘concrete cowboys and cowgirls’ This time last year Aussies were overcome by an infatuation with cowboy boots and hats, fuelled by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. While it thrust country-themed attire onto the map, the popularity of country music in Australia has been steadily growing for years, with tickets to global country superstar Luke Combs selling out within minutes last year. While festivals across the nation continue to be canned, country music festival CMC Rocks has also sold out, headlined by Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi and Thomas Rhett. Line dancing classes have also experienced a surge in popularity, while more international artists, including Beyonce and Post Malone, are dabbling in the genre. New Spotify data reveals streams of the genre grew by 73 per cent in the last two years, with Spotify senior music editor Steph Liong revealing metropolitan areas accounted for 92 per cent of Spotify country music streams in Australia. “We’ve called them concrete cowboys and cowgirls – it’s clear that country music is not isolated to regional Australians, it’s kind of permeated the metro areas and city dwellers,” Liong said. Mount-Isa born country artist Lane Pittman, who is on tour with Combs for the second time in just two years, recorded a 58 per cent growth in streams over the last couple years, according to Spotify data. “Country has just been infused in me from a very young age,” Pittman told NewsWire. Camera IconLane Pittman is touring with Luke Combs. Supplied Credit: SuppliedCamera IconPittman, just 18, previously opened for Combs a couple of years ago. Supplied Credit: Supplied He said big acts like Combs, Morgan Wallan, Post Malone and Beyonce were showing people the genre was about “more than trucks and heartbreak”, which in turn was helping the local country music scene in Australia. “A lot of these ******* American acts are bringing people into the genre and making people give it a chance,” he said. “The international artists are a gateway into the local scene, and people are really starting to take a chance on that.” Camera IconCody Johnson is set to perform at CMC Rocks. Supplied Credit: SuppliedCamera IconThomas Rhett will also perform at CMC Rocks, which has sold out. Supplied. Credit: Supplied Not just ‘white guys in cowboy hats writing songs about their trucks’ Sydney Conservatorium of Music senior lecturer in contemporary music practice Toby Martin said about 20 per cent of the *********** music market was comprised of country, and it was great to see artists like Beyonce help fuel a change in the perception of country music that could then flow into the local scene in Australia. “There’s a joy in people thinking country’s not just these white guys in cowboy hats writing songs about their trucks, it’s many other things,” Mr Martin said. Camera IconBeyonce won Album of the Year at the Grammys for her country album Cowboy Carter. Blair Caldwell. Credit: SuppliedCamera IconTaylor Swift (pictured in 2007) broke out as a country artist in the early 2000s. Ethan Miller/Getty Images Credit: Supplied The popularity of country fashion, aesthetic and culture has also continued to shoot up, with line dancing classes again having their moment. Mr Martin compared it to the line dancing craze brought on by Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart in the ’90s, the impact of which flowed well into the early 2000s. “Line dancing gives you an opportunity to dress up, play a bit of a character and lose yourself in the scene,” Mr Martin said. Line dancing class pulls big numbers ****** line dancing class Saddle Club in Sydney’s inner west is pulling massive numbers, with each class featuring more than 100 people per week. Packed into Marrickville Town Hall, attendees clad in cowboy boots are taught to dance to everything from country music to modern pop, including Chappell Roan. Organiser Marzy said there’d been a huge turnout from day one, with demand only continuing to surge. “I grew up line dancing with my nan and my mum, so it’s quite close to my heart – seeing it have this resurgence, particularly in a ****** space, is really amazing to watch,” Marzy told NewsWire. “We thought our mates would come, that we’d have like 20 people … we’ve been so chuffed that from the get-go there’s been a lot of interest and such a beautiful community has been built.” She said queerness and country music had gone hand-in-hand for years, and most Australians had experience with line dancing – whether it be family influences or simply doing the Nut Bush. “Every town in Australia has a line dancing community, so it’s something that’s very familiar and quite nostalgic,” she said. While the hype around country music and fashion could partially be attributed to “icons” like Taylor Swift and Beyonce pulling in new audiences, Marzy said Australia “always had big ties to country music”. “More broadly, it’s really fun and feels quite sexy to put on a cowboy hat and some boots to do some dancing – it feels great, and that’s a big part of it as well,” she said. Source link #white #guys #cowboy #hats #Increasing #demand #country #music #Australia #driven #concrete #cowboys #cowgirls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

U.S. flu season sees 15-year peak in doctor visits – National U.S. flu season sees 15-year peak in doctor visits – National The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure is the most intense in 15 years. One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. Last week, that number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, according to data posted Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. But COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, according to hospital data and to CDC modeling projections. Available data also suggests another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally. The flu has forced schools to shut down in some states. The Godley Independent School District, a 3,200-student system near Fort Worth, Texas, last week closed for three days after 650 students and 60 staff were out Tuesday. Story continues below advertisement Jeff Meador, a district spokesman, said the vast majority of illnesses there have been flu, plus some strep throat. He called it the worst flu season he could remember. So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths — including at least 57 children. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week. Flu was most intense in the South, Southwest and western states. 0:41 Cold and flu season in full swing In Rochester, New York, the flu season has been intense but not necessarily worse than at the peak of other years, said Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She said there’s a lot of flu, but there’s also still a lot of RSV and a surprising number of babies with COVID-19. Story continues below advertisement “All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance,” Murray added. The CDC declined to let an Associated Press reporter speak to an agency flu expert about recent trends. The Trump administration ordered a temporary “pause” on health agency communications and has continued to refuse interview requests that were routinely granted in the past. U.S. health officials recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. More on Health More videos About 44% of adults got flu shots this winter, the same as last winter. But coverage of children is way down, at about 45% this winter. It’s usually around 50%, according to CDC data. About 23% of U.S. adults were up to date in their COVID-19 vaccinations as of late January, up from about 20% at the same point in time the year before. COVID-19 vaccination rates for kids were about the same, at around 12%. The government has not yet reported its estimates of how well this season’s flu vaccine is working. Testing results from patients indicate that two strains of seasonal flu that are causing most illnesses — a Type A H1N1 and a Type A H3N2. Health officials are closely watching a third strain — a bird flu known as Type A H5N1 — that has sickened tens of millions of animals, but is known to have infected only 67 people in the U.S. Story continues below advertisement To avoid seasonal viruses, doctors say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick. &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #U.S #flu #season #sees #15year #peak #doctor #visits #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Helldivers 2 Player Was Accidentaly Given Instructions for a New Mission A Helldivers 2 Player Was Accidentaly Given Instructions for a New Mission Will Helldivers 2 players finally go on a Gloom Expedition? One player received more than they expected when they were moved from Meridia. Source link #Helldivers #Player #Accidentaly #Instructions #Mission Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sectors that could benefit from the new Trump administration Sectors that could benefit from the new Trump administration Listen and subscribe to Stocks In Translation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite podcast. Tariffs have been front and center since President Trump took office. While there is a temporary 30-day pause on tariffs on Mexico and Canada, they’ll likely take effect as promised. But CEOs are preparing for more than just tariffs. In this clip from the latest episode of Stocks in Translation, Investopedia’s editor-in-chief, Caleb Silver, discusses the sectors that stand to gain the most from the new administration. “If you take the financial sector just for one, there’s [going to] be less regulation. There’s [going to]be a lot more dealmaking. There’s [going to] be a lot more risk on the table, which is a good opportunity for them to make money throughout their brokerages businesses, throughout their investment banking businesses. That’s positive for the banking sector,“ says Silver. Silver also notes, “You need the banking sector… to have the wind in its sails for the rest of the economy to move along healthily.” Watch the full interview here. Twice a week, Stocks In Translation cuts through the market mayhem, noisy numbers and hyperbole to give you the information you need to make the right trade for your portfolio. You can find more episodes here, or watch on your favorite streaming service. This article was written by John Tejada. Source link #Sectors #benefit #Trump #administration Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The Super Store Was Just Updated And Helldivers 2 Players Are Losing Their Minds Over the Hatchet The Super Store Was Just Updated And Helldivers 2 Players Are Losing Their Minds Over the Hatchet Everyone loves a good hatchet, especially Helldivers 2 players. Helldivers share their honest first impressions of this melee weapon. Source link #Super #Store #Updated #Helldivers #Players #Losing #Minds #Hatchet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Newly discovered asteroid now has a slightly higher risk of hitting Earth – CNN Newly discovered asteroid now has a slightly higher risk of hitting Earth – CNN Newly discovered asteroid now has a slightly higher risk of hitting Earth CNNOdds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here’s why experts say you shouldn’t worry Space.comAsteroid’s chances of hitting Earth in 2032 just got higher – but don’t panic The GuardianESA actively monitoring near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4 European Space AgencyOdds increase again for small asteroid 20224 YR4 to strike Earth in 2032 Fox Weather Source link #Newly #discovered #asteroid #slightly #higher #risk #hitting #Earth #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Take-Two Stock Hits All-Time High After GTA 6 Update Take-Two Stock Hits All-Time High After GTA 6 Update Take-Two stocks have reached an all-time high after reconfirming that GTA 6 will be releasing fall 2025. Spotted by videotechuk_ on X, after CEO Strauss Zelnick reaffirmed a fall 2025 release date for GTA 6 at their recent earnings call, Take-Two’s stocks started climbing, creating a new record today. Take-Two Interactive Software’s stock opened at $198, reached a high of almost $213, and closed at $208.77. The company’s confidence has reassured investors. GTA 6 is the most anticipated release in the gaming industry, and many publishers do not want to release their games close to Rockstar’s new instalment. Players were worried, as no news about the game had been revealed since the trailer in December 2023. The community speculated that a delay could be imminent. However, since the game was announced, the developers have stayed strong with the 2025 release window. After the CEO of Take-Two recently made a statement, players hope Rockstar will provide more information soon to get them even more excited about Fall 2025. It would be exciting to see some new gameplay and glimpse all the fresh innovations Rockstar may have implemented. During the same earnings call, Take-Two’s CEO spoke about Nintendo’s upcoming console, Switch 2. However, it wasn’t confirmed whether their upcoming games, like Grand Theft Auto 6 and Borderlands 4, will be released on the platform. Also, NBA 2K25’s player spending “greatly surpassed” expectations. What are your thoughts on Take-Two stocks reaching an all-time high? Let us know in the comments or on our new community forum! For more information from Insider Gaming, read about Sony turning down the Resistance 4 pitch. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #TakeTwo #Stock #Hits #AllTime #High #GTA #Update Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The public won’t get to see Elon Musk’s financial disclosures. Here’s why that matters The public won’t get to see Elon Musk’s financial disclosures. Here’s why that matters Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest man, whose companies have contracts with and interest in the federal government while Musk and his team overhaul the size and scope of government, won’t be filing a publicly available financial disclosure report. Instead, Musk’s required financial disclosure as a designated special government employee will be confidential, a White House official said on the condition of anonymity. Musk and his team at the Department of Government Efficiency task force have been making sweeping changes and forcing cuts at government agencies one by one — to praise from President Trump’s supporters and protest from others. “As an unpaid special government employee who is not a commissioned officer, Elon will file a confidential financial disclosure report,” the White House official said. “He was also provided an ethics briefing this week and other DOGE staff will/have received the same treatment.” The highest-level government officials, including Cabinet nominees, top White House officials and so-designated special government employees are required by the Ethics in Government Act to file financial disclosures and oftentimes, ethics agreements, documents meant to shed light on any potential conflicts of interest, or even the appearance of them. Filers are required to disclose all significant assets, including investments like mutual funds and stocks, as well as income and debt, and foreign investments. The financial disclosure for FBI director nominee Kash Patel, for instance, revealed he was consulting for the Embassy of Qatar as recently as November, the same month Mr. Trump tapped him to head up the FBI. FILE – Elon Musk listens as now-President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show on Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. Alex Brandon / AP Special government employees — the designation the Trump administration has given Musk as a temporary employee — must file a financial disclosure as long as they work for the federal government for at least 60 days. According to the Office of Government Ethics, which keeps records of these filings and offers guidance to filers, special government employees that are “paid under a system other than the general schedule” and “have a rate of basic pay equal to or greater than 120% of the minimum rate of basic pay for GS-15” are required to file public disclosures, giving the administration a possible but murky loophole, since Musk isn’t accepting a government salary. Musk’s businesses include SpaceX, Tesla, X, formerly known as Twitter, The Boring Company, Neuralink, and xAI, some of which do business with foreign countries. Tesla, for instance, does business in China. Musk’s net worth is just shy of $400 billion as of this month, according to Forbes. That Musk’s financial interests won’t be disclosed is a concern, good government nonprofits say, because it’s hard to discern whether any actions he takes or promotes benefit him personally. “While filing a confidential disclosure may be correct legally, it is not what is appropriate here. With the level of influence over the federal government that Musk appears to have, the American public has a right to know what his business interests and potential conflicts of interest are,” said Jordan Libowitz, vice president of communications for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, or CREW. “He has spoken in the past of a need for a more transparent government. We agree. This isn’t that.” In December, Musk took to his platform, X, to say he doesn’t believe Americans should have to file Freedom of Information Act requests because such information should already be public. “There should be no need for FOIA requests,” Musk wrote. “All government data should be default public for maximum transparency.” Scott Amey, general counsel for the Project on Government Oversight, said it’s “concerning that the White House isn’t saying we have nothing to hide and Musk’s financial disclosure report will be released.” “The public and agencies deserve a full understanding of Musk’s financial interests in order to prevent conflicts when he storms into agencies,” Amey said. “Just because he is unpaid does not mean he won’t have significant influence in this administration, and be involved in decisions that touch on his personal and private interests, including federal contracts and regulatory issues.” The White House official who confirmed Musk’s financial disclosure will be confidential also said Musk has a “TS” clearance, meaning top secret, the highest level of access to information apart from “TS/SCI,” which means top clearance for sensitive compartmentalized information. In a press conference Friday, a reporter asked Mr. Trump why DOGE needs access to Americans’ personal information, like bank accounts and Social Security numbers. Consumer advocates and Democratic lawmakers are raising concerns about DOGE gaining access to the Treasury Department’s payment system, and taxpayers’ Social Security numbers. “Well it doesn’t, but they get it very easily, I mean we don’t have very good security in our country,” the president responded. A reporter in the Oval Office also asked Mr. Trump if he will put Musk on the podium for the media to ask him questions directly. “Oh sure, he is not shy,” Mr. Trump responded. “Elon’s not shy.” Kathryn Watson Kathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital, based in Washington, D.C. Source link #public #wont #Elon #Musks #financial #disclosures #Heres #matters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Astronaut stuck in space says it’s an ‘opportunity’ Astronaut stuck in space says it’s an ‘opportunity’ Stranded Nasa astronaut Sunita (Suni) Williams told CBS, the BBC’s US partner, that being stuck in space is ‘an opportunity’ to share her experience with people that she wouldn’t have had on a shorter mission. Williams went up to the International Space Station on 5 June, 2024. NASA plans to bring her and her crewmate, Butch Williams, back down to earth on March 19, some nine months after their planned return date. Source link #Astronaut #stuck #space #opportunity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The cozy puzzle game “Mycelium Heaven” is coming to PC and consoles on February 28th The cozy puzzle game “Mycelium Heaven” is coming to PC and consoles on February 28th “The Madrid-based (Spain) indie games publisher Dojo System and Córdoba-based (Spain) indie games developer 3DGoblinDev, today announced with great happiness and excitement that their cozy yet challenging puzzle game “Mycelium Heaven”, is coming to PC (via Steam) and consoles (PS5 and PS4) on February 28th, 2025 (the game is also coming to Xbox and the Nintendo Switch at a later time).” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #cozy #puzzle #game #Mycelium #Heaven #coming #consoles #February #28th Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Manchester City 115 charges case verdict ‘next month’ says Pep Guardiola Manchester City 115 charges case verdict ‘next month’ says Pep Guardiola Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says the club expects to learn the outcome of the hearing into its 115 charges of alleged Premier League financial rule breaches “in one month”. The hearing took place in front of an independent commission between September and December. If City – who strongly deny the charges – are found guilty, the commission has unlimited powers, which include a massive points deduction or relegation. In September, Guardiola, who earlier this season signed a two-year contract extension to 2027, said City’s critics wanted the Premier League champions “wiped from the face of the Earth”. No-one has stated when a decision will be reached, although it was widely expected to be in the first quarter of 2025. Guardiola confirmed this as he responded to a question about whether City’s record £180m investment in the transfer market during the winter window was triggered by the possibility of City being hit by a transfer ban. “In one month, I think there will be a verdict and a sentence,” he said. “After that, we will see my opinion of what happened so far.” City brought in four new players over the past month. Uzbekistan defender Abdoukodir Khusanov joined from French club Lens for £33.6m on 20 January. Teenage Brazilian Vitor Reis was confirmed the following day in a £29.6m move from Palmeiras. City completed the £63m signing of Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt on 23 January. They ended their winter recruitment campaign by paying £50m to Porto for Spain Under-21 midfielder Nico Gonzales. It was the second-biggest spend in the mid-season window by a Premier League club, behind Chelsea’s £275m splurge in 2023, and was more than the rest of England’s top flight spent between them. Guardiola denied there was any more to it than merely strengthening a squad that has struggled badly compared to previous seasons. His side sit fifth in the league table, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool. He also stressed it was made possible by City making a profit for the past three seasons, partly due to the sales of players such as Cole Palmer to Chelsea and Liam Delap to Ipswich for a combined £57.5m. “My words will not convince people,” he said. “I know with this club it is always ‘just about the money’. “But in the past five years, we are the last among the top six for net spend. Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, (Manchester) United, Arsenal, Tottenham. Even from Liverpool. The only reason why is we sell a lot in the last seasons.” Source link #Manchester #City #charges #case #verdict #month #Pep #Guardiola Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The top-down roguelite turret shooter “Genome Guardian” is now available for the Switch The top-down roguelite turret shooter “Genome Guardian” is now available for the Switch “The California-based (the US) indie gaqmes developer Stingbot Games today announced with great delight and thrill that their top-down roguelite turret shooter “Genome Guardian, is now available for the Nintendo Switch via the Nintendo Eshop (a downloadable demo version is currently available on Steam).” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #topdown #roguelite #turret #shooter #Genome #Guardian #Switch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Maguire heads late winner for Man United in FA Cup Maguire heads late winner for Man United in FA Cup Harry Maguire has headed Manchester United into the fourth round of the FA Cup with a late goal against his former club Leicester City. Source link #Maguire #heads #late #winner #Man #United #Cup Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Resistance 4 Was Pitched By Insomniac, But PlayStation Turned It Down Resistance 4 Was Pitched By Insomniac, But PlayStation Turned It Down In a new interview, soon-to-be former president of Insomniac Games Ted Price said that the studio pitched Resistance 4 to PlayStation. Source link #Resistance #Pitched #Insomniac #PlayStation #Turned Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump wants to close the carried interest tax loophole, a longtime target of Democrats Trump wants to close the carried interest tax loophole, a longtime target of Democrats President Trump is proposing to eliminate a tax loophole that’s also a long-time target of some Democratic lawmakers. Mr. Trump is working on “no tax on seniors’ Social Security, no tax on overtime pay” as well as renewing the tax cuts in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Jan. 6. But, she added, the president also wants to abolish the “carried interest tax deduction loophole.” The latter tax break might not be well-known to many Americans given that it’s predominantly used by hedge funds, private equity firms and other types of investment funds. That loophole allows investment managers to greatly lower their taxable income, a major perk for investors whose annual earnings can mount into the billions. Carried interest refers to the income that investment managers collect from their funds, which is typically 20% of profits. Under current tax law, that income is taxed as a capital gain, which has a top tax rate of 20% for long-term gains, versus the highest rate of 37% for regular income, such as the money that workers receive in their paychecks. “The carried interest tax loophole is one of the clearest examples of our two-tiered tax system,” said David Kass, executive director of the tax advocacy group Americans for Tax Fairness, in an email to CBS MoneyWatch. “Average Americans can’t cut their tax burden in half for no reason, but the wealthy and well-connected can.” Aligned with Democrats Mr. Trump’s proposal to remove the carried interest deduction aligns him with the aims of Democratic lawmakers, many of whom have long sought to eliminate the loophole. Most recently, Senator Tammy Baldwin, a Democrat from Wisconsin, and 13 other lawmakers on Thursday introduced the Carried Interest Fairness Act, which would boost the tax rate on investment funds’ carried interest to the same rates paid by workers on their income. Eliminating the Wall Street tax break could help boost tax revenue by about $100 billion over the next decade, according to a new analysis from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB), an advocacy group focused on fiscal matters. That would only partly offset the wide-ranging tax cuts Mr. Trump is proposing, which the CRFB estimates will cost almost $5 trillion over the next 10 years. Mr. Trump’s proposal is getting pushback from Wall Street, with the trade group American Investment Council urging the new administration to preserve the tax break. “We encourage the Trump Administration and Congress to keep this sound tax policy in place and unleash more long-term investment that supports jobs, workers, small businesses, and local communities,” said Drew Maloney, CEO of the American Investment Council, in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch. The private equity industry has invested more than $5.6 trillion in the U.S. economy since Mr. Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, Maloney noted. Ending the loophole would put investment managers on the same tax footing as middle-class workers, Kass of the Americans for Tax Fairness said “The time for repeal is long overdue,” Kass said. “We can’t allow loopholes like this to persist as income and wealth inequality continues to intensify.” Aimee Picchi Aimee Picchi is the associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, where she covers business and personal finance. She previously worked at Bloomberg News and has written for national news outlets including USA Today and Consumer Reports. Source link #Trump #close #carried #interest #tax #loophole #longtime #target #Democrats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anduril in talks to raise money at $28 billion valuation Anduril in talks to raise money at $28 billion valuation Anduril, the defense-tech startup founded by Palmer Luckey, has signed a term sheet to raise capital at a $28 billion valuation, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is planning to raise up to $2.5 billion in the round, said the people who asked not to be named because the details are confidential. The latest funding would double Anduril’s valuation from August. Anduril, the three-time CNBC Disruptor 50 company that ranked No. 2 in 2024, aims to disrupt traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman by developing its own products and selling them to clients, in contrast to the traditional military process of contracting and then building. An Anduril spokesperson declined to comment. Luckey, who sold virtual reality company Oculus to Facebook for $2 billion in 2014, has been a public supporter of Donald Trump since long before the president’s return to the White House. “I’ve been on the tech-for-Trump train for longer than just about anyone,” Luckey, who started the company in 2017, told CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime” on Nov. 6, right after Trump’s election victory. “The idea that we need to be the strongest military in the world is really non-partisan.” In December, Anduril announced a partnership with artificial intelligence startup OpenAI, allowing the defense tech company to deploy advanced AI systems for “national security missions.” It’s part of a broader and controversial trend of AI companies walking back bans on military use of their products and entering into partnerships with defense companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. In December, Anthropic and Palantir announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services to “provide U.S. intelligence and defense agencies access” to Anthropic’s AI models. While Anduril is still privately held, Palantir, which sells software and services to defense agencies, is publicly traded and has been one of the best performers on the stock market in the past year, jumping 370% over that stretch, lifting its market cap past $250 billion. The company reported in its latest earnings report this week that government revenue jumped 45% from a year earlier to $343 million. Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund is leading the latest Anduril financing, with a $1 billion commitment, sources said, the largest check ever for the firm. Thiel, who was a major Trump supporter in the 2016 campaign, is one of Palantir’s co-founders. Trae Stephens, a partner at Founders Fund, is an Anduril co-founder. Anduril’s revenue in 2024 doubled to about $1 billion and annual contract value reached $1.5 billion, the people said. In 2023, Anduril launched several new drones that rely on its Lattice AI-powered command and control software used by the U.S. military and allies to direct human-assisted robotics systems to perform complex missions. WATCH: Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey talks what a Trump White House means for defense tech Source link #Anduril #talks #raise #money #billion #valuation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anduril in talks to raise money at $28 billion valuation Anduril in talks to raise money at $28 billion valuation Anduril, the defense-tech startup founded by Palmer Luckey, has signed a term sheet to raise capital at a $28 billion valuation, according to people familiar with the matter. The company is planning to raise up to $2.5 billion in the round, said the people who asked not to be named because the details are confidential. The latest funding would double Anduril’s valuation from August. Anduril, the three-time CNBC Disruptor 50 company that ranked No. 2 in 2024, aims to disrupt traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman by developing its own products and selling them to clients, in contrast to the traditional military process of contracting and then building. An Anduril spokesperson declined to comment. Luckey, who sold virtual reality company Oculus to Facebook for $2 billion in 2014, has been a public supporter of Donald Trump since long before the president’s return to the White House. “I’ve been on the tech-for-Trump train for longer than just about anyone,” Luckey, who started the company in 2017, told CNBC’s “Closing Bell Overtime” on Nov. 6, right after Trump’s election victory. “The idea that we need to be the strongest military in the world is really non-partisan.” In December, Anduril announced a partnership with artificial intelligence startup OpenAI, allowing the defense tech company to deploy advanced AI systems for “national security missions.” It’s part of a broader and controversial trend of AI companies walking back bans on military use of their products and entering into partnerships with defense companies and the U.S. Department of Defense. In December, Anthropic and Palantir announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services to “provide U.S. intelligence and defense agencies access” to Anthropic’s AI models. While Anduril is still privately held, Palantir, which sells software and services to defense agencies, is publicly traded and has been one of the best performers on the stock market in the past year, jumping 370% over that stretch, lifting its market cap past $250 billion. The company reported in its latest earnings report this week that government revenue jumped 45% from a year earlier to $343 million. Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund is leading the latest Anduril financing, with a $1 billion commitment, sources said, the largest check ever for the firm. Thiel, who was a major Trump supporter in the 2016 campaign, is one of Palantir’s co-founders. Trae Stephens, a partner at Founders Fund, is an Anduril co-founder. Anduril’s revenue in 2024 doubled to about $1 billion and annual contract value reached $1.5 billion, the people said. In 2023, Anduril launched several new drones that rely on its Lattice AI-powered command and control software used by the U.S. military and allies to direct human-assisted robotics systems to perform complex missions. WATCH: Anduril co-founder Palmer Luckey talks what a Trump White House means for defense tech Source link #Anduril #talks #raise #money #billion #valuation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Soulful Sanctuary at Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach Soulful Sanctuary at Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach Photo courtesy of Casa Loma. Staying at Casa Loma Beach Hotel in Laguna Beach feels a bit like being in Tulum, Mexico. The white plaster walls, chunky wood furniture, soaring ceiling, and new bar in the reception lobby, lead out to exquisite Pacific ocean views and Main Beach beyond. Located in the heart of Laguna Beach, this newely renovated oceanfront boutique hotel is just steps from art galleries, museums, shops, and an array of international dining venues. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Entering the lobby, one immediately notices the striking relief sculpture of a sun-worshiping goddess. Bathed in light, she symbolizes the natural wonder of the Pacific Coast that lies just beyond the glass windows and doors. Beachside sand, terracotta clay, and seaside green color tones offer a soothing sanctuary during the day for guests to sip coffee while working on their laptop. Later in the day, guests approach the small bar top to order a craft *********, glass of wine or beer to enjoy with a cheese or charcuterie board. Above the lobby there are curved archways and an inviting booth-style sitting area for guests to work during the day or hang out as the sun sets. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein When Marc & Rose Hospitality took over the former The Inn at Laguna Beach, they hired Electric Bowery, a Venice based architecture and interior design firm, along with graphic design agency LAND and outdoor design firm ORCA. “Marc & Rose Hospitality is proud to bring together such a talented team of partners to re-enliven this Laguna Beach landmark,” said John Grossman, President of Marc & Rose. “We sought out not only partners, but like-minded friends who share our artistic passions and pursuits. The story of Casa Loma is revealed in the details—the intentional design choices capture a spirit of retreat both familiar and imaginative, thoughtfully curated with our favorite things by our favorite people.” Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Comfortable Rooms There are 70 comfortable guest rooms featuring a soft round edge custom bed, curving sofa, eye-catching fixtures and built-in desk. Bathroom fixtures are by SKLO, and bath amenities are by D.S. & DURGA Toiletries. Rooms have organic seascape shape lighting by Kassandra Thatcher, and there are ceiling fans above pillow-top mattress beds fitted with luxurious European linens. Custom robes in each guest room are created by Guatemala-based textile manufacturer Luna Zorro. This artisan company also makes the stylish sun hats displayed in the lobby’s retail shop. There is a bespoke beverage ********* bar in the room, and complimentary tea and Canyon Coffee pour-over set up. Rooms also have a Tivoli Model One Radio with Casa Loma’s custom radio station for a curated auditory experience. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Guest Room Balcony There are 38 rooms with a private balcony or patio, many overlooking towering palm trees, the Pacific Ocean, South Laguna abd Main Beach below. Some rooms overlook the hotel’s sparkling heated swimming pool. Pool at Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Poolside Rooms Each of the pool level rooms have a patio and glass gate for direct access to the pool deck. New lounge chairs and cabanas are available for guests to use while at the heated pool and after enjoying the warmth of the bubbling whirlpool. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Artful Hotel Starting in the parking structure and throughout the hotel, art is everywhere one looks. According to Grossman, “LAND was enlisted to make the entire hotel one large immersive art experience – from the lobby mural, to the hand-painted canvas tapestries in select guest rooms, to the custom screen-printed and numbered framed original artworks. Every aspect of Casa Loma, including the handcrafted wooden furniture and its vintage lobby sound system, feels organic to the space and its surroundings, but precise in its placement and design.’ Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Iconic Walks Right outside the hotel is the Heisler Park Walk, a popular one-mile paved path that connects Heisler Park to Main Beach. The path begins at Casa Loma Beach Hotel above the Lifeguard Tower at Main Beach. Take the stairs down to one of the picturesque coves. Diver’s Cove is a local favorite for snorkeling, scuba diving, and tide-pool exploring. Along the walk one might see a plein air artist set up with an easel and chair painting the beautiful surrounding scenery. When the tide is low, guests can walk south on the sand to explore tide pools and watch skimboarders glide across the shore break. Fun Fact: Laguna Beach is the birthplace of skimboarding. In the 1920’s, lifeguards invented a wooden plank to float on between coves. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Complimentary Cookies There is always complimentary fruit infused water available next the bar top, and a variety of fresh baked cookies by Rye Goods are displayed in the evening. This is a nod to the tradition that The Inn at Laguna Beach offered to guests. Photo courtesy of Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Event Venue Up on the top floor, the Pacific Terrace rooftop is a popular gathering space later in the evening when fire pits are lit and the area provides a romantic vibe. During the day, there is a small meeting room nearby for groups to use. The terrace is just steps away for breakout sessions and receptions. The rooftop terrace is an ideal celebration spot under the California sunshine or during a starry night for up to 80 people. Casa Loma Beach Hotel. Photo Jill Weinlein Pets Two dogs that are 40 pounds and under are welcome. Guests need to sign a **** waiver and pay a non-refundable $100 **** fee at check-in. Service dogs will have the fee waived. Nightly Amenity Fee There is a $35 fee per evening stay. Parking is $45 per vehicle, per evening. Casa Loma Beach Hotel is the second of two Marc & Rose Hospitality hotel in Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. Their other hotel Laguna Beach House is just a few blocks away. The firm currently operates 14 hotels and restaurants including the restored La Playa Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Casa Loma Beach Hotel room rates start at $499. Summer and holiday season the rate is higher. Source link #Soulful #Sanctuary #Casa #Loma #Beach #Hotel #Laguna #Beach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump is trying to halt the EV charger buildout. Experts say it’s not that easy – The Associated Press Trump is trying to halt the EV charger buildout. Experts say it’s not that easy – The Associated Press Trump is trying to halt the EV charger buildout. Experts say it’s not that easy The Associated PressTrump suspends federal funding for EV chargers AxiosTrump administration halts program funding EV stations in North Carolina WRAL News‘Just causing havoc’: Transportation Department suspends EV charger program The Washington Post Source link #Trump #halt #charger #buildout #Experts #easy #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Maguire heads home late winner for Man Utd Maguire heads home late winner for Man Utd Harry Maguire scores a 93rd-minute header to give Manchester United a 2-1 win over Leicester City in their FA Cup fourth round tie at Old Trafford. Source link #Maguire #heads #home #late #winner #Man #Utd Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Aussie Lucas Herbert on the charge in Saudi Arabia Aussie Lucas Herbert on the charge in Saudi Arabia Lucas Herbert has catapulted into contention at LIV Golf Riyadh after firing a brilliant eight-under 64 in the second round. The *********** went bogey-less and post posted eight birdies in the round of the day on Friday to jump into third position. Herbert is yet to make a blunder in Riyadh after posting a four-under 64 in the opening round, without any blemishes on his card. He is now four strokes off overnight leader Adrian Monk (66) and two behind second-placed Sebastian Munoz (66), after storming home with five birdies on the back nine. A birdie on the last has the Queenslander, who is still searching for a maiden individual LIV title, poised to strike heading into the final round on Saturday. Poland’s Meronk remains two shots ahead of Colombian Munoz after the two maintained their overnight positions atop the leaderboard. Munoz kept pace on Friday with Meronk, who fired a 62 in the first round and sits at 16-under par heading into the final day. Legion XIII continues to dominate the team standings. Tyrrell Hatton of England and Caleb Surratt are tied for fourth at 11 under after both shot 67, while captain Jon Rahm of Spain (67) and debutant Tom McKibbin (69) of Northern Ireland are in a tie for sixth at 10 under with Matthew Wolff (66). That brought Legion XIII’s team score to 42 under through two days. Second-place Torque GC is a distant 11 shots behind. Meronk, 31, has won four times on the DP World Tour but is in position for his first LIV title after joining the circuit ahead of the 2024 season. “It would be special (to win) for sure, especially the first event of the year, as well,” Meronk said. “But I don’t want to focus on that. My only focus (Saturday) will be just one shot at a time and playing my best golf as possible, and we’ll see what happens.” Munoz, 32, hasn’t earned a professional win since the 2019 Sanderson Farms Championship on the PGA Tour. “It would mean a lot,” he said. “I’ve just got to keep in my lane and see if things happen for me.” There wasn’t much separating their Friday rounds. Munoz was bogey-free with six birdies, while Meronk converted seven birdies and limited himself to one bogey. They won’t alter their strategies when they play together in the final round. “Nothing changes,” Meronk said. “I’m just going to try to shoot as low as possible, make as many birdies as possible like I’ve been doing the last two days and see what happens on the 18th green.” The field is playing under the lights for the first time in order to fit the broadcast window for LIV Golf’s new US TV partner, Fox Sports. “It has its moments where it’s pretty challenging,” Hatton said of playing at night. “There’s times where it’s quite hard to see the back of the ball and judging the lie and how that’s going to come out. Sometimes maybe in daylight you might read it coming out as a flier, and at nighttime it’s a little bit harder. “But I think ultimately we’ve adjusted to it pretty well. I think the fact that the scoring is so low shows that everyone is able to get on with it just fine.” Marc Leishman (67-68) is the next best of the *********** contingent at nine under, while Cameron Smith is at five under after an even-par second round. Source link #Aussie #Lucas #Herbert #charge #Saudi #Arabia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lord Of The Rings Collector’s Edition Book Box Set Drops To $60 At Amazon Lord Of The Rings Collector’s Edition Book Box Set Drops To $60 At Amazon The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Editions weren’t the only premium hardcover editions of Tolkien’s classic fantasy novel published in 2024. Last October, William Morrow published The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set with an eye-watering $325 price. Amazon currently has this beautiful collection for $206, which is still quite pricey, but over $100 less than list price. Not to be confused with the series of Tolkien Illustrated Editions–which we’ll link to below–this box set is a remastered version of the 1992 hardcover edition featuring artist Alan Lee’s iconic artwork of Middle-earth. The set includes over 50 new paintings and drawings. It’s split into three volumes, one for each novel in the trilogy, and has a page count of 1,332. The hardcovers are made from cloth and leather and are adorned with silver typescript and stamped emblems. It also comes with a decorative slipcase, three art cards, and two fold-out maps drawn by Christopher Tolkien. The Tolkien Illustrated Edition of The Lord of the Rings, on the other hand, features 30 full-color drawings and maps by the author. It’s a wonderfully designed hardcover book with red-stained edges with decorative Elvish script, two fold-out maps, a ribbon bookmark, and gold-foil trim on the cover. Collectors may also want to check out the pricey Deluxe Special Edition of the Tolkien Illustrated Edition. The Lord of the Rings, Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien Source link #Lord #Rings #Collectors #Edition #Book #Box #Set #Drops #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge blocks Trump administration from placing 2,200 USAID employees on leave Judge blocks Trump administration from placing 2,200 USAID employees on leave Washington — A federal judge said Friday that he will prevent the Trump administration from placing 2,200 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, on administrative leave, siding with unions representing the employees for now. Judge Carl Nichols of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, who President Trump named to the bench in 2019, said in court that he would approve a limited temporary restraining order that would block the employees from being put on administrative leave, a move that was set to take effect at midnight. He also said he would decide whether the 500 workers who are already on leave would be reinstated. Details on the pause would be set in a forthcoming filing, he said. He said the unions — American Foreign Service Association and American Federation of Government Employees — established they would suffer “irreparable harm” without a pause, while the government did not. “Frankly, there is zero harm to the government” in a short-term pause, Nichols said from the bench. At a hearing Friday afternoon, the plaintiffs asked the court to immediately pause evacuation orders given to USAID personnel in international postings, and for access to be restored to computers systems for people who are in the field across all parts of USAID and its contractors. The government acknowledged that 2,200 USAID employees were set to be put on leave at midnight barring court action, not including the other 500 people who are already on leave prior to today. Six hundred and eleven essential personnel would stay on at USAID, and the government added that it has no plans to lower that number. Lawyers for the plaintiffs argued that the major reduction in force, evacuations and uprooting people from their jobs and homes were violations of the separation of powers and congressional appropriations. They said families are being separated, and children of USAID employees are being pulled out of schools across the world. Staffers have been cut off from access to health care, and many have to go back to states without housing or source of income, according to the unions. “This is the full-scale gutting of virtually all of the personnel at an agency,” a lawyer for USAID employees said, adding it is “carnage” on ground for the USAID workforce and contractors. Nichols pressed the government’s attorneys for a reason why Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is the acting head of USAID, needs to place the employees on leave Friday night. “I don’t believe Secretary Rubio needs to provide one,” one of the lawyers responded. Nichols pushed the government lawyers to detail what “findings” they have that there is corruption and fraud in the agency, as is alleged by President Trump and his allies. The attorneys had no response. The judge also took issue with the government’s framing of Rubio being able to control USAID in his role as secretary of state, not as acting administrator, given that it is a separate agency. Nichols decision to block the move to place the employees on leave came hours after workers were seen removing the signage at the USAID headquarters in downtown Washington. Jacob Rosen Jake Rosen is a reporter covering the Department of Justice. He was previously a campaign digital reporter covering President Trump’s 2024 campaign and also served as an associate producer for “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” where he worked with Brennan for two years on the broadcast. Rosen has been a producer for several CBS News podcasts, including “The Takeout,” “The Debrief” and “Agent of Betrayal: The Double Life of Robert Hanssen.” Source link #Judge #blocks #Trump #administration #placing #USAID #employees #leave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]