Pelican Press

Judge halts Trump's government worker buyout plan – BBC.com Judge halts Trump's government worker buyout plan – BBC.com Judge halts Trump’s government worker buyout plan BBC.comTrump And Musk’s Federal Buyout Offer Extended—Over 40,000 Workers Accept: What To Know ForbesDeadline for federal workers to resign delayed as Democrats step up fight against Musk PBS NewsHour Source link #Judge #halts #Trump039s #government #worker #buyout #plan #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The ESA Speaks Out on Impending Tariffs: How They Could Reshape the Video Game Industry The ESA Speaks Out on Impending Tariffs: How They Could Reshape the Video Game Industry The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has voiced serious concerns over the newly announced tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada, emphasizing their potentially harmful impact on the gaming industry. Given China’s significant role in gaming technology and production, these tariffs could have far-reaching consequences on both hardware and software, fundamentally reshaping the market. Source link #ESA #Speaks #Impending #Tariffs #Reshape #Video #Game #Industry Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Public invited to suggest names for next Archbishop of Canterbury Public invited to suggest names for next Archbishop of Canterbury The public is being invited to suggest names for the next Archbishop of Canterbury following Justin Welby’s resignation. Mr Welby left the Church of England’s most senior role in January after a damning report into a prolific child abuser associated with the Church. His replacement will be the 106th appointment to the role, the incumbent of which is the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Church. Historically, candidates already hold senior leadership positions in ministry in the Church or elsewhere in the Anglican Communion. They must be aged at least 30 and are generally younger than 70. Names can be submitted to the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC), the body charged with nominating the new archbishop. The Church said the consultation, which runs until 28 March, was “an opportunity to gather the views of a wide range of people from across England and the Anglican Communion on the gifts, qualities and skills needed” for the role. There will be no advert to which anyone can put their name forward to, with possible candidates instead “invited in” to the process. People can submit their views on the Church of England website. The 20-member CNC panel that will select the next Archbishop of Canterbury has yet to be formalised. For the first time it will include five members based in the Anglican Church abroad. It will meet in May, July and September to “pray, reflect and nominate a candidate” and the chosen individual will require the votes of two-thirds of the 17 voting members. The name will then be given to the prime minster who will take it to the King for approval. Mr Welby resigned over the Church’s handling of a sadistic abuser, John Smyth, who a report said had perpetrated brutal *******, physical and mental abuse against more than 120 boys and young men since the late 1970s. The report said Mr Welby had “personal and moral responsibility” and that he “could and should have done more” in the case. After initially resisting calls to step down, he resigned on 12 November saying he was doing so “in sorrow with all victims and survivors of abuse”. But in early December, abuse victims reacted with “disgust” at a short farewell speech Mr Welby gave at the House of Lords, in which he made jokes. Mr Welby apologised the following day. Before leaving the role he did not give a Christmas Day sermon at Canterbury Cathedral and did not broadcast a New Year’s Day message, as he usually would through the BBC. Source link #Public #invited #suggest #names #Archbishop #Canterbury Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Suns make Rowell statement as new leaders named Suns make Rowell statement as new leaders named Noah Anderson will take over as Gold Coast captain while the Suns have made a big statement as they attempt to retain the services of midfielder Matt Rowell. Source link #Suns #Rowell #statement #leaders #named Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Raptors send Davion Mitchell to Heat for PJ Tucker Raptors send Davion Mitchell to Heat for PJ Tucker TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors have traded guard Davion Mitchell to the Miami Heat for veteran forward PJ Tucker, a 2026 second-round pick and cash. The deal was reported hours before the NBA’s trade deadline Thursday, but confirmed hours afterwards. The Raptors acquired Mitchell in an off-season trade with Sacramento. The second-round draft pick is from the Los Angeles Lakers. Mitchell is averaging 6.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 4.6 assists in 44 games this season. The 26-year-old guard has impressed with his defence this season. He missed back-to-back games before playing in Toronto’s loss to Memphis on Wednesday. The 39-year-old Tucker, who had two previous stints with the Raptors, is averaging 1.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 31 games this season. Story continues below advertisement Related Videos 1:32 Toronto Raptors players surprise students in Kahnawake Previous Video Next Video Just as the trade deadline passed, media reports said that James Wiseman and cash were traded from the Indiana Pacers to Toronto. 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. Wiseman had six points and a rebound for the Pacers. He tore his Achilles tendon after shooting a three-pointer in his first game of the season. Thursday’s trades came after multiple reports Wednesday that the Raptors acquired small forward Brandon Ingram from New Orleans for Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk, a 2026 first-round pick and a second-round pick from an undisclosed year. A six-foot-eight small forward, Ingram is averaging 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists this season. Ingram has not played since Dec. 7 with a sprained left ankle. Toronto acquired Brown on Jan. 17, 2024, as part of a blockbuster deal with Indiana for all-star Pascal Siakam. He’s averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists this season after missing time following off-season arthroscopic knee surgery. Story continues below advertisement Olynyk grew up in Toronto before moving to Kamloops, B.C., as a teenager and was traded to his boyhood team by the Utah Jazz on Feb. 8, 2024, ahead of last season’s trade deadline. He signed a two-year extension with the Raptors on March 4 worth a reported US$26.25 million. He also started the 2024-25 campaign injured with back issues, but has averaged seven points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists so far this season. Toronto (16-36) currently has a 42.1 per cent chance of getting a top four pick in the NBA draft lottery and a 10.5 per cent chance of selecting first overall. Duke Blue Devils guard Cooper Flagg is the consensus top pick in this summer’s draft. This report by The ********* Press was first published Feb. 6, 2025. More on Sports More videos &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Raptors #send #Davion #Mitchell #Heat #Tucker Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

****** Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb Main Easter Egg Full Guide ****** Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb Main Easter Egg Full Guide Here’s a complete step-by-step guide for completing the ****** Ops 6 Zombies The Tomb map main easter egg quest. Source link #****** #Ops #Zombies #Tomb #Main #Easter #Egg #Full #Guide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Two years on since a devastating earthquake hit southern Turkey, survivors suffer continued hardship Two years on since a devastating earthquake hit southern Turkey, survivors suffer continued hardship Two years have passed since a devastating earthquake shattered Turkey’s southern region. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake and a second powerful tremor that came hours later left more than 53,000 people dead. For many of its survivors, the memory and the suffering remains fresh. Source link #years #devastating #earthquake #hit #southern #Turkey #survivors #suffer #continued #hardship Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The REAL Game Awards: So Real, It Hurts The REAL Game Awards: So Real, It Hurts Stuttering Craig’s journey from Screwattack to Grifter Source link #REAL #Game #Awards #Real #Hurts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

E.l.f. Beauty CEO explains softer sales trends in January E.l.f. Beauty CEO explains softer sales trends in January E.l.f. Beauty CEO Tarang Amin told CNBC’s Jim Cramer why the company saw lighter business in January, citing declines across the industry and saying some new products have been off to a slower start. “I remain bullish on the business,” he said. “But our approach is always, we have a high degree of transparency. If we see something, we pass it through.” Thursday evening, E.l.f posted a slight earnings miss but beat on revenue. The budget cosmetics brand cut its full-year guidance after “softer than expected” sales trends in January – a shift in tone for the company that has otherwise escaped the business woes felt by many of its peers. The stock tanked more than 24% in extended trading. Amin said the industry broadly can see a “consumer hangover” after a highly-promotional holiday season. He also said E.l.f.’s “social commentary” was down by almost 20% during January. He attributed some of that change to current events that might have discouraged users from posting about products, including the wildfires in Los Angeles and turmoil on TikTok due to the potential ban. He said he expects these factors to normalize over time. In general, Amin continued, E.l.f. feels satisfied with its marketing efforts, saying they have always been able to “engage and entertain our community.” He added that the company debated spending a bit more on marketing because it’s effective, but ultimately decided to hold off for now as consumers continue to worry about inflation and the economy. Amin also addressed President Donald Trump’s tariff hikes. So far, Trump has increased taxes on goods from China by 10%, which could lead many consumer companies that manufacture abroad to raise prices. According to Amin, E.l.f. has “an incredible price umbrella” and managed to adjusted to tariffs in the past, saying the company has paid 25% import taxes since 2019. “This time around, it’s just an additional ten points right now,” He said. “We could use that same balanced plan, plus we have greater supplier diversification and a much ******* international business. So, I feel confident that we can maintain our extraordinary value and address the tariff issue.” Jim Cramer’s Guide to Investing Source link #E.l.f #Beauty #CEO #explains #softer #sales #trends #January Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 – CNN Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 – CNN Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 CNNOpinion | The World’s Richest Men Take On the World’s Poorest Children The New York TimesWhat is USAID, the government agency targeted by Trump and Elon Musk? The Washington Post Source link #Labor #groups #sue #halt #Trump #admins #dismantling #USAID #workforce #expected #slashed #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Battered but defiant – where next for Hezbollah in Lebanon? Battered but defiant – where next for Hezbollah in Lebanon? BBC On 26 January, thousands of displaced Lebanese, who had been living across the country, tried to return to their homes in southern Lebanon. They travelled in convoys, played revolutionary songs and waved, proudly, the yellow Hezbollah flag. Many found out that, aer more than a year of war, there were no homes to return to. They mourned what had been lost and, in the rubble of destroyed buildings, put up posters remembering the group’s late leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The date marked the end of a deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli troops, part of a ceasefire brokered by the US and France, that required Hezbollah to remove its weapons and fighters from the south. The deal would also see the deployment of thousands of Lebanese soldiers in the area. But Israel said Lebanon had not fully implemented the deal and, as a result, not all invading forces pulled out. Lebanon also accused Israel of procrastination. Getty Images Unsurprisingly, there was violence. In some areas, Israeli soldiers opened fire and 24 people, including a Lebanese soldier, were killed. Still, for Hezbollah, which has been the dominant force in southern Lebanon for decades, the violence was an opportunity to project strength, after being battered in the conflict with Israel. But can the group survive a wave of changes in Lebanon, and the re-shaping of power in the Middle East? Ability to paralyse Over the years, Hezbollah, the Shia ******* militia, political and social movement, cemented its position as Lebanon’s most powerful group. Backed by Iran, it built a military force more formidable than the Lebanese army. The use of violence was always an option. A strong parliamentary bloc meant that no major decision was possible without its consent while Lebanon’s fractured political system gave it representation in the government. In short, Hezbollah had the ability to paralyse the state – and many times did so. The latest conflict started in October 2023, when Hezbollah opened a second front against Israel as Israel launched a war in Gaza in response to the ****** attacks. The hostilities escalated dramatically last September, as Israel had penetrated the group in ways then unimaginable. First, pagers carried by its members exploded. Then their walkie-talkies. An unrelenting air campaign and subsequent invasion of the south killed more than 4,000 people including many civilians, left areas with a significant presence of Shia Muslims – which form the bulk of Hezbollah’s support – in ruins, and severely damaged the group’s arsenal. Many of its leaders were assassinated, most notably Nasrallah, who had been Hezbollah’s face for more than three decades. His successor, former number two Naim Qassem, who is not as charismatic or influential, has admitted they suffered painful losses. The ceasefire deal that came into force in November was essentially a surrender by the group, which is considered a terrorist organisation by the US, the *** and others. Getty Images Hezbollah, the Shia ******* militia and political movement, had become the most powerful force in Lebanon In this new reality, last month, Lebanon’s parliament finally elected a new president – former army chief Joseph Aoun, who was favoured by the Americans – after more than two years of impasse that critics attributed to Hezbollah. Weakened, the group could not block the process as it had done in the past. In another sign of its diminished position, Aoun then named as prime minister Nawaf Salam, who was serving as president of the International Court of Justice, and someone not aligned with the group. Hezbollah, for now, seems to be focused on another priority: its base. The group has told its followers that the loss in the war is a victory, but many know the truth is different. Their communities are destroyed, and the damage to buildings is estimated to be over $3bn (£2.4bn), according to the World Bank. Getty Images Israel’s airstrikes and invasion of southern Lebanon killed more than 4,000 people and left vast areas in ruins In a country with a collapsed economy, no one knows who will help – if anyone, as international assistance has been conditioned on the government taking measures that would curb Hezbollah’s power. The group has paid compensation to some families, as it did after the 2006 war, but there are already indications of discontent. “If people are still living in tents in six months’ time, or on the rubble of their homes, they may start to blame Hezbollah rather than the government or Israel. This is why they’re investing so much effort now to try to pre-empt that,” says Nicholas Blanford, a Beirut-based non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council’s Middle East programmes and the author of Warriors of God: Inside Hezbollah’s Thirty-Year Struggle Against Israel. “In the current context, you can push back a little bit against Hezbollah.” An implicit threat But any action against Hezbollah comes with risks. On 26 January, hours after people tried to return to the south, young men on motorbikes drove through non-Shia areas of Beirut and other places at night, honking and carrying Hezbollah flags. Residents in some areas confronted them. In a country where sectarian divisions run deep and many still remember the days of the 1975-1990 civil war, the convoys were seen as an intimidation tactic. Mr Blanford said Hezbollah had “the implicit threat of violence” because of its military arm. “If you push them too hard,” he said, “they will slap you back very hard”. A Western diplomatic official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss private talks, told me: “We’ve been telling players here [the opposition] and in other countries: if you corner Hezbollah, it will probably backfire, and the risk of violence is a real possibility.” Getty Images Many Hezbollah leaders have been assassinated, including Nasrallah, who led the group for over three decades Still, a new chapter has been opened in Lebanon, a country exhausted by pervasive corruption, government mismanagement and seemingly endless violence. It is a combination that has resulted in a dysfunctional state. Addressing the Lebanese parliament in his inaugural speech, Aoun promised ambitious and long-delayed reforms with the knowledge that, without profound changes, Lebanon cannot be rescued. He vowed to rebuild public institutions, revive the economy, and, crucially, make the Lebanese army the sole carrier of weapons in the country. Aoun did not mention Hezbollah by name, but this is what he meant. The chamber enthusiastically applauded him; Hezbollah parliamentarians observed in silence. A regional issue But the decision about Hezbollah’s existence as a military power will probably be made far from Lebanon – in Iran. For decades, Tehran invested with weapons and money in a regional alliance it calls the Axis of Resistance, which constituted a ring of fire around Israel. Hezbollah was its main player. With thousands of well-trained, battle-hardened fighters and a vast arsenal that included long-range precision-guided missiles on Israel’s doorstep, the group acted as a deterrent against an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. This deterrence, for now, is gone – and rebuilding it, if that is Iran’s wish, will not be easy. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria in December – in part because of Hezbollah’s setbacks – has interrupted the land corridor Tehran used to arm and fund the group. Israel, which has gathered extensive intelligence about Hezbollah, says it will continue to carry out attacks on the group to prevent its attempts to rearm. Getty Images Last month, Lebanon’s parliament elected former army chief Joseph Aoun as the country’s new president Mr Blanford told me that “only Iran can really answer fundamental questions” about Hezbollah. “There is a possibility where either Iran or they [Hezbollah] decide to try to think differently, to disarm or become only a political party and social movement,” he said. “[But] this [ultimately] is Iran’s decision, out of the hands of Hezbollah.” I asked a source familiar with Hezbollah’s internal affairs whether it was realistic to talk about the group’s disarmament. The issue, the source said, could be part of a “*******, regional negotiation”, in what appeared to be a reference to indications by Iran that it is willing to reach an agreement with the West over its nuclear programme. “And there’s a difference between giving up weapons entirely or working under a framework with the state about their use, which is another possibility,” the source added. Getty Images In his inaugural speech, Joseph Aoun (pictured left with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam) pledged long-overdue reforms, warning that Lebanon’s future depends on profound change Lebanon’s new leaders are under pressure to act quickly. Foreign allies see the reshaped balance of power in the Middle East as a chance to weaken Iran’s reach even further while the Lebanese are anxious for some stability and to have a sense that the rules apply to everyone. People here dislike when they are described as “resilient”, given their ability to carry on amid the chaos. “All we want is to live in a ‘normal country’,” I heard from a frustrated resident in a mainly Christian area of Beirut last year. It is also the case that after so much suffering, even Hezbollah’s supporters may be questioning what role the group should play. Hezbollah is unlikely to return to what it was before the war. Disarming may not be as unthinkable as it once was. BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below. Source link #Battered #defiant #Hezbollah #Lebanon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

*********** state warns about sharp rise in regional road deaths *********** state warns about sharp rise in regional road deaths An unusually high number of road users lost their lives in Victoria to start 2025, prompting police to urge caution in the state. Source link #*********** #state #warns #sharp #rise #regional #road #deaths Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moons of Darsalon Review | TheXboxHub Moons of Darsalon Review | TheXboxHub “The Toronto-based (Canada) indie games publisher Astrolabe Games and Madrid-based (Spain) indie games developer Dr. Kucho! Games, are today very happy and thrilled to announce that their retro save-them-all action/platformer “Moons of Darsalon”, is coming to PC via Steam on April 19th, 2023 (the game will also be released via EGS at a later time this year).” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #Moons #Darsalon #Review #TheXboxHub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man dies in Nolan County ****** Man dies in Nolan County ****** A Houston man died Thursday in a fatal car ****** in Nolan County, according to a Texas Department of Public Safety media release. Cesar Josevan Espinosa Manso, 25, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the ******, and next of kin was notified Thursday afternoon. According to the DPS preliminary investigation, the ****** occurred around 8:15 a.m. Manso was traveling southeast on State Highway 153 in a 2017 Peterbilt towing a semi-trailer. The second vehicle — a 2020 Kenworth dump truck driven by 60-year-old Todd Gregory Bollinger of Roscoe — was towing a semi-trailer and entered the highway from County Road 196. Texas Department of Public Safety trooper unit Sept. 16, 2024 Bollinger pulled in front of Manso’s vehicle, according to the DPS investigation detailed in the media release. Manso failed to control his speed and struck the rear of Bollinger’s towed vehicle. As a result, Manso’s vehicle overturned into the west borrow ditch, and Bollinger’s vehicle jackknifed in the center of the highway. According to the release, the weather was dense fog, and the ****** occurred in a 65 mph construction zone. Abilenians demonstrate against Trump outside city hall, joining thousands nationwide All Kind Animal Initiative achieves special distinction for the first time This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Man dies in Nolan County ****** Source link #Man #dies #Nolan #County #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Global central banks are cutting rates — the Fed might not be as inclined Global central banks are cutting rates — the Fed might not be as inclined The Bank of England on 6 Feb. 2025, in London, England. Richard Baker | In Pictures | Getty Images The Bank of England lowered interest rates by 25 basis points on Thursday, following the European Central Bank’s cut of the same amount on Jan. 30. The Reserve Bank of India is also widely expectedly to trim its repo rate by 25 basis points when its policy meeting ends on Friday. Many economies seem to be settling into a lower-rate environment as policymakers look to boost economic growth. That’s in stark contrast with the U.S. — it’s unclear if the U.S. Federal Reserve would even deliver on its two rate cuts in 2025, forecast in December, given the uncertainties over the economic impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies. Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. dollar began strengthening and hit its highest level in more than two years, as measured by the U.S. dollar index. That’s already affected companies such as Amazon, which blamed the currency for weighing down its expected revenue in the current quarter. U.S. exceptionalism might still be in place for now, but an edge can, after all, cut both ways. What you need to know today Disappointing guidance from AmazonAmazon shares fell more than 4% after giving disappointing revenue guidance for the current quarter, citing difficulties posed by a strong U.S. dollar. Based on the company’s forecast, growth rate for the quarter would come in between 5% to 9%, the slowest increase since Amazon went public in 1997. That said, the tech giant beat earnings and revenue expectations for the fourth quarter — and is poised to surpass Walmart as the S&P 500 company with the highest quarterly revenue. Walmart reports on Feb. 20. Positive day for marketsOn Thursday, the S&P 500 advanced 0.36% for its third consecutive winning day, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.51%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, lost 0.28%. Across the Atlantic, European markets were in a jubilant mood. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 1.17%, closing at a record high. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 1.21%, likewise hitting a new record. Bank of England cuts ratesThe Bank of England lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%, its first cut of the year. All members of the monetary policy committee voted to lower rates, but two out of nine had voted for a larger cut of 50 basis points. Central bank governor Andrew Bailey said he expects more cuts this year. The BOE also halved its growth forecast for the U.K.’s economy in 2025 to 0.75% from 1.5%. China will respond to ‘bullying’Tariffs imposed on China by U.S. Donald Trump have sparked a backlash by the world’s second-biggest economy. China will protect its interests “in the face of one-sided acts of bullying,” ******** Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yongqian said Thursday, according to a CNBC translation. However, He added that China would not provoke trade disputes and remained ready to resolve problems through discussions. [PRO] IBM outperforms NvidiaNot Nvidia, not Apple and not Amazon — the best-performing stock in the Dow over the past three months has been IBM, which climbed 27%. However, the tech company needs to do more in the field of artificial intelligence for its stock to continue performing well, according to one chief investment officer. And finally… People shop for clothes at a Calvin Klein store at a mall in Beijing on Feb. 5, 2025. Adek Berry | AFP | Getty Images How Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger got caught in Trump’s trade war with China China has blacklisted the owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, which could force the company to shut down stores and manufacturing in the country, in an early repercussion of Trump’s trade war. While China’s Ministry of Commerce began investigating PVH September for allegedly refusing to source cotton from the Xinjiang region, which has become notorious for its Uyghur detention camps, Beijing officially placed the company on its list of “unreliable entities” on Tuesday. Source link #Global #central #banks #cutting #rates #Fed #inclined Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 – CNN Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 – CNN Labor groups sue to halt Trump admin’s dismantling of USAID as workforce is expected to be slashed to under 300 CNNUSAID NC | Research Triangle International facing uncertainty as U.S. Agency for International Development future in jeopardy ABC11 Raleigh-DurhamOpinion | The World’s Richest Men Take On the World’s Poorest Children The New York Times Source link #Labor #groups #sue #halt #Trump #admins #dismantling #USAID #workforce #expected #slashed #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Breaking down Trump’s dispute over the Panama Canal Breaking down Trump’s dispute over the Panama Canal Breaking down Trump’s dispute over the Panama Canal – CBS News Watch CBS News President Trump has a phone call scheduled with the president of Panama to try to resolve the dispute over the Panama Canal. The waterway linking the Atlantic and the Pacific is vital to the U.S. economy, with 40% of American container shipments passing through every year. Lilia Luciano takes a closer look at what’s at stake. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Breaking #Trumps #dispute #Panama #Canal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FBI agent who investigated Jan. 6 calls Trump Justice Department inquiry “demoralizing” FBI agent who investigated Jan. 6 calls Trump Justice Department inquiry “demoralizing” Washington — The FBI’s investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, the largest criminal investigation in the agency’s history, has given way to potentially its largest crisis. Last week, Trump allies at the Justice Department ordered the FBI to send a questionnaire nationwide to identify personnel who investigated Jan. 6 and make a list for leadership to review. The move came after President Trump pardoned about 1,500 Jan. 6 defendants immediately after taking office. The FBI subsequently turned over a list of about 5,000 individuals, which included information such as employee ID numbers and titles. However, lawsuits filed by two groups of anonymous FBI agents resulted in a federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Thursday temporarily blocking the Justice Department from disclosing information about those agents to any other federal entity or outside group until further arguments are heard in the case. “We just have a lot of unknowns, and it feels like no one has our backs,” said one of the agents on that list, who spoke to CBS News Thursday on condition of anonymity because they fear retaliation from the Justice Department’s new leadership. “Personally, I’ve lost sleep over this,” said the agent, who investigated multiple Jan. 6 cases. The agent said filling out the questionnaire was “demoralizing,” and that they were left feeling “defeated.” “We all feel defeated, and for not, and really for nothing,” the agent added. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove issued the initial directive in a Jan. 31 memo. And in a follow-up letter to FBI employees Wednesday, Bove wrote that “no FBI employee who simply followed orders and carried out their duties in an ethical manner with respect to the January 6 investigations is at risk of termination or other penalties.” But the scrutiny and storm cloud hovering over these FBI employees and their work on cases that yielded more than 1,000 guilty pleas and a 100% conviction rate in jury trials sends a chilling message, the agent warned. The agent also wondered whether fellow agents, moving forward, would be “allowed to pick and choose” their investigations based on what they feel “comfortable” with. When asked if the Trump administration’s demand for the list might scare off agents from taking certain cases in the future, they responded, “Absolutely.” “I mean, we’re all humans,” the agent said. Furthermore, agents who testified or signed their names to public court documents worry about retaliation from riot defendants or their sympathizers. “It’s almost as if these defendants that were all pardoned have been put on a pedestal of being more patriotic and more loyal to this country than the men and women who go out every single day, away from their families, and put their lives on the line,” the agent said. The FBI Agents Association, which represents thousands of active and retired agents, said that an agent who was investigating the deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C., was briefly pulled off that response in order to fill out the questionnaire, and then returned to the ****** site. Scott MacFarlane Scott MacFarlane is a congressional correspondent. He has covered Washington for two decades, earning 20 Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards. His reporting has resulted directly in the passage of five new laws. Source link #FBI #agent #investigated #Jan #calls #Trump #Justice #Department #inquiry #demoralizing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Johnson ***’s most damaging PM, says Reform *** chairman Zia Yusuf Johnson ***’s most damaging PM, says Reform *** chairman Zia Yusuf Joshua Nevett Political reporter Boris Johnson will go down as “one of the most damaging prime minsters”, says Reform *** chairman History will judge Boris Johnson as one of the most damaging prime ministers in British history, Reform *** chairman Zia Yusuf has said. Yusuf told the BBC’s Political Thinking podcast Johnson would not be welcome to join Reform ***. The Reform *** chairman criticised Johnson’s record on the Covid pandemic, immigration and public spending when he was prime minister between 2019 and 2022. Yusuf said there was “nothing Conservative” about Johnson and branded the Tories an “extremely left-wing party” in government. The BBC has asked Johnson’s spokesperson for comment. The party chairman spoke to the BBC’s Nick Robinson days after Reform *** topped a YouGov opinion poll for the first time, edging in front of Labour on 24% and the Tories on 21%. The rebranded Brexit Party came third in last year’s general election, with 14% of the vote, but only gained five MPs, including party leader Nigel Farage. Yusuf said if there was a general election tomorrow, the polling suggests Reform *** would win between 140 to 200 seats in the House for Commons. He claimed Reform *** would win up to 400 seats at the next general election, although there is no polling to back that up. At a new conference this week, Yusuf said Reform *** had almost 200,000 members, which is far higher than the number declared by the Conservative Party. The BBC has been told Boris Johnson had lunch with Reform ***’s main fundraiser Nick Candy, who is also an old friend, in Mayfair in late January. But Yusuf told Nick Robinson he would not want the former PM to join Reform ***. “History will judge Boris Johnson as one of the most damaging prime ministers in this country’s history,” he said. The increase in net migration during Johnson’s premiership was “a total betrayal of everybody who voted for Brexit, ” he added. “He took public spending close to Soviet Union spending. “So there was nothing Conservative about him.” By contrast, Yusuf heaped praise on former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and said she would be welcome in Reform ***. He said he had had several meetings with Braverman, whom he said had been “excommunicated” and made a “pariah” by the Conservatives, despite what he said were her far-sighted views on immigration. A former banker who sold his tech start-up company for more than £200m, Yusuf described himself as a “proud British ******* patriot”, adding that his faith was important to him and he observed Ramadan. He became Reform ***’s chairman shortly after last year’s general election, after previously being a member of the Conservative Party. He revealed that he had donated £200,000 to the party during the campaign. As party chairman, he was given the job of professionalising the party, wooing donors and increasing Reform ***’s activist base. He told Nick Robinson Reform *** only had 24 employees and “people don’t quite appreciate what has been achieved in such a short time”. “So much of what we do is about laying the foundations for generations to come,” he added. Kemi Badenoch denied plans to make it harder for migrants to gain British citizenship – which was her first major polcy annoucement as Tory leader – was a response to the rise of Reform ***. She dismissed its surge in the polls, saying she could remember when another insurgent party, the SDP, was “at 50% in the polls” in the 1980s, and insisted her party was concentrating on “doing the thinking” on policies that would improve lives. Labour is also increasingly turning its fire on Reform ***, with Sir Keir Starmer attacking Farage’s stance on NHS funding at this week’s prime minister’s questions. You can listen to the Political Thinking with Nick Robinson on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday at 17:30 GMT or on BBC Sounds. Source link #Johnson #UKs #damaging #Reform #chairman #Zia #Yusuf Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI could replace 70 per cent of tasks in computer jobs AI could replace 70 per cent of tasks in computer jobs Jobs reliant on computer-based tasks such as marketing and administrative support are the most likely to be reshaped by AI, according to a report. Source link #replace #cent #tasks #computer #jobs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rivian adopts AI-powered, sensor-rich strategy for self-driving tech in bid to catch Tesla Rivian adopts AI-powered, sensor-rich strategy for self-driving tech in bid to catch Tesla SAN FRANCISCO — Rivian Automotive is not sitting still in the race to develop automated driving features and catch up to industry leader Tesla, CEO RJ Scaringe says. The California automaker is leveraging its second-generation vehicle platform, along with software gains from artificial intelligence, to rapidly improve driver-assist features on the R1T pickup and R1S crossover. Rivian has one potential advantage over Tesla: It’s willing to spend the money for high-tech sensors, such as radar and lidar, that could help close the gap with Tesla’s camera-only approach to hardware. “As competition in this space evolves, I think you are going to see [automakers] with more sensors,” Scaringe said at Rivian’s showroom here in late January. “One of the areas where we are different than Tesla — we’ve put more sensors in the vehicle, recognizing that is a way to catch up to what they’ve built using a camera-only system.” Rivian is benefiting from massive changes in Silicon Valley over the last few years, Scaringe said. The emergence of AI allows software to progress more quickly. And Rivian’s new in-vehicle computers come from industry leader Nvidia, with a big boost in processing power starting with the 2025 model year. Sign up for the weekly Automotive News Mobility Report newsletter for the latest developments at the intersection of transportation and technology. “Gen one is going to get slightly better over time,” Scaringe said regarding driver assistance. “Gen two is going to be wildly better a year from now versus what it is today because of how the system is built.” Rivian’s first-generation system covers its 2022-24 model vehicles. The path is clear To be sure, Rivian is behind Tesla and several legacy automakers in driver-assist features, including General Motors with its Super Cruise system, which allows for highway driving with hands off the wheel and eyes on the road. But Scaringe sees a pathway to catch up. This year, Rivian will offer hands-free highway driving that, like Super Cruise, is considered a Level 2 system by SAE International. Level 2 requires the driver to be in control at all times. Next year, Rivian plans to release a Level 3 system that allows a driver to disengage from driving duties under certain circumstances. “Level 3 is your hands are off the wheel, your eyes are off the road,” Scaringe said. “But you are in the driver’s seat and available to be asked to retake control of the vehicle should a situation become highly complex.” The electric vehicle maker’s second-generation models have 11 cameras and five radars as part of the Rivian Autonomy Platform, the company says on its website. To eventually reach full autonomy with no driver in the future, Rivian will likely need to add lidar to its sensor suite, Scaringe said. “I think Level 4 will require more sensors than cameras and radar,” he said. The price of lidar units has fallen in recent years to just a few hundred dollars, making it feasible now to add to mass-produced vehicles. Commercial robotaxi provider Waymo uses lidar, which is formally known as Light Detection and Ranging, on its Level 4 vehicles. Playing catch-up Scaringe acknowledged that Rivian has a long way to go to catch Tesla, which has years of driving data to train its self-driving software. “Tesla has done an amazing job. They’re going to continue to lead here. We’re rapidly building out our dataset and rapidly building out our approach to this,” he said. Tesla plans to launch a fully autonomous robotaxi service this summer in Austin, Texas, CEO Elon Musk said in January. To do so, its current Level 2 driver-assist software, called Full-Self Driving (Supervised), will need to improve to “unsupervised” status as a Level 4 system. Musk has said lidar and radar are unnecessary for autonomy, and they add cost and complexity. Rivian is also playing catch-up to Mercedes-Benz, which offers a Level 3 system it calls Drive Pilot in the U.S. Drive Pilot can be used in limited circumstances under 40 mph, according to the automaker. Some independent testing organizations, such as Consumer Reports, rate the Mercedes-Benz and GM systems ahead of Tesla’s. Rivian’s goal in the next few years is to have driving aids that allow customers to “take back” their time by being able to disengage under most circumstances, first on highways and later on city streets, which is more complex, Scaringe said. “You can be on your phone, writing emails, not have to be looking at the road, not having to grab the [steering] wheel,” Scaringe said. “And that’s absolutely on the road map, something that we’re hyperfocused on.” Source link #Rivian #adopts #AIpowered #sensorrich #strategy #selfdriving #tech #bid #catch #Tesla Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Residents demand answers after EPA stores toxic debris from L.A. fires in park Residents demand answers after EPA stores toxic debris from L.A. fires in park Residents demand answers after EPA stores toxic debris from L.A. fires in park – CBS News Watch CBS News The Environmental Protection Agency is working on an expedited timeline to clear combustible paints, household chemicals and other toxic debris from the Los Angeles fires. After the waste began arriving at a park 15 miles from the fire zone, some in the community are raising the alarm. Jonathan Vigliotti explains. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Residents #demand #answers #EPA #stores #toxic #debris #L.A #fires #park Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alphabet’s Verily to sell insurance business to Elevance Health Alphabet’s Verily to sell insurance business to Elevance Health Verily headquarters in San Bruno, California. Courtesy: Verily Verily is selling its stop-loss insurance subsidiary, Granular Insurance Company, to the insurance provider Elevance Health, the Alphabet health tech company confirmed to CNBC on Thursday. Verily is one of Google’s sister companies and operates within Alphabet’s “Other Bets” category. The Granular ***** is the latest in a series of sweeping changes at the precision health company, which has slashed its workforce, restructured its business and overhauled its executive leadership in recent years. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Verily launched Granular, initially called Coefficient Insurance Company, in 2020 with financial backing from the commercial insurance unit of the Swiss Re Group. The business offered self-funded employers and captives medical stop-loss, fronting reinsurance and fronting solutions that used “proprietary technology,” Verily said. Alphabet’s health company has raised more than $1 billion, and it has attracted big-name talent. Apple’s former head of health strategic initiatives, Myoung Cha, joined Verily as chief product officer last year, and Andrew Trister, Verily’s chief medical and scientific officer, was a founding member of Apple’s health team. Amy Abernethy, who served as principal deputy commissioner at the U.S. Food and Drug administration, joined the company in 2021 before departing in late 2023. But Verily has struggled to find and stick to a winning niche in health care. The company started as a moonshot in 2015 within Alphabet’s innovation lab X, formerly Google X, where it developed hardware like continuous glucose monitors. Verily pivoted to pandemic response when Covid-19 broke out in 2020, and it switched directions again to focus on precision medicine in 2022. Verily introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered chronic care solution in June called Lightpath. The first offering is metabolic health focused, and it will support patients taking the blockbuster weight loss medications called GLP-1s, using continuous glucose monitors or other interventions, according to a release. And now, the company is getting out of the insurance business. Elevance Health did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment. The deal was first reported by Business Insider. Watch: Alphabet shares sink after mixed Q4 results Source link #Alphabets #Verily #sell #insurance #business #Elevance #Health Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Are government-paid media subscriptions a 'scandal'? That's what Donald Trump is now asserting – The Associated Press Are government-paid media subscriptions a 'scandal'? That's what Donald Trump is now asserting – The Associated Press Are government-paid media subscriptions a ‘scandal’? That’s what Donald Trump is now asserting The Associated PressCEO of Politico’s parent company to Trump: ‘It’s not subsidies; it’s capitalism’ CNNDOGE Cancels Politico’s Government Funding After $8 Million in Subscription Contracts Revealed Yahoo! Voices Source link #governmentpaid #media #subscriptions #039scandal039 #That039s #Donald #Trump #asserting #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Clash of Clans is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a slithery Snake Festival Clash of Clans is celebrating the Lunar New Year with a slithery Snake Festival The Lunar New Year Medal Event begins on February 7th You must be Town Hall level six or above to participate Earn Snake Medals and unlock rewards Something bizarre is happening in your Clash of Clans Village as snakes are appearing, drawn to the Trader Shop. But with the right touch, you can turn them into powerful allies. The Lunar New Year Medal Event kicks off on February 7th, giving you the chance to collect Red Lanterns, earn Snake Medals, and unlock rewards, including the new Barbarian King Epic Equipment: Snake Bracelet. If your Town Hall level in Clash of Clans is six or higher, you can jump into the event by gathering Red Lanterns from multiplayer battles. As you collect them, you’ll progress along the event reward track, unlocking temporary troops, decorations, ores, and more. Red Lanterns can also be converted into Snake Medals, which can be spent in the Trader Shop. The Snake Barrel is making its entrance, rising straight toward defences before dropping a payload of snakes for close-range damage. Alongside it, the Firecracker returns, taking aim at the nearest ground or air target and delivering an explosive surprise. Both troops are available from Town Hall six and up, giving you more strategic options during the event. The Barbarian King’s Snake Bracelet is the highlight of the event, summoning snakes to fight alongside him when he takes damage. You’ll also find the Super Decoration: Lucky Cookie, along with a selection of other rewards available for Snake Medals. Looking for more? Here’s a list of the best strategy games to play on Android right now! The event runs until February 28th, but you’ll have an extra two days, until March 2nd, to spend your remaining Snake Medals in the Trader Shop. Whether you’re after new equipment, decorations, or temporary troops, now is the time to make the most of the Lunar New Year Medal Event before it disappears. Download Clash of Clans now for free by clicking on your preferred link below. Visit the official website for more information. Source link #Clash #Clans #celebrating #Lunar #Year #slithery #Snake #Festival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]