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Trump says U.S. carries out airstrikes on Islamic State in Somalia – Reuters Trump says U.S. carries out airstrikes on Islamic State in Somalia – Reuters Trump says U.S. carries out airstrikes on Islamic State in Somalia ReutersTrump confirms on social media he authorized airstrikes on Somalia CNNTrump says he ordered precision military strike against senior ISIS planner The HillTrump says he ordered airstrikes on ISIS leaders in Somalia Fox News Source link #Trump #U.S #carries #airstrikes #Islamic #State #Somalia #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A whisky tour with a difference A whisky tour with a difference If you’re partial to a wee dram — or indeed, if you’ve always wanted to get into whisky but never have — Scotland has a particularly special allure. There are more whisky distilleries here than anywhere else on the planet. Most welcome visitors for tours that follow a tried and trusted formula. They’ll show you around their distillery, tell you their history, share the machinations of the whisky-making process — including the key differences between blended whiskies and single malts — then ply you with a few samples of the uisge beatha (“water of life” in Scottish Gaelic). I’ve done more of these types of tours than I can recall and, to be honest, most tend to blend into one. However, I’ll remember my visit to the Glen Garioch distillery for some time yet. Nestled amid the rolling arable farmland of Aberdeenshire, this is one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, established in 1797 (and pronounced “Glen Geery” in the ancient local Doric dialect). Camera IconGuide Iona Barrio shares local delicacies on the Legends of the Gairloch tour. Credit: Steve McKenna/ But their Legends of the Garioch tour is one of the most forward-thinking and immersive that you’ll find. Instead of going straight to the distillery, we’re picked up at our accommodation, just down the road at Meldrum House Country Hotel. It’s a 13th century baronial manor on a 97ha estate — with resident highland cows and a golf course — on the edge of Oldmeldrum, a village between Aberdeen and Banff. Our designated driver and guide is Iona Barrio, an Aberdeenshire native (and whisky specialist) who proceeds to take us around a countryside that’s variously speckled with sheep and bales of straw, hamlets with granite houses, medieval castles, neolithic stone ruins and Bronze Age roundhouses. Over the next few hours we stop at places of significance to the area and Glen Garioch, including the fields where the distillery sources its barley for malting and the spring where it first tapped its water. Iona tells us about the characters who shaped the distillery, including the two founding brothers, John and Alexander Manson. Even more interesting are her stories about one of John’s children, Sir Patrick Manson, who was born in Oldmeldrum in 1844. An ambitious scientist, he travelled to the Far East where he theorised that malaria was spread by blood-sucking mosquitoes. He became known as the “Father of Tropical Medicine” (and “Mosquito Manson”). We’ll later see a portrait of him at the distillery. Like most of Scotland’s whisky businesses, Glen Garioch is now under foreign ownership, in this case part of the Osaka-based Suntory Global Spirits group. But the end product has the same classical taste you’ll find at many distilleries in the east of Scotland, where whiskies are usually smooth and honeyed rather than peated and smoky like on the islands off the country’s west coast. “Just the thing to put hairs on your chest in the morning,” says Iona, as she pours Glen Garioch’s 16-year single malt into the wee glasses that she’s supplied us with. Camera IconGlen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Credit: Steve McKenna/ The fact that the glasses are attached to lanyard necklaces — and that it’s not yet 10am — almost makes me feel like I’m on a bucks’ night. But we drink (reasonably) responsibly and as we sample Garioch’s varieties, Iona ensures our stomachs are sufficiently lined. She pairs the whiskies with local delicacies, including pork pies, sausage rolls and “baby butteries”, a kind of squashed croissant fuelled with lard, butter and sugar (they’re also known in Aberdeenshire as “rowies”). We also have oatcakes with cheeses and marmalade infused with whisky. Ironically, the word “Garioch” derives from the Gaelic “gairbheach”, which means “place of roughness”, but I’m struck by how incredibly smooth all the whiskies are. Fair dos, we’re slightly tipsy by the time we arrive at the distillery, which King Charles visited (wearing a kilt) in 2021. Things get slightly more conventional as we’re shown around, with Iona taking us into the granite buildings stocked with grains, mash tuns and copper stills (including one named after Alexander Manson). We follow Iona into the cask-studded warehouse where some of Glen Garioch’s most prized whiskies are kept, including a vintage from 1979 that we’re allowed a generous sample of. It has notes of creme brulee, highland heather and poached pears and will set you back about $3000 for a 70cl bottle. After checking out the distillery shop, we’re driven back to our hotel, where we have lunch waiting for us at the 800-year-old stonewalled cave bar. Thankfully, considering we’ve been snacking and sipping all morning, it’s smallish bites rather than anything too heavy, including Aberdeenshire pulled pork and marmalade cake dessert with a whisky-drizzled milkshake sauce. The bar has, by the way, over 120 different whiskies, from Glen Garioch and beyond, but I’ve had my fill for now. It’s time for a wee nap, in fact. Fortunately, upstairs, in one of the restored turrets, is my bedroom. Zzzzzzzzzzzzz … + Steve McKenna was a guest of Visit Scotland and Visit Britain. They have not influenced or read this story before publication. fact file + Standard tours at the Glen Garioch distillery, including three drams to taste, are priced at £20 ($40). The Legends of the Garioch tour is £150 ($300) per person (minimum two people). glengarioch.com + Meldrum House Country Hotel has rooms from around £105 ($208) per night. meldrumhouse.com + To help plan a trip to Scotland and Britain, see visitscotland.com and visitbritain.com Camera IconParts of Meldrum House Country Hotel date from the 13th century. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconGlen Garioch is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconHighland cows and golfers on the estate of Meldrum House Country Hotel. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconSmooth single malts are a speciality at Glen Garioch, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconSmooth single malts are a speciality at Glen Garioch, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconThe Legends of the Garioch tour ends with lunch. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Camera IconBarley is a cereal grain with a chewy texture and mild, nutty flavour. Credit: Cardhu DistilleryCamera IconA portrait of Sir Patrick Manson, nicknamed “Mosquito Manson_, on the wall at the Glen Garioch distillery. Credit: Steve McKenna/ Source link #whisky #tour #difference Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

UNRWA warns halting its work would jeopardise Gaza ceasefire UNRWA warns halting its work would jeopardise Gaza ceasefire STORY: :: The UN says any forced halt in the work of UNRWA would jeopardize the Gaza ceasefire :: January 31, 2025 :: Amman, Jordan :: Juliette Touma, UNRWA director of communications :: “Since the ceasefire started on the 19th of January, so just over 10 days ago, UNRWA brought in 60% of all aid supplies that went into Gaza and our teams continued to distribute. So it’s not just about bringing in the trucks, it’s also about the reach and the distribution of aid. We were able also to do that in northern Gaza where, according to estimates, hundreds of thousands of people have come back, so that’s one thing. And yes, if UNRWA’s work is interrupted, if UNRWA is not allowed to continue to bring and distribute supplies, then the fate of this very fragile ceasefire is going to be in the risk and is going to be in jeopardy.” An Israeli law adopted in October bans operations by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) on Israeli land – including annexed East Jerusalem – and contact with Israeli authorities from Jan. 30. Juliette Touma, UNRWA director of communications, told a press briefing in Geneva that her agency continues to deliver aid but that any disruptions to its work in Gaza would put a ceasefire deal that halted the war between Israel and ****** at risk. Touma said that its ************ staff in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are facing difficulties, citing examples of stone-throwing and hold-ups at checkpoints without attributing blame. International staff have already left after their visas expired, she added. Israel has long been critical of UNRWA and alleges its staff were involved in the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attacks on Israel that triggered the Gaza war. The U.N. has said nine UNRWA staff may have been involved and were fired. Source link #UNRWA #warns #halting #work #jeopardise #Gaza #ceasefire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

The KSR Pregame Show previews Kentucky-Arkansas and Calipari's return – KSR The KSR Pregame Show previews Kentucky-Arkansas and Calipari's return – KSR The KSR Pregame Show previews Kentucky-Arkansas and Calipari’s return KSRWhy did John Calipari leave Kentucky? Explaining former coach’s decision to join Arkansas Courier Journal5 keys that defined Calipari’s Kentucky basketball legacy ESPNKSR Staff Predictions: No. 12 Kentucky vs. Arkansas KSRBig Blue Preview: Kentucky vs. Arkansas UKAthletics Source link #KSR #Pregame #Show #previews #KentuckyArkansas #Calipari039s #return #KSR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Daniels drops 23 points but more NBA pain for Hawks Daniels drops 23 points but more NBA pain for Hawks Dyson Daniels has scored 23 points but his Atlanta Hawks continue to lose while showing plenty of fight, falling to an eighth-straight NBA defeat. Pascal Siakam made a key 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter and finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and five assists to help the Indiana Pacers beat the Hawks 132-127 in Indianapolis on Saturday night. Andrew Nembhard had 19 points for the Pacers, while Obi Toppin added 18 points and nine rebounds, and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and nine assists. Trae Young scored 26 of his 34 points in the second half, leading the Hawks back from an early 18-point deficit to retake the lead midway through the third quarter. He also had 17 assists. The teams traded leads throughout the fourth quarter, but Indiana seized control when Siakam’s 3 with 3:20 to go spurred an 11-3 run. *********** Daniels Dyson Daniels had four rebounds, four assists, a steal and block to go with his team’s second-highest points tally while Zaccahrie Risacher scored 17 points. Indiana only had 11 turnovers and wound up with a 15-5 advantage in points off turnovers. They are sitting fourth in the eastern conference with a 27-20 record. The Hawks (22-27) are ninth in the east, one spot ahead of *********** Josh Giddey’s Chicago Bulls (21-28). Source link #Daniels #drops #points #NBA #pain #Hawks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman says he will move management company out of Delaware Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman says he will move management company out of Delaware Bill Ackman, the billionaire hedge fund manager and CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management.Adam Jeffery/CNBC via Getty Images Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman says he is moving his management company out of Delaware. It follows similar statements from companies like DropBox, Meta, and SpaceX. Some corporations are turning against Delaware, historically considered a business-friendly state. Bill Ackman, the billionaire CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, says he will move his management company out of Delaware to reincorporate in Nevada. His announcement, which came in a post on X on Saturday morning, was in response to news that DropBox was making a similar move. “We are reincorporating our management company in Nevada for the same reason. Top law firms are recommending Nevada and Texas over Delaware,” Ackman said. Pershing Square Capital Management declined to comment further. Other high-profile public companies have also announced their exit from Delaware, former President Joe Biden’s home state, over the last year as some corporations turn against the historically business-friendly state. Tesla CEO Elon Musk spent much of 2024 encouraging companies incorporated in Delaware to leave after a judge repeatedly struck down his $55 billion Tesla compensation package, which a shareholder lawsuit argued was excessive. The decision prompted Musk to move SpaceX to Texas. Much of the concern for these established public companies is a series of recent Delaware court rulings, including the one on Musk’s pay package, that further empower shareholders to challenge executive decisions. Meta, which maintains a corporate structure that gives CEO Mark Zuckerberg near total control, is also considering leaving Delaware to reincorporate in Texas or another state, The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday. A Meta spokesperson declined to comment on whether it was considering reincorporating outside of Delaware, saying only that it had no plans to move its headquarters to California. Billionaire CEOs like Ackman, Zuckerberg, and Musk hope that courts in other states, such as Texas or Nevada, will be less permissive of lawsuits from shareholders and boards of directors. Correction: January 25, 2025 — The Wall Street Journal reported that Meta Platforms is discussing moving its incorporation from Delaware, citing people familiar with the matter. An earlier version of this article reported that Meta itself said it was considering such a move. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Billionaire #hedge #fund #manager #Bill #Ackman #move #management #company #Delaware Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

These are the 10 most underrated places to travel, say travel agents These are the 10 most underrated places to travel, say travel agents Klaus Vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images Looking for travel inspiration for 2025 and beyond? Look no further: CNBC asked 10 travel agents for their recommendations of the most underhyped destinations in the world. We compiled their written answers below, including can’t-miss activities for each locale and the best times of year to visit. You’ll also find average round-trip airfare from U.S. airports. The data, provided by travel app Hopper, is based on average fares that were available to book from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22. Prices are for May-July 2025, when most Americans plan to take their longer vacations, Hopper said. Travelers should aim to book over the next few weeks to score the best prices, it said. Albania Valbona National Park, Albania. Eduardo Fonseca Arraes | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Scott Abbott, managing director of Wilderness Travel Why to visit: “The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, are a mountain range very few people know about, so are totally untouched by tourism. But have some of the most gorgeous and dramatic hikes in all of Europe. They also have guesthouses, mountain huts and hotels that feel like what the Alps were like 30-plus years ago, all owned by local families and run in a traditional way very authentic to the place and culture.” Can’t-miss: Hiking in Valbona Valley National Park Best time to go: June to September Average flight price: $926 to Tirana, Albania Ecuadorian cloud forest Cloud forest in Ecuador. Gerard Puigmal | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Allie Almario, South America and Galapagos expert at Premier Tours Why to visit: “Most people think of Costa Rica when they think of cloud forest, but Ecuador also has the lure of the Galapagos Islands, so it’s a terrific combination. About three hours from the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the cloud forest feels primeval and otherworldly. “I love the Mashpi Eco Lodge, which is on the cusp of the rain and cloud forest in a private sanctuary. You’ve got incredibly rich biodiversity in this remote area — so remote the silence is almost deafening.” Can’t-miss: “Mashpi Lodge offers an activity called the Dragon Fly — it is up to an hour ride in an open air cable car (seating only for four guests at a time and a naturalist) where you soar over the tree canopy. You hear nothing but the wind and bird calls and the distant ****** of waterfalls 500 feet below you. The butterflies are like confetti.” Best time to go: “Temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the year, but the main difference is rainy vs. dry season. Be prepared and either way, hiking in the cloud and rain forest will always be an adventure.” Average flight price: $588 to Quito, Ecuador Hamburg, Germany The canals of Hamburg, Germany Inigo Cia | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kareem George, CEO of Culture Traveler Why to visit: “This ultra chic city is beautiful, sophisticated and extremely fun, with a variety of attractions for diverse ages and interests. The setting of the city is quite picturesque, nestled between the Elbe River and Alster Lake with many canals in between. It is an extremely walkable city with many historic attractions in the city center — such as the Rathaus (City Hall) and St. Nikolai Church — flanked by very cool neighborhoods such as the Speicherstadt (Warehouse) District, raucous St. Pauli and the quirky Schanzenviertel.” Can’t-miss: “Two of the many must-see attractions are the iconic Elbphilharmonie and the unique Miniatur Wunderland. Advance tickets are highly recommended for both.” Best time to go: “Hamburg is truly a destination for all seasons, however I particularly enjoyed a recent visit in the fall. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful to stroll along the lake, canals and to explore several neighborhoods on foot.” Average flight price: $1,090 Kyushu, Japan A hot spring resort in Kurokawa Onsen, in Kyushu, Japan. Bohistock | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kristin Braswell, founder of CrushGlobal Travel Why to visit: “Brimming with natural beauty at every corner, the southern island of Japan’s Kyushu may be overlooked for its popular northern neighbors like Tokyo and Kyoto, but it’s just as thrilling. Teeming with active volcanoes, palm-forested coastlines and bubbling onsens [hot springs] to retreat in, you will be enamored at every turn by the great, wide outdoors here. I highly recommend visiting the electric metropolis, Fukuoka, and Beppu, a mountainside jewel that is home to the most spring waters in the country.” Can’t-miss: “Visiting the famous onsens, particularly the Jigoku Circuit, which are all grouped and within walking distance. They are a sight to see.” Best time to go: “In spring, during cherry-blossom season and when the weather is pleasantly warm, or the fall, as the foliage begins to change with the seasons.” Average flight price: Top three airports in Kyushu, by popularity from U.S. cities based on search demand: Fukuoka: $1,326Nagasaki: $1,617Kumamoto: $1,594Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Ignacio Palacios | Stone | Getty Images Recommended by: John Lansdell, planner at Trufflepig Travel Why to visit: “Remote and staggeringly beautiful, this park of sand dunes, mangroves and freshwater lagoons is prime for both relaxing in and exploring — swimming, dune walks and quad tours, birding, etc.” Can’t-miss: Swimming in the lagoons. Best time to go: “When to visit is subjective, but high season is July and August: Full lagoons; warm, not too hot; rains have passed, but the gateway towns are busy. Either side of these months may be the best bet, although the park itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is vast and won’t feel overly busy in high season.” Average flight price: $1,069 to Sao Luis, Brazil The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) Old town and town square in Stockholm, Sweden. Leonardo Patrizi | E+ | Getty Images Recommended by: Melissa Wu, founder of Woodlyn Travel Why to visit: “The Nordics offer a great variety of destinations and activities, from the bustling nightlife and modern hotels of the cities, to rural pastimes like dog sledding and gazing up at the amazing northern lights. Classic Nordic activities like saunas and cold plunges share the stage with farm-to-table culinary extravaganzas. And the dollar is very strong right now, so you’ll get your money’s worth on some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat.” More from Personal Finance:What to expect from travel prices in 2025Demand for international trips drives ‘travel momentum’Here are 4 big ways to save on your next trip Can’t-miss: “Sweden’s capital and largest city, Stockholm, is known for a great museum scene with some truly unique attractions. The ABBA museum is a must-see for music lovers, while the Viking Museum and Vasa Museum, which houses a salvaged 17th century ship, pay tribute to Sweden’s history. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the Spiritmuseum, which celebrates Sweden’s drinking culture.” Best time to go: “The Nordics offer something unique no matter what time of year you visit. Long summer days give way to amazing fall foliage, followed by Christmas markets and ice hotels during the wintertime, and lovely island-hopping adventures in spring. Stockholm’s cherry-blossom trees bloom in mid- to late-April, with a gorgeous display that rivals more well-known (and crowded) spots like Washington, D.C. and Kyoto.” Average flight price: Copenhagen: $769Helsinki: $890Oslo: $826Stockholm: $801The Philippines Boats on the serene, azure waters near Coron Palawan, Philippines. Travelstoxphoto | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Tesa Totengco, founder and CEO of Travels with Tesa Why to visit: “Although it is very much a part of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is off to the side from the rest of its neighbors. I suggest devoting your entire trip to the country and island-hopping. “It has some of the most beautiful white powdery sand beaches (Palawan, Boracay, Bohol). There is a thriving contemporary art scene (Art Fair in Manila, held in February), and galleries supporting local artists (Silverlens, Artinformal, Gravity Art Space, Orange Project). In the capital, you can tour Old Manila and learn of the past from the 16th century Spanish colonialization right up to the American War liberating the country from Japanese occupation. There are pop-up shops throughout the year that celebrate ********* design, and celebrated chefs with their own restaurants celebrating ********* cuisine. It’s a predominantly English-speaking country, so the traveler will never feel lost.” Can’t-miss: “This country is made up of over 7,000 islands, each unique in culture, history and flavor. It’s best to make a ‘halo-halo’ (meaning ‘mixed’) experience: Not just beach, for which the country is most famous.” Best time to go: “It’s a tropical country, so the Philippines is hot and humid year round. Avoid the rainy season from June to October and come from December to February when the country is at its coolest.” Average flight price: Manila: $1,296Cebu City: $1,446Angeles City: $1,461Tunisia Sidi Bou Said, a town in northern Tunisia. Max Shen | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Sofia Markovich, owner of Sofia’s Travel Why to visit: “Tunisia is home to some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman ruins, including the iconic El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rivals Rome’s Colosseum in grandeur. Carthage, once a powerful city-state, showcases the remnants of an ancient civilization that shaped Mediterranean history. “From the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert to the pristine beaches of Hammamet, Sussa and Djerba, the country offers a variety of settings for adventure and relaxation. Matmata’s troglodyte homes, famously featured in Star Wars films, add a touch of cinematic wonder to the experience.” “Tunisia’s cuisine is a highlight that captivates food lovers. With its bold flavors and Mediterranean influences, dishes like brik (a savory pastry), couscous and harissa-infused stews offer an authentic taste of the region. The country’s burgeoning wine industry adds to its allure.” Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia. Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Sidi Bou Said, with its white-washed houses and blue doors; and Carthage.” Best time to go: “Tunisia is great to visit year-round”: Spring (March-May): “Warm, ideal for exploring ruins and nature.”Summer (June-August): “Hot, perfect for beaches but avoid inland heat.”Autumn (September-November): “Mild, great for both beaches and culture.”Winter (December-February): “Cool, best for the Sahara and fewer crowds.” Average flight price: $1,360 to Tunis Uzbekistan Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Izzet Keribar | Stone | Getty Images Recommended by: Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan’s Travels Why to visit: “This incredible melting pot of cultures is one of the most stunning destinations in the world, with architecture, history and nature that would surprise even the most experienced traveler. “Its cuisine — a melting pot of Persian, Indian, Italian, and ******** with hints of Russian — is a foodie’s dream. Once the heart of the Silk Road, the architecture doesn’t look like anything else you’ve ever seen. I love to start in the capital of Tashkent, which is a modern metropolis, then head to the ancient side of the country at the far end of the desert to step back in time. The mosque of Samarkand is one of the most incredible architectural highlights you’ll see in your life. “Getting out of the cities, you can head into the mountains, which are essentially the back of the Himalayas, for incredible nature and green valleys outside of the stark, dramatic desert that you get for most of the rest of the country.” The Old Town in the City of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Mlenny | E+ | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Samarkand. This was once the capital of the Silk Road, the crossing point for all trade routes between Europe and Asia. The sites here are the biggest in the country and some of the top highlights.” When to go: “Spring and fall. The summers are quite hot and the winters get very cold. You can also make this a ski destination in the winter and combine it with the rest of the country.” Average flight price: Tashkent: $1,470Samarkand: $2,226Western Australia James Price Point, Western Australia. Luke Mackenzie | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kemi Wells-Conrad, founder and president of Wells Luxury Travel Why to visit: “Everyone typically thinks of Sydney and the East Coast of Australia — and don’t get me wrong, it is a beautiful coastline. But I have always been a huge fan of Western Australia. It is incredibly diverse, and the landscapes are truly magnificent. “Perth is your starting point and known as one of the most isolated cities in the world. There is world-class wine further south in Margaret River. The coast is filled with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, which also are teeming with amazing marine life. The Kimberleys are wild, rugged and unique.” Bungle Bungles, beehive-shaped sandstone towers in Purnululu National Park, in Eastern Kimberleys, Western Australia. Michael Runkel | Imagebroker | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Ningaloo Reef. Forget the crowds of the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns — imagine a pristine reef with no crowds. You can also swim with whale sharks here March to August. The luxury glamping experience at Sal Salis is a unique experience.” When to go: “April to September. This is the sweet spot, their ‘winter.’ The temperatures are mild, however still much warmer than our northern hemisphere winter. And it would allow you to travel further north to the Kimberleys — outside of their wet season and before it heats up again from October on.” Average flight price: Perth: $2,043Broome: $3,094 Source link #underrated #places #travel #travel #agents Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why this California family can't buy a home despite earning $270,000 – ABC7 Los Angeles Why this California family can't buy a home despite earning $270,000 – ABC7 Los Angeles Why this California family can’t buy a home despite earning $270,000 ABC7 Los AngelesView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #California #family #can039t #buy #home #earning #ABC7 #Los #Angeles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Princess Kate’s heartfelt call for compassion and empathy in first public message after ******* treatment Princess Kate’s heartfelt call for compassion and empathy in first public message after ******* treatment The Princess of Wales says people need to show more compassion and empathy to create a healthier, happier society, in her first major public message since returning to official duties after ******* treatment. Kate said modern life was leaving many feeling “isolated and vulnerable” during troubled periods, resulting in “poor mental health, addiction and abuse” that was “devastating” for those affected and society. In a foreword to a report released on Sunday by the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which she launched in 2021, Kate said to find lasting solutions to issues of poor mental health, addiction and abuse, “we must reset, restore, and rebalance”. “That means taking a profound look at ourselves and our own behaviours, emotions and feelings,” Kate wrote. The solution is to “develop and nurture” the social and emotional skills we all possess from the moment we are born which are the “bedrock of any healthy, happy society”, but this must be a priority if we are to “thrive”. “It means getting much better at acting with compassion and empathy towards one another, to help us bond and maintain lasting relationships that bring meaning to our lives. “At the heart of all of this is the need for us to develop and nurture a set of social and emotional skills which we must prioritise if we are to thrive.” The centre, set up as part of Kate and Prince William’s Royal Foundation charity arm, said its ‘Shaping Us Framework’ sought to improve awareness of the importance of such skills and offer a “robust yet flexible” model towards a healthy and happy life. The princess has gradually been returning to her public royal duties after she completed a course of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with an undisclosed form of *******, making two appearances at events last week. with PA. Source link #Princess #Kates #heartfelt #call #compassion #empathy #public #message #******* #treatment Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge detains two men accused of tying up, killing 63-year-old man Judge detains two men accused of tying up, killing 63-year-old man As 63-year-old George Levin finished up a Sunday dinner with his mother and sister, two men left a nearby apartment with duct tape, prosecutors said, and entered the Norwood Park home after reportedly arranging a meetup with Levin online. But in the span of about half an hour, prosecutors allege, the men brutally attacked Levin, robbed him and left him tied up in his basement, where he remained until his sister found him dead a couple of hours later. Calling the slaying shocking, a Cook County judge on Saturday ordered Geiderwuin Bello Morales, 21, and Jefferson Ubilla-Delgado, 29, detained while awaiting trial. The pair, who lived together in an apartment, are charged with ******* and robbery. “I can’t overlook the horrifying nature of the allegations here. To call this a crime of violence is quite the understatement,” Judge William Fahy said. Ubilla-Delgado was wearing a Department of Homeland GPS monitoring device on his ankle at the time of the killing, prosecutors said in court in a detail not fully explained at the hearing. A police report listed Ecuador as Ubilla-Delgado’s place of birth. During the hearing at the Leighton Criminal Court Building, prosecutors made their case to the judge to keep the men behind bars, laying out gruesome details of the Jan. 26 attack in the home in the 7600 block of West Talcott Avenue. A defense lawyer, though, argued that the death may have been an “unfortunate accident.” It is unclear how much of the encounter was consensual, the defense argued. Fahy was unpersuaded. “This is much more than mere tragic, and it’s certainly much more than an accident based on what’s been presented here today,” he said. According to police and prosecutors, Levin, his sister and his mother ate dinner together that night around 7 p.m. before Levin went downstairs about an hour later. Meanwhile, prosecutors said, Ubilla-Delgado and Bello Morales were spotted on surveillance video leaving an apartment building around 8:05 p.m., then arriving at Levin’s home a few minutes later in a white Lexus. Around 8:30 p.m., Levin’s sister heard loud noises coming from the basement and walked downstairs to investigate, prosecutors said. She saw Bello Morales leaving her brother’s bedroom and asked him where her brother was, according to prosecutors. He assured her that her brother was OK and that he would have Levin call her later. Surveillance footage captured the men walking away from Levin’s house about 10 minutes later, getting in their car and leaving. From 8:35 to 10:45 p.m., Levin’s sister tried to call her brother with no response, prosecutors said. She also texted him, receiving messages “brushing her off,” prosecutors said. Levin’s keys, cell phone and wallet all were missing, according to a police report. Those text messages were sent after the men had left the home. After sending Levin multiple text messages, she went downstairs around 10:45 p.m, prosecutors said. She found him with a sock stuffed in his mouth, partially undressed, with duct tape around his hands and face and a ****** power cord wrapped around his ankles. Levin’s sister peeled away the duct tape and performed CPR while waiting for emergency responders to arrive, prosecutors said. He sustained a hemorrhage to the neck, a subdural hemorrhage to the head and rib fractures, according to the state. He also may have been suffocated. Police tracked Bello Morales and Ubilla-Delgado using Levin’s phone and the ankle monitor that Ubilla-Delgado wore. The men used Levin’s phone to start online banking accounts and placed four orders on Amazon worth more than $4,000, prosecutors said. The suspects also were captured on video going into a vape store on Lawrence Avenue, and the video also showed Ubilla-Delgado carrying Levin’s phone, according to prosecutors. Bello Morales then went to a gas station on Montrose Avenue, unsuccessfully trying to withdraw money from an ATM using Levin’s credit cards, prosecutors said. Bello Morales was arrested Jan. 12 and accused of beckoning a 13-year-old girl over to a car on the Far Northwest Side, court records show. He was charged with simple assault, and charging documents say he “gestured towards (the girl) to come over to his vehicle.” Caroline Kubzansky contributed reporting. Source link #Judge #detains #men #accused #tying #killing #63yearold #man Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Industry and corporate leaders react to Trump duties on Mexico, Canada and China Industry and corporate leaders react to Trump duties on Mexico, Canada and China Aerial view of trucks queueing next to the border wall before crossing to the United States at Otay commercial port in Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on Jan. 22, 2025. Guillermo Arias | AFP | Getty Images Industry and corporate leaders are weighing in after U.S. President Donald Trump followed through with his threat to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China. On Saturday, the Trump administration senior trade and manufacturing adviser Peter Navarro confirmed the president will follow through on 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% duty on China. Energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10% tariff. A range of industries, from homebuilders to alcohol producers, weighed in on the impact tariffs would have on their businesses and consumers. Other company leaders voiced their concerns about the threat of tariffs ahead of Saturday’s order. Here are some of their statements. John Murphy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice president, head of international “The President is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains. The Chamber will consult with our members, including main street businesses across the country impacted by this move, to determine next steps to prevent economic harm to Americans. We will continue to work with Congress and the administration on solutions to address the fentanyl and border crisis.” Shawn Fain, president of the United Auto Workers Union “The UAW supports aggressive tariff action to protect American manufacturing jobs as a good first step to undoing decades of anti-worker trade policy. We do not support using factory workers as pawns in a fight over immigration or drug policy. We are willing to support the Trump Administration’s use of tariffs to stop plant closures and curb the power of corporations that pit US workers against workers in other countries. But so far, Trump’s anti-worker policy at home, including dissolving collective bargaining agreements and gutting the National Labor Relations Board, leaves American workers facing worsening wages and working conditions even while the administration takes aggressive tariff action. “If Trump is serious about bringing back good blue collar jobs destroyed by NAFTA, the USMCA, and the WTO, he should go a step further and immediately seek to renegotiate our broken trade deals. The national emergency we face is not about drugs or immigration, but about a working class that has fallen behind for generations while corporate America exploits workers abroad and consumers at home for massive Wall Street paydays. We need to stop plant closures, bring back American jobs, and stop the global race to the bottom immediately. Any tariff action must be followed with a renegotiation of the USMCA, and a full review of the corporate trade regime that has devastated the American and global working class.” Carl Harris, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders “On President Trump’s first day in office, he issued an executive order directing departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief by pursuing actions to lower the cost of housing and increase housing supply. This move to raise tariffs by 25% on ********* and ******** goods will have the opposite effect. More than 70% of the imports of two essential materials that home builders rely on — softwood lumber and gypsum (used for drywall) — come from Canada and Mexico, respectively. “Tariffs on lumber and other building materials increase the cost of construction and discourage new development, and consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices. NAHB urges the administration to reconsider this action on tariffs and we will continue to work with policymakers to eliminate barriers that make housing more costly and prevent builders from boosting housing production.” David McCall, international president of the United Steelworkers union “The USW has long called for systemic reform of our broken trade system, but lashing out at key allies like Canada is not the way forward. Canada has proven itself time and again to be one of our strongest partners when it comes to national security, and our economies are deeply integrated.” “Workers and their communities are counting on their elected leaders to make strategic decisions that help confront bad trade actors like China while at the same time fostering domestic manufacturing capacity. Our union calls on President Trump to reverse course on ********* tariffs so that we can focus on trade solutions that will serve working families for the long-term.” Tom Madrecki, Consumer Brands Association’s vice president of supply chain resiliency “Tariffs on all imported goods from Mexico and Canada – especially on ingredients and inputs that aren’t available in the U.S. – could lead to higher consumer prices and retaliation against U.S. exporters. Despite sourcing the vast majority of ingredients and inputs from U.S. farms and domestic suppliers, CPG companies depend on global supply chains for certain imports due to unique growing conditions and other limiting factors around the world. “We urge leaders in Mexico and Canada to work with President Trump to protect consumers’ access to affordable products and remove tariffs that could contribute to grocery inflation.” Read more CNBC tariffs coverageThe Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., the Chamber of the Tequila Industry and Spirits Canada “Our associations are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to explore solutions that prevent potential tariffs on distilled spirits. We are deeply concerned that U.S. tariffs on imported spirits from Canada and Mexico will significantly harm all three countries and lead to a cycle of retaliatory tariffs that negatively impacts our shared industry.” Matthew Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation Across-the-board tariffs are “a tax on American families” and “will drive inflation and price increases and will result in job losses.” Shannon Williams, CEO of the Home Furnishings Association “By early next week, we are anticipating that retailers will be hit with price increases from manufacturers to cover the cost of the tariffs.” Retailers brace for price increases Walmart CFO John David Rainey told CNBC in November: “We never want to raise prices. Our model is everyday low prices. But there probably will be cases where prices will go up for consumers.” Lowe’s CEO Marvin Ellison told CNBC: “We’re not waiting to act. We’ve got plans in place. We’ve got scenarios in place, and we’re trying to understand the implications.” Levi’s finance chief Harmit Singh in January: The “first objective would be to minimize the impact on the consumer. So we work internally with our suppliers, we look at our cost base, we look at other pricing opportunities and if we cannot cover it, obviously we got to protect the structural economics of the business. At that point, we’ll decide, you know, what should be passed on to the consumer or not, but we won’t start from that. That’s where we will end.” Shein executive chairman Donald ***** told CNBC in January that the retailer’s products can remain affordable as long as proposed tariffs from President Donald Trump are “applied equally.” Best Buy CEO Corie Barry said in November that higher costs from tariffs would be shared by the company, vendors and customers: “These are goods that people need, and higher prices are not helpful.” Steve Madden CEO Edward Rosenfeld said in November that the brand has been “planning for a potential scenario in which we would have to move goods out of China more quickly.” Source link #Industry #corporate #leaders #react #Trump #duties #Mexico #Canada #China Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Justin Baldoni Puts Up Long-Threatened Website To Refute Blake Lively’s Harassment & Smear Campaign Claims; Reveals Gushing Texts From Ryan Reynolds – Deadline Justin Baldoni Puts Up Long-Threatened Website To Refute Blake Lively’s Harassment & Smear Campaign Claims; Reveals Gushing Texts From Ryan Reynolds – Deadline Justin Baldoni Puts Up Long-Threatened Website To Refute Blake Lively’s Harassment & Smear Campaign Claims; Reveals Gushing Texts From Ryan Reynolds DeadlineJustin Baldoni Escalates Blake Lively Legal Battle by Launching Website, Leaking New Texts from Ryan Reynolds PEOPLEJustin Baldoni Amends Blake Lively Lawsuit With NYT Metadata Claims VarietyJustin Baldoni’s Website to ‘Quash’ Blake Lively’s Claims Goes Live Us WeeklyBlake Lively and Justin Baldoni get March 2026 trial date for her ‘It Ends With Us’ lawsuit The Associated Press Source link #Justin #Baldoni #Puts #LongThreatened #Website #Refute #Blake #Livelys #Harassment #amp #Smear #Campaign #Claims #Reveals #Gushing #Texts #Ryan #Reynolds #Deadline Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dynasty Warriors maker reveals unmade sequel and Star Wars dreams Dynasty Warriors maker reveals unmade sequel and Star Wars dreams Koei Tecmo Dynasty Warriors: Origins released worldwide in January 2025 It is rare that a video game series becomes so popular it inspires copycats – but it is rarer still that it’s so unique it kicks off its own genre. But that’s what happened with Dynasty Warriors, a series which pioneered the so-called “1 vs 1,000” gameplay, in which the player defeats thousands of enemies in each level. Throughout years of development – the series has been going since 1997 on the original PlayStation – hardware limitations meant at its best only a few hundred enemies could appear on-screen at any one time. But all that is now changing, with the power of modern consoles enabling as many as 10,000 opponents on-screen at once. In other words, the “1 vs 1,000” moniker is finally coming true. And with that new power comes a new game – after seven years in the wilderness, publisher Koei Tecmo is back with Dynasty Warriors: Origins. Throughout this ******* the series has faced a problem – despite selling 21 million copies throughout its history – Dynasty Warriors has always sold significantly better in Japan than in the West. “It’s something that we’ve been trying to get a lot of people overseas to play,” the head of developer Omega Force, Tomohiko Sho, told the BBC. But times may be changing, as the release of Dynasty Warriors: Origins in January 2025 has seen encouraging sales. In the ***, it broke the top 10 of the retail sales charts, while online it was the top-selling game on PC retailer Steam – with just under 70,000 people playing the game at the same time on launch. Koei Tecmo Mr Sho was speaking to the BBC via a translator, following the release of Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the first mainline game in the series since 2018 There have been nine numbered entries in the series since it began in 1997, culminating in 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9 on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. But advances in hardware mean Mr Sho believes now is the time for a sequel. Though he did not call it a reboot, the team has ditched the numbered titles and simply called the game Dynasty Warriors: Origins – perhaps signalling that the studio believes this is a turning point for the franchise. It released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC in January 2025, becoming the first mainline entry in the series in seven years. Mr Sho told the BBC the team had been working on a sequel – which would have been called Dynasty Warriors 10 – but he felt it was simply too similar to previous games, which fans were “starting to get a bit bored of”. Instead, the long-awaited game was scrapped in order to take advantage of the new hardware. DW10 cancelled The reason Dynasty Warriors: Origins seeks to break away from what came before is simple, Mr Sho said – it was a result of fan reaction to the last mainline game released in the series, 2018’s Dynasty Warriors 9. “Either you really liked it, or you didn’t,” he said. The unreleased sequel was too similar to what came before, he said, but by the time development was in full swing, a change in the games industry ultimately halted production. Within two days of each other in November 2020, Sony released the PlayStation 5 and Microsoft launched the Xbox Series X – consoles so powerful Mr Sho ceased development to focus on the new hardware. “The current technology allows us to have many troops and army officers on the screen,” he said. “This is something I’ve been wanting to do since Dynasty Warriors 2 and 3.” Those two games, which released on PlayStation 2 back in 2000 and 2001, could at most manage twenty or thirty enemies on-screen at once. The new hardware can manage a lot more – with PlayStation 5 Pro owners seeing an even ******* leap in performance. “We’re able to have many troops on-screen – not just thousands, but tens of thousands,” Mr Sho said. “With the current generation of consoles, we’re able to do that.” Koei Tecmo He said the current generation of consoles allow them to have “tens of thousands” of enemies on screen at once But all that power comes with a cost – no multiplayer, which has been a staple of the series since its PlayStation 2 days. “I am very aware that it is seen as an iconic part of the series,” he said. He felt multiplayer would result in a “performance loss”, meaning fewer enemies on screen, so he decided against including it. But he said that may change if the game were given a sequel. “If everyone really enjoys the game, then for the next game in the series, we will definitely have multiplayer,” he said. Spin-offs and future In the interim years between the release of Dynasty Warriors 9 and Dynasty Warriors: Origins, the team has focussed on other things – namely spin-offs. These are versions of the game, within the 1 vs 1,000 genre, outside of the main series that typically feature different characters – much like how the film franchise ***** in Boots was a spin-off of Shrek. The company has found success in this area with games featuring characters from series such as Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda and *****’s Persona 5. Mr Sho said Dynasty Warriors: Origins was a shift in direction as it focused on performance – while spin-offs were about being true to the franchises involved. “When the teams were approaching development, they weren’t thinking about the hardware,” he said. “But more, with Hyrule Warriors and Fire Emblem Warriors being on the Switch, how would we be able to do that best as a Warriors game?” Nintendo/Koei Tecmo Hyrule Warriors features many characters from the ever-popular Legend of Zelda series, one of the best-selling video games in history He said Dynasty Warriors’ future was about “getting the most” out of current consoles – perhaps with even more enemies on screen. Though he laughed off the suggestion that perhaps the studio should consider collaborating on the ultimate “spin-off” – a Sonic the Hedgehog game. “I also actually like Sonic, just to let you know,” he said. And Mr Sho said if he could make any Dynasty Warriors spin-off, there are two series he’s huge fans of – Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. “If there is a chance, I’d definitely love to take on the challenge,” he said. Source link #Dynasty #Warriors #maker #reveals #unmade #sequel #Star #Wars #dreams Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Davis rallies to contend as Euros rise at Pebble Beach Davis rallies to contend as Euros rise at Pebble Beach Cam Davis has rallied after a wild front nine to be in the thick of the title chase as Sepp Straka leads a European Ryder Cuppers’ onslaught at the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Playing in the final group on Saturday, *********** Davis was in danger of falling from the reckoning after mixing four bogeys with three birdies in the first nine holes in windy conditions at the $US20 million signature event. But he burst back with a birdie at the 13th before holing a “pretty fun” bunker shot for eagle at the par-5 14th and carding a three-under 69 to be tied fourth, just two shots behind Austrian leader Straka going into the final round. Also in the final group, Straka (70) birdied four of the last five holes to set the pace at 16 under as he attempts to back up his win at The American Express tournament two weeks ago. There is plenty of class ahead of Davis, with major winners Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry shooting seven-under 65s to be tied second, one shot off the lead. And yet another European Ryder Cup player, English veteran and 2003 champion Justin Rose, also relished the links-style conditions as he posted a 68 to be tied fourth with Davis and Tom Kim (68). Davis was proud of his response to the early adversity as he seeks a third PGA Tour title. “I’m really glad with how I rallied back on the back nine …it’s always nice to hole a bunker shot and that kind of gets things moving in the right,” he said. “I grinded it really well, it wasn’t an easy day… I started making nice putts. I feel like I left quite a few out there on the greens.” Fellow Australians Jason Day and Min Woo Lee are well positioned to press for big pay days. Day (68) is tied 15th and seven shots behind Straka, with Lee (68) a further shot back. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, in his 2025 debut delayed by his hand surgery from a freak puncture wound, held it together for a 69 to be six shots from the lead. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy and Lowry (Ireland) are neighbours in south Florida these days but their vast history in such conditions helps. “It might suit me somewhat, but I don’t enjoy it,” Lowry said. “I live in Florida for a reason. I think my game is well-equipped to handle these conditions and I go out there, kind of no fear, and I know I just need to batten down the hatches and make pars when I can. “There’s a few courses in the world that you would like to win on and this is definitely one of them,” Lowry added. “So you try not to think about stuff like that and hopefully it comes to you someday.” McIlroy had a suitable game plan. When the wind arrived as he was on the sixth hole, he said he turned to caddie Harry Diamond and said, “Let’s try to chip the ball around today.” “I feel like I didn’t make a full swing after that,” he said. “It’s really cool to be in contention this early in the season.” – with The AP Source link #Davis #rallies #contend #Euros #rise #Pebble #Beach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

San Angelo police officers retire, suspended after investigation into stolen guns San Angelo police officers retire, suspended after investigation into stolen guns One San Angelo Police Department lieutenant has retired and two have been suspended after an internal investigation into stolen firearms, according to police. Texas Rangers handled the independent criminal investigation, police said. It is under review by the Texas Attorney General’s Office. On April 23, agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security apprehended a man at the border attempting to cross over into Mexico with firearms. At this time, there is no indication that the subject and the smuggling event is associated with any cartel. “During the course of their investigation Homeland Security Agents discovered that one of the firearms was allegedly purchased at a gun show in another jurisdiction,” according to a September police media release. “During the investigation it was discovered that the firearm in question had, at one point in time, been in the possession of the San Angelo Police Department.” One San Angelo Police Department Lieutenant has retired and two have been suspended after an investigation revealed the three were connected to stolen firearms, according to police. In May 2024, an internal investigation in SAPD was initiated regarding the firearm alongside the criminal investigation. Upon taking office, Chief Travis Griffith was made aware of this ongoing internal and criminal investigation that began months prior. Retired Chief Frank Carter had requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers regarding a theft of a firearm, and Griffith supported that decision. “The San Angelo Police Department is committed to ensuring the integrity of both the administrative and criminal investigations,” a release on Friday stated. “This is why certain details were not released to the public initially. While transparency is important, the need to respect due process and protect the integrity of both investigations has guided our decisions.” As the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to the Training Division of the San Angelo Police Department. According to the Friday release, four firearms had been surrendered to the department by Walmart for destruction. These firearms were collected by a San Angelo police officer and later transferred to the Training Division for training purposes in 2021. “The firearms remained in the possession of the Training Division until late 2022 when the firearms were alleged to have been given away by Lt. Brain Robinson (Ret.), which is against SAPD Policy,” the release stated. The investigation uncovered that three of the four firearms were stolen by former officer Joshua Loudermilk in late 2022, according to allegations in the media release. “Loudermilk sold two of these firearms at a local gun show, one of which was purchased by the smuggler at a Midland, Texas, gun show,” according to allegations in the release. “It was also discovered that Training Officer Charles Flores was involved in the removal and repair of one firearm, which he knowingly provided to Loudermilk for personal use. Two of the firearms remain missing and are listed as stolen.” The investigation concluded that these actions violated San Angelo Police Department policies. Robinson, the former commander of the Training Division, retired shortly after being questioned by the Texas Ranger, the media release stated. Loudermilk has been suspended indefinitely and is in the process of appealing the suspension. Officer Charles Flores has been suspended without pay for 90 days and has waived his right to appeal. “It’s important to clarify that sustained policy violations and administrative disciplinary actions do not imply guilt in the criminal case,” the release stated. “The independent criminal investigation will examine all the facts and determine if any criminal charges should be pursued. It is imperative for the public to know that we will hold any San Angelo Police Department employee accountable if they are found to have engaged in criminal activity or policy violations.” During a press conference Friday, Griffith said SAPD had revamped policies and added new personnel to prevent such an incident occurring again. All inquiries regarding the criminal investigation should be directed to the Texas Rangers or the Texas Attorney General’s Office. More: City of San Angelo announces employee of the year, Butch Messer More: Here’s when San Angelo rodeo tickets will go on ***** This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: San Angelo officers focus of investigations into stolen guns Source link #San #Angelo #police #officers #retire #suspended #investigation #stolen #guns Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China imposed Trump tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China imposed U.S. President Donald Trump looks on as he signs an executive order in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., Jan. 31, 2025. Carlos Barria | Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing ahead with long-threatened import tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China. On Saturday, Trump signed an order imposing 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as a 10% duty on China. Energy resources from Canada will be hit with a lower 10% tariff to “minimize any disruptive effects we might have on gasoline and home heating oil prices,” according to a senior administration official. Together, the U.S. does about $1.6 trillion in annual business with the three countries. Trump is seeking to use the tariffs as both bargaining chips and methods to effect foreign policy changes, specifically the immigration and drug trade issues. In a message posted on X, Trump cited powers he has under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The president said he enacted the levies “because of the major threat of ******** aliens and deadly drugs killing our Citizens, including fentanyl.” “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all,” he added. The tariffs on ********* goods are expected to take effect on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday. There is no official word on when the tariffs would be lifted. A senior administration official said Saturday, “There’s going to be a wide range of metrics” to consider. Also, under the new order, the tariffs would escalate if the countries retaliate in any way against the U.S. In a CNBC interview Friday, Peter Navarro, Trump’s trade senior advisor for trade manufacturing, stressed the dual importance of protecting the economy as well as public safety. “We’ve got the Super Bowl coming up, and eerily, the amount of people that fit in the [New Orleans] Superdome are almost exactly equal to the number of people dying every year here in America from fentanyl, and that comes from China and Mexico,” Navarro, senior adviser to the president for trade and manufacturing, told CNBC in an interview Friday. “This is why we have these kind of discussions.” Tariffs are duties imposed on foreign goods that are paid by U.S. importers. Economists broadly oppose tariffs, arguing that they result in higher prices for domestic consumers. But Trump has long promoted tariffs as a way to negotiate better deals with U.S. trading partners, protect domestic industries from foreign competition and gain revenue. Read more CNBC tariffs coverage In the Oval Office on Friday, Trump said his decision to slap tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China is “pure economic.” However, economists worry they could reignite inflation at a time when it appears price pressures are beginning to abate. The Commerce Department reported Friday that an inflation reading closely watched by the Federal Reserve rose to 2.6% in December, but the details in the report appeared more positive. Fed officials have said they are monitoring the impact of fiscal policy. Trump has vowed to impose new or additional tariffs on numerous other categories of foreign goods, including microchips, oil and gas, steel, aluminum, copper and pharmaceuticals, including “all forms of medicine.” He has also said he will “absolutely” slap tariffs on the European Union. The move Saturday brought objections from congressional Democrats and concern from business leaders. “The President is right to focus on major problems like our broken border and the scourge of fentanyl, but the imposition of tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented, won’t solve these problems, and will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains,” John Murphy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice president and head of international, said in a statement. United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain said the union supports aggressive tariffs to protect the interest of workers, not when used as foreign policy tools that use “factory workers as pawns.” Economists worry that the tariffs could reignite inflation at a time when it appears price pressures are beginning to abate. “It will be very important to have a better sense of the actual policies and how they will be implemented, in addition to greater confidence about how the economy will respond,” Fed Governor Michelle Bowman said.Speaking to CNBC on Friday morning, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said the key will be whether the tariffs are one-off events or lead to retaliation. A range of industries, from homebuilders to alcohol producers, also weighed in on the impact tariffs would have on their businesses and consumers. Other company leaders voiced their concerns about the threat of tariffs ahead of Saturday’s order. On Saturday, following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., issued the following statement: “President Trump’s tariff policy has been an effective tool in leveling the global playing field and ensuring fair trade for American producers. Look no further than Colombia’s about-face on accepting repatriated criminal migrants at the mere threat of tariffs.” He added: “I look forward to working alongside of President Trump to support our hardworking producers and to make agriculture great again.” —CNBC’s Kevin Breuninger and Jeff Cox contributed reporting. Source link #Trump #tariffs #Mexico #Canada #China #imposed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Duke vs. North Carolina score: Live game updates, college basketball scores, top 25 NCAA highlights – CBS Sports Duke vs. North Carolina score: Live game updates, college basketball scores, top 25 NCAA highlights – CBS Sports Duke vs. North Carolina score: Live game updates, college basketball scores, top 25 NCAA highlights CBS SportsWelcome to the Duke-UNC rivalry, Cooper Flagg: It’s unlike anything you’ve seen ESPNDuke v UNC basketball | Duke Blue Devils will host North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday in Durham ABC11 Raleigh-DurhamJon Scheyer addresses UNC vs. Duke, Hubert Davis relationship, recent Tar Heels slump 247SportsPhotos: Duke battles North Carolina in college basketball action Raleigh News & Observer Source link #Duke #North #Carolina #score #Live #game #updates #college #basketball #scores #top #NCAA #highlights #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fresh data to shed light on retail, housing strength Fresh data to shed light on retail, housing strength Australians are expected to have pulled back on retail spending after major sales, with the latest data unlikely to shift the dial for the Reserve Bank. Source link #Fresh #data #shed #light #retail #housing #strength Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rats, dogs and torn clothes amid the ruins of Gaza homes Rats, dogs and torn clothes amid the ruins of Gaza homes By Mahmoud Issa JABALIA, Gaza (Reuters) – The rats and dogs scavenging amid the ruins of her neighborhood in northern Gaza make Manal Al-Harsh’s return to her wrecked home even more **********. Despite the respite from Israeli bombardments that a ceasefire has brought, she still fears for her family’s security. They have trouble sleeping at night. Even trying to find her children’s clothes amid the rubble of their house in Jabalia is a forlorn task. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Al-Harsh, 36, has erected a makeshift tent from salvaged blankets to provide shelter for her and her children. “We are staying here, but we are afraid of rats and everything around us. There are dogs. There is no place to settle. We have children. It is difficult,” Harsh, 36, said as she stepped cautiously over the debris. She said she had returned from the south of the ************ enclave when the ceasefire took effect but found her house destroyed. Much of the rest of Gaza City also lies in ruins after 15 months of fighting and waves of Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages that left it a shell of the bustling urban centre it was before the war. “We are practically sleeping here, but we don’t sleep. We are afraid someone might come upon us. We are sleeping and scared,” she said. “I want to retrieve some clothes for the children to wear. We came with nothing. Life here is expensive, and there is no money to buy anything.” Many of those returning, often laden with what personal possessions they still have after months of being moved around as the battlegrounds shifted, had trekked 20 km (12 miles) or more along the coastal highway north. Like many displaced Palestinians, Al-Harsh faces uncertainty as she tries to salvage what remains. She had managed to pick some clothes from the rubble but they were in a sorry state. “It’s all torn. Nothing is good. As much as we do, as much as we retrieve, it is all stones,” she said. “Death is better,” Al-Harsh said, her voice heavy with despair. (Reporting by Mahmoud Issa; Writing by Tala Ramadan; Editing by Angus MacSwan) Source link #Rats #dogs #torn #clothes #ruins #Gaza #homes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SpaceX Falcon 9 DigitalGlobe 3 WorldView Legion 5 & 6 – Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Falcon 9 DigitalGlobe 3 WorldView Legion 5 & 6 – Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Falcon 9 DigitalGlobe 3 WorldView Legion 5 & 6 Kennedy Space CenterSaturday Starlink launch marks 200th orbital flight from Vandenberg’s pad 4E Spaceflight NowSpace X scheduling Falcon 9 rocket launch Saturday KEYTSpaceX warns of potential sonic ***** during Falcon 9 launch Saturday afternoon KSBY NewsSpaceX launches 22 Starlink satellites to orbit from California Space.com Source link #SpaceX #Falcon #DigitalGlobe #WorldView #Legion #amp #Kennedy #Space #Center Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Why the California Cross junction has divided Finchampstead Why the California Cross junction has divided Finchampstead BBC California Cross roundabout has been the subject of controversy since its redesign in 2024 Horrendous and dangerous – or fresh and vibrant? The California Cross junction in Finchampstead, Berkshire, has been described as both. The product of a broader £5.5m seven-month revamp, the double roundabout and five crossings with distinctive leaf designs has divided opinion amongst locals, with 1,400 signing a petition calling for it to be gone. Residents have raised concerns about the cost of the work, as well as the safety of a junction that doesn’t exactly follow convention. But how dangerous is it? The junction consists of two roundabouts, each with three exits. Each exit has a crossing for pedestrians. But instead of a zebra crossing with ****** and white stripes, there is a distinctive white leaf design – and instead of a roundabout with a standard central island, there’s an array of rainbow leaves painted on the road. The changes were made as part of a wider project for the area, which also included drainage works. The redesign was part of a water project to revamp the junction I drove to the California Cross junction at midday on a sunny Thursday. On approach, it didn’t look much like a roundabout, although this wasn’t helped by the fact my sat nav app didn’t register it as one. I drove across the first white leaf crossing and round the rainbow leaf roundabout with no issues, pausing only slightly before the second crossing, suddenly unsure of where the “give way” line was. Once I was across the second roundabout, I parked up and tried it by foot. And, as a pedestrian, the unease of other road users was far more obvious. Residents have voiced concerns that motorists do not know who has priority at the junction I found I couldn’t stand still for more than a few seconds without a driver thinking I was waiting to cross and stopping, even if I wasn’t anywhere near the white leaf crossings. People who were waiting to cross at the pedestrian crossings often waited for the go-ahead from cars, despite the fact they had priority. On more than one occasion I saw a driver fail to give way to the right, cutting up another driver – but the other driver didn’t seem angry, as if they couldn’t be completely sure it had even been their right of way. In the 15 minutes I was there, I saw three near-misses where drivers had to brake suddenly, all that appeared to have been caused by road users not knowing who had priority. And at the other end of the scale were the drivers who ripped across the junction, either knowingly or accidentally taking advantage of others’ hesitancy. ‘Near-misses’ This was something that pedestrian Victoria also noted. “It kind of goes from one extreme to the other, you’ve either got people hurtling through it not stopping or everybody stopping and nobody quite sure who is to go first,” she said. She said the design was a “nice idea in theory” but, in reality, there was too much confusion about what the rules were. She had to stop as she was telling me about the near-misses she had seen there because a van nearly collided with a car behind us. Another pedestrian, Samuel, agreed the roundabout was unsafe because people did not know when they had priority. “People don’t know when to stop, who should go first, it’s terrible,” he said. “You stand here and you watch what these people are doing and how they’re driving, it’s horrendous. It’s dangerous.” But others disagreed. Local resident Lynn told the BBC she thought the work was a “great improvement”. “I really don’t know what all the fuss is about,” she said. “I think they’ve done a great job.” Google Some argue the junction is an improvement on the original Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for transport, Martin Alder, said the aim of the design was to slow down traffic and make drivers more aware of pedestrians. From my experience, at least, it does appear to have done this, at least in some cases. The council said there was not space for a traditional junction. Mr Alder said guidance from the Department for Transport (DfT) said imaginative road designs – for example, the nautical road decorations in Poole or multicoloured spots in Colchester – “can be very safe”. What is the future of the junction? So, is the junction here to stay? Some local residents think it shouldn’t be, at least in its current form. “I would like to think they could make it better,” said Victoria. “Even if they just turned the white leaves into zebra crossings, everybody knows what a zebra crossing is.” And Samuel said he thought it should be redesigned again. “It’s a hazard,” he said. Even with the petition against the design hitting 1,400 signatures, it would appear the junction is destined to stay as it is, certainly for now. The council said there are currently no plans to change it but did say the roundabouts would be continually monitored. While it would appear the design is here to stay for the foreseeable, perhaps both sides of the debate will intersect again before too long. Source link #California #Cross #junction #divided #Finchampstead Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anti-Semitic attacks continue across Sydney’s east with slurs spray painted on fences Anti-Semitic attacks continue across Sydney’s east with slurs spray painted on fences Vehicles and residential buildings were damaged with offensive graffiti in Sydney’s east overnight. Police were called to See Lane, Kingsford and King Lane, Randwick, at 7am on Sunday after reports multiple vehicles, garages and properties had been spray painted. Multiple fences, garage doors and vehicles parked on the street have been tagged with the words “f**k Jews”. The incident comes as similar slurs were spray-painted on a school property and a nearby. home Source link #AntiSemitic #attacks #continue #Sydneys #east #slurs #spray #painted #fences Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stock Market Plummets as Trump Announces New Tariff War Stock Market Plummets as Trump Announces New Tariff War On Friday, almost immediately after the Trump administration announced that tariffs against China, Mexico, and Canada will begin on Saturday, the stock market plunged. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that tariffs of 25 percent would be implemented against Canada and Mexico, and a 10 percent tariff against China. Right after the announcement, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ, and S&P 500 all suffered losses. As of publication time, the three indexes had fallen 350 points, 87 points, and 30 points, respectively. Leavitt told reporters that the full details of the tariffs would be released when they are implemented, but all three countries have said they would respond. Canada has pledged to retaliate with tariffs of its own in a “forceful but reasonable” manner, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. “I won’t sugarcoat it—our nation could be facing difficult times in the coming days and weeks,” Trudeau said to an advisory council on Canada-U.S. relations Friday. “I know Canadians might be anxious and worried, but I want them to know the federal government—and indeed, all orders of government—have their backs.” Mexico also plans to institute its own tariffs against the United States, and China said it will “firmly defend” its interests. Regardless, Trump claims that his tariffs will force other countries to comply with his policies and raise money for the federal government, even though they’re more likely to hurt the economy as well as the average American. Beginning this weekend, Americans, whether they support Trump or not, may experience some sticker shock if they go shopping. Source link #Stock #Market #Plummets #Trump #Announces #Tariff #War Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Eric Bieniemy, former Chiefs and Commanders OC, returns to NFL as Bears RB coach – Yahoo Sports Eric Bieniemy, former Chiefs and Commanders OC, returns to NFL as Bears RB coach – Yahoo Sports Eric Bieniemy, former Chiefs and Commanders OC, returns to NFL as Bears RB coach Yahoo SportsBears hiring Bieniemy as RBs coach, source says ESPNEric Bieniemy coming back to NFL to join Bears’ coaching staff New York Post NFL news roundup: Bears hiring Eric Bieniemy as running backs coach NFL.comEric Bieniemy discusses what he wants in his next job and whether he’d rejoin the Kansas City Chiefs with Andy Reid | Speak FOX Sports Source link #Eric #Bieniemy #Chiefs #Commanders #returns #NFL #Bears #coach #Yahoo #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kate says emotional skills a priority for healthier society Kate says emotional skills a priority for healthier society Sean Coughlan Royal correspondent PA Media Catherine says too many people can feel isolated and vulnerable The Princess of Wales has made a personal call for a “rebalance” in society to prioritise physical and mental health and to promote greater compassion. Catherine, who is gradually returning to work after her ******* treatment, is launching another stage in her early years education project, which aims for a greater emphasis on teaching emotional skills. “At times, it can feel like the world is filled with mistrust and misunderstanding, leaving many people feeling isolated and vulnerable during difficult times,” writes Catherine in a foreword to her charity’s report. “The impact of this – poor mental health, addiction and abuse – can be devastating, for individuals and for society.” Reuters Catherine on a visit this week at a children’s hospice near Cardiff The Shaping Us early years project has published a new framework document that says tackling such deep-rooted problems depends on how children are taught from their earliest days and that should include building social skills and “positive relationships”. Catherine, who has called the early years project her “life’s work”, writes that to “create a physically and mentally healthier society, we must reset, restore, and rebalance. We must invest in humankind”. “That means taking a profound look at ourselves and our own behaviours, emotions, and feelings.” It’s expected that the princess will carry out an engagement next week to launch a project based on her ideas. The call for more compassion and empathy follows other personal messages from Catherine, after her tough experiences with health problems over the past year. At her Christmas carol concert she called for “love, not fear” and said “love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times”. The princess, who revealed she is in remission from *******, hugged patients at the Royal Marsden hospital where she had been treated. She was also hugging and holding hands with Holocaust survivors at a memorial event earlier this week. The latest publication from her Shaping Us project, supported by a range of experts in early years health and education, calls for more emphasis on nurturing emotional and social connections from children’s earliest days. The project was founded to raise awareness of the importance of the first five years of a child’s life and that experiences in those early years can have a profound long-term influence on adult life. “It is time that we recognised and acted upon the undeniable significance of social and emotional skills and give them the recognition they deserve,” says Christian Guy, executive director of the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. “Getting this right in early childhood, when we lay the foundations upon which these skills continue to grow throughout our lives – could have a truly profound impact on the future of individuals and of our society.” Vicky Nevin, policy manager of the NSPCC, welcomed Catherine’s initiative and how it highlighted the importance of young children’s wellbeing. “We know that raising a young child can be challenging and stressful. Families need to know where to find trusted advice to do the best for their baby. When parents feel supported, they are better able to support their children,” she says. “That’s why health visiting and Family Hubs should be accessible to every family.” An annual report in December 2024 from England’s education watchdog Ofsted warned of a widening social divide in access to childcare. It warned of childcare “deserts” which were particularly likely in areas of low incomes and high levels of child poverty. Last Spring, research from the Coram Family and Childcare charity showed parents struggling to find and afford childcare places. Coram’s managing director Ellen Broome said families faced “a double whammy of above inflation price rises and dramatic drops in availability”. Source link #Kate #emotional #skills #priority #healthier #society Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]