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Helldivers 2s Halo mods are extremely cool, but we need an official crossover Helldivers 2s Halo mods are extremely cool, but we need an official crossover Helldivers 2 modders are continuing to create some of the coolest Halo mods ever, but we desperately need an official crossover. Source link #Helldivers #Halo #mods #extremely #cool #official #crossover Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Here’s what’s different in the January 2024 statement Here’s what’s different in the January 2024 statement This is a comparison of Wednesday’s Federal Open Market Committee statement with the one issued after the Fed’s previous policymaking meeting in December. Text removed from the December statement is in red with a horizontal line through the middle. Text appearing for the first time in the new statement is in red and underlined. ****** text appears in both statements. Zoom In IconArrows pointing outwards Watch here for Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s press conference. Source link #Heres #whats #January #statement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Last Of Us Limited-Edition 4K Steelbook Preorders Discounted At Amazon The Last Of Us Limited-Edition 4K Steelbook Preorders Discounted At Amazon Preorders for The Last of Us Season 1’s Limited-Edition 4K Steelbook are discounted to $39.42 (was $50) at Amazon and Walmart. The $10-plus discount is the best yet for either retailer in the weeks since the collectible edition was unveiled. The new 4K Blu-ray edition of the first season of the heralded adaptation arrives March 18, just weeks prior to Season 2’s April premiere on HBO. $39.42 (was $50) | Releases March 18 This four-disc set lets you relive Joel and Ellie’s journey across the post-apocalyptic version of the US in 4K resolution. The collectible steelbook case, shown above, looks awesome. On the discs, you’ll find over two hours of special features. Amazon initially sold out of the Limited Edition Steelbook at $50, but it’s available to preorder again for $39.42 (as of January 29). If you already ordered at a higher price, Amazon will automatically adjust your preorder to reflect the lowest price offered until release. Walmart is also taking preorders for the same price and offers the same guarantee. Gruv was taking preorders for $35, but the retailer quickly sold out. If you don’t mind skipping out on the steelbook, it’s worth noting The Last of Us is already available on 4K Blu-ray and standard Blu-ray for less: The Last of Us: Season 1 4K Steelbook Bonus Features Beyond the first season, you’ll also get the following bonus features: Controllers Down: Adapting The Last of Us From Levels to Live Action The Last of Us: Stranger Than Fiction All that content clocks in at over two hours, giving you a fun way to delve deeper into this terrifying universe. Note that special features are offered in standard Blu-ray. Since season two won’t grace our TVs for quite some time, consider checking out the hit games that inspired HBO’s adaptation. The Last of Us Part 1 offers an enhanced version of the original game, with better graphics, faster loading, and features that make use of the DualSense’s haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Best of all, it’s just $30 (was $70), though it’s unclear how long the price cut will stick around. Once you’ve played through the first journey, dive into The Last of Us Part II Remastered. This will be filled with spoilers for the upcoming season–but if you can’t wait to see what happens next, it’s an easy recommendation. You’ll find it on ***** for $40 (was $70) at Walmart. Want to bring The Last of Us decorations into your game room or home theater? Pick up the recently released Joel & Ellie Action Figure 2-Pack for $50. While they make great action figures thanks to all their articulated joints and accessories, they’ll also look great protecting your PS5 or proudly displayed in your entertainment center. The Last of Us: Season 1 4K Steelbook Source link #LimitedEdition #Steelbook #Preorders #Discounted #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AMD claims RX 7900 XTX outperforms RTX 4090 in DeepSeek benchmarks AMD claims RX 7900 XTX outperforms RTX 4090 in DeepSeek benchmarks AMD has provided benchmarks of its flagship RX 7900 XTX going head to head against the Nvidia RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Super with DeepSeek’s AI model. According to David McAfee on X, the RDNA3-based GPU outperformed the RTX 4090 by up to 13% and the RTX 4080 Super by up to 34%. AMD tested the three GPUs with multiple LLMs and various parameters using DeepSeek R1. The RX 7900 XTX saw its biggest victory against the RTX 4090 using DeepSeek R1 Distill Qwen 7B, where it outperformed the Ada Lovelace GPU by 13%. AMD also tested three other LLM configurations against the RTX 4090. The RX 7900 XTX outperformed the RX 4090 in two of the three configurations — it was 11% faster using Distill Llama 8B and 2% faster using Distill Qwen 14B. The RX 4090 was 4% faster than the RX 7900 XTX in one configuration, using Distill Qwen 32B. DeepSeek performing very well on @AMDRadeon 7900 XTX. Learn how to run on Radeon GPUs and Ryzen AI APUs here: pic.twitter.com/5OKEkyJjh3January 29, 2025 AMD tested three configurations against the RTX 4080 Super. The RX 7900 XTX outperformed the RTX 4080 Super by 34% using DeepSeek R1 Distill Qwen 7B. This lead dropped to 27% using Distill Llama 8B, and 22% using Distill Qwen 14B. This should all be taken with a pinch of salt, of course, as we can’t be sure how the Nvidia GPUs were configured for the tests (which, again, were run by AMD). Not all AI workloads take advantage of a GPU’s full computational throughput. We saw this in our Stable Diffusion tests, where Stable Diffusion did not use FP8 calculations or TensorRT code for processing. It’s not common for the RX 7900 XTX to be used as a dedicated AI processor, but the architecture is more than capable of processing AI workloads. The RDNA 3 architecture the RX 7900 XTX is based on is capable of matrix operations, supporting BF16 and INT8. AMD officially added the “AI Accelerator” terminology to RDNA 3 to demonstrate its AI-processing prowess. The RX 7900 XTX features 192 AI accelerators. AMD recently published a tutorial on how its customers can get DeepSeek R1 to run on compatible AMD consumer-based hardware, including the RX 7900 XTX. DeepSeek R1 is a new AI model that offers performance comparable to Western leading-edge AI models, but at a fraction of the computing cost. DeepSeek R1 uses an assortment of hardware-based optimizations to make its model run 11X faster than its competitors, including using Nvidia’s assembly-like PTX programming language. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #AMD #claims #XTX #outperforms #RTX #DeepSeek #benchmarks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sony Making PSN Requirement Optional In Some PC Games, Offering Bonuses To Sign In Sony Making PSN Requirement Optional In Some PC Games, Offering Bonuses To Sign In PlayStation announced that it will be offering some in-game rewards for those who play its games on PC while logged in to a PSN account. PlayStation also clarified that a PSN account will become optional for select titles on PC, which is a change from previous mandatory PSN account requirements on PC. It’s starting with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, which is set to launch tomorrow on PC. Those who sign in with a PSN account will receive an early unlock for the Spider-Man 2099 ****** and Miles Morales 2099 suits. For The Last of Us Part II Remastered, players will receive 50 points to activate bonus features and unlock extras, as well as a skin for Ellie modeled after Jordan’s Jacket from Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, which is Naughty Dog’s next game. The Last of Us Part II Remastered launches on April 3 for PC. God of War Ragnarok and Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered are getting rewards too. For the former, players will gain access to the Armor of the ****** Bear set for Kratos. This was previously only available during New Game Plus runs, but can now be found at the first Lost Items chest in the Realm Between Realms. Players will also get a resource bundle consisting of 500 Hacksilver and 250 experience points. For the latter, players will gain access to Aloy’s Nora Valiant outfit. It seems like PlayStation will be adding more benefits as time goes on, but those who sign in with a PSN account to play PC games can earn benefits such as unlocking Trophies. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 isn’t the only big game to get a late PC port this month. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth recently launched for PC last week. In other PlayStation news, there’s been a shakeup in higher management as Sony Interactive Entertainment will have a new sole CEO, Hideaki Nishino, starting on April 1. Source link #Sony #Making #PSN #Requirement #Optional #Games #Offering #Bonuses #Sign Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, to have confirmation hearing tomorrow. Here’s what to know Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, to have confirmation hearing tomorrow. Here’s what to know Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to serve as FBI director, is set to appear Thursday on Capitol Hill for a high-stakes confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee amid calls from Republicans for massive reforms in FBI leadership and concerns from Democrats about his fitness to lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency. Patel — a staunch Trump ally and former federal prosecutor and national security official — was Mr. Trump in December to take the helm at the agency that has long been a target of the president’s ire. The FBI director at the time, Christopher Wray, appointed by Mr. Trump in his first term, then announced his departure from the top job despite having not yet served the full ten-year term. He told 60 Minutes his decision was prompted in part by a desire to transition “in an orderly way” and “not thrust the FBI deeper into the fray.” Presidents have the power to replace FBI directors as they see fit and many past directors have not served full 10-year terms. Patel previously served in intelligence and defense roles in Mr. Trump’s first term and held a position on the National Security Council and as chief of staff to the secretary of defense. President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be FBI Director Kash Patel walks to a meeting in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on December 12, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images An FBI whistleblower alleged that while serving in government, Patel violated firmly entrenched protocols to keep hostage rescue operations under wraps until the captives are safely in U.S. hands and their families have been notified, CBS News previously reported. In a letter obtained by CBS News, Sen. ***** Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, wrote that Patel, while serving on the National Security Council during the first Trump term, “broke protocol regarding hostage rescues by publicly commenting without authorization on the then-in-progress retrieval of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen in October 2020.” A source close to Patel pushed back on the allegations and Democrats’ criticism, telling CBS News, “Mr. Patel was a public defender, decorated prosecutor and accomplished national security official that kept Americans safe. He has a track record of success in every branch of government, from the courtroom to congressional hearing room to the situation room. There is no veracity to this anonymous source’s complaints about protocol.” A former Justice Department prosecutor, Patel has been highly critical of leadership within the organization and he has alleged recent cases against Mr. Trump were politically weaponized against the president and Republicans, allegations officials within the agency have previously denied. In 2023, Patel published a book titled “Government Gangsters” in which he alleged the “FBI has become so thoroughly compromised that it will remain a threat to the people unless drastic measures are taken.” And he has pledged to take on government officials and members of the media who he said “lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections.” The FBI came under increased scrutiny from Mr. Trump and his allies in 2022, when FBI agents executed a court-authorized search warrant at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. The search exposed what had been an ongoing federal probe into Trump’s handling of classified records after he left office. The president has long denied wrongdoing and alleged the FBI and Justice Department were targeting him because of political considerations. If confirmed by the Senate, Patel would be the third FBI director to work under a Trump administration and would take over the nation’s chief federal law enforcement apparatus amid years of intense criticism from Trump and his allies on Capitol Hill. He would report to the U.S. Attorney General. Trump’s pick for that role, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, cleared a critical committee vote on Wednesday and is likely to be confirmed for her post in the coming days. Many Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee, including chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, have applauded Patel’s nomination as a step toward needed reform. “The common sense that we have in the Midwest – we need more of it in Washington, D.C. and I think the [nominees] are going to bring it in, and Kash is one of them,” Grassley said on a recent podcast. Democrats, however, have been outspoken in their opposition to Patel’s nomination and pointed to his past as a reason for concern. To be confirmed, Patel will first have to receive a majority of votes from within the GOP-led Senate Judiciary Committee, after which his nomination would be presented to the full senate for a vote. Dan Klaidman contributed to this report. Robert Legare Robert Legare is a CBS News multiplatform reporter and producer covering the Justice Department, federal courts and investigations. He was previously an associate producer for the “CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell.” Source link #Kash #Patel #Trumps #pick #lead #FBI #confirmation #hearing #tomorrow #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DNA building blocks found in asteroids for first time DNA building blocks found in asteroids for first time The building blocks of DNA have been found in samples returned to Earth from an asteroid, suggesting life rained down from space and could have formed elsewhere. In 2016, Nasa sent its Osiris-Rex mission to drill down into the asteroid Bennu, with the cargo returning to Earth in 2023. The first analysis shows that the four nucleotide bases of DNA – adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine – which form the rungs of the double helix, were all present. Every living thing on Earth contains DNA, which stores the genetic information needed to build and maintain an organism. It is the first time that all four nucleotide bases have been discovered together on an asteroid, and the samples were also found to contain 14 of the 20 amino acids that life on Earth uses to make proteins. The findings from the sample increase the likelihood that the conditions for life were widespread across the early solar system – Yasuhiro Oba Nasa said the findings not only suggest that space rocks sparked life on Earth, but that the conditions for life were widespread across the early solar system. Nicky Fox, the associate administrator for the Nasa Science Mission Directorate, said: “Bennu contains many precursor building blocks of life along with the evidence it comes from an ancient wet world. “The findings do not show evidence for life itself, but they do show that the conditions necessary for the emergence of life were likely widespread across the early solar system. This of course increases the odds that life could have formed on other planets. “This all supports the theory that Bennu [was] among the sources that delivered water and chemical building blocks for life to Earth.” Minerals found in samples from Bennu formed when saltwater evaporated in extraterrestrial ponds – Rob Wardell, Tim Gooding and Tim McCoy, Smithsonian Scientists also discovered 11 important minerals, including sodium, carbon, sulphur and phosphorus, which were left behind when saltwater streams evaporated. Researchers believe these extraterrestrial sub-surface ponds may have provided a cauldron where the elemental ingredients for life could intermingle and create more complex molecules. Similar conditions are thought to exist on Ceres – a dwarf planet in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter – which suggests it would be a good place to look for the existence of life. Scientists collect data next to the return capsule from Osiris-Rex, which brought back asteroid samples that are often difficult to study – Keegan Barber/Nasa Sara Russell, a cosmic mineralogist at the Natural History Museum in London, who studied the material, said: “There were things in the samples that completely blew us away. The richness of the molecules and minerals preserved are unlike any extraterrestrial samples studied before. “It’s interesting that although Bennu had everything needed for life – it did not form. “The complex and delicate conditions needed to catalyse life really bring into focus the abundance of biodiversity here on Earth.” She added: “Together we have made huge progress in understanding how asteroids like Bennu evolved, and how they may have helped make the Earth habitable.” A sample of Bennu shown inside the Osiris-Rex sample collector, which brought back about four ounces (113g) of material from the asteroid – Nasa Handout/AFP Bennu is more than four-and-a-half billion years old and is a relic from the formation of the solar system which has been perfectly preserved in the vacuum of space. It is about 1,640ft (500m) across and once belonged to a much larger asteroid which broke apart billions of years ago. Scientists have long suspected that the ingredients for life on Earth were delivered to our planet by asteroids, but they are tricky to study once on the ground because they are easily contaminated. Tim McCoy, curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, says Bennu is ‘the next step on a pathway to life’ – James Di Loreto/National Museum of Natural History (NMNH), Smithsonian Institution The Osiris-Rex mission collected around four ounces (113g) of rock and dust from Bennu – about the weight of a bar of soap – and the samples were divided up and sent to laboratories around the world for study. Among the new findings were some more familiar minerals such as halite, which is made of sodium chloride and is more commonly called rock salt. Tim McCoy, the curator of meteorites at the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, in Washington DC, added: “We now know from Bennu that the raw ingredients of life were combining in really interesting and complex ways. “We have discovered the next step on a pathway to life. We now know we have the basic building blocks to move along this pathway towards life, but we don’t know how far along that pathway this environment could allow things to progress.” The research was published in the journal Nature Astronomy. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #DNA #building #blocks #asteroids #time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hidden Feature of DeepSeek AI Can Make Boss Fights a Nightmare in Dark Souls 4, Bloodborne 2 Hidden Feature of DeepSeek AI Can Make Boss Fights a Nightmare in Dark Souls 4, Bloodborne 2 There are only a few things that a single person can be known for, and for Hidetaka Miyazaki, it’s how he is able to create unique video games and punishing level designs for those who seek a challenge. However, he might finally be able to take it a step further with the one AI model everyone is talking about. Hidetaka Miyazaki (via GameInformer) Released a few days ago, DeepSeek is another AI model released by ******** specialists in the field. Not only has it been made for a fraction of the cost when compared to the mainstream options such as OpenAI, but it is also more efficient, which is good for every part of the industry in the long run. Hidetaka Miyazaki and DeepSeek AI: Time for another unexpected collaboration The AI model can help the director make harder boss fights | FromSoftware The last time we got to see a different side of the director was when he came together with George R.R. Martin to help with the backstory of Elden Ring, a title released in 2022 that has broken all records ever since. Martin essentially gave Hidetaka Miyazaki a strong foundation to work on; however, when it comes to taking help from the DeepSeek AI, the director might just be able to use the model for something more particular, i.e., boss fights. From the Dark Souls trilogy to the aforementioned Elden Ring, boss fights have been a major part of the punishing level designs in the game. Using the adaptive intelligence the ******** AI model has to offer, the studio can finally start making their boss fights seem unpredictable once again. There’s no doubt that the boss fights in Souls games have hit a plateau as gamers of the modern day just memorize all the move sets and steamroll through the boss fights regardless of their difficulty. Fortunately, DeepSeek might be Miyazaki’s key to changing that. Technicalities Behind FromSoftware X DeepSeek The studio has the opportunity to make perfect use of AI | FromSoftware What’s about to come usually blows over a lot of readers’ heads; however, it is what makes the recently released AI model different and better from its competitors already out there in the market. In a nutshell, what makes the ******** AI model so special is how it is more sparse than the other AIs available. To understand fully, try to think of the AI model’s processor as a human brain. While models like ChatGPT tend to use up all of the neurons available, i.e., 100% of the brain, DeepSeek aims to use just part of the neurons, as required. This helps save a lot of resources in the long run, which for a studio like FromSoftware can be a big dealbreaker to choose DeepSeek over its resource-intensive competitor such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Source link #Hidden #Feature #DeepSeek #Boss #Fights #Nightmare #Dark #Souls #Bloodborne Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How badly did Monday’s tech rout damage the bull market? Here’s what the charts say How badly did Monday’s tech rout damage the bull market? Here’s what the charts say Strong breadth is the key to seeing the stock market’s advance continue in 2025. This has been proven once again in just two days this week. Let’s begin with Monday. The breadth shift from December to January has been nothing short of monumental, which was on grand display all session. The market’s big sell-off was courtesy of large cap tech getting hammered. And the damage was limited courtesy of most stocks refusing to give in to the DeepSeek rhetoric and actually advance. Going back to this past December, the S & P 500 started the month with the historic 14-day streak of negative breadth from Dec. 2 through December 19 (which was punctuated by the last Fed-induced -2.8% drubbing on Dec. 18). A few things stood out from that ******* other than the streak, itself. First, the S & P 500 logged gains six times, and the growth sectors led 11 of the 14 days. This isn’t surprising. In fact, we needed the huge positive influence of tech, communication services and consumer discretionary to prevent a ******* roll over last month. The obvious concern back then was when profit-taking did arrive in the Mag 7 and the like, that it would hurt the S & P 500 and all of the non-growth sectors, as well, which all got hit hard in the preceding weeks… Those concerns were warranted: as December ended and January began, large cap growth got hammered, and the major stock indices struggled. But even as growth was reeling, other sectors stepped up, and signs of strong breadth through January’s first two weeks became evident. The narrative truly flipped on Jan. 13, with the S & P 500 logging a noticeable positive reversal after the prior week’s damaging bearish engulfing pattern. From that point, the SPX had positive breadth nine times in ten trading sessions through Monday, Jan. 27. And this Monday’s effort was easily the most impressive, as 70% of the index advanced as the S & P 500 itself, dropped 1.5%. Thus, over the last two weeks (and again this Monday), it has become clear that investors have been buying the stocks that got clobbered in December. Turning to Tuesday, the S & P 500 bounced back nearly 1%, but a very small percentage of its holdings actually advanced with it – only 30% – the polar opposite of Monday. In other words, the index’s final performance numbers were entirely reflective of the biggest Technology stocks again on Tuesday, but in the opposite direction. The below comparison of the sectors between yesterday and Monday is just astounding. On Monday, tech was the worst sector by a long shot and the only sector with negative breadth. On Tuesday, tech was the best sector by a long shot and the only sector with positive breadth. The good news is that this shows that rotation continues to be present. It was extremely significant (and necessary) to see capital flow into “the field” on Monday. And given the extreme carnage that large cap Tech endured on Monday, it was again crucial to see demand come back to the sector on Tuesday. The bottom line is that while large cap growth always will have a huge influence on the S & P 500 and the other market-cap weighted indices, the biggest stocks can’t lead all the time. And when the behemoths experience profit taking – for any reason – it will be important to see demand in the other sectors – like we’ve seen so far in January. (See this video for more on the internal strength in the market and what it means.) — Frank Cappelleri Founder: DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Source link #badly #Mondays #tech #rout #damage #bull #market #Heres #charts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What If We Go Through It? Helldivers 2 Players Suggest a Wild Theory About the Meridia Wormhole What If We Go Through It? Helldivers 2 Players Suggest a Wild Theory About the Meridia Wormhole Some Helldivers 2 players have a peculiar theory about the future of the wormhole. Do you think it might be possible? Source link #Helldivers #Players #Suggest #Wild #Theory #Meridia #Wormhole Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What that means for you What that means for you The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will leave interest rates unchanged as inflation continues to run above the Fed’s 2% mandate. The move comes after the central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point last year and in the wake of President Donald Trump’s comment during his first week back in office that he’ll “demand that interest rates drop immediately.” The latest CNBC Fed Survey showed expectations for only two rate cuts later in the year, the same number penciled in by Federal Reserve officials in their recent forecasts. “While inflation concerns have significantly abated, they still remain,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “As a result, it is quite possible that there will be fewer rate cuts over the course of next year than anticipated only a few months ago.” For consumers struggling under the weight of high prices and high borrowing costs, that means there will be little relief to come. It also means Trump may further challenge the Fed’s independence. More from Personal Finance:IRS announces the start of the 2025 tax seasonWhat the Trump administration could mean for your moneyHouse Republicans push to extend Trump tax cuts Inflation has been an ongoing issue since the pandemic, when price increases soared to their highest levels since the early 1980s. The Fed responded with a series of interest rate hikes that took its benchmark rate to its highest level in more than 22 years. On the campaign trail, Trump said inflation and high interest rates are “destroying our country.” The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Although that’s not the rate consumers pay, the Fed’s moves still affect the borrowing and savings rates they see every day. The spike in interest rates caused most consumer borrowing costs to skyrocket, putting many households under pressure. Even though the central bank has already started cutting its benchmark rate and more rate cuts are on the horizon, consumers won’t see their borrowing costs come down significantly, according to Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst. “The rate cuts are not going to be big enough or often enough to do the heaving lifting for you,” he said. From credit cards and mortgage rates to auto loans and savings accounts, here’s a look at where those rates could go in 2025. Credit cards Since most credit cards have a variable rate, there’s a direct connection to the Fed’s benchmark. In the wake of the rate hike cycle, the average credit card rate rose from 16.34% in March 2022 to more than 20% today — near an all-time high. Annual percentage rates will continue to come down as the central bank reduces rates, but they are only easing off extremely high levels. With only a few potential quarter-point cuts on deck, APRs aren’t likely to fall much, according to Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Anyone hoping for the Fed to ride in as the cavalry and rescue you from high interest rates anytime soon is going to be really disappointed,” he said. Try consolidating and paying off high-interest credit cards with a lower-interest personal loan or switching to an interest-free balance transfer credit card, Schulz advised: “A 0% balance transfer credit card can be an absolute lifesaver.” Mortgage rates Although 15- and 30-year mortgage rates are fixed, and tied to Treasury yields and the economy, anyone shopping for a new home has lost considerable purchasing power, partly because of inflation and the Fed’s policy moves. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is now just above 7%, according to Bankrate. Going forward, McBride expects mortgage rates to “spend most of the year in the 6% range,” he said. But since most people have fixed-rate mortgages, their rate won’t change unless they refinance or sell their current home and buy another property. Auto loans Even though auto loans are fixed, payments are getting ******* and less affordable because car prices have been rising along with the interest rates on new loans. The average rate on a five-year new car loan is 5.3%, according to January data from Edmunds compiled for CNBC. “With the Fed signaling that any rate cuts in 2025 will be gradual, affordability challenges are likely to persist for most new vehicle buyers,” said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer insights analyst. “The average transaction price of a new vehicle remains near $50,000, driving average loan amounts to record highs,” he said. “Although further rate cuts in 2025 could provide some relief, the continued upward trend in new vehicle pricing makes it difficult to anticipate significant improvements in affordability for consumers in the new year.” Student loans Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren’t immediately affected by any Fed moves. However, undergraduate students who took out direct federal student loans for the 2024-25 academic year are paying 6.53%, up from 5.50% in 2023-24. Interest rates for the upcoming school year will be based in part on the May auction of the 10-year Treasury note. Private student loans tend to have a variable rate tied to the prime, Treasury bill or another rate index, which means those borrowers are typically paying more in interest. How much more, however, varies with the benchmark. Savings rates While the central bank has no direct influence on deposit rates, the yields tend to be correlated to changes in the target federal funds rate. In recent years, top-yielding online savings accounts have offered the best returns in over a decade and still pay nearly 5%. “While the Fed putting the brakes on interest rate cuts stinks for those with debt, it is welcome news for savers,” Schulz said. “That means that it is still a really opportune time to shop for a high-yield savings account. Sure, you’ve missed out on the peak, but there are still plenty of good returns to be found.” Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #means Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

After Dragon Age: The Veilguard Comes Up Short, BioWare Undergoes Changes After Dragon Age: The Veilguard Comes Up Short, BioWare Undergoes Changes In the wake of EA’s announcement that Dragon Age: The Veilguard failed to meet the company’s expectations, BioWare has announced that it is “changing how we build games” in an effort to hold the company to “the highest quality standards.” In a blog post, BioWare GM Gary McKay said “a core team” at BioWare is making the next Mass Effect, while other team members are departing. McKay said BioWare has “worked diligently” in the past months to find new positions for BioWare staffers at other internal EA teams. Whether or not there were layoffs connected to these changes, however, is unknown. The Veilguard game director Corinne Busch has left BioWare. “In keeping with our fierce commitment to innovating during the development and delivery of Mass Effect, we have challenged ourselves to think deeply about delivering the best experience to our fans. We are taking this opportunity between full development cycles to reimagine how we work at BioWare,” McKay said. McKay added that, because the next Mass Effect game is so early in development, the studio doesn’t “require support from the full studio.” “Today’s news will see BioWare become a more agile, focused studio that produces unforgettable RPGs. We appreciate your support as we build a new future for BioWare,” McKay said. EA management said earlier this month that The Veilguard “engaged” 1.5 million players, which was a big miss from the 3 million that EA expected. Whether or not this had anything to do with the structural changes at BioWare is unknown. BioWare’s track record in the past decade has been checkered. Dragon Age: Inquisition won Game of the Year in 2014, but 2015 saw the cancellation of BioWare’s multiplayer game Shadow Realms. Then in 2017, BioWare released Mass Effect: Andromeda, and many remarked that it failed to live up to the franchise’s lofty quality benchmarks. BioWare followed Andromeda up with Anthem, a multiplayer live-service game that faced its own share of issues and criticisms. Mass Effect Legendary Edition, which included remastered versions of the original Mass Effect trilogy, followed in 2021 and was well-regarded. As mentioned, BioWare is now working on the next Mass Effect with a veteran team, but no one should expect it to release anytime soon. Source link #Dragon #Age #Veilguard #Short #BioWare #Undergoes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump files formal notice of plan to appeal hush money conviction Trump files formal notice of plan to appeal hush money conviction Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to members of the media amid his trial on charges of covering up hush money payments linked to alleged extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 16, 2024. Angela Weiss | Via Reuters President Donald Trump’s lawyers on Wednesday formally notified a New York state court of Trump’s intent to appeal his criminal conviction on charges stemming from hush money paid to a porn star. In the notice, Trump’s lawyers said they would appeal both the jury’s May 30, 2024, guilty verdict and Justice Juan Merchan’s Jan. 10, 2025, sentence of unconditional discharge to a mid-level state appeals court. The sentence, imposed just days before Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration to a second White House term, meant he will face no jail time or other legal punishment, but that a former judgment of guilt would be placed on his record. Trump, the first-ever sitting or former U.S. president to be convicted of a crime, has long said he planned to appeal. After filing the formal notice, his lawyers now have six months to submit a brief laying out their arguments in greater detail. The case stemmed from a $130,000 payment Trump’s former personal lawyer made to adult film actor Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election about a ******* encounter she says she had some years earlier with Trump, which he denies. Trump, a Republican businessman-turned-politician, was convicted of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up the payment. Trump argued that the case, brought by Democratic Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, was an effort to harm his 2024 presidential election campaign. “The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent, and we look forward to the case being dismissed on appeal,” Robert Giuffra, a lawyer who will be handling Trump’s appeal, said in a statement. A spokesperson for Bragg’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Bragg has said his office routinely brings felony falsification of business records cases. Giuffra, a partner at law firm Sullivan & Cromwell, had previously been under consideration for attorney general in Trump’s administration, people familiar with the discussions told Reuters in November. Trump has named the lawyers who represented him at the hush money trial, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, to senior Justice Department posts. Source link #Trump #files #formal #notice #plan #appeal #hush #money #conviction Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fed holds rates steady, takes less confident view on inflation Fed holds rates steady, takes less confident view on inflation The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate in check Wednesday, reversing a recent trend of easing policy as it examines what is likely to be a bumpy political and economic landscape ahead. In a widely anticipated move, the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee left unchanged its overnight borrowing rate in a range between 4.25%-4.5%. The decision followed three straight cuts since September 2024 worth a full percentage point and marked the first Fed meeting since frequent Fed critic Donald Trump assumed the presidency last week and almost immediately made known his intentions that he wants the central bank to cut rates. The post-meeting statement dropped a few clues about the reasoning behind the decision to hold rates steady. It offered a somewhat more optimistic view on the labor market while dropping a key reference from the December statement that inflation “has made progress toward” the Fed’s 2% inflation goal. “The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid,” the new language read. “Inflation remains somewhat elevated.” A stronger labor market and stubborn inflation would provide less incentive for the Fed to ease policy. The statement again indicated that the economy “has continued to expand at a solid pace.” Recent statements from policymakers have showed some apprehension about whether progress in bringing down inflation has stalled. Officials also have said they want to see how the previous cuts are working their way through the economy though most expect rate cuts this year. In addition, the decision comes against a volatile political backdrop. In a little over a week, Trump has cut a swath through Washington policy and political norms as he has signed hundreds of executive orders that seek to implement an aggressive agenda. The president has backed tariffs as both an economic and foreign policy tool, ordered a wave of deportations against those crossing the border illegally, and has put forth a series of deregulatory measures. Moreover, Trump last week spoke of his confidence that he will bring down inflation and said he would “demand” that interest rates be lowered “immediately.” Though the president has no authority over the Fed other than to nominate board members, Trump’s statement signaled a potentially contentious relationship with the policymakers much like during his first term. Inflation has moved down sharply from the 40-year peak it hit in mid-2022, but the Fed’s 2% goal has remained elusive. In fact, the central bank’s preferred pricing gauge showed headline inflation ticked higher to 2.4% in November, the highest since July, while the core measure excluding food and energy held at 2.8%. Traders had been pricing in a nearly 100% probability of the Fed holding the line at this meeting and in fact don’t see another cut coming until June. Markets are pricing in a funds rate of about 3.9% by the end of 2025, implying a 61% probability of two quarter-percentage-point cuts this year, according to CME Group data. Economic growth has been solid and consumer spending held up well during 2024. Gross domestic product is tracking at an annualized growth rate of 2.3% for the fourth quarter, according to the Atlanta Fed, which lowered the estimate Wednesday from the previous outlook for 3.2% as data on private domestic investment weakened. The meeting also featured a changed voting composition on the FOMC. Chair Jerome Powell and the other seven board of governors members are joined this year as voters by regional presidents Austan Goolsbee of Chicago, Alberto Musalem of St. Louis, Susan Collins of Boston and Jeffrey Schmid from Kansas City. The vote to keep the funds rate unchanged was unanimous. Source link #Fed #holds #rates #steady #takes #confident #view #inflation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

People Are Selling Non-Transferable Switch 2 Experience Tickets On Ebay People Are Selling Non-Transferable Switch 2 Experience Tickets On Ebay Nintendo is holding the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience beginning in April, where people can get hands-on time with the upcoming system. Fans were required to register for tickets and participants were randomly selected. Now that the tickets went out earlier this week, some winners have been putting them up for ***** on eBay. The issue is that these tickets are non-transferable, meaning that whoever buys it from the reseller won’t be able to get into the event. On Nintendo’s FAQ page, one of the questions was whether the ticket can be given to someone else, and the answer clearly states, “No–event tickets are non-transferrable and one-time use only.” One supposed ticket for the event in Milan was put up for *****, but the listing is no longer there. There’s another listing for a Dallas ticket, which is starting at a bid of $40, but has since also been taken down. Some are going for as high as $300, such as a listing for the event in New York. The tickets are non-transferable, so buyer beware. Think twice before buying a non-transferable ticket on eBay. The event will take place at various locations around the world in North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. Nintendo is also hosting a Switch 2-focused Direct presentation on April 2. The system is scheduled to launch this year, and there are already some games rumored to be coming to it, including a brand new Mario Kart one. Xbox is seemingly going to be supporting the system too. Source link #People #Selling #NonTransferable #Switch #Experience #Tickets #Ebay Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is spasmodic dysphonia, the disorder affecting RFK Jr.’s voice? – The Hill What is spasmodic dysphonia, the disorder affecting RFK Jr.’s voice? – The Hill What is spasmodic dysphonia, the disorder affecting RFK Jr.’s voice? The HillWhy does RFK sound like that? Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s vocal disorder explained NorthJersey.com Source link #spasmodic #dysphonia #disorder #affecting #RFK #Jr.s #voice #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What that means for you What that means for you The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it will leave interest rates unchanged as inflation continues to run above the Fed’s 2% mandate. The move comes after the central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point last year and in the wake of President Donald Trump’s comment during his first week back in office that he’ll “demand that interest rates drop immediately.” The latest CNBC Fed Survey showed expectations for only two rate cuts later in the year, the same number penciled in by Federal Reserve officials in their recent forecasts. “While inflation concerns have significantly abated, they still remain,” said Michele Raneri, vice president and head of U.S. research and consulting at TransUnion. “As a result, it is quite possible that there will be fewer rate cuts over the course of next year than anticipated only a few months ago.” For consumers struggling under the weight of high prices and high borrowing costs, that means there will be little relief to come. It also means Trump may further challenge the Fed’s independence. More from Personal Finance: IRS announces the start of the 2025 tax season What the Trump administration could mean for your money House Republicans push to extend Trump tax cuts Inflation has been an ongoing issue since the pandemic, when price increases soared to their highest levels since the early 1980s. The Fed responded with a series of interest rate hikes that took its benchmark rate to its highest level in more than 22 years. On the campaign trail, Trump said inflation and high interest rates are “destroying our country.” The federal funds rate, which is set by the U.S. central bank, is the rate at which banks borrow and lend to one another overnight. Although that’s not the rate consumers pay, the Fed’s moves still affect the borrowing and savings rates they see every day. The spike in interest rates caused most consumer borrowing costs to skyrocket, putting many households under pressure. Even though the central bank has already started cutting its benchmark rate and more rate cuts are on the horizon, consumers won’t see their borrowing costs come down significantly, according to Greg McBride, Bankrate’s chief financial analyst. “The rate cuts are not going to be big enough or often enough to do the heaving lifting for you,” he said. From credit cards and mortgage rates to auto loans and savings accounts, here’s a look at where those rates could go in 2025. Credit cards Since most credit cards have a variable rate, there’s a direct connection to the Fed’s benchmark. In the wake of the rate hike cycle, the average credit card rate rose from 16.34% in March 2022 to more than 20% today — near an all-time high. Annual percentage rates will continue to come down as the central bank reduces rates, but they are only easing off extremely high levels. With only a few potential quarter-point cuts on deck, APRs aren’t likely to fall much, according to Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. “Anyone hoping for the Fed to ride in as the cavalry and rescue you from high interest rates anytime soon is going to be really disappointed,” he said. Try consolidating and paying off high-interest credit cards with a lower-interest personal loan or switching to an interest-free balance transfer credit card, Schulz advised: “A 0% balance transfer credit card can be an absolute lifesaver.” Mortgage rates Although 15- and 30-year mortgage rates are fixed, and tied to Treasury yields and the economy, anyone shopping for a new home has lost considerable purchasing power, partly because of inflation and the Fed’s policy moves. The average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is now just above 7%, according to Bankrate. Going forward, McBride expects mortgage rates to “spend most of the year in the 6% range,” he said. But since most people have fixed-rate mortgages, their rate won’t change unless they refinance or sell their current home and buy another property. Auto loans Even though auto loans are fixed, payments are getting ******* and less affordable because car prices have been rising along with the interest rates on new loans. The average rate on a five-year new car loan is 5.3%, according to January data from Edmunds compiled for CNBC. “With the Fed signaling that any rate cuts in 2025 will be gradual, affordability challenges are likely to persist for most new vehicle buyers,” said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds’ consumer insights analyst. “The average transaction price of a new vehicle remains near $50,000, driving average loan amounts to record highs,” he said. “Although further rate cuts in 2025 could provide some relief, the continued upward trend in new vehicle pricing makes it difficult to anticipate significant improvements in affordability for consumers in the new year.” Student loans Federal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren’t immediately affected by any Fed moves. However, undergraduate students who took out direct federal student loans for the 2024-25 academic year are paying 6.53%, up from 5.50% in 2023-24. Interest rates for the upcoming school year will be based in part on the May auction of the 10-year Treasury note. Private student loans tend to have a variable rate tied to the prime, Treasury bill or another rate index, which means those borrowers are typically paying more in interest. How much more, however, varies with the benchmark. Savings rates While the central bank has no direct influence on deposit rates, the yields tend to be correlated to changes in the target federal funds rate. In recent years, top-yielding online savings accounts have offered the best returns in over a decade and still pay nearly 5%. “While the Fed putting the brakes on interest rate cuts stinks for those with debt, it is welcome news for savers,” Schulz said. “That means that it is still a really opportune time to shop for a high-yield savings account. Sure, you’ve missed out on the peak, but there are still plenty of good returns to be found.” Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #means Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Egg prices soar in U.S. What’s keeping Canada’s prices stable? – National Egg prices soar in U.S. What’s keeping Canada’s prices stable? – National Egg prices in the United States continue to crack under pressure while in Canada they remain relatively stable — and even late-night TV is taking notice. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tuesday night, the host couldn’t resist a jab at the price gap, joking that while Americans face egg rations, Canadians are “yolking it up” with their cheaper cartons. “F— it, I’m with Trump — let’s bomb Saskatchewan,” Colbert joked. But behind the joke is a serious issue driving up costs in the U.S. — a relentless outbreak of bird flu that is devastating poultry farms, forcing farmers to kill millions of chickens and sending egg prices soaring. The average cost of a dozen large eggs was USD$4.15 in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This marks a 37 per cent increase from the previous year. Egg prices could go even higher, with the United States Department of Agriculture predicting costs to rise 20 per cent in 2025. Story continues below advertisement With bird flu also impacting poultry farms here and forcing farmers to cull millions of birds, could ********* egg prices soon follow suit? Canada’s supply management system — which regulates egg production, imports, and prices — has helped keep egg prices relatively stable, explained Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab and a professor at Dalhousie University. “In Canada, we had to slaughter about 14.5 million birds so far. But because of supply management, farmers talk to each other. So from a biosecurity perspective, I would say that typically we go through this more efficiently because we share information, so outbreaks don’t necessarily get out of control … it’s a huge advantage” he said. The U.S. egg industry operates in a more market-driven system, Charlebois explained, which leads to volatile prices when events like avian flu disrupt supply. However, he cautioned that while prices have not been impacted in Canada yet, there’s no guarantee they won’t rise this year, especially during peak demand periods like Easter. 2:37 Is Canada’s supply management system working amid ongoing food inflation? Why are egg prices soaring in the U.S.? The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices have surged, driving up costs and leading to stockpiling in the U.S. Story continues below advertisement The U.S. egg system is highly industrial, with millions of chickens in each barn and a free-market structure that fosters intense competition. While this keeps egg prices low when times are good, it also means that when challenges arise — like a bird flu outbreak — prices can skyrocket. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. That’s according to Bruce Muirhead, a professor at the University of Waterloo and the Egg Farmers of Canada chair in public policy. “The U.S. system had an advantage and a problem in terms of egg production,” Muirhead said. “They go for what economists would call ‘economies of scale.’ It’s their huge egg farms, with millions of egg-laying hens, that are almost inconceivable for a ********* to contemplate.” These large farms can produce millions of eggs at low prices, but when “things go off the rails,” Muirhead explained, they shift into overdrive, driving up prices instead of egg production. 1:51 Avian flu puts pressure on producers, consumers Anytime the virus is detected on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit its spread. Story continues below advertisement With large commercial egg farms often housing over a million chickens, just a few infections can lead to a supply crunch. Farmers must then dispose of the carcasses, disinfect the barns and bring in new birds to resume production. As a result, consumers are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, facing higher prices, limited egg availability and even empty shelves. A sign asks customers to consider limiting their purchases of eggs at a PCC Community Markets grocery store due to shortages caused by avian flu on Jan. 27, 2025, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson “Bird flu used to be the exception and now it seems to be the rule. We have wild birds that carry it, they land in a farmer’s field or close to a hen house and stop there to eat. They pass the H5n1 on to the domestic birds. And all of a sudden you have eight-million hens in a barn that suddenly have to be euthanized,” Muirhead said. Trending Now Jan. 6 rioter pardoned by Trump shot, killed by police at traffic stop Bank of Canada cuts key rate 0.25% but warns of tariff uncertainty “So if that’s the new norm, what’s going to happen to these massive farms? You can’t euthanize eight-million hens once a year and expect to survive as an entity,” he added. Story continues below advertisement How has Canada avoided egg price hikes? Canada’s supply management system may not be perfect, Charlebois said, but with climate change and other threats like bird flu impacting global food supplies, its benefits become clear. “It’s really a matter of how we manage risks in Canada versus the U.S. I know a lot of people are against supply management, but supply gets farmers to talk to each other and limit risks as much as possible,” he explained. “Prices may be higher during other periods, but prices are much more predictable as a result.” Of course, the price of eggs in Canada varies depending on where you live. For example, with the avian flu severely impacting provinces like British Columbia, Charlebois expects egg prices to be highest in the West. Story continues below advertisement However, Muirhead explained that when one part of the country is hit by the bird flu, Canada’s supply management system steps in, ensuring that areas facing shortages can still be supplied. So, if H5N1 hits Saskatchewan, he said eggs can be sourced from Ontario and shipped to meet the demand. 2:02 Avian flu outbreak taking heavy toll on B.C. farmers Another way Canada’s system has helped avoid volatile price hikes, he said, is that ********* farms are much smaller, with an average of 25,000 laying hens. “We have much smaller farms, and many are family operations. If we have one, two or even 10 farms that are hit by H5n1 … in the U.S., I would say that would be a crippling blow to their industry. In Canada, because they are much smaller, we’d be much more secure,” he said. The system does mean Canadians pay more for eggs during the “good times,” he said. However, he added that in tough times, “I think our system is much more resilient and sustainable.” Story continues below advertisement Statistics Canada data shows that the average retail price for eggs in Canada was $4.74 in July 2024 and gradually increased to an average of $4.85 by November 2024. 5:45 What Canadians need to know about the Bird Flu crisis Canada’s Food Price Report 2025, published by Charlebois’ Agri-Food Analytics Lab, also predicts that, on average, egg prices will increase by six per cent this year. “The avian flu is going to be a factor for animal protein,” Charlebois said. “Consumers are impacted by the bird flu. But it’s not like the fluctuations we’re seeing in the U.S.” More on Health More videos Source link #Egg #prices #soar #U.S #Whats #keeping #Canadas #prices #stable #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

BioWare confirms it’s downsizing as it ‘doesn’t require support from the full studio’ for Mass Effect BioWare confirms it’s downsizing as it ‘doesn’t require support from the full studio’ for Mass Effect Electronic Arts is downsizing BioWare as the studio switches its full attention to Mass Effect 5. In a blog post, BioWare general manager Gary McKay confirmed the studio is restructuring following Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s release in late 2024. With the next Mass Effect game not requiring “support from the full studio”, he said an unspecified number of BioWare staff have transferred to other teams within its parent company EA. “Now that Dragon Age: The Veilguard has been released, a core team at BioWare is developing the next Mass Effect game under the leadership of veterans from the original trilogy, including Mike Gamble, Preston Watamaniuk, Derek Watts, Parrish Ley, and others,” said McKay. “In keeping with our fierce commitment to innovating during the development and delivery of Mass Effect, we have challenged ourselves to think deeply about delivering the best experience to our fans. We are taking this opportunity between full development cycles to reimagine how we work at BioWare. “Given this stage of development, we don’t require support from the full studio. We have incredible talent here at BioWare, and so we have worked diligently over the past few months to match many of our colleagues with other teams at EA that had open roles that were a strong fit.” According to an IGN report, a smaller number of Dragon Age team members are seeing their roles terminated too. It’s unclear how many BioWare staff are facing potential layoffs, but it’s claimed those affected are being offered time to apply to other positions within the company if they want. “Today’s news will see BioWare become a more agile, focused studio that produces unforgettable RPGs. We appreciate your support as we build a new future for BioWare,” McKay’s statement concluded. EA recently lowered its revenue forecast for its current business year, partly due to what it called the underperformance of EA Sports FC 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The fantasy RPG “engaged” around 1.5 million players during its first two months of availability, which EA said was nearly half of its expectations. Source link #BioWare #confirms #downsizing #doesnt #require #support #full #studio #Mass #Effect Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Apple silicon is vulnerable to side-channel speculative execution attacks “FLOP” and “SLAP” Apple silicon is vulnerable to side-channel speculative execution attacks “FLOP” and “SLAP” Earlier this week, a team of security researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Ruhr University Bochum presented a pair of papers on two side-channel speculative execution attacks targeted at Apple silicon, dubbed SLAP and FLOP [h/t Bleeping Computer]. A dedicated web page for the attacks, showing some examples, documentation, and links to the original two papers, is also available at the aptly-named URL Predictors.Fail. So, what are these attacks? To understand either, you first need a working understanding of what speculative execution attacks are. In March of last year, I covered a speculative execution attack called GhostRace, and back in 2016, the one-two punch of the Meltdown and Spectre attacks helped introduce the concept into the wider public consciousness. “Speculative execution” isn’t a bad thing in and of itself— you can think of it as a performance optimization that lets a CPU “speculate” what it needs to execute next— but unless it’s tightly controlled, it is prone to security exploits that are near-impossible to fix without performance degradation. So, SLAP and FLOP may be new speculative execution attacks, but the fundamentals of how they work are well known. SLAP, or Data Speculation Attacks via Load Address Prediction, functions by exploiting Apple Silicon’s Load Address Predictor, which guesses the next memory address the CPU will use. By exploiting this functionality and forcing it to guess wrong, information like emails and browsing history can effectively be stolen. This impacts Apple CPUs, starting with Apple M2 and A15. Meanwhile, FLOP, or False Load Output Predictions, exploits Apple Silicon’s Load Value Predictor, which guesses data values to be returned by the memory on the next CPU cycle. If this is exploited and forced to guess wrong, memory safety can be bypassed entirely to leak things like credit card information and location history. In a statement made to Bleeping Computer, Apple said: “We want to thank the researchers for their collaboration as this proof of concept advances our understanding of these types of threats, (but) based on our analysis, we do not believe this issue poses an immediate risk to our users.” The researchers do note that attacks actually using these exploits have yet to be spotted in the wild after initially discovering and reporting them to Apple in March (SLAP) and September (FLOP) in 2024, but also that users hoping to avoid them entirely can still disable JavaScript in Safari (tested browser) on their Apple devices until further notice. Doing this will introduce lots of site compatibility issues, though, so hopefully Apple actually patches this sooner rather than later. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Apple #silicon #vulnerable #sidechannel #speculative #execution #attacks #FLOP #SLAP Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Egg prices soar in U.S. What’s keeping Canada’s prices stable? – National Egg prices soar in U.S. What’s keeping Canada’s prices stable? – National Egg prices in the United States continue to crack under pressure while in Canada they remain relatively stable — and even late-night TV is taking notice. On The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tuesday night, the host couldn’t resist a jab at the price gap, joking that while Americans face egg rations, Canadians are “yolking it up” with their cheaper cartons. “F— it, I’m with Trump — let’s bomb Saskatchewan,” Colbert joked. But behind the joke is a serious issue driving up costs in the U.S. — a relentless outbreak of bird flu that is devastating poultry farms, forcing farmers to kill millions of chickens and sending egg prices soaring. The average cost of a dozen large eggs was USD$4.15 in December, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This marks a 37 per cent increase from the previous year. Egg prices could go even higher, with the United States Department of Agriculture predicting costs to rise 20 per cent in 2025. Story continues below advertisement With bird flu also impacting poultry farms here and forcing farmers to cull millions of birds, could ********* egg prices soon follow suit? Canada’s supply management system — which regulates egg production, imports, and prices — has helped keep egg prices relatively stable, explained Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab and a professor at Dalhousie University. “In Canada, we had to slaughter about 14.5 million birds so far. But because of supply management, farmers talk to each other. So from a biosecurity perspective, I would say that typically we go through this more efficiently because we share information, so outbreaks don’t necessarily get out of control … it’s a huge advantage” he said. The U.S. egg industry operates in a more market-driven system, Charlebois explained, which leads to volatile prices when events like avian flu disrupt supply. However, he cautioned that while prices have not been impacted in Canada yet, there’s no guarantee they won’t rise this year, especially during peak demand periods like Easter. 2:37 Is Canada’s supply management system working amid ongoing food inflation? Why are egg prices soaring in the U.S.? The bird flu outbreak that started in 2022 is the main reason egg prices have surged, driving up costs and leading to stockpiling in the U.S. Story continues below advertisement The U.S. egg system is highly industrial, with millions of chickens in each barn and a free-market structure that fosters intense competition. While this keeps egg prices low when times are good, it also means that when challenges arise — like a bird flu outbreak — prices can skyrocket. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. That’s according to Bruce Muirhead, a professor at the University of Waterloo and the Egg Farmers of Canada chair in public policy. “The U.S. system had an advantage and a problem in terms of egg production,” Muirhead said. “They go for what economists would call ‘economies of scale.’ It’s their huge egg farms, with millions of egg-laying hens, that are almost inconceivable for a ********* to contemplate.” These large farms can produce millions of eggs at low prices, but when “things go off the rails,” Muirhead explained, they shift into overdrive, driving up prices instead of egg production. 1:51 Avian flu puts pressure on producers, consumers Anytime the virus is detected on a poultry farm, the entire flock is slaughtered to help limit its spread. Story continues below advertisement With large commercial egg farms often housing over a million chickens, just a few infections can lead to a supply crunch. Farmers must then dispose of the carcasses, disinfect the barns and bring in new birds to resume production. As a result, consumers are feeling the pinch at the grocery store, facing higher prices, limited egg availability and even empty shelves. A sign asks customers to consider limiting their purchases of eggs at a PCC Community Markets grocery store due to shortages caused by avian flu on Jan. 27, 2025, in Seattle. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson “Bird flu used to be the exception and now it seems to be the rule. We have wild birds that carry it, they land in a farmer’s field or close to a hen house and stop there to eat. They pass the H5n1 on to the domestic birds. And all of a sudden you have eight-million hens in a barn that suddenly have to be euthanized,” Muirhead said. Trending Now Jan. 6 rioter pardoned by Trump shot, killed by police at traffic stop Bank of Canada cuts key rate 0.25% but warns of tariff uncertainty “So if that’s the new norm, what’s going to happen to these massive farms? You can’t euthanize eight-million hens once a year and expect to survive as an entity,” he added. Story continues below advertisement How has Canada avoided egg price hikes? Canada’s supply management system may not be perfect, Charlebois said, but with climate change and other threats like bird flu impacting global food supplies, its benefits become clear. “It’s really a matter of how we manage risks in Canada versus the U.S. I know a lot of people are against supply management, but supply gets farmers to talk to each other and limit risks as much as possible,” he explained. “Prices may be higher during other periods, but prices are much more predictable as a result.” Of course, the price of eggs in Canada varies depending on where you live. For example, with the avian flu severely impacting provinces like British Columbia, Charlebois expects egg prices to be highest in the West. Story continues below advertisement However, Muirhead explained that when one part of the country is hit by the bird flu, Canada’s supply management system steps in, ensuring that areas facing shortages can still be supplied. So, if H5N1 hits Saskatchewan, he said eggs can be sourced from Ontario and shipped to meet the demand. 2:02 Avian flu outbreak taking heavy toll on B.C. farmers Another way Canada’s system has helped avoid volatile price hikes, he said, is that ********* farms are much smaller, with an average of 25,000 laying hens. “We have much smaller farms, and many are family operations. If we have one, two or even 10 farms that are hit by H5n1 … in the U.S., I would say that would be a crippling blow to their industry. In Canada, because they are much smaller, we’d be much more secure,” he said. The system does mean Canadians pay more for eggs during the “good times,” he said. However, he added that in tough times, “I think our system is much more resilient and sustainable.” Story continues below advertisement Statistics Canada data shows that the average retail price for eggs in Canada was $4.74 in July 2024 and gradually increased to an average of $4.85 by November 2024. 5:45 What Canadians need to know about the Bird Flu crisis Canada’s Food Price Report 2025, published by Charlebois’ Agri-Food Analytics Lab, also predicts that, on average, egg prices will increase by six per cent this year. “The avian flu is going to be a factor for animal protein,” Charlebois said. “Consumers are impacted by the bird flu. But it’s not like the fluctuations we’re seeing in the U.S.” More on Health More videos Source link #Egg #prices #soar #U.S #Whats #keeping #Canadas #prices #stable #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination at risk of being blocked as she heads to confirmation hearing. Here’s what to know Tulsi Gabbard’s nomination at risk of being blocked as she heads to confirmation hearing. Here’s what to know Washington — Tulsi Gabbard‘s nomination to be President Trump’s director of national intelligence is in peril as she faces skepticism from senators ahead of her confirmation hearing Thursday. Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii and combat veteran, faces a narrow path to confirmation amid concerns over her decision to meet with Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad in 2017, her past push to pardon National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, her views on Ukraine and her previous opposition to renewing a key government surveillance authority, known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. If confirmed, the 43-year-old who has no background in intelligence, would be tasked with overseeing the nation’s 18 spy agencies. Last week, two sources told CBS News that Gabbard’s nomination is at risk of being blocked and called the situation “fluid.” Sens. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine are among the Republicans concerned about her nomination, they said. Collins sits on the Senate Intelligence Committee and could tip the scale against her. Gabbard cannot afford to lose a single Republican vote on the panel, which has nine GOP members and eight Democrats. Collins said Monday she’s seeking clarity from Gabbard about her position on Section 702. Gabbard, who sought to repeal the controversial law that authorizes the U.S. government to collect the communications of foreigners abroad without a warrant, has since reversed her stance. In a statement to Punchbowl earlier this month, Gabbard said she now supports the surveillance authority, calling it “crucial” to protecting national security. “My prior concerns about FISA were based on insufficient protections for civil liberties, particularly regarding the FBI’s misuse of warrantless search powers on American citizens. Significant FISA reforms have been enacted since my time in Congress to address these issues,” she said. “If confirmed as DNI, I will uphold Americans’ Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining vital national security tools like Section 702 to ensure the safety and freedom of the American people.” Collins said Gabbard’s response to her questions have been “hedged and unclear.” Gabbard’s secret trip to Syria in 2017 in which she met with Assad is expected to be another focus of Thursday’s hearing. Gabbard’s trip faced an outcry from her fellow lawmakers, who argued it legitimized the brutal dictator. Assad fled the country in December 2024 after his regime was toppled. “When the opportunity arose to meet with him, I did so because I felt that it’s important that if we profess to truly care about the Syrian people, about their suffering, then we’ve got to be able to meet with anyone that we need to if there is a possibility that we can achieve peace,” she said in 2017. She also doubted whether the Assad regime was behind a chemical weapons attack on its own civilians, which international weapons experts said originated from Syrian government sites. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a South Carolina Republican who is not a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday said he would be paying attention to Gabbard’s hearing. “I tend to vote for almost everybody at both parties, but I want to see how the hearing goes,” Graham said. “Why did you go to Syria? What did you do regarding the Assad [regime]? Why do you think Edward Snowden should be held as a hero? I certainly don’t.” In 2020, Gabbard called for the dismissal of charges against Snowden, who leaked a trove of information on the U.S. government’s top-secret mass surveillance programs. Snowden, who was charged with espionage in 2013, has been living in exile in Russia. Gabbard drew further ire after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, when she made statements that were viewed by some as parroting Russian propaganda. “This war and suffering could have easily been avoided if Biden Admin/NATO had simply acknowledged Russia’s legitimate security concerns regarding Ukraine’s becoming a member of NATO, which would mean US/NATO forces right on Russia’s border,” she wrote at the time. Major Garrett, Ed O’Keefe and Emily Hung contributed to this report. Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Source link #Tulsi #Gabbards #nomination #risk #blocked #heads #confirmation #hearing #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man City: Fire engulfs kiosk at Etihd before Champions League tie Man City: Fire engulfs kiosk at Etihd before Champions League tie A fire engulfed a merchandise stand outside Etihad Stadium as fans gathered before Manchester City’s Champions League home game against Club Brugge on Wednesday. The fire started in the kiosk near the stadium’s main entrance just before 18:00 GMT as fans gathered for a presentation of the club’s new January signings on a stage. The event was halted and the area evacuated by stewards and security staff before the fire service arrived and quickly extinguished the blaze. It is not yet know if the fire will affect the game’s kick-off time of 20:00 GMT. It was announced at 18:22 that fans could enter the stadium, but three entrance gates inside the area cordoned off because of the fire were still closed. In a statement released just after 18:30, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said its firefighters were still at the scene and are “currently dampening down any hotspots and making the area safe”. The presentation had already started when the fire broke out, with women’s players Rebecca Knaak and Aemu Oyama on stage at the time. Men’s players Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov were set to follow them. Source link #Man #City #Fire #engulfs #kiosk #Etihd #Champions #League #tie Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Horror Extraction Shooter Level Zero: Extraction Hits 1.0 With Massive Changes – Full Patch Notes Horror Extraction Shooter Level Zero: Extraction Hits 1.0 With Massive Changes – Full Patch Notes If you follow Insider Gaming, you know a few of us are huge fans of the extraction shooter genre. We play the top games in the genre in our spare time, and we’re always watching new and indie releases in the scene. But few delve into the horror scene. Now, horror extraction shooter Level Zero: Extraction has hit 1.0 with a massive patch, a vast content revamp, and even a new game mode! You can check out the full patch notes below, but the developer sent over a little release detailing everything different in 1.0 compared to the Early Access version of the game: Most lights are now on by default. Alien Monsters now take damage from UV light—flashlights, glowsticks, and flares have been changed to UV; Lots of new grenades & weapons as well as attachments for the guns, including optics; Research Facility map size increased, added two new sectors—Medblock and Radiation Tests—that require access cards to enter, printable on the map itself; Mutation system for Alien Monsters: Aliens progress each session, gaining mutations that alter gameplay and add a new power layer; Improved shooting, animations, item swap, and movement; Contract system rework: Items are now shown on the holomap; Leaderboard section: Filtering by kills, K/D, extractions, etc. Rebalanced economy after a series of iterations; You can check out the full patch notes below or via the game’s Steam page: Revamped the Caves of Turion map as a “battle royale-like” experience Here’s a list of changes: The main elevator can only extract three Mercs; as the session approaches its end, the elevator can’t be called; Two additional solo exits that are one-time only; Better loot; A ring of erosion starts moving toward the central elevator 10 minutes into the session; Aliens are immune to ring of erosion damage. A “Mercs Only” mode This is a separate optional mode for Mercs only. It offers a more forgiving experience without Alien Monsters, but the loot is of a slightly lower tier. OTHER CHANGES: Final screen UI rework: Causes of death; Names of all the people in the lobby with more details about what happened to them during the session; An ability to add friends. New skin attribution system: Skins are now obtainable through achievement-style goals and are never reset after completion. New Alien Monster feature: Cocoons. When playing as an Alien, wrap a dead Merc in a cocoon; if it stays intact until the end of the session, you get a share of the loot that the Merc was carrying. New weapon: Sniper rifle New grenades: Gas, UV Flashbang Revised economy with faster progression Steam Friends through in-game UI. You can add other players as friends during a session—a pop-up will appear above them. Matchmaking update: Locked regions. If you choose a region, you will only look for games in that region. Various UI & UX Improvements General Changes: Added matchmaking lock for the 1.0 release to provide better latency, matching players in specific regions without expanding matchmaking to other regions. Research Facility Changes: Increased the amount and chance of weapon spawns in the warehouse and airdrops. Caves of Turion Changes: The central elevator is no longer called but instead arrives on a timer and leaves 2 minutes after arriving. Max capacity: 3 mercs; The bore exit can only extract 1 merc per match; The Grappling Hook exit can only extract 1 merc per match; The solo elevator can only extract 1 merc per match; The loot quality on Caves of Turion has been increased. Merc Changes: Reduced prices for items and weapons; Headshot multiplier has been reduced from x3 to x2 against mercs; Rebalanced damage for all weapons according to the new headshot multiplier; Added a distinct sound for headshots; The starter kit weapon changed to FoxFive; Increased recoil for most of the weapons by 20-30% (reverted recoil changes); Reduced the amount of stamina it takes for a melee attack for both one-handed and two-handed melee weapons; Reduced the damage of marksmanship rifles; Removed icons of card printers from the holo map when they’re active; New item: Gas Grenade, working as a perfect mix between smoke grenade and alien’s acid cloud ability; New item: UV Flashbang. It doesn’t blind mercs, but it will do heavy damage to aliens close to the explosion. Furthermore, note that this update includes a complete server wipe, meaning your entire stash, trader rep, and levels will disappear, but your cosmetic skins will remain. Did you try Level Zero: Extraction? In the comments, let us know your thoughts on the indie extraction shooter, or head to our community forums to share your perspective! If you’re a fan of the extraction shooter genre, then you likely know the king, Escape From Tarkov, which is constantly improving, thanks to Battlestate recently claiming they’re following player feedback! SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Horror #Extraction #Shooter #Level #Extraction #Hits #Massive #Full #Patch #Notes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

White House budget office rescinds memo ordering funding freeze after chaos White House budget office rescinds memo ordering funding freeze after chaos Washington — The White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday walked back a memo that ordered a freeze on federal assistance, less than two days after the directive led to chaos and confusion around the country as to what programs would be impacted. The latest two-line memo from acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget Matthew Vaeth states that the earlier directive is rescinded. It directs those with questions about implementing President Trump’s executive orders to contact the general counsels at their agencies. The White House sent shockwaves when it issued the guidance late Monday that requested agencies temporarily pause “to the extent permitted by law” grant, loan or federal financial assistance programs that were implicated by Mr. Trump’s executive orders. The memo, from Vaeth, noted that $3 trillion was spent in 2024 on federal assistance programs. It directed agencies to submit to the White House budget office by Feb. 10 detailed information on the programs, projects or activities subject to the funding freeze. The full scope of the directive was not clear, and it left nonprofits, small businesses, universities and other entities scrambling to determine whether they would be impacted, and congressional offices faced an onslaught of questions from constituents and organizations fearing they would lose federal dollars. While the White House’s memo stated Medicare or Social Security benefits would not be impacted, state Medicaid agencies, federally-funded Head Start early education programs and community health centers said they were cut off from accessing a web portal run by the Department of Health and Human Services. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified there was an “outage” that affected the portal, and said no payments were affected. In addition to sowing confusion, the memo sparked numerous lawsuits, including from a nonprofit coalition and Democratic state attorneys general. A federal judge in Washington, D.C., swiftly convened a hearing on a request from the nonprofit groups to temporarily block enforcement of the freeze, and agreed Tuesday to issue a brief pause to fully consider the matter. Democrats, meanwhile, lambasted the move by Mr. Trump’s administration and accused him of depriving states, cities, towns, schools and hospitals of billions of dollars in federal support. “This decision is lawless, dangerous, destructive, cruel. It’s ********, it’s unconstitutional,” Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer said during a news conference Tuesday. Sen. Patty Murray, a Democrat from Washington, requested Senate Republicans hold off on advancing the nomination of Russ Vought for director of the Office of Management and Budget. Melissa Quinn Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts. Source link #White #House #budget #office #rescinds #memo #ordering #funding #freeze #chaos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]