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‘Ready to go’ but skipper Healy may miss Test spot ‘Ready to go’ but skipper Healy may miss Test spot Alyssa Healy is desperate to lead Australia in the historic women’s Ashes Test at the MCG but could still be overruled by selectors. The 34-year-old fronted the pre-match press conference on Wednesday, declaring she felt ready for the day-night clash with England. But a final decision will be taken out of her hands as she attempts to prove her fitness from a foot injury. “I feel like I’m ready to go, so we’ll wait and see what happens,” Healy said. “The final XI hasn’t quite been decided upon just yet, but I’m standing here in front of you without a moon boot saying I’m ready to go.” Wicketkeeper Healy, who will play as a batter-only in the Test, underwent a gruelling fitness test on Tuesday night. She was the last *********** player to leave the nets, ending the session by batting after being put through big stints of running. “It’s been surprising to me every single day that I’ve done some stuff just how well it’s (the foot) responded,” Healy said. “I was pushed pretty hard yesterday. You all saw me. I was blowing a fair bit. “We’ve done that on purpose to try and see what I can and can’t get through, and I’ve pulled up really well.” It is the first women’s Test at the MCG since 1949, with Healy’s all-conquering team returning to the venue for the first time since their famous T20 World Cup final win in 2020. At 34, Healy is well aware she may never get another opportunity to play in a match at the MCG. She missed the T20 sweep of England in the multi-format series that allowed Australia to take unassailable 12-0 points lead. “We’ve done everything we possibly can to get myself in a position to put my hand up,” she said. “There’s a little bit taken out of my hands in that regard … I obviously still want to do the best by the team.” But star allrounder Ashleigh Gardner, who spun Australia to victory in the last women’s Ashes Test at Nottingham in 2023, is almost certain to take her spot. Gardner also missed the T20s due to calf injury. “I’ve asked her every day how she’s going,” Healy said. “She said, ‘I’m good to go’. “So hopefully she trains well (on Wednesday), and we’ll see her out there.” England, who are trying to avoid becoming the first team to be whitewashed since the multi-format Ashes was introduced in 2013, have been dealt a major blow. Veteran pacer Kate Cross bowled in the nets on Tuesday to try to prove her fitness but has been ruled out of returning for the match. Source link #Ready #skipper #Healy #Test #spot Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Lucid shows off fast charging tech for upcoming Gravity SUV Lucid shows off fast charging tech for upcoming Gravity SUV The Lucid Gravity SUV might just take EV charging to the next level. Not only does it include a NACS charging port and access to the Tesla Supercharger network starting on January 31, but Lucid’s new technology will allow it to charge quickly, even at slower stations. The Lucid Gravity can boost slower charging stations Lucid detailed in a press release how the Gravity uses innovative patented technology to boost the charging voltage of 500V stations to match its 926V battery pack. A similar feature is available on the Lucid Air, which upconverts lower power coming from a charger to 900V and downconverts its own power to power other devices or charge another vehicle. Related: Volvo’s EX30 and EX90 finally set to arrive in the U.S., can they outshine Tesla and Rivian? Lucid GravityLucid This technology also allows the SUV to take advantage of a station’s maximum charging output while reducing cable heat. “Lucid Gravity offers next-level fast charging speeds and seamless access to the top charging networks, including Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America,” said Emad Dlala, VP of Powertrain at Lucid. “To enable this experience for our customers, we developed new, unique technology to allow the 926V Lucid Gravity to charge seamlessly at up to 400 kW on 1000V charging equipment and at sustained speeds of up to 225 kW on 500V architecture fast chargers, including Tesla V3 Superchargers.” At peak charging rates, the Lucid Gravity can reportedly add up to 200 miles in less than 12 minutes. Lucid will still include adapters for slower chargers For customers without access to a native NACS charger, the Gravity will come standard with CCS1 to NACS and SAE J1772 to NACS adapters. According to Lucid, the CCS1 adapter will be the first on the market to charge at 500A with 1000V. That same adapter is also able to charge at up to 400 kW at a CCS1 fast charger. Related: Volkswagen’s EV future on hold until 2026 Lucid GravityLucid A next-gen battery pack underpins the new Gravity The Gravity’s battery pack is produced in partnership with Panasonic and features “chemistry enhancements” that should put it in a league of its own. Lucid claims that it can handle sustained higher-power charging without overheating, tow better than its competitors, and last for up to an EPA-estimated 450 miles. Story continues The electric SUV will also feature ***-directional charging, allowing owners to charge their homes or other devices at a rate of up to 80 A at 19.2 kW with the NACS charge port. RangeXchange, a feature first introduced on the Lucid Air, also enables charging another electric vehicle directly with the optional RangeXchange cable. Lucid GravityLucid Related: Have you ever wanted a twin-engine Honda CRX? Final thoughts Lucid has always made gorgeous-looking cars, albeit with a fitting price tag. In this case, too, the automaker has done a great job of transforming the Air sedan into the Gravity SUV, complete with that classy yet minimalistic interior. If this sounds like something that belongs in your driveway, we have good news! The Lucid Gravity Grand Touring is available to order starting at $94,900, and Touring models will be available in late 2025 at a starting price of $79,900. The first Gravity completed production at Lucid’s Casa Grande factory on December 5, 2024, so deliveries will likely begin early this year. Related: Mazda is celebrating the MX-5’s 35th anniversary with a model you likely can’t get Source link #Lucid #shows #fast #charging #tech #upcoming #Gravity #SUV Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stock market today: Live updates Stock market today: Live updates Broad indexes would suffer in 2025 if tech falters, but average stock hold up, Capital Economics says Broad stock market indexes would suffer in 2025 if Big Tech leaders continue to falter but the average stock is likely to “hold up well,” according to Capital Economics senior markets economist James Reilly. Although the S&P 500 Information Technology Index slid 5.5% Monday, its largest one-day decline since 2020, “the losses were largely confined to firms that had been expected to play a key role in facilitating AI, including semiconductor firms and utilities firms powering data centers,” London-based Capital Economics said, noting the S&P 500 only fell 1.5% and roughly 70% of companies in the index rose. One possibility is that investors will start to favor more of the users of artificial intelligence and fewer of the “enablers,” which may have already begun before Monday, Reilly wrote. “In this scenario, the S&P 500 could rally further even as sentiment towards these prior favorites cooled. Indeed, something similar happened during the dotcom bubble — there was a rotation within the I.T. sector (from the largest firms) around 1999/2000 that didn’t undermine the S&P 500 index.” Strangely, the large share of the market accounted for by the 10 biggest stocks offers some hope. “That might mean that the losses as these gains unwound would be similarly concentrated, affording plenty of scope for the average firm in the S&P 500 to do well if the economic backdrop stayed positive, as we expect,” Reilly noted. — Scott Schnipper Stocks making the biggest moves after hours Check out some of the companies making headlines in extended trading: Starbucks — The coffee chain gained more than 2% after better-than-expected quarterly results. Starbucks notched fiscal first-quarter earnings of 69 cents per share on revenue of $9.40 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG were looking for 67 cents in earnings per share and $9.31 billion in revenue. Same-store sales declined for the fourth consecutive quarter, however.F5 — The application security company surged 12% after the firm issued a better-than-expected revenue outlook for the second quarter. F5 forecasts revenue in the current quarter to be in the range between $705 million and $725 million, while analysts polled by FactSet were expecting $702.7 million.Qorvo — The semiconductor company gained 12% on the heels of an upbeat fourth-quarter outlook. Qorvo expects revenue in the current quarter of $850 million, compared to a forecast of $841 million from analysts polled by LSEG. The company’s adjusted earnings per share forecast of $1 was also above estimates that called for 86 cents per share. Read the full list here. — Brian Evans Stock futures open lower Stock futures were marginally lower on Tuesday as investors look toward the first Federal Reserve interest rate decision of 2025. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average ticked down 23 points, or 0.05%. Nasdaq 100 futures pulled back 0.1% alongside S&P 500 futures. — Brian Evans Source link #Stock #market #today #Live #updates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sony Corp. announces major changes to its structure; Hermen Hulst is no longer CEO of SIE Sony Corp. announces major changes to its structure; Hermen Hulst is no longer CEO of SIE Bombastic news was revealed by Variety on this Tuesday (28). Sony Corp. has made unexpected changes to its organizational chart and Hermen Hulst is no longer co-CEO of the entertainment division. It is worth mentioning that he continues to act as co-CEO of the Studio Business Group, a subdivision created to run the PlayStation studios. Sony also said that he will lead efforts to transport IPs to other media through PlayStation Productions. Hideaki Nishino, who was appointed co-CEO and handled the platform side, will now act as sole CEO of the company’s entertainment division, the SIE. In addition, he will continue to hold the positions of CEO of the Platform Business Group and the Studio Business Group. Sony major changes in it’s structure: Hideaki Totoki has been promoted to CEO of Sony Corp. Hideaki Nishino has been promoted to CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. He also will hold his positions as CEO of the Platform Business Group and co-CEO of Studio Business Group Hermen Hulst has been demoted as co-CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. He will remain as CEO of the Studio Business Group and will lead PlayStation Productions. The situation demonstrates how confused Sony Corp. is. Previously, the position was held by a single person, Jim Ryan, who retired after 30 years of service. With his departure, Sony announced that the position would be filled by two people, the aforementioned Hermen Hulst and Hideaki Nishino. Now, the company has gone back on its decision, demoting Hermen. Another notable change was in the position of CEO of Sony Corp. Hideaki Totoki, a 38-year veteran of the company, will take over the position previously held by Kenichiro Yoshida. All of the above decisions were approved by the board and take effect on April 1st. Totoki said the following: “I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the important role of President and CEO,” Totoki said. “My predecessors as CEO, Kazuo Hirai and Kenichiro Yoshida, have greatly enhanced Sony’s value, and I will do my utmost to further build on this success and pass on an even better Sony to the next generation. At our Corporate Strategy Meeting in May of last year, we newly announced our `Creative Entertainment Vision,’ which outlines where we want Sony to be in 10 years, with our Purpose as the guiding principle. Our greatest driver in achieving this is the diversity of our businesses and people, which is part of Sony’s DNA, and our boundary spanners that transcend organizational barriers and organically connect that diversity to create new value. Together with our employees, creators, partners, and our new leadership team, I will work to create a bright future filled with a boundless sense of Kando (emotion).” Hideaki Nishino also commented on his promotion: “I am truly honored to take the helm at Sony Interactive Entertainment. Technology and creativity are two of our biggest strengths as we continue to focus on developing experiences that deliver entertainment for everyone. We will continue to grow the PlayStation community in new ways, such as IP expansion, while also delivering the best in technology innovation,” Nishino said. “I want to thank Hermen for his expertise and leadership as he continues his role as CEO, Studio Business Group. I am deeply grateful for the PlayStation community and their continued support and I am very excited for what the future holds,“ What do you think of Sony doing these major changes in it’s structure? Tell us in the comments and join the discussion in our forum. SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #Sony #Corp #announces #major #structure #Hermen #Hulst #longer #CEO #SIE Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla shareholders want answers about Musk salute, role in Trump WH Tesla shareholders want answers about Musk salute, role in Trump WH U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk during a rally the day before Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025. Brian Snyder | Reuters Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings report lands just over a week after President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House, with Elon Musk right by his side. Now that the Tesla CEO is firmly planted in Washington, D.C., in a high-profile advisory role, shareholders in the electric vehicle maker have some questions. On the forum Tesla uses to solicit investor inquiries in advance of its earnings calls, more than 100 poured in from shareholders about Musk’s politics, including his official role at Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his endorsement of far-right candidates. “How much time does Elon Musk devote to growing Tesla, solving product issues, and driving shareholder value vs. his public engagements with Trump, DOGE, and political activities?” one retail investor asked, adding, “Do you believe he’s providing Tesla the focus it needs?” In addition to contributing $270 million to help Trump and other Republican candidates and causes, Musk spent weeks on the campaign trail during the fourth quarter working to propel Trump back into the White House. After Trump’s election victory, Musk then spent considerable time far away from Tesla’s factory floor at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. One of the top-voted questions about Musk asked how much time he intends to spend “at the White House and on government activities vs time and effort dedicated to Tesla.” Musk and Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk has also involved himself in ******* politics, giving a full-throated endorsement of the country’s far-right, anti-immigrant party AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) in December ahead of the February election. According to research and consulting firm Brand Finance, the value of Tesla’s brand fell by 26% last year, with factors including Musk’s “antagonism,” Tesla’s aging lineup of EVs and more. The researchers found that fewer consumers would recommend or consider buying a Tesla now than in previous years. During public remarks following last week’s inauguration, Musk repeatedly used a gesture that was viewed by many historians and politicians as a Nazi salute. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, whose scholarship has focused on fascism, described it as “a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one,” while neo-Nazis praised Musk for his antics. A shareholder on Say asked, “Will you apologize for the misunderstanding that occurred when you made the hand gesture thanking folks for their support. It would go a long way with your investors and the American public at large. Thanking you in advance Elon!” In response to the criticism, Musk said anyone calling the salute a hateful gesture was pushing a “hoax.” But after that, he engaged in Nazi-themed word play on X, prompting the Anti-Defamation League to rebuke him, writing it is “inappropriate and offensive to make light” of the “singularly evil” Holocaust. And Musk later appeared via video at a rally for the AfD in Halle, Germany. Some investors asked whether Tesla had “sales lost due to political activities of Elon,” how the company plans “to respond to Musk’s now infamous Nazi salute,” and how Tesla “is addressing the negative impacts of Elon’s public views and activities.” But Tesla is under no obligation to bring any of these topics up on the earnings call. Ahead of the third-quarter call in October, investors had a lot of questions and concerns about similar issues regarding Musk’s involvement in politics, though that was before Trump’s election victory. Trump was never mentioned on that call. WATCH: Here’s why Bank of America downgraded Tesla Source link #Tesla #shareholders #answers #Musk #salute #role #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rubio foreign aid freeze leads to USAID staff suspensions and contractor terminations – CBS News Rubio foreign aid freeze leads to USAID staff suspensions and contractor terminations – CBS News Rubio foreign aid freeze leads to USAID staff suspensions and contractor terminations CBS NewsScoop: USAID furloughs hundreds of contractors from humanitarian bureau DevexTrump administration memo tells USAID to put “America First” in reviewing foreign aid Reuters Source link #Rubio #foreign #aid #freeze #leads #USAID #staff #suspensions #contractor #terminations #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla shareholders want answers about Musk salute, role in Trump WH Tesla shareholders want answers about Musk salute, role in Trump WH U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk during a rally the day before Trump is scheduled to be inaugurated for a second term, in Washington, U.S., January 19, 2025. Brian Snyder | Reuters Tesla’s fourth-quarter earnings report lands just over a week after President Donald Trump began his second term in the White House, with Elon Musk right by his side. Now that the Tesla CEO is firmly planted in Washington, D.C., in a high-profile advisory role, shareholders in the electric vehicle maker have some questions. On the forum Tesla uses to solicit investor inquiries in advance of its earnings calls, more than 100 poured in from shareholders about Musk’s politics, including his official role at Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and his endorsement of far-right candidates. “How much time does Elon Musk devote to growing Tesla, solving product issues, and driving shareholder value vs. his public engagements with Trump, DOGE, and political activities?” one retail investor asked, adding, “Do you believe he’s providing Tesla the focus it needs?” In addition to contributing $277 to help Trump and other Republican candidates and causes, Musk spent weeks on the campaign trail during the fourth quarter working to propel Trump back into the White House. After Trump’s election victory, Musk then spent considerable time far away from Tesla’s factory floor at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. One of the top-voted questions about Musk asked how much time he intends to spend “at the White House and on government activities vs time and effort dedicated to Tesla.” Musk and Tesla didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. Musk has also involved himself in ******* politics, giving a full-throated endorsement of the country’s far-right, anti-immigrant party AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) in December ahead of the February election. According to research and consulting firm Brand Finance, the value of Tesla’s brand fell by 26% last year, with factors including Musk’s “antagonism,” Tesla’s aging lineup of EVs and more. The researchers found that fewer consumers would recommend or consider buying a Tesla now than in previous years. During public remarks following last week’s inauguration, Musk repeatedly used a gesture that was viewed by many historians and politicians as a Nazi salute. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, whose scholarship has focused on fascism, described it as “a Nazi salute and a very belligerent one,” while neo-Nazis praised Musk for his antics. A shareholder on Say asked, “Will you apologize for the misunderstanding that occurred when you made the hand gesture thanking folks for their support. It would go a long way with your investors and the American public at large. Thanking you in advance Elon!” In response to the criticism, Musk said anyone calling the salute a hateful gesture was pushing a “hoax.” But after that, he engaged in Nazi-themed word play on X, prompting the Anti-Defamation League to rebuke him, writing it is “inappropriate and offensive to make light” of the “singularly evil” Holocaust. And Musk later appeared via video at a rally for the AfD in Halle, Germany. Some investors asked whether Tesla had “sales lost due to political activities of Elon,” how the company plans “to respond to Musk’s now infamous Nazi salute,” and how Tesla “is addressing the negative impacts of Elon’s public views and activities.” But Tesla is under no obligation to bring any of these topics up on the earnings call. Ahead of the third-quarter call in October, investors had a lot of questions and concerns about similar issues regarding Musk’s involvement in politics, though that was before Trump’s election victory. Trump was never mentioned on that call. WATCH: Here’s why Bank of America downgraded Tesla Source link #Tesla #shareholders #answers #Musk #salute #role #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Questions as accused smuggler's escape ends 4000km away Questions as accused smuggler's escape ends 4000km away Federal police have tracked down an accused drug smuggler who was allegedly trying to sail to Indonesia after skipping out from a rehabilitation centre. Source link #Questions #accused #smuggler039s #escape #ends #4000km Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Listen to Jeannie Mai’s 911 Call to Police in Fight With Ex Jeezy Over Entering His Georgia Home Listen to Jeannie Mai’s 911 Call to Police in Fight With Ex Jeezy Over Entering His Georgia Home Jeannie Mai called the police after being denied entry to the home she once shared with her ex-husband, Jeezy, and In Touch obtained the 911 call. As In Touch first reported, Jeannie, 46, showed up at Jeezy’s Georgia home on December 9, 2024. She said she showed up with her assistant, security and movers. Jeannie and Jeezy, 47, settled their divorce in June 2024. Recently, the judge presiding over the case ordered that Jeannie was allowed to go to Jeezy’s home and pick up boxes he packed of her personal items, including her Emmy, trophies, handbags, photos and shoes. Jeezy opposed Jeannie being able to freely walk through the home and wanted her to simply pick up the boxes inside his garage. Jeannie said she had no intention of invading Jeezy’s privacy and simply wanted to make sure she didn’t leave any property behind. The judge had yet to rule on Jeezy’s concerns when Jeannie arrived one the court-approved date to pick up her items. Jeannie Mai and Jeezy In her recent motion, Jeannie claimed that Jeezy’s house manager was present when she and her team showed up to the home. She said the manager refused to allow her and her security team to access the garage where the boxes were stored. In addition, she claimed she was not allowed entry into the home. Jeannie said she called the Atlanta Police Department to make a report. On the call, Jeannie can be heard telling dispatch that she was calling because she has a “court order to be able to enter” her old home. She said, “I’m going through a divorce right now.” Jeannie said, “I’m here now and the owner isn’t permitting me in.” She said she wanted an officer to come out to make a report of the situation “or at least try once more to … to see if there’s a way with the police to possibility allow me entry into the home.” The dispatch told Jeannie that she was sending out an officer to deal with the situation. Jeannie said, “I’m here with my assistant and security. Movers are going to be on the property in about 30 minutes.” She told the dispatch the Jeezy was not home but that his team was blocking her access. Jeannie Mai and Jeezy In her motion, Jeannie’s lawyer wrote, “When the police officer informed the house manager that a court order was, in fact, being violated, the house manager then had to shift gears and create a new barrier to entry.” Jeannie’s lawyer continued, “Next, the house manager, at the direction of [Jeezy], refused to allow anyone on behalf of [Jeannie] to enter the home unless they signed a nondisclosure agreement. To note, there is nothing in the court order that states any language regarding a nondisclosure agreement.” Jeannie said she was finally allowed in the garage to pick up boxes that she claims were badly damaged. “The boxes were wet, with water having soaked through the boxes, damaging personal items. There were mouse traps set in the garage, presumably set for mice which had eaten through some of the boxes,” Jeannie’s lawyer wrote. “Many of [Jeannie’s] awards were broken and scratched,” the lawyer continued. According to the police report, Jeezy’s lawyer spoke to police who arrived at the scene on the phone. The lawyer told officers Jeezy consented to Jeannie grabbing the boxes but not walking through the home. The report noted, “Ms. Mai requested that the incident be recorded for the purpose of further litigation.” A judge has yet to rule on the situation. Source link #Listen #Jeannie #Mais #Call #Police #Fight #Jeezy #Entering #Georgia #Home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Rubio foreign aid freeze leads to USAID staff suspensions and contractor terminations Rubio foreign aid freeze leads to USAID staff suspensions and contractor terminations Dozens of senior staff inside the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, have been placed on administrative leave until further notice, and hundreds of contractors have had their employment furloughed or terminated, multiple sources told CBS News. This followed Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s order last Friday that placed an immediate halt on virtually all U.S.-funded foreign aid assistance globally. CBS News spoke to a dozen current and former USAID staff and contractors who were granted anonymity to speak openly. An email obtained by CBS News and sent from USAID’s acting administrator Jason Gray to USAID staff Monday stated that “a number of USAID employees” were placed on administrative leave with full pay and benefits until further notice after “several actions within USAID that appear to be designed to circumvent the President’s Executive Orders and the mandate from the American people” were identified. Approximately 60 senior staff within USAID have been suspended — including the assistant administrators and deputy assistant administrators heading up most of its bureaus — leaving the agency without clear leadership, five sources familiar with the internal action told CBS News. The majority of those placed on leave were career civil servants and foreign service officers. They also included USAID attorneys in the Office of the General Counsel, who are responsible for interpreting the executive orders for implementation. One source told CBS News the individuals affected were told to “go home and not communicate with anyone” at USAID. Two sources told CBS News that some of the individuals in question were physically escorted out of the building. CBS News has also learned that several hundred contractors at USAID have been furloughed or laid off, according to six sources familiar with the action. Some have been notified they have been terminated immediately without severance pay and that their benefits will expire in just three days, at the end of January, while others who have been furloughed have been told their benefits will remain in effect through the end of February. Rubio’s order is part of an effort by the administration to meet President Trump’s campaign promises of shrinking the size of the federal workforce, and looking for places to cut what it sees as wasteful government spending. Mr. Trump has long held that other nations are not contributing enough when it comes to foreign aid, and that the U.S. is bearing the brunt of the burden. But critics say such cuts could undermine America’s standing in the world and create an opening for China and other adversaries looking to exert their influence abroad. In response to Rubio’s mandate to halt federal foreign assistance, stop-work orders were issued on Monday and Tuesday to companies that hold contracts with USAID and the State Department. Termination letters sent to two contractors obtained by CBS News read, “This letter is to inform you that effective January 28, 2025, your employment with [federal contract holder] will be terminated due to a contract layoff. Unfortunately, [federal contract holder] received a Stop Work Order, and without authority to proceed, we have no work for you to perform.” There is language in the termination letters reading, “We hope this situation is temporary and that you can return to your positions.” However, the employees’ email accounts with USAID and the contracting company were shut off, and the termination letters were sent afterwards to their personal emails, sources said. One source said that USAID staff had scrambled to put forward applications for waivers for programs once Rubio had sent out the order. “Then they physically escorted out USAID leadership. The waiver process was a joke,” the source said. “USAID is absolutely gutted,” another source in the agency said. “This is surgical to stop programs. Lives are at stake here. We are jeopardizing lives.” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters late Tuesday that “staff have been given a template for waiver requests.” Bruce also echoed a line that was in the initial Rubio order, telling reporters “specific exemptions include foreign military financing for Israel and Egypt, and emergency food assistance, for which the Secretary has approved waivers.” But the State Department has not yet provided clarification on whether some U.S.-funded foreign aid programs are now automatically exempt, or whether all programs globally must still apply for a waiver to try and opt back into receiving U.S. funding. The Associated Press and Reuters reported late on Tuesday that Rubio has now approved a waiver applying to “core life-saving medicine, medical services, food, shelter, and subsistence assistance.” In the copy of the initial order obtained by CBS News last Friday, Rubio told all U.S. diplomatic and consular posts to immediately issue “stop-work” orders “for existing foreign assistance awards,” pending review by the Secretary of State. Rubio had also stated in his initial order that “exceptions” to the pause approved by the State Department Director of Foreign Assistance Office are also exempt, without further specifying what those exceptions are. CBS News has learned that Pete Marocco, a former deputy assistant secretary of African Affairs at the Pentagon, is now serving in a senior directing role within the State Department’s Foreign Assistance Office — known internally as ‘F’ — which oversees foreign assistance programs administered by the State Department and USAID. “I’m so devastated [as] to what just took place,” one impacted USAID source said. “We enjoyed the work we’d done and how it contributed to helping people all over the world. What took place was not fair at all. This has never taken place in any administration change, ever,” they said, adding that they had respected the change and had been “looking forward to building a relationship with the new administration for the better good.” Two now-former USAID contractors voiced deep concerns about having life-threatening health conditions, in one case exacerbated by frequent work travel, and suddenly finding themselves without medical insurance after the end of the month on Friday. “Our contractor could have paid us for two weeks. Or at least through next week so that we could have health insurance through February,” says another USAID contractor whose employment was terminated on Tuesday. “It feels apocalyptic. Every email felt like a threat starting last week and then they followed through.” The source added that in their office on Monday and Tuesday “people were in disarray and bawling…People are terrified. Direct hires are feeling intense survivor’s guilt and don’t know what to do.” A number of USAID contractors were also terminated last week without being placed on leave or receiving severance as a result of the executive order targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs. This included individuals who were not DEI advisers, or did not have primary job functions related to DEI, but may have contributed to collective workplace efforts focused on inclusivity and accessibility in the Biden administration. Termination letters sent to those employees last Thursday evening read, “Effective immediately, USAID no longer requires the services you currently perform on the contract. As of today, USAID is ending funding for this position.” Multiple sources also told CBS News that in several Washington, D.C.-based USAID annex office buildings, photographs hanging up of the agencies’ programs and beneficiaries have been stripped from the walls. The removal of photographs is “not normal protocol” between administrations, one source said. “They’re physically dismantling things in the building,” a second source said. “They’re erasing our existence,” said a third. Empty frames in a USAID annex office building in Washington, D.C., after photographs were removed. January 2025. CBS News Empty frames removed from the wall inside a USAID annex office building in Washington, D.C. January 2025. CBS News Contractors with USAID’s Bureau for Global Health — the department responsible for projects covering ****/AIDS treatment, maternal and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases — were among those who received termination notices on Tuesday. According to two sources, all contractors in the Global Health Bureau, roughly 450 technical experts, were terminated. Those contractors make up about 50% of the entire USAID global health staff, leaving only about 450 direct hires still employed in that bureau. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR — started by the administration of George W. Bush in 2003 — is among the notable government programs suddenly brought to a halt since Rubio issued the order, potentially interrupting the provision of anti-viral medications (ARVs) for millions of **** and AIDS patients globally. According to the State department, PEPFAR has saved the lives of 26 million people since it started. While funding could be turned back on pending the outcome of a 90-day review, there is also growing concern among advocates that congressional support for PEPFAR is in peril due to a revelation earlier this month that groups receiving aid performed abortions, which is a violation of U.S. law. Reuters reported that four nurses in Mozambique had performed 21 abortions since 2021. That revelation may also be part of the upcoming State Department review. Currently 20.6 million people globally are on life-saving drugs due to PEPFAR, one source told CBS News, so the freeze in U.S. aid funding could lead to “hundreds of thousands of deaths, particularly for women and children, depending on the length of the freeze.” “This is a crime against humanity,” the source added. “This purge is unprecedented, is a threat to our national security, makes America less safe, and seems [to be] circumventing congressional authority,” one former USAID employee said. “To me, this is an unmitigated hostile takeover of our democracy,” another source impacted by the federal assistance freeze said. “USAID is just the first casualty. But more are coming imminently. With the intention to wield power for whatever purposes they feel like.” Margaret Brennan contributed to this report. Source link #Rubio #foreign #aid #freeze #leads #USAID #staff #suspensions #contractor #terminations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump’s Picks to Replace Gaetz and Waltz in the House Win Florida Primaries – The New York Times Trump’s Picks to Replace Gaetz and Waltz in the House Win Florida Primaries – The New York Times Trump’s Picks to Replace Gaetz and Waltz in the House Win Florida Primaries The New York TimesTrump-backed Republicans will win special primaries in elections to fill House seats in Florida CNNPatronis wins special primary in bid for Gaetz’s seat The Hill Source link #Trumps #Picks #Replace #Gaetz #Waltz #House #Win #Florida #Primaries #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Inglis firms for Test debut with Konstas set for axe Inglis firms for Test debut with Konstas set for axe Josh Inglis is firming for a Test debut, with Sam Konstas set to be dropped for Australia’s first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The writing appeared on the wall for teenage top-order sensation Konstas when stand-in captain Steve Smith confirmed the day before play that Travis Head would shift to the top of the order. Head thrived as an opener on Australia’s previous visit to the subcontinent in 2023, averaging 55.75, while Konstas is embarking on his first Test tour. It’s a blow to Konstas, who helped Australia clinch a rare series victory over India in his first two Tests and had been favoured by Ricky Ponting to retain the opener’s spot next to Usman Khawaja. Head’s move opened up a vacancy at No.5, where Inglis is likely to be selected as a specialist batter after long featuring in Test squads as back-up wicketkeeper to Alex Carey. Inglis has played 55 white-ball matches for Australia and is favoured to claim the middle-order spot ahead of Nathan McSweeney, who had been vying for a recall after playing three Tests out of position as an opener this summer. Inglis has more top-level experience on Asian wickets than McSweeney, having won the 2023 World Cup in India, and is set to bring similar middle-order aggression to Head. Australia will wait until inspecting the conditions on the morning of the toss before determining whether to play two or three front-line spinners. Nathan Lyon and newly-fit left-armer Matthew Kuhnemann appear locks for selection, leaving SCG pace hero Scott Boland and offspinner Todd Murphy vying for the remaining spot. Day one of the first Test starts at 3.30pm AEDT on Wednesday. Source link #Inglis #firms #Test #debut #Konstas #set #axe Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Another OpenAI researcher quits—claims AI labs are taking a ‘very risky gamble’ with humanity amid the race toward AGI Another OpenAI researcher quits—claims AI labs are taking a ‘very risky gamble’ with humanity amid the race toward AGI Another OpenAI safety researcher has left the company. In a post on X, Steven Adler called the global race toward AGI a “very risky gamble.” OpenAI safety researcher Steven Adler announced on Monday he had left OpenAI late last year after four years at the company. In a post shared on X, Adler criticized a race toward AGI that is taking shape between leading AI labs and global superpowers. “An AGI race is a very risky gamble, with huge downside,” he said. “No lab has a solution to AI alignment today. And the faster we race, the less likely that anyone finds one in time.” Alignment is the process of keeping AI working toward human goals and values, not against them. Adler worked as an AI safety lead at OpenAI, leading safety-related research and programs for product launches and speculative long-term AI systems, per his LinkedIn profile. He’s also listed as an author on several of OpenAI’s blog posts. In the X post announcing his exit from the company, he called his time at OpenAI “a wild ride with lots of chapters,” adding he would “miss many parts of it.” However, he said he was personally “pretty terrified by the pace of AI development.” “When I think about where I’ll raise a future family, or how much to save for retirement, I can’t help but wonder: Will humanity even make it to that point?” he said. “Today, it seems like we’re stuck in a really bad equilibrium. Even if a lab truly wants to develop AGI responsibly, others can still cut corners to catch up, maybe disastrously. And this pushes all to speed up. I hope labs can be candid about real safety regs needed to stop this,” he continued. Adler’s fears have been echoed by some of the world’s leading AI researchers. Stuart Russell, professor of computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, told the Financial Times that the “AGI race is a race towards the edge of a cliff.” “Even the CEOs who are engaging in the race have stated that whoever wins has a significant probability of causing human extinction in the process, because we have no idea how to control systems more intelligent than ourselves,” he said. Adler’s and Russell’s comments come amid increased attention on a global AI race between the U.S. and China. The news that ******** company DeepSeek had potentially built an equal or better AI model than leading U.S. labs at a fraction of the cost spooked U.S. investors on Monday and sparked a reaction from leading tech figures, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Altman said on Monday it was “invigorating to have a new competitor,” adding he would move up some of OpenAI’s new releases in response to DeepSeek’s “impressive model.” Altman said he looked “forward to bringing” the world “AGI and beyond.” Adler did not immediately respond to a request for more details made by Fortune, outside of normal working hours. It’s not the first time OpenAI has had to confront questions about its approach to AI safety. The AI lab has been embroiled in several public scandals that appeared to stem from internal disagreements over AI safety, including one incident in late 2023 that saw Altman briefly removed from the company. Altman was reinstated five days later after pressure from employees and investors, but questions around his departure hung over the company for months. Last year, OpenAI lost two prominent AI researchers, Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike. The pair were co-leading the company’s Superalignment team at the time, which was focused on AI safety and had been working to achieve “scientific and technical breakthroughs to steer and control AI systems much smarter than us.” Leike openly blamed the lack of safety concerns at the company for his departure, saying that over the past years, “safety culture and processes have taken a ********* to shiny products.” In a post on X, Leike added that he had been “disagreeing with OpenAI leadership about the company’s core priorities for quite some time, until we reached a breaking point.” While Sutskever has not publicly criticized OpenAI’s approach to AI safety, he has consistently highlighted the challenges of AI safety and alignment and was said to be a driving force behind Altman’s 2023 ouster. Several former employees have also joined the chorus of voices criticizing the company’s internal commitment to AI safety. Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI governance researcher, told Fortune in August that nearly half of the company’s staff that once focused on the long-term risks of superpowerful AI had left the company. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com Source link #OpenAI #researcher #quitsclaims #labs #risky #gamble #humanity #race #AGI Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sources: Griner agrees to 1-year deal with Dream – ESPN Sources: Griner agrees to 1-year deal with Dream – ESPN Sources: Griner agrees to 1-year deal with Dream ESPNReport: Brittney Griner to join Atlanta Dream in free agency after 11 seasons with Mercury Yahoo Sports2025 Free Agency: Decoded wnba.comHow Unrivaled became the WNBA free agency hub of all chatter, gossip and deal-making – The Athletic The AthleticBrittney Griner agrees to deal with Dream after Alyssa Thomas trade to Mercury, per report CBS Sports Source link #Sources #Griner #agrees #1year #deal #Dream #ESPN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Colours of our Country 2025 set for London to showcase Pilbara art Colours of our Country 2025 set for London to showcase Pilbara art An annual exhibition that celebrates the creative talents of Pilbara artists is heading to London for a special 20th year anniversary celebration. Source link #Colours #Country #set #London #showcase #Pilbara #art Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pilot safe after F-35 military jet suffers ‘significant damage’ in accident at Alaska base Pilot safe after F-35 military jet suffers ‘significant damage’ in accident at Alaska base Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — A U.S. Air Force pilot was reported to be safe after a single-seat F-35 fighter jet crashed Tuesday during a training exercise at a base in Alaska. The pilot experienced an “inflight malfunction” but was able to eject from the aircraft, Col. Paul Townsend, commander of the 354th Fighter Wing, told a news conference. The plane crashed during the landing phase of the flight at Eielson Air Force Base, he said. The pilot had declared an inflight emergency prior to the ****** and was in stable condition and being evaluated at a medical facility, he said. 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. The ******, which occurred early Tuesday afternoon, caused significant damage to the aircraft, the Air Force said in a statement. Eielson Air Force Base is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Fairbanks. Townsend said in the statement said the Air Force would conduct “a thorough investigation in hopes to minimize the chances of such occurrences from happening again.” Eielson was selected in 2016 to host 54 F-35s, spawning an expansion that cost more than a half-billion dollars that was to include 36 new buildings and dozens of housing units. The expansion included about 3,500 new active duty airmen and their dependents. With the capability to fly more than 12 hours at a time, the F-35 can reach almost anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere in one mission. In May, an F-35 fighter jet on its way from Texas to Edwards Air Force Base near Los Angeles crashed after the pilot stopped to refuel in New Mexico. The pilot was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. In October, a Marine investigation blamed the pilot of an F-35 for ejecting from the aircraft when he didn’t need to, causing the fighter to fly unmanned for 11 minutes before it crashed in rural South Carolina in 2023. ___ Associated Press reporter Becky Bohrer contributed from Juneau, Alaska. Source link #Pilot #safe #F35 #military #jet #suffers #significant #damage #accident #Alaska #base Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kansas Is Dealing With Major Tuberculosis Outbreak – The New York Times Kansas Is Dealing With Major Tuberculosis Outbreak – The New York Times Kansas Is Dealing With Major Tuberculosis Outbreak The New York TimesKansas faces one of the largest tuberculosis outbreaks in US history ABC NewsKansas seeing largest tuberculosis outbreak in U.S. history, dozens of cases reported CBS NewsThe tuberculosis outbreak in Kansas is alarming. It’s not the biggest in US history though, CDC says The Associated Press Source link #Kansas #Dealing #Major #Tuberculosis #Outbreak #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Paris Hilton ‘devastated’ after losing home in LA fires Paris Hilton ‘devastated’ after losing home in LA fires Paris Hilton has been left “heartbroken and devastated” after losing her home in the Los Angeles wildfires. The 43-year-old socialite saw her Malibu beach house burn down when the disaster struck across California but has been doing what she can to help “build back” and thinks that seeing people come forward to help others has been the “silver lining” of the whole thing. She told US TV show ‘Extra’: “It’s just been so heartbreaking and devastating to see what’s happened to Los Angeles, to Altadena, to all of the families who’ve lost everything, and family members, and their pets. “Then us losing our home as well was so heartbreaking, just all the sentimental things that we had in there and all the special memories. But I’m just doing whatever I can to help support and help build LA back. “We are resilient people, but I think it’s amazing how everyone is coming together and really supporting each other. I think that’s really been the silver lining in all this, just to see the communities all coming together and helping each other out.” The Simple Life star – who is married to Carter Reum and has Phoenix, two, as well as 14-month-old London with him – had to postpone her eldest’s birthday party because of the fires and is hoping that the celebrations will take place next month instead. She said: “Phoenix’s birthday was January 16 but we had to cancel the birthday just because with everything happening in Los Angeles. “We just didn’t think it was appropriate but we’re going to push the birthday for maybe next month. “He loves cars so when I do plan his next party, it will be car themed because he is obsessed with anything that has to do with a car.” Source link #Paris #Hilton #devastated #losing #home #fires Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Stephen Miller Stuns Jake Tapper in Trainwreck CNN Interview Stephen Miller Stuns Jake Tapper in Trainwreck CNN Interview A CNN interview took an odd turn when a senior White House adviser called out federal employees who voted for Kamala Harris in the last election. The interview between CNN anchor Jake Tapper and Stephen Miller, President Donald Trump’s deputy chief of staff for policy, was full of back-and-forth exchanges between the pair. In one tense moment, Miller steered his Tuesday interview on The Lead away from the federal funding freeze to talk about government employees’ political leanings. Tapper was clarifying whether Trump’s sudden order to halt funding for grants and loans would affect free school lunches when Miller decided to raise a different point. “I want to really drill down on this, Jake, because it’s so important,” Miller opened. “There’s two million employees in the federal government. Overwhelmingly, the career federal service in this country is far left, left-wing.” When Tapper countered that he did not know that to be a fact, Miller said “98%” of USAID employees donated to either Harris or “another left-wing candidate” in the last election. “But now you’re demonizing an entire workforce as having…” Tapper began to say. “Wait, woah woah woah woah,” Miller responded. “Did you just say that saying someone voted for Kamala Harris is demonizing them?” Tapper retorted that Miller was suggesting “there’s a bias” among federal workers. “You used the word ‘demonizing.’ You just said that I’m demonizing somebody by saying they voted for Kamala Harris,” Miller said. The CNN anchor tried to get the interview “back on track,” but Miller had just a bit more to say about federal workers’ politics. “I am on track, let me stay on track,” Miller replied. The Trump adviser insisted it was necessary for the president to “get control of government,” including people who review spending on grants and projects not directed by Congress. “This might be something like saying, ‘I want to build a $500-million fountain in the courtyard of the Department of Commerce… This might be something like saying, ‘I want to fund gender studies in Afghanistan.’ There has to be political control and review,” he said. The White House earlier clarified that individual assistance such as Social Security benefits, Medicaid benefits, and food stamps were not covered by Trump’s broad order freezing funding for federal grants and loans. The interview then took a number of abrupt turns; at one point, Tapper told Miller, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Source link #Stephen #Miller #Stuns #Jake #Tapper #Trainwreck #CNN #Interview Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Starbucks’ same-store sales extend fall amid fewer customers at cafés – Financial Times Starbucks’ same-store sales extend fall amid fewer customers at cafés – Financial Times Starbucks’ same-store sales extend fall amid fewer customers at cafés Financial TimesStarbucks earnings top estimates, but same-store sales decline for fourth straight quarter CNBCStarbucks Reports Weak Earnings as It Tries to Woo Back Customers The New York TimesStarbucks beats low earnings expectations for its first quarter under new CEO Yahoo Finance Source link #Starbucks #samestore #sales #extend #fall #customers #cafés #Financial #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Queensland man dubbed Gold Coast’s ‘Spider-Man’ after daring escape from house fire Queensland man dubbed Gold Coast’s ‘Spider-Man’ after daring escape from house fire Footage has captured a man’s escape from a burning building, with the feat earning him the title of one city’s “Spider-Man”. Source link #Queensland #man #dubbed #Gold #Coasts #SpiderMan #daring #escape #house #fire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI data startup Turing triples revenue to $300 million AI data startup Turing triples revenue to $300 million By Anna Tong SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – – Artificial intelligence data startup Turing, one of a growing number of companies that provide human trainers to AI labs, said Tuesday its revenue tripled to $300 million last year as it reached profitability. Palo Alto-based Turing, which says OpenAI, Google, Anthropic and Meta are its clients, was last valued at $1.1 billion in 2021. As AI models have become more sophisticated, it has in turn increased demand for human trainers with specialized knowledge, boosting the valuation of startups like Turing competitor Scale AI, which was valued at $14 billion last year. Based on what the AI companies want their models to get better at, AI data companies find workers with relevant expertise for those projects, reducing the burden of managing hundreds of trainers by the AI companies. Turing says it has access to over 4 million human experts such as software developers or scientists with doctorate degrees, who it can contract to label data for AI models. The costs aren’t cheap: one complex annotation can cost hundreds of dollars, Turing said, and advanced AI models can require millions of annotations. For example, Meta used over 10 million human annotations when training the Llama 3 models, Meta executive Joe Spisak said last year. As AI labs hit the “data wall,” a term for when model performance plateaus due to lack of more internet training data, the labs will increasingly rely on human data companies to make their AI models smarter, Turing CEO Jonathan Siddharth told Reuters. “Companies like Turing are helping the scaling laws keep going to make up for the data deficit that we have,” he said. (Reporting by Anna Tong in San Francisco; Editing by Kim Coghill) Source link #data #startup #Turing #triples #revenue #million Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vietnam’s ******** Trees, a Lunar New Year Staple, Have a Bad Year Vietnam’s ******** Trees, a Lunar New Year Staple, Have a Bad Year Vietnamese families preparing for the Lunar New Year traditionally buy the citrus trees as a symbol of good luck. But extreme weather has hurt this year’s harvest. Source link #Vietnams #******** #Trees #Lunar #Year #Staple #Bad #Year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘The Voice’ alum Ryan Whyte Maloney dead by suicide at 44: report – New York Post ‘The Voice’ alum Ryan Whyte Maloney dead by suicide at 44: report – New York Post ‘The Voice’ alum Ryan Whyte Maloney dead by suicide at 44: report New York Post View Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Voice #alum #Ryan #Whyte #Maloney #dead #suicide #report #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Manson family left devastated after eight cattle shot and killed at Neergabby farm Manson family left devastated after eight cattle shot and killed at Neergabby farm A WA farming family is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to criminal charges after a number of their Angus cattle were deliberately shot multiple times and killed. Source link #Manson #family #left #devastated #cattle #shot #killed #Neergabby #farm Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]