Pelican Press

Pennsylvania teacher accused of calling ******* student a ‘terrorist’ is put on leave Pennsylvania teacher accused of calling ******* student a ‘terrorist’ is put on leave A Pennsylvania middle school teacher has been placed on administrative leave, accused of calling a ******* seventh grader a “terrorist.” The incident is alleged to have taken place Jan. 16 at Central Dauphin Middle School in Harrisburg after the student asked the teacher to change seats, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a civil rights group, said in a news release. “I do not negotiate with terrorists,” the teacher told the student, according to CAIR, which described the student as ************ Lebanese American. Adam Rahman, the boy’s father, said at a news conference Monday evening that his son is doing “OK” but that the incident will “always resonate in his head” and he’ll “wonder if the next teacher will say the same thing.” “He felt like the room was spinning and he was the only one and there was nobody to help him,” Rahman said. “These teachers are supposed to be the mentors, the people who you look up to, and if that fails, there’s nothing.” The Central Dauphin School District said it was aware of the allegations that the teacher “made a derogatory comment” to the student during an after-school program at the middle school. It did not identify the educator. The district said the allegation incident goes against the district’s values and the policies set for staff members. “Central Dauphin School District has zero tolerance for hateful and racist speech, and we have launched an internal investigation into this matter,” it said in a statement. “While we cannot comment publicly on personnel matters, the teacher involved in the alleged incident is on administrative leave pending our investigation.” Rahman said that it is not the first time his family has experienced “red flags” in the school district but that this was the “tipping point.” “When teachers say it, that’s when I have to go to the school and confront this,” he said. Rahman called for more education in geopolitics in the district so students can “learn more about different backgrounds, especially in the Middle East.” Community leaders demanded cultural sensitivity and anti-bias curriculum and training at Monday’s news conference. In a statement, the Harrisburg Palestine Coalition said what it described as the teacher’s “deeply embedded racism” may stem partly from “exposure to misinformation and war propaganda by mainstream news coverage of Palestine.” “Central Dauphin School District must do more to ensure that education on Palestine is correctly taught in its classrooms,” the coalition said. In a statement, CAIR’s Philadelphia branch called the incident a “racist, anti-************ verbal assault” that made the teacher “unfit to teach any students.” The district’s superintendent, Eric Turman, said Sunday that there was no update on the investigation to share. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com Source link #Pennsylvania #teacher #accused #calling #******* #student #terrorist #put #leave Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Johnson bashes China on AI, Trump calls DeepSeek development "positive" – Axios Johnson bashes China on AI, Trump calls DeepSeek development "positive" – Axios Johnson bashes China on AI, Trump calls DeepSeek development “positive” AxiosWhat to Know About DeepSeek and How It Is Upending A.I. The New York TimesOpenAI chief Altman says DeepSeek’s R1 model ‘impressive’ Yahoo FinanceChina’s new chatbot scrambles rush to build AI CNN Source link #Johnson #bashes #China #Trump #calls #DeepSeek #development #quotpositivequot #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alleged neo-Nazis face court over Australia Day march Alleged neo-Nazis face court over Australia Day march A man charged under South Australia’s new anti-Nazi laws has been released on bail, as 14 men arrested at a march in Adelaide on Australia Day have begun appearing in court. Fifteen men and one youth whom police allege are members of the National Socialist Network were arrested on Sunday and charged with various street offences including failing to cease loitering, possessing articles of disguise, hindering and resisting arrest. A police prosecutor told Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday that at 11am on Sunday, 40 NSN members dressed in ****** assembled at the South *********** War Memorial. “That’s the context of the entire group that we’ve got (appearing in court) today,” she said. “The National Socialist Network is a right-wing extremist group with national socialist ideology. “The group aims at preparing for a race war which it believes will usher in a white separatist ethno state.” The charged men are from SA, Victoria, NSW, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania. Social media posts instructed members to wear ****** clothing and ****** face masks “because it erases our individual identity and absorbs it into a collectivity of the nation”, the prosecutor said. “A media interview with the National Socialist Network further stated that if they don’t cover up their identities, they lose their jobs.” Mason James Robbins, 30, from Perth, was the first man to appear in court, charged with carrying an offensive weapon or article of disguise and using a Nazi symbol. Under tough new laws introduced in SA last year, people found displaying swastikas in public or performing a Nazi salute could be fined up to $20,000 or face a year in jail. The charge of displaying a Nazi symbol is linked to the wearing of the insignia of the NSN. There would be an issue “lurking in the background” about “the constitutional protection of the implied freedom of political communication”, Robbins’ lawyer said. “It gives rise to questions about the validity of any law that seeks to prevent contact and communication between members of, if you like, a political party,” the lawyer said. But the prosecutor said the groups were “not a political party” and had taken part in a “co-ordinated incident resulting in criminal offences”. Magistrate Luke David released Robbins on $600 bail, with strict conditions, including an exclusion from the Adelaide city area, a ban on wearing disguises in public, a ban on possessing firearms and a ban on associating with 30 named people and members of the NSN and European *********** Movement. He returns to court on March 11. Shannon George Bartel, 24, of Adelaide was also released on $600 bail after appearing on a charge of loitering. Bartel, who is a removalist, had similar bail conditions imposed, but he was excluded from a smaller area of the Adelaide CBD, including war memorials, statues and monuments. He returns to court on March 12. The court has adjourned and more men are expected to appear on Tuesday afternoon, including James Allan Holliday, 25, from Perth. He is charged with carrying an offensive weapon or article of disguise, using a Nazi symbol, and giving a Nazi salute. Also yet to appear is the NSN’s leader, far-right activist Thomas Sewell, 31, from Victoria, who is charged with loitering. A 16-year-old Victorian boy charged with failing to cease loitering was bailed to appear in Adelaide Youth Court on March 21. A 58-year-old NSW man charged with possessing an article of disguise was given police bail. Source link #Alleged #neoNazis #face #court #Australia #Day #march Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US opens probe into sudden movement on United Airlines flight from Nigeria US opens probe into sudden movement on United Airlines flight from Nigeria By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Monday it is investigating a United Airlines flight on Friday from Lagos, Nigeria to Washington D.C., in which a sudden aircraft movement led to injuries of passengers and cabin crew. The NTSB said the incident on United Flight 613 occurred as the Boeing 787 was flying in Ivory Coast airspace. Aviation officials in Ivory Coast delegated the investigation to the NTSB, which will issue a preliminary report within 30 days, the agency 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. United said the flight to Washington Dulles in Virginia with 245 passengers, three pilots and eight flight attendants, returned to Lagos after the unexpected aircraft movement and a technical issue. The plane landed safely in Lagos and four passengers and two flight attendants were seen at a hospital for minor injuries and have been released. “We are working with aviation authorities in the U.S. and Nigeria to understand the cause,” United said. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Chris Reese and Lincoln Feast.) Source link #opens #probe #sudden #movement #United #Airlines #flight #Nigeria Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Holocaust survivors mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation – The Washington Post Holocaust survivors mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation – The Washington Post Holocaust survivors mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation The Washington PostMuseum works to preserve shoes belonging to Auschwitz’s youngest victims PBS NewsHour‘Nothing will be easy about returning:’ Survivors mark 80th anniversary of Auschwitz liberation CNNAt Auschwitz memorial, survivors see echoes of the past in rising antisemitism The Associated Press Source link #Holocaust #survivors #mark #80th #anniversary #Auschwitz #liberation #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Meat and Livestock Australia calls for input into five-year plan Meat and Livestock Australia calls for input into five-year plan Meat and Livestock Australia has put the call out for industry input into a new five-year strategic plan set to guide its operation and the services it delivers from 2025 to 2030. MLA managing director Michael Crowley said the producer levy-funded organisation was focused on ensuring the red meat and livestock industry was in a strong position to deal with “strategic challenges and opportunities”. Feedback is welcome before February 14 with plans to release the MLA Strategic Plan 2030 on July 1. “A core element of the strategic plan development is extensive feedback and consultation across the industry to hear directly from stakeholders,” Mr Crowley said. Camera IconMichael Crowley is the new Managing Director of Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) Credit: supplied MLA “This includes producers, peak industry bodies and Federal Government.” Mr Crowley said MLA had held more than 12 engagement sessions across the country during the past five months. Feedback is welcome “MLA is working with members to ensure we gather feedback on opportunities, risks, research, development, adoption and marketing priorities,” he said. Industry stakeholders can make their voices known via an online feedback form, with responses set to direct MLA’s focus and the services that are fundamental to the success of the industry. MLA members, levy payers, industry groups and stakeholders are welcome to have their say on key priorities and risks. To fill out the survey, visit the MLA website. Source link #Meat #Livestock #Australia #calls #input #fiveyear #plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Man admits why he pushed woman into NYC subway train Man admits why he pushed woman into NYC subway train WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, Manhattan (PIX11) – A homeless man admitted why he pushed a woman into a moving subway train in New York City on Monday. Markeese Brazelis, 26, allegedly pushed a 23-year-old woman into a moving A train at the 175th Street subway station in Washington Heights in Manhattan around 9 a.m., according to the NYPD. More Local News The victim was on the northbound platform when Brazelis allegedly pushed her as the train entered the station, police said. The woman hit the train and fell backward onto the platform, according to sources. The woman suffered bruising to her face, hands, knees and shoulder, sources said. A friend of the victim told PIX11 News that the woman is doing OK. The victim told PIX11 News she was pushed out of nowhere. She said it’s been one of the worst days of her life. Staring stranger repeatedly stabs man on NYC subway: sources Witnesses photographed the suspect, and he was later taken into custody at the 181st Street station, police said. Brazelis was charged with assault and reckless endangerment, police said. Brazelis was surrounded by news reporters when he was escorted by NYPD officers and put in the back of a police vehicle Monday evening. When asked by PIX11 News why he would push someone into a subway train, Brazelis said he was hearing “voices.” Brazelis has been arrested two times before, once charged with ******* abuse, court records show. Brazelis allegedly grabbed a woman’s buttocks on a C train, sources told PIX11 News. Brazelis was also charged with trespassing after allegedly walking on the subway tracks, sources said. “It’s beyond comprehension how this menace can be arrested two different times last week only to be turned loose to cause more mayhem. When will the courthouses get the message? This can’t continue,” MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper said in a statement. To receive free mental health support and crisis counseling in New York City, you can call 988 or talk online at 988lifeline.org. 988 counselors are available 24/7. Behavioral health professionals can connect you to the services you need. Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Source link #Man #admits #pushed #woman #NYC #subway #train Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kansas health officials say tuberculosis outbreak in KC-area is 'largest documented outbreak in US history' – KSHB 41 Kansas City News Kansas health officials say tuberculosis outbreak in KC-area is 'largest documented outbreak in US history' – KSHB 41 Kansas City News Kansas health officials say tuberculosis outbreak in KC-area is ‘largest documented outbreak in US history’ KSHB 41 Kansas City NewsKansas tuberculosis outbreak now largest in US University of Minnesota Twin CitiesTB outbreak: Kansas health officials report 67 cases since the beginning of January USA TODAYKansas at epicenter of historic tuberculosis outbreak KWCHKansas is battling a tuberculosis outbreak. What’s the risk in Michigan? Lansing State Journal Source link #Kansas #health #officials #tuberculosis #outbreak #KCarea #039largest #documented #outbreak #history039 #KSHB #Kansas #City #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man extradited to Perth to face dozens of historical sex crimes allegedly committed against three teens Man extradited to Perth to face dozens of historical sex crimes allegedly committed against three teens A WA man accused of dozens of historical sex crimes against three young males is expected to appear in court after being extradited from Queensland over the Australia Day weekend. Source link #Man #extradited #Perth #face #dozens #historical #sex #crimes #allegedly #committed #teens Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

GJPD identifies officer in Jan. 19 shooting GJPD identifies officer in Jan. 19 shooting GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) – The Grand Junction Police Department has identified the officer involved in a shooting on Jan. 19. Officer Toby Baldwin discharged his duty weapon during the incident. The original press release reported the suspect – 46-year-old Aaron Blount – allegedly fired his weapon multiple times before the officer returned fire. A U.S. Army veteran, Baldwin has been with GJPD for around three years after nine years of previous law enforcement experience. He serves as a patrol officer, field training officer and firearms instructor. “As is standard protocol with any officer-involved shooting, the officer is currently on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation which takes place separately from the criminal investigation being conducted by the 21st Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team. This incident remains under investigation by CIRT,” the police department said in the news release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com. Source link #GJPD #identifies #officer #Jan #shooting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ACC Reveals 2025 Football Schedule – The ACC ACC Reveals 2025 Football Schedule – The ACC ACC Reveals 2025 Football Schedule The ACCClemson’s full 2025 football schedule unveiled Rivals.com – Clemson2025 FSU football schedule released: Dates, opponents Tomahawk NationUNC’s 2025 Football Schedule Released 247Sports Source link #ACC #Reveals #Football #Schedule #ACC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hurricanes underline Tasmania’s sporting purple patch Hurricanes underline Tasmania’s sporting purple patch Long an outpost of sporting insignificance, Tasmanians are soaking up the Hobart Hurricanes’ Big Bash League title as the latest hard-earned success by the Apple Isle. The Canes took out the T20 competition in style on Monday night with a seven-wicket thrashing of Sydney Thunder at the hands of home-town hero Mitch Owen. The opener struck 108 off just 42 ****** and is being tipped for stardom by true Tasmanian royalty – no, not Princess Mary, but former *********** captain Ricky Ponting. From the commentators’ box, Ponting made no attempt to hide his state pride, barracking home the team he joined as head of strategy in 2022. The Test great told AAP the occasion was “probably the biggest sporting moment in Tasmania’s history”. “It’s enormous,” he said. Those longer in the tooth might have picked the 1960 or 1990 State of Origin wins over Victoria that boasted similar sellouts at York Park and North Hobart Oval as their biggest moment, though there’s no doubting Monday night had a ******* footprint. Cricket Australia officials believed the BBL final would be seen by 1.5 million Australians, and at least that again overseas. The Hurricanes’ win is the latest sporting achievement to swell the hearts of those from the southernmost state. Last year was a banner year for Tasmania. The JackJumpers claimed their first NBL crown, Ariarne Titmus led the way in the Olympic pool with two gold in a haul of four medals, and Chris Fagan became the first Tasmanian to coach a side to an AFL premiership. Beau Webster broke into the Test side, looking right at home as he helped Pat Cummins’ side claim a series win over India, and now it seems Owen could also be set for national honours. Not bad for a state boasting just two per cent of Australia’s population. The AFL-mad state will also soon fulfil its long-held aspiration of joining the national competition, with a sparkling new Hobart waterfront stadium set to accompany the Tasmanian Devils in the league later this decade. While that deal could yet come undone through political machinations – with cost blowouts threatening the viability of the AFL-mandated stadium – Ponting said the momentum behind the state drew him in. “It was probably the main reason that I took the role,” he said. “With the JackJumpers on what they done, and the footy coming in, there was a chance that cricket could get left behind. “Now that this (title) has happened, we’ve got to make sure this isn’t a one-off, that this continues on.” Differentiating the Hurricanes’ win from the JackJumpers’ success, which was built off interstate and overseas talent, it was born-and-bred locals who earned the BBL win. Owen starred with the bat, Riley Meredith skittled the middle order and Matthew Wade was there at the death in a fine cameo of 32 runs. Meredith, who played with Bellerive-headquartered Clarence as a junior, said he was a first-generation Canes fan. “I’ve been supporting the team since the first BBL, so to be able to lift the trophy here is unbelievable,” Meredith said. As a 10-year-old, Owen was right there with Meredith. “I honestly don’t remember missing a game. I loved it,” he said. Wade, who began his career with the Melbourne Stars before coming home to Hobart, said contributing to Tasmania’s purple patch “meant heaps”. “The Jackies won last year, then we (Hurricanes) get a chance to win one as well, and we’ve got the AFL team coming in,” he told AAP. “Hobart is buzzing, and Tasmania in general. It’s a bit of a hotspot at the moment.” Source link #Hurricanes #underline #Tasmanias #sporting #purple #patch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Woman Exposes the Big Name Brands Behind Walmart’s “Great Value” Label Woman Exposes the Big Name Brands Behind Walmart’s “Great Value” Label I used to be a brand name snob and wouldn’t buy any “generic” brands when grocery shopping. But kids are expensive, and they eat a lot (especially 3 teens!), so as they grew, I began buying generic over name brands on certain items. I did a lot of shopping at Walmart because it’s so affordable and found that I actually preferred some of their Great Value products over name brand ones. Turns out, I’m not the only one! TikToker Lora is a wife and mom of three, and like me, she loves a good dupe. She recently read an article in Bon Appetit magazine and found that their experts preferred Walmart’s yellow cake mix over those with big brand names. This got her wondering if there were “Walmart food items masquerading behind fancier brand names” and what she found was pretty interesting! I’ll be the first to admit that there are some Great Value products that are not as good as their big brand competition. Take Great Value’s “Twist and Shout” cookies, a dupe on Oreos. They’re nowhere near as good! But the Fig Bars, their take on Fig Newtons, are even better than the originals! There was a lot of commenters who didn’t agree with @Lora’s video. @Momster said, “Nope! They may be made by same parent company, but ingredients are different, and they are subpar.” @Betty Diaz Flores462 agreed, “Right but made with cheaper ingredients do not at the same level of quality.” Commenter @Sonya Livingston added, “GV butter is absolutely NOT the same as Land O Lakes. The ketchup isn’t Heinz, either. Most of the time, I buy store brand, but there are items where only the brand will do.” @LindsayC81 shared, “I worked for Walmart and can agree…brand names do make a lot of the generic brands.” Related: This Walmart Wall Art Hack Only Cost $7 and Is Perfect Way to Showcase Your Kids’ Artwork Are Great Value Products High Quality? There was a lot of discussion about Great Value products not being as good as their name brand counterparts. Is there a right answer to whether or not they are? I don’t think so; I really think it comes down to personal preference. Some of the products are great while others are nowhere near as good. But if I asked a friend, they may think that the products I like aren’t good and the ones I dislike are good. I headed to Google to see what I could learn about Walmart’s Great Value products, “Products offered through the Great Value brand are often claimed by Walmart to be as good as national brand offerings, but are typically sold at a lower price because of lower marketing and advertising expense.” These products are “packaged by a number of agricultural and food corporations, such as ConAgra, and Sara Lee which, in addition to releasing products under its own brand and exclusively for Walmart, also manufactures and brands foods for a variety of other chain stores.” The label is also Walmart’s top-selling retail brand. I’m a huge fan of many of Walmart’s labels (Better Homes and Gardens is another fave) and love finding great bargains when I shop there. My kids don’t care if they’re eating Fig Bars or Fig Newtons, and if they can’t tell the difference, why would I pay more for a name they recognize! Source link #Woman #Exposes #Big #Brands #Walmarts #Great #Label Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Whole Foods Workers in Philadelphia Vote to Form Chain’s First Union – The New York Times Whole Foods Workers in Philadelphia Vote to Form Chain’s First Union – The New York Times Whole Foods Workers in Philadelphia Vote to Form Chain’s First Union The New York TimesCenter City’s Whole Foods Market holds high-stakes union vote, workers push to become first unionized store in U.S. WHYYWorkers at Whole Foods Store Back Union in Challenge to Amazon BloombergAmazon’s Fight With Unions Heads to Its Grocery Aisles The New York TimesWorkers at a Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia become the 1st to unionize Yahoo! Voices Source link #Foods #Workers #Philadelphia #Vote #Form #Chains #Union #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Peter Dutton declares WA can make him Prime Minister in 2025 Peter Dutton declares WA can make him Prime Minister in 2025 WA will decide the Federal election, Peter Dutton has declared, as he hit the campaign trail in the new seat of Bullwinkel and denied he has a problem with the female vote. A Newspoll on Monday put the Coalition within striking distance and found more voters are tipping a Dutton victory, but analysis of polling by Freshwater Strategy has found more young men leaning Liberal than Labor. “I think there is a significant shift underway,” Mr Dutton said. “And I think the reason that a lot of women are unhappy with the Prime Minister at the moment is that, largely, they’re responsible for household budgets, for trying to make everything add up. “People have a really difficult situation in their own lives at the moment and it’s not just your household budget that’s tight, it’s also the local farmer and the local IGA owner is paying more and more for electricity and cold storage and all of that’s being passed on.” Mr Dutton spent Tuesday morning pressing the flesh at a coffee shop in Kalamunda in Perth’s Hills, where the new seat of Bullwinkel is a three-way contest between Labor, the Liberals and the Nationals. The Liberal party is throwing resources at Bullwinkel, and growing confident of winning back Tangney from Labor and Curtin from teal-independent Kate Chaney. “I think on election night we’ll be looking west to see the results,” Mr Dutton said. “If we can change some of these seats, and Matt Moran can become the member for Bullwinkel, we can win. I think we can win the election but there’s a long way to go between now and then.” Camera IconOpposition Leader Peter Dutton visits Old Mates cafe in Kalumunda with WA senator Linda Reynolds and Liberal Bullwinkel candidate Matt Moran. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West *********** Earlier on Perth radio, he proved the gloves were off in the unofficial election campaign when he was challenged to draw Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and drew him a house “at Copacabana”, calling it his “retirement home”. Mr Albanese spent 14 hours in Perth yesterday, committing the Federal Government to a 50-50 funding split for an upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway. Mr Dutton is due to leave WA on Wednesday, as both leaders pick up the pace ahead of an election that must be held on or before May 17. Source link #Peter #Dutton #declares #Prime #Minister Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Suburban Chicago businessman sentenced to 3 years in prison for $3M fraud scheme Suburban Chicago businessman sentenced to 3 years in prison for $3M fraud scheme The Brief A suburban Chicago businessman was sentenced to three years in federal prison for orchestrating a 13-year fraud scheme involving stolen identities, falsified documents and millions in fraudulent loans. He used false information to obtain mortgages, vehicle loans, and credit cards, profiting by illegally removing liens and misusing the identities of vulnerable individuals. He was also ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution, while two associates face separate penalties for their roles in the scheme. CHICAGO – A suburban Chicago businessman was sentenced to three years in federal prison for a wide-ranging fraud scheme involving mortgage loans, vehicle loans and stolen identities, federal prosecutors announced Monday. The backstory Yale Schiff, 50, of Riverwoods, fraudulently obtained millions of dollars in loans by submitting false information to financial institutions about his employment, income, and other financial details. He also filed false documents with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds to fraudulently remove liens from properties, allowing him to reuse the same properties as collateral for multiple loans. Schiff then pocketed the proceeds and caused significant losses to lenders. In addition to mortgage fraud, Schiff used stolen and false identities to buy vehicles, fraudulently remove liens and then resell the cars for profit. He opened bank accounts and lines of credit using these identities, including one belonging to an elderly woman in memory care and another belonging to a dead friend. Schiff pleaded guilty to federal bank fraud in 2023. On Jan. 16, a U.S. District Judge sentenced him to three years in prison and ordered him to pay nearly $3 million in restitution. Dig deeper Two others were charged in connection with the scheme. Schiff’s brother, Jason Schiff of Lincolnwood, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and received three years of probation and $306,610 in restitution. Yale Schiff’s business associate, David Izsak of Chicago, was convicted on 10 counts of financial institution fraud and is awaiting sentencing. Source link #Suburban #Chicago #businessman #sentenced #years #prison #fraud #scheme Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Palestinians return to northern Gaza after months of displacement – The Washington Post Palestinians return to northern Gaza after months of displacement – The Washington Post Palestinians return to northern Gaza after months of displacement The Washington PostVideo: See displaced Palestinians return en masse to northern Gaza CNNPalestinians celebrate their return to northern Gaza after 15 months of war The Associated PressGaza residents stream home to the north after hostage breakthrough ReutersLive briefing: Displaced Palestinians begin returning to devastated northern Gaza The Washington Post Source link #Palestinians #return #northern #Gaza #months #displacement #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Decoding Melania Trump’s new official portrait Decoding Melania Trump’s new official portrait Regine Mahaux / The White House Mrs Trump’s official portrait was released on Monday US First Lady Melania Trump’s new official portrait has been released. Shot in the White House one day after her husband was sworn in as president, the ****** and white photo shows her wearing a dark business suit and white shirt as she rests her hands on a reflective table in the Yellow Oval Room. The Washington Monument, which towers over the nation’s capital, is seen in the background. Mrs Trump – a former fashion model herself – is familiar with having her clothing choices and poses dissected by critics. The portrait was shot by Régine Mahaux, a photographer from Belgium who has been taking photos of the Trump family for more than 20 years. She also photographed Mrs Trump’s official portrait in 2017, for Trump’s first term in office. “I was really honoured to be chosen to shoot this official portrait for the second time,” Ms Mahaux told the BBC on Monday. “As an artist to work with such an inspiring woman is a great privilege. She is a perfectionist and is really involved in the creative process.” Here is what experts said about the image. ‘This photographer is a person she trusts’ Gwendolyn DuBois Shaw is the Faculty Director for the Department of History of Art at the University of Pennsylvania. She curated the exhibition Every Eye is Upon Me: First Ladies of the United States at The National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. Like the official portrait from her husband’s first administration, also by the Trumps’ favourite photographer Régine Mahaux, this picture of Melania Trump shows her wearing business attire and posed in front of a window. While the window in the first picture was recognisable to White House aficionados as it was located in the family quarters of the executive mansion, this one sited in the Yellow Oval Room facing the Ellipse features the Washington Monument placed just off to the left behind the First Lady. The rhyming of her body with this well-known obelisk, a symbol of the power invested in the first presidency, is striking. Her pose, with fingertips placed firmly on a remarkably reflective table, seems to communicate a readiness to “get down to business” and act upon the platform afforded to the unique role of hostess and advocate for the disempowered that Americans have historically expected first ladies to inhabit. Mrs Trump is extraordinarily comfortable in front of the camera, and this probably has a lot to do with her past as a model. But I think the relationship that she has developed with Ms Mahaux over the past two decades accounts for most of that ease. This photographer is a person that she trusts to make her appear confident, composed, and classy. To be good at their jobs, models must put themselves in the hands of the photographer who is directing the shoot and trusting that the resulting pictures will serve their purpose is critical to the equation. Mrs Trump trusts Ms Mahaux to accurately communicate her message, whatever that may be. The message of this picture is that the first lady has moved from the marginal space of the family quarters to the room just above the Oval Office. She appears ready to wield more of the power that she seemed rather reluctant to embrace in her first stay at the White House. And yet, she has positioned herself firmly behind that ultra shiny table, keeping a bit of a boundary between herself and the viewer. Staying a little mysterious, a little enigmatic, and a little inscrutable. White House / Régine Mahaux Her first portrait, released in 2017, was in colour and showed the first lady with lips parted in a quasi-smile ‘At odds with the first lady’s traditional role’ Ellie Violet Bramley is a fashion writer who says the portrait carries a heaviness that appears at odds with the traditional role of a first lady. From the suit to the stance, the new portrait feels carefully orchestrated to exude a kind of power that feels at odds with the first lady’s traditional role of softening a presidency in the public’s eyes – and making it feel more human. Unlike the military-inflected ensemble worn by the first lady on inauguration day, this is a look that feels more aligned with corporate power. Ditto the stance: the positioning of the hands on the table seems intended to semaphore a kind of business-like intention – it has, after all, been reported that the first lady has been “preparing intensively” for the White House this time around. Much could be read into the details. Her shirt might be undone, in contrast to the severe, buttoned-up tailoring of last week, but her shoulders are sharp and accentuated. Her wide lapels could be reminiscent of the suiting of 1980s New York, a time and place when Melania’s husband cut his teeth, but the silhouette is more sculpted and modern. During Trump’s first presidency, Mrs Trump was largely quiet, beyond a slogan jacket that read “I really don’t care, do you?” worn to a migrant child detention centre, and her Be Best platform, which had somewhat vague aims such as promoting healthy living. This time around, her appearances have hinted at a more intentional second run. The Washington Monument stands in the background, locating her very firmly in DC and not New York or Mar-a-Lago. And gone is the soft focus, the half-smile and the parted lips from her official portrait last time she was in the White House. Gone also is the colour: this time around the portrait is ****** and white. Much can be read into her eyes. The mere fact that they are so directly looking at camera – and the viewer in turn – in contrast to inauguration day when she opted for a boater hat that shrouded her eyes, feels noteworthy. But while eye contact can be about approachability, here it doesn’t read that way. If previous first ladies such as Michele Obama and Jill Biden made accessibility their brand, in her official portrait, Melania remains enigmatic. Source link #Decoding #Melania #Trumps #official #portrait Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA port set to make its first sulphur export in many years after Ravensthorpe nickel closure WA port set to make its first sulphur export in many years after Ravensthorpe nickel closure An ‘unusual’ shipment from the remnants of a major mining operation will set sail from Esperance Port on Wednesday. Source link #port #set #sulphur #export #years #Ravensthorpe #nickel #closure Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Spectator is killed by a stray hammer thrown at a Colorado youth track and field meet Spectator is killed by a stray hammer thrown at a Colorado youth track and field meet An errant weight thrown by a competitor in a hammer throw event struck and killed a spectator at a youth track and field meet in Colorado, according to officials at the university where the competition was held. The weight cleared certified barriers before striking the man Sunday morning at the University of Colorado’s Colorado Springs campus, according to a university statement. Firefighters pronounced the man dead at the scene. He apparently had tried to shield his wife and son from the ball, KRDO-TV reported. The so-called hammer in the hammer throw event is actually a heavy ball on a chain. Authorities did not identify the athlete or the man killed. He was the father of a competitor for the Colorado United Track Club that hosted the event for high school-age athletes from around the state, according to the station. “We are heartbroken at this horrible accident and are focused on supporting all involved,” campus Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet said in a statement. The weight used in the hammer throw event is 16 pounds (7 kilograms) for men and 9 pounds (4 kilograms) for women in adult competition, according to World Athletics, the international track and field governing body. Fatal accidents at track and field competitions are rare. A hammer killed a student at a college track and field meet at Wheaton College in Illinois in 2017. A shot put ball struck and killed an officiant during practice at the U.S. track and field championships in Los Angeles in 2005. Source link #Spectator #killed #stray #hammer #thrown #Colorado #youth #track #field #meet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders – The Associated Press US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders – The Associated Press US places dozens of senior aid officials on leave, citing possible resistance to Trump orders The Associated PressTrump Administration Puts Dozens of USAID Officials on Paid Leave The New York TimesUS has assured multiple ******** countries that aid freeze to be lifted after review The Times of Israel Source link #places #dozens #senior #aid #officials #leave #citing #resistance #Trump #orders #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Raptors tip Pelicans for fourth straight win Raptors tip Pelicans for fourth straight win TORONTO – Jakob Poeltl and Scottie Barnes each recorded double-doubles as the Toronto Raptors beat the New Orleans Pelicans 113-104 on Monday for their fourth straight victory. Barnes scored 21 points to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists, while the big man Poeltl also had 21 points while adding 14 boards. Zion Williamson paced the Pelicans with 31 points and seven rebounds on 11-for-14 shooting from the field, and Dejounte Murray pitched in with 21 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. Toronto (14-32) has now won six of its past seven contests, while New Orleans (12-35) dropped its third straight. The Pelicans led 73-72 at the outset of the fourth quarter after erasing an earlier 17-point deficit thanks to a 35-18 third frame. Related Videos 1:32 Toronto Raptors players surprise students in Kahnawake Previous Video Next Video But the Raptors rallied with a 17-6 run fuelled by Barnes and Poeltl, who combined for 12 of the team’s points in that stretch, and held the Pelicans at arm’s length for the rest of the game. Story continues below advertisement Toronto led 25-20 after a low-scoring first quarter in which the teams combined for 11 turnovers, but the Raptors found their offensive touch in the second frame and built a 56-40 lead at halftime. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. ********* Chris Boucher had 14 points off the bench for the Raptors. Earlier Monday, Barnes was named Eastern Conference Player of the week after averaging averaged 22 points, 9.7 rebounds and six rebounds across three Raptors victories. More on Sports More videos TAKEAWAYS Raptors: Toronto’s defence, ranked 25th leaguewide in points allowed per game, showed continued signs of life after limiting New Orleans to a 31.7 per cent shooting percentage in the first half, including a 2-for-14 mark from three. A 35-point third quarter for the Pelicans erased much of the good work, but the Raptors turned up the heat again in the fourth en route to victory. Pelicans: The enigmatic former No. 1 pick Williamson looked like the star he was billed as when he was drafted out of Duke in 2019. He constantly beat Raptors defenders with his unique blend of force, bounciness and finesse and his point total marked his highest since returning from a strained hamstring on Jan. 7. Trending Now Survey says more young Canadians believe the history of the Holocaust is exaggerated China’s DeepSeek could upend AI business models. Here’s why KEY MOMENT Pelicans coach ******* Green was ejected in the fourth quarter after arguing a non-call against Williamson during which the star player lost his shoe. Story continues below advertisement Barnes hit the subsequent pair of technical free throws, giving the Raptors a 10-point advantage. KEY STAT The victory marks the Raptors’ first four-game winning streak since Feb. 12-25, 2023 — a stretch that also included a home triumph over the Pelicans. UP NEXT Pelicans: Host the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Raptors: Visit the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. This report by The ********* Press was first published Jan. 27, 2025. &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Raptors #tip #Pelicans #fourth #straight #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

BMW M3 CS Touring teased as an even hotter wagon BMW M3 CS Touring teased as an even hotter wagon BMW‘s M division has previewed its latest high-performance project – an even hotter version of the M3 Touring. Teased in a brief social media clip and manufactured ‘spy’ shot, the camouflaged wagon will almost certainly be dubbed the M3 CS Touring, following in the footsteps of Competition Sport-badged performance flagship versions of the M3 sedan and M4 coupe. Production is expected to be limited to fewer than 2000 examples worldwide, as was the case with the M3 CS sedan. Photographs taken at the Nurburgring suggest that BMW may unleash the M3 CS Touring on the iconic racetrack with the goal of breaking the lap record for production wagons, currently held by the regular M3 Touring with a time of seven minutes and 35 seconds. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Camera IconSource: BMW M Instagram Credit: CarExpert It’s not yet known what specific changes the M3 CS Touring will receive above the existing hot wagon, though it’s likely to closely follow the existing formula. In CS tune, the M3’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six engine produces 30kW more than the M3 Competition, taking it to 405kW, while torque remains at 650Nm. The CS sedan can sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.4 seconds, two-tenths quicker than the M3 Competition xDrive. An all-wheel drive system and eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission will remain. Other upgrades from the CS sedan will likely be applied to the Touring, with some variation between the body styles. Such enhancements could include a performance exhaust, track-ready tyres, bespoke stability control and M drive modes, a more aggressive wheel alignment, and CS-specific auxiliary springs, anti-roll bars, electronically controlled dampers and variable-ratio steering. Camera IconSource: BMW M Instagram Credit: CarExpert Lightness is another element of the CS ethos, with weight-saving measures for the M3 sedan including the fitment of a carbon-fibre roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, exterior mirror caps, rear diffuser and rear spoiler. The carbon-fibre treatment also made its way into the cabin, specifically on the centre console, shift paddles and other trim strips. While BMW is yet to reveal the M3 CS Touring or confirm it for Australia, our market has previously received limited-run models, and the hotter wagon is expected to be no exception. If it does come here, the M3 CS Touring is likely to receive a sharp price increase above its usual $186,900 before on-road costs sticker, given the M3 CS sedan was $65,000 more than the Competition xDrive upon which it was based. MORE: Everything BMW M3 Source link #BMW #Touring #teased #hotter #wagon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China’s Deepseek should be a ‘wakeup call’ to US tech China’s Deepseek should be a ‘wakeup call’ to US tech STORY: :: Trump says ******** startup DeepSeek’s AI tech should be ‘a wake up call’ for US :: January 27, 2025 :: Miami, Florida “Today and over the last couple of days, I’ve been reading about China and some of the companies in China, one in particular coming up with a faster method of A.I. and much less expensive method. And that’s good because you don’t have to spend this much money. I view that as a positive, as an asset.” “The release of DeepSeek A.I. from a ******** company should be a wake up call for our industries that we need to be laser focused on competing to win, because we have the greatest scientists in the world, even ******** leadership told me that.” “We always have the ideas, we’re always first. So I would say that’s a positive, that could be very much a positive development. So instead of spending billions and billions, you’ll spend less and you’ll come up with hopefully the same solution.” Source link #Chinas #Deepseek #wakeup #call #tech Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia plunges as DeepSeek triggers questions on its value Nvidia plunges as DeepSeek triggers questions on its value Justin Sullivan | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. What you need to know today $600 billion plunge in Nvidia Nvidia shares plunged nearly 17% on Monday, its worst day since March 2020, on concerns raised by China’s DeepSeek artificial intelligence model. The chipmaker lost close to $600 billion in market cap, the biggest drop for any company on a single day in U.S. history. Other stocks related to AI, such as Micron, Arm Holdings and Broadcom in the U.S., as well as ASML and Tokyo Electron in global markets, also fell sharply. DeepSeek raises questions on AI investmentsChinese AI startup DeepSeek on Monday released its reasoning model R1, which rivals OpenAI’s o1. Its main claim to fame is that the model was built with chips less powerful than those U.S. AI firms use and could have cost less than 10% of Meta’s Llama, according to estimates by Jefferies analysts. That fanned fears that the huge investments into AI by U.S. firms are unwarranted and a bubble waiting to pop. Energy shares fizzle outPower companies most exposed to the tech sector’s data center ***** plunged Monday, as DeepSeek’s claims led investors to question how much energy artificial intelligence applications will actually consume. Vistra closed nearly 30% lower while Talen Energy and GE Vernova tumbled more than 20%. All three stocks gave up this year’s gains. Tech shares batteredMajor U.S. benchmarks fell Monday on a broad retreat by semiconductor and AI-related stocks, though the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to advance. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index ticked down 0.07%, recovering from steep losses earlier. But stocks with ties AI, such as Siemens Energy and Schneider Electric, ended the day sharply lower. [PRO] Nvidia sell-off an ‘overreaction’: Tom LeeNvidia’s slump is “an overreaction” at a scale close to the 2020 pandemic-sparked sell-off, Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, told CNBC. Here’s why Lee isn’t changing his mind on Nvidia for now. The bottom line The Nvidia rout, triggered by DeepSeek-induced worries that AI models don’t actually need billions of dollars’ worth of expensive chips, is deep and scary. There’s no other way of putting it. Prior to Monday, the chipmaker was the most valuable publicly traded company. After the sell-off, which wiped close to $600 billion in Nvidia’s market capitalization, the company dropped to third place, behind Apple and Microsoft. To put that tectonic shift into context, Nvidia’s plummet in market cap is larger than the entire market value of Netflix and double that of Wells Fargo, noted CNBC’s Adrian van Hauwermeiren. And it matters for investors because Nvidia, in all likelihood, holds a place in their portfolios, considering how much the stock market has relied on the chipmaker for its gains the past two years. Even if investors, for some reason, are not exposed to Nvidia, its shares are among the top 15 holdings of 469 exchange traded funds, according to VettaFi, added van Hauwermeiren. Nvidia aside, other AI-adjacent plays fell steeply, causing the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite to slide 3.07%. The S&P 500 lost 1.46%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, which climbed 0.65%, was somewhat shielded from the Monday bloodbath by gains in Apple, Johnson & Johnson and Travelers. “It’s a good example of selling first and asking questions later, and investors sort of feeling that valuations are a bit stretched for technology in general and for semiconductors in particular,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research. “We’re going to have volatility, especially when we’re dealing with a richly valued market and exogenous events,” Stovall added. Indeed, the CBOE VIX index — which measures the strength of 30-day price changes of the S&P and is hence seen as Wall Street’s fear gauge — jumped by 20.5% on Monday, though it managed to dip from the 45% increase earlier in the day. That said, there were still pockets in the market where stocks rose, suggesting that “investors are not bailing out of stocks necessarily, but are rotating into the defensive areas,” as Stovall put it. Some tech stocks even rose despite the pall cast over the sector by DeepSeek. Shares of Salesforce, Adobe and Palo Alto Networks rose on the prospect that AI costs could go down and expand their margins, according to John Belton, portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds. In other words, DeepSeek isn’t proving that AI is a fantastical hole into which investors and companies have been pouring money. On the contrary, it suggests that AI is more accessible and affordable than thought — if DeepSeek’s claims about its low costs are proven true, investors have to get used to a different way of playing AI. — CNBC’s Lisa Kailai Han, Fred Imbert, Pia Singh, Jesse Pound, Michelle Fox, Nicholas Wells, Adrian van Hauwermeiren, Scott Schnipper contributed to this report. Source link #Nvidia #plunges #DeepSeek #triggers #questions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]