Pelican Press

Major Case Squad arrests three suspects in ******* of Collinsville woman outside home Major Case Squad arrests three suspects in ******* of Collinsville woman outside home Investigators with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis have arrested three suspects in connection with the ******* of a 32-year-old woman outside her Collinsville home. The suspects were taken into custody in three different locations, according to Collinsville police Lt. Eric Owen, who is serving as deputy commander for the investigation. “I can’t really speak much on the suspects at this time, other than to say that we will be seeking felony charges with the Madison County state’s attorney early Monday,” Owen said. “We still have a lot of leads to follow up on and a lot of work that we’re still doing.” Portia Rowland was shot and killed early Tuesday morning outside her home at 1301 Olive St., near Woodland Park in Collinsville. The Major Case Squad later released a photo from a security camera of a suspect wearing a ****** hoodie and holding a handgun. On Saturday, Owen declined to comment on whether that suspect was among the three arrested. He indicated that investigators could hold a news conference on the case as early as Monday. “(The suspects) haven’t been formally charged, but obviously if we’ve arrested them, we had probable cause to do so,” Owen said. Owen confirmed that investigators believe Rowland was targeted instead of victimized by a random crime. Her car was running, so she may have been warming it up before work. Collinsville police responded shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday to a report of gunshots heard in the vicinity of Olive Street and Indiana Avenue, according to a news release from the Major Case Squad that afternoon. Police found Rowland, who had been shot, lying near the garage of her home. She was pronounced dead at the scene by a representative of the Madison County coroner’s office. Collinsville police requested assistance from the Major Case Squad, which deployed about 30 investigators. Rowland was a 2010 graduate of Collinsville High School, according to an obituary posted by Irwin’s Chapel. She worked as a mechanic for Metropolitan Sewer District in St. Louis. “Portia was a talented athlete, and she excelled in playing flag football, volleyball and billiards,” the obituary states. “Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and hanging out with her friends. Portia will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.” A visitation for Rowland will be held from 4-7 p.m. Monday at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, followed by a ******** service at 7 p.m. Anyone with information on the shooting is being asked to contact the Major Case Squad through Collinsville police at 618-344-2131, ext. 5924, or Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477). A police officer secures yellow tape around a home at 1301 Olive St. in Collinsville on Tuesday morning, shortly after a fatal shooting on the property. An X marks the location of a home on Olive Street at Indiana Avenue, near Woodland Park in Collinsville, where a fatal shooting occurred early Tuesday morning. Source link #Major #Case #Squad #arrests #suspects #******* #Collinsville #woman #home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Latin American countries push back against Trump's deportation moves – USA TODAY Latin American countries push back against Trump's deportation moves – USA TODAY Latin American countries push back against Trump’s deportation moves USA TODAYColombia turns away two US military flights with deported migrants, official says Reuters CanadaColombia’s President Says He Will Not Accept U.S. Deportation Flights The New York Times Source link #Latin #American #countries #push #Trump039s #deportation #moves #USA #TODAY Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India celebrates republic with fighter jets, daredevils India celebrates republic with fighter jets, daredevils Colourful costumes, fighter jet formations and motorbike stunts by army daredevils marked India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Thousands gathered in the capital on Sunday to watch the parade of troops from India’s defence forces and dance performances. January 26 marks the day the nation’s secular constitution came into effect in 1950. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu and other political and government leaders attended, with the visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto as chief guest. A daredevil unit performed and some 40 aircraft, including 22 Indian Air Force fighter jets, participated in an air show across a clear sky. The Indian government says 5000 artists performed over 45 dances. India achieved independence from Britain on August 15, 1947. Source link #India #celebrates #republic #fighter #jets #daredevils Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Very proud of what we have achieved’ ‘Very proud of what we have achieved’ A French aviation company has completed a successful test flight of its next-gen aircraft, and a Florida city stands to benefit after agreeing to be a site for two assembly plants. As detailed by The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Aura Aero’s Integral E two-seat aircraft embarked on its maiden flight at the Toulouse Francazal Airport on Dec. 3. The lightweight electric plane can be recharged within 30 minutes, and the manufacturer estimates each hour of flight will cost around half as much as one in a dirty fuel-powered aircraft. “The first flight of Integral E is a huge step forward, not only because the Integral family is now complete, but also because this aircraft is one of the first to address, an electric version, many of the needs expressed by training schools and flying clubs,” said company president Jeremy Caussade, who co-founded Aura Aero in 2018 with a pair of aeronautical engineers. “We are very proud of what we have achieved in six years and of the commercial success of the Integral family. Decarbonization of aviation is now a reality,” he added. The other two members of the Integral family — the Integral R and Integral S — are also two-seaters built from wood-carbon combinations for “optimized lightness,” per the company, but the Integral E is the first electric Integral, contributing to the company’s overall goal of reducing its aviation pollution by 55% over the next five years. All in all, the aviation sector accounted for 2.4% of carbon pollution in 2018 — a deceptively small figure given that the percentage would’ve ranked sixth in planet-warming gas generation if it were a country, per the Environmental and Energy Study Institute. (To put that in perspective, the United Nations consists of 193 member states.) Watch now: Would you try butter made from air? With the rising global temperature leading to increased food insecurity, more intense extreme weather, and rising displacement and disease spread, multiple industries are working to limit harmful pollution from otherwise beneficial services. For instance, plant-based bioplastics may help the medical sector pivot from conventional plastics, which are derived from highly polluting dirty fuels. In aviation, electric aircraft are receiving buzz because they don’t spew pollution when operated. In September 2022, the first all-electric passenger flight from Eviation took to the skies for eight minutes. Today, more and more electric (and hybrid) options are hitting the market. According to the News-Journal, a facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Research Park in Daytona Beach will begin manufacturing the Integral E in 2025 and employ around 20 workers. The two-seater should take to the skies in 2026 after final testing and approvals. Construction on a 500,000-square-foot assembly plant for Aura Aero’s eight-engine electric regional aircraft is also underway near Daytona Beach International Airport. When complete, the facility will build 19-seater commuter planes and cargo aircraft that can carry 1.9 tons. It is expected to bring more than 1,000 well-paying jobs to the area. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #proud #achieved Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

DR Congo updates: UN chief urges Rwanda to pull back troops – DW (English) DR Congo updates: UN chief urges Rwanda to pull back troops – DW (English) DR Congo updates: UN chief urges Rwanda to pull back troops DW (English)Rebels enter outskirts of Goma and close the airport in the eastern Congo hub The Associated PressRwandan army ‘ready to invade DRC’ and help rebels seize city | Global development The GuardianCongo rebels close in on eastern city, forcing thousands to flee Reuters Source link #Congo #updates #chief #urges #Rwanda #pull #troops #English Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*********** Open 2025: Jannik Sinner will be ‘one of greatest players we’ve ever seen’ after Melbourne victory *********** Open 2025: Jannik Sinner will be ‘one of greatest players we’ve ever seen’ after Melbourne victory The image of Sinner vomiting into a wheelie bin by the side of the court is not one many would expect to mark the start of a new reign of dominance in men’s tennis. But that image, as he battled illness at the China Open in October 2023, has become synonymous with the moment Sinner evolved into a serial title winner. He would go on to win that match. And that tournament. And most matches he has contested in the 15 months since. From the start of that tournament in Beijing, Sinner’s record is 98 wins and just nine defeats – and three of those losses were against four-time Grand Slam champion and rival Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner replaced Novak Djokovic as world number one in June 2024 and since then has won a record-equalling 47 of his first 50 matches as the top ranked men’s player, matching Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors. He also has a 30-2 record at Slams since winning his first Melbourne title 12 months ago. Cash said: “Sinner and Alcaraz are so far ahead of everybody else. “Until other young guys come through it is a two-horse race. We saw that for a while with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, then [came] Andy Murray, Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka. “Things can change really quickly, but as of now it’s a one-horse or two-horse race for the Grand Slams.” Source link #*********** #Open #Jannik #Sinner #greatest #players #weve #Melbourne #victory Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Albanese’s multimillion-dollar commitment to battle anti-Semitism Albanese’s multimillion-dollar commitment to battle anti-Semitism The Albanese government has made a multimillion funding promise to battle anti-Semitism in Australia with investment in education initiatives. Source link #Albaneses #multimilliondollar #commitment #battle #antiSemitism Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fujifilm to double spending on chip materials as U.S., Japan and South Korea up chip production Fujifilm to double spending on chip materials as U.S., Japan and South Korea up chip production Fujifilm Holdings, a major maker of raw materials for semiconductor production and one of a few suppliers of ultra-pure photoresists for EUV lithography, plans to invest ¥100 billion ($640.5 million) by March 2027 to increase its semiconductor materials production globally, according to Nikkei. The company reportedly aims to expand capacities in the U.S., Japan, and South Korea as major chipmakers are building up new advanced fabs in the said countries. Yet, Fujifilm has yet to confirm the plan. The outlined spending will double its investment from the last three years, aiming to meet growing demand driven by new fabs in the U.S. (Intel, TSMC), Japan (Kioxia, Micron, TSMC), and South Korea (Samsung, SK hynix) as well as production of ultra-high-end processors for AI and HPC sectors. In addition, the company also plans to tap the Indian market as India is a country that seeks to make microelectronics as well. Fujifilm ranks fifth globally in photosensitive semiconductor materials and it supplies major chipmakers like TSMC and Samsung. It is also one of five makers of ultra-pure EUV photoresists along with JSR, DuPont, Tokyo Ohka Kogyo (TOK), and Shin-Etsu Chemical. As EUV operates at an extremely short wavelength of 13.5nm, photoresists must meet stringent requirements in terms of sensitivity, resolution, line-edge roughness, and compatibility with EUV photomask materials. Onshoring of advanced chip production has a drastic effect on the whole semiconductor industry as not only actual chipmakers like Intel and TSMC are establishing new manufacturing facilities, investing tens of billions of dollars, but their ecosystem partners follow, which is the case with Fujifilm. Fujifilm plans to enhance production near key clients to strengthen partnerships and better serve the rapidly growing semiconductor market. In Japan, Fujifilm is constructing a new facility in Shizuoka for ¥13 billion ($83.27 million). In South Korea, a facility in Pyeongtaek will receive new equipment that is going online by autumn. Additionally, in Cheonan, a plant for producing abrasive agents will boost output capacity by 30% once mass production begins by spring 2027. The company is also exploring opportunities in India, where it may partner with local firms or establish a joint venture to produce chip materials. Depending on client activity, Fujifilm could build its own facilities there, after fiscal 2027. Fujifilm identifies chipmaking materials as a key area for growth and plans to double its sales in this sector, targeting ¥500 billion ($3.2 billion) by fiscal 2030, up from the fiscal 2024 level. The expansion aligns with Japan’s dominant position in this critical supply chain as currently the country controls half of the market for essential semiconductor materials. Research by Fuji Keizai cited by Nikkei predicts the global chipmaking materials market will expand by 35%, reaching $58.3 billion by 2029 compared to 2023 levels. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Fujifilm #double #spending #chip #materials #U.S #Japan #South #Korea #chip #production Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Person missing after vehicle breaks through ice on Yukon’s Lake Laberge: RCMP Person missing after vehicle breaks through ice on Yukon’s Lake Laberge: RCMP Whitehorse RCMP are searching for a vehicle that went through the ice on Yukon’s Lake Laberge early Saturday morning, with a person still thought to be inside. Police were first notified that the vehicle had gone through the ice around 1 a.m. Saturday, while a group of people were ice fishing on the lake, RCMP said in a news release. Three people were in the vehicle when it submerged, police said. Two people were able to get out and reach safety, but the third person has not been found. “Police continue to investigate this tragic event with the assistance of the Yukon Coroner’s Service,” the release said. Police said the investigation will involve a “complex and lengthy recovery operation.” British Columbia RCMP’s Underwater Recovery Team will be assisting with the operation, which is expected to take several days. Police are asking people to avoid Lake Laberge while the investigators work. Source link #Person #missing #vehicle #breaks #ice #Yukons #Lake #Laberge #RCMP Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Colombia turns away military deportation flights from U.S., officials say Colombia turns away military deportation flights from U.S., officials say Colombian President Gustavo Petro speaking during a press conference in Bogota, Colombia, on February 8, 2024, after a meeting with the United Nations Security Council. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Colombia has denied entry to two U.S. military deportation flights, according to officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the Defense Department. The flights, carried out on U.S. military C-17 aircraft, were carrying about 80 Colombian migrants each and had departed from California, the defense official told NBC News. Initially cleared for landing, the flights were grounded after Colombian President Gustavo Petro suddenly revoked all diplomatic clearances for the aircraft, the official said. This comes after Mexico temporarily blocked two U.S. planes with 80 passengers each from landing last week, frustrating deportation plans and sparking tensions. While the issue was later resolved, ******** officials have express opposition to the U.S.’ unilateral actions around immigration measures. In a statement shared on X, Petro criticized the use of military planes for deportation. “A migrant is not a criminal and should be treated with the dignity a human being deserves,” he wrote. “We will receive our nationals in civilian airplanes, without treating them as criminals. Colombia must be respected.” This story is developing. Please check back for updates. Source link #Colombia #turns #military #deportation #flights #U.S #officials Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Congo severs ties with Rwanda as rebels close in on Goma, displacing thousands – CNN Congo severs ties with Rwanda as rebels close in on Goma, displacing thousands – CNN Congo severs ties with Rwanda as rebels close in on Goma, displacing thousands CNNRebels enter outskirts of Goma and close the airport in the eastern Congo hub The Associated PressDRC cuts diplomatic ties with Rwanda over violence, UN calls emergency meet Al Jazeera EnglishSix peacekeepers killed fighting rebels in eastern Congo, officials say, as rebels close in on Goma CNNCongo rebels close in on eastern city, forcing thousands to flee Reuters Source link #Congo #severs #ties #Rwanda #rebels #close #Goma #displacing #thousands #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Auschwitz survivors return as world remembers Nazi death camp 80 years on Auschwitz survivors return as world remembers Nazi death camp 80 years on Paul Kirby Reporting from Auschwitz BBC Conditions at Birkenau are harsh in January and organisers have erected a tent on the site to protect them About 50 survivors of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau will return to the site on Monday to remember the day it was finally liberated on 27 January 1945. They will be joined by heads of state including King Charles and other European royalty, Emmanuel Macron of France and ******* President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. But it will be the survivors – most in their late 80s and 90s – not the dignitaries, whose voices will be heard during the commemorations at the camp, where 1.1 people were murdered, most of them Jews. Their message is to tell the world what happened here and ensure that it never happens again. “Every soul on this earth has the right to live,” says Jona Laks, who is now 94 and arrived with her twin and elder sisters in 1944. “Auschwitz was a laboratory for killing people. This was its task and it proved itself: few survived Auschwitz.” Claims Conference Jona Laks, now 94, survived the medical experiments of Josef Mengele at Auschwitz Although daytime temperatures in recent days have climbed well above freezing and much of the snow has melted, many of the 50 arriving for Monday’s commemorations are now too frail to stay in the open for long. Instead, an enormous, heated tent has been erected over the “Death Gate”, as the entrance to Birkenau is known. The day will begin with survivors and Polish President Andrzej Duda laying a wreath at “Death Wall” at the first Auschwitz camp, where thousands of Polish prisoners, Jews and Soviet prisoners of war were shot. Later, the scene will move to the death camp at Birkenau, known as Auschwitz II. Each big anniversary to mark the camp’s liberation by Soviet troops is different. Thirty years ago, there was far less international interest, as renowned writer Elie Wiesel led a large group of fellow survivors and relatives to one of the crematoria blown up by the Nazis before they fled. US States Holocaust Memorial Museum This aerial photo of Birkenau from December 21 1944 shows how the Nazis had already begun to destroy the gas chambers and crematoria ******* historian Susanne Willems speaks lovingly of the survivors she has met over several decades: “Many were like favourite grandfathers to me. Of course we’ve lost many of them and it’s my duty to carry on and become their witness.” There will be no political speeches from international leaders beside the Death Gate, and no Russian presence because of the full-scale war launched against Ukraine almost three years ago, even though the camp was liberated by the Russian-dominated 60th Army of the First Ukrainian Front. Vladimir Putin attended the 60th anniversary; he is not welcome now. The Nazis’ decision to wipe out Europe’s Jewish population in extermination camps went into operation early in 1942. Six were built in occupied Poland: at Chelmno, Belzec, Sobibor, Treblinka, Majdanek and Auschwitz-Birkenau. Treblinka was far smaller than Auschwitz, and yet 800,000-850,00 Jews were murdered there in a far shorter *******. Heinrich Himmler, supreme chief of the dreaded SS, and camp commandant Rudolf Höss oversaw the expansion of the Auschwitz complex to construct a second camp at Birkenau for industrial *******. By the end of 1942 there were four separate gas chambers and crematoria. Some of the blocks for the Nazis’ prisoners at Auschwitz-Birkenau are still intact The first mass deportations of Jews to Birkenau came from Slovakia and France in March 1942, and then in July from the Netherlands and Belgium as well, walking under that sign and on to their deaths. Soon trains would arrive at Birkenau at a specially constructed ramp, a short distance away from two gas chambers and at one point 12,000 Jews were being gassed and their bodies burned every day. Jona Laks had already lost her parents at Chelmo and arrived in 1944 with her twin sister Miriam and elder sister Chana from the Lodz ghetto further north. “I was ordered to go to the left, which meant the crematorium, whereas my twin was sent to the right. That was only because the man was so bored, he would say ‘Left, right, left, right’ not even looking at the the people. I didn’t know that left meant death, but I did know it wasn’t good,” she told the BBC. Jona Laks Jona Laks (L), with twin sister Miriam, survived the Lodz Ghetto, Auschwitz and the death march Eighty to 90% of new arrivals were sent to their deaths while others were selected for slave labour. “I was already very close to the gate; I could see the sparks, fire coming out of the chimneys and I could even feel the smell of burned flesh.” Jona Laks was saved only because her elder sister shouted out that she should not be separated from her twin and word reached the infamous Nazi “Angel of Death” at the camp, Josef Mengele, who used part of Birkenau for often deadly medical experiments on twins. Women and children, the elderly and infirm were sent immediately to the gas chambers. My own grandfather, on the first Dutch transport, survived slave labour for a month and a day, until 18 August 1942. His sister, Geertje van Hasselt, her school headteacher husband Simon, and their two daughters Hermi, 14 , and nine-year-old Sophia were murdered on arrival on 12 February 1943. Hermi van Hasselt was 14 when she was murdered, her sister Sophia was nine Almost a million European Jews were murdered here from 1941 to 1945. But the dead also include some 70,000 Polish prisoners, 21,000 Roma and 15,000 Soviet prisoners of war, and an unknown number of gay men. Auschwitz drew 1.83 million visitors last year and although it is closed for the commemoration large numbers walked around the museum spread out in many of the old blocks across Auschwitz 1 at the weekend, and then the desolate, sprawling site of Birkenau. The scale of the site is daunting. The remains of many of the blocks are cordoned off, with brick foundations all that is left as you peer into the distance. But the ruins of two gas chambers and crematoria remain, blown up as the Nazis sought to destroy the evidence. “It makes you feel anxious being here. You don’t realise how sad it is until you see it,” said a young woman with a group of friends from Lancashire, all aged 18. Abigail, Siah, Molly, Eve and Millie visited the site of the Birkenau death camp at the weekend “Obviously you learn about it, but it’s crazy when you see it in real life,” said another. “It’s crazy to think that some people don’t think it exists.” Far-right parties have made big advances in several European countries, not least in Germany, where the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) is in second place in opinion polls ahead of next month’s election. Historian Susanne Willems, who has for years brought groups to Auschwitz, last week took a group of police from Berlin to Auschwitz to explain the rise of Nazism and how any military-type of hierarchy runs the risk of moving into authoritarianism. “I’m doing this work to help these people have a clear understanding of what the limits of police action need to be, and that whatever they’re asked to do, it remains their own decision whether to obey or not; and that they have the right, in fact the duty, to refuse anything that is, from their understanding, against human rights.” The ruins of the sprawling Birkenau site stretch far into the distance Among those who are not in Poland for the commemoration is Italy’s best-known living Auschwitz survivor, Liliana Segre, 94, who will instead be taking part in events in Rome. A lifelong senator, Segre receives police protection because of a torrent of antisemitic abuse, which has hit a new level on social media since a documentary was released this month on her life. Her father and grandparents were all murdered at Birkenau, but like Jona Laks she survived the Nazis’ death march to Malchow near the Ravensbrück concentration camp as a teenage girl. “[Segre] often tells me ‘I’m tired of the insults’,” says the head of Milan’s Holocaust memorial, Roberto Jarach. Source link #Auschwitz #survivors #return #world #remembers #Nazi #death #camp #years Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer review: professional styler with app customization L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer review: professional styler with app customization L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer: two-minute review The L’Oreal Airlight Pro is a professional-only infrared hair dryer that offers precise control and comes with a companion app. Set to be the next big thing in haircare, infrared hair dryers promise all the power of the best hair dryers but with less damage to the hair and scalp. Instead of relying on hot air, infrared dryers combine targeted airflow with ‘safe infrared light energy’ to dry the water on the hair’s surface. The process is similar to how the sun evaporates rainwater. The technology was made famous by the likes of the Zuvi Halo; once dubbed the ‘Tesla of hair dryers’ and named one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions. The Airlight Pro was designed in collaboration with Zuvi, and looks and works in an almost identical way, but with the bonus of the app controls. At first glance, the AirLight Pro has a relatively simple and clean design. It’s noticeably heavier than many other hair dryers I’ve reviewed, and own, and caused my wrist to ache after a while. It goes some way towards compensating for this with a more robust build and additional professional-grade features, such as an extra-long cord and 1875W power. Plus, despite this bulkier size and weight, the AirLight Pro is still compact enough to pack into a bag or similar. In my testing, the AirLight Pro dried my shoulder-length, fine hair in under five minutes – that’s similar to the speed of the Dyson Supersonic, but almost twice as long as my favorite hair dryer, the Revlon Pro. However, compared to both of these dryers as well as the Zuvi Halo, I found the condition, feel and look of my hair was noticeably better with the L’Oreal model – it added shine and softness while reducing frizz. Over time, my hair also seemed to get healthier while testing the AirLight Pro, too. The dryer ships with two magnetic attachments: a diffuser and a concentrator nozzle. The dryer automatically detects which attachment is being used, and will adjust the temperature and airflow to the recommended settings for each. (The Dyson Supersonic Nural has similar capabilities, except that dryer remembers your last-used settings.) (Image credit: Future) There’s a multitude of setting options – three heats (plus cool shot), three speed options, and three presets (Sleek, Curly and Coily). Alternatively, you can manually adjust the speed and temperature, in increments of 5% for airflow and 15-20F for heat, using the AirLight Pro app. Granted, the everyday user may not need that kind of precision, or know how to truly get the best out of such a high level of control. The app doesn’t have a huge number of features beyond these controls, either. However, the fact it even offers it at all puts the AirLight Pro ahead of other dryers in my opinion, because it demonstrates L’Oreal’s commitment to providing choice and versatility to those who want it. The biggest downside to all of these settings is that the dryer can be a little overwhelming at first, and isn’t as intuitive to use as I would have liked. You can’t tweak the settings without the airflow being on, which can make it all a bit noisy and fiddly, not to mention hot. However, I did appreciate the on-screen prompts, including things like filter cleaning alerts. Ultimately, the AirLight Pro is designed for professionals – people who are serious about hair health, work with a range of hair types, and understand how different heat and airflow settings can impact style. That’s not to say it won’t have value for the everyday user, but you may not need, or get the full benefits of, all the bells and whistles. As a result of this pro positioning, it’s difficult to directly compare like-for-like with other dryers on the market, and it’s difficult to recommend. What it does though, it does with a lot of flair, performance and style. Excuse the pun. L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer review: price & availability $475 / €450 for AirLight Pro + 2 attachments Free app The L’Oreal AirLight Pro is currently only available in the US and France for $475 / €450 (around £385 / AU$756.26), with more regions set to be announced at a later date. In France, it’s only available to professionals but in the US it’s sold to consumers via Ulta. For this price you get the AirLight Pro’s two magnetic attachments – a diffuser, and concentrator nozzle – included with the dryer itself. The AirLight Pro app is free to download from the Apple App Store and Google Play. This price puts the AirLight Pro firmly in the premium price bracket in between the original, $399 Dyson Supersonic and the scalp-friendly, $499.99 Supersonic Nural. It costs $125 more than the Zuvi Halo, the dryer upon which the AirLight Pro has been based. Out of the group, the Dyson Supersonic ends up being better value for money because it ships with five attachments by default. This includes versions of a concentrator and diffuser attachment (the two sold with the AirLight Pro), as well as a Wide-tooth Comb and Flyaway attachment. Interestingly, the Zuvi Halo ships with a Gentle Air attachment for improved scalp protection, which the AirLight Pro is missing. Value score: 3.5 out of 5 L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer review: design 3 speeds; 3 heat settings; 3 preset modes + Cool shot and app controls Heavy and bulky design Easy-to-use attachments There was a time when hair dryers with short, circular barrels and long handles were the exception. Thanks to the popularity of the Dyson Supersonic, they are now the norm and the L’Oreal AirLight Pro fits firmly into this camp. As with the Zuvi Halo and these Dyson rivals, the AirLight Pro’s shape is compact – measuring 10.4 x 3.9 x 3.3 in / 26.5 x 9.8 x 8.4 cm – with a slightly rounded barrel and well-proportioned handle. It’s not as well-balanced, ergonomically speaking, as these other dryers, and feels top-heavy. At 710g (EU) and 1.8 lbs (US), it’s also noticeably heavier than many other dryers I’ve reviewed, including the Halo, which weighs 546g (1.2 lbs). This extra weight does make the AirLight Pro feel like a luxurious, robust and premium purchase, but it did strain my wrist quite quickly during styling, and could be even more of an issue if you have long or thick hair. (Image credit: Future) The infrared technology is this dryer’s standout feature, using low heat light to dry hair from the inside out, preserving moisture and leaving hair shinier and smoother. Depending on which regional L’Oreal site you look at, the brand claims the AirLight Pro dries either 14% faster than other premium dryers in the US, or 30% faster in the ***. It then either uses 11% less energy, or 28% less energy. L’Oreal told me this was because the devices are optimized for different regions, but it didn’t go into more detail than that. (Image credit: Future) Let’s take a look at the controls. On the front of the circular barrel is an air outlet surrounded by a pane of glass covering the infrared LEDs. Below this outlet, on the handle, you’ll find the small digital display, the Mode/Speed selection button, and the Power switch. On the rear of the barrel is the filter inlet, and on the rear of the handle is the Heat selection button. Long-pressing this button enables the Cool Shot function. The small display shows the selected airflow speed and heat setting using colored blocks, as well as any active presets you’ve selected. The button directly below this screen is used to adjust the airflow, toggling between Low, Medium and High. You then need to use the button on the rear to adjust the temperature, which again moves between Low, Medium and High options. The main heat levels range from 86 F / 30 C to 285 F / 140 although you can further tweak these settings using the AirLight Pro app. From your phone or tablet, you can increase or decrease airflow speeds in 5% increments, and change the temperature by 15-20 F at a time. A long press of the Speed selection button on the front of the handle will switch you between Standard and Pro modes, where you can then select from either the Sleek, Coily or Curly presets. The default Standard setting for the dryer is Medium heat/High speed. The presets are then as follows: Sleek: Sleek mode pairs High heat with High airflow to achieve smooth, straight finishes Curly: Curly mode uses Medium heat with Medium speed to maintain curl shape and reduce frizz Coily: Sets both heat and airflow to their lowest settings The attachments follow suit. When the concentrator (used to create sleek styles) is attached, the heat and airflow automatically switch to High. When the diffuser is attached to dry curls, the heat and airflow is automatically set to Low. The use of these attachments is intuitive and the magnetic connector is strong enough to keep them in place during styling, but easy to remove and replace. The styler itself is not the most intuitive dryer I’ve used, though. I often changed the temperature with the speed button and vice versa. One of my favorite features on the Zuvi Halo is the clearly named modes – Fast, Care, Soft and so on – and while L’Oreal’s options aren’t a million miles away, they’re not as easy-to-use at a glance. The digital display on the AirLight Pro brings a level of intuitiveness back with on-screen prompts, as does the app. In fact, the app very easy to use and because it shows the settings on a larger phone display, I almost always defaulted to these controls when using the AirLight Pro. (Image credit: L’Oreal) I don’t love the fact you can’t tweak the settings without the dryer – and thus the airflow – being on, which can make it noisy and fiddly, not to mention hot, during use. Although I do love that the styler’s display and app shows cleaning alerts when your filter needs clearing and shows you how to switch between Modes if you get stuck. The design of the AirLight Pro isn’t perfect. For all the way it’s functional and professional, it can also be frustrating. The heavier weight causes problems when drying your hair for long periods, and I don’t want to have to commit time to learning controls when all I want to do is just dry my hair. That said, these are relatively minor complaints when you factor in just how well it performs. Design score: 3.5 out of 5 AirLight Pro specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Wattage: 1875W Weight: 1.8lbs / 816g Settings: 3 heat settings, 3 speeds, 3 presets + cool shot and app controls Cord length: 11.5ft / 3.5m Attachments: Concentrator, diffuser L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer review: performance Fast drying times Great for curls Customized settings work best To test the L’Oreal AirLight Pro, I experimented with different combinations of heat and speed and put each of the preset modes and attachments to the test on my long, fine, naturally curly hair. Unsurprisingly, my hair dried the fastest with Sleek mode – High speed/High temperature – was selected. This mode took my hair from wet to dry in just under five minutes. That’s is similar to the speed of the Dyson Supersonic, but almost twice as long as my go-to hair dryer, the Revlon Pro. The problem with such quick speeds is that hair was blasted into submission and it lacked volume and movement, even if it did look sleek. I could shave almost 45 seconds off this time when I rough dried my hair on this setting with the concentrator nozzle attached. However, this didn’t help the lack of volume. Plus, to get the most out of this nozzle, I needed to dedicate more time to blow-drying sections properly, which improved the finish but more than doubled the time. Image 1 of 3 Sleek mode was speedy, but left my hair flat(Image credit: Future) Curly mode worked remarkably efficiently on my naturally curly hair(Image credit: Future) Custom mode(Image credit: Future) The Curly preset worked much better. It dried my natural curls faster than any other dryer I’ve used – you usually have to sacrifice time for gentle drying – and it left the individual curls looking defined and surprisingly smooth. I tried the Coily hair preset to see how it compared, but as I don’t have coily hair it was more for reference, and I didn’t see a huge difference between time and finish compared to the Curly mode. The best results, however, came when I ignored all of the default settings and presets and used the app. After a bit of tweaking, I got the best balance of speed versus finish with the temperature set to 55 C / 130 F and the airflow at 65%. Any hotter and the hair didn’t feel as soft; any cooler and it took longer to style. The airflow was then strong enough to blow the hair effectively, but not so strong that it added frizz or knots. Regardless of settings, however, the feel, condition and look of my hair was noticeably better with the L’Oreal AirLight Pro compared to all other dryers I’ve used and own. It added shine and softness while reducing frizz, which is no mean feat for blonde, naturally curly hair. Over time, my hair also seemed to get healthier while testing the AirLight Pro and I had less breakage and hair loss in the shower and from brushing. (Image credit: Future) In regards noise, L’Oreal claims the AirLight Pro is whisper-quiet, producing just 76dB. In my tests, the dryer never dropped lower than 85dB. That’s quiet enough to have a conversation while drying, so it’s still not loud, by any stretch, but it is quite a step up from what L’Oreal promises (as well as on the 78 decibels I recorded when using the Zuvi Halo). In terms of noise, L’Oreal claims the AirLight Pro is whisper-quiet, producing just 76 decibels. In my tests, though, the dryer never dropped lower than 85 decibels. This was quite a step up – not just on what L’Oreal claims but on the o. That said, 85dB is quiet enough to have a conversation while drying so it’s not loud, by any stretch. It’s just louder than promised. Performance score: 4 out of 5 Should I buy the L’Oreal AirLight Pro hair dryer? Swipe to scroll horizontally Section Notes Score Value Premium, but pro-level features and control help justify the price. 3.5 / 5 Design Streamlined yet heavy and bulky design. Tons of precise control options, which can be fiddly to use. 3.5 / 5 Performance Infrared drying left my hair shiny, soft and feeling healthier. Fast drying times and great for curls. 4 / 5 Buy it if… Don’t buy it if… First reviewed: January 2025 Source link #LOreal #AirLight #Pro #hair #dryer #review #professional #styler #app #customization Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WALGA boss Karen Chappel slams attempts to withhold vital biosecurity information on the invasive borer WALGA boss Karen Chappel slams attempts to withhold vital biosecurity information on the invasive borer Any attempt to withhold vital information on the invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer causing chaos in Perth has been described as “unacceptable” by the WA local governments boss Karen Chappel. Her call comes after The West *********** revealed a gag order had been circulated through local governments mid-last year denying access to “maps, plans, diagrams, data, technical information, and analysis” unless signed. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s ultimatum had left many seeking legal advice and questioning why the important information isn’t readily accessible. “Any attempt to withhold this information is unacceptable,” Ms Chappel said. “WALGA understands that DPIRD can share information with other Government Departments, therefore Local Government, as a key part of the response, should automatically be provided with the same information as a matter of urgency.” The tiny Southeast Asian beetle has led to the destruction of more than 4000 WA trees since its August 2021 detection in an East Fremantle backyard. Ms Chappel — who overseas 139 councils — said more than half of the local government’s in biosecurity quarantine area covering the Perth metro area had already signed. Those lagging to sign a “PSHB Confidentiality Deed Poll” were resent requests earlier this month. The follow up request to councils included a “frequently asked questions” page which stated the deed was designed to “safeguard” sensitive information from “misuse which could potentially damage community relations”. The confidentiality agreement stated that councils must not make a “public statement, press release or other communication” containing information deemed confidential by the agency. “We need to act fast to help stop the spread of the Borer,” Ms Chappel said. “In order for Local Governments to act they need the most up-to-date information about the location of infected trees. “If we catch PSHB early, we can potentially save the tree and reduce the overall impact of this pest on our ever-dwindling urban tree canopy.” WA shadow environment minister Neil Thomson slammed the gag orders saying transparency should be a priority amid the serious biosecurity threat to Australia. “It seems outrageous that a State Government entity would require a non-disclosure agreement by a local authority on an issue like this because the only way we are going to combat the spread is through transparent sharing of information,” the Mining and Pastoral Region MP said. “We cannot control the polyphagous shot-hole borer without absolute transparency. “This gives the impression that the State Government is trying to suppress important information on the polyphagous shot-hole borer in the lead up to the State Election in March. “As a principle I very much disagree with the concept. “The more communication a community has the better, as it’s the only way we can combat this COVID for trees.” Camera IconMr Thomson also questioned Minister Reece Whitby’s (pcitured) $150 “treebates” announced last week for residents to help Perth’s dismal tree-canopy. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West *********** Mr Thomson also questioned Minister Reece Whitby’s $150 “treebates” announced last week for residents to help Perth’s dismal tree-canopy. “It’s a pathetic gimmick. The money would have been better spent on supporting (tree) nurseries which is a sector now struggling with demand from the polyphagous shot-hole borer,” he said. “There’s no accountability. How are they going to manage it?” City of Vincent chief executive officer David MacLennan revealed the inner-city council which covers heavily-impacted Hyde Park was among those who had signed the deed. “This will allow us to better understand the hotspot areas of Vincent that have been impacted by PSHB and how we can address and manage the issue,” he said. “By obtaining heatmaps and information from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, it will assist our Parks team to focus on inspecting public tree canopy in our streets and parks around private properties which have infested trees. “This will also enable us to be proactive in the early detection of the borer and seek treatment to help stop the spread.” Source link #WALGA #boss #Karen #Chappel #slams #attempts #withhold #vital #biosecurity #information #invasive #borer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia Stock May Fall As DeepSeek’s ‘Amazing’ AI Model Disrupts OpenAI – Forbes Nvidia Stock May Fall As DeepSeek’s ‘Amazing’ AI Model Disrupts OpenAI – Forbes Nvidia Stock May Fall As DeepSeek’s ‘Amazing’ AI Model Disrupts OpenAI ForbesChinese researchers just built an open-source rival to ChatGPT in 2 months. Silicon Valley is freaked out. Livescience.comHow ******** AI Startup DeepSeek Made a Model that Rivals OpenAI WIREDNew model by ******** AI startup DeepSeek shakes up US-based giants | Daily Sabah Daily Sabah Source link #Nvidia #Stock #Fall #DeepSeeks #Amazing #Model #Disrupts #OpenAI #Forbes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Zeroes in on Country to Dump Migrants From All Over – The Daily Beast Trump Zeroes in on Country to Dump Migrants From All Over – The Daily Beast Trump Zeroes in on Country to Dump Migrants From All Over The Daily BeastColombia’s President Says He Will Not Accept U.S. Deportation Flights The New York TimesTrump eyes asylum agreement with El Salvador to deport migrants there CBS NewsEverything To Know About Trump’s ‘Mass Deportation’ Plans: Deportations Start—But Colombia Rejects Flights Forbes Source link #Trump #Zeroes #Country #Dump #Migrants #Daily #Beast Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

NFL keeps taking baby steps toward full embrace of a sky judge – NBC Sports NFL keeps taking baby steps toward full embrace of a sky judge – NBC Sports NFL keeps taking baby steps toward full embrace of a sky judge NBC SportsAmid Mahomes angst, NFL eyes replay on slides ESPNNFL reportedly expected to expand replay assist, including for plays like Patrick Mahomes’ controversial slide Yahoo Sports‘Texans saved football’ – Fans celebrate NFL’s major rule change to prevent Patrick Mahomes’ advantage ahea… talkSPORTNFL Will Visit Quarterback Slides On Replay Assist As Possible Patrick Mahomes Rule Addition Outkick Source link #NFL #baby #steps #full #embrace #sky #judge #NBC #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Colombia’s President Says He Will Not Accept U.S. Deportation Flights – The New York Times Colombia’s President Says He Will Not Accept U.S. Deportation Flights – The New York Times Colombia’s President Says He Will Not Accept U.S. Deportation Flights The New York TimesTrump eyes asylum agreement with El Salvador to deport migrants there CBS NewsEverything To Know About Trump’s ‘Mass Deportation’ Plans: Deportations Start—But Colombia Rejects Flights Forbes Source link #Colombias #President #Accept #U.S #Deportation #Flights #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Israel blocks thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza – Reuters Israel blocks thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza – Reuters Israel blocks thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza ReutersVideo: Released Palestinians describe conditions in Israeli detention centers CNNAs ****** Releases More Israeli Hostages, It Puts on a Show of Force The New York TimesLIVE: Israel blocks thousands of Palestinians seeking return to north Gaza Al Jazeera English Source link #Israel #blocks #thousands #Palestinians #northern #Gaza #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Huge Athens crowds demand justice for 2023 train ****** Huge Athens crowds demand justice for 2023 train ****** Riot police have clashed with protesters in Athens, after thousands of people gathered to demand justice for victims of Greece’s worst railway disaster, which killed 57 people. In 2023, a passenger service carrying 350 people collided with a freight train near the Greek village of Tempi, causing the front carriages to burst into flames. “I don’t have oxygen” is the main slogan of the protests – referring to the finding that many were killed not by the collision itself, but by the fire caused by prohibited chemicals on the cargo train. The ****** prompted widespread condemnation of safety standards on Greece’s railways, as well as the state’s handling of the subsequent investigation. Video shows police firing tear gas, as demonstrators threw sticks and others objects towards officers. Source link #Huge #Athens #crowds #demand #justice #train #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What ending birthright citizenship could look like in the U.S. – The Washington Post What ending birthright citizenship could look like in the U.S. – The Washington Post What ending birthright citizenship could look like in the U.S. The Washington PostGraham says ‘a good chance’ Supreme Court sides with Trump on birthright citizenship The HillResistance isn’t futile, as Seattle reminds the nation once again The Seattle TimesBirthright citizenship ban is doubly unlawful: Harvard law professor The Times of IndiaHarry Enten breaks down how Trump’s base feels about ending birthright citizenship CNN Source link #birthright #citizenship #U.S #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

In Houston’s comeback for the ages at Kansas, Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars flipped their scripts – The Athletic – The Athletic In Houston’s comeback for the ages at Kansas, Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars flipped their scripts – The Athletic – The Athletic In Houston’s comeback for the ages at Kansas, Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars flipped their scripts – The Athletic The Athletic‘A gut punch’: Kansas basketball looking for answers after shocking double OT defeat to Houston The Topeka Capital-JournalHouston basketball pulled off improbable comeback to beat Kansas. Here’s how it happened. USA TODAYHow Houston came back to beat Kansas after Jayhawks squandered big leads twice in 2OT thriller CBS SportsKU’s loss to Houston — at one crucial moment — was more unlikely than any in 15 years Kansas City Star Source link #Houstons #comeback #ages #Kansas #Kelvin #Sampsons #Cougars #flipped #scripts #Athletic #Athletic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WSL leaders Chelsea target unbeaten season after ‘perfect’ day WSL leaders Chelsea target unbeaten season after ‘perfect’ day Chelsea have gone unbeaten in the WSL on two occasions in 2017-18 and 2019-20, while Arsenal did the same in 2012-13. The only English team not to lose in all competitions in the modern era was Arsenal in 2006-2007, when they won the quadruple. That is an achievement Chelsea hope to replicate but Bompastor was quick to mention that they have “not won anything yet” despite having a healthy lead in the WSL. “That [going unbeaten] is not what I’m thinking at the moment. I’m really pleased with the result. As you could see in the game, it was really fine margins,” she said. “These performances are on the edge. It can go one way or the other but it went our way, which I’m really pleased with. “We just want to take it game by game, making sure we make the right decisions to bring great results. We are far away yet from winning something.” There were celebrations at full-time from Chelsea’s players and staff as Bompastor revealed she granted them an extra day off following a “perfect” afternoon. Fans also left Stamford Bridge with a buzz after the club unveiled women’s world-record signing Naomi Girma before the match. “It was the perfect afternoon in terms of that announcement and the result. It’s great news for all the Chelsea fans,” said Bompastor. “I would say in terms of psychological elements, [the victory is] huge for sure, but you know we have a lot of games to be played. “The Champions League will be coming in March and we’ll have to play really big games. It will not be easy. “If we keep the right mentality, if we keep almost all the players available, then yeah, we are in a good position – but you never know what can happen in football.” Source link #WSL #leaders #Chelsea #target #unbeaten #season #perfect #day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vice President JD Vance blasts U.S. Catholic bishops condemning ICE entering churches and schools Vice President JD Vance blasts U.S. Catholic bishops condemning ICE entering churches and schools Vice President JD Vance blasted the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemnation of the Trump administration’s recent immigration actions on immigration, saying the church might be more concerned with “their bottom line” than humanitarian causes. On “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” the Vice President, in his first interview since being sworn in on Jan. 20, said several orders targeting immigration were enacted under President Trump to fulfill the promises made during his campaign. Hours after the inauguration, the Trump administration revoked a policy that prohibited arrests by U.S. immigration agents at or near schools, places of worship and other places deemed to be “sensitive locations.” Vance said Saturday that the order — along with several other immigration actions — empowers “law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere, to protect Americans.” The Trump administration issued roughly 200 executive actions during their first days in office, including denying birthright citizenship to the children of unauthorized immigrants and temporary visa holders — which has several legal challenges. His other executive actions, including the ICE order, could face legal challenges. However, it was the church and schools order that drew ire from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Mark. J Seitz, migration committee chairman U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told CBS News “Many of these policies we see going against the basic tenets of our faith.” Vance, a devout Catholic, sharply rebuked the bishops’ condemnation. “Because as a practicing Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement,” he said. Vance told Brennan the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops “has, frankly, not been a good partner in common sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for.” Brennan asked Vance if he specifically supported immigration agents going into churches and schools, and “conducting a raid or enforcement action in a church service, at a school.” Vance said he “supports us doing law enforcement against violent criminals, whether they’re ******** immigrants or anybody else, in a way that keeps us safe.” Vance asked if the bishops were more worried about their bottom line, noting they received over $100 million to help resettle ******** immigrants. He said he hopes “as a devout Catholic, that they’ll do better.” Many resettlement refugee agencies are faith-based groups. On Friday many of these groups were also told some of their federal funding would be suspended days after Trump enacted an indefinite pause on admissions of refugees to the United States. Trump also enacted orders to enlist the military’s aid in border enforcement through an emergency declaration, expand detention sites to hold deportees and increase agreements with local law enforcement authorities. Cara Tabachnick Cara Tabachnick is a news editor at CBSNews.com. Cara began her career on the crime beat at Newsday. She has written for Marie Claire, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal. She reports on justice and human rights issues. Contact her at *****@*****.tld Source link #Vice #President #Vance #blasts #U.S #Catholic #bishops #condemning #ICE #entering #churches #schools Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Double-decker delight Double-decker delight Perched high above the ripples lapping the Mandurah foreshore, this residence exudes contemporary decadence within an exclusive coastal location. Source link #Doubledecker #delight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]