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Toyota redesigns 2026 RAV4 SUV to be hybrid-only Toyota redesigns 2026 RAV4 SUV to be hybrid-only PLANO, Texas — The top-selling SUV in the United States will exclusively be offered as a hybrid model as part of a redesign of the RAV4 lineup, Toyota Motor announced Tuesday night. The world’s largest automaker said the 2026 Toyota RAV4 only will be offered as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, eliminating a traditional gas engine in the vehicle for the first time. It will still have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, but with hybrid technologies such as batteries and electric motors. Despite a slower-than-expected adoption of all-electric vehicles, automakers have looked to hybrid models — which combine electric vehicle technologies with traditional internal combustion engines — to increase performance and help them meet fuel economy regulations. Toyota, which started offering hybrids with the Toyota Prius in late 1990s, has been a global leader and advocate for hybrid adoption, despite an industry push in recent years for automakers to exclusively offer all-electric vehicles. Toyota’s electrified vehicle sales in the U.S. — including hybrids, plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles — accounted for 43.1% of the company’s 2.3 million units sold domestically in 2024. RAV4 sales increased 9.3% last year to nearly 475,200 units sold, including a 29.3% increase in RAV4 hybrids and 19.3% gain in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Roughly half of RAV4 sales last year were hybrids. Sales of all-electric vehicles and hybrid models reached a record 20% of new car and truck sales in the U.S. last year, to 3.2 million electrified vehicles, according to auto data firm Motor Intelligence. That encompasses 1.9 million hybrid vehicles, including plug-in models, and 1.3 million all-electric models. Hybrid-only David Christ, head of the Toyota brand in North America, said the company decided to exclusively offer the RAV4 as a hybrid because of its already established popularity and growing customer demand. “The hybrid is faster turning; it has more sales orders on it, and the consumers and dealers are asking for it,” he told CNBC Tuesday during an event at the automaker’s North American headquarters. “It was pretty clear that the consumer is voting for the hybrid.” Christ said the automaker expects to continue growing its hybrid offerings, including additional plug-in hybrid electric vehicle offerings. Seven of Toyota’s current vehicles are exclusively hybrid models, including the Camry and Prius cars, Sienna minivan and Sequoia SUV. RAV4 will be the eighth. 2026 Toyota RAV4 family of vehicles Toyota RAV4 hybrids accounted for 44% of sales last year, Toyota reported, while plug-in models — which offer all-electric ranges with a traditional engine that needs to be plugged in — were 6.5%. The redesigned RAV4 is set to go on ***** at U.S. Toyota dealerships in later this year. The all-hybrid RAV4 lineup is part of a next-generation redesign of the vehicle that included interior and exterior design changes, as well as upgrades to the vehicle’s performance and technologies. The company declined to disclose pricing until closer to the vehicle’s launch. The current RAV4 starts at $30,645. The hybrid variant starts at about $33,700. Pricing includes mandatory delivery fees. The RAV4 has steadily increased sales since its U.S. introduction for the 1996 model year. Last year’s sales of the vehicle increased 9.3% year-over-year to a new record — making it the best-selling non-pickup nameplate in the U.S. last year. Tariffs The RAV4 faces new challenges this year with President Donald Trump’s ongoing tariffs of 25% on vehicles imported into the U.S., as well as many auto parts. Toyota produces the RAV4 at a plant in Kentucky, but a majority of its U.S. sales come from vehicles built at a plant in Ontario, Canada. It currently exclusively imports plug-in hybrid models for U.S. consumers from Japan. Roughly half of Toyota’s U.S. sales are imported from outside of the U.S., including 84.3% of RAV4 models, as well as its popular Tacoma midsize pickup truck from Mexico. Mark Templin, chief operating officer of Toyota Motor North America, said the company plans to produce more RAV4 models at its Kentucky plant, but declined to offer specific plans for potential changes in production to mitigate tariffs. “It’ll work its way out. I think we’ll build more RAV4s in Kentucky, which will help. But that’s such a big volume car. … It was the No. 1 selling vehicle in the entire market, even beating out the F-150,” he told CNBC. “Now we’re bringing out one that’s even better than that car. So, I think that we’re going to need multiple plants to build that.” Cox Automotive reports the RAV4 finished third in sales last year behind the Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado truck models, which include several variants. However, other third-party data firms have said the RAV4 topped sales of the Detroit pickups last year when breaking out the models, such as the Ford F-150 from the larger group. Toyota’s days’ supply — an adjusted number based on the rate of sales — has been among the lowest in the automotive industry, especially for the RAV4. Cox Automotive reports Toyota’s recent days’ supply is at 29 days and the RAV4 is among the fastest-selling vehicles in the automotive industry. The industry average is 66 days, according to Cox. Templin said the automaker has been conducting scenario planning for different tariff and production outcomes, but the situation remains fluid amid Trump’s trade negotiations with other countries. “The worst thing for an industry is uncertainty,” Templin said. “Consistency is the best thing we could all ask for.” Source link #Toyota #redesigns #RAV4 #SUV #hybridonly Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Earth may already be too hot for the survival of polar ice sheets – The Washington Post Earth may already be too hot for the survival of polar ice sheets – The Washington Post Earth may already be too hot for the survival of polar ice sheets The Washington PostWarming of +1.5 °C is too high for polar ice sheets – Communications Earth & Environment NatureThe world’s ice sheets just got a dire prognosis, and coastlines are going to pay the price CNNSea level rise will cause ‘catastrophic inland migration’, scientists warn The GuardianCoastlines in danger even if climate target met, scientists warn BBC Source link #Earth #hot #survival #polar #ice #sheets #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade For PS5 Gets $30 Discount At Amazon Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade For PS5 Gets $30 Discount At Amazon Amazon has dropped the price of Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade for PS5 to only $40. The PS5 physical edition had been out of print for years, which led to some rather ridiculous prices on the reseller market. Earlier this year, Square Enix finally printed a fresh batch of the sought-after edition that bundles the base game and the Intermission DLC. Multiple retailers sold out of the reprinted copies months ago, while others still regularly sell it for its full $70 list price. $40 (was $70) Final Fantasy 7 Remake is a gorgeous reboot of the classic 1997 game it’s based on. Set primarily within the early Midgar chapters of Final Fantasy 7, the remake gives Cloud Strife and the rest of the Avalanche crew a massive graphical glow-up as they fight to stop Shinra Inc. from turning the planet’s life essence into a power source. Ghosts from the past threaten Cloud and his friends, and toward the end of the game, there are major changes to the storyline that shake up the status quo. The Intermission expansion focuses on Yuffie Kisaragi and her partner Sonon Kusakabe as they work to steal a powerful artifact from Shinra. This is a short but fun add-on to the main campaign of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, which also saw various technical and graphical improvements added to the game. It’s a fairly linear game overall–with some annoying padding–but if you’re looking to revisit the cyberpunk world of Square Enix’s beloved sci-fantasy game, Final Fantasy 7 Remake won’t disappoint. It’s also worth noting that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade is getting a Nintendo Switch 2 port. Though it’s not available to preorder yet and no release date has been set, we’d expect it to receive a physical edition, too. You should also check out the official Material Ultimania book focused on the PS5 version of FF7 Remake. Published in November, Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Material Ultimania Plus takes fans behind the scenes for a look at the creation of the heralded RPG. Normally $40, the hardcover edition of the new book is on ***** for $25 at Amazon. You can also save $15 on the first Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Material Ultimania book, which drops the price to $25. This 336-page hardcover focuses on FF7 Remake’s original PS4 version. The second entry in the FF7 Remake trilogy, Rebirth, released last year and greatly expanded on its ideas while adding several open-world environments to explore. If you’re looking to grab it as well, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth for PS5 is on ***** for $54 (was $70) at Walmart. Rebirth was ported to PC earlier this year, and Square Enix plans to bring it to Switch 2, too. Another reprint that Final Fantasy fans might want to pick up is Final Fantasy I-VI Collection, which contains the Pixel Remasters of the first six mainline games. This originally launched with an extremely limited print run, but new copies for PS4 and Nintendo Switch were released in October last year. The collection includes the Pixel Remaster editions of the first six mainline Final Fantasy games and a sticker sheet of Final Fantasy character sprites. Square Enix remodeled the sprites using the original pixel art as a foundation and series composer Nobuo Uematsu oversaw the work on the rearranged soundtracks. Final Fantasy I-VI Collection Anniversary Edition Deals: Fans of Final Fantasy’s pixel art era should also check out FF Dot: The Pixel Art of Final Fantasy. Square Enix’s Ultimania Archive hardcover book focused on the six games in the collection is also a great read. You can get Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 1 for $26 (was $40) at Amazon. Source link #Final #Fantasy #Remake #Intergrade #PS5 #Discount #Amazon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Student suicide review says unis must act to stop more deaths Student suicide review says unis must act to stop more deaths Getty Images Universities in England have been told to step up efforts to prevent student suicides, in a review commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE). A report, which has been in the works for nearly two years, says they should assess the safety of student halls and involve families more after a student has died. Its recommendations, which are the first to ever be issued to university leaders by any *** government, include discouraging the laying of flowers where a student has died if it could draw attention to a “suicide location”. The family of Natasha Abrahart, who took her own life in 2018 while at the University of Bristol, called the review “superficial”. The national review of higher education student suicide deaths, first seen by BBC News, examined 169 cases of suicide and serious self-harm reported by 73 universities in 2023-24. It found almost a quarter of incidents, where the location was known, took place in university-managed accommodation, and that families had mostly been excluded from serious incident review processes. It said there was a particular risk of “suicide clusters”, which Public Health England describes as “a situation in which more suicides than expected occur in terms of time, place, or both”. In a series of 19 recommendations, it asked universities to: Conduct safety checks of university halls and any area where a student has died Consider discouraging people from placing tributes in that area “to avoid drawing attention to the site as a suicide location”Better support students who are struggling academicallyImprove transparency and make families’ input a “key part” of investigation processes Universities have also been asked to review access to their mental health services. Vika Zak, who studies animation at Nottingham Trent University, told the BBC she felt staff were there for her when she reached out for support. BBC / Hazel Shearing Vika says staff at the university are “there to talk” “They emailed me, and I’m pretty sure they sent me a letter, to let me know there are services that I could take advantage of if I needed it. It’s really nice to know that.” Sam Lloyd, a product design student, said the university sent out “quite a few” emails letting students know about support services. “If you really need it, it’s very easy to reach out,” he said. But the review said that access to mental health support “could be improved” across the sector in terms of “awareness, signposting, and reviewing the needs of specific groups” like international students. “While some reports identified a need for support services to ensure active follow-up following contact, many placed the responsibility on the student to seek further help,” it said. BBC / Hazel Shearing Sam says students should feel able to reach out If you’ve been affected by the issues in this story, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line. Bob and Maggie Abrahart, whose daughter Natasha took her own life while she was studying at the University of Bristol in 2018, called the review “superficial”. “There’s no obligation to do what it says on the tin,” Mr Abrahart told the BBC. “For ministers to say ‘we expect them to do their duty, to do things properly’ is just pie in the sky.” He added that universities had been given “shelves of recommendations” before, including guidance issued by Universities *** (UUK) to its 141 members. Mrs Abrahart said universities should have a legal duty of care, which would require all universities to act with reasonable care and skill so as to avoid causing harm to students. “It’s doing your job carefully,” she said. “What is unclear is what is academics’ job, and what isn’t.” The DfE announced the review in 2023, commissioning academics from the University of Manchester, who are part of its National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health, to conduct it independently. Asked why a legal duty of care had not been introduced, skills minister Jacqui Smith said there were “some legal challenges”. “We do think that universities have a general duty of care to their students,” she said. “We’ll be absolutely clear with universities that this is their responsibility. We’ve made resource available and we will continue to challenge them to deliver that.” BBC / Hazel Shearing Bob and Maggie Abrahart say universities should be held accountable in the aftermath of student suicides after the death of their daughter Natasha The review comes at a time of increasing pressure on universities’ finances. The Office for Students (OfS) said this month that more than four in 10 universities in England are expecting to be in a financial deficit by this summer. Prof Sir Steve West, vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England and a UUK board member, said universities needed to work out how to implement the recommendations “effectively” and how to “prioritise”. “That’s easy to say [but] very difficult to do because there are all sorts of issues hitting universities at the moment which often compete, and we have to make choices,” he said. He added that there should be more discussions on how to enforce standards across the sector, including whether universities should have to file reports on their progress to regulators. The DfE is due to meet with university leaders to discuss the findings of the review this week. Additional reporting by Andrew Rogers, BBC Newsbeat. Source link #Student #suicide #review #unis #act #stop #deaths Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Not funny': cow manure stunt leaves premier steaming 'Not funny': cow manure stunt leaves premier steaming A state Liberal MP has defended the dropping of a cow manure parcel outside the premier’s office as a “harmless stunt” amid a budget day protest. Source link #039Not #funny039 #cow #manure #stunt #leaves #premier #steaming Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sky: Children of the Light takes in-game streaming to new heights with the first part of The Two Embers, an animated feature Sky: Children of the Light takes in-game streaming to new heights with the first part of The Two Embers, an animated feature The Two Embers: Part One is a wordless animated feature You can watch it in-game in a newly built virtual theatre Numerous content will be available alongside the movie Thatgamecompany is taking narrative immersion to new heights with the debut of The Two Embers: Part One, a wordless animated feature now screening inside Sky: Children of the Light. This first chapter of a two-part origin story invites you to experience the world of Sky through a stunning, dialogue-free tale of connection, loss, and quiet resilience. The focus of The Two Embers is two children, strangers across time, bound by fate. As their stories play out in parallel, you’re drawn into a crumbling sky kingdom at the edge of despair. The first part of this narrative follows an orphaned child and an injured manatee on a soul-searching journey through a land consumed by darkness. But this isn’t a traditional adaptation. With each new chapter of The Two Embers, new in-game content rolls out alongside it. Exploration, gameplay, and storytelling are fully intertwined, designed to pull you deeper into the emotional weight of the film’s events. And where you watch matters. The Two Embers: Part One is screening inside Sky Cinema, a massive new virtual theatre built directly within the game. Thousands of players can gather together in real time to experience the film as one audience. Looking for something similar? Here’s a list of the best indie games to play on mobile right now! It’s not just a cutscene or a passive stream. It’s a collective moment, made possible by proprietary tech that previously brought Sky the Aurora concert event. That same system, capable of connecting over 10,000 players to a single performance, now supports this virtual cinema, combining film and gameplay in a way few studios have even attempted. Dive into this novel experience by downloading Sky: Children of the Light now on your preferred link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. Visit the official Facebook page for more information. Source link #Sky #Children #Light #takes #ingame #streaming #heights #part #Embers #animated #feature Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Scientists stunned after elusive creature resurfaces more than a century after vanishing — here’s why it matters Scientists stunned after elusive creature resurfaces more than a century after vanishing — here’s why it matters Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways With the changing climate threatening so many of the amazing species on the planet, it’s easy to feel disheartened about the future. However, the rediscovery of a long-thought-extinct creature offers not only hope but also a powerful message about the resilience of life on Earth. According to Research Matters, a team of scientists exploring India’s Siang Valley uncovered a species of velvet worm that was thought to be extinct many generations ago. Typhloperipatus williamsoni hadn’t been seen for over a century. Not one but two worms were spotted around the location where a British expedition last saw them in 1913. The velvet worm is a fascinating creature that looks like a cross between a caterpillar and slug, only with velvety skin. The creatures are unfathomably ancient, their bodies having remained the same for an estimated 500 million years. That makes them twice as old as dinosaurs. The rediscovery tells us that more life is thriving out there than we know. It also tells us that, like a wise man (Jeff Goldblum) once said: Life finds a way. This species has endured every mass extinction event we know of. Perhaps it was foolish to assume it wasn’t still out there. Watch now: Giant snails invading New York City? However, as resilient as Earth’s many creatures are, there is still a lot of work to do to protect them. Fortunately, there are many successful conservation efforts underway. The wattled crane was recently elevated from critically endangered to endangered because of education and wetlands conservation. England’s stone-curlew was once on the brink of extinction, too, but populations are on the rise thanks in part to cooperation with farmers. Protecting endangered species is a wonderful thing strictly because it preserves the miracle of life. However, it’s also crucial for protecting the planet’s delicate ecosystems. Every creature contributes to the balance that sustains life on Earth, and losing one can endanger us all. You can help protect endangered species in many ways. Some of the most effective include upgrading to a natural lawn to provide healthier habitats and supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #Scientists #stunned #elusive #creature #resurfaces #century #vanishing #heres #matters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Where to watch Thunder vs. Timberwolves: TV channel, live stream for NBA playoffs, Game 1 odds, prediction – CBS Sports Where to watch Thunder vs. Timberwolves: TV channel, live stream for NBA playoffs, Game 1 odds, prediction – CBS Sports Where to watch Thunder vs. Timberwolves: TV channel, live stream for NBA playoffs, Game 1 odds, prediction CBS SportsLive updates: Story lines aplenty as Wolves play Thunder in Game 1 of Western Conference finals Star TribuneNBA betting: Bets that stand out for Timberwolves-Thunder Game 1 ESPNTwo Of Basketball’s Brightest Young Stars Will Compete For More Than A Trip To The Finals DefectorThunder vs. Timberwolves score: Live updates for Game 1 as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards square off CBS Sports Source link #watch #Thunder #Timberwolves #channel #live #stream #NBA #playoffs #Game #odds #prediction #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Foxe opens door for Alessandro Circati ahead of World Cup qualifiers Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Foxe opens door for Alessandro Circati ahead of World Cup qualifiers Socceroos assistant coach Hayden Foxe says they will monitor Perth-raised defender Alessandro Circati ahead of their looming World Cup qualifiers after the 21-year-old made an impressive return to Serie A. Source link #Socceroos #assistant #coach #Hayden #Foxe #opens #door #Alessandro #Circati #ahead #World #Cup #qualifiers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

An F-35 stealth fighter flying in Texas sent classified data to an air base 5,000 miles away in Denmark An F-35 stealth fighter flying in Texas sent classified data to an air base 5,000 miles away in Denmark An F-35 flying in Texas recently sent classified data to a command center in Denmark. The demonstration showed how the stealth fighter can gather critical intel and export it to allies. The F-35’s advanced sensors and avionics allow it to act as the quarterback for a given mission. US defense contractor Lockheed Martin said one of its F-35 stealth fighters sent classified data from Texas to a command center about 5,000 miles away in Denmark, calling this a milestone and a successful demonstration of how systems work together. Danish military F-35s flying out of Fort Worth exported the data via DAGGR-2, made by Lockheed’s Advanced Development Programs, also known as Skunk Works. The command-and-control system then passed the classified information through commercial satellite communications to Denmark’s Skrydstrup Air Base. In a statement on Monday, Lockheed said that “this is another success in a series of Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) demonstrations proving the F-35’s ability to serve as a powerful force multiplier, enabling allied forces to rapidly deploy ready-now capabilities to connect systems across the battlespace.” Simply put, the advantages of the F-35 aren’t limited to the munitions it carries. The stealth fighter can boost situational awareness and quarterback assets to make them more effective. Danish Air Chief Maj. Gen. Jan Dam hailed the recent data demonstration as a “significant milestone toward enhancing Denmark’s capabilities, as it enabled our MDO staff to witness in real-time the potential of the F-35’s ability to collect, analyse and share advanced data across geographically dispersed networks.” Denmark is one of the eight countries that made up the original multinational F-35 program. The fifth-generation stealth fighter jet has been sold to 12 additional countries around the world, and over 1,200 aircraft have already been delivered to these militaries, including the US, since the first plane rolled off the production line nearly two decades ago. The F-35 is widely considered the world’s top fifth-generation fighter.US Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Chloe Johnson The F-35 is considered to be a key component of American airpower. Not only can it penetrate contested airspace, but it can also quarterback the mission, leading the team even if it doesn’t fire any weapons using its high-end sensors and advanced networking capabilities. The recent demonstration highlights how the F-35 can effectively gather critical information and distribute it to allies. Past exercises involving the aircraft have underscored this capability. In April, Lockheed shared that a Danish F-35 relayed sensitive data to a command center at Leeuwarden Air Base during the NATo air exercise Ramstein Flag 2025, and that information was then passed to a rocket artillery system to enable a kill. OJ Sanchez, Skunk Works’ vice president and general manager, said that the collaboration with Denmark has “enabled us to do what we do best at Skunk Works — rapidly deploy ready-now capabilities at a pace unparalleled in the industry and prove it through real-world flights.” The US operates all three F-35 variants — the A for conventional take-off and landing, the B for short take-off and vertical landing, and the C for ship-based operations — and has used each one in combat operations in the Middle East. Denmark’s air force uses the F-35A for its operations. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #F35 #stealth #fighter #flying #Texas #classified #data #air #base #miles #Denmark Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Available in US in June – The Seattle Times First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Available in US in June – The Seattle Times First Alzheimer’s Blood Test Available in US in June The Seattle TimesFDA greenlights first blood test to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in the US CNNFor Eisai and Biogen’s Leqembi, first FDA-approved Alzheimer’s blood test will take time to boost launch: analyst Fierce PharmaThe Future Of Retirement Planning May Start With A Blood Test ForbesFDA clears first blood test for diagnosing Alzheimer’s statnews.com Source link #Alzheimers #Blood #Test #June #Seattle #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘This must end now’ and ‘Rayner’s secret plan’ ‘This must end now’ and ‘Rayner’s secret plan’ There is a mix of stories on Tuesday’s front pages, but *** Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s condemnation of Israel’s “intolerable” bombing of Gaza is prominently featured. The Daily Mirror declares “this must end now” in their lead story paired with an image of a malnourished four-month-old baby in Gaza. The paper spotlights Lammy’s message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “End this blockade and let aid in.” The Guardian leads with Lammy calling Israel’s Gaza rhetoric “repellent and monstrous”. The paper reports that ***-Israel relations plunged to their worst state in decades after Lammy suspended talks over a new trade deal. Accompanying the story is a compelling image of a man carrying the body of his nephew who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Elsewhere, “access to e-gates in EU could take until 2026” despite the deal announced at Monday’s EU-*** summit. The Times reports the *** is “ready to sanction top Israelis over Gaza”. The paper says the government is drawing up plans with other countries to impose sanctions on Israel’s finance minister and defence minister among others. Also prominent is an interview with primary school teacher Leanne Lucas, who survived the Southport stabbings, calling for a ban on pointed kitchen blades. The *** accusing Israel of “cruel and monstrous extremism” headlines the i Paper’s Gaza coverage. Lammy’s warning is also heavily featured as he signals a “dark new phase in this conflict”. The Daily Telegraph reports that Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had a “secret plan” for a new tax raid on savers. The paper reports it saw a document that suggested Rayner was proposing eight tax increases, which could raise taxes by £3bn to £4bn a year. In its continuing coverage of Monday’s “Brexit reset”, the paper says cheap phone calls for *** tourists were blocked by the EU after efforts to drop roaming charges were derailed. The Financial Times leads their coverage with the EU set to impose a flat fee of €2 on billions of small packages entering the bloc, mainly from China. The paper calls it a “further setback” for low-cost online retailers such as Temu and Shein. Sharing the top slot is the international condemnation of Israel’s continued assault on Gaza. The paper echoes other front pages reporting that the *** froze negotiations for a trade deal with Israel in response to the “abominable” situation in Gaza. Water bosses “will finally be punished” after criminal investigations into sewage spills hit a record of 81, the Metro reports. The troubled Thames Water holds the top spot with 31 probes. The paper reports that under new laws, bosses can be jailed for up to five years for the most serious breaches and firms fined hundreds of millions of pounds. Former *** Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s warning that “Britain is turning into a police state” is blared across the Daily Mail’s front page. Johnson’s comments come after a judge refused to reduce the sentence of a mother locked up over a “hateful” tweet after the Southport murders. Also teased is an exclusive on “ITV’s daytime bloodbath” after it introduced budget cuts to fund World Cup coverage. “They think it’s all over… yer telly” declares the Daily Star in its coverage of ITV’s daytime budget cuts. The paper says This Morning, Lorraine and Loose Women are all hit. Elsewhere, Jennifer Lopez’s latest eye-catching outfit is hailed as “a real peach”. “Barking mad!” shouts the Sun as it promotes an exclusive that says taxpayers are expected to “fork out thousands of pounds to put up a dog that crossed the Channel in a packed dinghy”. The paper reports that the ******* Shepherd “made the perilous trip” with its owner and was taken ashore and sent to quarantine. Also sharing the top spot is ITV’s “daytime cull” of 220 jobs. Finally, the Daily Express reports on the “pensioners hit by ‘triple whammy’ savings blow”. The paper says one million pensioners face “unprecedented tax demands” after Reeves’s decision to maintain the freeze on income tax bands. Alongside, the Princess of Wales’ outing at the royal garden party in a yellow ensemble is deemed a “ray of sunshine”. Source link #Rayners #secret #plan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

William and Kate recognised with philanthropy award William and Kate recognised with philanthropy award The Prince and Princess of Wales have been recognised by Time Magazine in its prestigious Top 100 Philanthropy Awards. William, 42, and his wife Catherine, 43, have spent years working with charities and were praised by the publication for their efforts to “modernise royal philanthropy” through social innovation and corporate partnerships. In its citation about the pair, Time wrote: “Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, are less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues, tackling homelessness and rural mental health through their Royal Foundation and spotlighting innovative solutions to climate change through the Earthshot Prize, an environmental award founded by William in 2020.” The magazine added: “Crucial to the Waleses’ approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances.” William and Catherine’s inclusion in the TIME list marks a notable follow-up to Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, who were featured in Time’s Top 100 most influential people list in 2021. In recent years, Catherine has launched the ‘Shaping Us’ campaign and the Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, which encourages employers to support young children’s development in the workplace. The initiative is backed by companies including Deloitte, Lego and Co-op. Source link #William #Kate #recognised #philanthropy #award Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Immanuel ******** Church volunteer pleads guilty to ******* assault in Little Rock court Former Immanuel ******** Church volunteer pleads guilty to ******* assault in Little Rock court Video: Court releases details of Little Rock’s Immanuel ******** Church volunteer’s alleged ******* assault, investigation LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A former volunteer for Little Rock’s Immanuel ******** Church entered a guilty plea in court on Monday for a single count of ******* assault in the second degree. Records show Reagan Danielle Gray of Monticello was charged with abuse of a 15-year-old boy at the church when she was 23 years old. The abuse began in 2020 and continued through the summer of 2021, while Gray was an employee of Little Rock Christian Academy and a student minister at the church, according to a reasonable cause affidavit filed in April 2024 when Gray was 26 years old. Court releases details of Little Rock’s Immanuel ******** Church volunteer’s alleged ******* assault, investigation Gray was initially charged with ******* assault in the first and fourth degrees, but in an agreement with prosecutors pleaded guilty to ******* assault in the second degree. Judge Latonya Honorable assigned Gray a sentence of six years’ probation, a $1,000 fine, required her to submit a DNA sample, be placed on the sex offender registry and have no contact with the victim. The Monday sentence marked the end of a process that began in 2020. According to the affidavit, the victim’s parents discovered text messages between the victim and Gray in 2020, which they reported to a senior pastor at the church. The affidavit continued that the then-head pastor, Steven Smith, confronted Gray about the messages and was told that the relationship was not physical. Signs to be aware of ******* assault, ways to reduce potential abusive situations Gray was then removed from student ministry and required by the church to undergo counseling, which she did, investigators said. The affidavit states that she returned to student ministry shortly after being removed. Gray was removed from her job at Sylvan Hills Middle School as of Feb. 12, 2024. Immanuel ******** is currently engaged in two lawsuits, one filed on behalf of John Doe and the second on behalf of Jane Doe, alleging a cover-up of ******* abuse claims. The suits claim that additional victims are expected to come forward. Gray is named in one of the suits. Lawsuits filed against Little Rock’s Immanuel ******** Church claims ******* abuse & cover-up Pastor Smith resigned as Immanuel pastor in April 2024 over controversy about the church’s handling of ******* abuse allegations. 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 KARK. Source link #Immanuel #******** #Church #volunteer #pleads #guilty #******* #assault #Rock #court Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dozens of men deported to El Salvador prison had entered U.S. legally, report finds Dozens of men deported to El Salvador prison had entered U.S. legally, report finds Dozens of men deported to El Salvador prison had entered U.S. legally, report finds – CBS News Watch CBS News Two months ago, more than 200 Venezuelan men were deported to a Salvadoran prison without due process. A new report by the Cato Institute found that dozens had entered the U.S. legally. Camilo Montoya-Galvez has details. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Dozens #men #deported #Salvador #prison #entered #U.S #legally #report #finds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What consumer CEOs are saying about prices, tariffs and the economy What consumer CEOs are saying about prices, tariffs and the economy The outlook on consumer spending continues to get cloudier. Last week, consumer sentiment slid to its second-lowest reading on record while recent credit card data showed that many Americans are starting to cut back. Walmart, Microsoft and Subaru are just some of the companies that have warned of price increases related to tariffs, which could lead price-sensitive shoppers to pull back even more. However, there are plenty of companies and sectors that still see strong demand, especially in the wake of the broader market rebound following the Trump tariff pause, most recently extended to the steepest China import taxes. “The consumer is coming back with a vengeance,” airline CEO Barry Biffle of Frontier Group said on “Money Movers” on Tuesday. At the CNBC CEO Council Summit in Arizona on Monday and Tuesday, multiple CEOs with close reads on key consumer spending areas — homebuilding, car buying, advertising and travel — shared their latest views on the state of the economy. Older homebuyers are spending a lot Homebuilder and developer Taylor Morrison, which operates across 12 states including Texas, Florida and North Carolina, serves several distinct demographics, according to CEO Sheryl Palmer. This includes the younger first-time homebuyer, the upgrading slightly older buyer, and the group that she called “fifty-five and better.” It’s that latter group, which represents more than $114 trillion in total assets, Palmer said, where the company is seeing massive interest in new homes. “Covid really changed this group,” she said. For these buyers, it’s about “I want what I want, I can afford what I want, and I don’t know what tomorrow brings so I want to live every day to the fullest,” she added. Among this type of homebuyer, who is heavily interested in things like home upgrades and the community amenities, Palmer said she has not seen any signs of stress in their ability to buy homes, or in credit profiles. However, she noted, if the home is “a more discretionary purchase, there’s just a lot more thoughtfulness, which makes sense.” The first-time homebuyer is dealing with questions around cost, Palmer said. “Can I afford it? What can I afford?” she said, are the concerns among these buyers. While Palmer pointed to higher home prices and sticky interest rates as contributing to a “volatile *******,” — mortgages rates were back above 7% this week — she said rising prices of nearly everything from insurance to groceries are what is making younger buyers more hesitant. Surge in car buying on tariff fears is over: Carvana CEO With concerns of potential tariff-driven price increases hitting the automotive industry hard, consumers have rushed to buy both new and used cars in recent months. Carvana has been a big recipient of that, recently reporting a 46% year-over-year sales increase, leading to record quarterly results. CEO and co-founder Ernie Garcia said at the CEO Council Summit said that when the tariffs were announced “there was some pull forward especially of new car sales” but that has started to even out. Pricing of used cars has also started to come down, especially compared to the increases seen in recent years, Garcia said. But when it comes to any signs of growing consumer weakness, Garcia said “we don’t see any evidence of that; it feels very strong.” Garcia said that Carvana sells vehicles to buyers across a wide range of age groups, and overall, “consumer credit looks pretty stable.” “I think it always feels like credit is getting worse, but I don’t think there’s a lot of evidence yet that it’s getting a lot worse,” Garcia said. Pinterest sees shift to ‘budget’ items Since joining Pinterest in June 2022, CEO Bill Ready has overseen a push into Gen Z, who now make up 40% of the social media platform’s userbase and who are overwhelmingly on the platform to seek help with shopping inspiration. Ready, who said that Pinterest is a platform “for intentional choices,” said he is starting to see “some shifts in consumer behavior.” That is coming to life through searches for “budget-related items” in areas like apparel and home goods, which are up over 200%, Ready said. “Consumers are becoming more thoughtful and planning for the potential increase in costs or are maybe starting to experience that already,” he said. During and coming out of the pandemic, the overarching narrative has been that many shoppers had shifted their spending from goods to experiences, with the biggest benefits of that being the entertainment and travel industries. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Marriott International CEO Anthony Capuano, who spoke at the CNBC CEO Council Summit about their long-term partnership, said they’ve seen continued strength from sports fans and travel lovers. While Goodell said the demand around the NFL’s recent schedule release and the more than 600,000 people who traveled to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the NFL Draft reflects how “sports is in a different place” and is not expected to be impacted by consumer uncertainty, he acknowledged some of the challenges facing the broader entertainment industry. Capuano said that at Marriott, which operates across 144 countries, there was a strong travel ***** at the start of the year, and after a slight lull in March, it has come back strong in April even as concerns over consumer confidence have grown. The desire to travel, especially among young people, Capuano said, is not showing many signs of slowing down. However, Capuano said he is monitoring job and unemployment trends more broadly, and if there continues to be strong job creation and relatively low unemployment, he will “feel reasonably good about the consumer.” “The reality is this; our business thrives in times of stability and high consumer confidence,” Capuano said. “Neither of those have been in ample supply in recent months.” Source link #consumer #CEOs #prices #tariffs #economy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

What’s next for New Jersey congresswoman charged after skirmish outside ICE facility What’s next for New Jersey congresswoman charged after skirmish outside ICE facility What’s next for New Jersey congresswoman charged after skirmish outside ICE facility – CBS News Watch CBS News Federal prosecutors have charged Rep. LaMonica McIver of New Jersey with felony assault after a skirmish outside a Newark ICE facility where the city’s mayor was arrested earlier this month. Scott MacFarlane has more. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Whats #Jersey #congresswoman #charged #skirmish #ICE #facility Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DOJ charges Armenian crime ring in Amazon theft worth over $83 million DOJ charges Armenian crime ring in Amazon theft worth over $83 million The Amazon Prime logo is displayed on Amazon delivery trucks in Richmond, California, June 21, 2023. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Department of Justice officials on Tuesday charged members or associates of an Armenian organized crime ring with stealing more than $83 million worth of cargo from Amazon by posing as legitimate truck drivers and siphoning off goods destined for the company’s warehouses. Since at least 2021, at least four people linked to the crime ring carried out a scheme across California to steal truckloads of merchandise, ranging from smart TVs and GE icemakers to SharkNinja vacuums and air fryers, the DOJ alleged. “At present, Amazon is plagued by recurring thefts of its shipments, which is commonly referred to as ‘cargo theft,'” the complaint says. Amazon has ramped up its efforts to track and shut down fraudulent, deceptive and ******** activities on its sprawling online store. Eliminating stolen goods is particularly challenging. CNBC reported in 2023 that Amazon suspended dozens of third-party merchants it alleged were selling stolen goods, though many of those sellers claimed they were unknowingly caught in the scheme, putting their businesses at risk of survival. Amazon isn’t the only retailer afflicted by cargo theft. Experts told CNBC cargo theft-related losses are estimated at close to $1 billion or more a year. In its complaint, the DOJ said the alleged fraudsters operated four transport carriers — AK Transportation, NBA Holdings, Belman Transport and Markos Transportation — that would obtain contracted freight routes from Amazon Relay, an application used by truckers to obtain work, also referred to as loads. Each trucker is assigned a load for pickup from a manufacturer’s warehouse to be dropped off at an Amazon facility. Instead, the groups would divert from their designated routes, take a portion of the goods off the trucks and resell them or gift them to associates, prosecutors allege. In some cases, the “self-styled carriers” would complete their deliveries at an Amazon warehouse several days after they were expected to show up, according to the complaint. DOJ officials seized the alleged fraudsters’ iPhones and found photos and videos of warehouses lined with boxes of crockpots, Keurig coffee machines, keratin shampoo, Weber grills and other goods. Amazon teams cooperated with DOJ officials in their investigation, including sharing information about the stolen goods, and details of the alleged fraudsters’ accounts on its online marketplace. Representatives from Amazon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. DOJ officials linked the defendants to a litany of other alleged crimes, including attempted *******, kidnapping, ******** firearm possession and health-care fraud. Several of the 13 defendants are expected to appear in a Los Angeles district court on Tuesday and Wednesday, while one of the defendants appeared in a court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday and was detained. WATCH: Amazon reportedly exploring foldable phone Source link #DOJ #charges #Armenian #crime #ring #Amazon #theft #worth #million Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rubio, Democrats clash over Trump’s foreign policy moves – The Washington Post Rubio, Democrats clash over Trump’s foreign policy moves – The Washington Post Rubio, Democrats clash over Trump’s foreign policy moves The Washington PostRubio fires back after Dem senator says he regrets voting for him, sparking tense exchange Fox NewsRubio defends Trump’s foreign policy as Democrats grill him on Putin and aid cuts NPRUS is not withdrawing from the world, Rubio says during testy hearings in Congress ReutersVan Hollen slams Rubio in contentious exchange over deportations and Abrego Garcia ABC News Source link #Rubio #Democrats #clash #Trumps #foreign #policy #moves #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DOJ charges Armenian crime ring in Amazon theft worth over $83 million DOJ charges Armenian crime ring in Amazon theft worth over $83 million The Amazon Prime logo is displayed on Amazon delivery trucks in Richmond, California, June 21, 2023. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Department of Justice officials on Tuesday charged members or associates of an Armenian organized crime ring with stealing more than $83 million worth of cargo from Amazon by posing as legitimate truck drivers and siphoning off goods destined for the company’s warehouses. Since at least 2021, at least four people linked to the crime ring carried out a scheme across California to steal truckloads of merchandise, ranging from smart TVs and GE icemakers to SharkNinja vacuums and air fryers, the DOJ alleged. “At present, Amazon is plagued by recurring thefts of its shipments, which is commonly referred to as ‘cargo theft,'” the complaint says. Amazon has ramped up its efforts to track and shut down fraudulent, deceptive and ******** activities on its sprawling online store. Eliminating stolen goods is particularly challenging. CNBC reported in 2023 that Amazon suspended dozens of third-party merchants it alleged were selling stolen goods, though many of those sellers claimed they were unknowingly caught in the scheme, putting their businesses at risk of survival. Amazon isn’t the only retailer afflicted by cargo theft. Experts told CNBC cargo theft-related losses are estimated at close to $1 billion or more a year. In its complaint, the DOJ said the alleged fraudsters operated four transport carriers — AK Transportation, NBA Holdings, Belman Transport and Markos Transportation — that would obtain contracted freight routes from Amazon Relay, an application used by truckers to obtain work, also referred to as loads. Each trucker is assigned a load for pickup from a manufacturer’s warehouse to be dropped off at an Amazon facility. Instead, the groups would divert from their designated routes, take a portion of the goods off the trucks and resell them or gift them to associates, prosecutors allege. In some cases, the “self-styled carriers” would complete their deliveries at an Amazon warehouse several days after they were expected to show up, according to the complaint. DOJ officials seized the alleged fraudsters’ iPhones and found photos and videos of warehouses lined with boxes of crockpots, Keurig coffee machines, keratin shampoo, Weber grills and other goods. Amazon teams cooperated with DOJ officials in their investigation, including sharing information about the stolen goods, and details of the alleged fraudsters’ accounts on its online marketplace. Representatives from Amazon didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. DOJ officials linked the defendants to a litany of other alleged crimes, including attempted *******, kidnapping, ******** firearm possession and health-care fraud. Several of the 13 defendants are expected to appear in a Los Angeles district court on Tuesday and Wednesday, while one of the defendants appeared in a court in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday and was detained. WATCH: Amazon reportedly exploring foldable phone Source link #DOJ #charges #Armenian #crime #ring #Amazon #theft #worth #million Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

At least 2 Navy SEALs facing discipline over racist memes shared on Signal At least 2 Navy SEALs facing discipline over racist memes shared on Signal The Navy is disciplining at least two members of SEAL Team 4 after racist memes, including one depicting slavery, were shared in a Signal chat to a ****** fellow SEAL, two sources familiar with the situation told CBS News. The memes were initially shared several years ago, but resurfaced recently after the ****** sailor who was targeted reported them. The SEAL who reported the memes, citing racism and bullying, previously had his Trident — which is given to SEALs — revoked, but the Navy has since reinstated it, the sources said. The memes were developed by two enlisted SEALs based in Virginia who now face non-judicial punishment and punitive letters in their files, The Associated Press reported. Both actions can be career-ending, or can result in demotions or loss of pay. Platoon and team leaders are also facing administrative actions, including disciplinary letters in their files, after a probe found they did not adequately address the sailor’s concerns about racist behavior and that the decision to revoke his qualifications was flawed, according to The AP. “This was a very shocking case of explicit and repeated racist memes directed at our client in a platoon-wide text thread,” the sailor’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, told The AP. “They modified his face in photos to look like a monkey and portrayed him as a chained slave on a slave ship, among others.” Parlatore praised Rear Adm. Jamie Sands, head of Naval Special Warfare, and his staff for taking swift action to “investigate, reverse the negative repercussions that our client received, and move to hold people accountable.” A spokesperson for Naval Special Warfare Command told CBS News on Tuesday that the Navy “investigated serious allegations of unprofessional conduct within one of our commands” and “accountability actions are ongoing.” “We are dedicated to fostering a climate of dignity and respect, and after conducting a thorough and fair investigation, we will hold anyone found responsible of misconduct accountable,” the spokesperson said. A defense official told The AP that the sailor filed more than a dozen specific complaints about racist behavior and about half were substantiated. As leaders began to look into the complaints, a second sailor — who is White — also complained about bullying by other platoon members. That amplified the broader concerns about the command climate and the later findings of leadership failures. This is the latest significant investigation into behavior issues and command failures at Naval Special Warfare Command. And it underscores racial concerns that are not new to the special warfare leaders. Commando forces across the services — particularly the officers — tend to be far less diverse than the military as a whole. Leaders in recent years have tried to attract a wider array of recruits in order to develop a more diverse force. Those efforts, however, could be threatened now, as the Trump administration and Defense Department leaders have made it a priority to end diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the military and the government as a whole. As of March 2021, a full 95% of all SEAL and combatant-craft crew officers were White and just 2% were ******, according to Naval Special Warfare statistics provided to The AP. The enlisted ranks were only slightly more diverse. Those numbers are starkly different from the overall Navy population, where about 40% of the enlisted force and 24% of its officers are non-White. Acting Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told CBS News: “Secretary [Pete] Hegseth’s work to rid the Department of Defense from the previous administration’s divisive DEI agenda is vital to ensuring that racism has no place in our Armed Forces. Giving our service members preferential treatment on the basis of race —in violation of federal law —is the very definition of racism. Secretary Hegseth is refocusing our military on merit and putting ability before immutable characteristics again.” Other recent investigations also found training and command problems. Last October, a highly critical review by the Navy found that two Navy SEALs drowned as they tried to climb aboard a ship carrying illicit Iranian-made weapons to Yemen because of glaring training failures and a lack of understanding about what to do after falling into deep, turbulent waters. And in 2023, a Navy investigation into the death of a SEAL candidate a year earlier concluded that the training program was plagued by widespread failures in medical care, poor oversight and the use of performance-enhancing drugs that have increased the risk of injury and death to those seeking to become elite commandos. Source link #Navy #SEALs #facing #discipline #racist #memes #shared #Signal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gonorrhoea vaccine to be rolled out in England from August Gonorrhoea vaccine to be rolled out in England from August Andrew Rogers & James Gallagher BBC News BBC Campaigner Max says he will definitely be getting the new vaccine England will be the first country in the world to start vaccinating people against the ********* transmitted infection gonorrhoea. It will not be available for everyone. The focus will mainly be on gay and ********* men with a history of multiple ******* partners or an STI. The vaccine is 30-40% effective, but NHS England hopes it will reverse soaring numbers of infections. There were more than 85,000 cases in 2023 – the highest since records began in 1918. Gonorrhoea does not always have symptoms, but they can include pain, unusual discharge, inflammation of the genitals and infertility. How many people will chose to be immunised is uncertain. But projections by Imperial College London show that if the jab proves popular then it could prevent 100,000 cases and save the NHS nearly £8m over the next decade. Max, a ******* health campaigner, told BBC Newsbeat he would “100%” take the vaccine after being diagnosed with gonorrhoea twice within a year. “I think this is great that it’s been announced”, he says, adding: “It’s going to take the pressure off the clinics, it’s just a big win all round.” Vaccination will start in August and will be offered through ******* health services. Public Health Scotland said it was also working on plans to launch its own programme for high-risk individuals. BBC Newsbeat has asked health bodies in Wales and Northern Ireland whether they intend to do the same. Is it effective enough? This vaccine wasn’t designed for gonorrhoea. It’s the meningitis B vaccine currently given to babies. But the bacteria that cause the two diseases are so closely related that the MenB jab appears to cut gonorrhoea cases by around a third. That will require a delicate conversation in ******* health clinics as the vaccine will not eliminate the risk of catching gonorrhoea. It is normally caught while having sex without a *******. But Prof Andrew Pollard, the chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which recommended the vaccine, said despite it only being 30% effective, it was “worth having” and could have “a huge impact” overall. The decision is not just about the record numbers of cases. Gonorrhoea is becoming increasingly difficult to treat. Most cases are treated with a single dose of antibiotics, but there is an 80-year history of the bacterium which causes gonorrhoea repeatedly evolving resistance to our antibiotics. It’s happening to the current treatments too and is why some doctors are concerned gonorrhoea could one-day become untreatable. The best way to deal with a drug-resistant infection is to never catch it in the first place. Dr Amanda Doyle, from NHS England, said: “The launch of a world-first routine vaccination for gonorrhoea is a huge step forward for ******* health and will be crucial in protecting individuals, helping to prevent the spread of infection and reduce the rising rates of antibiotic resistant strains of the bacteria.” The people most affected by gonorrhoea in the *** are those aged 16-to-25, gay and ********* men, and those of ****** and Caribbean ancestry. The vaccine – which costs around £8 per dose – is value for money when primarily offered to gay and ********* men, rather than all teenagers. However, clinicians do have the freedom to use their own judgement and offer the vaccine to people using ******* health services they think are of equally high risk. People will be offered mpox (formerly known as monkeypox), HPV and hepatitis vaccines at the same time. Prof Matt Phillips, president of the British Association for ******* Health and ****, said: “This is excellent news and a landmark moment for ******* health in England. “Gonorrhoea diagnoses are at their highest since records began and this has the potential to help us to turn that around.” It is not known how long the protection provided by the vaccine will last or how often booster jabs might be required. The decision comes almost a year and a half after a vaccination programme was recommended by the ***’s JCVI. ******* health campaigners had criticised that long wait, but have welcomed this decision. Katie Clark, head of policy and advocacy at the Terrance Higgins Trust, called it a “huge win”. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here. Source link #Gonorrhoea #vaccine #rolled #England #August Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Google I/O 2025: Gemini 2.5 AI Models Upgraded With Deep Think Mode, Native Audio Output Google I/O 2025: Gemini 2.5 AI Models Upgraded With Deep Think Mode, Native Audio Output Google showcased several new features for the Gemini 2.5 family of artificial intelligence (AI) models at the Google I/O 2025 on Tuesday. The Mountain View-based tech giant introduced an enhanced reasoning mode dubbed Deep Think, which is powered by the Gemini 2.5 Pro model. It also unveiled a new, natural and human-like speech called Native Audio Output, which will be available via the Live application programming interface (API). Additionally, the company is also bringing thought summaries and thinking budgets with the latest Gemini models for developers. Gemini 2.5 Pro Ranks on top of the LMArena Leaderboard In a blog post, the tech giant detailed all the new capabilities and features that it will be shipping to the Gemini 2.5 AI model series throughout the next few months. Earlier this month, Google released an updated version of the Gemini 2.5 Pro with improved coding capabilities. The updated model also ranked in the top position on the WebDev Arena and LMArena leaderboards. Now, Google is improving the AI model further with the Deep Think mode. The new reasoning mode allows Gemini 2.5 Pro to consider multiple hypotheses before responding. The company says it uses a different research technique compared to the Thinking versions of the older models. Based on internal testing, the tech giant shared the reasoning mode’s benchmark scores across different parameters. Notably, the Gemini 2.5 Pro Deep Think is claimed to score 49.4 percent on the 2025 UAMO, one of the toughest mathematics benchmark tests. It also scores competitively on LiveCodeBench v6 and MMMU. Deep Think is currently under testing, and Google says it is conducting safety evaluations and getting input from safety experts. Currently, the reasoning mode is only available to trusted testers via the Gemini API. There is no word on its release date. Google also announced adding new capabilities to the Gemini 2.5 Flash model, which was released just a month ago. The company said the AI model’s key benchmarks for reasoning, multimodality, code and long context have been improved. Additionally, it is also more efficient and uses 20-30 percent fewer tokens, the company claimed. This new version of Gemini 2.5 Flash is currently available in preview to developers via Google AI Studio. Enterprises can access it via the Vertex AI platform, and individuals can find it in the Gemini app. Notably, the model will be widely available for production in June. Developers accessing the Live API will now get a new feature with the Gemini 2.5 series of AI models. The company is introducing a preview version of Native Audio Output, which can generate speech in a more expressive and human-like manner. Google said the feature allows users to control the tone, accent, and style of speech generated. The early version of the capability comes with three features. First is Affective Dialogue, where the AI model can detect emotions in the user’s voice and respond accordingly. The second is Proactive Audio, which enables the model to ignore background conversations and only respond when it is spoken to. And finally, Thinking, which lets the speech generation leverage Gemini’s thinking capabilities to verbally answer complex queries. Apart from this, the 2.5 Pro and Flash models in the Gemini API and in Vertex AI will also show thought summaries. These are essentially the model’s raw thought process, which were previously only visible in Gemini’s reasoning models. Now, Google will show a detailed summary including headers, key details and information about model actions with every response. In the coming weeks, developers will also be able to use thinking budgets with the Gemini 2.5 Pro. This will allow them to decide how many tokens a model consumes before responding. Finally, Project Mariner’s Computer Use agentic function will also be added to the API and in Vertex AI soon. Source link #Google #Gemini #Models #Upgraded #Deep #Mode #Native #Audio #Output Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

These Official Ditto-Themed Switch Joy-**** Replacements Are Selling Out Fast These Official Ditto-Themed Switch Joy-**** Replacements Are Selling Out Fast Hori makes a long list of officially licensed Pokemon accessories for the Nintendo Switch, and it has just added one more to the catalog–the Hori Split Pad Pro: Ditto Edition. The full-sized grips offer a more ergonomic experience when playing in handheld mode, and the new Ditto design is already proving to be quite popular. The device is temporarily out of stock at Amazon at the time of publishing, though you can still place an order to receive the item when it’s restocked. $60 The Hori Split Pad Pro is a big step up from the traditional Joy-****. It includes two programmable rear buttons, a turbo function, and a large form factor ideal for anyone who finds the traditional Joy-**** a bit too cramped. Not only are the grips themselves quite large, but the buttons, analog sticks, and triggers are upscaled too, making it easier to actuate buttons while playing in handheld mode. True to its name, this new model features a color scheme inspired by the Pokemon Ditto with semi-translucent purple faceplates and decals of the shape-shifting pocket monster. Hori Split Pad Pro: Pokemon Ditto Edition Gallery As great as the Split Pad Pro is, there are a few limitations. This includes a lack of motion controls and no rumble, and if you’re planning on upgrading to Switch 2, you’ll have to leave behind your Split Pad Pro, as it doesn’t support the new console–though Hori already has a few Switch 2 accessories available, and it’s likely we’ll see a Switch 2 version of the Split Pad before long. As mentioned above, this new Split Pad Pro Ditto Edition joins a long list of official Pokemon gear from Hori. This includes other Pokemon-themed Split Pad Pro models–like this one based on Pikachu and Charizard that’s available for $58.76, or this Pikachu and Eevee variant for $66. There are also Pokemon models of the Split Pad Compact, which is a smaller, streamlined version of Split Pad Pro. You can grab an Eevee version that comes with an Attachment Set for $78 (was $90) that lets you use the grips as a standard wired controller. There’s also a Gengar Edition available for $58.76, though it doesn’t come with the Attachment Set. Lastly, while it’s not a Pokemon-themed model, there’s also a Split Pad Pro featuring a color scheme based on Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom that’s on ***** for $30 (was $60). Pokemon and Zelda Hori Split Pad Deals Source link #Official #DittoThemed #Switch #JoyCon #Replacements #Selling #Fast Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Chaos as weapon-wielding intruders ****** school formal after-party in Adelaide Chaos as weapon-wielding intruders ****** school formal after-party in Adelaide A school formal after-party has descended into chaos after gatecrashers stormed the party armed with machetes in Adelaide’s northeast, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Shocking CCTV footage showed the intruders storming the formal after-party about 10pm on Friday in Hillcrest. Party host Jaycon Coller said two cars pulled up outside the property, with several people piling out and demanding to come inside. Camera IconA group of intruders stormed a school formal after-party. 9News Credit: Supplied The intruders then kicked the door in and began searching for someone at the home, leaving chaos and destruction in their wake. Footage showed one of the intruders carrying a baseball bat as he entered the property, with another uninvited person carrying a machete. Mr Coller told 9News that he stipulated there would be “no fighting” when organising the party, but the message went unheard. “They’ve forced their way in by kicking the front door open … coming in with baseball bats and machetes, swinging it at everyone and yelling out a particular name,” he said, adding the intruders caused thousands of dollars in damage. Camera IconOne of the intruders was armed with a baseball bat. 9News Credit: Supplied CCTV footage showed a sea of youths rushing out of the property a short time later, and while people a white car tried to flee, a person smashed the car window with a baseball bat. A fight later broke out on the streets, with footage of a girl being dragged by her hair and “slammed to the floor” uploaded onto social media. Neighbour Janine Donato described the disturbance as “crazy” and a “racket”, with a wave of high school students fleeing the house. “This is normally a quiet area,” she said. Camera IconThe intruders caused thousands of dollars in damage. 9News Credit: SuppliedCamera IconDoors were smashed and windows shattered. 9News Credit: Supplied South Australia Police told NewsWire that officers were called to the property after reports of a disturbance. Mr Coller told police that his house had been broken into and he was “assaulted and had clothing stolen and personal items stolen”. “Police believe the persons involved are known to each other,” the spokesman said. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Source link #Chaos #weaponwielding #intruders #****** #school #formal #afterparty #Adelaide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]