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Brutal boulevard for Opera Aust as it posts a $10m loss Brutal boulevard for Opera Aust as it posts a $10m loss Opera Australia has plunged to an operating deficit of $10.6 million for 2024, thanks in part to its production of Sunset Boulevard. The musical starring Sarah Brightman did indeed prove to be a brutal boulevard for the company – it saw poor reviews and Brightman herself unable to perform after an injury. The annual financial reports released Friday reveal the sheer extent of the financial pressures the company was under as the co-production wrapped in Melbourne in the second half of 2024. One of the company’s directors offered Opera Australia a $6 million interest-free loan last September, of which the company drew down $2 million that was repaid by the end of December. Sunset Boulevard did manage to return to the ****** following a more successful run in Sydney, but as widely expected it missed box office forecasts. But the 2024 operating figures for Australia’s national opera company are even worse than in 2023, when it returned a loss of $7.8 million. Total box office was $50.7 million, making up just under half the company’s $106 million revenue. The company also relies on taxpayer funding, with $23.9 million from Creative Australia, $3.8 million from Create NSW and another $1 million from Creative Victoria. Opera Australia also raided its savings in 2024 to boost its bottom line by $4 million, making for an overall deficit of $6.1 million. Chair Rod Sims acknowledged the result was well short of expectations and promised the 2025 result would be closer to breaking even, with a small profit expected in 2026. “As you would expect, we have more to do to ensure our longer run financial sustainability, but we can and will do this,” he said. Acting chief executive Simon Militano said better planning, cost controls, and a review of its approach to musicals will help. “I am proud of the way that Opera Australia staff have stepped up and delivered excellence onstage despite the difficulties off stage,” he said. These difficulties are no small matter – Opera Australia is currently recruiting a new chief executive, director of opera, and music director. Much of the 2024 program was put in place by artistic director Jo Davies, who left abruptly in August nine months into the job, followed by chief executive Fiona Allan’s departure in January 2025. The company says it’s also navigating the cost-of-living crisis, a challenging market for live theatre, and a hike in production costs, In Melbourne, the closure of the State Theatre until 2027 has been an ongoing issue, with productions staged at the smaller Regent Theatre, and Davies experimenting with Tosca at Melbourne Park’s Margaret Court Arena. But things have improved in 2025 with ticket sales above expectations so far, and projections for the rest of the year in line with its budget. Highlights of the company’s 2024 offering included La Traviata, Orpheus and Eurydice, Idomeneo and The Magic Flute at the Sydney Opera House, and Handa Opera’s West Side Story on Sydney Harbour. Contemporary work Breaking the Waves was staged at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall, while Puccini’s La Bohème visited regional Victoria, NSW, and Tasmania. Source link #Brutal #boulevard #Opera #Aust #posts #10m #loss Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump caps Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi with dizzying investment pledges Trump caps Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi with dizzying investment pledges US President Donald Trump on Friday capped off a Gulf tour in Abu Dhabi that has seen the securing of multi-billion-dollar deals, a $1.4 trillion investment pledge from the UAE, as well as historic overtures to Syria and renewed optimism over an Iran nuclear deal. On his first foreign tour of his second term, Trump oversaw a $200 billion order from Qatar Airways for Boeing jets and a $600 billion investment from Saudi Arabia — including nearly $142 billion in weapons, which the White House described as the largest-ever arms deal. Trump also expressed optimism over reaching a new agreement with Iran over its nuclear programme, and in a seismic diplomatic shift, decided to lift decades-long sanctions on Syria. In Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, Trump was greeted with lavish welcomes and hailed the three Arab leaders. He said that he and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “like each other a lot” — in sharp contrast with the frosty Saudi-US relations that marked the start of Joe Biden’s term. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed lauded a strong partnership between the two countries that grew under Trump’s leadership when he vowed to invest $1.4 trillion in the US economy over 10 years. – Lifting of sanctions – On Friday morning, Trump is set to attend a business roundtable and later tour the Abrahamic Family House, according to local media. The complex opened in 2023 and houses a mosque, church and the country’s first official synagogue with the aim of promoting interfaith co-existence in the ******* nation. In 2020, the UAE normalised ties with Israel as part of the US-brokered Abraham Accords under Trump’s first administration, which also saw Israel establish diplomatic ties with Bahrain and Morocco. On Thursday, he held talks with his counterpart President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed after touring the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque. Earlier in the trip, the White House said that Saudi company DataVolt will invest $20 billion in artificial intelligence-related sites in the United States, while tech firms including Google will invest in both countries. Trump also became the first US president in 25 years to meet a Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, after removing sanctions on the war-torn country following appeals from Saudi’s Prince Mohammed and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan. – AI ambitions- There was no announcement of a breakthrough on the Gaza war, which Qatar has been a key mediator, with Trump repeating claims that Washington should “take” Gaza and turn it into a “freedom zone”. But Trump said a deal was close on Iran’s nuclear programme that would avert military action, sending oil prices tumbling. He said the trip had resulted in securing “trillions of dollars” but the Gulf leaders’ largesse also stirred controversy, with Qatar offering Trump a luxury aircraft ahead of his visit for presidential and then personal use, in what Trump’s Democratic opponents charged was blatant corruption. English-language Emirati newspaper The National has reported that the US and UAE were working on announcing an AI and tech partnership during Trump’s visit. The UAE is seeking to become a leader in technology and especially artificial intelligence to help diversify its oil-reliant economy. But these ambitions hinge on access to advanced US technologies, including AI chips that were under stringent, restricted export — which the UAE president’s brother and spy chief Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed reportedly lobbied for during a Washington visit in March. Earlier this week, Trump rescinded further controls on AI chips, which were imposed by his predecessor to make it harder for China to access advanced technology. aue-aya/ds/ysm Source link #Trump #caps #Gulf #tour #Abu #Dhabi #dizzying #investment #pledges Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Killing of a ******** TikToker Valeria Márquez raises questions – BBC Killing of a ******** TikToker Valeria Márquez raises questions – BBC Killing of a ******** TikToker Valeria Márquez raises questions BBCTikTok beauty influencer shot dead during live stream in Mexico CNNPopular beauty influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream at her salon in Mexico CBS NewsValeria Márquez, TikTok Influencer, Shot Dead During Live Stream in Mexico The New York TimesBeauty influencer Valeria Marquez shot dead during TikTok live stream in Mexico NBC News Source link #Killing #******** #TikToker #Valeria #Márquez #raises #questions #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 GWM Tank 300 gets payload, towing upgrades, but large SUV lineup shrinks 2025 GWM Tank 300 gets payload, towing upgrades, but large SUV lineup shrinks GWM just added a diesel engine to its Tank 300, and now it has treated petrol and hybrid versions of the large off-road SUV to updates aimed at increasing their capability. More than 20 engineering enhancements applied to the diesel-powered Tank 300, launched earlier this year and pictured below, have now been extended to petrol and hybrid variants – for no extra charge, with pricing remaining unchanged. These enhancements larger front brake rotors and calipers, a reinforced prop shaft, upgraded wheel bearings, and strengthened front suspension knuckles. As a consequence, petrol and hybrid versions of the Tank 300 now match the diesel with a braked towing capacity of 3000kg, up from 2500kg. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert Payload has also been increased to a minimum of 600kg (Ultra Hybrid) and a maximum of 610kg (Ultra petrol). Again, this effectively matches diesel vehicles which have a payload of 600kg. Petrol and hybrid Tank 300s previously had maximum payload figures of 397kg and 420kg, respectively. Coinciding with these updates, however, GWM has axed the petrol and hybrid versions of the entry-level Tank 300 Lux. These powertrains can still be had in flagship Ultra trim, while the diesel continues to be offered in both Lux and Ultra trims. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert GWM notes the diesel now accounts for 60 per cent of monthly Tank 300 sales, which led to the axing of the two variants. “These important updates reflect our global team’s growing understanding of the *********** market, where towing capability and payload remains a key consideration for buyers in this segment”, said Steve Maciver, GWM Australia and New Zealand’s head of marketing and communications. While the Tank 300 can now tow more than before, it still falls just shy of the Toyota Fortuner’s 3100kg figure, as well as the class-leading 3500kg offered by the Ford Everest, Toyota Prado and Isuzu MU-X. Camera IconSupplied Credit: CarExpert The Tank 300’s higher towing capacity pushes it into the “heavy off-road passenger vehicles” category under the *********** Government’s incoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) emissions regulations. The government says a “heavy off-road passenger vehicle” is an MC-category vehicle with a rated towing capacity of three tonnes or more, and featuring body-on-frame construction. This puts the Tank 300 diesel in a category with a higher CO2 emissions target than that for petrol and hybrid variants. To the end of April this year, GWM has delivered 1278 Tank 300 vehicles, which is 11.6 per cent less than in the same ******* last year. It’s sitting just ahead of the Fortuner (1250 deliveries), and is also ahead of the LDV D90 (1022) and KGM SsangYong Rexton (518). MORE: Everything GWM Tank 300 Source link #GWM #Tank #payload #towing #upgrades #large #SUV #lineup #shrinks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

St. Charles County woman embezzles $3.8M from family-owned business St. Charles County woman embezzles $3.8M from family-owned business ST. LOUIS — A St. Charles County woman admitted in court on Thursday to embezzling at least $3.8 million from her employer with the help of the business’s suppliers based in China. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office of the Eastern District of Missouri, Bridget Thebeau, 45, admitted to embezzling from her employer, a family-owned company, from January 2015 through March 2024. Thebeau had allegedly struck a deal with the business’s suppliers in China, which led to the business paying their suppliers for products the family-owned company did not need or even receive. In exchange, the suppliers in China shared the proceeds of the scam with Thebeau. Extreme hail, winds, more possible Thursday and Friday The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the scam led to over 200 fraudulent purchase orders, triggering payments of at least $3,821,152 to the China-based suppliers. In return, Thebeau was wired more than $2 million. Thebeau tried to hide the transactions with fraudulent shipping labels and bills issued by the China-based suppliers. She additionally created fraudulent invoices and claimed she had issued them to the company’s customers. Allegedly, Thebeau reported false information to the company’s owner and accountants during the scam. Thebeau was originally hired by the family-owned company in 2002. Allegedly her crime has created substantial financial hardship for the company’s owner, who can no longer afford retirement due to the embezzlement. Thebeau pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to five counts of wire fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 11. Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. 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 FOX 2. Source link #Charles #County #woman #embezzles #3.8M #familyowned #business Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

At least 7 preliminary tornado reports Thursday; Minneapolis tornado close call – MPR News At least 7 preliminary tornado reports Thursday; Minneapolis tornado close call – MPR News At least 7 preliminary tornado reports Thursday; Minneapolis tornado close call MPR NewsMultiday Siege Of Severe Weather, Tornado Threat Takes Aim At Midwest, Plains Through Early Next Week The Weather ChannelWest Michigan campers, beach-goers brace for severe weather WZZM13.comTornadoes, 70 mph winds, and golf ball-sized hail possible in Wisconsin WISNTornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued for parts of western Michigan WWMT Source link #preliminary #tornado #reports #Thursday #Minneapolis #tornado #close #call #MPR #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Geelong defender Lawson Humphries is eyeing a move to the midfield despite half-back dominance Geelong defender Lawson Humphries is eyeing a move to the midfield despite half-back dominance West *********** Lawson Humphries says he aspires to move into Geelong’s powerhouse midfield despite growing into one of the game’s elite half-backs. Source link #Geelong #defender #Lawson #Humphries #eyeing #move #midfield #halfback #dominance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

8-year-old kid with a metal detector stumbles upon a 19th century shipwreck 8-year-old kid with a metal detector stumbles upon a 19th century shipwreck A ********* kid is proof that major scientific discoveries don’t always have to come from grizzled researchers with fancy equipment. Two years ago, then-8-year-old Lucas Atchison went on a family trip to Point Farms Provincial Park in Ontario. Armed with a metal detector he had just received as a birthday present, Atchison dutifully scanned the area, hoping to hear that coveted “beep.” Eventually, he did. Eagerly digging into the site, Lucas uncovered a metal spike, which his father initially dismissed as something used to tie up boats. But the budding archaeologist insisted they dig further. Soon, they uncovered another spike attached to a piece of wood. The father-son pair had likely stumbled on a two-century-old shipwreck. “We were on the beach, we got our metal detector out, and as soon as we set it up, ding! It was a spike from the shipwreck,” Lucas recently told the CBC. Lucas’ find led to a full-on excavation Once the duo realized what they had found, they alerted the provincial parks staff, who then contacted the nonprofit Ontario Marine Heritage Committee (OMHC). The OMHC met with Lucas in 2023, but it took several years to obtain the necessary regulatory permits to excavate the area further. Finally, earlier this month, they began digging. Though still in the early stages, marine archaeologist Scarlett Janusas told the CBC that the shipwreck’s “double frames” suggest it is of the schooner variety. Work still needs to be done to definitively confirm the ship’s identity, but archaeologists working on the project believe they may have a likely contender in the St. Anthony. That vessel wrecked near Lake Huron in 1856 during a trip transporting wheat between Chicago and Buffalo. Researchers at the site are currently creating sketches of the wreck from above and from the side to analyze it in more detail. They are also reportedly reviewing 19th-century insurance requirements for ships, which could provide clues about the vessel’s identity and when it sank. Those documents outline specifications for ships at the time, such as the number of fasteners required in the frames. By cross-referencing those details against records of missing ships, they hope to definitively identify the wreck. Related: [Amateur metal detector uncovers massive Iron Age treasure hoard] You never know what you might find Lucas’ discovery is a nice reminder that, even today, in our seemingly mapped-out, modernized world, you never know what you might find with a trusty metal detector. His case is far from unique. In just the past few months, a Romanian man used a metal detector to uncover an ancient hoard of Roman coins. Even more recently, a Scottish man discovered a 4,000-year-old axe buried on his family farm. Sometimes, people may not even realize the significance of their finds until much later. Case in point: an *********** prospector named David Hole found a large rock with a metal detector in 2016, believing it to be a gold nugget. Only recently did he learn that it was actually a far rarer 4.6 billion-year-old meteorite. As for the Ontario shipwreck, researchers say they eventually plan to re-bury the find in an anaerobic, oxygen-free environment. That setting could help preserve it by protecting it from natural degradation caused by parasites and other organisms. Lucas, meanwhile, may be just beginning a long journey with his trusted metal detector. Source link #8yearold #kid #metal #detector #stumbles #19th #century #shipwreck Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tuberculosis case confirmed at Portland middle school – OregonLive.com Tuberculosis case confirmed at Portland middle school – OregonLive.com Tuberculosis case confirmed at Portland middle school OregonLive.comTuberculosis case confirmed in person at Lane Middle School, health officials say katu.comCase of tuberculosis confirmed at middle school in Portland: Officials KPTVTuberculosis case confirmed at Portland middle school, health officials say KOIN.comMultnomah County confirms case of tuberculosis at SE Portland school Oregon Public Broadcasting – OPB Source link #Tuberculosis #case #confirmed #Portland #middle #school #OregonLive.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Land released for first time in decade at Broome Road Industrial Park as Govt housing nears completion Land released for first time in decade at Broome Road Industrial Park as Govt housing nears completion Nine general industrial lots at the Broome Road Industrial Park have been released for presale, marking the first time in a decade that land has become available at the estate. Source link #Land #released #time #decade #Broome #Road #Industrial #Park #Govt #housing #nears #completion Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Former Teacher of the Year Sentenced for ********* Abusing Student Former Teacher of the Year Sentenced for ********* Abusing Student Jaqueline Ma taught elementary school. In 2022, she won San Diego County’s Teacher of the Year title, but less than a year later, Ma was arrested for ********* abusing a 12-year-old in her classroom. His parents thought the boy was at an after-school basketball program. Prosecutors say she also preyed on an 11-year-old. At her sentencing, Ma stood in shackles and read her apology. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan spoke with Inside Edition. Source link #Teacher #Year #Sentenced #********* #Abusing #Student Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Says Talks on Iran’s Nuclear Program Are ‘Very Serious’ – The New York Times Trump Says Talks on Iran’s Nuclear Program Are ‘Very Serious’ – The New York Times Trump Says Talks on Iran’s Nuclear Program Are ‘Very Serious’ The New York TimesTrump says US is ‘very close’ to a nuclear deal after Iran ‘agreed’ to its terms CNNTrump’s Middle East trip reveals sometimes contradictory foreign policy approach The Washington PostTrump says the US and Iran have ‘sort of’ agreed on the terms for a nuclear deal AP NewsTrump says US close to a nuclear deal with Iran Reuters Source link #Trump #Talks #Irans #Nuclear #Program #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

*******-accused mum’s matter in court after house fire *******-accused mum’s matter in court after house fire A mother-of-five charged with ******* has had her matter heard in court, more than a week after a horror house fire that killed three of her children. The 36-year-old remains in hospital after the Toowoomba blaze west of Brisbane that devastated her family. She did not appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court when her matter was heard on Friday. The mother had been airlifted to a Brisbane hospital in a critical condition and placed under police guard after the family home went up in flames on May 7. Neighbours helped six people escape the Toowoomba house fire in the early hours, with some reportedly smashing windows to assist the family’s rescue. A body, believed to be the woman’s nine-year-old son, was found in the charred remains. Two of the woman’s daughters, aged four and seven, later died from their injuries after being airlifted to Brisbane hospitals along with their mother. A 34-year-old man – the father of some of the children – and the woman’s two other sons, aged 18 and 11, also escaped the house. The man underwent surgery on his arm while the 18 and 11-year-olds were treated for minor injuries. Counsel representing the woman on Friday said they were seeking a brief of evidence, which magistrate Peter Saggers listed for July 21. The 36-year-old’s case will next be mentioned in Toowoomba on August 19. She was remanded in custody. The mother has been charged with three counts of ******* and attempted ******* along with one count of arson. The tragedy has devastated a Toowoomba community still processing a recent house fire that killed a mother-of-two and was allegedly started by her husband. Floral tributes have been laid outside the family home’s charred remains while a candle vigil was held to remember the lives lost in the May 7 blaze. Locals are also doing what they can, with charity Tony’s Community Kitchen calling for donations. “This community is one that pulls together in times of adversity, disaster and tragedy,” Toowoomba Mayor Geoff McDonald said. Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 (for people aged 5 to 25) Source link #Murderaccused #mums #matter #court #house #fire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Carnival Cruise Line ship hit hard by flooding during storm Carnival Cruise Line ship hit hard by flooding during storm Severe weather is something many cruise passengers never hope to experience during a vacation at sea, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. A rainy day on a cruise is sometimes cause for disappointment, but usually doesn’t result in more significant concerns like a missed port of call. Thunderstorms can disrupt or shut down certain cruise activities. though. including shore excursions, pools, and waterslides. Related: Earthquake triggers travel concerns for top cruise destination Cruise line private islands like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas can even shut down entirely when severe weather moves in, sending cruisers back to their ships early. And even without lightning, heavy rain can have an impact on cruises, but not just because it closes down the pool and sends passengers indoors. When rain comes down hard and fast on a cruise ship, it can actually flood certain areas of the ship as drainage systems struggle to keep up with the deluge of rainwater. That’s what happened on board one Carnival cruise ship sailing through a heavy rainstorm in The Bahamas this week. Doug Parker shared more details on the cruise ship flood and other cruise news on the May 14th edition of Cruise News Today. Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Carnival Conquest cruise ship flooded by Bahamas storm Transcript: Cruise News Today with Doug Parker. Good morning, here’s your cruise news for Wednesday, May 14th. Severe weather has caused major flooding aboard the Carnival Conquest currently sailing in The Bahamas. Passengers report water nearly entering cabins with balconies submerged and crew working nonstop to contain the flooding. The storm began Monday evening and is expected to continue through today. The Bahamas has been hit hard this week by that same weather front that moved through Florida earlier in the week. Related: Carnival shares cruise loyalty news; Royal Caribbean cruiser fined One guest sailing on Conquest told us that this is some of the worst flooding they’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. And Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas was diverted to Port Everglades on Tuesday to evacuate an injured guest. Yeah, the ship had left CocoCay earlier that day because lightning shut the island down. Around noon, an Alpha medical alert was issued for an injury in the ship’s Central Park area. Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter. Royal Caribbean cruise ship injury prompts call for blood donors A later call requested Type O blood donors in which 30 passengers volunteered. The injured guest was transferred to a Broward County rescue boat around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Royal Caribbean refunded all excursions from CocoCay. And the cruise industry is now clarifying details on Mexico’s new in-transit cruise passenger fee set to begin this summer. Now, unlike prior claims, this is an in-transit fee, not a non-resident duty tax. And the final rate kicks in a year later than initially reported. The fee will start at $5 per guest on July 1st, rising in stages to $21 by 2028. The change impacts all ships visiting Mexico. Related: Carnival Cruise Line gives update on new cruise fee, port opening And cruise stocks were up on Tuesday. Carnival Corporation: up 3%, 22.74. Royal Caribbean: up 2.3%, 247.84. Norwegian: up 1%, 19.33. And Viking: up 1.4%, 46.18. If you have a lead on a story, let us know. *****@*****.tld. Have yourself a great Wednesday. I’m Doug Parker with Cruise News Today. (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at *****@*****.tld or call or text her at 386-383-2472. Source link #Carnival #Cruise #Line #ship #hit #hard #flooding #storm Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation after ******* assault claims – BBC Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation after ******* assault claims – BBC Smokey Robinson under criminal investigation after ******* assault claims BBCSmokey Robinson under criminal investigation by LA sheriff for ******* assault allegations Fox NewsSmokey Robinson is under criminal investigation after housekeepers accuse him of ******* assault NBC NewsSmokey Robinson under criminal investigation following ******* assault allegations CBS NewsCriminal investigation opened in ***** and ******* assault allegations against Smokey Robinson KMBC Source link #Smokey #Robinson #criminal #investigation #******* #assault #claims #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wildlife dyed blue in São Paulo chemical spill Wildlife dyed blue in São Paulo chemical spill Brazilian authorities say they are investigating river contamination levels after a truck accident caused a chemical dye spill in São Paulo. The leak occurred after a vehicle carrying containers of a blue dye solution collided with a pole, causing the product to spill into a manhole connected to the Jundiai River. City officials say they are acting to rescue and save the lives of the affected animals. The dye is an organic chemical based on acetic acid – used in Styrofoam boxes and egg cartons. Source link #Wildlife #dyed #blue #São #Paulo #chemical #spill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wyloo signs as Hastings clears debt and gets rare earths project set Wyloo signs as Hastings clears debt and gets rare earths project set After some months of negotiations, Andrew Forrest’s Wyloo has signed on the dotted line to consummate a deal struck with ASX listed Hastings Technology Metals that will see Wyloo pick up 60 per cent of Hastings’ giant Yangibana rare earths project in WA. The Yangibana rare earths project, which also harbours niobium, is 270km east-northeast of Carnarvon in WA’s Gascoyne region. As part of the deal, Hastings will shed about $220m in debt in total owed to Wyloo that was becoming something of a millstone around its neck. That debt was originally created when Wyloo provided an exchangeable note to Hastings so the latter could pick up 21.5 per cent of ********* rare earths magnet manufacturer Neo Performance Materials. Those shares have since dropped in value after the sharp decline in global rare earths prices. About $80m of that debt was paid down back in February when Hasting’s transferred the bulk of its shares in Neo to Wyloo. It will now sell its remaining $7.4m worth of Neo stock and pay that money to Wyloo, in addition to 60 per cent of the Yangibana rare earths project. Wyloo will retain an option to increase to 70 per cent for at least an additional $20m. Under the terms of the deal now signed, Wyloo and Hastings will form a 60/40 joint venture and Wyloo will assume operatorship of Yangibana that is likely one of the most advanced unmined rare earths projects in the world in terms of spent capital. Hastings said Wyloo is well placed to drive project development, funding and other technical aspects necessary to take the project through to a final investment decision. The new deal will see Dr Tony Chamberlain – currently engaged as Special Projects Director at Wyloo Consolidated Investments – appointed as project director for the JV and the parties will form an oversight committee that will consist of two representatives from both Hastings and Wyloo. Chamberlain holds a PhD in metallurgy and has held management roles within BHP and WMC Resources in the past. Notably the joint venture will cover both Stage 1 of the Yangibana project’s Beneficiation Plant and its Stage 2 plan for a Hydrometallurgical Plant. The JV partners will contribute to the costs of the JV on a pro-rata basis and Hastings says its share of the remaining CAPEX needed to get the project into production could be as low as just $32m if a 50/50 debt to equity split can be achieved. With substantial investment in supporting infrastructure having been completed at Yangibana, the joint venture will be well placed to move forward with the construction and development of a global Tier 1 rare earths and niobium project. Going forward, Hastings will focus on its Ark Gold and Brockman Niobium and Heavy Rare Earths Projects, which are expected to generate additional long term value to shareholders. That low figure comes about in part because by the end of December last year, Hastings had already invested a massive $158m in supporting infrastructure at the project which partly includes a 294-room accommodation village, a 2km-long airstrip that can handle aircraft with up to 70-seat capacity, a 20km site access road, a water supply bore-field with six bores and a 20km pipeline. Other development onsite includes communications towers enabling 24/7 high-speed communication and various long-lead time equipment is already in storage and ready for installation or deployment. The Yangibana project comprises a 650 square kilometre tenement package over ground known geologically as the Gifford Creek ferro-carbonatite complex. The project hosts a current mineral resource of 29.93 million tonnes (Mt) grading 0.93% total rare earths oxides (TREO). The particular significance of that resource is its underpinning by a high combined 0.32% grade for the light magnet rare earths oxides of neodymium and praseodymium. From that resource, Hastings’ exploration and modelling has distilled-out a respectable combined proven and probable ore reserve of 20.93Mt grading 0.90% TREO, with a combined neodymium and praseodymium oxide grade of 0.33%. The current Yangibana reserves support an expected mine operating life of at least 17 years and the project will be developed in two stages. Initial development is proposed to complete construction of the mine and beneficiation plant to produce 37,000 tonnes per annum of rare earths concentrate, with a separate niobium recovery stream which will yield additional revenue as a by-product. A second stage evolution will comprise a separate hydrometallurgical recovery plant which has already incurred a capital cost of $68m, as at the end of last year. Hastings is looking to complete construction of that plant at the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area, about 12km south of the town of Onslow on WA’s northwest coast. With Wyloo now steering the ship at Yangibana, Hastings will focus on its other projects which include the Brockman Heavy Rare Earths project in WA and its adjacent gold exploration tenements at Ark Gold and other exploration tenements near Yangibana. After a difficult ******* punctuated by the exchangeable note debt that could have been worth as much as $220m at maturity later this year, Hastings appears to have cleared the slate with this deal and is now in a solid position. With that massive debt gone and a partner with deep technical knowledge and even deeper pockets that are backed by billionaire Andrew Forrest, Hastings will be in poll position with its 40 per cent interest in a project that will likely find its way to fruition in a global market that is clamouring for a western rare earths supply. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: *****@*****.tld Source link #Wyloo #signs #Hastings #clears #debt #rare #earths #project #set Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Comey under investigation for ‘8647’ post on social media Comey under investigation for ‘8647’ post on social media Former FBI Director James Comey removed a photo he posted on social media that showed seashells arranged as the numbers 8647, which some took as threatening language. U.S. Reps. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., and Adam Smith, D-Wash., offer their thoughts on “CUOMO.” #Politics #JamesComey #Trump Source link #Comey #investigation #post #social #media Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Minimum wage: Federal Government backs pay rise above inflation Minimum wage: Federal Government backs pay rise above inflation Treasurer Jim Chalmers wants the workplace umpire to boost wages for about 3 million workers at a rate above inflation. The minimum wage and industrial award wages are independently set by the Fair Work Commission annually — but the Government has written calling for a “sustainable real wage increase”. Yet the submission stops short of recommending a number. “This will help around three million workers across the country, including cleaners, retail workers and early childhood educators,” Mr Chalmers said in a statement. He said the minimum wage had increased by $143 a week since the Government came to office in 2022. It comes after business lobby the *********** Chamber of Commerce and Industry called for a 2.5 per cent pay rise and warned that further increases must be “anchored to productivity growth”. Retailers also backed a rise of 2.5 per cent, slightly above inflation. In recent years, the commission moved to dramatically boost wages in the care economy, bankrolled by the Federal Government. Wages lifted 3.4 per cent over the 12 months to March, according to the latest data from the *********** Bureau of Statistics. That was faster than the pace of inflation at 2.4 per cent. Education, healthcare and social assistance were among the top performers in the quarter — and analysts slated those gains to government-backed pay deals for aged care and early childhood services. Commonwealth Bank economist Gareth Aird said on Friday morning that wages and prices had evolved exactly as the Reserve Bank had expected. More to come Source link #Minimum #wage #Federal #Government #backs #pay #rise #inflation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Gabbard fires intelligence officials after memo contradicted White House Gabbard fires intelligence officials after memo contradicted White House Gabbard fires intelligence officials after memo contradicted White House Source link #Gabbard #fires #intelligence #officials #memo #contradicted #White #House Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The courts where nationwide injunctions are originating The courts where nationwide injunctions are originating Increasingly, when lawyers take divisive political issues to court, they seek out federal jurisdictions where they hope to find judges sympathetic to their worldview. This phenomenon, known as venue shopping, has been employed by both sides of the political aisle, according to a new CBS News analysis of federal court data for cases seeking nationwide impact. The analysis suggests that conservatives suing the Biden administration frequently tried to have their cases heard in tiny federal courts in Texas. The lawsuits often landed in courts with just a single judge, helping ensure the first ruling would come from Republican appointees. That the courts were in Texas also meant any Biden objections would head to the largely conservative 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. The cases reviewed were filed during and appealed by the first Trump administration or the Biden administration through Dec. 31, 2024. Those Texas courts include Victoria and Amarillo, small cities the analysis found were the first and third most common venues for challenges against the Biden administration. The only federal judge in Amarillo is U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, largely known for issuing a nationwide injunction banning the drug mifepristone, which is used with the drug misoprostol to end pregnancies. Six of the top 10 courts where Biden challenges were filed are in the 5th Circuit, encompassing the states of Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, according to the analysis. President Trump himself has a case pending in Amarillo’s federal court, where he sued CBS News in October for what he alleges is “deceitful” editing of an interview with Vice President Kamala Harris on “60 Minutes” during the 2024 campaign. The network has said the interview as edited is not “doctored or deceitful” and has filed motions to dismiss the lawsuit. When Mr. Trump first took office, liberals filed cases in larger venues, predominantly in the 9th Circuit, which includes most western states. CBS has also been tracking more than 300 cases filed against the current Trump administration. Beyond the D.C. District Court, where nationwide cases are traditionally filed, cases during Trump’s second term have increasingly been landing before judges in Massachusetts, which is the bluest district in the circuit with the bluest appeals court – the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. At least 46 cases have been filed in the 1st Circuit, among them, 34 in Massachusetts. The Supreme Court is now weighing in on the question of whether a single federal judge should be able to dictate policy for the entire country by issuing a nationwide injunction. The case was brought in connection to a Trump administration executive order to end birthright citizenship for children whose parents are in the U.S. illegally. The first birthright citizenship case was brought by The League of United Latin American Citizens and other groups in one of these blue district courts, in New Hampshire, which is also in the jurisdiction of the 1st Circuit. “We’re seeing Democrats challenging some of Trump’s policies in some of these blue states,” said Juan Proaño, CEO of LULAC, the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the U.S. “We’ve never seen a president sign so many executive orders in such a short amount of time, over 150. What they’re trying to do is really change the levers of power in regards to how they can actually pass their agenda.” Proaño said it’s normal to look for a friendly court or venue. “If you’re trying to advocate for your clients and you’re trying to advocate for a class, then it’s our job to find the best venue and also the best arguments and the best plaintiffs as well, to make the case in the court of law,” he said. “At the end of the day, this is really our focus. And we will do that in any state and in any court where we really do feel like we have an advantage.” Federal judges in Maryland, Massachusetts and Washington State issued nationwide injunctions pausing Trump’s directive on birthright citizenship, with U.S. District Judge John Coughenour calling it: “blatantly unconstitutional.” Far-reaching consequences possible If the justices decide to lift the nationwide pause and limit the scope of the injunctions, it could have far-reaching consequences. Trump’s birthright citizenship order would go into effect in states not involved in the lawsuit. The Supreme Court’s decision could also impact injunctions in other cases, too. “There are costs,” Vladeck said. “Having one court go first is obviously going to be problematic if it’s a hand-picked judge in a particularly one-sided forum.” Once favored by Republicans, who sought out national injunctions to block Obama and Biden policies, Mr. Trump has now blasted the courts for issuing injunctions that interfere with his agenda, calling on the Supreme Court to intervene. He argues that one judge shouldn’t be able to block presidential policy. “STOP NATIONWIDE INJUNCTIONS NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. If Justice Roberts and the United States Supreme Court do not fix this toxic and unprecedented situation IMMEDIATELY, our Country is in very serious trouble!” he wrote on Truth Social. A surge of lawsuits against the Trump administration have led to dozens of nationwide injunctions blocking the implementation of his policies. The more than 300 suits CBS is tracking have again favored larger venues. Outside Washington, D.C., the highest number of lawsuits were filed in Massachusetts, followed by Maryland, California and New York. J.B. McCuskey, the attorney general of West Virginia, argues that it erodes confidence in the courts when lawsuits are being brought in certain circuits, and one district judge can issue a universal injunction for the entire country. “If you are trying to forum shop for a nationwide injunction, you are making the argument for why nationwide injunction should not be allowed — because we have a court that is designed to issue injunctions for the entire country,” he said. “People begin to look at circuit judges as an extension of the political process,” said McCuskey. “And that is fundamentally disastrous for the way that the public views the impartiality and the power of our court system … because the court is nothing if it doesn’t have its integrity.” Shopping for venue likely inevitable, but “judge shopping is a little different” In March of 2024, at the request of Chief Justice John Roberts, the Judicial Conference, which makes policies for the federal courts, recommended a random case-assignment policy in order to limit plaintiffs from effectively choosing judges through where they file lawsuits. Almost every federal district court now follows that guidance. “There’s really only one invisible holdout,” Vladeck said, pointing to the Northern District of Texas, where there are district court satellites run by only a single judge or two. Notably, Massachusetts adopted the random assignment case policy only weeks after a birthright citizenship case was filed in the state. The policy applies to certain cases challenging federal policies filed in single-judge districts, according to a memo issued on February 11, 2025. The state’s Springfield and Worcester divisions each have one sitting district judge, appointed by Barack Obama and Joe Biden, respectively. The memo specifies that the “order applies to any civil action seeking to bar or mandate nationwide enforcement of a federal law.” Vladeck acknowledges that “forum shopping is inevitable” but that “judge shopping is a little different” because litigants know exactly which judge they are going to get. “I think sports fans would never be happy in a world in which one team got to pick the referees and the umpires and the judges in every single game,” he said. Source link #courts #nationwide #injunctions #originating Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cassie forced to read aloud explicit messages with Sean 'Diddy' Combs at his sex trafficking trial – AP News Cassie forced to read aloud explicit messages with Sean 'Diddy' Combs at his sex trafficking trial – AP News Cassie forced to read aloud explicit messages with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs at his sex trafficking trial AP NewsView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Cassie #forced #read #aloud #explicit #messages #Sean #039Diddy039 #Combs #sex #trafficking #trial #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Vegas jackpot: veteran Venezuelan cashes in to lead PGA Vegas jackpot: veteran Venezuelan cashes in to lead PGA The strongest field of the majors gave way to a few surprises at the PGA Championship, starting with Jhonattan Vegas charging into the lead with an opening seven-under 64 and the top-10 players in the world nowhere to be found. A long day filled with sunshine and mud ****** ended with Vegas in the penultimate group playing the best golf hardly anyone saw. A briefly energised crowd had mostly left when Vegas blazed his way to the finish with five birdies on his last six holes, ending with an 18-footer on No.8 and a 25-footer on the rugged ninth. It was Vegas’ best score in 45 rounds playing the majors. Despite being a four-time PGA Tour winner, the 40-year-old has never finished in the top 20 in a major and hadn’t qualified for this one in three years. He now has a two-shot lead over Ryan Gerard, the PGA Tour rookie who grew up in North Carolina and was the only other player to reach seven under until bogeys on his last two holes, and *********** Cam Davis, who matched his 66. “I got lucky that I was able to tee off very late and the course obviously is drying very quick,” Vegas said after becoming the first Venezuelan to hold the lead at the end of any round at a major. “So I was able to take advantage a little bit of those conditions at the end of the day today. “But obviously a solid round from beginning to end. Good way to start.” The biggest crowds belonged to the top three in the world, and it wasn’t nearly as inspiring as four of the last five majors they have combined to win. Masters champion Rory McIlroy didn’t make birdie over his last 12 holes and had nothing to say about that after a three-over 74 sent him straight to the range. Scottie Scheffler and defending PGA champion Xander Schauffele had plenty to say about mud ****** on tee shots, particularly on the 16th hole that sent both to double bogey. Scheffler at least holed two shots from off the green – one for birdie, one for eagle – and finished with a 6-iron from 215 yards to three feet on No.9 that sent him to a 69. For the first time in at least 30 years, the top 10 scores after the opening round of a major did not include anyone from the top 10 in the world ranking. Instead, Vegas stole the show as Scheffler, typically, posted the best score of the top-10 stars. Source link #Vegas #jackpot #veteran #Venezuelan #cashes #lead #PGA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Administration Live Updates: Republicans’ Sweeping Domestic Policy Bill in Peril Trump Administration Live Updates: Republicans’ Sweeping Domestic Policy Bill in Peril Republicans’ megabill to enact President Trump’s agenda began coming together this week, as a trio of committees released, debated and approved critical pieces of legislation that House leaders hope to bring to a vote as soon as next week. It would slash taxes, while providing the biggest savings to the wealthy, and steer more money to the military and immigration enforcement, while cutting health, nutrition, education and clean energy programs to pay for it. Major portions of the sprawling package remain unresolved, amid Republican divisions over cuts to Medicaid and details of the tax plan, among other issues. But the emerging package provides a newly detailed picture of the party’s policy priorities, as well as a road map of the sticking points that could derail what Mr. Trump calls the “big, beautiful bill.” Republicans are pushing the package through Congress using a special process known as budget reconciliation that allows them to steer around a filibuster and win approval without a single Democratic vote. But with tiny majorities in both chambers, they can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes in both the House and Senate. The first test will come in the House, where leaders want to bring it up before Memorial Day. Here’s a look at the bill, and the biggest remaining areas of disagreement within the party: Cutting taxes The bottom line: The heart of the bill is a roughly $3.8 trillion tax cut that would lock in many of the tax cuts Republicans passed in 2017, including lower marginal income rates, a larger standard deduction and a higher threshold for the estate tax, with some tweaks. The measure also includes several new, temporary tax cuts that Mr. Trump campaigned on, including his promises not to tax tips or overtime. His pitch not to tax Social Security benefits takes the form of a bonus $4,000 deduction available to Americans over 65, with the benefit shrinking at higher income levels. Americans would also be able to deduct interest on car loans from their taxable income, though the car has to be made in the United States. The reductions would last only through 2028, as would a $1,000 addition to the standard deduction and a $500 bonus to the child tax credit, which now maxes out at $2,000. Children born over the next four years would receive $1,000 deposited in a so-called “MAGA account” that is invested in the stock market. Businesses would receive several tax cuts, including valuable deductions for research and investment spending, as well as a new tax break for building factories. A deduction available to the owners of many businesses would become slightly more generous and be extended indefinitely. The bill also includes tax hikes on universities, noncitizens and some families with children. A tax on the investment income that university endowments earn would rise substantially, from 1.4 percent to as high as 21 percent. Immigrants authorized to live in the United States — but who are not citizens or green card holders — would be barred from receiving tax credits covering the cost of health insurance premiums. And tighter eligibility rules for the child tax credit would take the benefit away from roughly two million children. The sticking points: The biggest problem for the tax plan, for now, is the state and local tax deduction. The bill would triple the current $10,000 limit on the cap to $30,000. But a group of holdout Republicans from high-tax states like New York have demanded an even higher increase to the cap, a challenging prospect for Republican leaders who also need the support of conservatives who hate the expensive tax break. Scaling back Medicaid The bottom line: The bill makes major changes to reduce the cost of the health insurance program for the poor and disabled. The centerpiece of those efforts is a strict work requirement for childless adults without disabilities, which would require beneficiaries to document 80 hours of monthly work, or prove they qualified for an exception, or else risk losing their benefits. Those new rules would not kick in until 2029, after the next presidential election. More immediately, the legislation would make it easier for states to cancel people’s coverage by allowing them to increase paperwork requirements and drop those who don’t respond to requests to verify their income or residency. It also would require states to impose co-payments for a wide array of medical services for adults on Medicaid who live above the poverty line, a policy some Democrats described as a “sick tax.” Another provision would reduce Medicaid funding to states that use their own tax revenues to provide health coverage to undocumented immigrants, a change that could affect financing for 12 mostly Democratically controlled states. The legislation would bar Medicaid from providing funding to Planned Parenthood as long as the organization continued to provide abortions. The committee overseeing Medicaid also approved measures that would limit strategies that states have developed to tax medical providers and pay them higher prices for Medicaid services. Taken together with policies that would affect private Obamacare coverage, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the legislation would cause 8.6 million more Americans to be uninsured at the end of a decade, while reducing federal spending on health care by more than $700 billion. That estimate may be updated in the coming weeks as the office continues to analyze the bill. The sticking points: Democrats have made the Medicaid changes the main focus of their critique of the bill, arguing that Republicans are slashing health coverage for poor Americans to finance tax cuts for the rich. In an effort to insulate their most vulnerable incumbents from backlash, G.O.P. leaders omitted overhaul proposals that would have permanently changed the structure of the program. But one populist Republican, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri, has called the cuts a nonstarter, saying they amount to “taxing the poor to give to the rich.” And some conservative lawmakers in the House who wanted much larger reductions are disappointed with the scale of the changes and the delayed implementation of the work requirement. Ending clean energy programs The bottom line: The bill would sharply curtail most of the big tax credits for clean energy contained in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Many of those incentives were expected to last a decade and have so far led businesses to announce more than $841 billion in investments, from wind farms in Wyoming to battery factories in Georgia. Tax credits for low-emissions electricity sources like wind would be available in full only to power plants in service before the end of 2028.Credit…Benjamin Rasmussen for The New York Times Among the major changes: A $7,500 tax break for buyers of electric cars would largely phase out by the end of 2025, with a one-year extension for automakers that have not sold many models yet. Tax credits for low-emissions electricity sources like wind, solar, nuclear and geothermal power would be available in full only to power plants in service before the end of 2028, and then would zero out within three years. A credit for making hydrogen fuels would end this year. The bill would also impose new “foreign entity of concern” restrictions on tax breaks for both power plants and factories that build solar panels, batteries or other low-carbon technologies by disqualifying companies that use components from China. That’s a steep hurdle, since China dominates global supply chains. The bill would also end by 2028 a practice that allowed smaller firms with little tax liability to claim the credits and sell them for cash, making the incentives more widely accessible. Not all energy sources were affected. A tax credit for biofuels, which is popular in farm states, received a four-year extension in the bill. And a credit for capturing carbon dioxide from polluting facilities and burying it underground, which is backed by oil and gas companies, was mostly kept intact. Other portions of the bill would expedite federal approvals for oil and gas projects in exchange for up to $10 million in fees, scrap Biden-era rules on tailpipe pollution from cars and trucks and repeal an E.P.A. program aimed at curbing methane leaks from oil and gas operations. The legislation also pulls back unspent funds from the Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office, which has nearly $400 billion in lending authority for emerging technologies. The sticking points: Slashing the energy credits has been contentious even among Republicans, since more than three-quarters of the investments driven by the Inflation Reduction Act have occurred in red districts. At least three dozen Republicans in the House and four in the Senate have spoken out in favor of preserving at least some of the incentives, such as for nuclear power or domestic manufacturing, to protect jobs and bolster U.S. energy security. Slashing food stamps The bottom line: In a bid to save money and restrict benefits, the bill would make a series of changes to scale back the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides monthly aid known as food stamps to about 42 million low-income people. Under the proposal, food stamp recipients between the ages of 18 and 64 would have to obtain work in order to receive federal aid. That mandate would also apply to parents with children 7 and older. Current law subjects only beneficiaries up to age 54 to work requirements, and carves out parents with dependents. Additionally, the bill would force states to shoulder some of the costs of SNAP, which historically has been funded by the federal government. It would limit the ability of future administrations to raise food stamp benefit amounts. And SNAP would be restricted to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. By Wednesday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office had not released an analysis about the full effects of these and other changes. Past reports about similar proposals have found that strict work requirements could result in millions of food stamp recipients losing access to benefits. The changes to SNAP would also have indirect effects on school nutrition programs. Many children automatically qualify for free lunches because their families are eligible for SNAP. Poor children whose parents lose SNAP coverage under the legislation would have to individually apply. Reductions in SNAP enrollment would also affect which public schools qualify for universal free lunch programs, which rely on the share of neighborhood families with nutrition benefits The sticking points: Some Republicans from districts with high concentrations of food stamp recipients have balked in the past at cuts to the program, and insisted on allowing states to relax work requirements, which the bill would limit their ability to do. But so far, there has been no outcry in the G.O.P. against the SNAP cuts. Boosting national security and immigration enforcement The bottom line: The plan would devote an additional $150 billion in military spending, to help boost shipbuilding efforts, and to build a new space-based missile defense system Mr. Trump has proposed that the military is calling Golden Dome. Military troops listening to Mr. Trump speak in Qatar on Thursday. The bill would include $150 billion in additional military spending.Credit…Doug Mills/The New York Times It also includes about $175 billion in new spending to enforce Mr. Trump’s ambitious anti-immigration agenda, including for bulking up the barriers at the nation’s southern border and for additional Border Patrol agents and facilities. Those measures are considered the least controversial in the legislative package and are meant to entice Republicans to vote for it. Cutting education programs The bottom line: The bill would slice $330 billion out of student loan spending over a decade. The biggest change would eliminate for new borrowers the Biden-era student loan repayment program known as SAVE — which ties loan payments to income and household size — as well as the Pay As You Earn plan and the Income-Contingent Repayment plan. It would replace those with a single repayment plan that would be more costly for many students. Total federal loan amounts would be capped by year and by program for graduate student loans, and new limits would be placed on how much parents of students can borrow to pay for their children’s tuition. The bill establishes a new program that would penalize universities whose students have high rates of difficulty repaying their federal student loans. Income generated by that program would then be distributed to schools that guarantee the price of their degrees and can show high graduation rates for students from low income backgrounds. A requirement that for-profit colleges obtain at least 10 percent of their funding from sources other than the federal government would be repealed. The bill also would make it more difficult for part-time students to obtain Pell Grants, increasing the number of credits per semester required for the maximum award from 12 to 15, and requiring them to be enrolled at least half of the time to qualify at all. But it would allow Pell Grants to be used for shorter-term programs that earn students professional certifications. Raising the debt ceiling The bottom line: The legislation would increase the nation’s statutory debt limit by $4 trillion. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month that the United States could run out of money to pay its bills by August if Congress does not raise or suspend the nation’s debt limit. Many ultraconservative Republicans have long prided themselves on refusing to back any increase to the nation’s borrowing cap, and refused to do so in December even at Mr. Trump’s urging. But some have conceded they would rather raise the debt limit through the reconciliation bill — which allows them to pass legislation without a single Democratic vote — to deprive the ********* party of any negotiating leverage. Source link #Trump #Administration #Live #Updates #Republicans #Sweeping #Domestic #Policy #Bill #Peril Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What to know about the 400-foot fall that killed 3 climbers, and the sole survivor who trekked out What to know about the 400-foot fall that killed 3 climbers, and the sole survivor who trekked out Four rock climbers fell several hundred feet while descending granite spires in Washington, leaving only one survivor who hiked out and told a 911 dispatcher that his companions were dead and he could “hardly breathe,” according to a recording obtained Thursday by The Associated Press. Anton Tselykh, 38, had plummeted an estimated 400 feet (122meters) Saturday evening, suffering internal injuries and head trauma. By Sunday morning, more than a dozen hours later, he was calling 911 from a payphone in a community some 40 miles (67 kilometers) away. “The whole team went down,” Tselykh told the dispatcher. “My face is very well beaten, hands and my ribs, I can hardly breathe.” Responders who eventually met Tselykh reported bruises on his head and fluid leaking from his ears, according to radio logs. Here’s what we know so far about the accident and Tselykh’s overnight escape. What caused the climbers’ fall? It was Saturday afternoon and lightly snowing on the Early Winters Spires when the four climbers, working their way up a steep gully, decided to turn around for a descent that would claim three of their lives. On their way down, they attached their ropes to a piton — a metal spike pounded into rock cracks or ice and used to secure ropes — that had been placed by a past climber. As one of the men began rappelling off the piton, it ripped out of the mountain, sending all four plummeting past ice and snow and rock. “We basically slid and rolled down, like all of us, to the bottom of the couloir and a little bit lower,” Tselykh told the 911 dispatcher. A couloir is a sheer gully that runs down a mountain. After the fall, Tselykh lost consciousness. Pitons are oftentimes left in walls by climbers and can stay there for years or even decades, becoming less secure over time. Typically, it’s common practice among climbers to set up a backup anchor, said Joshua Cole, a guide and co-owner of North Cascades Mountain Guides. But it’s still unclear whether the four had a backup. How did the surviving climber escape? It’s unknown why Tselykh survived the fall when the others didn’t, but he awoke several hours later in a tangle of ropes. It was dark outside, and he could only find two of his companions’ bodies in the dark, he told the 911 dispatcher, saying, “I was lucky to survive.” Tselykh extricated himself from the ropes, equipment and debris, and trekked over rock and snow — with help from a pick-like ice tool — down the mountain. “There is no trail, basically wild,” Tselykh described to dispatch. “I was able to descend very slow.” Arriving at his car, Tselykh drove some 40 miles (67 kilometers) and, at one point, ran into a guardrail, according to police records. Arriving in the unincorporated community of Newhalem, Tselykh called 911 early Sunday. He apologized to the dispatcher for his voice and said he could barely breathe. Despite suffering brain trauma and other serious internal injuries, he told the dispatcher that he didn’t think he needed immediate medical help. “I feel OK, I mean, I don’t need emergency,” he said. The dispatcher asked him to stay were he was so that medics could check him out and authorities could take his report. He was later hospitalized. By Wednesday morning, he was in satisfactory condition at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center, meaning he was not in the intensive care unit, Susan Gregg, a spokeswoman for UW Medicine, said in an email. Who were the climbers and how were their bodies recovered? A three-person search and rescue team responded following Tselykh’s call, using coordinates from a GPS device the climbers had been carrying, said Cristina Woodworth, who heads the team. The three deceased climbers were identified as Vishnu Irigireddy, 48; Tim Nguyen, 63; and Oleksander Martynenko, 36. The rough terrain required a helicopter to remove their bodies, Woodworth said. The AP made attempts to reach several of their family members, but has not heard back. The four climbers were friends, some of whom had climbed together before and appeared fairly experienced, Woodworth said, adding that Tselykh was “obviously very much affected by this.” Irigireddy was a vice president of engineering at the Fluke Corporation, a test equipment manufacturing company, which released a statement Wednesday. “Vishnu was an extraordinary leader, and his loss is felt profoundly across our organization,” the statement read. Martynenko’s wife, Olga, said Tuesday in a Facebook post that her husband, whom she referred to as Alex, also left behind their son. She shared a link to a fundraiser to help “during the most devastating time of our lives.” “I still cannot believe that you are gone, my love,” the post said. ____ Bedayn is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Source link #400foot #fall #killed #climbers #sole #survivor #trekked Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]