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OpTic Texas Has Now Lost 15 Maps Back to Back, Prompting Major Concerns From Fans OpTic Texas Has Now Lost 15 Maps Back to Back, Prompting Major Concerns From Fans OpTic Texas has found itself in a sticky spot since 2025 kicked off. The team’s last win in a qualifying stage was at the end of January, and at the Major in Madrid, the team crashed out after winning just one series in the lower bracket. The squad is on a historic losing streak, losing 15 maps in sequence and sitting one from the bottom in the CDL stage standings. The team is drawing a 50-50 win-loss record right now in the overall season standings, but one more loss will push them into negative ground and could move them further down the leaderboard. Texas in Turmoil The impact of the losing streak has been visible on the faces of the OpTic Texas crew in recent weeks. They’re looking sullen and extinguished on their camera feeds, and the energy that usually drives them is sorely lacking. Recently, the organisation’s owner, Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez, made a controversial statement on stream, dubbing the squad the worst OpTic team ever. This losing streak is indeed like nothing we’ve ever seen for the organisation. This stage alone, OpTic Texas has lost with an 0 – 3 scoreline against: Toronto Ultra Miami Heretics Carolina Royal Ravens Minnesota Rokkr Atlanta FaZe The running joke now is that even the Vegas Falcons, a team that has lost two dozen Hardpoint rounds since the season started and sits on a record of 0 – 16 overall has put up a better fight this stage. OpTic’s most recent loss came at the hands of Toronto Ultra, which laid the utter smackdown against the team from Texas. In this series, JoeDecieves (ULT) set a new KD record at 2.05, helped by going double positive in the opening Hardpoint. It was a crushing blow for Texas through and through, and the closing round of Control was a 3 – 0 masterclass from Ultra. Ironically, this is OpTic Texas’ Major event. The upcoming LAN tournament will be played at the arena in which they won their CDL Championship last year, and they’re entering the running in the worst position possible. On social platforms everywhere, fans of the OpTic franchise are writhing and desperately figuring out a plan to right the ship. The consensus is that a major roster change is needed, but nobody seems to know who is at fault. The finger pointing is generally levelled at Kenny, and one of the most common claims is that Huke never should have been pushed back out for the return of Pred. What do you think needs to be done for OpTic Texas to win a series? Let me know in the comments. For more Insider Gaming esports, check out the news about the recent controversial esports betting bill in New Jersey SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam. Source link #OpTic #Texas #Lost #Maps #Prompting #Major #Concerns #Fans Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Seven & i in talks with Couche-Tard over store sales for merger deal – Reuters Seven & i in talks with Couche-Tard over store sales for merger deal – Reuters Seven & i in talks with Couche-Tard over store sales for merger deal ReutersCouche-Tard Could Sell Some U.S. Locations NACS OnlineCouche-Tard Explores Divesting U.S. C-Stores for Potential Acquisition of Seven & i Holdings CSPDailyNews.comCouche-Tard executives to visit Tokyo to speak on $47 billion Seven & i bid Yahoo Finance7-Eleven Owner, Couche-Tard Financial Advisers Looking for Potential Buyers for Some Stores MSN Source link #amp #talks #CoucheTard #store #sales #merger #deal #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

GSFLW 2025: Railways in hunt with second win, Mt Barker secure top spot and Royals keep top two hopes alive GSFLW 2025: Railways in hunt with second win, Mt Barker secure top spot and Royals keep top two hopes alive Railways continued their late season surge to remain in the finals mix while Mt Barker stitched up top spot in round eight of the Great Southern Football League Women’s competition on Saturday afternoon. Source link #GSFLW #Railways #hunt #win #Barker #secure #top #spot #Royals #top #hopes #alive Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mavros Gatos: A Genuine Neighborhood Taverna Operating in Pangrati Since 1963 Mavros Gatos: A Genuine Neighborhood Taverna Operating in Pangrati Since 1963 Some days, you just want to be in a place that feels familiar, where you know the dishes will be properly cooked and served by people who welcome you as if they’ve known you for years. Mavros Gatos in Pangrati is exactly that kind of place. Since 1963, it has been part of this neighborhood. Back then, the area was filled with simple dining spots serving wine and whatever food the cook had prepared. Today, this corner of the city has become a hub for gastrobistros and modern restaurants. Nonetheless, Mavros Gatos has remained true to its character, resisting passing trends. © Angelos Giotopoulos © Angelos Giotopoulos © Angelos Giotopoulos © Angelos Giotopoulos In 1991, Giorgos Kolezois, who had worked as a waiter in other tavernas in the area before deciding to open his own, took ownership of the taverna. Since 2011, the business has been run by his daughter, Vasiliki Kolezoi, and her husband, Giannis Manthos. Throughout these changes, however, Mavros Gatos has retained its identity: an authentic Greek taverna known for its quality meats and home-style cooking. Mama Panagiota, Vasiliki’s mother, prepares the stove-top and oven-baked dishes, including lahanodolmades (stuffed cabbage rolls), the house specialty, and the delectable savory pies, showcasing her Epirus heritage. Giannis and his kitchen colleague Nikos take care of the steaks, chops and other cuts, ensuring customers enjoy traditional charcoal-grilled delights free from unnecessary frills – just pure, flavorful carnivorous fare. © Angelos Giotopoulos © Angelos Giotopoulos The meats come from Greek farmers all around the country: lamb from Vonitsa, Paramythia and Mytilene, and beef from Serres and Mount Olympus. Their paidakia (lamb chops) are among the very best you’ll find in any Athenian taverna, thinly cut and cooked to perfection. They also offer a variety of other meat selections, including liver wrapped in caul ****, sliced like tagliata, and served simply with salt, pepper, and garlic oil – a true delight! Everything is expertly grilled, a hallmark of the establishment. © Angelos Giotopoulos © Angelos Giotopoulos The menu is complemented by unique Greek cheeses, including galomizithra from Crete and galotyri from Zagorochoria. The playful décor, featuring murals by Michail Papageorgiou, a.k.a. the artist Doris, depicting whimsical cabaret scenes with a suave ****** cat (“Mavros Gatos” means “****** Cat”) as the protagonist, adds personality and warmth to the space. The wine selection is impressive for a taverna, with 60 labels from Greek and international vineyards that pair perfectly with the dishes. Mavros Gatos is the kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again. There’s nothing modern or flashy here, just pure authenticity, with dishes full of flavor and heart. This article was previously published in Greek at gastronomos.gr. Source link #Mavros #Gatos #Genuine #Neighborhood #Taverna #Operating #Pangrati Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Philippines says acts in national interest in South China Sea Philippines says acts in national interest in South China Sea MANILA (Reuters) -China should recognise that the Philippines is an independent and sovereign state whose actions and decisions are driven entirely by national interest and not at the direction of other countries, Manila’s foreign ministry said on Monday. The Philippines’ foreign ministry also said the “real issue is China’s refusal to abide by international law” and how its “********, coercive, aggressive and deceptive behaviour at sea” have affected ********* communities. “We call on countries to be circumspect and to avoid actions and words that only contribute to tensions in the region,” it said in a statement responding to comments from China that Manila was being directed by external forces. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. At a press conference on March 7, ******** foreign minister Wang Yi said the Philippines’ actions in the South China Sea were not independent but part of a “screenplay written by external forces,” to smear China. The ******** embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the foreign ministry’s statement. The Philippines has embarked on what it calls a transparency initiative to shed light on China’s actions in the South China Sea, including embedding journalists on maritime patrols and resupply missions. Its approach has resonated with allies, including the United States, who support the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that found China’s vast South China Sea claims had no legal basis. China rejects that finding. (Reporting by Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair) Source link #Philippines #acts #national #interest #South #China #Sea Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

stocks, news, data and earnings stocks, news, data and earnings European markets are expected to see a positive start to the new trading week after recent global market uncertainty and volatility. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index is expected to open 32 points higher at 8,711, Germany’s DAX up 58 points at 23,092, France’s CAC 58 points higher at 8,170 and Italy’s FTSE MIB 186 points higher at 38,816, according to data from IG. There are no major earnings or data releases in Europe on Monday. Regional markets closed in negative territory last Friday, rounding off a volatile week marked by whipsawing policy on U.S. tariffs, the latest rate cut from the European Central Bank and key U.S. jobs data which showed nonfarm payrolls rose by a less-than-expected 151,000 in February. Asia-Pacific markets were mixed overnight as traders looked ahead to the new trading week with investors keeping a watch on steel manufacturers ahead of U.S. 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, which will kick off this Wednesday. U.S. stock futures moved lower on Sunday evening ahead of a busy week of economic data, with the February consumer price index slated for Wednesday, followed by the producer price index on Thursday. There will be more geopolitical action this week at a meeting between U.S officials and their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week. The U.S. said the meeting, which is taking place in Jeddah on Tuesday, will allow it to gauge whether Ukraine is willing to make meaningful concessions in order to reach a peace deal with Russia to end the war. Source link #stocks #news #data #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Some Chromecasts are giving ‘Untrusted device’ errors today – The Verge Some Chromecasts are giving ‘Untrusted device’ errors today – The Verge Some Chromecasts are giving ‘Untrusted device’ errors today The VergeChromecast (2nd gen) and Audio cannot Cast in ‘Untrusted’ outage 9to5GoogleGoogle Chromecast suffers global outage leaving furious users unable to stream Daily RecordUnable to cast to Chromecast? You’re not alone Android PoliceGoogle Chromecast 2nd Gen Bricked? ‘Untrusted Device’ Issue Pop Up After Certificate Expiry Times Now Source link #Chromecasts #giving #Untrusted #device #errors #today #Verge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anti-Jewish caravan bomb scheme a 'criminal **** job' Anti-Jewish caravan bomb scheme a 'criminal **** job' A purported caravan bomb linked to prominent Jewish sites was faked by a criminal mastermind for their own benefit, police have revealed. Source link #AntiJewish #caravan #bomb #scheme #039criminal #**** #job039 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The cute whiskers are back on. Rare Mediterranean monk seals are cared for in a Greek rehab center The cute whiskers are back on. Rare Mediterranean monk seals are cared for in a Greek rehab center ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Panagis hauls himself out of the pool at a rehabilitation center in Greece and scurries over for a delectable lunch: whole mackerel. It’s been about three months since the orphaned seal pup was found struggling in the coastal waters of Cyprus. Soon, he’ll be well enough to go home. Panagis is one of dozens of Mediterranean monk seals, or Monachus monachus, that have been nursed back to health by Greece’s MOm, a charity dedicated to the care and protection of the rare marine mammal whose population had dwindled so dramatically that at one point it faced extinction. Thanks to conservation efforts, the seals with the big, round eyes and prominent whiskers are now making a remarkable comeback. Nearly half of their estimated global population of 800 live in Greek waters, where the extensive coastline offers an abundance of sea caves that provide shelter for females to rear their young. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. From near extinction to recovery Sleek and remarkably fast in the water, the monk seal is a skillful hunter and can consume up to 3 kilograms (6 pounds) of fish, octopus and squid a day. But it’s not averse to a ready meal, and can rip through fishing nets to steal fish — which led fishermen to view them as pests. For decades, they were hunted, contributing to a major population decline between the 1960s and 1980s that led the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN, to list them as critically endangered. When conservation efforts began in the 1980s, combined with outreach programs to educate the public — and fishermen — “society gradually began to change … and the population began to recover,” said Panagiotis Dendrinos. Dendrinos, a marine biologist and coordinator of the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal — or MOm — that has pioneered the Monachus monachus conservation program, says the monk seal is the only seal species in the Mediterranean Sea and also “one of the rarest species of seal and marine mammal in the world.” “To protect an animal like the Mediterranean monk seal in its natural environment, you essentially have to protect the entire marine ecosystem,” he said. Conservation efforts have paid off, and in recent years, the species climbed down a notch on the IUCN’s Red List of threatened species to “endangered.” About a year ago improved one step further, to “vulnerable.” A unique seal rehab Usually contacted by members of the public who find an animal in distress, MOm specialists tend to adult seals on location where possible, and transport young seals to the organization’s rehabilitation center housed in the grounds of Athens zoo, on the outskirts of the Greek capital. There, the young mammals are looked after by veterinarians, fed a special diet to provide them with the best nutrition and hone their swimming skills in a pool. Their carers give them names — often after the people who found them — but make sure contact with humans is kept to a minimum to prepare the animals for their return into the wild. The young seals typically stay in the rehab center for several months, until they’ve put on enough weight and their natural hunting instinct kicks in, allowing them to fend for themselves. They are then tagged so they can be tracked, and re-introduced into the wild. MOm, the only center of its kind in the region, has cared for about 40 seals from far and wide, both on location and in its facilities, Dendrinos said. “This year, we had a really pleasant surprise,” he said. A female seal that had been treated and released four years ago was spotted nursing a pup. Planes, boats and cars to the rescue Panagis was found in Cyprus, near where the body of his mother had been found a few days earlier. Alerted by locals, the organization arranged for the seal to be flown to Athens. “Transportation is carried out with whatever is available,” said veterinary assistant Nikitas Vogiatzis, shortly after feeding Panagis. “Either by plane, or by boat, or even by taxi. “Konstantina came in a taxi, Panagis by plane, Renos came on a boat,” he said, listing MOm’s most recent wards. Weighing just under 15 kilograms (33 pounds) when he arrived, the now 3-month-old seal has reached over 40 kilograms (88 pounds). Panagis is nearly ready for his return trip home, which MOm experts hope will happen in May. Back into the wild Renos — short for Renos-Pantelis — was found in November in the small Aegean island of Anafi by a nurse and a military conscript whom he was named after. The seal pup was shipped to MOm’s facility. He got medical treatment and was put on a special diet until he was old enough to move on to solid fish — the mackerel that Panagis is so fond of. He recovered and on a cold, sunny February day, it was his turn to head back into the wild. MOm personnel loaded him into a crate and whisked him by speedboat to the uninhabited islet of Gyaros, the closest marine protected area to Athens. The release location is chosen “based on there being enough food, and there being no disturbance by people, which is very important,” said Vogiatzis, the veterinary assistant. The crate is placed near the water, he said. Then, “you open the door, you say a prayer and you say: ‘So long’.” Renos’ crate was deposited on a beach and the door opened. The young seal sniffed the air timidly, and waited. Slowly, he inched his way out of the crate, then picked up speed as he belly-hauled his way down the beach, splashed into the sea and was gone. ___ Associated Press photographer Thanassis Stavrakis in Gyaros, Greece, contributed to this report. Source link #cute #whiskers #Rare #Mediterranean #monk #seals #cared #Greek #rehab #center Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Josh Allen gets four-year cash flow of $220 million, a record – NBC Sports Josh Allen gets four-year cash flow of $220 million, a record – NBC Sports Josh Allen gets four-year cash flow of $220 million, a record NBC SportsSources: QB Allen, Bills reach record $330M deal ESPNBills, reigning MVP Josh Allen agree to six-year deal worth $330 million NFL.comBuffalo Bills and MVP QB Josh Allen reach agreement on a new deal through 2030 BuffaloBills.comNFL roundup: Bills give Allen reported $330m extension as Steelers trade for DK Metcalf The Guardian Source link #Josh #Allen #fouryear #cash #flow #million #record #NBC #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Man banned from driving for more than 90 years caught behind the wheel Man banned from driving for more than 90 years caught behind the wheel A 73-year-old Bathurst man who was already disqualified from driving for the next 92 years has been caught driving again. Source link #Man #banned #driving #years #caught #wheel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

More winter storms on the way to Southern California More winter storms on the way to Southern California The Brief Southern California will soon experience the return of wet weather with two upcoming storms. The first, lighter storm is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday. The second storm, arriving Wednesday to Thursday, is forecasted to be stronger. LOS ANGELES – More rain is on the way for Southern California as a pair of storms are expected to drench the region in the coming days, according to the National Weather Service. Timeline Enjoy one more sunny day Monday with above-normal temperatures before a series of storms brings more rain, mountain snow, and colder temperatures to Southern California for most of the upcoming week, according to the National Weather Service. Some light showers are possible late Monday night into Tuesday, with rain amounts expected to be a quarter inch or less, except up to a half inch across southern LA County, the NWS predicted. This first system Tuesday will be followed by a much stronger second system by Wednesday morning. “Models have remained consistent, showing the strongest part of the storm coming through Wednesday night into early Thursday,” the NWS said. “Still looking roughly 75% of the total rain from this system falling during that peak *******.” Recent burn areas could experience some shallow debris flows, and chances of this will increase if thunderstorms develop, officials said, likely late Wednesday into Thursday. Snow levels Snow levels for the peak part of the storm through early Thursday are expected to be between 6000 and 7000 feet, but colder air moving in Thursday means snow levels crashing to around 3000 feet, according to the latest forecast. “It will be a more showery pattern at that point with moderate west to northwest flow aloft but it’s a favorable set up for at least some light accumulating snow across places that don’t often see snow, including the sans Lucias, the Santa Ynez Range, and possible even the Santa Monicas,” the NWS said. This means travel through the Grapevine on I-5 will likely see snow and could be impacted, according to the NWS. The Source Information for this story is from the National Weather Service. Source link #winter #storms #Southern #California Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Cats & Soup has released a cherry blossom-themed update with new and vibrant seasonal content Cats & Soup has released a cherry blossom-themed update with new and vibrant seasonal content New Baby Kitty Special Travel Event added Clover Angora kitty introduced Content will be available until March 30th Cats & Soup welcomes the arrival of spring with a cherry blossom-themed March update, bringing vibrant new content and seasonal charm to the relaxing idle game on mobile. Available until March 30th, the update transforms the world with blooming cherry blossoms and a gorgeous fairy forest theme, offering new maps, costumes, and furniture to match the festive atmosphere. You can take part in the Baby Kitty Special Travel Event, which grants you scenic springtime travel destinations such as the Cherry Blossom Forest Trail, Warm Promenade, and Seaside Canola Field. These limited-time locations provide fresh settings for your cats to explore and unwind. In addition, the update introduces Clover Angora, a new limited-time feline companion inspired by lush green plants and vivid flowers. You can get your hands on Clover Angora through the In-Game Observatory and Kitty Trip until April 2nd. Furthermore, a new spring login event offers exclusive rewards, including the Baby Kitty Artist Costume Set, Gems, Furniture Coins, and Pudding. You can also unlock cherry blossom-themed decorations, event facilities, and facility skins, all of which will enhance your cat village with the charm of the spring season. The update expands gameplay further with the addition of a coffee bean grinding cooking facility and a Whac-A-Mole rest area, giving all the kitties even more ways to stay entertained. And if you’re looking for more, here’s a list of the best idle games to play on iOS right now! If you haven’t heard, your feline friends from Cats & Soup have also found their way into Merge Survival: Wasteland for a crossover event. You can enjoy themed decorations and special rewards from Kiki, bringing you a little bit of cosy relaxation in the post-apocalyptic survival world. Download Cats & Soup now by clicking on your preferred link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. Visit the official Instagram page for more information and to stay updated on all the latest developments. Source link #Cats #Soup #released #cherry #blossomthemed #update #vibrant #seasonal #content Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China bond yields jump to three-month highs as investors pare rate cut expectations China bond yields jump to three-month highs as investors pare rate cut expectations The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) building in Beijing, China, on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024. Bloomberg | Getty Images China’s sovereign bond prices fell Monday, pushing yields to their highest levels this year, as investors trimmed holdings on bets that additional fiscal spending will boost growth and push back interest rate cuts. Yields on China’s 10-year government bond, which move inversely to prices, gained over 10 basis points on Monday to hit 1.865%, their highest level this year, according to LSEG data. It marks a rise of 25 basis points from January’s record lows. Yields on 30-year sovereign bonds climbed above the key psychological level of 2% to reach 2.030% on Monday, while yields on the one-year note also gained 10 basis points to hit 1.643%. By 1 p.m. in Beijing, yields had pared some gains. “Growth optimism has returned in China,” Frederic Neumann, chief Asia economist at HSBC Bank, told CNBC via email. “The National People’s Congress signaled a stronger pro-growth stance by the government, centered on fiscal easing.” ******** government bond yields have climbed from historic lows in January amid optimism over prospects for the economy after officials set an ambitious growth target of around 5% in a high-level government work report last week. Beijing also announced a rare increase in its fiscal budget deficit to 4% of GDP — the highest since at least 2010 — along with a plan to issue 1.3 trillion yuan ($178.9 billion) in ultra-long-term special treasury bonds in 2025, marking an additional 300 billion bond issuance quota from last year. An increased supply of bonds typically makes existing bonds less attractive to investors, pushing down prices and supporting yields. Government bond issuances could be further ramped up if trade tensions with U.S. intensify, said Ju Wang, head of Greater China FX and rates strategy at BNP Paribas. “There is still room for long-end rates to correct further on a potentially faster issuance pace of long-dated bonds, the government’s aim to boost property market and consumption, and ongoing equity rally,” Wang said. Delaying monetary easing Investors have dialed back expectations for interest rate cuts in the near term, as the People’s Bank of China reiterated its priority to stabilize the yuan in the face of rising trade tensions with the U.S. At a closely-monitored press conference last Thursday, central bank Governor Pan Gongsheng repeated his stance that the central bank will cut interest rates and inject liquidity into the financial system through cuts to the amount of cash that banks must hold as reserves “at an appropriate time.” Officials have repeatedly hinted at lowering the policy rates since late last year but haven’t yet followed through. Pan on Thursday reiterated that the PBOC wanted to maintain currency stability at “a reasonable and balanced level.” Preventing the yuan from weakening too quickly could be seen as a sign of goodwill in the lead up to any negotiation with U.S. President Donald Trump on a trade deal, economists said. The ******** offshore yuan lost around 0.24% on Monday to trade at 7.2588 against the U.S. dollar. “Rising bond yields in China provide a counterweight against depreciation pressure on the Renminbi, especially in the context of falling U.S. yields,” Neumann said. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield has lost over 50 basis points since January and was trading around 4.2839% on Monday. Looking ahead, however, Neumann said the bond sell-off might “quickly run out of steam,” as the central bank prioritizes growth over exchange rate management, with the “monetary policy stance [remaining] tilted towards easing.” Risk appetite pivot The selloff in bonds followed a rally in the ******** offshore stock market, signaling a shift of liquidity toward riskier assets. The emergence of artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek has prompted global investors to allocate more toward ******** stocks, betting on the country’s advancement in large language models and its benefits to the broader economy. “Investor sentiment has become more bullish following the re-rating in offshore equities triggered by DeepSeek, leading to a shift in favor of equities over government bonds,” said Carlos Casanova, senior economist of Asia at UBP. MSCI China index has surged nearly 20% this year, while the Hong Kong-listed Hang Seng Index outperformed global peers, soaring over 18% year-to-date. Source link #China #bond #yields #jump #threemonth #highs #investors #pare #rate #cut #expectations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Russia Is Bombing Bridges To Cut Off 10,000 Ukrainian Troops In Kursk – Forbes Russia Is Bombing Bridges To Cut Off 10,000 Ukrainian Troops In Kursk – Forbes Russia Is Bombing Bridges To Cut Off 10,000 Ukrainian Troops In Kursk ForbesRussia claims new gains; Zelenskyy says ‘committed’ to dialogue with US Al Jazeera EnglishRussian forces recapture villages in Ukrainian-held pocket inside Russia The GuardianUkraine loses ground in Kursk as US cuts off support Financial Times Source link #Russia #Bombing #Bridges #Cut #Ukrainian #Troops #Kursk #Forbes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

'Activism' claim as judges reject youth custody push 'Activism' claim as judges reject youth custody push Controversial youth bail changes that were rushed through one state parliament have been criticised by judges as at odds with existing laws. Source link #039Activism039 #claim #judges #reject #youth #custody #push Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘I hope that it lights a fire under people’ ‘I hope that it lights a fire under people’ NEW YORK (AP) — To billionaire Elon Musk and his cost-cutting team at the Department of Government Efficiency, Karen Ortiz may just be one of many faceless bureaucrats. But to some of her colleagues, she is giving a voice to those who feel they can’t speak out. Ortiz is an administrative judge at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission — the federal agency in charge of enforcing U.S. workplace anti-discrimination laws that has undergone tumultuous change since President Donald Trump took office. Like millions of other federal employees, Ortiz opened an ominous email on Jan. 28 titled “Fork in the Road” giving them the option to resign from their positions as part of the government’s cost-cutting measures directed by Trump and carried out by DOGE under Musk, an unelected official. Her alarm grew when her supervisor directed administrative judges in her New York district office to pause all their current LGBTQ+ cases and send them to Washington for further review in order to comply with Trump’s executive order declaring that the government would recognize only two “immutable” sexes — male and female. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Ortiz decried management’s lack of action in response to the directive, which she said was antithetical to the EEOC’s mission, and called upon some 185 colleagues in an email to “resist” complying with “******** mandates.” But that email was “mysteriously” deleted, she said. The next day, after yet another frustrating “Fork in the Road” update, Ortiz decided to go big, emailing the EEOC’s acting chair Andrea Lucas directly and copying more than 1,000 colleagues with the subject line, “A Spoon is Better than a Fork.” In it, Ortiz questioned Lucas’s fitness to serve as acting chair, “much less hold a license to practice law.” “I know I take a great personal risk in sending out this message. But, at the end of the day, my actions align with what the EEOC was charged with doing under the law,” Ortiz wrote. “I will not compromise my ethics and my duty to uphold the law. I will not cower to bullying and intimidation.” Ortiz is just one person, but her email represents a larger pushback against the Trump administration’s sweeping changes to federal agencies amid an environment of confusion, anger and chaos. It is also Ortiz’s way of taking a stand against the leadership of a civil rights agency that last month moved to dismiss seven of its own cases representing transgender workers, marking a major departure from its prior interpretation of the law. Right after sending her mass email, Ortiz said she received a few supportive responses from colleagues — and one calling her unprofessional. Within an hour, though, the message disappeared and she lost her ability to send any further emails. But it still made it onto the internet. The email was recirculated on Bluesky and it received more than 10,000 “upvotes” on Reddit after someone posted it with the comment, “Wow I wish I had that courage.” “AN AMERICAN HERO,” one Reddit user deemed Ortiz, a sentiment that was seconded by more than 2,000 upvoters. “Who is this freedom fighter bringing on the fire?” wrote another. The EEOC did not feel the same way. The agency revoked her email privileges for about a week and issued her a written reprimand for “discourteous conduct.” Contacted by The AP, a spokesperson for the EEOC said: “We will refrain from commenting on internal communications and personnel matters. However, we would note that the agency has a long-standing policy prohibiting unauthorized all-employee emails, and all employees were reminded of that policy recently.” A month later, Ortiz has no regrets. “It was not really planned out, it was just from the heart,” the 53-year-old told The Associated Press in an interview, adding that partisan politics have nothing to do with her objections and that the public deserves the EEOC’s protection, including transgender workers. “This is how I feel and I’m not pulling any punches. And I will stand by what I wrote every day of the week, all day on Sunday.” Ortiz said she never intended for her email to go beyond the EEOC, describing it as a “love letter” to her colleagues. But, she added, “I hope that it lights a fire under people.” Ortiz said she has received “a ton” of support privately in the month since sending her email, including a thank-you letter from a California retiree telling her to “keep the faith.” Open support among her EEOC colleagues beyond Reddit and Bluesky, however, has proven more elusive. “I think people are just really scared,” she said. William Resh, a University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy professor who studies how administrative structure and political environments affect civil servants, weighed in on why federal workers may choose to say nothing even if they feel their mission is being undermined. “We can talk pie in the sky, mission orientation and all these other things. But at the end of the day, people have a paycheck to bring home, and food to put on a table and a rent to pay,” Resh said. The more immediate danger, he said, is the threat to one’s livelihood, or inviting a manager’s ire. “And so then that’s where you get this kind of muted response on behalf of federal employees, that you don’t see a lot of people speaking out within these positions because they don’t want to lose their job,” Resh said. “Who would?” Richard LeClear, a U.S. Air Force veteran and EEOC staffer who is retiring early at 64 to avoid serving under the Trump administration, said Ortiz’s email was “spot on,” but added that other colleagues who agreed with her may fear speaking out themselves. “Retaliation is a very real thing,” LeClear said. Ortiz, who has been a federal employee for 14 years and at the EEOC for six, said she isn’t naive about the potential fallout. She has hired attorneys, and maintains that her actions are protected whistleblower activity. As of Friday, she still had a job but she is not a lifetime appointee and is aware that her health care, pension and source of income could all be at risk. Ortiz is nonetheless steadfast: “If they fire me, I’ll find another avenue to do this kind of work, and I’ll be okay. They will have to physically march me out of the office.” Many of Ortiz’s colleagues have children to support and protect, which puts them in a more difficult position than her to speak out, Ortiz acknowledged. She said her legal education and American citizenship also put her in a position to be able to make change. Her parents, who came to the United States from Puerto Rico in the 1950s with limited English skills, ingrained in her the value of standing up for others. Their firsthand experience with the Civil Rights Movement, and her own experience growing up in mostly white spaces in Garden City on Long Island, primed Ortiz to defend herself and others. “It’s in my DNA,” she said. “I will use every shred of privilege that I have to lean into this.” Ortiz received her undergraduate degree at Columbia University, and her law degree at Fordham University. She knew she wanted to become a judge ever since her high school mock trial as a Supreme Court justice. Civil rights has been a throughline in her career, and Ortiz said she was “super excited” when she landed her job at the EEOC. “This is how I wanted to finish up my career,” she said. “We’ll see if that happens.” ________ The Associated Press’ women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Source link #hope #lights #fire #people Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘The White Lotus’ Recap, S3 Ep. 4: Gary’s Yacht Party – Vulture ‘The White Lotus’ Recap, S3 Ep. 4: Gary’s Yacht Party – Vulture ‘The White Lotus’ Recap, S3 Ep. 4: Gary’s Yacht Party VultureUh oh. The Lorazepam is running low in the latest episode of ‘The White Lotus’ CNNWhite Lotus has finally revealed its secret main character Vox.com’The White Lotus’: What time is it? Why’s the theme song different? The Cincinnati Enquirer Source link #White #Lotus #Recap #Garys #Yacht #Party #Vulture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brisbane set for early exit from Queensland to train amid cyclone aftermath, but Gold Coast won’t follow suit Brisbane set for early exit from Queensland to train amid cyclone aftermath, but Gold Coast won’t follow suit Gold Coast won’t follow Brisbane into making an early exit out of Queensland this week, with the Suns resisting the urge to have an extended training run in Perth in the lead-up to their season opener against West Coast. Both Queensland clubs have had their early-season preparations thrown into chaos across the past week, with Tropical Cyclone Alfred causing their Opening Round matches to be postponed and causing challenges with training. The Lions on Monday announced they would make an early trip to Sydney ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Swans at the SCG, having been unable to train at their club base at Springfield since last Wednesday due to the waterlogged ground. Gold Coast’s NRL side, the Titans, will make a similar move south to NSW on Tuesday due to their training base at Parkwood being under a reported 2m of water. Camera IconThe Gold Coast Titans’ NRL training base in the aftermath of the cyclone. Credit: Supplied But the Suns had better fortune with their training headquarters further south at Carrara, with Damien Hardwick’s side able to train there as recently as Sunday. Gold Coast are set to stick to their original travel plans and fly to Perth on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Eagles at Optus Stadium. The Lions, meanwhile, are scrambling to find training venues this week in a less-than-ideal lead-in to the start of their premiership defence. “We will train somewhere (on Tuesday), whether it is the Gabba or Brighton Homes Arena, which are both pretty waterlogged at the minute as you can imagine,” Lions football manager Danny Daly said. “We will head to Sydney on Wednesday then get a training in somewhere on Thursday on a dry ground as preparation for the game on Saturday, so we are just working through all the logistics.” The Suns have been one of the poorest travelling sides in recent times, winning just four of 24 games in the past two seasons away from People First Stadium or their ‘second home’ venue at Darwin’s TIO Stadium. Source link #Brisbane #set #early #exit #Queensland #train #cyclone #aftermath #Gold #Coast #wont #follow #suit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Romania: Far-right candidate Georgescu barred from election – DW (English) Romania: Far-right candidate Georgescu barred from election – DW (English) Romania: Far-right candidate Georgescu barred from election DW (English)Romania blocks frontrunner from postponed presidential race Fox NewsChaos in Romania’s capital after far-right Calin Georgescu barred from presidential redo The Associated PressRomania Bars Ultranationalist Candidate From Presidential Race The New York TimesRomanian far-right pro-Russian candidate barred from presidential vote CNN Source link #Romania #Farright #candidate #Georgescu #barred #election #English Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WA election: Nationals leader Shane Love calls for parliamentary inquiry into WA Electoral Commission WA election: Nationals leader Shane Love calls for parliamentary inquiry into WA Electoral Commission The West *********** opposition is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Saturday’s state election, claiming some voters may have been “disenfranchised” from casting a ballot. Shane Love, the leader of WA’s beleaguered opposition, said an inquiry into alleged shortcomings at the Western *********** Electoral Commission should be the “first order of business” for the new parliament following widespread reports of staff and ballot shortages. “The first order of business for the new parliament must be to suspend the electoral commissioner while a thorough inquiry into the conduct of the WAEC at the election is held,” he said on Monday. “This must include whether the electoral commissioner was competent and capable of performing their duties. “These are not minor administrative issues. They go to the heart of public confidence in our democratic system.” Some voters across the vast mining state were kept waiting for lengthy periods of time to vote, while some booths reportedly ran out of ballot papers. Camera IconWA Nationals leader Shane Love wants a parliamentary inquiry into the state election on Saturday. NewsWire / Sharon Smith Credit: Supplied Mr Love said he had heard of voters being denied a chance to cast a ballot due to identification issues. Presenting an ID card to vote is not required under WA law. “Many voters felt disenfranchised,” Mr Love said. “The reports we’ve received from across the state are troubling and suggest a system stretched beyond capacity.” WA Premier Roger Cook, speaking to reporters on Sunday after his emphatic victory, acknowledged the wait times on Saturday were “unacceptable”. “I just want to say, it was unacceptable yesterday, the waiting times for people, having to wait to vote,” he said. “It was unacceptable the WAEC ran out of some ballots at some booths. “We were disappointed with the WAEC’s running of the election yesterday and I’m sure a lot of people shared our frustration.” Mr Cook said he would be “formally briefed” on Saturday’s operation in the “next few days”. WAEC commissioner Robert Kennedy was appointed to the role in 2020. Camera IconPremier Roger Cook casts his vote in Saturday’s election. NewsWire/ Sharon Smith Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Love also criticised what he called the “outsourcing” of election functions to private contractor PersolKelly. “Outsourcing the administration of our state election to an untested external contractor is unprecedented and deeply concerning,” he said. “Elections should be conducted by an independent, publicly funded electoral commission, not a private recruitment agency.” Mr Love said any investigation into the WAEC should be conducted by an upper house committee. “Asking the WAEC to investigate itself would be like asking the fox to review the security of the *********,” he said. “A parliamentary committee with the power to call witnesses and conduct public hearings is essential.” Mr Cook trounced the Liberals and Nationals on Saturday, propelling Labor to a third consecutive term in office. As of Monday afternoon, Labor holds 41 seats, while the Liberals hold five and the Nationals four. Nine seats remain in doubt. Parties need to win 30 seats to govern. Source link #election #Nationals #leader #Shane #Love #calls #parliamentary #inquiry #Electoral #Commission Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MWC 2025 saw announcements from Samsung, Nothing and others, Week 10 in review – GSMArena.com news – GSMArena.com MWC 2025 saw announcements from Samsung, Nothing and others, Week 10 in review – GSMArena.com news – GSMArena.com MWC 2025 saw announcements from Samsung, Nothing and others, Week 10 in review – GSMArena.com news GSMArena.comThe Weird and Wacky Gadgets We Saw at MWC 2025 WIREDMWC 2025: The Coolest Phones We’ve Seen at the Show CNETThe best stuff we’ve seen at MWC so far The VergeMWC visitor numbers are up again, but the industry is decaying Light Reading Source link #MWC #announcements #Samsung #Week #review #GSMArena.com #news #GSMArena.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brand renowned for its wagons doesn’t see the point in them anymore Brand renowned for its wagons doesn’t see the point in them anymore Volvo may have a long and distinguished history selling wagons, but changing buyer preferences and evolving ways of defining car types mean long-roof models may not be a part of its future. Speaking to Autocar at the unveiling of the ES90 – an electric ‘sedan’ which is actually a liftback with increased ground clearance – Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said the Geely-owned brand could forgo wagons in its lineup. “Yeah, because I think it’s changed, right? SUVs have changed with ride height,” Mr Rowan said when asked if Volvo could continue without wagons. “One of the things that changed over the years is the decision makers of buying a Volvo car over-indexes to women, because they like a higher ride height. 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 IconVolvo V60 Cross Country Credit: CarExpert “Then with our saloons (sedans), with the ES90 you will see we’ve brought the ride height up, rather than down. “You get so much room in an EV (electric vehicle) car. You don’t have an engine, so you can push the cabin forward and get a lot of boot space.” Volvo’s first wagon was the Duett of 1953, which was followed by long-roof versions of the Amazon and 140 Series. Subsequent popular wagons from the brand have included the 200 Series produced during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, as well as the 850 of the 1990s. Currently, Volvo offers two wagons: the V60 and V90, both of which can be had in high-riding Cross Country guise. Only the V60 Cross Country is sold here. A ***** in popularity for SUVs, even in historically wagon-friendly Europe, has seen wagons almost completely disappear from global model lineups, with even sedans feeling the strain. Camera IconVolvo 200-Series Credit: CarExpert Out of Volvo’s current or upcoming EVs, the ES90 is the model that most resembles a traditional passenger vehicle. The EX30, EX40 (formerly XC40 Recharge), EC40 (formerly C40), EX60 (due in 2026) and EX90 are all SUVs, while the EM90 is a ********-market people mover based heavily on the Zeekr 009. Similarly, the S60 sedan and V60 Cross Country are Volvo’s only passenger cars in its *********** lineup, sharing the showroom with some of the aforementioned EVs as well as the XC40, XC60 and XC90 but accounting for a much, much smaller percentage of the brand’s sales. While the ES90 is closely related to the EX90, much as the combustion-powered S90 counterpart is closely related to the XC90, Mr Rowan said it’s unlikely Volvo would introduce something like an ‘ES60’ passenger car to be twinned with the EX60. Camera IconVolvo ES90 Credit: CarExpert “It’s expensive to bring different models to the market, it’s expensive to keep those models in the market and it’s expensive to launch them from a marketing point of view,” the executive told Autocar. Mr Rowan added that, as an example, the XC60 SUV could be spun off in ways to become an effective replacement for the V90 wagon. “Rather than bring a V90, for example, are we better to position that car [the XC60] in a slightly different way? We have the ****** Edition, we have the Cross Country edition. So we then now have different editions of the same base car,” he said. “It’s much, much cheaper and much more cost-effective for us to drive more volume through that same platform and that same form factor. “We’re a reasonably small company with limited resources. We’re making very conscious choices about where we want to play the game and where we’re differentiated.” Source link #Brand #renowned #wagons #doesnt #point #anymore Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Bodies of two South Carolina men recovered from water, coroner says Bodies of two South Carolina men recovered from water, coroner says Two South Carolina men were killed over the weekend and they were recovered from a body of water in the Midlands, the Kershaw County Coroner’s Office said Sunday in a news release. Coroner David West said the victims were 21-year-old Richland County resident Valentin Ulises Nicolas Quiroz and 43-year-old Sumter resident Lonnie Hancock. At about 4:10 p.m. Saturday, there was a 911 call about a drowning, West said in the release. A dispatcher was told the drowning happened in the Tail Race area of the Wateree River, according to the release. That’s behind the Wateree Dam, West said. When emergency responders got to the river, they learned there were two victims, according to the release. One body was recovered Saturday night, WIS reported. The Kershaw County Fire Service said the second body was recovered Sunday, and that the scene has been cleared. Information about how the men ended up in the water and what they were doing was not available. Members of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources helped in the search, and other emergency agencies that responded to the scene included Kershaw County EMS as well as Camden Fire Department and Lugoff Fire Department. No causes of death have been made public by the coroner’s office, but autopsies have been scheduled for Tuesday in Newberry County, West said. Source link #Bodies #South #Carolina #men #recovered #water #coroner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How Danny McBride Recruited Bradley Cooper for That ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Season Premiere – Hollywood Reporter How Danny McBride Recruited Bradley Cooper for That ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Season Premiere – Hollywood Reporter How Danny McBride Recruited Bradley Cooper for That ‘Righteous Gemstones’ Season Premiere Hollywood ReporterView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Danny #McBride #Recruited #Bradley #Cooper #Righteous #Gemstones #Season #Premiere #Hollywood #Reporter Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]