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WWE 2K25 Season Pass Will Add ’80s Legends, Ex-AEW Stars, And NBA Players WWE 2K25 Season Pass Will Add ’80s Legends, Ex-AEW Stars, And NBA Players WWE 2K25 is already going to launch with a character roster that’s 300 names deep with superstars from the past and present. But in the newly revealed WWE 2K25 season pass, that lineup is going to get even better. NXT wrestlers Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, as well as the Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, will be the first new arrivals in the New Wave Pack. Penta, the recently arrived luchador from AEW, will be added in a later pack, and he’s not the only former All Elite Wrestling veteran on the way. Billy Gunn will be making his WWE return alongside his New Age Outlaws teammate, Road Dogg, and so is “the world’s strongest man,” Mark Henry. The final wave of DLC characters will be a blast from the past, the 1980s, to be specific. For the first time in a WWE video game, Jesse “The Body” Ventura will be available alongside Paul “Mr. Wonderful” Orndorff, Junk Yard Dog, Tito Santana, and Sid Justice… whom long-time wrestling fans may remember as both Sid Vicious and Sycho Sid. There are a few guest characters whose names have yet to be released, including two “special celebrity guests” and three NBA players. The complete lineup of DLC packs is below, along with the release windows. Some of the wrestlers included with WWE 2K25’s season pass. New Wave Pack – May 2025 Alex Shelley Chris Sabin Giulia Stephanie Vaquer Special celebrity guest to be announced Dunk & Destruction Pack – June 2025 Abyss Great Khali Three NBA stars to be announced Fearless Pack – July 2025 New Jack Jordynne Grace Penta Bull Nakano Special celebrity guest to be announced Attitude Era Superstars Pack – September 2025 D’Lo Brown Billy Gunn Road Dogg Victoria Mark Henry Saturday Night’s Main Event Pack – November 2025 Jesse Ventura Mr. Wonderful Tito Santana Junk Yard Dog Sid Justice The WWE 2K25 season pass will be included in the Undertaker-centric Deadman Edition or in The Bloodline Edition, which will let players rewrite history for some of the Bloodline’s most memorable matches. Players who get the WWE 2K25 standard edition can also buy the season pass as a separate purchase. The Deadman Edition and The Bloodline Edition will both launch digitally on March 7, while the standard edition of WWE 2K25 will follow a week later in stores on March 14. Source link #WWE #2K25 #Season #Pass #Add #80s #Legends #ExAEW #Stars #NBA #Players Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wayne Bennett says the NRL made the right call to shift South Sydney’s clash with the Dolphins from Brisbane rather than postpone Wayne Bennett says the NRL made the right call to shift South Sydney’s clash with the Dolphins from Brisbane rather than postpone Plenty of people declared the NRL had put money ahead of people by shifting a game from Brisbane rather than postponing as Cyclone Alfred approaches but the game’s most senior coach doesn’t agree. Source link #Wayne #Bennett #NRL #call #shift #South #Sydneys #clash #Dolphins #Brisbane #postpone Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moons of Darsalon Review- Gamerhub *** Moons of Darsalon Review- Gamerhub *** “The Toronto-based (Canada) indie games publisher Astrolabe Games and Madrid-based (Spain) indie games developer Dr. Kucho! Games, today announced with great joy and thrill that their retro save-them-all action/platformer “Moons of Darsalon”, is now available for PC via Steam.” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #Moons #Darsalon #Review #Gamerhub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Memphis athletics receives $7.5 million gift, adding to record-breaking donation from Bryant family Memphis athletics receives $7.5 million gift, adding to record-breaking donation from Bryant family The Gary W. and Barbara A. Bryant Family Trust plans to donate $7.5 million to the Memphis athletic department, the family announced Wednesday morning. The gift will include a $500,000 leadership grant and a $7 million estate gift. The estate gift is an addition to the $13 million estate gift the family made in 2019 and raises the total to $20 million, the largest such donation in Memphis athletics history. “Barbara and I believe strongly in obtaining a quality education that opens more doors and opportunities,” Gary Bryant said in a statement. “We are excited to expand our initial commitment to the University of Memphis athletic department to continue to enable future student-athletes to earn a great education and excel in their sport at my alma mater. We feel very fortunate to be able to provide a leadership gift for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium project and only hope more alumni do the same. Go Tigers Go!” The money from the estate gift will be used “at the department’s discretion to support the overall vision for Memphis Athletics and student-athletes,” according to a news release. Gary Bryant graduated from the university in 1972 and later became the president and CEO of several insurance companies. The leadership gift will go toward the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium renovation project. That’s a $220 million project that got under way last summer and is expected to conclude before the 2026 football season. The area next to the Tigers’ locker room on the field will be named the “Gary & Barbara Bryant Field Club.” “We are extremely grateful and humbled by the extraordinary generosity of the Bryant family and their unwavering commitment to the future of Memphis athletics,” Memphis athletic director Ed Scott said in a statement. “Memphis athletics deeply values its relationship with the Bryant family and is honored by their benevolence.” The gift comes as the department prepares to enter the revenue sharing era of college athletics. Memphis senior associate athletic director Terrence Lollie told The Commercial Appeal on Wednesday that the Tigers have declared their intent to opt in to the House settlement, which will allow the department to directly pay players once officially approved. Scott has also made no secret of his goal to get Memphis out of the AAC and into a different athletic conference. Memphis turned down an approach from the revamped Pac-12 last year, but Scott said at the time one of the reasons Memphis didn’t take the deal was because of finances. Because the gift can be used at the department’s discretion, Scott and the rest of the department will have more flexibility. Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at *****@*****.tld or on X @thejonahdylan. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis athletic department receives $7.5M gift from Bryant family Source link #Memphis #athletics #receives #million #gift #adding #recordbreaking #donation #Bryant #family Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Republicans Grill Democratic Mayors on Immigration Policy Republicans Grill Democratic Mayors on Immigration Policy “Welcome, everyone here today. Chicago Mayor Johnson.” “Thank you. Thank you, Chairman Comer.” “As a result, sanctuary cities released criminal ******** aliens back onto the streets, where they often go on to commit more crimes.” “All of the mayors here today are actively working to harm the American people you represent. You all have blood on your hands.” “I think we’ve got a problem here. When we decide that there’s some laws that we will obey and some laws that we won’t.” “The false narrative is that immigrants in general are criminals, or immigrants in general cause all sorts of danger and harm. That is, that is actually what is undermining safety in our communities. If you wanted to make us safe, pass gun reforms, stop cutting Medicaid, stop cutting ******* research, stop cutting funds for veterans. That is what will make our city safe.” “Every violent crime is devastating, but scapegoating entire communities is not only misleading, it is unjust, and it is beneath us. So let me be clear. Chicago’s welcoming city ordinance and our other laws and policies do not lead to more crime.” “Overall, crime was down across New York City last year, and we have now had three straight months of double-digit declines in major crimes. To be clear, the sanctuary-city classification does not mean our city will ever be a safe haven for violent criminals. New York City will always comply with city, state and federal laws as it does now.” “Any actions that amplify fears of deportations make Chicago more dangerous. Those fears cause witnesses and victims to avoid cooperating with police. The cooperation of all people, regardless of their immigration status, is essential to achieving the city’s goals of reducing crime and pursuing justice for victims.” “This federal administration is making hard-working, tax paying, God-fearing residents afraid to live their lives. A city that is scared is not a city that’s safe. A land ruled by fear is not the land of the free.” “The premise of this hearing is false. We have local law enforcement cooperating with the local political leadership, and it’s working. It’s bringing down crime rates. And the proposition that immigrants cause crime is false. And the idea that these are sanctuary cities that need to be punished is simply a war on urban America.” Source link #Republicans #Grill #Democratic #Mayors #Immigration #Policy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk comes to Capitol Hill to meet with Republicans who discuss turning DOGE cuts into law Elon Musk comes to Capitol Hill to meet with Republicans who discuss turning DOGE cuts into law WASHINGTON (AP) — Billionaire Elon Musk arrived on Capitol Hill Tuesday and learned about something new — budget rescissions, an obscure legislative tool that could bring legal heft to his federal budget slashing effort and enshrine the cuts into law. Musk joined a lunch meeting with Republican senators just hours after the Supreme Court issued a setback to the Trump administration’s efforts to freeze some $2 billion in foreign aid funds as part of its sweeping shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development. As he opened the private session, Musk led with a message urging Congress to act. Over plates of fried catfish, senators explained how the White House could put the billions of dollars of savings he has amassed into what’s called a budget rescissions package, and send it to Congress for a vote to rescind the funding. Musk seemed thrilled, they said. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. “He was so happy,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, the Republican chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, who is among those championing the effort. “He didn’t know.” The proposal introduced a potential next phase of his Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency efforts and comes at an important time. The Trump administration is fighting in court — and in the court of public opinion — over the budget cuts tearing through the federal government. The Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are eager to show voters that DOGE’s actions are more than headlines of job losses and disruptions, but real savings as Musk’s team roots out waste, fraud and abuse to help reduce the nation’s staggering $2 trillion annual deficit. It also comes as the courts are looking skeptically at the legality of the Trump administration’s actions and as lawmakers’ town halls are being overrun by protesters pushing for answers as tens of thousands of federal workers are being fired. Senate Majority Leader John Thune half-joked that he was a little worried after Musk gave out his cellphone number for senators to call with any concerns. “I thought, OK, his phone’s going to start blowing up,” Thune said on Fox News. “He might want to change his number.” Senators said Musk aide Katie Miller would be setting up a direct line they can also call with any questions or problems about the cuts. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said senators seemed to be asking for “just better communication, wanting to know what’s going to happen next.” But Hawley said, “I don’t know that anyone at the White House knows what’s going to happen next.” He said Musk’s team seems to “just kind of go from one thing to the next.” It was Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., who introduced the idea of using budget rescissions during the lunch meeting. “I love what Elon is doing. I love the cutting into waste. I love finding all the crazy crap that we’re spending overseas,” Paul said afterward. “But to make it real, to make it go beyond the moment of the day, it needs to come back in the form of a rescission package,” he said. The libertarian-leaning senator has long stood as among the most persistent budget hawks in the Senate, one who routinely votes against federal spending bills. He said he’s planning to oppose the federal funding package that’s expected next week, which is needed to prevent a federal government shutdown when money expires March 14. Paul said he explained to Musk that after the morning Supreme Court ruling, the administration should drop its plans to claw back federal funds through what’s called impoundments. The courts do not seem inclined to accept the legal arguments being presented challenging the Nixon-era Impoundment Control Act. Instead, Paul said, “My message to Elon was, let’s get over the impoundment idea and let’s send it back as a rescission.” Senators said it was unclear how big the rescission packages could be — Paul suggested several packages of at least $100 billion in federal cuts — or how soon they might push ahead with any voting if the White House sends them to Capitol Hill. Musk has previously told lawmakers he envisions DOGE can save some $1 trillion in the federal government this year alone. Thune and other GOP leaders did not immediately make any comments on the rescission plans. While a rescission package can be approved in the Senate by a simple majority vote with an expedited process that would enable the Republican majority to maneuver around a potential filibuster by Democrats, it may be easier said then done. Senators on the Appropriations Committee are likely to pan the idea of spending cuts that would essentially go against legislation they had already approved to fund the government, as would those who may want to preserve federal funding for certain home-state industries or programs that are important to constituents. Even with a GOP majority, it could be difficult to keep all Republicans unified on a vote, especially if all Democrats are opposed. Graham, the Budget chairman, sees the process as a way “for the White House to go on offense.” “We’re losing altitude,” he said. “We need to get back in the game, on offense, and the way you can regain altitude is to take the work product — get away from the personalities and the drama — take the work product and vote on it.” Absent from the lunch meeting with Musk was much discussion about the federal workers who are now out of work after the DOGE cuts. “Any time there’s a transition, it’s difficult,” Paul said. The senator said several people spoke up to make sure “we’re not just getting rid of people that we actually need, and that we are not overdoing it.” Still, Paul said: “We do need a smaller government. We do need less federal workers.” __ Associated Press reporter Leah Askarinam contributed to this report. Source link #Elon #Musk #Capitol #Hill #meet #Republicans #discuss #turning #DOGE #cuts #law Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast – CNN Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast – CNN Rare cyclone threatens millions on Australia’s east coast CNNCyclone Alfred LIVE updates: Category 2 storm slows, set to lash Brisbane for 12 hours in first direct impact in 50 years; NSW Northern Rivers prepares for flooding Sydney Morning HeraldHundreds of flights axed as cyclone nears news.com.auCarnival, Royal Caribbean cancel voyages, ships stuck at sea TheStreet‘Staying clear’: US rap star Ice Cube stranded in *********** hotel amid cyclone New Zealand Herald Source link #Rare #cyclone #threatens #millions #Australias #east #coast #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump’s deals means a fast pace with few concerns about risks Trump’s deals means a fast pace with few concerns about risks Reuters In his address to Congress last night, Donald Trump said the American people elected him to do a job “and I am doing it”. The following day, the president again demonstrated what that means in practice. In a series of high-stakes diplomatic episodes around the globe, Trump’s free-wheeling attitude toward foreign policy was on full display, playing out in real time through posts on his Truth Social account. For his supporters, it was the president’s “art of the deal” in action, using every negotiating tool and tactic at its disposal. For critics, it was another day of disruption for its own sake – with little apparent concern for the risks involved or the potential consequences. ****** at the table Wednesday began with news that the US is directly negotiating with ****** leaders for the release of American hostages still in Gaza. Contacting an organization designated a “terrorist group” by the US since 1997 represents a dramatic shift away from decades of US policy. The Biden administration relied on intermediaries during its attempts to end the Gaza War. And Trump previously condemned ****** for committing “atrocities against humanity” during its 7 October attack on Israel, calling its members “vicious and violent”. But for Trump, it seems, the old playbook wasn’t working – and he was willing to risk appearing hypocritical, of bypassing America’s Israeli allies, and of sitting down with designated “terrorists” to advance his dealmaking goals. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office responded with a terse statement, saying only that it had “expressed its position” on the talks. By the end of the day, after meeting in the Oval Office with some previously released American hostages, Trump again turned up the heat on the group. He took to Truth Social to call it “sick and twisted” and warn that if members didn’t release all the hostages there would be “hell to pay”. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” he wrote, “not a single ****** member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.” Press secretary Karoline Leavitt had earlier placed these dramatic changes of course into the context of Trump’s larger foreign policy, telling reporters that “dialogue and talking to people around the world” is a part of his “good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people”. Zelensky comes around The White House has employed similar logic to Trump’s recent efforts to thaw US relations with Moscow, including dispatching high-level administration officials to Saudi Arabia to meet directly with a Russian delegation. That dramatic diplomatic about-face accompanied sharp criticism of Ukraine and its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, which culminated in Friday’s heated meeting in the Oval Office. Announcements followed this week saying the US had suspended arms shipments and intelligence-sharing with the war-torn nation. Trump’s actions left America’s European allies rattled – and the consequences of that may not yet be fully appreciated. But his efforts to exploit Ukraine’s pressure point – withholding aid and information – appear to have produced the intended result. Zelensky on Tuesday sent a conciliatory letter to Trump proposing a limited ceasefire, and US and Ukrainian officials resumed talks Wednesday about a mineral deal to compensate America for aid expenditures. If Trump’s goal is to encourage Ukraine and Russia to enter peace talks, he has effectively brought Zelensky to heel, even as it remains unclear what concessions he is asking Russian President Vladimir Putin to make during those negotiations. Dialing down the trade war Sometimes, even with Trump, the pressure points go in the other direction. A month ago, Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, only to back away from them at the last moment. This week he allowed those 25% levies to go into effect – at least for a day. After two days of sharp declines in the US stock market, the White House appeared to dial back the severity of these tariffs somewhat, announcing that it was granting a one-month exemption for automobiles imported from Canada and Mexico. US car manufacturers warned that the new tariffs could devastate the industry, leading to plant closings within a matter of weeks. Trump spoke with ********* Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday, and offered his own readout – via Truth Social – on what he said was a “somewhat friendly” call, even as he accused the “governor” of Canada of using the trade issue to “stay in power”. While Zelensky quickly backed down under White House pressure and the ****** talks are only beginning, Trudeau and the Canadians, for their part, appear to be settling in for a longer fight. Trump’s convention-breaking playbook may be shaking things up this week, but its far from clear if they will deliver the kind of wins he wants. Follow the twists and turns of Trump’s second presidential term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher’s weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the *** can sign up here. Those outside the *** can sign up here. Source link #Trumps #deals #means #fast #pace #concerns #risks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Sheffield Shield: Western Australia are leaving the door open for injured all-rounder Cam Green to play final Sheffield Shield: Western Australia are leaving the door open for injured all-rounder Cam Green to play final Sidelined all-rounder Cam Green is eyeing a return in the Sheffield Shield final — if Western Australia reach it — but it is now unlikely he would play cricket before the end of the regular season. Source link #Sheffield #Shield #Western #Australia #leaving #door #open #injured #allrounder #Cam #Green #play #final Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A boy missing for 7 years is found after deputies stumble upon mom during burglary investigation A boy missing for 7 years is found after deputies stumble upon mom during burglary investigation DENVER (AP) — A boy who was allegedly taken by his mother, who didn’t have custody, seven years ago from Atlanta was found last month in Colorado after she was arrested in an unrelated incident in suburban Denver, authorities said Wednesday. Rabia Khalid, 40, was arrested Feb. 23 after sheriff’s deputies were asked to investigate a suspected burglary taking place at a vacant home that was for *****, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said. The deputies found two children in a vehicle outside and a man and a woman coming out of the home who initially told them they were working for a realtor, it said in a press release. Deputies, working with dispatchers, eventually determined that the woman was Khalid, who had an active warrant related to the 2017 disappearance of her son, Abdul Aziz Khan, who is now 14. The case was featured on Netflix’s “Unsolved Mysteries,” according to the U.S. Marshals Service, which had been helping look for the boy. Khan was the older of the two children found in the vehicle, it said. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. Khalid along with the man were arrested on charges including second-degree kidnapping, forgery, and identity theft. A person who answered the phone at the law firm for the lawyer representing Khalid, Kyle Sawyer, said the firm did not comment on cases. The boy and the younger child, whose identity hasn’t been released, were taken into protective custody and decisions about where they will be placed will be made by the court, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office said the boy’s family is asking for privacy at this time, but they expressed their gratitude in a statement. “We’re overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has finally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years,” they said. Source link #boy #missing #years #deputies #stumble #mom #burglary #investigation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Markets start pricing in weaker earnings from tariffs, uncertain growth Markets start pricing in weaker earnings from tariffs, uncertain growth The complacency around tariffs is dissipating. The stock market is starting to price in lower earnings, partly due to the impact of tariffs. While the Trump administration has argued against this, the market believes tariffs mean higher inflation and lower growth. After Trump’s election, the stock market initially rallied on Trump’s promise of less regulation and a pledge to cut corporate taxes from to 15% from 21%. Investors and analysts chose to ignore tariffs because it was widely believed Trump would not implement them. Earnings disconnect This created a disconnect between stock prices and earnings: stock prices had been rising, however earnings estimates “have not been improving as it had initially [been] anticipated would occur under Trump,” Nick Raich at Earnings Scout told CNBC. Earnings estimates have not been rising as fast as anticipated because analysts have not been getting clear signals from corporate America. Now, the belief that Trump would not implement tariffs has dissipated, and that may open the floodgates for lower earnings estimates. “The market may have believed Trump is bluffing, but if global leaders come to believe he is bluffing, this could ignite a global trade war,” Raich said. Analysts cutting earnings more than usual It’s not just tariffs, Marc Chandler from Bannockburn Forex told CNBC. “There is a stew of headline risk out there, everything from tariffs to a growth slowdown to inflation, DOGE, and budget issues,” he told CNBC. “This is not just about tariffs, this is about a different world view.” It’s still early, but this “stew” of headline risk is starting to find its way into earnings estimates. It’s typical for analysts to reduce earnings estimate in the first part of the quarter. They do this because analysts are historically bullish and typically adjust their estimates downward as they realize they have been too optimistic. But the numbers are coming down faster than usual. According to John Butters at Factset, first quarter earnings for the S & P 500 decreased by 3.5 percentage points from December 31 to February 27. That is a larger decrease than the 5-year average (2.6%), the 10-year average (2.6%), the 15-year average (2.4%), and the 20-year average (3.1%). These are not huge cuts, but the recent price action in the stock market indicates investors are nervous these cuts may get much larger. At LSEG, which uses a similar database, all 11 S & P 500 sectors have seen declines in estimates this quarter, but there has been a significant decline in estimates in cyclical sectors such as consumer discretionary and industrial stocks — those tied closely to the state of the economy. First quarter earnings estimates: declining faster than usual Consumer Discretionary Jan. 1: up 10.9% Feb. 28: up 1.1% Industrials Jan. 1: up 12.3% Feb. 28: up 5.6% Materials Jan.1: up 10.2% Feb. 28: down 5.9% Source: LSEG Some companies are already making specific warnings on tariffs. Target and Best Buy this week both warned that tariffs will drive prices higher for the consumer. What side of the Trump bet are you on? Ultimately, this all boils down to what side of the Trump bet you are on. Are you on the side that believes global leaders are going to call his bluff and cause a trade war, or are you on the side that believes Trump will negotiate his way out of a trade war and leave very little damage behind? Opinions are split. “The bottom line is the market does not like taking Trump at face value, because he is too mercurial,” Alec Young at MAPsignals.com told me . “I don’t think Trump wants to ****** the global economy.” Marc Chandler is also in that camp: “Most people still believe there will be a deal that will be worked out,” he said. Others are less sure. “Trump is predictably unpredictable,” Raich told me, acknowledging that many still believe he will be able to negotiate some kind of deal that would enable him to back off on tariffs. “This is a dangerous game of chicken, and the market has not fully priced this in.” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in an interview on Fox Business, hinted President Trump may propose a compromise: “You do more and I’ll meet you in the middle some way,” he said. Others may not have a strong opinion one way or the other, but are astonished at the level of day-to-day headline risk. “I leave my desk, and I come back and say, ‘What just happened?,'” Jay Woods from Freedom Capital Markets told CNBC. “Trump doesn’t give us a break.” Source link #Markets #start #pricing #weaker #earnings #tariffs #uncertain #growth Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

From pulpit to protest: What the 40-day boycott of Target is about – The Washington Post From pulpit to protest: What the 40-day boycott of Target is about – The Washington Post From pulpit to protest: What the 40-day boycott of Target is about The Washington PostWhy are people boycotting Target? Group launches 40-day Targetfast NorthJersey.comTarget Loses Web Traffic As Costco Gains On Feb. 28 Economic Blackout Day ForbesTarget faces 40-day boycott for rolling back DEI initiatives Fox BusinessChurches push for activism, including a Target boycott, in response to nixed DEI efforts 6ABC Philadelphia Source link #pulpit #protest #40day #boycott #Target #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India middle-class jitters amid stock market rout India middle-class jitters amid stock market rout Soutik Biswas and Nikhil InamdarBBC Rajesh Kumar pulled out the bulk of his bank savings and and shifted to the stock market Two years ago, on his bank adviser’s suggestion, Rajesh Kumar pulled out his savings – fixed deposits included – and shifted to mutual funds, stocks and bonds. With India’s stock market booming, Mr Kumar, a Bihar-based engineer, joined millions investing in publicly traded companies. Six years ago, only one in 14 Indian households channelled their savings into the stock market – now, it’s one in five. But the tide has turned. For six months, India’s markets have slid as foreign investors pulled out, valuations remained high, earnings weakened and global capital shifted to China – wiping out $900bn in investor value since their September peak. While the decline began before US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, they have now become a ******* drag as more details emerge. India’s benchmark Nifty 50 share index, which tracks the country’s top 50 publicly traded companies, is on its longest losing streak in 29 years, declining for five straight months. This is a significant slump in one of the world’s fastest-growing markets. Stock brokers are reporting that their activity has dropped by a third. “For more than six months now, my investments have been in the red. This is the worst experience in the last decade that I have been invested in stock market,” Mr Kumar says. Mr Kumar, 55, now keeps little money in the bank, having shifted most of his savings to the stock market. With his son’s 1.8 million-rupee ($20,650; £16,150) private medical college fee due in July, he worries about selling investments at a loss to cover it. “Once the market recovers, I’m thinking of moving some money back to the bank,” he says. His anxieties reflect those of millions of middle-class Indians who have poured into the stock market from cities big and small – part of a financial revolution. The go-to investment route is Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs), where funds collect fixed monthly contributions. The number of Indians investing through SIPs has soared past 100 million, nearly trebling from 34 million five years ago. Many first-time investors, lured by the promise of high returns, enter with limited risk awareness – often influenced by a wave of social media “finfluencers” on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, a mixed bag of experts and amateurs alike. Tarun Sircar moved his retirement fund to the stock market last year before the ****** Meet Tarun Sircar, a retired marketing manager, and you get a glimpse of India’s new investor. When his public provident fund – a government-backed tax-free investment – matured last year, he sought a way to secure his retirement. Burnt by past stock market losses, he turned to mutual funds – this time with an adviser’s help and a buoyant market. “I’ve put 80% of my savings into mutual funds, keeping just 20% in the bank. Now my adviser warns me – Don’t check your investments for six months, unless you want a heart attack!” For now, Mr Sircar isn’t entirely sure if moving his retirement fund into the stock market was the right decision. “I’m both ignorant and confident,” he says with wry candour. “Ignorant about what’s happening and why the market is reacting this way, yet confident because Instagram ‘experts’ make investing sound like a fast track to millions. At the same time, I know I might be caught in a web of deception and hype.” Mr Sircar says he was drawn to the markets by TV shows hyping stocks and excited chatter in WhatsApp groups. “The TV anchors talk up the market and people in my WhatsApp group boast about their stock market gains,” he says. In his sprawling apartment complex, even teenagers discuss investments – in fact, during a badminton game, a teenager gave him a hot tip on a telecom stock. “When you hear all this around you, you start thinking – why not give it a shot? So I did, and then the markets crashed.” Mr Sircar lives in hope. “My fingers are crossed. I am sure the markets will recover, and my fund will be back in green.” Reuters One in five Indian households have put their savings in the stock market There are others who have taken more risks and already lost money. Lured by get-rich-quick videos, Ramesh (name changed), an accounting clerk from a small industrial town in western India, borrowed money to invest in stocks during the pandemic. Hooked to YouTube influencers, he dived into risky penny stocks and trading in derivatives. This month, after losing over $1,800 – more than his annual salary – he shut his brokerage account and swore off the market. “I borrowed this money, and now creditors are after me,” he says. Ramesh is one of 11 million Indians who lost a combined $20bn in futures and options trades before regulators stepped in. “This ****** is unlike the one during the Covid pandemic,” says financial adviser Samir Doshi. “Back then, we had a clear path to recovery with vaccines on the horizon. But with the Trump factor in play, uncertainty looms – we simply don’t know what’s next.” Fuelled by digital platforms, low-cost brokerages and government-driven financial inclusion, investing has become more accessible – smartphones and user-friendly apps have simplified market participation, drawing a broader, younger audience seeking alternatives to traditional assets. On the flip side, many new Indian investors need a reality check. “The stock market isn’t a gambling den – you must manage expectations,” says Monika Halan, author and financial educator. “Invest in equity only what you won’t need for at least seven years. If you’re taking on risk, understand the downside: How much could I lose? Can I afford that loss?” Getty Images Monika Halan says new investors must learn to manage expectations This market ****** couldn’t have hit India’s middle class at a worse time. Economic growth is slowing, wages remain stagnant, private investment has been sluggish for years and job creation isn’t keeping pace. Amid these challenges, many new investors, lured by rising markets, are now grappling with unexpected losses. “In normal times, savers can take short-term setbacks, because they have steady incomes, which keep adding to their savings,” noted Aunindyo Chakravarty, a financial analyst. “Now, we are in the midst of a massive economic crisis for the middle-class. On the one side, white-collar job opportunities are reducing, and raises are low. On the other, the real inflation faced by middle-class households – as opposed to the average retail inflation that the government compiles – is at its highest in recent memory. A stock market correction at such a time is disastrous for middle-class household finances.” Financial advisers like Jaideep Marathe believe that some people will start taking money out of the market and move them to safer bank deposits if the volatility continues for another six to eight months. “We are spending a lot of time telling clients not to liquidate their portfolios and to treat this as a cyclical event.” But clearly, all hope is not lost – most believe that the market is correcting itself from previous highs. Foreign investor selling has eased since February, suggesting the market downturn may be nearing its end, says veteran market expert Ajay Bagga. Following the correction, valuations for many stock market indices have dipped below their 10-year average, providing some respite. Mr Bagga expects GDP and corporate earnings to improve, aided by a $12bn income-tax giveaway in the federal budget and falling interest rates. However, geopolitical risks – Middle East and Ukraine conflicts, and Trump’s tariff plans – will keep investors cautious. In the end, the market meltdown might serve as a hard lesson for new investors. “This correction is a much-needed wake-up call for those who entered the market just three years ago, enjoying 25% returns – that’s not normal,” says Ms Halan. “If you don’t understand markets, stick to bank deposits and gold. At least you have control.” Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, X and Facebook. Source link #India #middleclass #jitters #stock #market #rout Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China is a manufacturing powerhouse- can tariffs change that? China is a manufacturing powerhouse- can tariffs change that? Getty Images Trump’s tariffs strike at the heart of China’s manufacturing juggernaut US President Donald Trump has hit China with a second tariff in as many months, which means imports from there now face a levy of at least 20%. This is his latest salvo against Beijing, which already faces steep US tariffs, from 100% on ********-made electric vehicles to 15% on clothes and shoes. Trump’s tariffs strike at the heart of China’s manufacturing juggernaut – a web of factories, assembly lines and supply chains that manufacture and ship just about everything, from fast fashion and toys to solar panels and electric cars. China’s trade surplus with the world rose to a record $1tn (£788bn) in 2024, on the back of strong exports ($3.5tn), which surpassed its import bill ($2.5tn). China has long been the world’s factory – it has thrived because of cheap labour and state investment in infrastructure ever since it opened its economy to global business in the late 1970s. So how badly could Trump’s trade war hurt China’s manufacturing success? What are tariffs and how do they work? Tariffs are taxes charged on goods imported from other countries. Most tariffs are set as a percentage of the value of the goods, and it’s generally the importer who pays them. So, a 10% tariff means a product imported to the US from China worth $4 would face an additional $0.40 charge applied to it. Getty Images Trump sees tariffs as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue Increasing the price of imported goods is meant to encourage consumers to buy cheaper domestic products instead, thus helping to boost their own economy’s growth. Trump sees them as a way of growing the US economy, protecting jobs and raising tax revenue. But economic studies of the impact of tariffs which Trump imposed during his first term in office, suggest the measures ultimately raised prices for US consumers. Trump has said his most recent tariffs are aimed at pressuring China to do more to stop the flow of the opioid fentanyl to the US. He also imposed 25% tariffs on America’s neighbours Mexico and Canada, saying its leaders were not doing enough to crack down on the cross-border ******** drug trade. Can Trump’s tariffs hurt China’s factories? Yes, analysts say. Exports have been the “saving grace” of China’s economy and if the taxes linger, exports to the US could drop by a quarter to a third, Harry Murphy Cruise, an economist at Moody’s analytics, told the BBC. The sheer value of China’s exports – which account for a fifth of the country’s earnings – means that a 20% tariff could weaken demand from overseas and shrink the trade surplus. “The tariffs will hurt China,” Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis in Hong Kong, told the BBC. “They really need to do much more. They need to do what Xi Jinping has already said – boost domestic demand.” That is a tall task in an economy where the property market is slumping and disillusioned youth are struggling to find high-paying jobs. ******** people have not been spending enough to recharge the economy – and Beijing has just announced a slew of stimulus measures to boost consumption. While tariffs can slow ******** manufacturing, they cannot stop or replace it that easily, analysts say. Getty Images China had begun pivoting from making garments and shoes to advanced tech such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) “Not only is China the big exporter, it is sometimes the only exporter like for solar panels. If you want solar panels you can only go to China,” Ms Garcia-Herrero said. China had begun pivoting from making garments and shoes to advanced tech such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) long before Trump became president. And that has given China an “early mover” advantage, not to mention the scale of production in the world’s second-largest economy. ******** factories can produce high-end tech in large quantities at a low cost, said Shuang Ding, chief China economist at Standard Chartered. “It’s really difficult to find a replacement… China’s status as a market leader is very difficult to topple.” How is China responding to Trump’s tariffs? China has responded with counter tariffs of 10-15% on US agricultural goods, coal, liquefied natural gas, pick-up trucks, and some sports cars. And it has targeted US firms in aviation, defence and tech with export restrictions and announced an anti-monopoly investigation against Google. China has also spent years adapting to tariffs from Trump’s first term. Some ******** manufacturers have moved factories out of the country, for instance. And supply chains have come to rely more on Vietnam and Mexico by exporting from there to bypass the tariffs. And yet, Trump’s recent tariffs on Mexico would not hurt China too much because Vietnam is a ******* ********* for ******** goods, Ms Garcia-Herrero said. “Vietnam is the key here. If tariffs are imposed on Vietnam, I think it will be very tough,” he said. Getty Images DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley and unnerved Washington when it released a chatbot that rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT What concerns China more than tariffs, analysts says, is US restrictions on advanced chips. These restrictions have been a major sticking point between the two countries but they have also fuelled China’s determination to invest in homegrown tech that is independent of the West. It’s why ******** AI firm DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley and unnerved Washington when it released a chatbot that rivals OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The firm had reportedly stockpiled Nvidia chips before the US began cutting off China’s access to the most advanced ones. Although this could “impact China’s competitiveness, I don’t think that would affect China’s status as a manufacturing power,” Mr Ding of Standard Chartered said. On the other hand, any ground China gains in advanced tech manufacturing will boost its high-value exports. How did China become a manufacturing superpower? It happened because of state support, an unrivalled supply chain and cheap labour, analysts say. “The combination of globalisation, as well as China’s pro-business policies and market potential, helped to attract the initial wave of foreign investors,” Chim Lee, an analyst at The Economist Intelligence Unit, told the BBC. The government then doubled down, investing heavily in building a sprawling network of roads and ports to bring in raw materials and take ********-made goods to the world. What also helped was a stable exchange rate between the ******** yuan and the US dollar. A shift in recent years towards advanced tech has made sure that it will continue to be relevant and ahead of its competitors, analysts say. Getty Images It is very difficult to replace China as the world’s factory, analysts say China already has plenty of economic clout from being a manufacturing powerhouse. But there is also a political opportunity as Trump’s tariffs upend America’s relationship with the world. “The door is ajar for China to position itself as an advocate of free trade and a stable global force,” said Mr Cruise of Moody’s. But that is not easy, given Beijing has been accused of flouting international trade norms, such as imposing a tariff of more than 200% on imports of *********** wine in 2020. Analysts say China must also look beyond the US, which is still the top destination for its exports. China is the third-biggest market for US exports, after Canada and Mexico. ******** trade with Europe, South East Asia and Latin America has been growing, but it’s hard to imagine that the world’s two biggest economies can stop relying on each other. Source link #China #manufacturing #powerhouse #tariffs #change Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Muhammad Yunus likens leadership task to clearing up after tornado Muhammad Yunus likens leadership task to clearing up after tornado Samira Hussain BBC South Asia correspondent, Dhaka BBC Bangladesh’s interim leader says he felt “dazzled” when asked to take charge after long-serving prime minister Sheikh Hasina was driven from power last year. “I had no idea I’d be leading the government,” Muhammad Yunus told the BBC. “I had never run a government machine before and had to get the buttons right. “Once that settled down, we started organising things,” the Nobel-prize winning economist said, adding that restoring law and order and fixing the economy were priorities for the country. It’s unclear if Hasina, who fled into exile in India, and her party will participate in elections Yunus hopes to hold later this year. She is wanted in Bangladesh for alleged crimes against humanity. “They [the Awami League] have to decide if they want to do it, I cannot decide for them,” said Yunus in an interview with the BBC at his official residence in Dhaka. “The election commission decides who participates in the election.” He said: “Peace and order is the most important thing, and the economy. It’s a shattered economy, a devastated economy. “It’s as if there’s been some terrible tornado for 16 years and we’re trying to pick up the pieces.” Sheikh Hasina was elected prime minister in 2009 and ruled Bangladesh with an iron fist. Members of her Awami League government ruthlessly cracked down on dissent. There were widespread allegations of human rights violations and the ******* and jailing of political rivals while she was prime minister. A student-led uprising forced Ms Hasina from office in August. At the behest of protesters, Yunus came back to Bangladesh to lead the new interim government. He says he will hold elections between December 2025 and March 2026, depending on how quickly his government can institute reforms he believes necessary for free and fair elections. “If reforms can be done as quickly as we wish, then December would be the time that we would hold elections. If you have a longer version of reforms, then we may need a few more months.” Reuters The violence last year was the worst Bangladesh had seen since its 1971 war of independence “We are coming from complete disorder,” he said, referring to the violent protests that engulfed Bangladesh last summer. “People getting shot, killed.” But almost seven months on, people in Dhaka say law and order has not yet been restored, and that things are not getting better. “Better is a relative term,” he said. “If you are comparing it to the last year for example at the same time, it looks okay. “What is happening right now, is no different than any other time.” Yunus blames many of Bangladesh’s current woes on the previous government. “I am not supporting that these things should happen. I’m saying that, you have to consider, we are not an ideal country or an ideal city that suddenly we made. It’s a continuum of the country that we inherited, a country that’s been running for many, many years.” Victims of Sheikh Hasina’s brutal regime remain angry. Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in recent months, demanding she be prosecuted for the deadly crackdown on student protesters. A court in Bangladesh has issued a warrant for her arrest, but India has yet to respond. Now, under Yunus’s leadership, there are questions about the safety of those belonging to Sheikh Hasina’s political party. In February, several homes of Awami League members, including that of the founder of Bangladesh – Hasina’s late father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman – were vandalised and set on fire after her supporters were told she would give an address on YouTube. In a post on social media, the Awami League accused the interim government of justifying violence. When asked by the BBC about claims by members of the Awami League that Bangladesh is not safe for them, Yunus was quick to defend his government. “There’s a court, there’s a law, there’s a police station, they can go and complain, register their complaint,” he said. “You just don’t go to a BBC correspondent to complain, you go to the police station to complain and see whether the law is taking its course.” The Trump administration’s decision to cut foreign aid and effectively end almost all programmes funded by the US Agency for International Development will have an impact on countries like Bangladesh. “It is their decision,” says Yunus. “It’s been helpful. Because they are doing things that we wanted to get done, like fighting corruption and things like that, which we couldn’t afford right away.” The United States is the third largest supplier of official development assistance to Bangladesh. Last year the US committed $450m in foreign aid. When asked how it will make up the shortfall, Yunus says “When it happens, we will make do.” Source link #Muhammad #Yunus #likens #leadership #task #clearing #tornado Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Quantum disorder is dependent on who is looking for it Quantum disorder is dependent on who is looking for it A new understanding of how an observer can change the disorder, or entropy, of a quantum object could help us probe how gravity interacts with the quantum realm Source link #Quantum #disorder #dependent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump slight causes New Zealand to sack top diplomat Trump slight causes New Zealand to sack top diplomat A cheap shot aimed at US President Donald Trump will cause Phil Goff to lose the plum diplomatic post of New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the ***. Source link #Trump #slight #Zealand #sack #top #diplomat Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Men taking antibiotics could cut rates of bacterial vaginosis in women Men taking antibiotics could cut rates of bacterial vaginosis in women Light micrograph of a cervical smear, or pap smear, from someone with bacterial vaginosis DR. Y. BOUSSOUGAN/CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Women with bacterial vaginosis, a recurrent condition that raises the risk of pregnancy complications, could benefit from their male ******* partners being treated with antibiotics, according to a trial that found this nearly halved the risk of symptoms returning. “Treating male partners made the most significant inroad into improving recurrence rates in women that we have seen for decades,” says Catriona Bradshaw at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, who led the work. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects around a quarter of women of reproductive age worldwide. It occurs when “harmful” bacteria overgrow in the *******, causing ******** discharge to turn greyish-white and smell fishy, with potentially serious complications. “It increases a woman’s risk of acquiring a broad range of ********* transmitted infections, like ****, and complications in pregnancy, such as premature birth and miscarriage,” says Bradshaw. Doctors usually treat the condition using antibiotics in the form of pills or a cream that can be applied inside the *******, but symptoms often recur because having sex seems to reintroduce problematic bacteria, says Bradshaw. “One in two women will get their BV back within three to six months of the recommended treatment regimen,” says Bradshaw. To address this, Bradshaw and her colleagues recruited 137 monogamous women in Australia with bacterial vaginosis, along with their male partners. All of the women took standard antibiotics for a week, while around half of their partners were given oral antibiotics and told to apply an antibiotic cream to the ****** over the same *******. The remaining men received no treatment. None of the participants was transgender. Three months later, 63 per cent of the women whose partners weren’t treated had recurring symptoms, while just 35 per cent of the women with partners who received antibiotics experienced a recurrence. “It’s definitely a sizable effect that makes it a worthwhile intervention for this group of women,” says Janneke van de Wijgert at Utrecht University in the Netherlands. “I see a ton of women that have issues with ongoing BV and, absolutely, I’ll be applying this new information to my own clinical practice,” says Christina Muzny at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The team didn’t track all the participants over the long term, but some got back in touch years later to say they remained free of symptoms. “In the last week, I’ve talked to someone who’s been clear of BV for two years since they participated – and these women were highly recurrent before the trial,” says Lenka Vodstrcil at Monash University. However, the approach won’t work for women with casual ******* partners, where it may be difficult to get them to adhere to taking antibiotics, says van de Wijgert. Even in monogamous relationships, men may not always be willing to take antibiotics, she says. “We’ve seen this with ******* use, which also reduces BV recurrence – it can be really difficult for women to get their male partners to use condoms.” Topics: Source link #Men #antibiotics #cut #rates #bacterial #vaginosis #women Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Arizona lawmaker who announced plans in a floor speech last year to get an abortion is resigning Arizona lawmaker who announced plans in a floor speech last year to get an abortion is resigning PHOENIX (AP) — A Democratic lawmaker who drew attention for revealing in a speech nearly a year ago that she was planning to get an abortion has announced her resignation from the Arizona Legislature. State Sen. Eva Burch of Mesa said she has been struggling to make ends meet and find balance in her work in the legislature and as a health care provider. Just months into her second term, she added in her statement Wednesday that she was a “a casualty of legislative pay.” “I hope that the future will see Arizona lawmakers earning a living wage so that our constituents can be represented by working class citizens who understand the pressures of raising a family and struggling to make ends meet here in Arizona,” said Burch, whose resignation is effective March 14. 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. Nearly a year ago, Burch revealed while speaking on the Senate floor that her pregnancy was no longer viable and that she was planning to get an abortion. Burch, who had previously worked as a nurse practitioner at a women’s health clinic, had said she wanted to share with her colleagues and the public the practical effects of abortion restrictions passed over the years. Burch also criticized restrictions in Arizona as being out of touch. Her speech came just before the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a Civil War-era abortion ban could apply. The Legislature repealed the law before enforcement could begin. In November, Arizona voters approved a constitutional amendment guaranteeing abortion access up to fetal viability, typically after 21 weeks. Source link #Arizona #lawmaker #announced #plans #floor #speech #year #abortion #resigning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bitcoin bounces back as President Trump grants exemption to tariffs: CNBC Crypto World Bitcoin bounces back as President Trump grants exemption to tariffs: CNBC Crypto World ShareShare Article via FacebookShare Article via TwitterShare Article via LinkedInShare Article via Email On today’s episode of CNBC Crypto World, cryptocurrencies rebound after the Trump administration adds an auto exemption to the recent rollout of tariffs. Plus, the Senate passes a resolution to undo a new IRS rule for DeFi brokers. And, JP Richardson of Exodus discusses the self-custody platform’s fourth-quarter earnings. Source link #Bitcoin #bounces #President #Trump #grants #exemption #tariffs #CNBC #Crypto #World Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Miami hires Jai Lucas as coach; popular assistant expected to leave Duke after regular season ends – CBS Sports Miami hires Jai Lucas as coach; popular assistant expected to leave Duke after regular season ends – CBS Sports Miami hires Jai Lucas as coach; popular assistant expected to leave Duke after regular season ends CBS SportsSources: Duke’s Lucas signs deal to coach Miami ESPNJai Lucas, Miami finalize agreement to make him Hurricanes’ coach, AP source says Yahoo SportsReport: Lucas To Leave Duke Bench After UNC Game Duke Basketball ReportMiami to name Duke assistant Jai Lucas as next head coach: Source The New York Times Source link #Miami #hires #Jai #Lucas #coach #popular #assistant #expected #leave #Duke #regular #season #ends #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kevin Smith’s He-Man Reboot Series Is Getting A Steelbook Blu-Ray Collection Soon Kevin Smith’s He-Man Reboot Series Is Getting A Steelbook Blu-Ray Collection Soon A few years ago, famed filmmaker Kevin Smith revived the cult-classic cartoon series Masters of the Universe–also known as He-Man–with a new Netflix series split into two seasons: Masters of the Universe: Revelation and Masters of the Universe Revolution. Both seasons will soon be bundled in a new $50 Blu-ray Collection launching on May 13, and preorders are available at Amazon. $50 | Releases May 13 The Masters of the Universe: Revelation and Revolution Steelbook Edition is a three-disc Blu-ray collection that includes all 15 episodes of the rebooted series. Special features are also included in the release according to the Blu-ray’s description, though it doesn’t outline what those extras are. At the very least, you’ll be getting a unique steelbook case featuring unique cover art and interior art of He-Man and his nemesis Skeletor. The show is a direct sequel to the ’80s Masters of the Universe animated series, and it picks up shortly after Skeletor’s assault on Castle Grayskull ends in the supposed death of He-Man. With Eternia’s protector out of the picture, Revelation’s story focused on Teela as she journeyed to save the day and uncover the secrets of Grayskull. Overall, the show has been well-received, and while a third season has yet to be greenlit, Revelation and Revolution are still fun homages to the classic series and crafted with sharp animation. Both seasons featured a stacked voice cast, including Mark Hamill as the dread villain Skeletor, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela, and the late Tony Todd as Scare-Glow. If you’re looking to complete the collection, the 1983-1985 run of He-Man cartoons have been collected into a DVD bundle, alongside several other beloved titles from Filmation during its ’80s golden age and Netflix’s popular She-Ra revival. More Classic Cartoon Blu-rays Source link #Kevin #Smiths #HeMan #Reboot #Series #Steelbook #BluRay #Collection Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Worst train companies to be named and shamed Worst train companies to be named and shamed Sean Dilley Transport Correspondent Molly Stazicker Transport producer PA 1,700 railway stations in England will prominently display train cancellation and delay data from today Millions of passengers will see train cancellation and delay data published prominently at over 1,700 railway stations in England from Thursday. The data will update every 28 days showing statistics for the most recent month in a bid to increase transparency and to hold operators to account. Between 1 July and 30 September 2024, 4.2% of train services were cancelled and only 67.7% of services were on time, according to the latest data from the rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR). The government says performance information will appear on large digital display boards, with smaller stations displaying QR codes for passengers to scan on smartphones. PA 4.2% of train services were cancelled between 1 July and 30 September, latest data from the ORR shows The BBC understands that the data will not be announced audibly for people with print disabilities but the government says online data will be posted on a new portal which has been made accessible to screen reader users such as those who are blind and visually-impaired. The concept of publishing train reliability data is not new. The ORR publishes performance statistics which detail the percentage of services that are delayed or cancelled. However this is the first time that potentially embarrassing information will be proactively presented to millions of English train passengers each day. It’s a move welcomed by the independent passenger watchdog, Transport Focus. The group’s director, Natasha Grice, told the BBC the railway needs to rebuild trust, and transparency around cancellations was part of that. “Previously, performance information has tended to be available by route or a group of routes. This initiative makes the data more relevant to an individual passenger by showing the numbers for their station,” she said. Jacqueline Starr, chair and chief executive of Rail Delivery Group said the move shows how serious the industry is about putting things right for customers frustrated by cancellations and delays. The Department for Transport is hailing this as a new era for accountability. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said: “These displays are a step towards rebuilding trust with passengers using our railways, as we continue to tackle the root causes of frustrating delays and cancellations.” This also forms part of a wider overhaul of the country’s railways under the government’s planned return to nationalisation under Great British Railways. “Through fundamental rail reform, we’re sweeping away decades of dysfunctionality,” Ms Alexander said. The government says the industry has set out a framework with “clear areas of focus”, “timetable resilience”, and staffing to “recover performance to acceptable levels”. The rail minister will be meeting with all train operators to “address concerns and demand immediate action”. Source link #Worst #train #companies #named #shamed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kooyong Classic back on the summer tennis calendar Kooyong Classic back on the summer tennis calendar Some of the biggest names in tennis have made their way to the *********** Open through a tournament that is back after being scrapped. Source link #Kooyong #Classic #summer #tennis #calendar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia’s Medvedev mocks Macron warning, says French leader won’t be missed Russia’s Medvedev mocks Macron warning, says French leader won’t be missed (Reuters) – Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev early on Thursday mocked French President Emmanuel Macron’s warning that Russia posed a threat, saying the French leader posed no threat at all and would not be missed once he stepped away from public life. “Russia has become, as I speak to you and for years to come, a threat to France and Europe, says Macron,” Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, wrote in English on the X media platform. “Micron himself poses no big threat though. He’ll disappear forever no later than May 14, 2027. And he won’t be missed,” he added, misspelling the French president’s name. 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. Macron, in a television address on Wednesday evening, said Europe had to face up to the threat from Russia and proposed a discussion on extending the protection offered by France’s nuclear arsenal to its European partners. “Russia has become a threat for France and Europe,” Macron said, adding that “to watch and do nothing would be madness.” Medvedev was viewed as a liberal during his mandate as president from 2008-2012, but has since become an ardent hawk on Russia’s foreign policy. (Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Stephen Coates) Source link #Russias #Medvedev #mocks #Macron #warning #French #leader #wont #missed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]