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The Flowering of Athens in the Fifth Century B.C. The Flowering of Athens in the Fifth Century B.C. The Parthenon in Athens, one of the most important structures in ancient Greece. Credit: Paolina 27 /Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0 In the 21st century, much of what the world thinks of as ancient Greece is based on 5th century B.C. Greek architecture. We visualize the Parthenon atop the Acropolis in Athens, which was completed in 438 B.C. at the height of the Athenian empire. We also picture the Erechtheion with its iconic Porch of the Maidens—six elegant Caryatids that for 2,400 years have stoically faced the Parthenon. But these marvels were hardly isolated achievements and are just a hint of the intellectual accomplishments of classical Greece. Thought blossomed in fifth century Athens An unanticipated flowering occurred in mathematics, ethics, politics, history, logic, medicine, theatre, sculpture, pottery, painting, and physics. What the Greeks attained during this brief moment has influenced western civilization for more than two millennia. The genius of this *******—a time span lasting less than two hundred years—may be attributed to a rare confluence of events. Cosmopolitan Athens attracted the greatest thinkers and craftsmen throughout the Mediterranean. Protagoras, Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle created whole new disciplines that guided thinkers for thousands of years. Pheidias, arguably the greatest sculptor to have lived, had workshops in Athens and Olympia. Painters, potters, and jewelers thrived as demand for their wares never ceased. What were the confluences that birthed this flowering of thought and art? In the fifth century, Athens was indisputably the most powerful city in the western Mediterranean. Multiple cities paid tribute to it; those that tried to break away were severely punished. Consequently, the Athenian treasury became immense. The most memorable public works of the ******* were the brainchild of the great statesman Pericles, who persuaded the Athenians, among other things, to use their wealth to create the Parthenon and Erechtheion. The design and construction of these unique structures required hundreds of craftsmen. Contemporary historians have attributed the proliferation of these beautiful temples partially to the use of slave labor. But as Paul MacKendrick in The Greek Stones Speak notes, “citizens, resident aliens and slaves all worked side by side, and all received pay for equal work.” Athenian wealth was not, any more than slave labor, the only factor driving this renaissance. Architecture, sculpture and theatre in the centuries preceding the miracle of the 5th century had been steadily becoming more sophisticated. The rigid sculptures once easily attributed to Egyptian influence became ******* and more lifelike. By the time the sculptors Pheidias and Praxiteles were active, classical art was at its culmination. Were sculptors tradesmen or artists in ancient Greece? All of these artists worked for the polis—the city of Athens—and dedicated their finest works to the gods. Quality was put before quantity. Craftsmen (ancient Greece’s word for art was skill) competed with each other for acclaim each seeking perfection. Similarly, the classical thinkers gravitated to the Greek capitol city. Young men had leisure time, and teachers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle guided intellectual thought among the sons of the wealthy merchants and politicians. Plato, in particular, systemized logic and philosophy. Aristotle created the methodology we use today for analyzing the natural world. These unique achievements revolutionized the world of ideas. Their brilliance was soon mimicked by the Stoics—philosophers who conducted their teachings in the Agora, or marketplace, in Athens. It is telling to contrast the splendor of Athens during the fifth century to the simple lifestyle of Sparta—particularly in the context of intellectual and artistic achievement. Athenians were surrounded by magnificence while to the Spartans, beauty was the antithesis of strength. As Thucydides, the historian writing late in the second half of the fifth century, wrote, to judge by the comparable surviving monuments in Athens and Sparta, coming generations would think Athens more powerful than she was and Sparta much less. The tribute wealth accumulated by the Athenians was reinvested to create grandeur while Sparta’s collection of small villages disdained even decorated pottery. In Sparta, temples existed to Apollo, Artemis, and Athena, but the remaining Olympic gods were not given the acclaim that Athenians granted as a matter of course. And sculpture in Sparta? With the exception of the gods they favored, none was allowed. The governance of the city-states was different, as well. Athens prided itself during this golden ******* with being a democracy. Spartan politics were communal, and overt displays of wealth were scorned. One city became rich—and willing to display its assets—while the other remained focused on frugality and constant preparations for war. Today, we celebrate the astounding achievements of the Athenian artists during this *******, but we should not lose sight of the fact that all the art was the work of men considered to be mere craftsmen. Pheidias and Praxiteles, whom art critics concede are rivaled only by Michelangelo, who was born some two thousand years later, were serving the polis, the city-state. Their critics were the public, and they sought to glorify the gods. It is telling that of the Nine Muses, who watched over the noble uses that the intellect makes of leisure time, none was in charge of architecture or the arts. The omission was solely because the Greeks did not consider the work of architects and sculptors to be at the same high level as that of the poet, astronomer, or even musician. Athenian Triumphs As historians have remarked, numerous civilizations were unable to recognize their own accomplishments. Applying this critique to the golden age of Athens is not entirely accurate because so much from that time has been lost. We are hardly in a position to say with authority that the Greeks viewed those creating the Parthenon as tradesmen. Regardless, in retrospect—and long after much their art were reduced to rubble—we can easily compare every culture and nation that followed the Athenian awakening and conclude that none have been as influential. The confidence and accomplishments of the Athenians may never be repeated. Much of what we celebrate today as wisdom and art was identified or discovered in that brief burst of light. Much has indeed been lost. But enough has managed to survive millennia to affirm that the Athenian experiment was unique and that western civilization would be far poorer today without it. by Patrick Garner Patrick Garner is the author of three novels about Greek gods in the contemporary world. He is also the creator and narrator of the breakout podcast, Garner’s Greek Mythology with listeners in 134 countries. Source link #Flowering #Athens #Century #B.C Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

At least 18 dead in crush at New Delhi train station as crowds head for religious festival, Indian media reports – CNN At least 18 dead in crush at New Delhi train station as crowds head for religious festival, Indian media reports – CNN At least 18 dead in crush at New Delhi train station as crowds head for religious festival, Indian media reports CNNNew Delhi Railway Station: Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush BBC.com”Tweet Is Proof Of…”: Lt Governor Slammed For Post On Delhi Stampede NDTVIndia: Stampede kills at least 18 people at train station DW (English)‘Carried bodies on handcarts’, porters recall stampede horror The Tribune India Source link #dead #crush #Delhi #train #station #crowds #religious #festival #Indian #media #reports #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Capcom Designed Monster Hunter Wilds to Avoid Same Pitfalls as MH World Capcom Designed Monster Hunter Wilds to Avoid Same Pitfalls as MH World Capcom’s data on previous Monster Hunter games reveal that some players don’t even reach the hunting portion before quitting. Source link #Capcom #Designed #Monster #Hunter #Wilds #Avoid #Pitfalls #World Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Federal election 2025: Only a third of Australians think Anthony Albanese should be re-elected for second term Federal election 2025: Only a third of Australians think Anthony Albanese should be re-elected for second term Just a third of Australians believe the Albanese Government should be re-elected for a second term, as Labor braces for a Federal election within months. A Newspoll released by The *********** shows a majority of voters — 53 per cent — believed it was time for another party to govern, as the Coalition upheld its lead on the two-party preferred vote. Another 13 per cent of voters did not know whether Labor deserved another term. Holding a two-point lead over Labor, the Coalition remained steady at 51 per cent to 49 per cent, raising further concerns of a hung parliament and a ********* government subject to the demands of the crossbench. While the Liberals took a slight hit on primary support to 38 per cent, Labor remained steady at a term-low of 31 per cent. Anthony Albanese maintained his narrow lead over Peter Dutton as preferred prime minister, 45 per cent to 40 per cent, but recorded his worst ever net approval rating, of negative 21 points. Mr Dutton’s net approval improved slightly to minus 10 per cent. The result comes after a wave of bad polls for Labor, and mounting concerns over whether the Government can secure a re-elected majority government at the next election. Asked the same question a fortnight ago, just 35 per cent of West *********** voters believed the Albanese Government should be re-elected. An election loss would see Labor become the first government in almost a century not to be re-elected for a second term. Mr Dutton said that fact made the coalition the underdogs. “But to counter that, in the Albanese government we’ve got the worst government since 1931, so people are ready for a change, and people do want to get their lives and their country back on track,” he told reporters in Darwin on Sunday. “We need a safe society, and we need a prosperous society so families can afford to put a roof over their head and put their kids through school, put food on the table, and that back-to-basics approach is exactly what we offer.” The election is due to be called for May 17, or earlier. Source link #Federal #election #Australians #Anthony #Albanese #reelected #term Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump suggests he’s above the law with ominous Napoleon quote Trump suggests he’s above the law with ominous Napoleon quote Donald Trump appeared to quote Napoleon Bonaparte by way of Rod Steiger on Saturday afternoon after his blitzkrieg of executive actions and threats to federal agencies under Elon Musk were challenged in courts across the country, raising alarms that his administration is preparing to shred court orders and ignite a constitutional crisis. “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” the president wrote on Truth Social and X. The official White House account on X also shared the message, endorsing his apparent belief that the president of the United States is incapable of breaking any law. The president — whose efforts to gut federal funding, fire thousands of aid workers and unilaterally redefine the 14th Amendment were blocked in federal courts across the country in recent days — invoked a quote often attributed to Napoleon, who justified his despotic regime as the will of the people of France. The quote from a president with his own imperial ambitions appeared to come from the 1970 film Waterloo, in which Steiger’s Napoleon states that he “did not ‘usurp’ the crown.” “I found it in the gutter, and I picked it up with my sword, and it was the people … who put it on my head,” he says. “He who saves a nation violates no law.” Within his first month in office, Trump’s allies have baselessly argued Trump’s supreme authority as president, immune from checks and balances, as his executive orders and Musk’s access to the levers of government face an avalanche of lawsuits and restraining orders. Musk and other members of the Trump administration have smeared the judges who have ruled against them as “corrupt” and “evil” and threatened to impeach and remove them from the bench. The world’s wealthiest man and his allies have repeated false and inflated claims about how the three branches of government operate, and how a system of checks and balances is designed to prevent the presidency from accumulating supreme authority. Their comments are raising alarms among constitutional scholars and legal analysts for an impending constitutional crisis — which the White House blames on the judges, not the president’s spurious legal actions and the administration’s baseless insistence that he should not be subject to checks and balances in the courts. Elon Musk’s ongoing campaign against judges overseeing lawsuits against Donald Trump’s administration has alarmed constitutional scholars and legal experts (AFP via Getty Images) Trump, now seemingly invoking his own “l’etat, c’est moi” maxim, routinely conflated the criminal and civil cases against him with an attack on the American people and rule of law itself during his campaign. The Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling affirming a president’s “immunity” from criminal prosecution for actions tied to official duties while in office has only fueled what he perceives is a permanent shield from oversight. The New York Times’s Jamelle Bouie called Trump’s latest statement “the single most un-American and anti-constitutional statement ever uttered by an American president.” “We’re getting into real Führerprinzip territory here,” added conservative Trump critic Bill Kristol, referencing executive authority under Nazi Germany, granting the word of the führer above all. Musk’s ongoing campaign to delegitimize the courts followed Vice President JD Vance’s claim that “judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.” This week, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the “media” of “fear mongering” about an impending constitutional crisis. “The real constitutional crisis is taking place within our judicial branch where district court judges in liberal districts are abusing their power,” she told reporters on Wednesday. She falsely claimed that court-ordered injunctions against the administration have “no basis in the law.” “We will comply with these orders but it is also the administration’s position that we will ultimately be vindicated,” she said. Source link #Trump #suggests #hes #law #ominous #Napoleon #quote Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dylan Larkin scores, U.S. beats Canada in 4 Nations after fight-filled start – Detroit News Dylan Larkin scores, U.S. beats Canada in 4 Nations after fight-filled start – Detroit News Dylan Larkin scores, U.S. beats Canada in 4 Nations after fight-filled start Detroit NewsUS, ********* hockey stars get into numerous fights in opening seconds of 4 Nations rivalry after anthem boos Fox NewsAfter Saturday’s gem, a USA-Canada rematch is exactly what hockey needs MassLive.comBrady Tkachuk dishes on what led to early fights in USA-Canada showdown New York Post Source link #Dylan #Larkin #scores #U.S #beats #Canada #Nations #fightfilled #start #Detroit #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

4 Things You Should Know 4 Things You Should Know During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump promised to end federal taxation of Social Security retirement benefits. This isn’t something he can do unilaterally. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president and Republican lawmakers have discussed including this move in a budget package. But so far in his second term, President Trump has made some changes on his own that affect Social Security either directly or indirectly. Here are four things you should know. Image source: Official White House photo by Shealah Craighead. One of Trump’s actions on the first day of his return to the White House could affect the operational aspects of Social Security. He named multiple acting cabinet members and department heads, including selecting Michelle King as the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). King has an extensive background at the SSA. She joined the agency in 1994 as a bilingual claims representative. Through the years, she moved into higher positions. Before being named acting commissioner, she was the deputy commissioner for operations. President Trump put Tesla CEO Elon Musk in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a temporary organization set up to identify ways to reduce federal spending. Musk and DOGE have been in the news quite a bit with their efforts to cut government costs. They’re now targeting Social Security. Musk recently posted on X, the social media site he owns that was formerly Twitter, that he believes there’s significant fraud in entitlement programs, including Social Security. He also claimed that over $100 billion annually is paid to individuals with no Social Security number. DOGE’s goal, according to Musk, is to slash $2 trillion from federal spending. Achieving this objective without cutting Social Security benefits would be extraordinarily difficult. However, DOGE’s efforts are focused primarily on administrative efficiency and productivity. Any Social Security benefit cuts would have to pass Congress and be signed into law by President Trump. Social Security cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are based on inflation. Therefore, anything President Trump does that causes inflation to increase or decrease could ultimately affect future COLAs. Story Continues Soon after his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, Trump ordered the heads of all federal departments and agencies “to deliver emergency price relief, consistent with applicable law, to the American people and increase the prosperity of the American worker.” But bringing down inflation is easier said than done. It remains to be seen which steps by federal officials will move the needle with inflation and ultimately affect Social Security COLAs. Other moves made by Trump might cause inflation to rise. In particular, he has placed 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports to the U.S. and 10% tariffs on most products imported from China. He has also threatened 25% tariffs on most imports from Canada and Mexico but temporarily paused their implementation. Many economists think these tariffs will cause inflation to rise, which could lead to higher Social Security COLAs. The president issued several executive orders related to immigration enforcement. Could these actions affect Social Security? Perhaps. A significant immigration crackdown would potentially reduce labor supply in some industries. This could lead to higher prices for some products and services, with the resulting inflation affecting Social Security COLAs. Trump’s immigration policies might also accelerate the timeline for when the program’s trust funds are depleted, which is currently projected to happen in 2035. A study last year by the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy found that undocumented immigrants paid $25.7 billion in federal ***** taxes that fund Social Security. The financial news website Business Insider recently reported that the SSA estimates the president’s plans for mass deportations could reduce Social Security funding by around $20 billion per year. Should President Trump get his way on ending federal taxes on Social Security retirement benefits, overtime, and tips, the program could run out of money even sooner. The nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget estimates that these and other proposals made by Trump as a presidential candidate would cause Social Security to become insolvent three years earlier than currently expected. If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known “Social Security secrets” could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. View the “Social Security secrets” » Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. President Trump’s Social Security Changes So Far: 4 Things You Should Know was originally published by The Motley Fool Source link Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New Delhi Railway Station: Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush – BBC.com New Delhi Railway Station: Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush – BBC.com New Delhi Railway Station: Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush BBC.com‘Stop whitewashing these serious incidents’: AAP’s Sanjay Singh blames Railways for New Delhi stampede The Indian Express‘Carried bodies on handcarts’, porters recall stampede horror The Tribune IndiaIndia: Stampede kills at least 18 people at train station DW (English) Source link #Delhi #Railway #Station #Grieving #families #recount #horror #deadly #crush #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Peter Dutton’s children give rare insight into life with the Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s children give rare insight into life with the Opposition Leader On the cusp of a federal election, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton’s three children have given a rare insight into growing up with a dad in the political spotlight. Source link #Peter #Duttons #children #give #rare #insight #life #Opposition #Leader Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Is Dunk Contest too easy for Mac McClung? Here's how NBA can make it more of a challenge for three-time champ – CBS Sports Is Dunk Contest too easy for Mac McClung? Here's how NBA can make it more of a challenge for three-time champ – CBS Sports Is Dunk Contest too easy for Mac McClung? Here’s how NBA can make it more of a challenge for three-time champ CBS SportsNBA All-Star Saturday: Mac McClung thrills in dunk contest 3-peat with perfect night, dunk over car; Tyler Herro wins 3-point contest Yahoo SportsWho’s in NBA Slam Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shootout? Full list of participants at 2025 All-Star Saturday Night CBS SportsWatch Mac McClung dunks that secured him a three-peat in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest USA TODAYMac McClung Wins 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Hyped By Fans for Historic 3-Peat Bleacher Report Source link #Dunk #Contest #easy #Mac #McClung #Here039s #NBA #challenge #threetime #champ #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dutton warns against ‘literal interpretations’ of Donald Trump’s ‘every word’ Dutton warns against ‘literal interpretations’ of Donald Trump’s ‘every word’ The man vying to yank the reins of power from Anthony Albanese has revealed how he would navigate Australia’s relationship with the Trump White House. Source link #Dutton #warns #literal #interpretations #Donald #Trumps #word Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

McClung claims 1st-ever Slam Dunk contest 3-peat – theScore McClung claims 1st-ever Slam Dunk contest 3-peat – theScore McClung claims 1st-ever Slam Dunk contest 3-peat theScoreNBA All-Star Saturday: Mac McClung thrills in dunk contest 3-peat with perfect night, dunk over car; Tyler Herro wins 3-point contest Yahoo SportsWho’s in NBA Slam Dunk Contest, 3-Point Shootout? Full list of participants at 2025 All-Star Saturday Night CBS Sports2025 AT&T Slam Dunk: How much does the winner get paid, and how to watch USA TODAYMac McClung Wins 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, Hyped By Fans for Historic 3-Peat Bleacher Report Source link #McClung #claims #1stever #Slam #Dunk #contest #3peat #theScore Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragons see off Roosters in NRL trial win Dragons see off Roosters in NRL trial win St George Illawarra have claimed a 26-8 NRL pre-season challenge win and highlighted some concerns for the Sydney Roosters as they enter a new era. Boasting one of the strongest starting teams in the trials so far, the Dragons outscored the Roosters five tries to two in front of a 7,281-strong crowd at Jubilee Oval on Sunday. Perhaps no side in the NRL is under the microscope in 2025 as much as Trent Robinson’s men. They have lost more than 1000 games of experience over the off-season, headlined by the departures of Luke Keary, Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Joey Manu and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, The Roosters have been adamant the turnover of top-line talent – exacerbated by long-term injuries to Brandon Smith and Sam Walker – will not prevent them from being a heavyweight come finals time. And while Robinson named a side containing maybe eight or so players who would likely start in their round one clash with Brisbane, the Dragons were able to poke at some sore points. Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan had some joy playing against his former club and crossed for his side’s first try of the night next to the posts. He then caused confusion with a grubberkick down Saints’ left edge which halfback Chad Townsend and centre Rob Toia were unable to deal with. Damien Cook scooped up and touched down before Flanagan again turned provider with a cut-out pass to Sione Finau, the winger on the same edge. There were other defensive issues on the left side for the Roosters, with former Wallaby Mark Nawaqanitawase and five-eighth Sandon Smith missing a handful of tackles each in the first half. Nawaqanitawase started the game at left centre and spent part of the second half at fullback. It was only when Dragons coach Shane Flanagan took some of his big guns off late in the first half that the Roosters got on the board when Smith set up Dominic Young. Tyreece Tait scored for the Roosters in the second half and as the game wore on there was mostly a mix of NSW Cup players on display. There was another convert of note on show. Former *********** rugby sevens player Nathan Lawson had an encouraging stint on the wing for the Dragons. He looked tidy under the high ball and helped set up Kade Reed, who scored the penultimate try before Mika Ravalawa crossed late on. Source link #Dragons #Roosters #NRL #trial #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Thousands of probationary federal health agency workers fired by letter this weekend. Here's what it said. – CBS News Thousands of probationary federal health agency workers fired by letter this weekend. Here's what it said. – CBS News Thousands of probationary federal health agency workers fired by letter this weekend. Here’s what it said. CBS NewsHHS is losing thousands of workers under Trump administration probationary job cuts The Associated PressRFK Jr. Just Kneecapped the CDC on His First Day YahooDOGE lays off 3,600 probationary HHS employees – but retains 4,000 Fox News Source link #Thousands #probationary #federal #health #agency #workers #fired #letter #weekend #Here039s #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush Grieving families recount horror of deadly crush Abhinav Goel and Dilnawaz Pasha BBC Hindi, Delhi Crowds join deadly ‘stampede’ at New Delhi railway station On Sunday morning, the New Delhi Railway Station in India’s capital looked much like it always does; bustling, with its many platforms full of eager, impatient passengers waiting to catch their trains. But on Saturday night, a deadly crush – reportedly caused by overcrowding – killed at least 18 people and left several injured. According to officials, two trains had been delayed at the station, while a third – heading to Prayagraj city where the massive Hindu religious festival, Kumbh Mela, is being held – was waiting to depart as people pushed against each other. The crush occurred after “a passenger slipped and fell on the stairs”, a spokesperson for Indian Railways said. Opposition leaders have criticised the government, alleging that Indian Railways did not make adequate arrangements to manage crowds at the station. An investigation has been launched, and authorities have announced compensation for the victims. When asked by the BBC about safety and security at the station, Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Northern Railway, said “let the investigation be completed first”. Crushes like these are not unheard of in India, where there is frequent overcrowding at religious events, festivals and public spaces. Last month, 30 people were killed and dozens injured in a crush at the Kumbh Mela. Crowds at the railway station were also not unexpected – trains are by far the cheapest long-distance mode of transport in India and it is common for the number of passengers to far exceed the capacity of trains. Shilam Devi (left) and Pinky Devi were among 18 people who died in the crush Eyewitnesses and the families of victims have been recounting their ordeal. Many of them were angry at authorities and police officials at the railway station, who they say did not act in time. Some eyewitnesses said the crush was not limited to one place but took place on the overhead bridge, staircases and platforms. Bipin Jha was at the station to meet his wife Mamta, who was arriving on a train. She died in the crush. “I met her at the platform and we were walking on the footbridge overhead when she was trapped in the crush. She died in front of my eyes. I will live my life with the guilt of not saving her,” he says. “We were on the stairs, suddenly we felt a push from behind. We fell, along with many others, and were trapped under bodies. I was barely breathing,” said Seema, whose sister-in law Pinky Devi died on the staircase. Usha Devi, who was travelling to the eastern state of Bihar for her nephew’s wedding, said chaos erupted the moment she reached the platform. “Many people fell. Everywhere, there were scattered belongings, food items and clothes. I was on the verge of fainting. So many people were collapsing. The crowd was so dense that we couldn’t board our train.” Abhinav Goel Umesh Giri, whose wife Shilam Devi died in the crush, says the crowd was uncontrollable. Umesh Giri’s wife Shilam Devi was among the victims. “The crowd became uncontrollable,” he told BBC Hindi while waiting outside the mortuary at Delhi’s Maulana Azad Medical College. “I saw several bodies already lying there. People were colliding with each other, and others started falling over them,” said Mr Giri, who was also injured. He added that help took time to arrive and that he pleaded with officers for help. Senior police and railway officials at the scene did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment. The bodies were taken to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital in New Delhi Most of the victims were taken to the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital in New Delhi, where police and paramilitary forces were deployed, and railway authorities had set up a help desk to assist families. Journalists were not allowed to enter the hospital on Saturday. Relatives of victims shared their grief with reporters waiting outside, while also expressing anger at the facilities in the hospital. “Multiple people were crammed onto a single bed,” alleged Shobha, the sister-in-law of Shilam Devi. Others coming out of the hospital also confirmed this. Hospital authorities did not respond to the BBC’s request for comment. At Lady Hardinge Hospital, the grieving family of Riya, 7, completed the paperwork so they could receive her body. “No child deserves to die like this”, her uncle Vivek said, wiping away tears. Source link #Grieving #families #recount #horror #deadly #crush Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Federal election 2025: ‘Next PM’ Peter Dutton says he can handle Donald Trump Federal election 2025: ‘Next PM’ Peter Dutton says he can handle Donald Trump The man now favoured to become Australia’s next Prime Minister will not take Donald Trump literally “on every word.” understanding that the president’s wild statements are often aimed at striking a “deal”. The interview on Sunday night with Nine’s 60 Minutes came hours after a new poll put Peter Dutton’s Coalition on track to form government. YouGov’s survey of more than 40,000 Australians found the Coalition was on track to win 73 seats, three short of an outright majority — with a range of between 65 and 80 — whilst the Albanese Government was headed towards 66 — with a range of 59 and 72. The opposition leader was pressed on how he would handle the new president after Mr Trump slapped 25 per cent tariffs on all aluminium and steel imports. The president has told Anthony Albanese an exception for Australia is under consideration. The Coalition leader said he had proven himself to be decisive. “I think I’ve demonstrated that I’m prepared to make the tough decisions and make the decisions that are in our country’s best interests, and that will include on the world stage as it is here,” Mr Dutton said. “I think in relation to the tariffs, I think they’re damaging the relationship if they stay in place and not in our interest and not in the United States’ interests.” Asked about Mr Trump’s proposal for the US to seize control of the decimated Gaza strip and turn it into the “Riviera of the Middle East”, Mr Dutton advised against getting overworked about the president’s every word. “Well, I think if you look at what the President said, I think one of the things that we need to bear in mind with President Trump is that we shouldn’t be taking a literal interpretation of every word that’s said,” he said. “The President’s a deal-maker. “He’s a thinker, he brings people together . . . the transaction has been his life.” Mr Dutton said it would take time for the world to “recalibrate” to Mr Trump’s style. The opposition leader has so far backed Kevin Rudd as the nation’s ambassador to America, despite the former Prime Minister’s now-deleted Tweets that labelled Mr Trump “the most destructive president in history”. But speaking to Sky on Sunday, Mr Dutton said he would “reassess” the ambassador’s positing if it became clear he was unable to wield influence in the White House. “My instinct would be to leave him in the job,” Mr Dutton said. “But if there are insurmountable problems that he has or that the administration has with him, then that would make it very difficult.” The three adult children of the Queensland politician —Rebecca, Tom and Harry — also revealed they had no plans to follow their dad’s career path. “Not a chance. We’ve definitely had our dose of politics,” Harry told the program. His wife, Kirilly, said she first met her future husband after he had consumed “20 vodka Red Bulls”. And as her husband continues to climb in the polls, Mr Dutton heaped pressure on the teals. He told Sky News that if the Liberals and Nationals were “a number of seats ahead of the Labor Party” that it would be “unusual” for independents not to offer confidence and supply in the event of a hung parliament. Labor is heading into the election — which can be held no later than May 17 — with 77 seats to the Coalition’s 53. Source link #Federal #election #Peter #Dutton #handle #Donald #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Musk breaks silence after influencer Ashley St. Clair claims she's the mother of his 13th child – Hindustan Times Musk breaks silence after influencer Ashley St. Clair claims she's the mother of his 13th child – Hindustan Times Musk breaks silence after influencer Ashley St. Clair claims she’s the mother of his 13th child Hindustan TimesAshley St. Clair Says Elon Musk Hasn’t Acknowledged Their Baby, Urges Him to ‘Finish Their Agreement’ PEOPLEExclusive | Ashley St. Clair, who claims to have had Musk’s 13th child, reveals life of secrecy New York Post Elon Musk Still Hasn’t Commented As Right-Wing Influencer Claims She Had His 13th Child ForbesElon Musk Breaks Silence After Woman Claimed She Is Mother Of His 13th Child NDTV Source link #Musk #breaks #silence #influencer #Ashley #Clair #claims #she039s #mother #13th #child #Hindustan #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Justice Department fires 20 immigration judges: Report – The Hill Justice Department fires 20 immigration judges: Report – The Hill Justice Department fires 20 immigration judges: Report The HillTrump administration fires more than a dozen immigration judges Fox NewsTrump Administration Fires Immigration Judges The New York Times Source link #Justice #Department #fires #immigration #judges #Report #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Utah public unions banned from collective bargaining with the state – Reuters Utah public unions banned from collective bargaining with the state – Reuters Utah public unions banned from collective bargaining with the state ReutersUtah Bans Collective Bargaining for Public Workers The New York TimesGov. Cox signs controversial labor union bill into law FOX 13 News UtahUtah governor signs collective bargaining ban for teachers, firefighters and police unions The Associated PressUnions may launch petition drive to overturn newly signed labor bill KMYU Source link #Utah #public #unions #banned #collective #bargaining #state #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘Carried bodies on handcarts’, porters recall stampede horror – The Tribune India ‘Carried bodies on handcarts’, porters recall stampede horror – The Tribune India ‘Carried bodies on handcarts’, porters recall stampede horror The Tribune IndiaNew Delhi railway station: Children dey among eighteen pipo wey die for station crush BBC.comIndia: Stampede kills at least 18 people at train station DW (English)Children among 18 killed in crush at New Delhi train station in India Al Jazeera English Source link #Carried #bodies #handcarts #porters #recall #stampede #horror #Tribune #India Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Daytona 500 2025: Start time, TV, streaming, weather, lineup for Sunday's NASCAR race – USA TODAY Daytona 500 2025: Start time, TV, streaming, weather, lineup for Sunday's NASCAR race – USA TODAY Daytona 500 2025: Start time, TV, streaming, weather, lineup for Sunday’s NASCAR race USA TODAYWhat channel is the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona on today? Time, TV schedule, stream info Daytona Beach News-Journal2025 Daytona 500 odds, NASCAR predictions: Best bets by racing expert who called last year’s winner CBS SportsHere’s what to know for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 Sunday CNN Source link #Daytona #Start #time #streaming #weather #lineup #Sunday039s #NASCAR #race #USA #TODAY Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves adds Kain R. Heinlein; DLC characters Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, and Mr. Big announced – Gematsu Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves adds Kain R. Heinlein; DLC characters Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, and Mr. Big announced – Gematsu Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves adds Kain R. Heinlein; DLC characters Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi, and Mr. Big announced GematsuCity of the Wolves: SNK Unveils Kain Heinlein, Open Beta Roster, and DLC Plans PCMagFATAL FURY: City of the Wolves DLC reveals Andy, Chun-Li, Ken, and more at Evo Awards 2025 Esports.ggKain R. Heinlein announced for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves EventHubsFatal Fury City of the Wolves – All Season 1 DLC and Updated Launch Roster Sports Illustrated Source link #Fatal #Fury #City #Wolves #adds #Kain #Heinlein #DLC #characters #Andy #Bogard #Joe #Higashi #Big #announced #Gematsu Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Europe quietly works on a plan to send troops to Ukraine for post-war security Europe quietly works on a plan to send troops to Ukraine for post-war security BRUSSELS (AP) — Increasingly alarmed that U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere, a group of European countries has been quietly working on a plan to send troops into Ukraine to help enforce any future peace settlement with Russia. Britain and France are at the forefront of the effort, though details remain scarce. The countries involved in the discussions are reluctant to tip their hand and give Russian President Vladimir Putin an edge should he agree to negotiate an end to the war he launched three years ago. What is clear is that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy needs a guarantee that his country’s security will be assured until peace takes hold. The best protection would be the NATO membership that Ukraine has long been promised, but the U.S. has taken that option off the table. 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. “I won’t get into the particular capabilities, but I do accept that if there is peace then there needs to be some sort of security guarantee for Ukraine and the U.K. will play its part in that,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in cautious remarks on Thursday. The Europeans began exploring what kind of force might be needed about a year ago, but the sense of urgency has grown amid concern that U.S. President Donald Trump might go over their heads, and possibly even Ukraine’s, to clinch a deal with Putin. Many questions remain unanswered but one stands out: what role, if any, might the United States play? European powers consider the road ahead In December, after Trump was elected but before he took office, a group of leaders and ministers huddled with Zelenskyy at NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s residence in Brussels. They came from Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Poland. Top European Union officials attended too. The talks built on an idea promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron in early 2024. At the time his refusal to rule out putting troops on the ground in Ukraine prompted an outcry, notably from the leaders of Germany and Poland. Macron appeared isolated on the European stage, but his plan has gained traction since. Still, much about what the force might look like and who will take part will depend on the terms of any peace settlement, and more. Italy has constitutional limits on the use of its forces. The Netherlands would need a greenlight from its parliament, as would Germany, whose position could evolve after the Feb. 23 elections usher in a new government. Poland is cautious, given lingering animosities with Ukraine that date from World War II. “We are in a very early stage,” Hanno Pevklur, Estonia’s defense minister told The Associated Press on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. While there are various ongoing discussions and rumors, it is “critical” for European allies to understand what the contact line in Ukraine will look like before coming up with a plan, Pevkur said. If Russia and Ukraine reduce their forces along the front line to a “couple of thousand” on both sides, then “it’s not a problem for Europe to also be there,” Pevkur said, pointing out that it would be much harder if there is still a “boiling conflict.” A robust security force rather than peacekeepers The makeup and role of the force will be dictated by the kind of peace deal that’s reached. If Russia and Ukraine can agree terms as the negotiations progress, it’s plausible that fewer security precautions and a smaller force would be needed. But experts and officials warn that, as things stand, the Europeans must deploy a robust and sizeable contingent, rather than a team of peacekeepers like United Nations “blue helmets.” “It has to be a real force (so) that the Russians know that if they ever tested it that they would get crushed. And you can be sure that Russia will test it,” Ben Hodges, the former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, said last month at a European Policy Centre think tank event. “They violate every single agreement. So if we send a force in there, they’ve got to have airpower, large land forces, drones, counter-drones, air and missile defense. All of that,” he said. “If they go in there with a bunch of blue helmets and rifles, they will get crushed.” Retired French Gen. Dominique Trinquand, a former head of France’s military mission at the United Nations, agreed that U.N. peacekeepers are better suited “for deployment in zones that are far more stable.” “For starters, mounting this operation with soldiers taken from across the world would take about a year,” he said. There also needs to be training of Ukrainian soldiers and investment in Ukraine’s defense industry, Latvia Defense Minister Andris Sprūds told the AP. How big a force? The nature of the peace deal will determine the size and location of the European contingent. Zelenskyy has insisted on at least 100,000 to 150,000 troops. Media reports have speculated about a 30,000-40,000 strong force. Diplomats and officials have not confirmed either figure. Ukraine also wants air support, not just boots on the ground. What is clear is that the Europeans would struggle to muster a large-scale force, and certainly could not do it quickly. In an interview on Friday with the Financial Times, Macron said that the idea of deploying a huge force is “far-fetched.” “We have to do things that are appropriate, realistic, well thought, measured and negotiated,” he said. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth insisted this week on “robust international oversight of the line of contact,” a reference to the roughly 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) long front line. The Europeans are reluctant as that would require too many troops. Nearly all agree that some kind of “American backstop” is essential. European armed forces have long relied on superior U.S. logistics, air transport and other military capabilities. The U.S. lays down some rules At NATO headquarters on Wednesday, Hegseth began describing the terms under which the U.S. might agree to a force that would help provide Ukraine with the “robust security guarantees to ensure that the war will not begin again.” “Any security guarantee must be backed by capable European and non-European troops,” Hegseth told almost 50 of Ukraine’s Western backers. If they go to Ukraine, he said, “they should be deployed as part of a non-NATO mission.” Putin has said that he launched the invasion in part due to NATO territory expanding too close to Russia’s borders and is unlikely to accept any operation run by the world’s biggest military organization. Any European allies taking part would not benefit from NATO’s collective security guarantee if they were attacked, Hegseth said. He underlined that “there will not be U.S. troops deployed to Ukraine.” He did not reveal what role the U.S. might play. From Ukraine’s perspective, a Europe-only operation simply would not work. “Any security guarantees are impossible without the Americans,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned Thursday. ___ Associated Press writers Emma Burrows in Munich, Germany and Angela Charlton and John Leicester in Paris and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report. Source link #Europe #quietly #works #plan #send #troops #Ukraine #postwar #security Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How to watch the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s Cup Series opener – The Athletic How to watch the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s Cup Series opener – The Athletic How to watch the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s Cup Series opener The AthleticWhat channel is the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona on today? Time, TV schedule, stream info Daytona Beach News-Journal2025 Daytona 500 odds, NASCAR predictions: Best bets by racing expert who called last year’s winner CBS SportsHere’s what to know for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 Sunday CNN Source link #watch #Daytona #NASCARs #Cup #Series #opener #Athletic Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Utah governor signs collective bargaining ban for teachers, firefighters and police unions Utah governor signs collective bargaining ban for teachers, firefighters and police unions SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah’s Republican governor on Friday signed a collective bargaining ban that experts are calling one of the most restrictive labor laws in the country, despite overwhelming opposition from union members. Beginning July 1, unions serving Utah teachers, firefighters, police officers, transit workers and other public employees will be banned from negotiating on their behalf for better wages and working conditions. Gov. Spencer Cox announced his decision Friday evening following a week of rallies outside his office in which thousands of union members from the public and private sector urged him to veto the bill. The Republican-controlled Legislature had narrowly approved it last week after its sponsors abandoned a proposed compromise that would have removed the outright ban. 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. “I’m disappointed that, in this case, the process did not ultimately deliver the compromise that at one point was on the table and that some stakeholders had accepted,” Cox said in a statement announcing he had signed the bill. The measure did not pass with veto-proof margins, meaning that if Cox had rejected it, Republican supporters would have needed to pull in more support to override his veto. Utah joins North Carolina and South Carolina as the most restrictive states for public sector unions, said John Logan, a labor expert at San Francisco State University. Many educators, who are the state’s most frequent users of collective bargaining, view the new law as way for Republicans to curb the political influence of teachers unions and clear a path for their own education agenda. Its GOP sponsors argued it was needed to allow employers to engage directly with all employees, instead of communicating through a union representative. The Utah Education Association, the state’s largest public education employees’ union, criticized Cox for ignoring the many workers who urged him to issue a veto. The union is exploring a possible ballot referendum to try to overturn the law, though the effort would come with a high price tag. “Despite overwhelming opposition, Governor Spencer Cox and the Legislature ignored the voices of thousands,” the union said in a statement. “This is a blatant attack on public employees and our right to advocate for the success of our profession and students.” Cox’s decision comes as President Donald Trump is working to gut the U.S. Education Department to the greatest extent of his power by slashing spending and pressuring employees to quit. The governor signed another bill Friday prohibiting transgender college students from living in dorms consistent with their gender identity. Students at the state’s public colleges and universities will only be allowed to enter or live in a gendered space, such as a dorm building, locker room or bathroom, that corresponds with their sex assigned at birth. It’s the first transgender restriction explicitly aimed at university housing, though some states have broad bathroom laws that could be interpreted to apply to dorms. Source link #Utah #governor #signs #collective #bargaining #ban #teachers #firefighters #police #unions Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]