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Pelican Press

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Everything posted by Pelican Press

  1. Who can use Florida’s beaches? Depends on where you are – Politico Who can use Florida’s beaches? Depends on where you are – Politico Who can use Florida’s beaches? Depends on where you are PoliticoLetter: When our shoreline access is seized, so is justice Westerly SunYou Can’t Walk Here (Still) – No One Can Agree on The Rules For Customary Use in Walton County Mid Bay NewsWhere Can You Go? Destin’s Beaches Aren’t as Public as You Might Think uwfvoyager.com Source link #Floridas #beaches #Depends #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  2. Africa’s rich cultural heritage on display at free community event in Kalgoorlie-Boulder Africa’s rich cultural heritage on display at free community event in Kalgoorlie-Boulder Africa’s rich cultural heritage was on full display in Kalgoorlie-Boulder at the weekend. The community was offered a taste of the continent’s vibrant culture during Africa Day celebrations at Eastern Goldfields Community Centre on Saturday. Camera IconAfrican Goldfields Community vice president Dr Elias Menyanu. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner The free event was hosted by African Goldfields Community and featured traditional music, performances, and cuisine along with market stalls. Africa Day is an annual celebration across the globe. AGC vice-president Dr Elias Menyanu said the Kalgoorlie-Boulder event was an important opportunity for members of the African community to connect with their roots. “There is a really strong African presence here, in the schools and workplaces, community events and churches,” he said. “We are in the diaspora, but we have our roots there, so we also celebrate it here. Camera IconTraditional food was dished up. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner “It is to commemorate our forebears and great-grandfathers who toiled, they had to struggle through apartheid systems, got independence and they freed us. “And so it is a time for sombre reflections, but also a time for celebration.” Dr Menyanu said Africa Day was traditionally celebrated on May 25, but the Goldfields event was brought forward to Saturday. Flags from every African country were on display. Representatives from local Papua New Guinea, *********, Indian, and Maori communities also joined in the celebrations. “They are our acquaintances, our friends . . . we live next door to these people, so it’s a beautiful community,” Dr Menyanu said. Camera IconRose Mbeyela, and Shalom Haile roast coffee beans. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie MinerCamera IconMarian Prempeh, and Ashanti Prempeh, 16, with their stall during Africa Day celebrations at Eastern Goldfields Community Centre on Saturday. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie MinerCamera IconAttendees were encouraged to join the dance floor. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie MinerCamera IconBalogun Aminac prepares food. Credit: Carwyn Monck/Kalgoorlie Miner Source link #Africas #rich #cultural #heritage #display #free #community #eventin #KalgoorlieBoulder Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  3. More Americans Now Hold Bitcoin Than Gold, Report Says More Americans Now Hold Bitcoin Than Gold, Report Says Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Americans may be leaning towards Bitcoin over gold, according to a report by Bitcoin investment firm River. River boiled down the U.S.’s Bitcoin leanings to access and culture. The U.S. leads on several other key Bitcoin metrics. A generational shift may be occurring in how Americans preserve their wealth. In recent years, several Bitcoin proponents have dubbed the asset “digital gold,” arguing that it has the qualities to become an even better inflation and currency debasement hedge than the physical precious metal. While Bitcoin has yet to trade like a safe haven asset, Americans may be front-running the narrative, according to one recent report. According to a report by Bitcoin investment firm River on Tuesday, more Americans now hold Bitcoin than gold. The report said that 50 million Americans hold the leading cryptocurrency compared to about 37 million who hold the precious metal, citing data from Bitcoin education-focused entity The Nakamoto Project and Gold IRA Guide. Don’t Miss: “America’s story began with sound money. Hard-working Americans saved their wealth in gold-backed money. Today, Bitcoin carries that torch forward,” River said, sharing the data on X. River confirmed to Benzinga that the data on American Bitcoin ownership was based on a Q3 2024 study by The Nakamoto Project. The firm also said the findings aligned with new data from The Nakamoto Project that it was privy to. The Nakamoto Project teased a 2025 Bitcoin adoption report on Monday. The old study surveyed 3,538 adults across several demographics, finding that most American Bitcoin owners were young males. The yet-to-be-released 2025 report surveyed 3,345 respondents, The Nakamoto Project said on Monday. A teaser from the new report suggests that four in five Americans want some U.S. gold reserves converted to Bitcoin, with younger respondents wanting as much as 30% of the reserves converted. Trending: New to crypto? Get up to $400 in rewards for successfully completing short educational courses and making your first qualifying trade on Coinbase. This finding is significant as the Trump administration is exploring “budget-neutral” strategies to fund the U.S.’s Bitcoin reserve. Among the most popular ideas that have been floated is revaluation of the nation’s gold certificates. The U.S. holds 8,133 tons of gold that were valued at $42 per ounce in 1973. The country could theoretically unlock fresh liquidity by revaluating this stash at current rates of about $3,300 per ounce. But there are concerns that such a move could impact confidence in the dollar and the stability of the gold market. Story Continues River in its report boiled down the U.S.’s Bitcoin leanings to access and culture, citing favorable regulatory conditions, little barrier to entry and the idealization of individual investing and financial freedom. Beyond the number of Americans holding Bitcoin, River reported that 40% of the cryptocurrency’s supply is owned by Americans, the most of any country. The firm also said the U.S. had 94.8% of the market share of corporate Bitcoin holdings, 65.3% of the share of nation-state holdings, 70% of the share of venture funding, 79.2% of the share of Bitcoin ETFs and 36% of the share of the global hash rate. “Americans are uniquely positioned to further their economic success and global leadership by embracing their current advantage in Bitcoin adoption,” River said. Read Next: Image: Shutterstock Send To MSN: 0 This article More Americans Now Hold Bitcoin Than Gold, Report Says originally appeared on Benzinga.com Source link #Americans #Hold #Bitcoin #Gold #Report Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  4. Iran summons French envoy in diplomatic row over 'insulting' Cannes remarks – BBC Iran summons French envoy in diplomatic row over 'insulting' Cannes remarks – BBC Iran summons French envoy in diplomatic row over ‘insulting’ Cannes remarks BBCIran summons French envoy after foreign minister lauds dissident filmmaker The Times of Israel‘Un Simple Accident’ Wins Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival The New York TimesCannes awards Palme d’Or to Iranian revenge drama ‘It Was Just an Accident’ AP NewsThe 78th Festival de Cannes winners’ list Festival de Cannes Source link #Iran #summons #French #envoy #diplomatic #row #039insulting039 #Cannes #remarks #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  5. Chaotic scenes: boys charged over shopping centre brawl Chaotic scenes: boys charged over shopping centre brawl A brawl involving machete-armed members of two rival gangs forced a shopping centre into lockdown and left visitors terrified. Source link #Chaotic #scenes #boys #charged #shopping #centre #brawl Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  6. Man with US and ******* citizenship is charged with trying to attack US Embassy in Tel Aviv Man with US and ******* citizenship is charged with trying to attack US Embassy in Tel Aviv NEW YORK (AP) — A dual U.S. and ******* citizen has been arrested on charges that he traveled to Israel and attempted to firebomb the branch office of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, officials said Sunday. Federal prosecutors in New York said the man, Joseph Neumeyer, walked up to the embassy building on May 19 with a backpack containing Molotov cocktails but got into a confrontation with a guard and eventually ran away, dropping his backpack as the guard tried to grab him. Law enforcement then tracked Neumeyer down to a hotel a few blocks away from the embassy and arrested him, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York. The attack took place against the backdrop of Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its 19th month. Neumeyer, 28, who is originally from Colorado and has dual U.S. and ******* citizenship, had traveled from the U.S. to Canada in early February and then arrived in Israel in late April, according to court records. He had made a series of threatening social media posts before attempting the attack, prosecutors said. Israeli officials deported Neumeyer to New York on Saturday and he had an initial court appearance before a federal judge in Brooklyn on Sunday, the same day his criminal complaint was unsealed. Neumeyer’s court-appointed attorney Jeff Dahlberg declined to comment, and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. During his first term, President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite ************ objections and moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested city. Source link #Man #******* #citizenship #charged #attack #Embassy #Tel #Aviv Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  7. Texas bill Ten Commandments public schools Greg Abbott Texas bill Ten Commandments public schools Greg Abbott A bill that would require the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom in Texas cleared a key legislative hurdle Sunday and is poised to go to Gov. Greg Abbott for approval. The state House of Representatives passed a version of the Ten Commandments bill in a 82-46 vote following a week of debate and delay, when Democratic lawmakers attempted to introduce amendments. Those amendments, including allowing individual school districts to opt in and for the Ten Commandments to be in different languages, were voted down by a Republican majority. Abbott’s office did not immediately comment about its passage, but the Republican governor is expected to sign it into law after the state Senate approved its version of the legislation in March on a 20-11 party-line vote. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had previously said that the success of the bill, known as SB 10, was among his priorities for the current session, which ends next month, after similar legislation failed in 2023 because of time constraints. “By placing the Ten Commandments in our public school classrooms, we ensure our students receive the same foundational moral compass as our state and country’s forefathers,” Patrick said. Still, Texas’ Ten Commandments legislation is likely to face constitutional opposition as it has in Louisiana, where a GOP-drafted law was signed last year by Gov. Jeff Landry and was quickly challenged by a coalition of parents of different religious beliefs. Under Texas’ bill, all public elementary or secondary schools must “display in a conspicuous place in each classroom of the school a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments.” The displays must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, and include the text of the Ten Commandments as written in the bill. Once signed into law, schools “must accept any offer of privately donated” displays or may use district funds, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The legislation does not have an enforcement mechanism, and it’s unclear what may happen to schools or individual teachers who refuse to comply. According to a state House committee analysis, the bill itself also “does not expressly create a criminal offense.” State Sen. Phil King, the lead author of the bill, previously said he was introducing the legislation because “the Ten Commandments are part of our Texas and American story.” But state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat who is Christian, objected to the bill this week during an earlier vote, saying a display of such religious text may feel exclusionary to non-Christian students. “Forcing our religion down their throats is not love,” Talarico said. With Louisiana and most recently Arkansas mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools, legal arguments over such laws could eventually wind up again before the U.S. Supreme Court, which in 1980 ruled that classroom displays of the Ten Commandments were unconstitutional. Louisiana has not fully implemented its law as officials await a federal appeals court ruling on its constitutionality. In November, a lower court judge concluded the state had not offered “any constitutional way to display the Ten Commandments.” Meanwhile, Texas House lawmakers on Friday approved another religion-based bill that would permit school districts to adopt policies allowing for a ******* of prayer and reading of the ****** or “other religious text” with parental consent. Abbott is also expected to sign it into law. Emily Witt, a spokeswoman for the Texas Freedom Network, a grassroots group that advocates for religious freedom, said the wave of conservative-leaning legislation across Texas and other states is part of a wider “coordinated strategy” to infuse the ****** in public school education. “The message this sends to kids is that they’re being told their religion doesn’t matter and isn’t as important as this one,” Witt said. “We worry that leads to bullying and otherism — all things in public schools that we try to prevent.” Source link #Texas #bill #Ten #Commandments #public #schools #Greg #Abbott Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  8. Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Slips Below $107.5K on Tariff Sell-Off Fears – CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Slips Below $107.5K on Tariff Sell-Off Fears – CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Analysis: BTC Slips Below $107.5K on Tariff Sell-Off Fears CoinDeskEurope’s Been Negotiating by the Book, but Trump’s Tearing It Up The New York TimesWhy investors are calling Trump’s bluff on 50% tariffs on the European Union CNBCTrade Between the U.S. and EU Is Massive. We Break It Down. WSJUnpacking Trump’s Issue With the E.U. as He Threatens 50% Tariff Time Magazine Source link #Bitcoin #Price #Analysis #BTC #Slips #107.5K #Tariff #SellOff #Fears #CoinDesk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  9. Man arrested for allegedly trying to firebomb U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv – National Man arrested for allegedly trying to firebomb U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv – National By Staff The Associated Press Posted May 25, 2025 4:35 pm 1 min read Descrease article font size Increase article font size A dual U.S. and ******* citizen has been arrested on charges that he traveled to Israel and attempted to firebomb the branch office of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, officials said Sunday. Federal prosecutors in New York said the man, Joseph Neumeyer, walked up to the embassy building on May 19 with a backpack containing Molotov cocktails but got into a confrontation with a guard and eventually ran away, dropping his backpack as the guard tried to grab him. Law enforcement then tracked Neumeyer down to a hotel a few blocks away from the embassy and arrested him, according to a criminal complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. The attack took place against the backdrop of Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its 19th month. 2:05 First 90 aid trucks reach Gaza, but UN says it’s not nearly enough Trending Now Liberal caucus to consider process for removing an unpopular party leader Conservatives secure 2 more seats after tight federal election recounts Neumeyer, 28, who is originally from Colorado and has dual U.S. and ******* citizenship, had traveled from the U.S. to Canada in early February and then arrived in Israel in late April, according to court records. He had made a series of threatening social media posts before attempting the attack, prosecutors said. Story continues below advertisement Israeli officials deported Neumeyer to New York on Saturday and he had an initial court appearance before a federal judge in Brooklyn on Sunday, the same day his criminal complaint was unsealed. Neumeyer’s court-appointed attorney Jeff Dahlberg declined to comment, and the U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. During his first term, President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite ************ objections and moved the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the contested city. More on World More videos &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Man #arrested #allegedly #firebomb #U.S #embassy #Tel #Aviv #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  10. Nadal sheds tears as Paris pays homage to King of Clay Nadal sheds tears as Paris pays homage to King of Clay There was tennis apparently going on somewhere out there at Roland Garros… It’s just you may never have known, such was the extraordinary outpouring of emotion engendered by the scene-stealing return of Rafa Nadal to his Philippe Chatrier kingdom on Sunday, complete with tears, cheers and a reunion for the sport’s ‘Fab Four’. So it was that Rafa’s old one-man show, now all sober and besuited with not a bandana in sight, was enough to effortlessly eclipse all the action going on around the outside courts, and why wouldn’t it? The ‘King of Clay’ had retired last year, but to his Roland Garros disciples, that was simply unbearable. He could never be replaced, and here was one last chance for them to salute their blessed Rafa with a special ceremony two decades exactly to the day he first walked on to the centre court for a match against Xavier Malisse that launched sport’s most freakish monopoly. And, of course, Roland Garros did it in style, unveiling its unique and permanent tribute to the great man – his footprint set into the clay of the court – while 10,000, dolled up in their clay-coloured ‘Merci Rafa’ T-shirts, paid homage. And amid it all, the ever humble 14-time champ himself couldn’t possibly survive this mass onslaught of love and, after watching a real weepie of a film outlining his unreal French Open domination from sleeveless teen to balding warrior, the tears inevitably came. “Merci beaucoup,” he spluttered. “I don’t know where to start after playing on that court for the last 20 years, after enjoying, suffering, winning, losing and especially after having felt so many feelings every time I’ve had the chance to be here.” Cue more roars as his adopted home saluted their most beloved visitor. “Merci la France, merci Paris,” he said. “You have given me emotions and moments I could never have imagined.” He was joined on court by Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Roger Federer, sport’s most famous boy band back together, while in the stands, reigning champs Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek applauded, doubtless relieved they’d managed to snag a ticket. Elsewhere, the big hitters weren’t let loose around the grounds, as if to leave the stage free for just one man, but of the post-Nadal-era contenders, eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti best looked the part as he pounded ******* qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 7-5 6-2 6-0. There was a distinct US flavour to proceedings with No.12 seed Tommy Paul beating Dane Elmer Moller 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-3 6-1 and 15th seed Frances Tiafoe downing Roman Safiullin 6-4 7-5 6-4. The last word, though, of course had to go to Nadal on a day like this. Talking of his old foes who had come to salute him, he said of Federer, Djokovic and Murray: “It’s a great message for the world that the toughest rivalries probably in the history of our sport are able to be good colleagues, to respect each other. “You don’t need to hate the opponent to try to beat him with all your forces.” No sentiment seemed to sum up the man better. Source link #Nadal #sheds #tears #Paris #pays #homage #King #Clay Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  11. ‘It’s immoral, it’s wrong, it has to stop’ ‘It’s immoral, it’s wrong, it has to stop’ Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” passed the House of Representatives last week, but faces a still-uncertain future in the Senate. With the House Republican budget package now on its way to the upper chamber after a marathon journey through the Rules Committee and House floor this past week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune is taking a look at what it will require to pass Trump’s bill through the upper chamber, where it’s already facing heavy resistance. On Sunday, two Republican senators hit the Sunday show circuit to voice objections from the conservative side — objections that House Speaker Mike Johnson is familiar with after last week’s vote. Sens. Rand Paul and Ron Johnson derided the bill’s deficit spending measures, which despite the GOP’s $1.5trn cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and other programs are still set to increase the federal budget deficit by $3.8trn over a decade, thanks to one of the GOP’s main priorities: the extension of the 2017 Trump tax cuts. Senator Ron Johnson is reluctant to add even more to the federal debt (Getty Images) The bill does that, and more — a late game deal between Johnson and the SALT caucus, a coalition of Republicans from blue states, secured a provision in the legislation that would raise the cap on deductions for state and local taxes (SALT) from $10,000 to $40,000 for American households earning under $500,000 annually. Johnson, of Wisconsin, told CNN’s Jake Tapper on State of the Union this Sunday that Republicans would be responsible for “mortgaging our children’s future” by adding so much to the federal debt, which currently sits at $36trn. “It’s immoral. It’s wrong. It has to stop,” Johnson said. “This is our moment. We’ve witnessed an unprecedented level of increased spending.” “58% since 2019,” the senator continued. “This is our only chance to reset that to a reasonable, pre-pandemic level of spending.” Paul, a staunch fiscal conservative and member of the party’s libertarian wing, outlined similar concerns to Shannon Bream on Fox News Sunday: “Somebody has to stand up and yell, ‘the emperor has no clothes.’” Rand Paul is another skeptic in the Senate: ‘Somebody has to stand up and yell, the emperor has no clothes’ (Getty Images) “Everybody is falling in lockstep on this,” said the Kentucky Republican senator. “’Pass the big beautiful bill. Don’t question anything.’ Well, conservatives do need to stand up … if we don’t stand up on it, I really fear the direction the country is going.” The debt increase fears were raised repeatedly by conservatives on the House Freedom Caucus before the bill’s final passage on Thursday. But every member of the caucus voted for the bill, save chairman Andy Harris, who voted “present”. Two other Republican members of the House, Warren Davidson (who was expelled from the Freedom Caucus last year) and Thomas Massie, voted against the bill. But John Thune’s troubles do not end there. The Hill separately reported last week that a group of roughly a half dozen Republican senators was privately meeting with the Senate majority leader to discuss a different angle of concern: the bill’s plans to change Medicaid by limiting state provider taxes (which allow state governments to claw back some Medicaid funding). While the GOP “big, beautiful” budget plan does impose new work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks on Medicaid recipients, it avoided some of the larger cuts to the program which conservatives were hoping to include. Even so, an analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that it would still kick millions off of Medicaid and other health care plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace system. “There’s probably five, six, seven of us who, if you do anything that cuts into benefits, you’re going to have a real problem. The leader is aware of that,” one Republican senator, who was not named, told The Hill this past week. John Thune and Mike Johnson are trying to steer Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ through Congress (AP) A number of other senators, including Republicans from states with large rural populations, are publicly skeptical about aspects of the plan that could endanger or financially ruin rural hospitals, which rely in large part on Medicaid funding to survive. By making too many changes to the bill, Thune risks leaving it in a state that cannot be re-passed by the House. But the Senate leader also has his own caucus to worry about, as well as Donald Trump’s continued demand for the bill to remain in one piece, rather than be split up. The president (and many of his allies) believe that passage of one bill will be more politically achievable for the GOP caucuses in the House and Senate, where in both chambers the party has narrow margins over Democrats. The bill is a mish-mash of a number of the Trump administration’s year-one priorities, including a surge in funding for border security measures, an extension of the president’s signature tax plan, and a boost in military spending. Ron Johnson threw cold water on even that basic strategy on Thursday, in a gaggle with reporters. “We have to split it up,” he said. “Break it up. Break it up and focus on the areas of agreement.” Source link #immoral #wrong #stop Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  12. As NFL players eye the Olympics, flag football veterans just want a chance – The Washington Post As NFL players eye the Olympics, flag football veterans just want a chance – The Washington Post As NFL players eye the Olympics, flag football veterans just want a chance The Washington PostRoger Goodell: USA Football will select Olympic team, not the NFL NBC SportsDetroit Lions mailbag: Which Lions is most likely to make Olympic flag football team? Detroit Free PressOlympic official confident MLB will be in ’28 mix ESPN2028 Summer Olympics: Which New York Giants would be best for flag football? Big Blue View Source link #NFL #players #eye #Olympics #flag #football #veterans #chance #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  13. Severe weather warning in place for millions as floodwaters recede in NSW Severe weather warning in place for millions as floodwaters recede in NSW Millions of Australians are now bracing for potentially wild weather as the recovery effort begins in NSW, with floodwaters still receding in the wake of devastating rains. Severe weather warnings were in place for swathes of southeast Australia on Sunday night, including Adelaide and southern parts of Victoria. The “significant weather event” could bring widespread damaging to destructive winds and hazardous coastal conditions from Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology’s Jonathon How said conditions would likely peak on Monday, as the most powerful cold front of the year swept through. “A severe weather warning is current from damaging or destructive winds across three states, and parts of the ACT,” including NSW, Mr How said. Across the warning area – from western South Australia to the Snowy Mountains in NSW and the ACT – winds gusts of up to 120km/h were forecast. Camera IconWeather warnings across multiple states and territories on Sunday. BOM Credit: NewsWire Damaging winds are expected to ease into Tuesday across the warning area, but could instead then spread into parts of eastern NSW. “With these winds coming through, we are expecting significant impacts,” Mr How said. “Trees are weak across southeastern *********** due to how dry it’s been over the past autumn. “So we could see high numbers of fallen trees and branches causing damage to property.” Mr How said the winds could also lead to damaging driving conditions and disruptions to utilities, including power infrastructure. Snow falling late Monday and into Tuesday could also result in blizzard-like conditions across the *********** Alps. While the weather front bears down on the country’s southeast, the Bureau also warned of unseasonal widespread rain and winds in the northeast. Flood watch warnings were in place in parts of the country’s north, including the West Kimberley and Fitzroy Rivers, on Sunday night. An initial flood watch was also in place for the Sturt Creek District, Tanami, Central, and Western Desert catchments in the Northern Territory. The northeast of the country is expected to see below average temperatures and heavy rains in the coming days and into next week. A final flood warnings were still in place at Eyre Creek in Queensland and a marine weather warning was in effect in Tasmania. Source link #Severe #weather #warning #place #millions #floodwaters #recede #NSW Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  14. Heat wave headed to SLO County after a sunny, breezy Memorial Day weekend Heat wave headed to SLO County after a sunny, breezy Memorial Day weekend Weather watches and warnings A live data feed from the National Weather Service containing official weather warnings, watches, and advisory statements. Tap warning areas for more details. Sources: NOAA, National Weather Service, NOAA GeoPlatform and Esri. Open Steve Wilson *****@*****.tld San Luis Obispo County can expect a mild, windy and sunny Memorial Day weekend, followed by “May Gray” weather during the week. A pattern of strong to gale-force (25 to 38 mph) northwesterly winds developing during the afternoon and decreasing during the night and morning will continue through Memorial Day. These winds will produce primarily clear skies, except for low marine clouds with pockets of fog and mist at night and in the morning. Temperatures will remain mild. Inland valleys like Paso Robles will warm into the low 80s, while coastal valleys such as San Luis Obispo will reach the low 70s. Most beaches will see highs in the 50s to low 60s, though southerly facing beaches like Cayucos, Avila Beach and Shell Beach could climb into the low 70s thanks to these downslope winds. The northwesterly winds will decrease on Tuesday and Wednesday to moderate-to-fresh (13 to 24 mph) levels, further lowering to gentle-to-moderate (8 to 18 mph) levels on Thursday into the following weekend. This condition and increasing inland valley temperatures will produce a deep marine layer with night and morning fog and mist, with some clearing along the shoreline in the afternoon, known as “May Gray.” Away from the ocean, high pressure expanding from the desert will produce the first triple-digit temperatures of 2025 at the Paso Robles Municipal Airport on Friday and Saturday. The record daily high at the airport is 102 degrees on Friday and 106 on Saturday, which could both be broken by this week’s temperatures — forecast to reach 102 on Friday and 107 on Saturday. Closer to the ocean, San Luis Obispo is expected to reach the low to mid-80s, while all the beaches will range from the high 50s to the low 60s under cloudy skies. Over this *******, the Central Valley could see temperatures ranging between 110 and 115 degrees. Looking further ahead, long-range models indicate that dry conditions will continue through the end of June. Surf report Gale-force northwesterly winds along the California coastline will generate a 6- to 8-foot northwesterly (305-degree deep water) sea and swell (with a 5- to 9-second *******) on Saturday through Memorial Day. A 5- to 7-foot northwesterly (295-degree deep water) sea and swell (with a 7- to 11- second *******) is forecast on Tuesday, decreasing to 3 to 5 feet (with an 8- to 11-second *******) on Wednesday and remaining at this level through next Saturday. A 1- to 3-foot southern hemisphere (205-degree deep water) swell (with a 15- to 18- second *******) will arrive along our coastline on Saturday and remain at this level through Tuesday, gradually fading away on Wednesday. On June 1 and 2, the highest southern hemisphere swell of the year is expected to arrive at our coastline, at 3- to 5-feet (with an 18- to 22-second *******) from 200 degrees. Surface seawater temperatures will range between 49 and 51 degrees through Tuesday, gradually warming through next weekend. On this date in weather history (May 25) 1917: A tornado ripped through southeast Kansas, traveling 65 mph and setting a record for the average speed of any tornado. 1989: Thunderstorms developing ahead of a strong cold front produced severe weather from Oklahoma to Ohio through the day and night. Thunderstorms spawned nine tornadoes, and there were 155 reports of large hail and damaging winds. Hail 3.5 inches in diameter was reported at Dittmer, Missouri, and thunderstorm winds gusting to 90 mph caused $20 million at Rockville, Indiana. (The National Weather Summary) (Storm Data) 2018: A late-season, low-pressure system centered over the Bay Area produced light rain showers throughout the Central Coast. This week’s temperatures LOWS AND HIGHS, PASO ROBLES SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 47, 83 47, 81 49, 83 50, 82 51, 89 55, 102 57, 107 55, 97 LOWS AND HIGHS, SAN LUIS OBISPO AND COASTAL VALLEYS SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN 49, 70 49, 72 51, 71 52, 75 54, 77 57, 81 58, 84 54, 81 John Lindsey is a retired PG&E marine meteorologist. Email him at *****@*****.tld or follow him on X @PGE_John. Source link #Heat #wave #headed #SLO #County #sunny #breezy #Memorial #Day #weekend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  15. Timberwolves needed the real Anthony Edwards to beat Thunder. He knew it, too – The New York Times Timberwolves needed the real Anthony Edwards to beat Thunder. He knew it, too – The New York Times Timberwolves needed the real Anthony Edwards to beat Thunder. He knew it, too The New York TimesAnt keys Wolves’ emphatic response in rout of OKC ESPNThunder face rare test of fortitude after Wolves’ recommitment to throwing ‘fastball’ on defense AP NewsRandle’s revival for Wolves in Game 3 rout starts with pep talk from Edwards NBAThunder blown out by Timberwolves: OKC players explain how they ‘got punched in the mouth’ in Game 3 CBS Sports Source link #Timberwolves #needed #real #Anthony #Edwards #beat #Thunder #knew #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  16. Iwai hits Maya rivals for six as Ruffels’ hopes fade Iwai hits Maya rivals for six as Ruffels’ hopes fade Chisato Iwai has taken a tournament up for grabs and turned it into her own highlight show, making five birdies in her opening six holes for a six-under 66 and a six-shot victory in the Mexico Riviera Maya Open. It was all too much for the rest of the field, including Australia’s Gabriela Ruffels, who birdied five of her last six holes on Saturday to get within two shots of the lead. She made only one birdie in her round of 76, finishing 11 shots adrift of the leader. Iwai led from the opening hole at El Camaleon when she made birdie and Jenny Bae made bogey, and the 22-year-old from Japan was on her way to her first LPGA title. “My mental is so calm, calm every day, every time,” Iwai said. She ran off four straight birdies, poured in every putt that mattered and then cruised home to become the third LPGA rookie to win this season. Iwai, whose twin sister Akie Iwai has been runner-up twice this year, finished with a 12-under 276. Bae had a one-shot lead going into the final round at Mayakoba, and the 10 players behind her also had never experienced winning on the LPGA Tour. But it did not take long for Iwai, who had eight wins on the Japan LPGA before getting her LPGA card, to turn it into a rout. She hit wedge to four feet on the third hole for birdie. She rolled in a seven-foot birdie putt on the fourth. Her approach to the par-5 fifth was right of the green, close to the water, and she calmly chipped that to two feet for a third straight birdie. Iwai finished the big birdie run with a 15-foot putt on No.6. Bae bogeyed the opening two holes and never caught up. She steadied herself on the back nine to salvage a 73 and a runner-up finish. “It just tells me that I have a long ways to go but also I’m also getting there, too,” Bae said. “So I’m happy. I definitely know what I need to work on for the week off for me. Hopefully I’ll be able to score better at the next tournament.” The six-shot victory for Iwai matched the largest margin this year. Rio Takeda, of Japan, also won by six at the Blue Bay LPGA in China. Iwai took off early and it seemed as though everyone simply cleared out of her way. Miranda Wang, who stayed in the game with clutch par putts down the stretch in the third round, closed with a 76 without making a birdie. Yahui Zhang made bogey on six of her last seven holes for a 78. Robyn Choi was the highest-placed ***********, a final-round 70 giving her a share of ninth place, a shot ahead of Karis Davidson and two in front of Ruffels. Sarah Kemp finished six over after a final-round 73. Source link #Iwai #hits #Maya #rivals #Ruffels #hopes #fade Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  17. Poilievre vows to work with Carney on U.S. deal ahead of Parliament return – National Poilievre vows to work with Carney on U.S. deal ahead of Parliament return – National Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Sunday he wants to help the Liberal government resolve the ongoing trade dispute with the United States, which Prime Minister Mark Carney said was a top priority. Both leaders addressed their respective caucuses as Parliament is set to return Monday after over five months away, allowing MPs to finally consider legislation to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and pressing affordability concerns. “We all want a permanent end to the tariffs with the U.S., and we will work with the government to help make that happen,” Poilievre told Conservative MPs in Ottawa. “I’ve already told the Prime Minister that we are happy to cooperate any way we can to bring about an end to this unnecessary dispute and restore our sovereignty.” 6:09 Poilievre reveals Conservative priorities ahead of Parliament’s return to session Andrew Scheer, who will be leading the Conservatives in the House of Commons until Poilievre can gain a seat in a future byelection, said earlier this month he also intends to help the Liberals as much as possible on the U.S. trade and security issue. Story continues below advertisement Carney told his expanded Liberal caucus that the government “will fight to ensure that Canadians get the best relationship possible with the United States, and we will take the time to do so.” “At the same time, we will strengthen our partnerships with reliable allies,” he said. “Canada has what the world needs, and we will defend the values that the world respects.” A bipartisan group of U.S. senators met with Carney last week in Ottawa on a visit to reaffirm and strengthen the U.S.-Canada relationship. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Trump has cooled his rhetoric toward Canada after meeting with Carney at the White House earlier this month, and has said a new deal and partnerships on security are possible. Carney promises multiple bills in coming days Carney has tasked his cabinet in negotiating new deals with the U.S. while diversifying international trade and shoring up the domestic economy. Story continues below advertisement The prime minister on Sunday promised “one of the most busy returns to Parliament in ********* history,” with several pieces of legislation to be introduced in the coming days. “We are going to be very, very busy in the next few weeks” and months, he said. “We’re going to have to do things previously thought impossible, at speeds not seen in generations.” Carney warned that years of weakening productivity has made life less affordable while straining government finances, which his government is committed to addressing. “These are challenges we must face and turn into opportunities,” he said. 9:14 Liberal caucus to meet Sunday ahead of Canada’s parliament open Trending Now RFK Jr. asks ********* regulator to reconsider ostrich cull at B.C. farm In briefing to minister, RCMP warns of 488% jump in terrorism charges Poilievre, despite losing his own House of Commons seat and a fourth straight election for the Conservatives, earned a rousing response from his caucus as he promised to press the Liberals on keeping their word on expanding energy projects and lowering taxes. Story continues below advertisement “We have priorities and therefore we need a plan,” he said, before criticizing the Liberals’ decision to not present a federal budget until the fall. “A budget is a plan. It is literally a plan.” Carney has said the government will need time to factor in impacts from U.S. tariffs and new domestic measures before presenting a full fiscal blueprint. The prime minister said Sunday the government will introduce “immediate legislation” to fast-track energy projects “of national interest,” and to eliminate federal barriers to interprovincial trade by Canada Day this year. He did not detail exactly what the energy project legislation would entail, or if it would repeal existing laws that Poilievre said stand in the way of building those new projects. 8:18 Carney is ‘doing things a little differently’ Poilievre said Conservatives would support measures to scrap the industrial carbon price, caps on energy production, limits on pipeline construction and the moratorium on large oil tankers off British Columbia’s coast. Story continues below advertisement “If the government agrees to these changes, we will move as early as this spring to pass them all,” he said. “They have our word.” Carney also promised measures that would increase investment in the ********* Armed Forces and border security. He said new Criminal Code reforms will make it harder to get bail for offenders charged with auto theft, home invasion, drug smuggling and human trafficking. Poilievre said Conservatives “will fight to end catch-and-release bail” and enact tougher criminal penalties. The Liberals have already vowed that a “middle-class tax cut” will be the first piece of legislation introduced after King Charles III delivers the speech from the throne on Tuesday. Electing a Speaker to oversee Commons business will be the first priority upon Parliament returning on Monday. More on Politics More videos &copy 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc. Source link #Poilievre #vows #work #Carney #U.S #deal #ahead #Parliament #return #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  18. Israeli strikes kill 30 in Gaza, including rescue service official and local journalist Israeli strikes kill 30 in Gaza, including rescue service official and local journalist By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli military strikes killed at least 30 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, including a senior rescue service official and a journalist, local health authorities said. The latest deaths in the Israeli campaign resulted from separate Israeli strikes in Khan Younis in the south, Jabalia in the north and Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip, medics said. In Jabalia, they said local journalist Hassan Majdi Abu Warda and several family members were killed by an airstrike that hit his house earlier on Sunday. Another airstrike in Nuseirat killed Ashraf Abu Nar, a senior official in the territory’s civil emergency service, and his wife in their house, medics added. The ******-run Gaza government media office said that Abu Warda’s death raised the number of ************ journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023 to 220. Israel’s military said in a statement that chief of staff Eyal Zamir visited troops in Khan Younis on Sunday, telling them that “this is not an endless war” and that ****** has lost most of its assets, including its command and control. “We will deploy every tool at our disposal to bring the hostages home, dismantle ****** and dismantle its rule,” Zamir was cited as saying. The statement did not address Sunday’s strikes. Later on Sunday, the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC said in a statement that two of its staff – Ibrahim Eid and Ahmad Abu Hilal – had been killed in a strike on a house in Khan Younis on Saturday. “Their killing points to the intolerable civilian death toll in Gaza. The ICRC reiterates its urgent call for a ceasefire and for the respect and protection of civilians, including medical, humanitarian relief, and civil defence personnel,” the ICRC statement added. In a separate statement, the Gaza media office said Israeli forces were in control of 77% of the Gaza Strip, either through ground forces or evacuation orders and bombardments that keep residents away from their homes. The armed wing of ****** and the Islamic ****** said in separate statements on Sunday that fighters carried out several ambushes and attacks using bombs and anti-tank rockets against Israeli forces operating in several areas across Gaza. On Friday the Israeli military said it had conducted more strikes in Gaza overnight, hitting 75 targets including weapons storage facilities and rocket launchers. Israel launched an air and ground war in Gaza after ****** militants’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people by Israeli tallies with 251 hostages abducted into Gaza. The conflict has killed more than 53,900 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, and devastated the coastal strip. Aid groups say signs of severe malnutrition are widespread. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi; Editing by David Goodman and Hugh Lawson) Source link #Israeli #strikes #kill #Gaza #including #rescue #service #official #local #journalist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  19. Susan Brownmiller, Who Reshaped Views About *****, Dies at 90 – The New York Times Susan Brownmiller, Who Reshaped Views About *****, Dies at 90 – The New York Times Susan Brownmiller, Who Reshaped Views About *****, Dies at 90 The New York TimesView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Susan #Brownmiller #Reshaped #Views #***** #Dies #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  20. A-League Men: Perth Glory football director Stan Lazaridis says defenders and forwards recruitment priorities A-League Men: Perth Glory football director Stan Lazaridis says defenders and forwards recruitment priorities Perth Glory football director Stan Lazaridis says strengthening at both ends of the pitch is paramount next season as the club looks to rebound from successive wooden spoons. Source link #ALeague #Men #Perth #Glory #football #director #Stan #Lazaridis #defenders #forwards #recruitment #priorities Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  21. Students drop claim of Israeli genocide in Gaza Students drop claim of Israeli genocide in Gaza An accusation that Israel has committed genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza has been dropped by students at the University of Manchester following a backlash. The 2,000-word motion, which expresses solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-****** war, was withdrawn earlier this week. It was lodged with the university’s student union (UMSU) by a student from the university’s Friends of Palestine group several months ago. The motion accuses Israel “in its entirety” of being “an apartheid settler-colonial state committing ongoing genocide against Palestinians” and recognises that “as an occupied nation, the people of Palestine have the right to armed resistance under international law.” It also urged full support for the BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) movement against Israel. In addition, the motion argues that a two-state solution has become “impossible” due to the “continued expansion of Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine” and advocates for a “single, free, multi-faith ************ state”. Manchester University’s Friends of Israel Society was outraged by the motion and wrote to the UMSU, setting out why the proposal and the procedure for considering it were unlawful. It said the statement contained “false and one-sided allegations”. In March, a debate took place, and Jewish students put forward nine amendments to the motion, but these were rejected. These included one that would have recognised ****** as a terrorist organisation and another calling on ****** to release the remaining hostages it still holds captive. A third urged the student union to refrain from “glorifying” violence against Israeli civilians. Jewish students held a silent protest outside the building where the meeting took place, holding pictures of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, who were held hostage in Gaza by ******. Commenting on the motion being withdrawn, Jonathan Turner, chief executive of *** Lawyers for Israel (UKFLI), who worked with the Friends of Israel Society on getting the motion dropped, said: “We are very pleased with this outcome, which clearly results from drawing attention to the student union’s legal obligations. “Student unions must conduct political debates fairly, must not discriminate against Jewish or Israeli students, and must not engage in political campaigns outside their charitable objects. “We congratulate Naomi Brookarsh, president of the Israel Society at Manchester University, on her work resisting this attempt to misuse the student union to intimidate Jewish students and other students who support Israel.” A spokesman for Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA), who also wrote to the union and university to express concerns, told The Telegraph: “Manchester University Students’ Union disregarded the concerns of Jewish students and regulations for charities when it tried to advance this reckless and divisive motion. “Whether or not it is meant as such here, the phrase ‘armed resistance’ is commonly used in this context as a euphemism for terrorism and the destruction of the Jewish state. “At a minimum, this motion aspired to deprive the Jewish people of their right to self-determination. “These motions do nothing to change things in the Middle East but contribute to the ostracisation of Jewish students on campus. “This motion never should have been even drafted, let alone put forward. Jewish students have the same right to feel safe on their campus as any other group. “We wrote to the students’ union and are pleased to see that the motion has been withdrawn, even if there was no remorse in the withdrawal statement. “We will continue to tackle extremism and antisemitism on university campuses wherever we find it.” In a statement, the UMSU apologised for the length of time it took to consider the motion and said: “We will be reviewing our democratic processes as a result.” It added: “We stand in full solidarity with the ************ resistance to ongoing genocide in Gaza. “The double standards held over colonised people compared to those doing the colonising are absurd. “Those in support of ************ liberation are required to constantly qualify their support of basic human rights, whilst Israel continues its extermination, starvation and ‘conquest’ of Palestinians undeterred.” It went on to criticise charity law, which it said prevented students’ unions from taking “principled positions and resourcing campaigns on the most pressing issues of our day”. In a statement issued previously, the University of Manchester said it considered “aspects of this motion to be wholly unacceptable”. It added that it had raised “serious concerns with the students’ union regarding its wording, particularly where it risks undermining the principles of equality, safety, and wellbeing.” A spokesperson from the University of Manchester said: “Students’ Union motions are independent of the university and there is no obligation to implement them, but we raised concerns about the proposed motion and are pleased that students took these seriously. “The conflict in Gaza is deeply distressing for many in our community. As a university, we are committed to upholding free speech and fostering respectful debate within the law.” Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #Students #drop #claim #Israeli #genocide #Gaza Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  22. "I Cant Believe This Is Me Now": Rosie O'Donnell Posted A Dramatic New Photo After Taking Mounjaro – BuzzFeed "I Cant Believe This Is Me Now": Rosie O'Donnell Posted A Dramatic New Photo After Taking Mounjaro – BuzzFeed “I Cant Believe This Is Me Now”: Rosie O’Donnell Posted A Dramatic New Photo After Taking Mounjaro BuzzFeedRosie O’Donnell Celebrates Drastic Weight Loss in New Photo: ‘I Can’t Believe This Is Me Now’ YahooRosie O’Donnell Shows Off Dramatic Weight Loss After Using Mounjaro: ‘I Can’t Believe This Is Me’ People.comRosie O’Donnell shows off stunning weight loss from Mounjaro after moving out of the US New York PostRosie O’Donnell Shows Off Her Dramatic Weight Loss in New Photo TODAY.com Source link #quotI #Nowquot #Rosie #O039Donnell #Posted #Dramatic #Photo #Mounjaro #BuzzFeed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  23. Iran summons French envoy in diplomatic row over ‘insulting’ Cannes remarks Iran summons French envoy in diplomatic row over ‘insulting’ Cannes remarks Iran summoned France’s envoy in Tehran to protest against “insulting” remarks made by the French foreign minister after an Iranian filmmaker won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the prestigious Palme d’Or for his film It Was Just an Accident on Saturday, a political drama inspired by his time in prison. Following the win, French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Panahi’s win was “a gesture of resistance against the Iranian regime’s oppression”. This sparked a diplomatic row, with Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mohammad Tanhaei calling the comments “insulting remarks and unfounded allegations”, state media reported. During the meeting with the French envoy, Tanhaei called Barrot’s comments “blatant interference” in the country’s internal affairs, according to the same report from Iran’s PressTV He described the congratulatory message as “irresponsible and provocative”, adding that France had “no moral authority at all” to comment on Iran, citing what he called France’s failure to support Palestinians in Gaza. He demanded an official explanation from the French government, and the envoy said he would relay the message to Paris. Panahi has been in and out of prison in recent years for his outspoken criticism of the Iranian establishment. He spent seven months of a six-year sentence in jail before being released in February 2023. He had previously been sentenced to six years in 2010 for supporting anti-government protests and creating “propaganda against the system”, serving two months on that occasion. As well as his jail terms, he was given a 20-year ban on making movies and travelling outside his own country. Despite this, he filmed It Was Just An Accident, in secret in Iran. The film follows five ordinary Iranians as they confront a man they believe tortured them in jail — characters drawn from conversations Panahi had with fellow inmates about “the violence and brutality of the Iranian government”. During his acceptance speech, he urged fellow Iranians to “join forces”. “No-one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do, or what we should not do.” Soon after the ceremony, his first appearance at an international film festival in 15 years, he told reporters he would be returning to Tehran. “As soon as I finish my work here I will go back to Iran,” he told reporters in Cannes. “And I will ask myself what’s my next film going to be.” Source link #Iran #summons #French #envoy #diplomatic #row #insulting #Cannes #remarks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  24. Venezuelans vote for lawmakers and governors as opposition calls for election boycott – National Venezuelans vote for lawmakers and governors as opposition calls for election boycott – National Voters in Venezuela are choosing lawmakers, governors and other officials on Sunday in polling being held against a backdrop of heightened government repression and opposition calls to boycott the election. The election is the first to allow broad voter participation since last year’s presidential contest, which President Nicolás Maduro claimed to have won despite credible evidence to the contrary. It is taking place two days after the government detained dozens of people, including a prominent opposition leader, and linked them to an alleged plot to hinder the vote. Members of the military outnumbered voters at many polling centers in the capital, Caracas, during the first half of election day, with no lines forming outside — a stark contrast with the enthusiasm of the July 28 presidential election, when some people queued overnight and lines stretched for blocks. In a working-class neighborhood, the National Guard placed three armored personnel carriers, but by midday, the nearest voting center had no visible activity and soldiers were looking at their cellphones while they sheltered from the sun. Story continues below advertisement “I’m not going to vote,” said truck driver Carlos León, 41, standing near a desolate polling station in downtown Caracas. “I don’t believe in the (electoral authority). I don’t think they’ll respect the vote. Nobody forgets what happened in the presidential elections. It’s sad, but it’s true.” Voter participation, in the eyes of the opposition, legitimizes Maduro’s claim to power and his government’s repressive apparatus, which after the July presidential election detained more than 2,000 people including protesters, poll workers, political activists and minors, to quash dissent. Meanwhile, the ruling party is already touting overwhelming victory across the country, just as it has done in previous regional elections regardless of opposition participation. More on World More videos A nationwide poll conducted between April 29 and May 4 by the Venezuela-based research firm Delphos showed that only 15.9% of voters expressed a high probability of voting Sunday. Of those, 74.2% said they would vote for the candidates of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela and its allies, while 13.8% said they would vote for contenders associated with two opposition leaders who are not boycotting the elections. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. “I think it’s absolutely despicable,” opposition operative Humberto Villalobos said Saturday, referring to the election participation of some opposition members. “We’re facing the most brutal repression in recent years in the country. (The vote) is a comedy, a parody.” Villalobos was elections division chief for opposition leader Maria Corina Machado when he and five other government opponents sought refuge in March 2024 at a diplomatic compound in Caracas to avoid arrest. He spent more than a year there and on Saturday, along with four of the others, spoke publicly for the first time since they left the compound and arrived in the United States earlier this month. Story continues below advertisement U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met with the group Friday, has described their departure from the compound as an international rescue operation. That assertion has been challenged by Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, who has said it was the result of a negotiation with the government. The ruling party-loyal National Electoral Council is overseeing Sunday’s election for state legislators, 285 members of the unicameral National Assembly and all 24 governors, including the newly created governorship purportedly established to administer Essequibo, a region long under dispute between Venezuela and neighboring Guyana. All-controlling ruling party In Maduro’s Venezuela, Sunday’s results will have little impact on people’s lives because his highly centralized government controls practically everything from Caracas. Trending Now RFK Jr. asks ********* regulator to reconsider ostrich cull at B.C. farm Conservatives secure 2 more seats after tight federal election recounts The government also represses the opposition by, for instance, disqualifying a candidate after the election or appointing a ruling-party loyalist to oversee the elected offices held by opponents, rendering them powerless. Further, after the opposition won control of the National Assembly in 2015, Maduro created an election for members of a Constituent Assembly in 2017. That body, controlled by the ruling party, decreed itself superior to all other branches of government until it ceased to exist in 2020. The ruling party controls 19 governorships and more than 90% of the National Assembly seats. Story continues below advertisement Maduro on Sunday said on state television that the electronic voting process is “very fast and very easy,” seemingly justifying the lack of lines at polling centers. He told reporters he wants the next members of the National Assembly to work on electoral and constitutional reforms and also criticized opposition factions who asked people not to vote. “What did they win? They lost everything,” Maduro said three times regarding previous opposition boycotts. “They — the ones running that campaign — are nothing, and Venezuela continues its course.” State-controlled benefits Meanwhile, voters trickled in to polling places in an opposition stronghold in Caracas. Some ignored the boycott calls based on the belief in their civic duty while others saw the election as a chance to keep their local government under opposition control. “I’m defending my municipality,” said Edith, the owner of a bankrupt family business who declined to give her last name out of fear of government repression. “I’m still angry with what happened in July, but I have to defend it.” Other voters cast ballots out of fear of losing their government jobs or food and other state-controlled benefits. “Most of my friends aren’t going to vote, not even a blank vote,” state employee Miguel Otero, 69, said. “But we must comply. We have to send the photo (saying), ‘I’m here at the polling station now.’” &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #Venezuelans #vote #lawmakers #governors #opposition #calls #election #boycott #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  25. Injured workers decry ‘broken promise’ over workers compensation reform in letter to NSW government Injured workers decry ‘broken promise’ over workers compensation reform in letter to NSW government Injured workers have issued a desperate plea in a letter to a state government they say broke a promise with a proposal to reform workers compensation. Source link #Injured #workers #decry #broken #promise #workers #compensation #reform #letter #NSW #government Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

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