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NSW government to probe anti-Semitism response amid concerns about anti-hate laws NSW government to probe anti-Semitism response amid concerns about anti-hate laws A peak Jewish body has claimed controversial anti-protest laws introduced by the NSW government in a bid to crack down on alleged anti-Semitic incidents have not made many in the community feel safer on the eve of the first public hearing into the issue. Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers MP Robert Borsak will chair the first hearing in state parliament on Monday of the NSW Legislative Council’s inquiry into anti-Semitism in NSW, alongside Greens MLC Amanda Cohn and MLCs from Labor and the Liberals. The inquiry seeks to examine the underlying causes behind the “increasing prevalence and severity” of anti-Semitism in NSW as well as the “threat to social cohesion” it presents and how the safety of the state’s Jewish community “might be enhanced”. It comes after a string of high-profile anti-Semitic incidents across Greater Sydney over the summer, some of which police now allege were part of a criminal conspiracy, prompting the Labor government to introduce harsh new anti-hate laws. The laws, which criminalise a range of activities outside places of worship, were criticised by Jewish Council of Australia executive officer Sarah Schwartz, who said the “law and order measures” failed to address the root causes of anti-Semitism in Australia. “The government needs to get serious about addressing the root causes of hatred,” Ms Schwartz said. “The measures they are proposing are really after-the-fact measures – law and order measures. There is no evidence that they actually reduce racism.” Camera IconThe state government will probe an increase in anti-Semitic attacks. NewsWire / Simon Bullard. Credit: News Corp Australia She said there was a “serious issue of racism and anti-Semitism”, including a rise in right-wing extremism and “anti-Semitic stunts” and urged state and federal governments to invest in long-term prevention and education to disrupt far-right recruitment. The Jewish Council of Australia was founded in February 2024 and is co-led by Ms Schwartz, a human rights lawyer, and historian Max Kaiser. It was one of more than 70 organisations, individuals and government bodies to submit to the inquiry. In its submission, the council urged the government to adopt a “unified commitment to opposing all forms of racism” that did not create “hierarchies of racism” and to target systemic causes, including of Islamophobia and an anti-************ racism. “What we’ve seen is the often very deliberate conflation of anti-Semitism, which is hatred of Jewish people, with criticism of the state of Israel … the government shouldn’t be suppressing free speech which should be allowed to criticise nation states,” she said. Ms Schwartz said conflating Judaism and the state of Israel “makes us (Jewish people) less safe in our identities” and warned that the tying of the state government’s anti-hate laws with anti-Semitism specifically also put the community at further risk. “There’s been this sort of false connection between anti-Semitic incidents and protests, which hasn’t been borne out. That, on its own, is quite dangerous,” she said. “If the government continues to single out anti-Semitism and just make laws they say for the benefit of the Jewish community, the message that it sends to every other racialised group is that anti-Semitism is a more serious form of racism.” Dural caravan conspiracy A separate inquiry was launched in April into the “relationship between the Dural caravan incident and parliamentary debates on legislation”, namely the so-called anti-protest laws, with an initial hearing held that same month. A Bill was introduced on February 11 and passed on February 20, less than a month after news of the van, a fabricated terrorist plot targeting the Jewish community, first broke and gives new powers to police in regard to protests at or near places of worship and increases criminal penalties. The government did not point to the caravan as the reason for the Bill and instead cited a series of anti-Semitic arson and graffiti attacks in Sydney. Some of those incidents were later connected to the Dural criminal conspiracy. NSW Council of Civil Liberties president Tim Roberts cautioned the government that it couldn’t “legislate our way to social cohesion” and there was a risk that “in trying to limit speech and out ability to protest, that we cut off our nose despite our face”. “In trying to respond to difficult circumstances in a kneejerk way, without hearing from the community before those laws are made, they’re going to make mistakes. They’ve made mistakes, and our community suffers as a whole,” he said. Camera IconSarah Schwartz said anti-hate laws had not helped some in the community feel safer. Credit: Supplied He went on to add: “The more we push speech into the back corners of some Reddit forum, somewhere where anti-Semitism and hate festers because we’re using police powers to try and limit and enforce it, the more as a community we can’t identify, solve and respond to and reject a problem, and these laws don’t help us do that.” Mr Roberts said the NSWCLL recommended that the government changed the laws.“While I think everyone in the room that’s behaving sensibly here sees that there’s some problems with what’s happened, there’s not a lot of motivation to change those laws,” he said. While the inquiry will focus on the state’s response, local councils have also responded to the reported rise in anti-Semitism. Sydney’s Waverley City Council is home to the state’s largest Jewish population and has been rocked by high-profile anti-Semitic and anti-Israel attacks and incidents. In its submission to the inquiry, the council reported several incidents, including a synagogue being defaced with Nazi symbols and Jewish schoolchildren being targeted. “The level of anti-Semitism experienced in the local community has been abhorrent, deliberate and has caused real harm,” Mayor Will Namesh said. “Waverley Council has taken a comprehensive approach by working with local law enforcement for community safety, developing and implementing a first-of-its-kind local government strategy to combat anti-Semitism. “By launching this strategy, Waverley Council is taking a proactive stance in ensuring that anti-Semitism is confronted and that all residents can thrive in an environment of mutual respect and social cohesion.” Mr Namesh said the council had been advocating to state and federal governments for “direct action to support and protect the Jewish community”. “As the level of government closest to the people, local councils have a critical role in fostering inclusive, safe, and connected communities,” he said. “As mayor, in addition to supporting the anti-Semitism inquiry, I also call on the state government to support funding for local government initiatives.” Jewish community voices concern More than 70 submissions were made to the inquiry ahead of the first hearing on Monday, including from individuals, Jewish representative groups, and civil rights organisations. The inquiry will also seek to examine incidents on school and university campuses in NSW following an earlier inquiry into the Anti-Semitism at *********** Universities Bill 2024. The *********** Human Rights Commission (AHRC) referred in its submission to a December 2024 interim report into reports of racism at *********** universities, including acts of anti-Semitism. Camera IconCars, businesses, and places of worship were targeted over the summer. NewsWire / Simon Bullard. Credit: News Corp Australia The report found “both interpersonal and structural racism” was “pervasive and deeply entrenched” at the country’s universities, including towards ******* and ************ students. Students reported to AHRC being made to feel “unsafe and unwelcome” because of racism, while staff said they felt “othered” and less confident expressing their identity or opinions. More than 20 individuals, many of Jewish heritage, provided submissions to the inquiry. Many, like Sam Altman, highlighted a need to combat anti-Semitism but said that it must “be part of a broader anti-racism movement rooted in solidarity” with “all marginalised groups”. The child of Polish-Jewish Holocaust survivors said: “Efforts to address anti-Semitism through criminalisation or by exceptionalising it above other forms of racism are counter-productive.” Others, like Rose Saltman, feared “any criticism of Israel be conflated with anti-Semitism” and blamed “public figures” for exacerbating both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. “At this time of unconscionable brutality by Israel in Palestine, should the NSW government be swayed by a partisan political campaign exploiting some real concerns to redefine anti-Semitism to stifle political speech and action?” Martin Munz said in his submission. Other individuals who made submissions to the parliamentary inquiry included former Middle East correspondent David Leser and Vaucluse MP Kellie Sloane. Australia’s Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism also made submissions to the inquiry. Source link #NSW #government #probe #antiSemitism #response #concerns #antihate #laws Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A Century-Old Romance That Gave the Pope His Family Name – The New York Times A Century-Old Romance That Gave the Pope His Family Name – The New York Times A Century-Old Romance That Gave the Pope His Family Name The New York TimesPope Leo XIV says family is ‘between a man and a woman’ and asserts the dignity of the unborn PBSHopes for a new pontificate Denver CatholicBiography of Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost ******** NewsAre American Catholics ready for an American pope? The Economist Source link #CenturyOld #Romance #Gave #Pope #Family #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gilbert injured as Warriors beat Dolphins in high drama Gilbert injured as Warriors beat Dolphins in high drama Dolphins captain Tom Gilbert has suffered a pec injury on the eve of State of Origin during the Warriors’ controversial 16-12 win in Brisbane. Gilbert, who was set to be named for Queensland on Monday for his first Origin match in two years, left the field in the 29th minute after he tried to tackle Warriors forward Marata Niukore before he scored a try. The Dolphins skipper, who missed most of the 2023 season with a shoulder dislocation and all of 2024 with an ACL rupture, was seen in the dressing room with ice on his pec and left arm in a sling. The clash at Suncorp Stadium in front of 32,185 fans on Saturday reached flashpoint in the lead-up to Warriors centre Kurt Capewell’s try in the 36th minute. Warriors winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, on his own 20m line, clearly knocked on from a bomb but play was allowed to continue with Capewell scoring at the end of the set. Dolphins fullback Tabuai-Fidow was denied a try by the Bunker in the second half. A bomb by half Isaiya Katoa was ruled to have been knocked-on by prop Mark Nicholls before the dashing Dolphin had his effort disallowed, despite an on-field ruling of a try. The Warriors scored in the second half through bench forward Jacob Laban after a a Chanel Harris-Tavita bomb. Tabuai-Fidow and centre Herbie Farnworth crossed late as the Dolphins came roaring home but the Warriors held on after a typically gritty defensive display. Warriors half Luke Metcalf was once again on fire and stood up in the big moments. Kiwi prop James Fisher-Harris was put on report and sin-binned in the 76th minute for a high shot on Dolphins hooker Harrison Graham. Source link #Gilbert #injured #Warriors #beat #Dolphins #high #drama Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eterspire is easing things up for newbies with revamped tutorial and two new maps Eterspire is easing things up for newbies with revamped tutorial and two new maps Explore the Road of Beginnings and Oakridge Crossing New personalisation options Revamped tutorial for an easier start If you’re all done giving the first new class within Eterspire a go (that’s the Sorcerer, by the way), Stonehollow Workshop is switching up the early stages within the MMORPG with its latest rework update. This means that if you’re a wide-eyed newbie who’s eager to get started on your epic journey, you’ll be happy to know that the initial tutorial has been improved to give you a more seamless and pain-free introduction to this fantasy world. After all, it’s never easy being green, eh? Specifically, two new (and large!) maps have been added, namely, the Road of Beginnings and Oakridge Crossing. There will also be a fresh dungeon to explore and a boss that should help you get the hang of the combat basics if you’re only starting to get your feet wet. In particular, you’ll need to take down the Skeletal Beast in the Skeletal Crypt dungeon to clear the tutorial successfully. As for fans of personalisation, new character creation options are also joining the fray in the latest update, with snazzy new outfits for you to discover so you can truly make your character your own. If you’re on the hunt for similar experiences though, why not take a look at our list of the best MMOs on Android to get your fill? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by checking out Eterspire on the App Store and on Google Play. It’s free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can also join the community of followers on the official Twitter page to stay updated on all the latest developments, visit the official website for more info, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Eterspire #easing #newbies #revamped #tutorial #maps Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NJ Transit strike foists riders onto Amtrak, which charges $70 for a 17-minute ride – Gothamist NJ Transit strike foists riders onto Amtrak, which charges $70 for a 17-minute ride – Gothamist NJ Transit strike foists riders onto Amtrak, which charges $70 for a 17-minute ride GothamistNo NJ Transit trains running as engineers strike for first time since 1983 NBC New YorkWhat Could the NJ Transit Strike Cost Commuters and Businesses? The New York TimesNation’s third-largest commuter railroad goes on strike for the first time in four decades PoliticoHow to get between NYC and New Jersey without NJ Transit or a rowboat Gothamist Source link #Transit #strike #foists #riders #Amtrak #charges #17minute #ride #Gothamist Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Carrington’s Traffic Services suffers $2m in damage after suspicious fire rips through property Carrington’s Traffic Services suffers $2m in damage after suspicious fire rips through property Arson detectives are investigating the cause of a fire that tore through a Midvale traffic control company’s property, causing up to $2 million in damage. Source link #Carringtons #Traffic #Services #suffers #damage #suspicious #fire #rips #property Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wisconsin judge's case is rare but not unprecedented. There's another near Boston – NPR Wisconsin judge's case is rare but not unprecedented. There's another near Boston – NPR Wisconsin judge’s case is rare but not unprecedented. There’s another near Boston NPRWisconsin judge argues she is entitled to judicial immunity PoliticoWisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan Pleads Not Guilty to Obstructing Immigration Agents The New York TimesWisconsin judge charged with aiding immigrant frames case as fight with Trump AxiosWisconsin judge accused of helping a man dodge immigration agents seeks donations for attorneys AP News Source link #Wisconsin #judge039s #case #rare #unprecedented #There039s #Boston #NPR Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China’s No.1 carmaker has plans for world domination China’s No.1 carmaker has plans for world domination BYD has ambitious plans on the world stage, and is aiming for half its sales to be outside China by 2030 — up from 10 per cent last year. That would see it tussling with the likes of automotive giants including Toyota and Ford. According to sources referenced by Reuters, BYD aims to source this growth through rapid expansions in Europe and Latin America, since the US is effectively off-limits for all ******** brands as a result of hefty import tariffs. Europe in particular is a significant target for BYD, even if its fully electric vehicles are subject to a 27 per cent tariff when sold on the continent. There’s a 10 per cent tariff on plug-in hybrids too, which BYD also sells — unlike rival Tesla. While it’s understood a numerical target was communicated to BYD’s investors, it’s not clear whether it includes a number for global sales by 2030. Still, current speculation suggests a fast rate of growth to achieve this massive climb. BYD sold 4.27 million vehicles globally last year, pushing past MG parent SAIC Motor to become China’s largest carmaker by volume. The ******** giant also sold more vehicles than Honda (3.81 million sales) and Nissan (3.35 million sales), putting it comfortably in the top 10, but it fell short of titans like Toyota and the Volkswagen Group. However, Reuters reports nearly nine in 10 BYD vehicles sold last year were in China. If the ******** portion of vehicle sales were to be maintained over the next five years — about 3.8 million based on current percentages — BYD would probably need to up its global sales to at least 9 million units. This figure would put it in the same league as Toyota, which sold 10.7 million vehicles globally in 2024, and the Volkswagen Group, which sold 9 million. BYD’s 2024 sales record wasn’t too far off the figures posted by Ford and General Motors, and the fact the 4.27 million grew from less than 430,000 in less than five years suggests rapid growth for the rest of the decade is entirely possible. That could cause headaches for brands outside of China. BYD’s rapid growth in that market has already seen it unseat Volkswagen in 2024 to become the best-selling brand there. Brands from markets like Europe, the US, Korea and Japan have stumbled of late in China as domestic brands like BYD have surged, though that also shows there’s plenty of strong competition BYD itself has to face. Ford CEO Jim Farley acknowledged BYD at a recent investor conference, reportedly labelling it as a leading threat in “a global race” for profitable EVs, and saying the US brand had to “compete and win against BYD”. Reuters reports industry analysts expect BYD’s global sales to slow slightly in 2025, hitting 5 million units, albeit with a reduced 80 per cent skew towards its domestic market. While it has grown rapidly in markets like Australia, its European rollout hasn’t gone as smoothly. However, it has adapted, switching from an EV-only strategy there to also offering PHEVs, which face lower tariffs. It sold 3269 PHEVs in Europe in March 2025, and overall for the first quarter of this year its total sales there almost quadrupled to 37,201 units. BYD is still fortunate to avoid the higher European tariffs of up to 45.3 per cent on some other ******** EV brands. In any case, such ambitious global expansion will be difficult to achieve without the US as an available market. BYD is planning to open a plant in Hungary this year, followed by another in Turkey and then a third in Europe. It also opened a plant in Thailand last year and is constructing another in Brazil — though the latter has been the subject of controversy because of the treatment of its ******** workers. The brand has also outlined an interest in constructing a plant in Mexico to serve markets in the Americas. Source link #Chinas #No.1 #carmaker #plans #world #domination Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When will mortgage rates go down? Predictions after a week of rate increases. When will mortgage rates go down? Predictions after a week of rate increases. Pleas for lower mortgage rates could be the battle cry of the decade among aspiring homeowners and those looking to refinance, and for good reason. According to Freddie Mac, current interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are 6.81%, a slight increase from the last couple of weeks. The average rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 5.92%. Those are roughly double the sub-3% mortgage rates consumers saw during the pandemic era. But if you’re waiting for rates to drop before buying a home, experts suggest otherwise. Current financial and housing market data indicate little interest rate relief in the coming year. Plus, there’s political turmoil to consider, including tariffs that could make building materials more expensive. If you want to buy, you’re not entirely out of luck, but it’s wise to consider a buying strategy that’s less about mortgage rates and more focused on homeownership. Learn more: How to buy a house in 13 steps This embedded content is not available in your region. In this article: As of May 15 this year, Freddie Mac reported that rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages had stayed below 7% for 17 consecutive weeks. This time last year, mortgage rates were averaging 7.02%. But considering rates are still not far below 7%, we get it if you feel like you can’t catch a break in the current economy. In situations like these, it pays to look at the numbers. Here’s the Freddie Mac data on mortgage rates for the past 52 weeks as of May 15, 2025: If you just go by the numbers, rates on both 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages remain below the highs noted above. So, yes, mortgage rates have decreased occasionally over the past year. Will they keep dipping? That remains to be seen. Dig deeper: Do mortgage rates go down in a recession? If you’re looking for a significant interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today. When the Fed — the common nickname for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) — held its May 2025 meeting, it voted to keep the federal funds rate the same for the time being. It’s also unclear when the central bank will lower its rate again as it waits to see how unemployment and inflation play out in the coming months. That federal funds rate tends to directly influence rates on shorter-term lending. While mortgage rates aren’t directly based on the fed funds rate, they typically mirror fed fund rate trends. So, if the fed funds rate goes up, mortgage rates will likely follow. The inverse is also true. The next Fed meeting is set for next month, June 17 and 18. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there’s roughly a 92% chance that the Fed will not cut its rate at this meeting. This tool is usually pretty reliable, but considering the June meeting is about a month away, take this current prediction with a grain of salt. Learn more: How the Fed rate decision impacts mortgage rates While short-term lending rates closely follow the fed funds rate, mortgage rates more closely follow the 10-year Treasury yield. As of May 14, the 10-year Treasury yield sat at 4.49%, not far off from 4.45% the year prior. You’re probably wondering why today’s mortgage rates aren’t in the 4% range, right? To determine current mortgage rates, lenders add a “spread” to the 10-year Treasury yield. The spread is simply the difference between the rates consumers pay and the rate on the 10-year Treasury. Without getting too much into the weeds, charging a spread helps mortgage lenders cover costs associated with making loans to the public and the risk of providing such loans. Now, let’s go back to mortgage rates. This week last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.02%, and the 10-year Treasury yield was 4.45% — a spread of 2.57%. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.81%, and the 10-year Treasury yield is 4.49% — a spread of 2.32%. The spread was wider in May 2024 than now, and mortgage rates were a bit higher then. In short, no. You probably shouldn’t wait to buy a home until mortgage rates drop. Mortgage rates are just one part of the affordability equation. You also have to consider home prices, a factor of housing supply and demand. The current housing market is in a crunch. To put it simply, buyers outnumber homes for *****, especially homes in price ranges accessible to the first-time home buyer. When supply and demand are out of balance like this, home prices tend to remain high since sellers know they’ll have multiple buyers interested. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median ***** price of single-family homes has generally trended upward since Q1 of 2009. At that time, the median ***** price was $208,400. The median price had risen to $416,900 by Q1 2025. (Although it’s worth noting that the number is down a couple of thousand dollars from the previous quarter.) While recession chatter has recently increased — especially after the first negative gross domestic product (GDP) in three years — prospective buyers likely won’t see much relief in a true recession. If interest rates drop like they tend to do in recessions, that will increase the number of people looking to buy and lock in a lower interest rate. That drives up demand for the already limited supply of homes. To truly save, buyers need both interest rates and home prices to drop, which is unlikely. Keep reading: Do mortgage rates go down in a recession? This embedded content is not available in your region. If you crave the comforts of homeownership, the best strategy in today’s market may be to buy what you can afford. Whether that means a smaller house or a condo instead of a single-family home, owning something puts you in a position to start building equity. Yes, shopping for the best mortgage lenders with low rates and fees is crucial when getting a mortgage. But to help you find your ideal home that balances affordability and desirability, it pays to adopt a curious mindset and consider lesser-discussed financial tools. There’s no better time to learn more about your local real estate market than today. By adopting a sense of curiosity, you could discover that your city has more to offer housing-wise than you previously thought. You may want to take weekend excursions to lesser-known neighborhoods and suburban developments beyond the city limits. You never know what you’ll find that could expand your idea of what “home” looks like — including new developments, school districts, and types of homes. If you’re looking to spend less on a home in today’s mortgage market, a house needing a bit of TLC could help you do just that. Loans like the FHA 203(k) mortgage can roll your purchase and renovation costs into one convenient loan. When you qualify and have an accepted offer, your lender immediately funds the home’s purchase price and puts the cost of renovations into an escrow account. As you make repairs, funds get dispersed. How would it feel to have a longer commute yet come home to a house you love? Master-planned communities tend to crop up outside major cities, offering amenities like parks, shopping, and top-notch schools — all in exchange for a longer commute. These areas could look a lot more palatable if they offer commuting options like park-and-ride or commuter rail. Dare to consider parking the car and taking public transit if it could get you into the home of your dreams. While shared walls, floors, and ceilings might not immediately scream “dream home,” they could help you find an affordable home in a terrific area. Condominiums come in various shapes and sizes, from apartment-style flats to townhomes. Depending on the area, you might even score a small backyard. However, be sure to consider HOA fees when calculating your monthly payment. While the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage will be higher than the typical 30-year, these loans have plenty of upsides. Not only will you pay off your home on a speedier timeline, but you’ll also likely score a lower interest rate and save a ton on interest over the life of your loan. To make today’s mortgage rates more palatable, look into rate buydown options. An interest rate buydown lets you pay cash up front in exchange for a reduced interest rate on your mortgage. Buydowns can be permanent or temporary (for your loan’s first one to three years, for example). Even a few years of lower rate relief can make today’s home prices more affordable. Economists expect mortgage rates to hold steady for the remainder of this year. According to Freddie Mac data, the interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has ranged from 6.62% to 7.04% so far in 2025. Compared to historical mortgage rates, 7% isn’t considered a high rate. While it might be high compared to pandemic-era rates that were sub-3%, it’s on par with mortgage rates in the 1990s, and considerably lower than the double-digit rates seen in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s not impossible to get a 3% interest rate, but doing so requires the perfect set of circumstances. You’d need to find a homeowner with an assumable mortgage — one that can be passed to a new owner at the same interest rate as the original loan. Assumable mortgages are generally government-backed loans from agencies like the VA, FHA, or USDA. Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article. Source link #mortgage #rates #Predictions #week #rate #increases Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

NBA play-offs: New York Knicks eliminate defending champions Boston Celtics – BBC NBA play-offs: New York Knicks eliminate defending champions Boston Celtics – BBC NBA play-offs: New York Knicks eliminate defending champions Boston Celtics BBCKnicks finish off Celtics as fans rejoice in NYC ESPNNBA playoffs 2025: Knicks advance to Eastern Conference Finals for first time since 2000 ABC7 New YorkWhy Knicks snubbed Stephen A. Smith after Celtics triumph New York PostKnicks reach one of Jalen Brunson’s preseason goals but remain ‘unsatisfied’ entering Eastern Conference Finals with Pacers Yahoo Sports Source link #NBA #playoffs #York #Knicks #eliminate #defending #champions #Boston #Celtics #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cavalry halted in pro ‘reset’ for Aussie baseball Cavalry halted in pro ‘reset’ for Aussie baseball The *********** Baseball League will likely forge ahead with a four-team competition as part of a professional “reset” after Canberra joined Melbourne in announcing their withdrawal. A statement from the Cavalry on Saturday explained that the competition’s uncertainty prompted them to not take part in the 2025/26 season “in the best interest of the long-term viability of the Canberra Cavalry and the ABL as a whole”. The statement, which also referenced the exit of Sydney, claimed their licence had not been handed in and they expected to be included in plans for the following season. However, the ABL says the Cavalry’s licence will be handed in and the league is adamant the Sydney Blue Sox will take part, with the league in talks with potential licence holders. The ABL is adamant the Adelaide Giants, Brisbane Bandits, Perth Heat, the Sydney Blue Sox “and a potential new owner have all stated their desire to play baseball this summer in at least a four-team format”. “This presents a great opportunity to strategically reshape the league, while still hitting the board’s objectives of the development of Australia’s new, emerging and existing high performance talent,” ABL general manager Paul Gonzalez said. “A reset is needed into how a professional baseball competition in Australia operates. “The board are highly supportive and there are productive conversations with teams as to what a season looks like now and into the future. “We are excited to be working with four teams in preparation of the *********** Baseball League in 2025-26 and motivated to work with ABL licence holders who understand the league should still exist and not on hold.” Baseball Australia chief executive Glenn Williams said the response to the Aces’ and Cavalry’s exits proved the care and passion for the product. “People are now seeing the reality of the challenges faced in operating an ABL by both the league and its teams,” he said. “We have a journey ahead, but that’s when we do our best work. “It’s an opportunity to reset, reshape and deliver generational change to our great game in Australia.” A fixture is scheduled to be released in July. Source link #Cavalry #halted #pro #reset #Aussie #baseball Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Open Drive lets you steer your vehicle using eye movement technology, coming to mobile this summer Open Drive lets you steer your vehicle using eye movement technology, coming to mobile this summer Drive using assistive eye gaze camera technology Different input methods and control schemes Coming to iOS and Android this summer entirely free to play SpecialEffect has announced the upcoming launch of Open Drive, the charity org’s driving game on iOS and Android that’s meant to be played using eye movement. This means that with assistive eye gaze camera technology, eye movement can be tracked as a cursor position. And when you’d like to click or tap, you can simply stare at the screen for a specific time to register the tap. This does mean that a compatible eye gaze camera needs to be used with Open Drive, letting you steer to the left or right to collect orbs. Of course, to boost accessibility even more, Open Drive also lets you use accessibility switches, controllers, and your very own mobile touchscreen depending on what’s most convenient for you. Regardless of the input method you’re using, the configurations will automatically adapt to the control scheme for you. And just so you can take a more relaxed pace should you so wish, you can also slow things down to help you time more jumps and catch more orbs easily. You can learn more about SpecialEffect’s tech from their Eye Gaze Games website. Or, if you’re on the hunt for similar experiences, why not take a look at our list of the best racing games on Android to get your fill of the rush? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, Open Drive will soon launch on iOS and Android this summer. It’s going to be an entirely free-to-play experience with no predatory or restrictive in-app purchases. You can also join the community of followers on the official Facebook page to stay updated on all the latest developments, visit the official website for more info, or take a little peek at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the vibes and visuals. Source link #Open #Drive #lets #steer #vehicle #eye #movement #technology #coming #mobile #summer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US must pay off debt before creating a sovereign wealth fund: Trump US must pay off debt before creating a sovereign wealth fund: Trump DOHA (Reuters) -The U.S. needs to pay off debt before establishing a sovereign wealth fund, President Donald Trump said on Thursday, signalling a potential shift to plans to create a fund within a year. “I’d rather pay the debt off and then do the fund after the debt’s paid off,” Trump said in Doha during a press conference. Trump signed an executive order in February ordering the creation of a sovereign wealth fund within the next year. He has previously said revenue earned from tariffs on U.S. imports could form the basis for a wealth fund. The U.S. debt currently stands at $36.2 trillion, according to the Treasury Department, above the $36.1 trillion limit set by Congress in January. Typically sovereign funds rely on a country’s budget surplus to make investments, but the U.S. operates at a deficit. Its creation also would likely require approval from Congress. “You know, these people have no debt,” he said referring to the Gulf region, home to some of the world’s biggest wealth funds. “It’s nice to have the fund. I say to Howard (Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick), we’re a little early because we have debt.” (Reporting by Andrew Mills; Editing by Elisa Martinuzzi and Alex Richardson) Source link #pay #debt #creating #sovereign #wealth #fund #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Study: Long COVID ‘brain fog’ linked to inflammation, stress markers – The Hill Study: Long COVID ‘brain fog’ linked to inflammation, stress markers – The Hill Study: Long COVID ‘brain fog’ linked to inflammation, stress markers The HillLong covid patients are desperate for treatments. These trials may help. The Washington PostStudy provides insight into long COVID symptoms WOODTV.comNew ‘long COVID’ study zeroes in on possible biological cause of brain fog upi.comLong COVID Brain Fog Linked to Inflammation and Stress Markers Neuroscience News Source link #Study #Long #COVID #brain #fog #linked #inflammation #stress #markers #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dark Truth About Nintendo Switch 2’s New Ownership Rules Makes Me Glad I Am PC Master Race Dark Truth About Nintendo Switch 2’s New Ownership Rules Makes Me Glad I Am PC Master Race I’ve always been skeptical of console manufacturers and their increasingly predatory practices, but Nintendo’s latest move with the Switch 2 has left me utterly speechless. As I sit here waiting for that sweet price drop on the 9070 XT to complete my PC upgrade, I’ve never felt more validated in my hardware choices. The gaming giant recently updated their End User License Agreement with language so alarming that it should send shivers down the spine of anyone planning to drop $450 on their upcoming console. In plain English: Nintendo now claims the right to render your Switch 2 “permanently unusable” if you dare to modify it in any way they don’t approve of. You don’t actually own your Switch 2 The updated EULA contains this chilling statement: You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part. Let that sink in. The console you paid for, brought home, and set up in your living room? It’s not actually yours! It’s Nintendo‘s, and they’re just letting you borrow it—with conditions. What’s particularly disturbing is how broad these “restrictions” are. They include anything from modifying hardware to reverse engineering software. Want to fix your Joy-**** drift (feature, by the way) yourself? Sorry, that might brick your system. Curious about how your favorite games work under the hood? Too bad, Nintendo might remotely disable your device. Even more outrageous is the class action waiver buried in the agreement. The clause explicitly states: This arbitration provision precludes you and Nintendo from suing in court, having a trial by jury, or participating in a class action lawsuit. They’re not just claiming ownership of your hardware—they’re stripping away your legal recourse if anything goes wrong. The console dystopia is just beginning New business model: hostageware. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games The gaming industry—at least the console sector—is careening toward a dystopian future where Nintendo’s “brave” first step will soon become the norm. Their audacious power grab isn’t just concerning—it’s setting a dangerous precedent that Sony will undoubtedly follow with the PlayStation 6. Sony’s track record speaks volumes. Remember when they yanked Linux support from PS3 after people had already bought the console? Or their resistance to crossplay until public pressure became overwhelming? They’re watching Nintendo’s EULA experiment with keen interest, likely drafting their own version as we speak. What’s particularly telling is how Nintendo tailors their approach by region. In Europe, with its robust consumer protection laws, they can only block access to pirated software. In America? They can transform your $450 investment into a paperweight overnight. It’s just another example of how these gaming giants want to push control as far as each region’s laws will allow. Xbox stands as the lone exception in this bleak console landscape. Microsoft seems genuinely committed to improving the industry by avoiding the predatory practices that plague their competitors. While Sony jealously hoards exclusives and Nintendo locks down hardware, Xbox focuses on accessibility and fair treatment of consumers. Their “blurring the lines between platforms” philosophy shows they understand gaming’s future—and my recurring PC Game Pass subscription obviously has absolutely nothing to do with this totally unbiased assessment. (Wink.) The most baffling part? Nintendo fanboys will still line up to pay $450 for the console plus $80 for Mario Kart World, essentially renting both at Nintendo’s pleasure. Meanwhile, I’ll continue building my PC, secure in the knowledge that no company can remotely disable it because I installed an “unauthorized” mod. What do you think about Nintendo’s new ownership rules? Are you reconsidering your Switch 2 pre-order, or do you think these concerns are overblown? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Source link #Dark #Truth #Nintendo #Switch #Ownership #Rules #Glad #Master #Race Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Three Iranian men charged under National Security Act Three Iranian men charged under National Security Act Three Iranian men have been charged under the ***’s National Security Act on suspicion of conduct likely to assist Iran. Mostafa Sepahvand, 39, Farhad Javadi Manesh, 44, and Shapoor Qalehali Khani Noori, 55 were arrested on 3 May. The charges relate to a ******* between 14 August 2024 and 16 February 2025, police said. Cdr Dominic Murphy, from the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command, says the charges come following “a very complex and fast-moving investigation”. The three men have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. Source link #Iranian #men #charged #National #Security #Act Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Rescue helicopter on way to boat ****** incident near Jurien Bay, reports of two people in the water Rescue helicopter on way to boat ****** incident near Jurien Bay, reports of two people in the water A rescue helicopter is on the way to an emergency boating accident near Jurien Bay, with reports of multiple people overboard. First responders turned out to reports of a “water ****** incident” that involved a capsized vessel and numerous injuries at Escape Island about 2pm on Saturday. The Department of Emergency Services dispatched the RAC Rescue Helicopter a short time later. WA Police are also responding, with a spokesperson telling The West *********** officers had received reports of an “overdue vessel.” The West *********** understands at least two people are in the water. St John WA is also in attendance. More to come. Source link #Rescue #helicopter #boat #****** #incident #Jurien #Bay #reports #people #water Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China allows visa-free entry for 5 Latin American nations to boost ties China allows visa-free entry for 5 Latin American nations to boost ties BEIJING (AP) — China will allow visa-free entry for nationals of five Latin American countries for one year to boost closer connections with the region. Starting June 1, citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay will be allowed to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, China’s Foreign Ministry announced Thursday. The trial program will be in effect for one year. “We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, to experience the colorful and vibrant China,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a daily briefing. Beijing hosted the China-CELAC, or Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Forum earlier this week, aiming at strengthening its alliances in the region as a counterweight to U.S. influence. China has been opening up to dozens of countries including most of the European nations, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia to boost the economy after strict pandemic travel measures. China and Uzbekistan will also begin mutual visa-free entry for up to 30 days starting June 1, according to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Source link #China #visafree #entry #Latin #American #nations #boost #ties Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Foo Fighters fire drummer Josh Freese 2 years after he took over for late Taylor Hawkins – New York Post Foo Fighters fire drummer Josh Freese 2 years after he took over for late Taylor Hawkins – New York Post Foo Fighters fire drummer Josh Freese 2 years after he took over for late Taylor Hawkins New York PostFoo Fighters drummer Josh Freese ‘booted’ from the band: ‘Shocked and disappointed’ USA TodayFoo Fighters Fire Josh Freese, Drummer Is ‘Shocked and Disappointed’ VarietyFoo Fighters give Taylor Hawkins’ replacement Josh Freese the ‘boot’ after two years The IndependentWatch Josh Freese Rip a ‘Monkey Wrench’ Solo at Last Public Gig With Foo Fighters Rolling Stone Source link #Foo #Fighters #fire #drummer #Josh #Freese #years #late #Taylor #Hawkins #York #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Local favourite Jack Robinson back to his best with highest-scoring wave of the day at the Margaret River Pro Local favourite Jack Robinson back to his best with highest-scoring wave of the day at the Margaret River Pro Jack Robinson washed away the disappointment of one of his worst results as a professional surfer, setting an early marker at the Margaret River Pro with highest-scoring wave of the day. Source link #Local #favourite #Jack #Robinson #highestscoring #wave #day #Margaret #River #Pro Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Family accused of $200 dine-and-dash wins massive libel settlement: ‘Allegations were entirely false’ Family accused of $200 dine-and-dash wins massive libel settlement: ‘Allegations were entirely false’ The bar for justice is high. A well-off Irish family was awarded nearly $100,000 in damages after being falsely accused of skipping out on the bill at a bar in the ***. “The allegations were entirely false,” Peter Girvan, the barrister representing the defendants, declared during a court hearing in Belfast on Friday, the Daily Mail reported. The incident occurred in July 2024 after Peter and Ann McGirr, along with their children Peter Jr. and Carol were blasted over “shocking behavior” in a deleted Facebook post by the management at the Horse and Jockey in Tideswell, Derbyshire. Management at the Horse and Jockey (pictured) accused the McGirrs of “shocking behavior.” Google Maps Footage of the family at dining at the Horse and Jockey. Facebook / The Horse And Jockey The bosses had reportedly uploaded CCTV footage of the alleged “dine-and-dashers,” who they accused of leaving without paying their $200 tab, the BBC reported. The Tyrone residents, who reportedly run a successful engineering firm, had reportedly ordered 10-ounce ribeye steaks with all the trimmings, two ham steaks and several glasses of ale and lager, per the Daily Mail. “The allegations were entirely false,” declared Peter Girvan, the barrister representing the defendants (pictured). These false allegations were subsequently circulated in at least four different newspaper reports, the court heard. Outraged over the wrongful accusations, the family sued the Horse and Jockey for libel on the grounds that these claims caused severe embarrassment and reputational damage. “These articles contained serious and defamatory accusations that the plaintiffs had engaged in dishonest and criminal conduct by deliberately absconding without settling a bill of approximately £150 (around $200),” Girvan declared. “The plaintiffs had not engaged in any such conduct, and the statements made by the defendants had no factual basis.” As compensation for the defamatory claims, the bar was forced to pay approximately $99,500 and also foot the bill for the defendants’ legal expenses. Horse and Jockey representatives also accepted that there was “no basis whatsoever” for the allegations and apologized to the defendants. In a statement read on the family’s behalf outside court, the McGirrs’ solicitor said that they had been “vindicated” by the outcome and were “very satisfied with the settlement,” the Daily Mail reported. Following the verdict, the couple’s daughter Carol McGirr expressed her relief on Facebook, stating, “10 months later.. thank god it’s all over and our names are cleared.” Source link #Family #accused #dineanddash #wins #massive #libel #settlement #Allegations #false Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese says he was booted from the band – NBC News Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese says he was booted from the band – NBC News Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese says he was booted from the band NBC NewsFoo Fighters drummer Josh Freese ‘booted’ from the band: ‘Shocked and disappointed’ USA TodayFoo Fighters Fire Josh Freese, Drummer Is ‘Shocked and Disappointed’ VarietyFoo Fighters give Taylor Hawkins’ replacement Josh Freese the ‘boot’ after two years The IndependentWatch Josh Freese Rip a ‘Monkey Wrench’ Solo at Last Public Gig With Foo Fighters Rolling Stone Source link #Foo #Fighters #drummer #Josh #Freese #booted #band #NBC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NBA play-offs: New York Knicks eliminate defending champions Boston Celtics NBA play-offs: New York Knicks eliminate defending champions Boston Celtics The New York Knicks eliminated defending NBA champions Boston Celtics from the play-offs with a 119-81 victory to reach their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years. Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby led the way with 23 points apiece as the Knicks completed a 4-2 series victory to set up a showdown against fourth-seeded Indiana Pacers for a place in the NBA finals. The Knicks will open the seven-game series at home at 01:00 BST on Thursday. Six Knicks players finished in double figures with the 38-point success the largest winning play-off margin in franchise history. Mikal Bridges had four three-pointers in his 22 points while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and Josh Hart finished with a triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. The Celtics, who lost star forward Jayson Tatum to a ruptured right Achilles tendon in game four, which is likely to keep him out for around nine months, had given themselves hope after winning game five. But in front of a Madison Square Garden home crowd, which included celebrities Timothee Chalamet, Lenny Kravitz, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee, the Knicks were in a ruthless mood. They led 26-20 after the first quarter but did most of the damage in the second, outscoring their opponents 38-17 to take a 64-37 lead into the break to all but end the Boston challenge. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics scoring with 20 points, with Al Horford adding 10 points and Payton Pritchard finishing with 11. Derrick White, who scored 34 points in game five, was kept quiet with just eight points. Source link #NBA #playoffs #York #Knicks #eliminate #defending #champions #Boston #Celtics Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Horror ****** closes major NSW highway Horror ****** closes major NSW highway A major highway has been closed in southern NSW after a horror two-car ****** which killed two people with motorists warned to avoid the area. Source link #Horror #****** #closes #major #NSW #highway Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Viral Video of Epic Salmon Run Is a Glimpse of What the Old Timers Still Talk About Viral Video of Epic Salmon Run Is a Glimpse of What the Old Timers Still Talk About A video clip that shows an Alaskan creek jam-packed with Pacific salmon has blown up on social media. The footage was shared by the Winters, a family of commercial fishermen — first in August 2024 on TikTok, where it’s been viewed more than 13 million times, and again on Instagram last week. In the short video, a giant mass of salmon — an uncountable number of fish — are stacked up like cordwood in the narrow stream. It’s an amazing sight to behold, and it’s easy to see how millions of people have been enthralled by it. The footage gives us a small glimpse of what the old timers still talk about. “Sacramento, McCloud, Pit, American, and Feather Rivers all looked like that once in [California],” one commenter pointed out, adding the old refrain that you still occasionally hear from old timers: “…in the 50’s you could walk across their backs there was so many.” The same could be said of most major rivers on the West Coast, nearly all of which have seen their native salmon and steelhead runs trend downward over the last 50 to 100 years. In some places, wild runs are still hanging on or are supplemented by hatcheries, while in others, the bottom has dropped out entirely. Take the Sacramento, which historically would get 1 million or more fall Chinook in a good year, but now sees runs in the tens of thousands. Or rivers like the Skykomish that flow into the Puget Sound, which used to be salmon superhighways but are now closed to sportfishing some years due to abysmal returns. Alaska, though, is the outlier in the U.S. Its salmon runs are declining in some places, and its fisheries aren’t immune to problems or closures, but in terms of sheer salmon abundance, nowhere else in this country comes close. We would be wise to take the lessons learned further south — where we’ve dammed and developed our rivers to death — and apply them up north. But I digress. In the Winters’ video, the salmon are so thick that their fins are rubbing and their backs are breaking the water’s surface. The clip was recorded in August, so the fish are wearing their spawning colors. It’s hard to tell if there are multiple species in the mix, but it looks like mostly chum salmon, which stand out with the purplish vertical bars on their sides. Read Next: Breach or Die: It’s Time to Free the Lower Snake River and Save Idaho’s Wild Salmon The Winter family did not immediately respond to a request for comment, so it’s unclear where exactly the salmon video was recorded. But according to a comment that @kyra.winter made on TikTok, this was just downstream of the hatchery in Metlakatla, a small coastal community on an island in Southeast Alaska and the only federally recognized Indian Reserve there. The traditional Tsimshian community is also home to Tlingit, Aleut, Yupik and other Native Peoples, according to the state. The fish hatchery is operated by the Metlakatla Indian Community and located on Tamgas Creek. It opened in 1978 and helps supplement runs of mostly chum salmon, along with Chinook, sockeye, and coho salmon. This would explain why so many fish are jammed in the creek in the Winters’ video. These fish are genetically wired to return to spawn in their natal waterway — in this case, a hatchery pond — after spending years in the Pacific Ocean. Source link #Viral #Video #Epic #Salmon #Run #Glimpse #Timers #Talk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]