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Democrats reject Johnson’s finger-pointing: ‘Full of s‑‑‑’ Democrats reject Johnson’s finger-pointing: ‘Full of s‑‑‑’ Top House Democrats are pushing back hard against accusations from Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) that they’ve walked away from the negotiations over government spending, saying it’s Republicans who have abandoned the talks to address internal differences in the GOP. “Projection,” House ********* Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said, adding that Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) “has been trying to get Republicans to respond to her for weeks — weeks.” Johnson stirred the finger pointing Thursday morning when he blamed Democrats for the failure of negotiators to reach a top-line number to guide the federal funding effort. Without congressional action, large parts of the government would shut down after March 14. “Leader Jeffries and others seem to be trying to set up some sort of government shutdown,” Johnson told reporters in the Capitol. “We were negotiating in good faith and trying to get the top-line number, but so far as I know, they’ve been sort of unresponsive the last two days or so. So I hope we can get back to it.” DeLauro, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, rejected Johnson’s claims out of hand. She’s been in talks with the panel’s chair, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and said she delivered the Democrats’ latest offer Thursday. “The Speaker should check in with Mr. Cole to know about what the offers are. We are at the table, we are working. I guess the Speaker just hasn’t been informed about what is going on,” DeLauro said. “He knows not of what he speaks.” Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), the ranking member of the Rules Committee, was more forceful. He said Johnson is struggling to reach a spending agreement because he’s waiting for marching orders from President Trump and Elon Musk, the billionaire Trump ally who’s heading the administration’s cost-cutting efforts. “First of all, he’s full of s‑‑‑. He’s a liar. And he’s a total shill for Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” McGovern said. “So he can blame anybody he wants … but we’re not walking away from the table,” McGovern continued. “They’re not interested in hearing from us at this particular point. Maybe they will be in March.” The back-and-forth comes as Johnson and other GOP leaders are scrambling to unite their conference behind a spending package to fund the government through the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. Amid that debate, conservatives are pressing for steep cuts in federal programs; moderate Republicans are wary of many of those cuts, and Democrats are largely opposed to the cuts — disagreements that have caused negotiators to blow through their initial self-imposed deadline for reaching a top-line deal. Still, Johnson is putting all the blame for the impasse on Democrats. “You need to ask Hakeem Jeffries about that,” he said. “That’s what’s stalled.” Jeffries responded to the accusations by noting that Republicans control all levers of power in Washington and have promised voters they’d use it to make good on campaign promises. “You’ve lectured America that you have a big mandate,” Jeffries said. “Where is it?” DeLauro said she’s optimistic that the sides will come together in time to avert a shutdown on March 14. But the timeline, she said, is for the majority Republicans to dictate. “When the Republicans want to move forward, then we will go forward,” she said. “But it is in their hands.” Emily Brooks and Mychael Schnell contributed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Source link #Democrats #reject #Johnsons #fingerpointing #Full Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on 27 February to discuss 'serious' ************ developments – Reuters Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on 27 February to discuss 'serious' ************ developments – Reuters Egypt to host emergency Arab summit on 27 February to discuss ‘serious’ ************ developments ReutersEgypt to host Arab crisis meeting amid uproar over Trump’s Gaza plan YahooArab League confirms support for Jordan and Egypt, rejects displacement of Palestinians Arab News7 top diplomats, officials to meet in Cairo on Saturday to discuss Gaza developments, support for UNRWA Anadolu Agency | English Source link #Egypt #host #emergency #Arab #summit #February #discuss #039serious039 #************ #developments #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fin Smith delivers England Six Nations win over France after nervy beginning Fin Smith delivers England Six Nations win over France after nervy beginning Fly-half Fin Smith admitted he started “like a rabbit in the ***********” on his first Test start before settling down to produce a man-of-the-match performance in England’s last-gasp win over France. With the match into its 80th minute, the 22-year-old set up the winning try for Elliot Daly before knocking over the winning conversion to propel England to a thrilling 26-25 Six Nations victory. Smith was named at 10 instead of his namesake Marcus Smith, who started at full-back and missed two relatively straightforward kicks before Fin Smith took over from the kicking tee. The Northampton star showed nerves of steel to nail two vital late conversions as England fought back to the delight of the Allianz Stadium. “I was probably not as calm as I looked,” Smith told BBC Sport. “In the first half, I was like a bit of a rabbit in the ***********, but I felt like I grew into the game and got more of a feel for what Test rugby is like and what it is like to play at that level. “I’ll learn a lot from that, but I am happy with my first hit out [from the start]. “I was standing over the final conversion, which felt like the longest minute of my life, thinking this better go over, or otherwise I am going to be in big trouble.” Smith, who was first capped against Italy last year, previously had only came off the bench in his seven international appearances but was handed his chance as England sought to upset the pre-tournament favourites. Despite some loose kicking in open play, Smith grew into his first start and delivered the key match-winning moments, which included a chip-kick that was sharply finished by Northampton team-mate Tommy Freeman. “Defensively I thought he [Fin Smith] was very good and he led the troops out there. He was physical,” try-scorer Daly told BBC Sport. “Then in attack he got the ball to space and put some good kicks in behind.” Source link #Fin #Smith #delivers #England #Nations #win #France #nervy #beginning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******** construction risks turning the Yellow Sea into a flashpoint ******** construction risks turning the Yellow Sea into a flashpoint China appears to be erecting structures in the Yellow Sea between China and the Korean peninsula. China’s playbook for dominating neighbors includes island reclamation and maritime structures. The Yellow Sea is of historic importance to China, a former South Korea diplomat argues. With China’s neighbors already nervous about its territorial ambitions, a new flashpoint has emerged between China and South Korea. China appears to be erecting structures in the Yellow Sea, located between China and the Korean peninsula. South Korea fears this could be a prelude to Beijing asserting sovereignty over the 150,000-square-mile body of water, which is rich in fish and has oil and gas deposits. This power play would have implications for the US. South Korean spy satellites detected the ******** structure in December, according to the Chosun Daily, a South Korean newspaper. “The installation, a mobile steel framework exceeding 50 meters in diameter and height, was spotted in the disputed waters,” the newspaper said. China erected two similar structures in 2024, eliciting South Korean protests. “China has reportedly described the structures as ‘fishing support facilities,’ dismissing concerns,” the Chosun Daily noted. “South Korean officials believe China plans to install up to 12 such structures.” To describe the situation as complicated would be an understatement. The Yellow Sea is in the exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, of both China and South Korea. Under international law, an EEZ allows nations to claim jurisdiction over economic resources out to 200 miles from their coastlines (at 4.3 million square miles, the US has the second-largest EEZ in the world after France). China has built islands to bolster its dubious claims to most of the South China Sea and challenged the EEZ rights of neighbors like the Philippines. Asked for comment on the sighted construction in the Yellow Sea, Liu Pengyu, a spokeman for the ******** Embassy in the US, said “I am not aware of the specific situation, but as far as I know, China and the [Republic of Korea] are pushing forward negotiations on maritime delimitation and have established a dialogue and cooperation mechanism on maritime affairs. The two sides maintain sound communication on maritime issues.” Not surprisingly, in a world where oceanic resources — such as oil and fish — are coveted like buried treasure, disputes over EEZs are not uncommon. In the Mediterranean, for example, Greece and Turkey are at odds over energy deposits. In this case, South Korea argues that the boundary between the conflicting EEZs should be drawn down the middle of the Yellow Sea. However, “China maintains that the maritime boundary should be proportional to its longer coastline and larger population,” according to the National Bureau of Asian Research, a US think tank. In 2001, China and South Korea created the Provisional Measures Zone, or PMZ, which covers the area of their overlapping EEZs. In addition to delineating joint fishing rights and fisheries management, the PMZ also mandated that both nations would gradually restrict fishing to their respective EEZs. Instead, South Korea has long complained about ******** vessels fishing in the Korean side, which has led to South Korean ships firing on ******** fishermen. Were this simply a fishing dispute, the Yellow Sea might resemble the infamous “Cod Wars” between Britain and Iceland, which was an economic conflict rather than a shooting war. But Korea, and China’s other neighbors, fear that Beijing is trawling for more than fish. Tensions between South Korea and China risk drawing in the US, which has a mutual defense pact with South Korea and bases 28,000 troops there. Erecting permanent maritime structures has become the calling card announcing ******** claims to the Western Pacific. Most notorious are the artificial islands China has created in the South China Sea, which serve as air and naval bases to assert Beijing’s claims to sovereignty over mineral-rich waters also claimed by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. These ******** outposts spread like inkspots. For example, Beijing recently declared the waters around Scarborough Shoal — disputed reefs claimed by China and the Philippines — as territorial waters. In effect, these installations serve as the maritime equivalent of boots on the ground to assert a physical presence in an area. The Yellow Sea hasn’t received as much global attention as flashpoints in the South China Sea, or China’s simmering dispute over Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea. But the Yellow Sea is quite crucial to China, which is sensitive about its coastal areas, Sang Hun Seok, a former South Korean diplomat, argued in an essay for the Royal United Services Institute, a British think tank. “From China’s strategic point of view, solidifying its littoral defense and expanding the areas where it can enjoy freedom of action are critically important for its security,” Sang Hun wrote. There is also a psychological sensitivity rooted in ******** history over the last 200 years, in which China lost several wars and had its territory seized by colonial powers such as Great Britain, Japan and Russia. “Most critical battles in Northeast Asia since the 19th century — a ******* China sees as a brief deviation from its rightful historical trajectory — have been fought in the vicinity of the Yellow Sea,” Sang Hun wrote. Unless South Korea and its allies can stop China from erecting outposts in the Yellow Sea, “the strategic balance in the region will ultimately shift in China’s favor, leaving the allies’ freedom of action restricted to a fraction of the Yellow Sea,” Sang Hun warned. “This gradual shift would first weaken the defense posture for critical military assets along the west coast of the Korean Peninsula, gradually followed by Kyushu, Okinawa and ultimately Taiwan.” Michael ***** is a defense writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, Defense News, Foreign Policy magazine, and other publications. He holds an MA in political science from Rutgers Univ. Follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #******** #construction #risks #turning #Yellow #Sea #flashpoint Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Israeli official says force withdrawal from key Gaza corridor has begun, as part of ceasefire deal – The Associated Press Israeli official says force withdrawal from key Gaza corridor has begun, as part of ceasefire deal – The Associated Press Israeli official says force withdrawal from key Gaza corridor has begun, as part of ceasefire deal The Associated PressLIVE: Israeli troops complete withdrawal from Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor Al Jazeera EnglishIDF set to withdraw from Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, per ceasefire-hostage deal with ****** The Times of Israel Source link #Israeli #official #force #withdrawal #key #Gaza #corridor #begun #part #ceasefire #deal #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Super Bowl 2025 predictions: Who will win between the Chiefs and the Eagles? Super Bowl 2025 predictions: Who will win between the Chiefs and the Eagles? BBC columnist Phoebe Schecter: A lot of people are saying the Chiefs, but I’ve been going against the grain and saying the Eagles. I think it’s going to be by a field goal. The way these two teams play, the way these two defences play, they’re going to be able to keep it tight, especially the Eagles defence not allowing explosive plays. But the key will be how the Chiefs are going to stop Saquon Barkley. The top four running backs they’ve gone up against – Bijan Robinson, Derrick Henry, Bucky Irving, Chuba Hubbard – they’ve kept them all to under 58 yards. My head says I want to see the Chiefs make history, my heart says I love the Eagles – let someone else have a chance. And it’s Saquon’s birthday so, come on, give the man a present! Score: Chiefs 24-27 Eagles MVP: Saquon Barkley Rob Stanton, BBC Radio 5 Live NFL host: The Chiefs just keep finding a way to get the job done. How can you bet against Patrick Mahomes at this point? I think it’ll be close and the Eagles will have a shot but Mahomes finds a way to win another Super Bowl at the end. Score: Chiefs 30-27 Eagles MVP: Patrick Mahomes Paul Higham, BBC Sport: These big games always come down to turnovers, third downs and the finer details – and coaches Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo have the Chiefs better prepared for those crunch moments than anyone else. That’s why they win all these close games – that and Patrick Mahomes, of course. So even with all the talent the Eagles have, I’ve got to stick with the Chiefs to create history. Score: Chiefs 27-24 Eagles MVP: Patrick Mahomes Ben Collins, BBC Sport: It may not be flashy, but it’s no accident that the Chiefs keep winning tight games. With these teams so evenly matched, I expect another close one, with Patrick Mahomes again doing just enough. Score: Chiefs 24-21 Eagles MVP: Patrick Mahomes Source link #Super #Bowl #predictions #win #Chiefs #Eagles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Larian’s Policy of Making a Single Player Game is Something That EA Needs to Follow With Dragon Age Larian’s Policy of Making a Single Player Game is Something That EA Needs to Follow With Dragon Age Dragon Age: The Veilguard was supposed to be the game that brought back the iconic franchise to life. Unfortunately, due to a number of reasons, it failed to generate hype and couldn’t reach its financial expectations. Dragon Age: The Veilguard is considered one of the biggest flops of 2024. (Image via EA) According to EA’s CEO Andrew Wilson, The Veilguard was a financial failure because it didn’t feature any kind of live-service components. However, if the company takes a look at Larian’s approach with Baldur’s Gate 3, it would’ve been a profitable single-player title. Dragon Age: The Veilguard should have followed Baldur’s Gate 3 While speaking in a recent BlueSky thread, the original writer and creator of Dragon Age, David Gaider, addressed EA’s quarterly earnings call, where the company stated that The Veilguard didn’t set in with the audience due to a lack of live-service elements that led to it missing sales expectations. Gaider explores the idea that the RPG would’ve performed better if it was a live-service game. While admitting that he can see how EA’s top executives might come to see live services as an obvious trend to change, he doesn’t believe Dragon Age should head in that direction. My advice to EA (not that they care): you have an IP that a lot of people love. Deeply. At its height, it sold well enough to make you happy, right? Look at what it did best at the point where it sold the most. Follow Larian’s lead and double down on that. The audience is still there. And waiting. — David Gaider (@davidgaider.bsky.social) February 6, 2025 at 5:29 AM Gaider also advises EA to recognize the deep love fans have for one of the best IPs and focus on what made it so popular in the first place. According to him, EA must look at Larian Studio’s approach for Baldur’s Gate 3, as even though it wasn’t a live service slop, it broke records upon records in the industry. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best RPGs we’ve seen in the last couple of decades. Even though it was released two years ago, it’s still going strong, and there’s a reason behind it. Larian’s developers wanted to make a game that they would themselves play. The studio wasn’t chasing market shares or looking to achieve target sales. That’s not how things are with Dragon Age: The Veilguard. EA kept on interfering with adding and then removing live-service elements to chase trends and make profits. When the constant disturbance in development backfired, and the game failed to hit sales targets, the blame was passed on to BioWare. Dragon Age: The Veilguard creators have left BioWare The team behind the latest Dragon Age game has been fired. (Image via EA) Due to the failure of the latest Dragon Age game, EA has decided to make massive changes within developer BioWare. Among the most shocking of these is the loss of the entire studio’s writing team for The Veilguard, including lead writer Patrick Weekes. Weekes recently announced his departure from BioWare on BlueSky. It’s quite sad to see that developers behind the studio who gave some of the best games in the genre being treated like this by EA. I’m now looking for a new writing/narrative position. It’s been a privilege to work with so many amazing devs over my 20 years at BioWare, and I will cherish the memories of the wonderful folks in the community I’ve met along the way. Thank you all. — Trick Weekes (@trickweekes.bsky.social) January 30, 2025 at 4:28 AM With all this chaos, one might think that the upcoming Mass Effect 5 would surely take a hit with all these losses. However, that won’t be the case according to BioWare executive producer Michael Gamble, who has assured gamers that his team is still working hard on the next chapter in the Mass Effect series. Gamble hasn’t said much about the details of Mass Effect 5 or the studio itself right now but has confirmed that the title is in the pre-production stages. Only time will tell how these layoffs affect BioWare’s work on Mass Effect 5 in the long run. With that said, do you think Dragon Age: The Veilguard should have been a live-service game? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #Larians #Policy #Making #Single #Player #Game #Follow #Dragon #Age Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bill Gates says Steve Ballmer was the business partner he badly needed — so he gave up 4% of Microsoft to recruit him Bill Gates says Steve Ballmer was the business partner he badly needed — so he gave up 4% of Microsoft to recruit him Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer pictured in 1998.Getty Images Bill Gates details his early relationship with Steve Ballmer in his new “Source Code” memoir. Ballmer mirrored Gates’ energy, boosted his social life, and became the business partner he needed. Gates gave Ballmer a 4% stake in Microsoft that’s now worth more than $120 billion. Bill Gates found a kindred spirit, a social connector, a confidant, a study buddy, and a true business partner in Steve Ballmer, he writes in his new memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings.” Gates, the billionaire philanthropist who cofounded Microsoft, met Ballmer in a graduate economics class in the fall of 1976, when the pair were undergraduates at Harvard University. The computing pioneer had heard from a friend that “Steve’s a lot like you,” and instantly recognized that Ballmer shared his “excess energy.” “Steve Ballmer had it beyond anyone I had ever known,” Gates writes. Ballmer was different from many of the students in Gates’ dorm building, “nerdy math-science types” who largely socialized by playing Pong or poker in the basement. “He had an unusual combination of brains and physicality and was effortlessly social,” Gates writes, noting Ballmer managed the university’s football team, oversaw advertising at its student newspaper, and was president of its literary magazine. The future software tycoon recalled attending a football game and seeing Ballmer “expend just as much energy pacing and bouncing on the sidelines” as anyone on the field. Gates writes that Ballmer widened his social circle and helped secure his entry into the exclusive Fox Club, known for its “******-tie parties, secret handshakes, and other archaic rules and rituals” that Gates would usually have avoided. Microsoft’s first CEO writes that he and his future successor spoke late at night about their life goals, whether it was better to work for the government or a company, and how they could improve society and maximize their impact on the world. They also skipped most of their economics lectures, crammed together for the final, and were “triumphant” when they passed. Gates had founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975. They initially had a 60-40 split, but Gates felt he was more committed to building the company so he negotiated with Allen to make it 64-36. He also realized he needed an around-the-clock business partner to talk through key decisions, pore over customer lists, manage the company’s finances, and help him with “shouldering a hundred things like that every week.” Story Continues Gates eventually gave his additional 4% stake to Ballmer to convince him to quit business school for Microsoft. “He joined in 1980 and became the 24-hour-a-day partner I needed,” Gates wrote. Steve Ballmer owns the LA Clippers basketball team.Steph Chambers/Getty Images Ballmer succeeded Gates as Microsoft CEO in 2000 and still owned 4% of the company when he stepped down in 2014, regulatory filings show. The LA Clippers owner’s stake is worth more than $120 billion, and makes up the bulk of his estimated $145 billion net worth — putting him in 10th place on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, just behind Warren Buffett and only three spots behind Gates. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Bill #Gates #Steve #Ballmer #business #partner #badly #needed #gave #Microsoft #recruit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Visualizing the international reach of U.S. funding cut by Trump – The Washington Post Visualizing the international reach of U.S. funding cut by Trump – The Washington Post Visualizing the international reach of U.S. funding cut by Trump The Washington PostFate of USAID in question as judge sets back Trump’s efforts to dismantle agency PBS NewsHour‘We Are in Disbelief’: Africa Reels as U.S. Aid Agency Is Dismantled The New York TimesNonprofits, NGOs scramble to provide global aid amid USAID uncertainty ABC News Source link #Visualizing #international #reach #U.S #funding #cut #Trump #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

First edition Harry Potter book found in Devon sells for £21,000 First edition Harry Potter book found in Devon sells for £21,000 A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, set to be thrown away, has sold at auction for more than £21,000. The item went under the hammer at NLB Auctions in Paignton on Saturday with bidders in the room, on the phone and online. Daniel Pearce, who runs the auction house, found it among the possessions of a deceased man from Brixham that had been earmarked for the bin. He said the price was “an absolutely great result for a first edition hardback.” He said the book was from the first print run of 500 copies and was among the 300 distributed to public libraries. The misspelling of ‘philosopher’s’ on the back of the copy was among the things that helped Mr Pearce identify it as a first edition. “It is missing the o at the end,” he said. The auction house scheduled the lot for about 16:00 GMT to accommodate the time difference for interested parties on the west coast of the USA. Mr Pearce said: “It’s made its way overseas and it’s a really good result. “The owner will be delighted as well with the money.” Source link #edition #Harry #Potter #book #Devon #sells Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse – CNN Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse – CNN Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse CNNDOGE gets access into Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as OMB’s Russell Vought takes over as acting head of federal consumer watchdog agency CBS NewsTurning off ‘spigot’: White House declines more funding for Consumer Finance Protection Bureau USA TODAY Source link #Consumer #financial #watchdog #ordered #acting #director #stop #fighting #financial #abuse #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

No excuses to not build 1.5m new homes, Rayner says No excuses to not build 1.5m new homes, Rayner says Joshua Nevett Political reporter BBC Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has said there are “no excuses” to not build the 1.5 million new homes Labour promised in its election manifesto. The government has said it will meet the house-building target in England by 2029, before the next general election. BBC analysis shows the number of new homes in England continued to fall during the first six months Labour was in power. Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Rayner said Labour knew hitting the target “was going to be really difficult”, given housebuilding trends before it entered government – but said she was determined to meet it. The housing, communities and local government secretary said that within a month of taking office, she was asked if she wanted to review Labour’s housing target. “I wasn’t going to give up on the target,” she said. She said she was personally “determined to meet that 1.5 million target” and said policies such as reforming the planning system would “take time” to have an impact. She added: “There are no excuses to not build those homes that people desperately need. “And we mean business on this, because far too many people are not getting these homes.” Labour hopes building more homes will reduce house prices and make buying and renting homes more affordable, especially for younger people. Its target means building an average of 300,000 new homes a year – a number not achieved since the 1970s. In recent years, the number of new homes built annually has been considerably below that figure. The housing industry has expressed doubts about Labour’s housing target and whether it can be reached by 2029. The construction industry has warned it is dealing with a chronic shortage of skilled workers. There are also concerns about the availability of basic building materials, including bricks and timber. And many housing experts are unsure whether private housebuilders are able or willing to deliver enough new homes each year. Speeding up home-buying It comes as Rayner’s department set out plans to speed up the house-buying process and give more power to leaseholders. The government said it plans to cut transaction times by bringing in digital identity services and date-sharing. At the moment, it can take months for paperwork relating to the ***** of a home to be exchanged and checked by mortgage companies and others involved in the process. The government said under a fully digitalised home-buying and selling process, “the information key parties need – from mortgage companies to surveyors – will be within reach immediately, with the necessary identity checks carried out once”. The housing department said it was working with the property market and the Land Registry to agree rules on data-sharing and digital ID verification services. There are also plans to empower leaseholders to take control of their buildings more easily, through right-to-manage. Right-to-manage lets some leasehold home owners take over management of the building – even without the agreement of the landlord – and gives them control over how their service charges are spent. The government said it would introduce changes to the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024 on Monday. Housing and Planning Minister Matthew Pennycook said the reforms build on the government’s plan to deliver “1.5 million safe and decent homes in this Parliament, and our ongoing efforts to protect leaseholders suffering from unfair and unreasonable practices”. Source link #excuses #build #1.5m #homes #Rayner Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna to team up for new music Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna to team up for new music Grammy Award-winning artists Kendrick Lamar and Rihanna are reportedly teaming up again for a new single. Not Like Us rapper Lamar previously worked with Diamonds singer Rihanna – who hasn’t released an album since 2016’s Anti – on 2017’s LOYALTY. After Lamar headlines the Super Bowl half-time show on Sunday (Monday *********** time), the pair will find time to head into the studio together for a collaboration that has been on the cards “for a while”. “The track is sonically ambitious and lyrically powerful, reflecting their growth as artists and as cultural icons,” a source told the Sunday Mirror newspaper. “It’s Rihanna’s first big step back into the music industry.” While Lamar will make history as the first solo rap star to headline the flagship NFL game, he is set to be joined by special guests including SZA. The 37-year-old rapper announced the news in a promotional video posted on Instagram in January, in which he was seen walking across a football field talking on his mobile phone, saying “I’ve been thinking about a guest performer” when SZA walks up behind him and throws a bucket of blue liquid all over him. The half-time show comes shortly before Kendrick and SZA are due to hit the road together for their 2025 Grand National Tour than concludes in Washington DC on June 18. The pair have previously collaborated on projects including 2017’s Doves in the Wind, 2018’s All the Stars and December’s 30 For 30 from SZA’s reissue of SOS (LANA), as well as Luther and Gloria on Lamar’s latest Grammy-winning album GNX. SZA – whose real name is Solana Rowe – previously revealed she learns a lot whenever she works with the “genius” rapper and would jump at the chance to create a full record with him. Source link #Kendrick #Lamar #Rihanna #team #music Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Lenovo Legion Go S could have blown the Steam Deck out of the water – if it wasn’t for its high asking price The Lenovo Legion Go S could have blown the Steam Deck out of the water – if it wasn’t for its high asking price If there’s one category of PC hardware that I’ve been particularly infatuated with lately, it would be handheld gaming PCs. The launch of the Steam Deck in 2022 paved the way for a whole host of competitors, notably from Asus and Lenovo with the ROG Ally and Legion Go. Despite an ever-growing (and competitive) market, Valve’s handheld has maintained its position as the most popular thanks to its affordability, performance, and SteamOS’s ease of use. While we await Lenovo’s Legion Go successor (which is still a prototype), we’ve seen what the new Lenovo Legion Go S Z2 Go Windows 11 model ($729 / £649 / AU$1,170) has to offer. Powered by the new Ryzen Z2 Go processor, it’s better than the Steam Deck in terms of performance (based on multiple in-game benchmarks), but is far more expensive. It’s important to note that the SteamOS version that Lenovo says will launch in May, starts at $499 which puts it in the same ballpark as the Steam Deck OLED ($549 / £479 / AU$899) – a far more tempting proposition for those searching for a true Steam Deck alternative compared to more expensive handhelds. Lenovo also plans to launch a Z1 Extreme model (also seen in the original Legion Go and ROG Ally) which would likely outperform both the Legion Go S Z2 Go and Steam Deck OLED, but there’s no word on a release date or pricing. Despite this, I’m more sure than ever that the success of the Legion Go S will stem from the fact that this could be the first handheld gaming PC that offers better performance than Valve’s Steam Deck, while also challenging it when it comes to value for money – a balance that has so far eluded handheld makers who seem to either make powerful handhelds that cost a fortune, or cheap handhelds that don’t have enough power to play modern games. The Z2 Go is hardly that much faster than the Steam Deck’s processor The Legion Go S is only 10.1% faster than the Steam Deck OLED in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p medium preset (Image credit: Notebookcheckreviews) While I haven’t had the privilege of testing the Lenovo Legion Go S myself, multiple benchmarks and reviews have hinted at game performance (as pictured above from Notebookcheckreviews on YouTube). We can see that the Z2 Go handheld is only just 10.1% faster than the Steam Deck OLED in Shadow of the Tomb Raider at 1080p medium graphics settings. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Similar results are also clear in the video on Cyberpunk 2077 at 1080p low graphics settings, with the Z2 Go managing 26.5 fps and the Steam Deck OLED hitting 25.0fps with FSR turned off, resulting in only a 5.8% performance difference. While you’ll likely get better results (in favor of the Go S) when turning the resolution down to 800p, it’s not enough of a significant boost to justify choosing the device over the Deck. The Windows 11 version is also around the same price as the original Legion Go – it may arguably be a weaker option in terms of its ergonomics and comfort, but its 8.8-inch screen and Z1 Extreme performance leave the Go S in the dust. With the device coming to gamers in the US this month, there will likely be plenty of discounts at different retailers for the original Legion Go, making it a much more tempting purchase. Let’s give Lenovo another chance, and wait for the SteamOS models… (Image credit: Future) At the moment, I can say that I don’t think the current Windows 11 model of the Lenovo Go at $729 / £649 / AU$1,170 is even worth considering due to the minimal performance gains over the Steam Deck. You might as well save money and go with Valve’s handheld, or save up a bit more for a handheld that offers a big leap in performance. Depending on what configurations will be available, the Z1 Extreme option should outperform the original Legion Go (if it comes with 32GB of RAM) – but I’m willing to bet its price will be high. If there’s any device that can be a true Steam Deck killer, it would be the SteamOS model of the Lenovo Go, which starts at $499. It directly competes with the Steam Deck’s OLED variant price-wise, but with slightly better performance. So, if you’re like me and have been waiting for a PC gaming handheld to finally challenge the Steam Deck (and hopefully force Valve to give us the Steam Deck 2), then we could be in for a treat. You may also like… Source link #Lenovo #Legion #blown #Steam #Deck #water #wasnt #high #price Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse – CNN Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse – CNN Consumer financial watchdog is ordered by acting director to stop fighting financial abuse CNNDOGE gets access into Consumer Financial Protection Bureau as OMB’s Russell Vought takes over as acting head of federal consumer watchdog agency CBS NewsTurning off ‘spigot’: White House declines more funding for Consumer Finance Protection Bureau USA TODAY Source link #Consumer #financial #watchdog #ordered #acting #director #stop #fighting #financial #abuse #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man, 43, left with broken ankle following suspected hit and run on Anderson Street, Mt Hawthorn Man, 43, left with broken ankle following suspected hit and run on Anderson Street, Mt Hawthorn A man has been left with a broken foot following a suspected hit-and-run in Perth’s northern suburbs. The West *********** understands the 43-year-old was hit by a car on Anderson Street, Mt Hawthorn, about 11pm on Saturday. The man suffered a broken ankle and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital for surgery. “I heard the guy struggling and then next thing I heard was him screaming and calling for help,” one witness told 7NEWS. The 43-year-old was seen speaking to someone known to him at Glendalough Train Station earlier in the evening. Police are investigating the incident. Source link #Man #left #broken #ankle #suspected #hit #run #Anderson #Street #Hawthorn Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The US State Department says humanitarian assistance can continue. Foreign aid workers say that’s not happening – CNN The US State Department says humanitarian assistance can continue. Foreign aid workers say that’s not happening – CNN The US State Department says humanitarian assistance can continue. Foreign aid workers say that’s not happening CNNVisualizing the international reach of U.S. funding cut by Trump The Washington PostFate of USAID in question as judge sets back Trump’s efforts to dismantle agency PBS NewsHour‘We Are in Disbelief’: Africa Reels as U.S. Aid Agency Is Dismantled The New York Times Source link #State #Department #humanitarian #assistance #continue #Foreign #aid #workers #happening #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Solo Sikoa sheds Tribal Chief look during return to WWE SmackDown – Cageside Seats Solo Sikoa sheds Tribal Chief look during return to WWE SmackDown – Cageside Seats Solo Sikoa sheds Tribal Chief look during return to WWE SmackDown Cageside SeatsSmackDown results, Feb. 7, 2025: Solo Sikoa shockingly returns to Spike Cody Rhodes WWEJey Uso, Charlotte Flair continue pondering WrestleMania title matches Cageside SeatsWWE SmackDown Results: Winners, Live Grades and Highlights After Royal Rumble 2025 Bleacher ReportWWE SmackDown Review: Hits And Misses For February 7 Yahoo Entertainment Source link #Solo #Sikoa #sheds #Tribal #Chief #return #WWE #SmackDown #Cageside #Seats Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Namibia's 'founding father' Sam Nujoma dies aged 95 – Reuters Namibia's 'founding father' Sam Nujoma dies aged 95 – Reuters Namibia’s ‘founding father’ Sam Nujoma dies aged 95 ReutersSam Nujoma of Namibia Dead at 95 The New York TimesSam Nujoma, Namibia’s first president, dies aged 95 YahooSam Nujoma, Namibia’s ‘founding father’ and first president, dies aged 95 Al Jazeera English Source link #Namibia039s #039founding #father039 #Sam #Nujoma #dies #aged #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk Team’s Treasury Access Raises Security Fears, Despite Judge’s Ordered Halt – The New York Times Musk Team’s Treasury Access Raises Security Fears, Despite Judge’s Ordered Halt – The New York Times Musk Team’s Treasury Access Raises Security Fears, Despite Judge’s Ordered Halt The New York TimesFederal judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE access to critical Treasury payment system CNNLatest on Elon Musk and Trump Administration News: Live Updates The New York TimesDemocrats ask for an investigation into DOGE’s access to Treasury’s payment systems The Associated PressHere Are All The Major Lawsuits Against Trump And Musk—As 19 States Sue Over DOGE’s Treasury Access Forbes Source link #Musk #Teams #Treasury #Access #Raises #Security #Fears #Judges #Ordered #Halt #York #Times Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump revokes security clearances for Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan – Reuters Trump revokes security clearances for Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan – Reuters Trump revokes security clearances for Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan ReutersTrump says he’s revoking Biden’s access to classified information CNNTrump says he’s ending Biden’s classified intelligence briefings in payback move NBC WashingtonPresident Trump revokes security clearances for officials who have tangled with him: New York Post USA TODAY Source link #Trump #revokes #security #clearances #Antony #Blinken #Jake #Sullivan #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powerful earthquake in Caribbean triggers brief tsunami alerts, no reports of significant damage – CBS News Powerful earthquake in Caribbean triggers brief tsunami alerts, no reports of significant damage – CBS News Powerful earthquake in Caribbean triggers brief tsunami alerts, no reports of significant damage CBS NewsM 7.6 – 209 km SSW of George Town, Cayman Islands USGS Earthquake Hazards ProgramMajor earthquake shakes Caribbean, tsunami threat subsides for islands Fox Weather Large Earthquake Strikes Caribbean Near Cayman Islands The Weather Channel Source link #Powerful #earthquake #Caribbean #triggers #tsunami #alerts #reports #significant #damage #CBS #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mark Zuckerberg's Meta To Begin Mass Layoffs Next Week, Speeds Up Hiring Of Machine Learning Engineers: Report – Benzinga Mark Zuckerberg's Meta To Begin Mass Layoffs Next Week, Speeds Up Hiring Of Machine Learning Engineers: Report – Benzinga Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta To Begin Mass Layoffs Next Week, Speeds Up Hiring Of Machine Learning Engineers: Report BenzingaMeta employees brace for job cuts. Here’s everything we know so far. Business InsiderMeta Platforms Readies Staff for Layoff Announcement Monday The InformationFacebook parent Meta’s ‘layoff memo’ to employees: Personal email IDs of impacted staff to stop working i The Times of IndiaMeta mass layoffs: Mark Zuckerberg-led tech giant to fire over 3,000 ‘lowest performers’ next week Hindustan Times Source link #Mark #Zuckerberg039s #Meta #Mass #Layoffs #Week #Speeds #Hiring #Machine #Learning #Engineers #Report #Benzinga Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk alleges $50b treasury fraud after federal judge limits DOGE data access – The Times of India Elon Musk alleges $50b treasury fraud after federal judge limits DOGE data access – The Times of India Elon Musk alleges $50b treasury fraud after federal judge limits DOGE data access The Times of IndiaFederal judge blocks Elon Musk’s DOGE access to critical Treasury payment system CNNLatest on Elon Musk and Trump Administration News: Live Updates The New York TimesDemocrats ask for an investigation into DOGE’s access to Treasury’s payment systems The Associated PressHere Are All The Major Lawsuits Against Trump And Musk—As 19 States Sue Over DOGE’s Treasury Access Forbes Source link #Elon #Musk #alleges #50b #treasury #fraud #federal #judge #limits #DOGE #data #access #Times #India Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo confirms new mobile games are coming, despite focus on Switch 2 Nintendo confirms new mobile games are coming, despite focus on Switch 2 The Nintendo Switch 2 is easily the biggest launch on the horizon for the company, but Nintendo is eager to work on new mobile games too. Source link #Nintendo #confirms #mobile #games #coming #focus #Switch Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]