Pelican Press

At least 56 killed as fighting grips greater Khartoum At least 56 killed as fighting grips greater Khartoum Artillery shelling and air strikes killed at least 56 people across greater Khartoum on Saturday, according to a medical source and Sudanese activists. Sudan’s regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been locked in a battle for power since April 2023 that has intensified this month as the army fights to take all of the capital Khartoum and its sister cities of Omdurman and Khartoum North. RSF shelling killed 54 people at a busy market in Omdurman on Saturday, overwhelming the city’s Al-Nao Hospital, a medical source told AFP. “The shells hit in the middle of the vegetable market, that’s why the victims and the wounded are so many,” one survivor told AFP. Across the Nile in Khartoum, two civilians were killed and dozens wounded in an air strike on an RSF-controlled area, the local Emergency Response Room (ERR) said. Although the RSF has used drones in attacks including on Saturday, the fighter jets of the regular armed forces maintain a monopoly on air strikes. The ERR is one of hundreds of volunteer committees across Sudan coordinating emergency care. In addition to killing tens of thousands of people, the war has uprooted more than 12 million and forced most health facilities out of service. A volunteer at Al-Nao Hospital told AFP it faced dire shortages of “shrouds, blood donors and stretchers to transport the wounded”. The hospital is one of the last medical facilities operating in Omdurman and has been repeatedly attacked. After months of stalemate in greater Khartoum, the army retook several bases in Khartoum last month, including its pre-war headquarters, pushing the RSF increasingly into the city’s outskirts. Witnesses said Saturday’s bombardment of Omdurman came from the city’s western outskirts, where the RSF remains in control. A resident of a southern neighbourhood reported rocket and artillery fire on the city’s streets. – Counter-offensive – Saturday’s bombardment came a day after RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Daglo vowed to retake the capital from the army. “We expelled them (from Khartoum) before, and we will expel them again,” he told troops in a rare video address. Greater Khartoum has been a key battleground in nearly 22 months of fighting between the army and the RSF, and has been reduced to a shell of its former self. An investigation by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that 26,000 people were killed in the capital alone between April 2023 and June 2024. Entire neighbourhoods have been taken over by fighters as at least 3.6 million civilians have fled, according to United Nations figures. Those unable or unwilling to leave have reported frequent artillery fire on residential areas, and widespread hunger in besieged neighbourhoods blockaded by opposing forces. At least 106,000 people are estimated to be suffering from famine in Khartoum, according to the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, with a further 3.2 million experiencing crisis levels of hunger. Nationwide, famine has been declared in five areas — most of them in the mainly RSF-controlled western region of Darfur — and is expected to take hold of five more by May. Before leaving office, the Joe Biden administration sanctioned Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, accusing the army of attacking schools, markets and hospitals and using starvation as a weapon of war. That designation came a week after Washington sanctioned the RSF commander for his role in “gross violations of human rights” in Darfur, where the State Department said his forces had “committed genocide” against non-Arab ********* groups. bur-bha/kir Source link #killed #fighting #grips #greater #Khartoum Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Arsenal-Man City rivalry: fear, loathing and a shifting of power? The Arsenal-Man City rivalry: fear, loathing and a shifting of power? Oleksandr Zinchenko had failed to read the room. Last summer, on vacation in the south of France, the Arsenal left-back had nowhere to run. Not in a metaphorical sense: he needed to find a pitch to maintain his fitness for a couple of hours a day before returning to Premier League duty. Fortunately, he thought, he had an old friend who might be able to help. Zinchenko noticed on Instagram that Bernardo Silva, his former team-mate at Manchester City, was holidaying on the Riviera, too. Silva had spent a couple of seasons at Monaco. Assuming he would be able to point him in the direction of a place to train, Zinchenko dropped him a message. The exchange, as Zinchenko relays in his autobiography, Believe, was good-natured. “For what?” Bernardo wrote back. “You’re going to try to win the Premier League again? Forget about it. Stay at home.” Zinchenko plays the incident for laughs. It is, though, indicative of the rivalry that has emerged between their respective teams that Bernardo does not appear to have helped. The easiest historical parallel for the relationship between Manchester City and Arsenal — the one that has animated the last two Premier League seasons, and the one that will flicker again at the Emirates on Sunday — is perhaps the feud between Liverpool and Chelsea that burst into life two decades ago. The two conflicts are similar in essence: old money against new, aristocracy against the arrivistes, establishment against the insurgent; the hostility is rooted not just in a mutual quest for honours but a fundamental disagreement about who has the right to regard themselves as part of the elite. In texture, though, they are different. There was, of course, mutual antipathy between Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez, the managers of Chelsea and Liverpool at the height of their antagonism. At times, relations were frosty between their players, too: on England duty, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher formed a separate faction to John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole. It was fractious between Arsenal and City in April 2023 (Michael Regan/Getty Images) For the most part, though, it only manifested in outbursts of press conference sniping and the occasional sabotage of England’s forlorn attempts to win an international tournament. In that sense, the more apposite forerunner of Arsenal’s current conflict with Manchester City is the one that Arsene Wenger and his team enjoyed with Manchester United at the very start of this century. There was, in that case, no simmering undercurrent: both Arsenal and United regard themselves, and would begrudgingly regard each other, as members of English football’s traditional triumvirate of powers. The timbre of the feud, though, was the same. Their meetings were bad-tempered, fraught, freighted both with meaning and rancour. Relations not just between the clubs but the teams themselves were bitter, toxic. And, above all, things were petty. They traded barbs in public. They bristled in the tunnel, squabbled on the pitch, and threw pizza outside the dressing rooms. They shared, for a while, a mutual loathing too potent for anyone involved to conceal. GO DEEPER Manchester United, Arsenal and the ‘Battle of the Buffet’ – told by those who were there More than 20 years later, the echoes are clear. Until relatively recently, it would have been possible to feel that Arsenal were doing an awful lot of the heavy lifting in terms of willing a rivalry with City into existence. Pep Guardiola’s team had, naturally, come to play the role of a final boss in the thinking of Mikel Arteta and his players: City were, after all, the team they would have to overhaul if they were to win a first Premier League title since the height of their discord with Manchester United. City were the yardstick by which Arsenal judged themselves. When Arsenal were beaten 3-1 by City at the Emirates in February 2023, Arteta used it as a learning moment, proof that there were certain errors his team could not afford to make “at this level”. A few months later, when City beat Arsenal 4-1 at the Etihad, he urged his players to be “humble” enough to accept the better team had won. It was no wonder, then, that Arsenal treated their victory on penalties in the Community Shield that summer as a significant milestone. Aaron Ramsdale described it as “a statement, a marker. That mental block is gone,” he said. “We’re ready to push on now.” Beating Guardiola’s team in the league in October 2023, Arsenal’s first win against City in the Premier League for eight years, felt even more important. “Everyone knows how hard it is to play against them,” said Gabriel Jesus, channelling his inner Independence Day-era ****** Quaid. “But it is not impossible to beat them.” Just as significant, though, was the aftermath of that game. As the players left the field after Arsenal’s 1-0 win, the club’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, a former City employee, attempted to shake hands with Kyle Walker. Walker took exception, reportedly because he remembered that Jover had refused to shake hands with City’s players after Arsenal’s defeats earlier in the year. Erling Haaland became involved, too, prompting a mildly unseemly fracas. The rivalry, it turned out, did not only run one way. City might have got inside Arsenal’s heads. But Arsenal were in City’s, too. Tempers frayed in October 2023 (Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images) In the year that followed, that became increasingly clear. Ordinarily, even those enmities that fans feel most keenly are not reflected between the executives of the clubs involved. Arsenal and Tottenham often find themselves allied in Premier League meetings. Relations between John Henry and Joel Glazer, principal owners of Liverpool and Manchester United, are not just cordial but positively friendly. Arsenal have discovered, though, that rivalry with Manchester City is not so easily limited to the field; there is, instead, an element of total war. Relations between the two clubs have been strained for some time by their opposing views on the legitimacy of the Premier League’s financial controls, and may even have been broken beyond repair by the ongoing investigation into whether City breached them. It is unusual, though, that so much of that tension should have become public knowledge. In August, for example, it emerged that Tim Lewis, Arsenal’s executive vice chairman, had not been present to witness Phil Foden being named as last year’s Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year. Lewis and his delegation had, in reality, simply had to leave the event in Manchester early to catch a train back to London. That did not stop it being presented as a deliberate provocation. So, too, the fact that Lewis had not shaken hands with his City counterparts at the end of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad in September last year. It was, in the circumstances, perhaps a forgivable — or at least comprehensible — oversight. Tensions can run high, even in the corporate suites, in the heat of the moment. Such things are rarely noticed, let alone employed as kindling. This one was. By that stage, of course, any hope of concealing the extent of the loathing between the two teams had long since disappeared. It was in that game that all of the acrimony was laid bare; the controversy it stirred started before the final whistle and rumbled on for most of the following week. Haaland celebrated John Stones’ late equaliser by throwing the ball at Gabriel’s head; the Norwegian, hardly a fiery character, greeted the end of the game by calling Gabriel Jesus a “clown” and urging Arteta to “stay humble”. A few minutes later, when Stones not only criticised Arsenal’s cynical approach — “You can call it clever and dirty,” he said — but suggested they did not even deserve credit for excelling at the game’s dark arts. “I wouldn’t say they’ve mastered it,” he said, witheringly. “They’ve been doing it for a few years.” That was enough to draw the two managers into the conflict. Unlike Benitez and Mourinho, or Alex Ferguson and Wenger, Guardiola and Arteta have made a point of staying above the fray; they are, after all, not just former colleagues but real-life friends. Arteta, though, was sufficiently riled to suggest that City were in no place to talk about the weaponisation of tactical fouls; Guardiola duly encouraged his former lieutenant to produce some receipts. Arteta and Guardiola before September 2024’s match (Carl Recine/Getty Images) The most pointed comments, though, came from Bernardo, rather quicker to offer a view on this occasion than when asked to suggest a training pitch in the south of France. City’s rivalry with Arsenal, he said, was “different” to the one that preceded it with Liverpool. “Maybe because Liverpool have already won the Premier League,” he said. “Arsenal haven’t. Liverpool have won the Champions League. Arsenal haven’t. Liverpool always faced us, face to face, to try and win the games. From this perspective, the games against Arsenal haven’t been like the ones we had, and have, against Liverpool.” The subtext, here, is so obvious that it is not really subtext. Of course, in the months that have followed, the context of those remarks has shifted. Hindsight makes it clear that this was a Manchester City already approaching their limit, running on fumes, desperate for reinforcements. It was a Manchester City, perhaps, desperate to preserve its aura for as long as possible, a Manchester City conscious that they might soon see Arsenal as something much closer to equals. The team that Guardiola takes to the Emirates this weekend is not the team that has played such an outsize role in Arsenal’s imagination; it is, instead, a team caught between the end and a start, a shadow of what was and the initial outline of what is to come. It is a City, for the first time in years, that Arsenal should not need to fear. That is not, though, how Arsenal will treat it. It might be Liverpool that Arteta’s team has to chase down if they are to win the Premier League title, if they are to prove that theirs is a journey with an inevitable destination, but it is still City — because it has always been City — that they must overcome. “It’s a battle, it’s a war,” Gabriel said, just a few minutes after Haaland’s “act of provocation” in September. “Now this is over, and we are waiting for them.” GO DEEPER An evening with CBS Sports: Goals, glitterballs and what ‘UCL Today’ tells us about sport on TV (Top photo: Erling Haaland and Gabriel Magalhaes; by Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA via Getty Images) Source link #ArsenalMan #City #rivalry #fear #loathing #shifting #power Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Houston woman loses her savings in elaborate scheme, wants to warn others Houston woman loses her savings in elaborate scheme, wants to warn others The Brief A Houston woman lost her savings following an elaborate scheme. Heather Sanders said she lost more than $4,000. Wells Fargo told FOX 26 they were reviewing Heather’s case. HOUSTON – A Houston woman who lost her savings in an elaborate scheme is warning others about what happened. Houston woman loses savings in scheme What we know Heather Sanders says she’s been a Wells Fargo Bank customer since 1996. She says the bank called her in the past about transactions being fraudulent. The number that appeared on Heather’s phone belongs to Wells Fargo. She said she even called the man back on that number. He was telling her about Zelle transactions Heather says she didn’t make. “He didn’t ask me to verify my account,” she said. “He was already in my account.” Next, Heather says the caller sent her several texts. “Each check would have a merchant number where it was going,” she said. “Please allow 24 hours for the money to be put back in your account.” Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app The caller told Heather to cut her card in half, put it in an envelope, and a courier was on his way to get it. “He told me Wells Fargo was really getting tired of scammers getting away with it,” Heather said. “It sounds silly now. He said they had special tools they could put the card in and trace back exactly where it was skimmed.” Two different couriers showed up. Heather wasn’t home for the first one, who looked under the welcome mat. “I made the mistake, I didn’t cut the chip in half. I just cut the card in half like he said,” she said. Heather says the caller told her they were overnighting her a new debit card. “Put your old pin in your phone. I dialed it into the phone. He said, ‘OK, pick a new pin, do that twice, and hit pound. I did,” she said, “He said, ‘OK, I’ll give you a call at 8:30 in the morning. I’ll let you know what we found out.” The caller didn’t call back the next morning. Instead, the thief or thieves, withdrew $2,500 from Kroger, $900 at HEB, and $1,000 from a Wells Fargo ATM. Heather says the thief was able to transfer her savings into her checking account. She says she lost more than $4,000. In a letter to Heather, Wells Fargo states, “We understand you unknowingly participated in a fraud scheme. While you may have acted in good faith, we can’t assume liability for financial transactions a customer negotiates or otherwise authorizes with unknown individuals.” What’s next A spokesperson with Wells Fargo told FOX 26 they were reviewing Heather’s case again and will get back with FOX 26 in a few days. The Source FOX 26 Reporter ****** Wallace spoke with the victim as well as Wells Fargo Bank about what happened. Source link #Houston #woman #loses #savings #elaborate #scheme #warn Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tokyo Xtreme Racer is already playable in VR thanks to a mod Tokyo Xtreme Racer is already playable in VR thanks to a mod Despite a lack of official support, Tokyo Xtreme Racer plays almost flawlessly in VR using the UEVR mod. Source link #Tokyo #Xtreme #Racer #playable #mod Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Arab nations reject Trump’s call to relocate Gazans to neighboring countries – CNN Arab nations reject Trump’s call to relocate Gazans to neighboring countries – CNN Arab nations reject Trump’s call to relocate Gazans to neighboring countries CNNArab ministers reject Trump’s call to displace Palestinians from Gaza Al Jazeera EnglishArab nations reject trump’s suggestion to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan. The Associated Press‘They will do it, okay?’: Trump insists on Jordan, Egypt taking in Gazans The Times of Israel Source link #Arab #nations #reject #Trumps #call #relocate #Gazans #neighboring #countries #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

All Marvel Rivals Fortune & Colors event quests and rewards All Marvel Rivals Fortune & Colors event quests and rewards Challenges and missions are essential to the gameplay experience in Marvel Rivals which immerses players in a dynamic multiverse created by NetEase. All of these challenges, from simple daily missions to more involved seasonal events, are there to put players to the test and see how far they can go. Players can earn free, in-game rewards by completing these challenges and advancing through the game. Exclusive cosmetics like skins, emotes, and nameplates that honor the game’s lively cast of heroes are among these incentives, along with Chrono Tokens which are essential for progressing through the Battle Pass. Not only does completing these quests make you feel accomplished, but it also adds variety and interest to the gameplay. Obtaining wins in particular modes is one example of a challenge while reaching specified kill counts or objectives with a character is another. Players are encouraged to explore other areas of the game through the rewards system, which is built to promote regular play. Launched to celebrate the Spring Festival, the Fortune & Colors event is the most recent installment of this tradition of themed event challenges. New missions are now available in the game for players to complete and play a new Clash of Dancing Lions game mode to gain Danqing, a unique currency for unlocking rewards in the Fortune & Colors event pass. Here are all the quests and rewards in the game you can now unlock. Every Marvel Rivals Fortune and Colors mission and reward In Marvel Rivals’ Fortune & Colors event that began on January 23, 2025, players must use Danqing to color the on-screen scroll in order to receive free cosmetic goodies from the event pass. Players can buy Danqing for Units commencing February 6th, 2025 at 9 AM UTC until the event ends on February 14. Collecting Danqing can be difficult right now because there are only two missions issued daily. NetEase Games Here are all the active missions and rewards you can unlock in the pass: Fortune & Colors Missions and Danqing rewards Win 1 Clash of Dancing Lions match(es) (1) – 40 Danqing Complete 3 Clash of Dancing Lions match(es) (3) – 100 Danqing Pass the ball 1 times in a single Clash of Dancing Lions match (1) – 40 Danqing Win 1 Clash of Dancing Lions match(es) (1) – 40 Danqing Pass the ball a total of 5 times in Clash of Dancing Lions (5) – 100 Danqing Complete 2 Clash of Dancing Lions match(es) – 40 Danqing Intercept the ball 3 times in a single Clash of Dancing Lions match (3) – 40 Danqing Score 1 points in a single Clash of Dancing Lions match (1) – 40 Danqing Intercept the ball a total of 10 times in Clash of Dancing Lions (10) – 100 Danqing Score 1 points in a single Clash of Dancing Lions match (1) – 40 Danqing Intercept the ball 3 times in a single Clash of Dancing Lions match (3) – 40 Danqing Score 5 points in Clash of Dancing Lions (5) – 100 Danqing Once you’ve gathered the Danqing, head to your home screen and click on the Fortune & Colors tab on the left side of the screen. Then, check the amount of Danqing you have in order to color the scroll and unlock the rewards in the pass. Here are all the cosmetic rewards you can unlock using Danqing: Fortune & Colors event pass rewards Drum and Roar Nameplate – Unlock with 100 Danqing Snake’s Luck Spray – Unlock with 200 Danqing 200 Chrono Tokens – Unlock with 300 Danqing Lion’s Mane Nameplate – Unlock with 400 Danqing Lion’s Mane Spray – Unlock with 500 Danqing 200 Chrono Tokens – Unlock with 600 Danqing Lion Roll Star-Lord Emote – Unlock with 700 Danqing Lion Dance Star-Lord MVP Movie – Unlock with 800 Danqing Lion’s Mane Star-Lord Costume – Unlock with 900 Danqing Of Festivals and Friends Gallery Card – Unlock with 1000 Danqing When your progress reaches 100% and the painting is complete, you will be handed an event memento as the final reward. Stay tuned for more Marvel Rivals content like the best team-ups as the new Spring Festival event brings tons of free Chrono Tokens for players to earn to complete their Season 1 Battle Pass just in time. Source link #Marvel #Rivals #Fortune #Colors #event #quests #rewards Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump Responds to Selena Gomez’s Tearful Reaction to Mass Deportations With Clip Essentially Accusing Actress of Faking It Trump Responds to Selena Gomez’s Tearful Reaction to Mass Deportations With Clip Essentially Accusing Actress of Faking It The Trump Administration has fired back at Selena Gomez after the singer shared (and shortly deleted) a tearful video in which she apologized for the deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The White House shared a video featuring commentary from mothers of children who were killed by undocumented people with the caption, “Their courageous mothers had something to say to @SelenaGomez and those who oppose securing our borders.” The video, featuring women whose children were tragically murdered by undocumented people, also calls Gomez’ character into question and baselessly implies she has no empathy for the victims, and was faking her reaction to the mass deportations. Earlier this month Gomez, who is a third-generation ******** American, said in her video, “All my people are getting attacked … the children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.” She soon took down the clip amid complaints from Trump supporters. “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people,” Gomez wrote in an Instagram Story after taking the video down. On Friday the White House shared its response, which featured the mothers of Jocelyn Nungaray, Kayla Hamilton and Rachel Morin. Nungaray was killed by two undocumented man from Venezuela in June of last year. Hamilton was killed in 2022 by a teenage member of the MS-13 gang, and Morin was ****** and murdered by Victor Martinez Hernandez, who entered the U.S. from El Salvador. “Seeing that video, it’s hard to believe that it’s actually genuine and real because she’s an actress,” Nungaray’s mother Alexis says in the video. “My daughter was a child. There’s many other children whose lives were taken due to people who crossed here illegally.” “You don’t know who you’re crying for. What about our children who were brutally murdered and ****** and beat to death and left on the floor by these ******** immigrants?” asks Hamilton’s mother, Tammy Nobles. Notably, Gomez in her original video was talking about children and other innocent people being deported despite the Trump administration’s claim the actions are targeted only at criminals. (Worth noting that by itself, being undocumented isn’t a crime, though crossing the border illegally is classified as a civil offense.) The post Trump Responds to Selena Gomez’s Tearful Reaction to Mass Deportations With Clip Essentially Accusing Actress of Faking It appeared first on TheWrap. Source link #Trump #Responds #Selena #Gomezs #Tearful #Reaction #Mass #Deportations #Clip #Essentially #Accusing #Actress #Faking Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to get Spider-Man 2 PS5 skin in Marvel Rivals How to get Spider-Man 2 PS5 skin in Marvel Rivals Marvel Rivals has introduced skins influenced by Marvel films and classic comics, capturing the essence of iconic Marvel characters. Players have the opportunity to choose their favorite cosmetic outfit for their heroes, such as the shiny Iron Spider costume from Spider-Man: No Way Home or Wolverine’s yellow and blue outfit from Deadpool & Wolverine. Each skin not only looks the part but also feels like you’ve stepped onto the set of a movie or into the pages of a comic, showcasing the game’s dedication to realism. You may add some iconic looks to your gameplay with these skins, which are more than just cosmetic. They pay homage to Marvel’s rich past and can be purchased in the in-game store. New to this colorful assortment is the Advanced Suit 2.0 from Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 video game, which was previously exclusive to the PS5. It has now finally made its way into Marvel Rivals and with the iconic white spider insignia, it may be purchased in the shop. Here’s how to get it. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 skin in Marvel Rivals price and all cosmetics The Spider-Man – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 bundle has been released into the Marvel Rivals shop on January 30, 2025, and players can now purchase it using their in-game Units. However, if you’re out of Units, you can use your Lattice alongside them to make a successful purchase. NetEase Games The bundle consists of four cosmetic items, all of which can be bought for a total of 1,400 Units. Here are all the items included in the Spider-Man 2 bundle: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle Price – 1,400 Units Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Bundle Items: Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 costume for Spider-Man (Duelist) Once Bonded, Twice Shy Emote for Spider-Man Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Nameplate Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Spray To equip the skin, simply navigate to your Heroes menu, scroll all the way down, and select Spider-Man. Once you’re there, click on the Cosmetics tab and choose the Spider-Man 2 Red, Blue, and White suit. Click on Equip and now you can head into a Marvel Rivals Quick Match or even a Competitive lobby swinging in like the PS5 version of the web slinger. Check out more Marvel Rivals content such as the new Fortune and Colors event quests and the best characters to play as in the game to win matches. Source link #SpiderMan #PS5 #skin #Marvel #Rivals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

These are the 10 most underrated places to travel, say travel agents These are the 10 most underrated places to travel, say travel agents Klaus Vedfelt | Digitalvision | Getty Images Looking for travel inspiration for 2025 and beyond? Look no further: CNBC asked 10 travel agents for their recommendations of the most underhyped destinations in the world. We compiled their written answers below, including can’t-miss activities for each locale and the best times of year to visit. You’ll also find average round-trip airfare from U.S. airports. The data, provided by travel app Hopper, is based on average fares that were available to book from Jan. 15 to Jan. 22. Prices are for May-July 2025, when most Americans plan to take their longer vacations, Hopper said. Travelers should aim to book over the next few weeks to score the best prices, it said. Albania Valbona National Park, Albania. Eduardo Fonseca Arraes | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Scott Abbott, managing director of Wilderness Travel Why to visit: “The Albanian Alps, also known as the Accursed Mountains, are a mountain range very few people know about, so are totally untouched by tourism. But have some of the most gorgeous and dramatic hikes in all of Europe. They also have guesthouses, mountain huts and hotels that feel like what the Alps were like 30-plus years ago, all owned by local families and run in a traditional way very authentic to the place and culture.” Can’t-miss: Hiking in Valbona Valley National Park Best time to go: June to September Average flight price: $926 to Tirana, Albania Ecuadorian cloud forest Cloud forest in Ecuador. Gerard Puigmal | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Allie Almario, South America and Galapagos expert at Premier Tours Why to visit: “Most people think of Costa Rica when they think of cloud forest, but Ecuador also has the lure of the Galapagos Islands, so it’s a terrific combination. About three hours from the capital city of Quito, Ecuador, the cloud forest feels primeval and otherworldly. “I love the Mashpi Eco Lodge, which is on the cusp of the rain and cloud forest in a private sanctuary. You’ve got incredibly rich biodiversity in this remote area — so remote the silence is almost deafening.” Can’t-miss: “Mashpi Lodge offers an activity called the Dragon Fly — it is up to an hour ride in an open air cable car (seating only for four guests at a time and a naturalist) where you soar over the tree canopy. You hear nothing but the wind and bird calls and the distant ****** of waterfalls 500 feet below you. The butterflies are like confetti.” Best time to go: “Temperatures are pretty consistent throughout the year, but the main difference is rainy vs. dry season. Be prepared and either way, hiking in the cloud and rain forest will always be an adventure.” Average flight price: $588 to Quito, Ecuador Hamburg, Germany The canals of Hamburg, Germany Inigo Cia | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kareem George, CEO of Culture Traveler Why to visit: “This ultra chic city is beautiful, sophisticated and extremely fun, with a variety of attractions for diverse ages and interests. The setting of the city is quite picturesque, nestled between the Elbe River and Alster Lake with many canals in between. It is an extremely walkable city with many historic attractions in the city center — such as the Rathaus (City Hall) and St. Nikolai Church — flanked by very cool neighborhoods such as the Speicherstadt (Warehouse) District, raucous St. Pauli and the quirky Schanzenviertel.” Can’t-miss: “Two of the many must-see attractions are the iconic Elbphilharmonie and the unique Miniatur Wunderland. Advance tickets are highly recommended for both.” Best time to go: “Hamburg is truly a destination for all seasons, however I particularly enjoyed a recent visit in the fall. The weather was perfect and it was wonderful to stroll along the lake, canals and to explore several neighborhoods on foot.” Average flight price: $1,090 Kyushu, Japan A hot spring resort in Kurokawa Onsen, in Kyushu, Japan. Bohistock | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kristin Braswell, founder of CrushGlobal Travel Why to visit: “Brimming with natural beauty at every corner, the southern island of Japan’s Kyushu may be overlooked for its popular northern neighbors like Tokyo and Kyoto, but it’s just as thrilling. Teeming with active volcanoes, palm-forested coastlines and bubbling onsens [hot springs] to retreat in, you will be enamored at every turn by the great, wide outdoors here. I highly recommend visiting the electric metropolis, Fukuoka, and Beppu, a mountainside jewel that is home to the most spring waters in the country.” Can’t-miss: “Visiting the famous onsens, particularly the Jigoku Circuit, which are all grouped and within walking distance. They are a sight to see.” Best time to go: “In spring, during cherry-blossom season and when the weather is pleasantly warm, or the fall, as the foliage begins to change with the seasons.” Average flight price: Top three airports in Kyushu, by popularity from U.S. cities based on search demand: Fukuoka: $1,326 Nagasaki: $1,617 Kumamoto: $1,594 Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil. Ignacio Palacios | Stone | Getty Images Recommended by: John Lansdell, planner at Trufflepig Travel Why to visit: “Remote and staggeringly beautiful, this park of sand dunes, mangroves and freshwater lagoons is prime for both relaxing in and exploring — swimming, dune walks and quad tours, birding, etc.” Can’t-miss: Swimming in the lagoons. Best time to go: “When to visit is subjective, but high season is July and August: Full lagoons; warm, not too hot; rains have passed, but the gateway towns are busy. Either side of these months may be the best bet, although the park itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is vast and won’t feel overly busy in high season.” Average flight price: $1,069 to Sao Luis, Brazil The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway) Old town and town square in Stockholm, Sweden. Leonardo Patrizi | E+ | Getty Images Recommended by: Melissa Wu, founder of Woodlyn Travel Why to visit: “The Nordics offer a great variety of destinations and activities, from the bustling nightlife and modern hotels of the cities, to rural pastimes like dog sledding and gazing up at the amazing northern lights. Classic Nordic activities like saunas and cold plunges share the stage with farm-to-table culinary extravaganzas. And the dollar is very strong right now, so you’ll get your money’s worth on some of the best seafood you’ll ever eat.” More from Personal Finance: What to expect from travel prices in 2025 Demand for international trips drives ‘travel momentum’ Here are 4 big ways to save on your next trip Can’t-miss: “Sweden’s capital and largest city, Stockholm, is known for a great museum scene with some truly unique attractions. The ABBA museum is a must-see for music lovers, while the Viking Museum and Vasa Museum, which houses a salvaged 17th century ship, pay tribute to Sweden’s history. And no visit would be complete without a stop at the Spiritmuseum, which celebrates Sweden’s drinking culture.” Best time to go: “The Nordics offer something unique no matter what time of year you visit. Long summer days give way to amazing fall foliage, followed by Christmas markets and ice hotels during the wintertime, and lovely island-hopping adventures in spring. Stockholm’s cherry-blossom trees bloom in mid- to late-April, with a gorgeous display that rivals more well-known (and crowded) spots like Washington, D.C. and Kyoto.” Average flight price: Copenhagen: $769 Helsinki: $890 Oslo: $826 Stockholm: $801 The Philippines Boats on the serene, azure waters near Coron Palawan, Philippines. Travelstoxphoto | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Tesa Totengco, founder and CEO of Travels with Tesa Why to visit: “Although it is very much a part of Southeast Asia, the Philippines is off to the side from the rest of its neighbors. I suggest devoting your entire trip to the country and island-hopping. “It has some of the most beautiful white powdery sand beaches (Palawan, Boracay, Bohol). There is a thriving contemporary art scene (Art Fair in Manila, held in February), and galleries supporting local artists (Silverlens, Artinformal, Gravity Art Space, Orange Project). In the capital, you can tour Old Manila and learn of the past from the 16th century Spanish colonialization right up to the American War liberating the country from Japanese occupation. There are pop-up shops throughout the year that celebrate ********* design, and celebrated chefs with their own restaurants celebrating ********* cuisine. It’s a predominantly English-speaking country, so the traveler will never feel lost.” Can’t-miss: “This country is made up of over 7,000 islands, each unique in culture, history and flavor. It’s best to make a ‘halo-halo’ (meaning ‘mixed’) experience: Not just beach, for which the country is most famous.” Best time to go: “It’s a tropical country, so the Philippines is hot and humid year round. Avoid the rainy season from June to October and come from December to February when the country is at its coolest.” Average flight price: Manila: $1,296 Cebu City: $1,446 Angeles City: $1,461 Tunisia Sidi Bou Said, a town in northern Tunisia. Max Shen | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Sofia Markovich, owner of Sofia’s Travel Why to visit: “Tunisia is home to some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman ruins, including the iconic El Jem Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage site that rivals Rome’s Colosseum in grandeur. Carthage, once a powerful city-state, showcases the remnants of an ancient civilization that shaped Mediterranean history. “From the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert to the pristine beaches of Hammamet, Sussa and Djerba, the country offers a variety of settings for adventure and relaxation. Matmata’s troglodyte homes, famously featured in Star Wars films, add a touch of cinematic wonder to the experience.” “Tunisia’s cuisine is a highlight that captivates food lovers. With its bold flavors and Mediterranean influences, dishes like brik (a savory pastry), couscous and harissa-infused stews offer an authentic taste of the region. The country’s burgeoning wine industry adds to its allure.” Amphitheatre of El Jem in Tunisia. Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Sidi Bou Said, with its white-washed houses and blue doors; and Carthage.” Best time to go: “Tunisia is great to visit year-round”: Spring (March-May): “Warm, ideal for exploring ruins and nature.” Summer (June-August): “Hot, perfect for beaches but avoid inland heat.” Autumn (September-November): “Mild, great for both beaches and culture.” Winter (December-February): “Cool, best for the Sahara and fewer crowds.” Average flight price: $1,360 to Tunis Uzbekistan Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Izzet Keribar | Stone | Getty Images Recommended by: Jonathan Alder, CEO of Jonathan’s Travels Why to visit: “This incredible melting pot of cultures is one of the most stunning destinations in the world, with architecture, history and nature that would surprise even the most experienced traveler. “Its cuisine — a melting pot of Persian, Indian, Italian, and ******** with hints of Russian — is a foodie’s dream. Once the heart of the Silk Road, the architecture doesn’t look like anything else you’ve ever seen. I love to start in the capital of Tashkent, which is a modern metropolis, then head to the ancient side of the country at the far end of the desert to step back in time. The mosque of Samarkand is one of the most incredible architectural highlights you’ll see in your life. “Getting out of the cities, you can head into the mountains, which are essentially the back of the Himalayas, for incredible nature and green valleys outside of the stark, dramatic desert that you get for most of the rest of the country.” The Old Town in the City of Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Mlenny | E+ | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Samarkand. This was once the capital of the Silk Road, the crossing point for all trade routes between Europe and Asia. The sites here are the biggest in the country and some of the top highlights.” When to go: “Spring and fall. The summers are quite hot and the winters get very cold. You can also make this a ski destination in the winter and combine it with the rest of the country.” Average flight price: Tashkent: $1,470 Samarkand: $2,226 Western Australia James Price Point, Western Australia. Luke Mackenzie | Moment | Getty Images Recommended by: Kemi Wells-Conrad, founder and president of Wells Luxury Travel Why to visit: “Everyone typically thinks of Sydney and the East Coast of Australia — and don’t get me wrong, it is a beautiful coastline. But I have always been a huge fan of Western Australia. It is incredibly diverse, and the landscapes are truly magnificent. “Perth is your starting point and known as one of the most isolated cities in the world. There is world-class wine further south in Margaret River. The coast is filled with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, such as Monkey Mia and Ningaloo Reef, which also are teeming with amazing marine life. The Kimberleys are wild, rugged and unique.” Bungle Bungles, beehive-shaped sandstone towers in Purnululu National Park, in Eastern Kimberleys, Western Australia. Michael Runkel | Imagebroker | Getty Images Can’t-miss: “Ningaloo Reef. Forget the crowds of the Great Barrier Reef out of Cairns — imagine a pristine reef with no crowds. You can also swim with whale sharks here March to August. The luxury glamping experience at Sal Salis is a unique experience.” When to go: “April to September. This is the sweet spot, their ‘winter.’ The temperatures are mild, however still much warmer than our northern hemisphere winter. And it would allow you to travel further north to the Kimberleys — outside of their wet season and before it heats up again from October on.” Average flight price: Perth: $2,043 Broome: $3,094 Source link #underrated #places #travel #travel #agents Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Premier League Nottingham Forest 5 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 79 minutes played. In progress – BBC.com Premier League Nottingham Forest 5 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 79 minutes played. In progress – BBC.com Premier League Nottingham Forest 5 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 79 minutes played. In progress BBC.comNottm Forest 7-0 Brighton (Feb 1, 2025) Game Analysis ESPNNottingham Forest – Brighton & Hove Albion Live – Premier League: Football Scores & Highlights – 01/02/2025 Eurosport COMNottingham Forest remain without Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ibrahim Sangare set for to return – The Athletic The AthleticNottingham Forest 7-0 Brighton: Premier League – live The Guardian Source link #Premier #League #Nottingham #Forest #Brighton #amp #Hove #Albion #minutes #played #progress #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How to view old Battle Pass in Marvel Rivals How to view old Battle Pass in Marvel Rivals The gaming world is praising Marvel Rivals for its unique Battle Pass system, which allows them to continue progressing through prior passes indefinitely. Because of this innovative method, once a player buys a Luxury Battle Pass, it stays in their library forever, unlike other passes that have a set expiration date and force players to use them up quickly. These mechanics put players first by letting them earn rewards whenever they want and eliminating the pressure to keep up with the season even when they’re not actively playing. Whether it’s the ongoing Season 1 Darkhold Battle Pass or the previous Season 0 Chronovium Pass, you can easily access all the passes in the game using some simple steps. Here’s how you can view old Battle Passes in Marvel Rivals. How to access old Marvel Rivals Battle Passes To view the older Battle Passes in Marvel Rivals, head to your current Battle Pass menu and click the Nexus icon on the upper right corner of your screen. Once you do that, you’ll open a screen called the Reality Link Point where Galacta keeps tabs on all the battle passes a player has accumulated. NetEase Games NetEase Games You can continue your journey to acquire all the rewards you could have missed in the first season here by freely switching between current and former passes. In the image above, the Darkhold pass is the ongoing Season 1 Battle Pass and to its left is the Season 0 pass which is marked as completed. When you click on an older pass, you also get a button to Pin that pass to the main Battle Pass menu, right alongside your Season 1 Pass. When you do that, a new tab will appear right next to your current Battle Pass which will eliminate the process of you going back to the Nexus hub to switch between both the passes. This approach is much easier in case you’re still progressing along your previous Battle Passes in Marvel Rivals. On the other hand, seasonal event passes like the new Fortune and Colors passes unfortunately are time-limited and expire when the event concludes. To those unaware, you can purchase Marvel Rivals Luxury Battle Pass by spending Lattice which is the in-game currency you can get from your platform store. Source link #view #Battle #Pass #Marvel #Rivals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

XRP Jumps 50% in January as Ripple Secures Key Licenses and Institutional Adoption Grows XRP Jumps 50% in January as Ripple Secures Key Licenses and Institutional Adoption Grows XRP Jumps 50% in January as Ripple Secures Key Licenses and Institutional Adoption Grows XRP saw a 50% surge in January, outpacing Bitcoin’s 13% gain and Ethereum’s 4% drop. The sharp rise came after Ripple Labs secured regulatory approvals, including the New York Department of Financial Services’ approval of its RLUSD stablecoin on Dec. 10. Additionally, the company obtained money transmitter licenses in Texas and New York, adding to its existing regulatory foothold in over 50 jurisdictions. Increased adoption by financial institutions has also contributed to XRP’s rise. Crypto intelligence firm Santiment reported on Jan. 29 that more major institutions are integrating XRP into payment systems. Among the key partnerships is Ripple’s collaboration with Ondo Finance, which has brought tokenized U.S. Treasury securities to the XRP Ledger. XRP’s price movement has caught the attention of analysts, with some predicting a breakout past $4 in the near term. Crypto analyst Dark Defender shared in a Jan. 30 post that the token is on the verge of confirming a breakout on both the four-hour and one-day charts. The analyst identified $3.07 as a crucial support level while pointing to a short-term price target of $4. Technical indicators have also pointed to heightened price action. Bollinger Bands, which measure volatility, are tightening on XRP’s daily chart. Crypto investor Armando Pantoja noted on Jan. 29 that such a pattern often signals an impending sharp price movement. Despite the bullish outlook, some traders remain cautious. A potential bull trap could form below $2.95, where liquidity pockets have developed. While XRP bounced from its weekly low of $2.70, analysts have identified a strong fair value gap and an order block between $2.98 and $2.90. This area could act as a bid zone before a potential reversal. With $3 as a key support level, many traders may have placed stop losses just below it. Market movers could attempt to push XRP’s price lower to trigger these stop-loss orders before the next leg up. However, with strong institutional backing, recent regulatory wins, and bullish technical signals, investors are closely watching for the next move. Source link #XRP #Jumps #January #Ripple #Secures #Key #Licenses #Institutional #Adoption #Grows Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dragon Age studio BioWare has reportedly ‘halved in size’, with staff surprised by EA relocations Dragon Age studio BioWare has reportedly ‘halved in size’, with staff surprised by EA relocations Mass Effect and Dragon Age developer BioWare has reportedly halved in size compared to two years ago, partly caused by owner Electronic Arts’ decision to make cuts and move employees to different teams within the company. Bloomberg reports that, following the announcement of a studio reorganization this week, EA informed team members who believed that they had been temporarily loaned to other EA studios following the completion of Dragon Age: The Veilguard that these moves were now, in fact, permanent. BioWare confirmed this week that some employees had been moved to help on other EA projects, said to include Skate and Iron Man, since the next Mass Effect game was in pre-production and did not need the entire studio. According to Bloomberg, the transferred staff had believed that their move to other projects was temporary, and that they were told this week that their loan moves had morphed into permanent relocations, that they were no longer BioWare employees, and if they wanted to work at BioWare again, they would have to look for job openings. BioWare is now down from more than 200 people two years ago to less than 100 today, according to Bloomberg’s sources. A small team led by veteran employees is currently working on Mass Effect 5, and will likely expand as production ramps up. In a blog post published on Wednesday, BioWare general manager Gary McKay confirmed the studio was restructuring following Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s release in late 2024. With the next Mass Effect game not requiring “support from the full studio”, he said an unspecified number of BioWare staff have transferred to other teams within its parent company EA. According to Bloomberg, around a dozen people were also laid off as part of the restructure. EA recently lowered its revenue forecast for its current business year, partly due to what it called the underperformance of EA Sports FC 25 and Dragon Age: The Veilguard. The fantasy RPG “engaged” around 1.5 million players during its first two months of availability, which EA said was nearly half of its expectations. Source link #Dragon #Age #studio #BioWare #reportedly #halved #size #staff #surprised #relocations Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

73 million-year-old dinosaur remains with extremely long hands stuns explorers 73 million-year-old dinosaur remains with extremely long hands stuns explorers The remains of new Ostrich-like dinosaurs with exceptionally long hands in Mexico have stunned paleontologists. This new ornithomimosaur, officially named Mexidracon longimanus, represents a brand new genus and species within Ornithomimidae, an extinct family of theropod dinosaurs. It was discovered from the Upper Cretaceous Cerro del Pueblo Formation (CdP) of Coahuila, Mexico. The new group is differentiated by an individual preserving axial and appendicular elements. Greater diversity of ornithomimosaurs Published in Cretaceous Research, the details of Mexidracon Longimanus point to a greater diversity of ornithomimosaurs in southern Laramidia. The lone specimen of Mexidracon comes from sediment laid down in an estuary where oysters and other marine molluscs were abundant. This could show that it foraged in coastal places, according to researchers. Mexidracon is from the Campanian part of the Late Cretaceous, and thus about 73 million years old. It joins an impressive, growing list of dinosaurs from the ******** state of Coahuila, virtually all of which are 21st-century discoveries, reported Discover Wildlife. Extreme lengthening of the metacarpals Paleontologists maintain that Mexidracon Longimanus is characterized by extreme lengthening of the metacarpals that are longer than the metatarsals, proximal end of metacarpal II with a narrow subtriangular outline, a ****** peduncle of the ilium with a flared, zig-zag articular margin that is wider anteriorly than posteriorly and an ischiadic peduncle that is similar in size to the ****** peduncle. “The finding of M. longimanus adds to the increasing diversity and paleobiogeographic distribution of the group during the Campanian of southern Laramidia. The ornithomimosaur record of the Cerro del Pueblo (CdP) represents yet another instance of the coexistence of ornithomimids and deinocheirids spanning a wide range of body sizes within this clade of ‘ostrich’ dinosaurs,” said researchers in the study. Palm alone longer than the upper arm What makes Mexidracon surprising is the length of its metacarpals, the bones that form the palm. They show that its hands were extremely long and slender, the palm alone being longer than the upper arm. The long and slim forelimbs of ornithomimids have been compared to those of tree sloths, and one idea is that these dinosaurs reached into trees, shrubs, and bushes to pull branches and twigs toward the mouth. It’s also being claimed that Mexidracon’s long hands could have been used to grab prey from water, perhaps fish. A phylogenetic analysis places Mexidracon Longimanus within Ornithomimidae, forming a polytomic relationship with other members of this clade. Ornithomimosaurs are a clade of ostrich-like theropod dinosaurs characterized by relatively small and delicate skulls with large orbits, long necks, elongated forelimbs with non-raptorial manus, and long cursorial hindlimbs. Mexidracon Longimanus is the first ornithomimid formally described from Coahuila. Source link #millionyearold #dinosaur #remains #extremely #long #hands #stuns #explorers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Video Game History Foundation Library opens its archives for the first time The Video Game History Foundation Library opens its archives for the first time library.gamehistory.org — Now in early access Today, the Video Game History Foundation announced an early-access launch of its digital archive, including magazines, catalogs, behind-the-scenes content, and much more — and it’s completely free to access. The VGHF has more than 1,500 searchable video game magazines, all of which are currently out of print. You can even check out industry trade magazines that the general public rarely sees. A particular point of interest among these files is what the VGHF calls the Mark Flitman papers. Flitman is a retired game producer with a career spanning multiple companies including Konami, Acclaim, Midway, and Mindscape. He allowed the VGHF to digitize more than two decades’ of material for posterity, giving viewers a sneak peak into the game development scene in the late 90s and early 2000s. Please enable Javascript to view this content Fans of Myst will also find over 100 hours of footage from the series’ production, including original FMV content, much of which is planned for inclusion in the upcoming The Myst Documentary. Myst In the midst of a video game preservation crisis, the launch of this digital archive makes the history of one of the world’s most popular pastimes much more readily available. There’s a bit of something for everyone, like the first 100 CDs from the GamePro Magazine archives and even maps from the first 12 years of E3. The mission of the Video Game History Foundation is to bring video game history “back to life.” The non-profit organization gathers and collects promotional materials, instruction manuals, and much more for its research library, but VGHF also seeks to preserve the original source code for as many games as possible. The Video Game History Foundation has made much of its collection available for free; anything that can be publicly accessed has no charge. You can also request specific materials, but the team warns it could be slow to respond due to high demand after the launch. Unfortunately, you can’t play the video games in the archive. US copyright law makes sharing those files a murky area, but the VGHF says it is “fighting to change this law in coordination with the software preservation community.” Source link #Video #Game #History #Foundation #Library #opens #archives #time Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** frees 3 hostages and Israel releases ************ prisoners in 4th exchange of ceasefire ****** frees 3 hostages and Israel releases ************ prisoners in 4th exchange of ceasefire Released French-Israeli hostage, Ofer Kalderon, who was seized during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack by ******, gestures as he travels by helicopter to hospital, in this screengrab from a handout video obtained by Reuters on Feb. 1, 2025. Israel Defense Forces | Via Reuters ****** militants freed three male hostages held for more than a year in the Gaza Strip on Saturday and Israel released 183 ************ prisoners from Israeli jails in the fourth such exchange of a ceasefire deal that has halted 15 months of intense fighting. Militants handed Yarden Bibas and French-Israeli Ofer Kalderon to Red Cross officials in the southern city of Khan Younis, while American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel, looking pale and thin, was released to the Red Cross later Saturday morning in Gaza City to the north. All three were abducted during the ******-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that sparked the war. Their release brings to 18 the number of hostages released since the ceasefire began on Jan. 19. The releases were quick and orderly, in contrast to chaotic scenes that unfolded on Thursday when armed militants appeared to struggle to hold back a crowd during a hostage release. In both of Saturday’s releases, masked and armed militants stood in lines as the hostages walked onto a stage and waved before being led off and handed over to the Red Cross. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, thousands of people gathered to watch the releases being transmitted live on a large screen, waving signs and cheering. Shortly after Siegel arrived in Israel, a bus departed Ofer Military Prison with some 32 prisoners bound for the West Bank. Crowds of well-wishers greeted the bus, cheering and hoisting the released prisoners on their shoulders in scenes of jubilation. The Israeli Prison Authority said all 183 ************ prisoners slated for release Saturday had been freed. Most, including 111 arrested after ******’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, were released to Gaza. Just over two dozen returned to cheering crowds in the occupied West Bank. Another seven serving life sentences were transferred to Egypt ahead of their deportation. Ceasefire brings respite to battered Gaza The ceasefire is aimed at winding down the deadliest and most destructive war ever fought between Israel and ******. The deal has held for two weeks, allowing for increased aid to flow into the tiny coastal territory and for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the remnants of their homes in the north of the strip. During the truce’s six-week first phase, a total of 33 Israeli hostages are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 ************ prisoners. Israel says it has received information from ****** that eight of those hostages were either killed in ******’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack or have died in captivity. Also on Saturday, a group of 50 sick and wounded ************ children left Gaza for treatment through the Rafah border crossing to Egypt, in the first opening of the enclave’s sole exit since Israel captured it nine months ago. A European Union civilian mission was deployed Friday to prepare for the reopening. The reopening of Rafah marked another key step in the first phase of the ceasefire. Israel and ****** are set next week to begin negotiating a second phase of the ceasefire, which calls for releasing the remaining hostages and extending the truce indefinitely. The war could resume in early March if an agreement is not reached. Israel says it is still committed to destroying ******, even after the militant group reasserted its rule over Gaza within hours of the latest ceasefire. A key far-right partner in Netanyahu’s coalition is calling for the war to resume after the ceasefire’s first phase. ****** says it won’t release the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Families and neighbors celebrate return of hostages Siegel, 65, originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, along with his wife, Aviva Siegel. She was released during a brief 2023 ceasefire and has waged a high-profile campaign to free Keith and other hostages. There were sighs of relief and cheers in a living room where members of the kibbutz watched Siegel’s release. Many of those in the room were family friends, who applauded upon seeing Siegel, while some teared up. Activists who have been protesting weekly for the release of hostages in Gaza, celebrate the release of French-Israeli hostage, Ofer Kalderon, who was seized during the deadly Oct. 7, 2023 attack by ******, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Feb. 1, 2025. Tomer Appelbaum | Reuters Meanwhile, the release of Bibas, 35, brought renewed attention to the fate of his wife, Shiri, and their two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, who were 4 years old and 9 months old when they were abducted. All four were captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz. Kfir was the youngest of about 250 people taken captive on Oct. 7, and his plight quickly came to represent the helplessness and anger the hostage-taking stirred in Israel, where the Bibas family has become a household name. ****** has said Shiri and her sons were killed in an Israeli airstrike, but Israel has not confirmed that. Gal Hirsch, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s special coordinator for returning the hostages, said Israel has “grave concern for the lives” of Shiri and her sons, and pleaded with negotiators to provide information on their situation. Kalderon, 54, was also captured from Kibbutz Nir Oz. In Kfar Saba, north of Tel Aviv, Kalderon’s family hugged and cheered as they saw the images of him climbing onto the stage in Khan Younis and being transferred to the Red Cross. “Ofer is coming home!” they said, arms lifted to the sky. Kalderon’s two children, Erez and Sahar, were abducted alongside him and released during the November 2023 ceasefire. Family members said they weren’t able to recover from their ordeal until their father returned. “We are sorry it took so long, Ofer,” said Eyal Kalderon. “We will soon be a whole family again. We hope other families will soon feel like this, until the last family.” French President Emmanuel Macron said France “shares in the relief and joy” of Kalderon’s return after 483 days of “unimaginable hell,” adding that France would continue doing all it can to secure the release of another French Israeli hostage still being held in Gaza. More than 100 of the hostages abducted on Oct. 7 were released during the weeklong Nov. 2023 ceasefire. About 80 more remain in Gaza, at least a third of them believed dead. In the Oct. 7 attack that started the war, some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed. More than 47,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory air and ground war, over half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were militants. The Israeli military says it killed over 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence. It blames civilian deaths on ****** because its fighters operate in residential neighborhoods. Source link #****** #frees #hostages #Israel #releases #************ #prisoners #4th #exchange #ceasefire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

What new games we’re playing this weekend (January 31-February 2) What new games we’re playing this weekend (January 31-February 2) Table of Contents Table of Contents Ninja Gaiden 2 ****** Sniper Elite: Resistance Hello Kitty: Island Adventure It’s been a long month, but we’ve finally reached January’s end. That marks the end of a slow start to the video game year ahead of the busiest February in recent memory. In just a few weeks, you’ll be able to play Civilization 7, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Rift of the Necrodancer, and more. But before you get to all those, there are still a few neat January releases worth checking out. From the latest entry in the Sniper Elite series to a new Game Pass addition that’s getting buzz, this is what I’ll personally be dipping into this weekend. Ninja Gaiden 2 ****** Ninja Gaiden 2 ****** – Announcement Trailer | PS5 Games Last week, Xbox gave us our first big surprise of 2025 — and it was a good one. Ninja Gaiden 2 ****** revives a 2008 Xbox classic by giving it an Unreal Engine facelift. It’s a bit of an appetizer for Ninja Gaiden 4, which is set to release later this year, so that’s as good an excuse as any to revisit a truly unique action game from a different era. Ninja Gaiden 2 doesn’t play like a modern action game. It’s an unrelentingly difficult game that will kick your butt if you don’t learn how to properly block and counter attacks. While you may find it a bit dated thanks to its unruly camera, it’s a great little blast for the past that’ll remind you of just how distinct action games used to be before studios doubled down on consistent, repeatable formulas. Ninja Gaiden 2 ****** is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Sniper Elite: Resistance Sniper Elite: Resistance | Official Gameplay Overview Trailer If you’ve never played a Sniper Elite game before, Resistance is as good a place as any to start. The latest entry in Rebellion’s shooter is essentially Sniper Elite 6 in everything but name. It’s a strong collection of World War 2 set pieces that have players infiltrating Nazi operations and gunning down fascists through tense stealth action. While I’ve already finished up the campaign, I’m looking forward to diving into its suite of multiplayer modes, taking out other players in death matches or maybe even invading other people’s campaigns and making their lives a little harder. If you just feel like beating up some Nazis this weekend, this is a good way to do it. Sniper Elite: Resistance is out now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Hello Kitty: Island Adventure Hello Kitty Island Adventure – Teaser Trailer The one benefit of being an Apple Arcade subscriber is that I occasionally get to say “I liked that game before it was cool” like a true hipster. I’m getting that chance this weekend thanks to Hello Kitty: Island Adventure, which just launched on Nintendo Switch and PC. The life sim is basically Animal Crossing with Sanrio characters, and that’s as charming as it sounds. You can fish, catch bugs, craft food, and even do a bit of open-world exploration along the way. While it’s not as grand in scope as New Horizons (this was a mobile game first, after all), it’s a lighthearted delight that’s perfect for the Switch especially. I can’t wait to start a new file and see all my pals again. Hello Kitty: Island Adventure is available now on Nintendo Switch, PC, and iOS via Apple Arcade. Source link #games #playing #weekend #January #31February Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore – The Verge The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore – The Verge The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra isn’t so ‘ultra’ anymore The VergeSamsung Slashes 70% Off the Newest Galaxy S25 Ultra, Free Galaxy Buds3 Pro as a Bonus GizmodoSamsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra brings in the camera upgrade I’ve been waiting for – Apple should be taking notes TechRadarPre-order Samsung’s new Galaxy S25 Ultra and get up to $1,250 in savings USA TODAYFeast Your Eyes on What the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus Cameras Can Do CNET Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S25 #Ultra #isnt #ultra #anymore #Verge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Amidst Conversations of Gamer Fatigue, Elder Scrolls Creator Is Unhappy With “how linear and small” RPGs Have Become Amidst Conversations of Gamer Fatigue, Elder Scrolls Creator Is Unhappy With “how linear and small” RPGs Have Become The gaming industry has been around for nearly half a century. In that time, the RPG genre has been one of the most popular genres, but it has also been ever-evolving. These days, the genre has gone from big worlds and adventures driven by player choice to linear and restrictive experiences. Elder Scrolls creator reminds us of what makes RPGs great. | Image Credit: @Tonesville/YouTube At least that’s what Elder Scrolls creator Ted Peterson feels anyway. The Daggerfall creator stands firm on the belief that true RPGs should prioritize freedom. While there are discussions to be had about fatigue among gamers, Baldur’s Gate 3 winning Game of The Year is a perfect example of Peterson’s beliefs. Elder Scrolls creator Ted Peterson doesn’t like the state of the RPG genre Image Credit: Bethesda Game Studios Peterson recently shared his thoughts about the current standing of the industry in an interview with VideoGamer. The Elder Scrolls co-creator admitted his frustration with how limited RPGs have become lately. He criticized the genre’s tendency to make big worlds that ultimately limit player freedom. He pointed out that older games like The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall gave us players numerous ways to complete quests. And that is something newer RPGs often lack. Peterson finds it disheartening that newer games prioritize accessibility at the cost of depth. And it’s fair because it makes us feel like we have fewer choices despite being in seemingly huge worlds. I’m glad that people are wanting to break away from that… I’ve seen games that have attempted it and were trying to break down the fence completely. For me, I’ll always go on the side of freedom. Peterson’s criticism is not new, but it has become more relevant with the rise of more structured RPGs. In contrast, Baldur’s Gate 3 recently proved that players still crave games where choices truly matter. Its success demonstrated that there is a large audience for RPGs with deep narrative branches and player agency. Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the biggest success stories in a long time. • No in-game purchases • No Denuvo • Three years of polish and tweaking in Early Access • Insane amount of value and content for the price • 700K+ CCU on Steam • Over 2.5M units sold before launch pic.twitter.com/WcLyJP2WrT — KAMI (@Okami13_) August 5, 2023 Peterson acknowledges this shift and is hopeful that the success of Larian Studios’ game will inspire more developers to embrace non-linear storytelling. He sees his own upcoming project titled The Wayward Realms as a direct response to this demand. Peterson is making his own RPG Image Credit: OnceLost Games Peterson’s upcoming game, The Wayward Realms, is apparently going to be more than just another open-world RPG. With this title, Peterson and his team want to introduce a new sub-genre that they call a “Grand RPG.” Every decision a player makes, from using specific skills to interacting with NPCs in different ways, should change the outcome of their story. So much of our design discussions are, ‘Hey, how can you solve this quest with total, like, social talking to someone?’ Despite Peterson’s commitment to large-scale, choice-driven RPGs, there are discussions in the industry about whether players still have the patience for such games. Former Starfield quest designer Will Shen recently discussed the “resurgence of short games” and why there is a shift in player mentality. He pointed to the success of games like Mouthwashing and argued that many players no longer want to invest 100-plus hours into a single title. This shift in player habits is what raises questions about whether there is still room for the kind of RPGs Peterson envisions. Do you have an answer to that? The industry is still trying to find the balance between creativity and accessibility even today, and we see more and more debates about what makes an RPG truly great. One game puts it in favor of one side, and another game shifts the balance, but which one is the real answer? Source link #Conversations #Gamer #Fatigue #Elder #Scrolls #Creator #Unhappy #linear #small #RPGs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Olympic champs reunite to seal Aussies’ Davis Cup win Olympic champs reunite to seal Aussies’ Davis Cup win Olympic champions John Peers and Matt Ebden have reunited to guide Australia to a victory sweep in their Davis Cup tie in Sweden. With Lleyton Hewitt’s team 2-0 overnight in the first-round qualifying tie after the first-day singles in Stockholm, the golden veterans teamed up on Saturday for the first time since their Paris triumph to win the tie-clinching doubles rubber. Competing for only the second time together as a Davis Cup partnership despite their long experience in the competition, the Perth neighbours and great pals used their old nous to come from a set down and defeat the Swedish duo of Filip Bergevi and Andre Goransson 6-7 (7-9) 6-3 6-2. The 3-0 victory ensured Australia, last year’s semi-finalists, eased into September’s second qualifying round against either Belgium or Chile, with the winners of that tie then going into the ‘Final 8’ week in Bologna, Italy, in November. After Friday’s comfortable straight-sets wins for Alex de Minaur and Aleksandar Vukic, there never looked a realistic way back for the hosts, even in front of a vociferous full-house at the Royal Tennis Hall in Sweden’s capital. The 37-year-old Ebden, a former world No.1 doubles player, and 36-year-old Peers, once the No.2, always looked too much of a hurdle for the two 30-year-old Swedes. But Goransson, a surprise semi-finalist in the recent *********** Open doubles, and Bergevi played above themselves to earn the only break point of the set – repelled by the Aussies – before taking a tight breaker on their third set point. It only prompted the veteran Aussie partnership to immediately respond, earning the first break of the match on Bergevi’s delivery at the start of the second stanza before really taking control, breaking both Swedes’ serve in the decider. Source link #Olympic #champs #reunite #seal #Aussies #Davis #Cup #win Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

3 PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (January 31-February 2) 3 PlayStation Plus games to play this weekend (January 31-February 2) Table of Contents Table of Contents Sayonara Wild Hearts Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand Monster Hunter Rise As January comes to a close, we have one last weekend of relative downtime before all the upcoming PS5 games in February swoop in. That said, we still need some great games to play without cutting into our budgets. That’s where PlayStation Plus comes in. We are in that awkward ******* between the last batch of Extra and Premium games arriving and the new Essential games for February going live, but there are hundreds of games in the service you might have missed that may have passed you by that are more than worth a weekend of your time. Whether you need something to whet your appetite for Monster Hunter Wilds or a cozy indie game you can complete in a sitting or two, these are the games on PlayStation Plus you should add to your download ****** for this weekend. Sayonara Wild Hearts SAYONARA WILD HEARTS | Launch Trailer Imagine playing through an interactive music video and you will start to get an idea of what Sayonara Wild Hearts is. You will guide your character through vibrant and high-contrast environments with a dream-like aesthetic across an entire tracklist of songs. The gameplay is a blend of rhythm game mechanics where you will need to time button presses, but it is mainly about guiding your character through stages trying to collect hearts to rack up as many points as possible. While you could go for the high scores and secret objectives, you could just as easily vibe out with the game and flow through it like an interactive album in just a sitting or two. Sayonara Wild Hearts is available now on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Mobile. Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand Atlas Fallen Reign of Sand – Launch Trailer 2023 was a year packed with so many amazing games that many fun, but not stellar, games fell through the cracks. Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand is a solid third-person RPG that has some cool combat mechanics and traversal but a somewhat bland story. If you enjoy a solid combat system with dodges, blocks, combos, and an addictive sand-surfing system, it is a great low-commitment game you can hop in and out of for as much as you like. It also includes co-op multiplayer so you and a friend can keep each other company while doing quests and taking on massive enemies together. It likely won’t be your favorite game but is solid enough to give a chance as part of PS Plus. Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand is available now on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Monster Hunter Rise Monster Hunter Rise – Announce Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games Because Monster Hunter Rise launched as a Switch exclusive, many players may have missed the news that it eventually got ported to all platforms. We already mentioned that Wilds is just around the corner, but if your last hunting experience was with World, now is the best time to at least dip your toes into Rise to see how the franchise has evolved. This is where ridable mounts first showed up, which will play a major part in Wilds, and is still a fully-featured Monster Hunter experience. If you aren’t worried about burning yourself out, you and your friends could easily spend the next few weeks enjoying Rise right up until Wilds hits though you should be aware that it doesn’t have full cross-platform support. Monster Hunter Rise is available now on Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Source link #PlayStation #games #play #weekend #January #31February Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Crowds in Khan Younis, Ramallah welcome freed ************ prisoners Crowds in Khan Younis, Ramallah welcome freed ************ prisoners STORY: :: Excited crowds welcome ************ prisoners released by Israel :: Khan Younis, Gaza :: February 1, 2025 :: Ramallah, West Bank People embraced and kissed the prisoners as they got off the bus one by one. In the latest stage of a truce aimed at ending the 15-month war in Gaza, ****** released three Israeli hostages. Israel was expected to release 183 prisoners and detainees in return. Source link #Crowds #Khan #Younis #Ramallah #freed #************ #prisoners Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Las Vegas couple wrestles with car insurance claim following theft of ‘dream car’ Las Vegas couple wrestles with car insurance claim following theft of ‘dream car’ LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – As the garage door slowly opened, Cheryl Tintle realized her dream car was stolen it would result in an insurance nightmare. On Dec. 6, 2024, Cheryl ran back from the driveway into her home to tell her husband, Matt, they should call the police. He explained to the 911 dispatcher what happened, citing the broken glass in the side yard, and within 12 hours officers located the 2020 Infinity Q60 Sport. “It was in a ditch just outside Pahrump, according to Metro,” Matt said. “It was more than likely a professional Infinity theft ring that stole the car.” Matt said the officer explained the condition the car was in, using the word “horrific.” On Dec. 6, 2024, Cheryl ran back from the driveway into her home to tell her husband, Matt, they should call the police. He explained to the 911 dispatcher what happened, citing the broken glass in the side yard, and within 12 hours officers located the 2020 Infinity Q60 Sport. (Matt Tintle) “I mean, it was just it looked like they had taken every single wheel off, ripped the engine out of the bay, no front end,” he said. “The trunk was smashed in, and all the windows were broken. It was rolled into a ditch.” The Tintles said the Metro officers were incredibly kind and responsive to their situation, but their insurance company was a new challenge. Matt was initially told by the Infinity Motor finance company, their lien holder, that everything would be covered because they had excellent coverage. “[They said] you’ve got comprehensive, everything’s great,” he said. “Well, it turned out to not be so great.” The Tintles showed 8 News Now their comprehensive policy, which they said was the highest they could go with Allstate paying over $400 a month. The website which cited their policy’s coverage showed “stolen” cars would be covered. On Dec. 6, 2024, Cheryl ran back from the driveway into her home to tell her husband, Matt, they should call the police. He explained to the 911 dispatcher what happened, citing the broken glass in the side yard, and within 12 hours officers located the 2020 Infinity Q60 Sport. (Matt Tintle) “The first claims agent we spoke with was emphatic on the phone, saying that we will have no problems,” Matt said. “I was feeling a tiny bit of relief, but still apprehensive.” When the Tintles received their $30 a day maximum coverage for a car rental through Allstate, Matt said he could only find $35 a day rates. “So even at that point, the rental car was not coming through,” Matt said. The Tintles showed 8 News Now two-thirds of their claim was covered, but approximately $13,000 was still not compensated, for coverage they believed was protected in their comprehensive plan. Allstate responded to an 8 News Now request for comment one month after an initial request. On Dec. 6, 2024, Cheryl ran back from the driveway into her home to tell her husband, Matt, they should call the police. He explained to the 911 dispatcher what happened, citing the broken glass in the side yard, and within 12 hours officers located the 2020 Infinity Q60 Sport. (KLAS) “We worked with the customer and the claim has been resolved,” Allstate media staff wrote. “It’s been resolved to their benefit, but not ours,” Matt said in response to the statement. Their car was valued at an approximate $50,000 manufacturer’s retail price, according to the Tintles. Following the issues with Allstate the couple hired an attorney to review their claim, but it was all in order because of the “fine print.” “I just think that people need to be cautiously aware that what they read isn’t necessarily what is the truth,” Cheryl said. “I mean, they can change wording on a dime so you think you’re covered, you’re told you’re covered, and then you find out that’s not the case because they buried some addendum somewhere deep in your policy that it takes a lawyer to understand it.” According to Insure.com customers should take four steps to review and learn their auto insurance policy. The declarations page tells what coverage you have on your policy and which you have declined The definitions section includes details like who is insured, what is insured, and when it is insured When you change your policy, like adding or removing a car or driver, the company will send you a new declaration page If you find that you have gaps in your insurance or are underinsured you should shop for more coverage The Tintles said they are still forced to pay the monthly payment for their “dream car” which is in an un-driveable condition. “If you don’t have the time and go through the policy, have a lawyer do it,” Matt said. “Because you’re just going to end up getting burned when you need it the most.” 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 KLAS. Source link #Las #Vegas #couple #wrestles #car #insurance #claim #theft #dream #car Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia RTX 5090 ‘lottery’ reportedly ends in screams and chaos Nvidia RTX 5090 ‘lottery’ reportedly ends in screams and chaos Nvidia is launching its RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 graphics cards today — read our RTX 5090 review and RTX 5080 review — and the anticipation is clear. In Japan, multiple stores held a lottery to give attendees an equal chance at scoring one of Nvidia’s best graphics cards, but the event ended in chaos, with screaming and the destruction of a sign at a kindergarten, according to VideoCardz. The report of chaos came via X, where a user shared that “angry shouts were heard” as customers began lining up, and that “some people even climbed over the fence of the kindergarten next door.” パソコン工房パーツ館でRTX5090の抽選の呼びかけが始まりましたが、現場は大混乱しております。 怒号が飛び交い、あろうことか隣の幼稚園の柵に登る人まで出る始末。#RTX5090 pic.twitter.com/BIPOLdXays — 立山登 (@sarasteam0151) January 30, 2025 Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming There’s a lot of anticipation around any big graphics card launch, but the release of Nvidia’s RTX 50-series GPUs has hit a fever pitch. On Monday, days before the release date of Nvidia’s latest GPUs, customers began camping out at Micro Center locations across the U.S. In Westmont, IL, one user claims that nearly 60 people were in line as of 6pm PT Wednesday, and there was a police presence. Another user says more than 50 people were waiting outside of a Micro Center in Kansas, which reportedly only had four RTX 5090 models available. We’ve rounded up a list of locations where you can buy the RTX 5090 today, including listings for all major online retailers. You might struggle to get one, though. Most retailers reportedly only have single-digit stock of the RTX 5090, and on eBay, listings as expensive as $6,100 have already sold. As if that weren’t enough, the prices of Nvidia’s new GPUs are quite high. Nvidia set the list price of the RTX 5090 at $2,000 and the RTX 5080 at $1,000, but board partner models are significantly more expensive. Early listings for the RTX 5080 showed multiple models listed at $1,300 directly from Best Buy. Unfortunately, prices aren’t likely to drop soon. Nvidia has slowly phased out its last-gen options like the RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 Super, and you’ll struggle to find either of those cards anywhere near list price. In the previous generation, we never saw Nvidia’s flagships fall below list price, even months after they were released and inventory stabilized. We may see a repeat of that situation here. If you’re among the unlucky many who aren’t able to score an RTX 5090 or RTX 5080 today, make sure to check out our roundup of RTX 5080 alternatives that you can pick up now. Source link #Nvidia #RTX #lottery #reportedly #ends #screams #chaos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New games in February 2025: Monster Hunter, Civilization, and more New games in February 2025: Monster Hunter, Civilization, and more Table of Contents Table of Contents Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (February 4) Rift of the Necrodancer (February 5) Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 (February 11) Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 1 (February 18) Avowed (February 18) Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (February 21) Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28) More new games in February 2025 If you thought January was a quiet month for games, you’re about to wish you still only had a handful of games to play. February is here and it’s about to flood your backlog with enormous games that could take you the rest of the year to get through. Games like Civilization 7 and Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 would be enough to make for an unmanageable month, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. With new Like a Dragon and Monster Hunter games on the horizon, plus a few new IPs, you’re going to have your hands full. To help you prepare, here’s everything you can expect to play this month. Seven big games need to be on your radar for sure, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. You can expect a whole lot more when you factor in the indies that’ll fall between these ******* releases. Just be glad that Assassin’s Creed Shadows got pushed back to March. Can you imagine trying to work that into your schedule too? Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (February 4) February will start with a band thanks to Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2. Warhorse Studios’ latest action RPG is a long awaited sequel to a Medieval classic. The historical epic tosses players into 15th century Europe and sets them on a good old fashioned quest for revenge. The main appeal here is its giant Medieval sandbox, which gives players plenty of opportunities to slash down rivals in first-person and shape their character in a deep RPG system. If that’s checking the right boxes for you already, you’ll probably want to check this one out come February. I’d just recommend staying as far away as possible from its online community. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 will be available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Rift of the Necrodancer (February 5) If rhythm games are more your speed, I can’t recommend Rift of the Necrodancer enough. The follow-up to the hit Crypt of the Necrodancer twists the Guitar Hero formula on its head by replacing music notes with monsters that need to be slain by pressing a button on the right beat. That sounds simple, but it paves the way for a complex hook where every monster has its own rhythmic rules to learn. With a fantastic soundtrack and full modding support available at launch, it might just be one of the best rhythm games of all time. I’ve been playing it for a week or two now, and I can’t get enough. Rift of the Necrodancer will be available on Nintendo Switch and PC. Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 (February 11) It’s hard to say what the biggest release of this month actually is, but Civilization 7 is a strong contender. The latest entry in Firaxis’ strategy series once again has players building a civilization from scratch and guiding it through three ages. Along the way, players will have to juggle diplomacy with other nations, build cities, and manage trade resources. It should all be familiar to long-time fans of the Civilization series. Our early impressions of it have been positive thus far, so we expect it to make a big splash when it launches on February 11. You can catch me going to war as Machiavelli around then. Sid Meier’s Civilization 7 will launch on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 1 (February 18) At first glance, you may mistake Lost Records: Bloom and Rage for a brand new Life is Strange game. That instinct would be warranted. The narrative adventure comes from Don’t Nod, the studio behind Life is Strange (which has since moved hands to Deck Nine Games). Lost Records looks like a return to the series’ heights, with a horror-tinged 90s story dipped in punk rock. You’ll be able to play the first half of it in February, with Tape 2 coming in April. If February feels too crowded, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to wait until the full game was out. Lost Records: Bloom and Rage will launch on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Avowed (February 18) Obsidian Entertainment is known for some of the best RPGs of all time, so any new release from it should turn heads. This month, the studio will return to the world of Pillars of Eternity with Avowed. The new release drops players into a magic-filled world fighting off a mysterious plague. We’ve gotten hands on with it a few times now and the prognosis is good thus far. It’s feeling like another solid fantasy RPG from a studio that has that formula down pat. Hopefully that’ll start Xbox’s promising 2025 out on the right foot. Avowed will launch for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii (February 21) It’s a little strange that Like a Dragon has become an annualized series like Madden at this point, but it’s hard to complain when developer Ryu Ga Gotoku keeps putting out such consistent games. This February, it’s taking its weirdest swing yet with Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii, a spinoff starring Goro Majima. The title sort of says it all here. You can expect an over-the-top, swashbuckling adventure that ties into the events of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. Expect everything you love about the series, but with some ship battling thrown in for good measure. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii will launch for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Monster Hunter Wilds (February 28) February is ending strong with what could be the biggest game of the entire year if Grand Theft Auto 6 winds up delayed. Monster Hunter Wilds is set to continue the action RPG series’ momentum with an even ******* sequel filled with fiercer monsters and a larger emphasis on story. Based on what we’ve played so far across a few demos, we’re already sold on the Monster Hunter World follow-up, which continues to build on everything that game did well. With better onboarding for new players and the power of current gen consoles to make it even more spectacular, this will be the month’s can’t miss game. Monster Hunter Wilds will launch for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. More new games in February 2025 Spirit Swap: Lofi Beats to Match-3 To (February 3) Rogue Waters (February 4) Big Helmet Heroes (February 6) ****** Heroes (February 13) Urban Myth Dissolution Center (February 13) Dawnfolk (February 13) Afterlove EP (February 14) The Legend of Heroes: Trails Through Daybreak II (February 14) Tomb Raider IV–VI Remastered (February 14) Godzilla Voxel Wars (February 20) The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match (February 20) Ninja Five-O (February 25) Crystar (February 27) Yu-Gi-Oh! Early Days Collection (February 27) PGA Tour 2K25 (February 28) Morsels (TBA) On Your Tail (TBA) Source link #games #February #Monster #Hunter #Civilization Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]