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Energy boss, COO exit Fortescue in C-suite overhaul Energy boss, COO exit Fortescue in C-suite overhaul Fortescue has announced the exit of its energy boss Mark Hutchinson amid a raft of other leadership changes at the top end of the Andrew Forrest-led mining and energy business. Source link #Energy #boss #COO #exit #Fortescue #Csuite #overhaul Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ukraine has a new motorcycle attack unit that rushes gun-toting troops into battle on off-road bikes Ukraine has a new motorcycle attack unit that rushes gun-toting troops into battle on off-road bikes It’s Ukraine’s turn to adopt an unusual battle tactic from Russia: motorcycle assaults. One unit has formed its first motorcycle attack company for storming Russian positions quickly. It said its troops have trained “hundreds of hours” to shoot assault rifles from off-road bikes. As the battle with drones continues, motorcycles have become a rising star in Ukraine’s war. The Ukrainian military’s 425th separate assault regiment, nicknamed “Skala,” announced on Tuesday that it had officially formed the country’s first motorcycle attack company. “As a result, we now have a modern ‘cavalry’ whose main task is to rapidly break through to enemy positions, conduct assault operations, and quickly shift the direction of attack,” it said on its Telegram channel. The motorbike assault company appears to run a paired configuration with one driver and one gunman.425th Separate Assault Regiment/Screenshot The use of motorcycles to carry troops into battle is well-documented in Ukraine. Since early last year, Russian troops have been increasingly seen riding on light vehicles such as ATVs and motorbikes as both a means of transport and a way to attack Ukrainian positions rapidly. Their rise is largely viewed as a direct consequence of drone warfare, since armored vehicles are often vulnerable to exploding drones on Ukraine’s flat terrain. While motorbikes leave the rider more exposed, they’re faster, nimbler, and smaller, which makes them better able to evade attacks from small drones. “Russia’s increased use of motorcycles is an adaptation in response to pervasive Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian armored vehicles and the unsustainable armored vehicle losses that Russian forces suffered in late 2023 and 2024,” the Institute for the Study of War wrote in early May. Ukraine’s troops initially balked at the attack method, which the Russians used in suicide assaults to wear down Ukrainian defenses and munitions. But the 425th’s announcement on Tuesday means that some Ukrainians are now adopting the same tactic. In its statement, the 425th said its motorbike-riding troops had trained for “hundreds of hours” to shoot while on the move. The statement did not indicate whether the unit has started fighting or when its motorcycle troops will hit the front lines. The 425th released a video of about two dozen soldiers riding tandem on off-road motorbikes, with each pair involving one driver and an infantryman wielding an assault rifle. “The goal is to ride in, strike quickly at enemy positions, dismount, storm in, secure a foothold, and complete the mission successfully,” a Ukrainian soldier says in the video. Deploying motorbikes in a direct assault is an unusual tactic for modern war, where such vehicles are typically used for reconnaissance or infiltration. US special forces, for example, have used commercial bikes to navigate difficult terrain or traverse deserts in the Middle East. Ukrainian troops in the company said motorbikes offer them a swifter way to attack Russian positions, improving their safety.425th Separate Assault Regiment/Screenshot But in Ukraine, the number of motorbikes sighted on the front lines has grown dramatically. In April, Ukrainian troops said they repelled a Russian assault on Pokrovsk that involved over 100 motorcycles. Several Russian motorized attacks last month were also reported to be comprised wholly of motorcycles and civilian vehicles. The latter have been increasingly appearing in the warzone, with Moscow’s troops often sighted traveling in sedans and tractors at the rear — a likely sign of strain on Russian logistics and resources. Analysts from the ISW said in late April that it’s likely Russia will start further incorporating motorcycles into its tactics for future attacks. Lt. Col. Pavlo Shamshyn, spokesperson of Ukraine’s ground forces in Kharkiv, told local media that week that Kyiv believed the same. “Our intelligence records the fact that in training centers on the territory of the Russian Federation and in the units themselves, active training of motorcycle drivers is taking place, and all this indicates that the assault operations of spring-summer 2025 will be carried out on motorcycles,” Shamshyn told Ukrainian outlet Suspilne. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Ukraine #motorcycle #attack #unit #rushes #guntoting #troops #battle #offroad #bikes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as 'criminal' – Reuters North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as 'criminal' – Reuters North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as ‘criminal’ ReutersKim Jong Un slams ‘serious accident’ at warship launch BBCKim Jong Un’s fury after watching North Korea’s new navy destroyer crippled in botched launch CNNKim Jong-un furious as North Korea warship partly ‘crushed’ in launch gone wrong The GuardianNew North Korean warship is partly crushed at launch ceremony as leader Kim looks on NBC News Source link #North #Korean #leader #Kim #Jong #condemns #warship #accident #039criminal039 #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What we know about Israeli embassy staff attack What we know about Israeli embassy staff attack André Rhoden-Paul BBC News Getty Images Two Israeli embassy staff have been shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington DC. Police say the victims, a man and a woman, were killed by a man who shouted “free, free Palestine”. The suspect is in custody. Here’s what you need to know about the shooting. How the attack unfolded? At 21:08 local time police received multiple calls about a shooting outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in downtown Washington DC. A man and a woman were found unconscious and not breathing at the scene, and later died. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said the couple were leaving the event at the museum in 3rd St NW – an area with numerous tourist sites, museums and government buildings, including the FBI’s Washington field office. Police believe the shooting was committed by Elias Rodriguez, 30, of Chicago, who is being questioned in custody. MPD chief Pamela Smith said he was seen pacing up and down outside the museum before approaching a group of four people and opening fire with a handgun, The suspect then entered the museum, where he was detained. He then chanted “free, free Palestine” while in custody, police said. MPD are leading the investigation. The FBI said it is looking into “ties to potential terrorism or motivation based on bias-based crime or a hate crime”. What do we know about the victims? Yechiel Leiter, Israeli ambassador to the US, said the young couple were about to be engaged. “The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem,” he told a press conference. “They were a beautiful couple.” They have not yet been named by police. What did witnesses say? Witnesses described the aftermath of the attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum. “At around 09:07 we heard gunshots, and then a guy came in and seemed really distressed and we thought he just needed help and he needed safe shelter,” Katie Kalisher said. Yoni Kalin, who was also at the event, said: “So people were calming him down, giving him water, taking care of him. Little did we know he was somebody that executed people in cold blood. “He was the shooter. Once the police originally showed up, he’s like ‘I did this. I’m unarmed.’ “He pulls out a red kaffiyeh and he was like, ‘I did this for Gaza. Free Palestine. There’s only one solution. Intifada revolution’, and he just kept yelling ‘free Palestine’.” What was the event? The event at the Capital Jewish Museum was billed as a ********* evening for young Jewish professionals to foster unity and celebrate Jewish heritage. The organiser, American Jewish Committee, said it was open to those in the DC diplomatic community. The event’s theme was advertised as “turning pain into purpose”. The event description said it invited humanitarian aid organisers responding to humanitarian crises in the Middle East, including Gaza. The event’s hours were publicly advertised. Its location was only shared with those who signed up to attend. What did Donald Trump say? President Donald Trump has condemned the attack and called it antisemitic. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, he said: “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, now! “Hatred and radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. “So sad that such things as this can happen! God bless you all!” What did Israel say? Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was was “outraged by the horrifying antisemitic *******” of the victims. “My heart grieves for the families of the young beloveds, whose lives were cut short in a moment by an abhorrent antisemitic *********,” he said. “I have directed that security be increased at Israeli missions around the world and for the state’s representatives.” Israeli ambassador to the US Leiter said: “We are a resilient people… Together we won’t be afraid, together we’ll stand and we’re going to overcome moral depravity of people who think they’re going to achieve political gains through *******.” He said Trump told him his administration would do everything it can to fight antisemitism. Source link #Israeli #embassy #staff #attack Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Driver rushed to Royal Perth Hospital following serious ****** at Perth Airport Driver rushed to Royal Perth Hospital following serious ****** at Perth Airport Emergency services rushed to the scene after reports of a collision between two cars and a truck on Grogan Road and Kingsford Smith Avenue about 12.50pm on Thursday. Source link #Driver #rushed #Royal #Perth #Hospital #****** #Perth #Airport Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

20 Years Ago, The Weirdest Open World Shooter Convinced a Lot of Fans Why Gameplay Always Trumps Visuals 20 Years Ago, The Weirdest Open World Shooter Convinced a Lot of Fans Why Gameplay Always Trumps Visuals Released in September 2005, Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico is one of the most iconic open world games ever made. The game itself isn’t something noteworthy in terms of ratings and critic scores, but the fun we had playing it is undeniable. Critics at the time gave it middling reviews, calling out its low-budget visuals, janky open world, and sometimes incoherent narrative. But for a generation of players (including us), Total Overdose left a lasting impression. Not because it was polished, but because it was pure, chaotic fun. Join us in celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Total Overdose is one of the craziest open world games When it launched in September 2005, Total Overdose didn’t exactly light the world on fire. Reviews were mixed at best. Developed by Danish studio Deadline Games and clearly inspired by the cinematic sensibilities of Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, the game felt more like an interactive action flick than a game. I want to talk about more games I love The PS2 and the PS3 alot of the games back then were just focused on giving us a fun time with the game There’s still games like that in PS4 and PS5 just not as much Total Overdose This game is funny and FUN, a really great time pic.twitter.com/CSQHbMC91k — GamesLover (@lofi_lover0930) March 6, 2025 The game took inspiration from the bullet-time action of Max Payne, the open-world structure of Grand Theft Auto, and the chaotic spirit of what might be a cartoon fueled by tequila and dynamite. Set in a hyper-stylized version of Mexico, the game invited players to dive guns-blazing into drug cartel turf wars with explosive piñatas, golden pistols, and slow-motion dives straight out of your favorite action flicks. The game’s story wasn’t even noteworthy, but that was part of its charm. We played as Ramiro Cruz, a wise-cracking ex-**** turned vigilante, who takes over a DEA investigation from his injured brother to bring down the elusive drug lord Papa Muerte. But none of that mattered once you started playing. From the moment you do your first Loco Move, it becomes clear that this was a game designed for fun, not for graphics or story. Total Overdose: A Gunslinger’s Tale in Mexico is $1.49 on GOG pic.twitter.com/YCYnZ29X1E — Wario64 (@Wario64) March 22, 2025 Despite its ambitions, Total Overdose was never truly an open world game in the modern sense. Its world was split into small, disconnected districts, and exploration outside missions felt shallow. Driving between points of interest grew dull quickly, and fast travel made much of the map unnecessary. It’s a part of so many childhoods at this point It wasn’t trying to compete with Vice City. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games What stood out most was how Total Overdose didn’t take itself seriously. This was a game where cultural stereotypes were played up to the next level. Mariachi bands with flamethrowers, exploding sombreros, and slow-mo bull charges were all part of the experience. It wasn’t trying to be culturally sensitive or the next big technical marvel. It was trying to be fun. And for many, it succeeded. That’s ultimately why Total Overdose has stayed in our memories for two decades. It didn’t try to be everything. It didn’t try to compete with Rockstar Games or anyone else. It was a game that encouraged players to dive into chaos headfirst, guns blazing, and to rack up style points while doing so. The game is nearing 20 years old now, but Total Overdose hasn’t seen a remaster, remake, or sequel. Its developer, Deadline Games, shuttered in 2009. But still, it remains a cult favorite. For all of us who stumbled upon it on dusty PlayStation 2s or family PCs, it will never be forgotten. Source link #Years #Weirdest #Open #World #Shooter #Convinced #Lot #Fans #Gameplay #Trumps #Visuals Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How Does the New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Compare with the Old One? We Check Specs How Does the New 2026 Toyota RAV4 Compare with the Old One? We Check Specs For 2026, Toyota drops the RAV4’s gas-only powertrain, offering a choice of hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups. The redesigned model takes design cues from the latest Camry and the Grand Highlander. A new GR Sport model, offered exclusively with the plug-in-hybrid powertrain, joins the RAV4 lineup for 2026. Toyota continues its mainstream hybrid push with the 2026 RAV4 crossover SUV. Like the latest Camry, the new RAV4 will be hybrid-only, but unlike the family sedan, the compact crossover will offer both hybrid and plug-in-hybrid options. Toyota is also expanding the trim lineup for the bestselling RAV4, and the new model debuts fresh software systems. To give you a better idea of what has changed on the RAV4, we’ve collected the important specs and details for the 2026 and 2025 models, highlighting what’s different in the new generation. Design and Dimensions Toyota offers enough versions of the RAV4 for the 2026 model year that it saw fit to break them out into subcategories. Each style, as the automaker calls them, has its own look. Core includes LE, XLE, and Limited trim levels and features a body-color grille and ****** fender flares. Rugged, which is just the updated Woodland trim, has a split ****** grille featuring LED lights from Rigid Industries as well as raised roof rails. And Sport models—including SE, XSE, and the new GR Sport—will be available with two-tone paint and come with colorful stitching for the upholstery. Regardless of trim or style, the new RAV4 looks blockier than its predecessor inside and out, with the front- and rear-end treatments reminiscent of the Camry and Grand Highlander’s designs. The 2026 RAV4 has the same 105.9-inch wheelbase measurement as the outgoing 2025 model. Overall length is unchanged for most trims at 180.9 inches, while the Woodland and GR Sport are slightly longer, measuring 181.8 inches long due to differences in bumper design. Interior and Cargo The 2026 RAV4’s standard infotainment setup uses a 10.5-inch center touchscreen, compared to an 8.0-inch screen in the 2025 model. The new model’s upgrade option is a 12.9-inch screen, which handily outdoes the 2025’s available 10.5-incher. Both systems feature a new version of Toyota’s Audio Multimedia System software, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are once again standard. Toyota is also including a 12.3-inch digital gauge display on all 2026 RAV4s; for 2025, digital gauges were available or included only on upper trims. Toyota hasn’t shared interior measurements or cargo capacity for the 2026 model yet, but we expect numbers similar to the 2025’s, which are pretty competitive. In our testing, we were able to fit 10 carry-on suitcases behind the current RAV4’s back seat and a max of 22 with that seat folded. Powertrains Prior to 2026, the RAV4 Hybrid was available only with all-wheel drive. Now that the gas-only version has been dropped, making the hybrid the base powertrain, Toyota added a front-drive version of the RAV4 Hybrid. That model makes 226 horsepower, 23 more than a 2025 front-drive gas model, while opting for all-wheel drive adds a motor on the rear axle and raises system output to 236 horsepower, 17 horses up on the 2025 AWD hybrid. The updated plug-in-hybrid system in the 2026 RAV4 generates up to 320 horsepower, which is 18 better than the 2025 PHEV. All-wheel drive will once again come standard with the plug-in powertrain. All-electric range on the plug-in increases from 42 miles on the 2025 model to 50 miles for 2026, thanks in part to a larger battery capacity. On the XSE and Woodland trims, the PHEV will now be able to use a DC fast-charger via a CCS charging port. However, the SE and GR Sport have a different charge port and aren’t fast-charge eligible. We don’t yet have fuel-economy ratings for either powertrain, but it’s a fair bet they will meet or beat the 2025 model’s figures. The current hybrid returns at least 38 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive, while the 2025 plug-in comes in at 40/36 mpg city/highway on gas or 94 MPGe combined with the electric motor contributing. Trims and Price The 2025 RAV4 is available in LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Woodland Edition, SE, XSE, and Limited trims. For 2026, the LE and XLE will be offered with the hybrid powertrain and a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while the Limited combines the hybrid with standard AWD. The Woodland and XSE will come with all-wheel drive and a choice of either powertrain. SE models offer FWD and AWD with the hybrid and are also available with the AWD-only plug-in powertrain, and the GR Sport will exclusively pair with the plug-in-hybrid setup and AWD. No word yet from Toyota on pricing, but the 2026 model should come in pretty close to the 2025’s base MSRP of $30,645. We anticipate the GR Sport will command a premium over other trims, likely somewhere around $51K. You Might Also Like Source link #Toyota #RAV4 #Compare #Check #Specs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sony’s Helldivers 2 Movie Update: Everything We Know Sony’s Helldivers 2 Movie Update: Everything We Know Sony’s surprise CES announcement in January left the Helldivers community picking their jaws off the floor. The gaming giant confirmed what many had speculated: Super Earth’s finest would be making the jump from consoles to the silver screen. But what exactly do we know about the Helldivers 2 movie adaptation? Between official statements, developer insights, and community speculation, the picture remains frustratingly incomplete. Like a Helldiver waiting for extraction in squid territory, fans are left scanning the horizon for any sign of what’s to come. The announcement that launched a thousand hellpods The news broke during Sony’s CES 2025 presentation when PlayStation Productions head Asad Qizilbash casually dropped what might be the most anticipated gaming adaptation since The Last of Us: …and we are just getting started. Looking ahead as to what might come next, I’m excited to announce we are working with Sony Pictures on developing a film adaptation of our amazingly popular PlayStation game ‘Helldivers 2.’ That’s it. No director. No cast. No release window. Just confirmation that Sony Pictures and PlayStation Productions are collaborating on the Helldivers 2 live-action project. For a company that typically reveals projects with meticulous teasers/trailers, the understated announcement felt almost like an afterthought. The timing couldn’t be more calculated. Arrowhead Game Studios’ chaotic fun co-op shooter has been an unprecedented success for Sony, becoming PlayStation Studios’ fastest-selling title with 12 million copies sold in its first quarter. The recent “Heart of Democracy” update has only fueled that momentum, bringing the fight to Super Earth itself. The real challenge isn’t finding an audience for a Helldivers film, but capturing the games’ unique blend of over-the-top action and biting satire. After all, this is a franchise where players cheerfully spout propaganda while “accidentally” obliterating their teammates with orbital strikes. Arrowhead’s limited role in spreading managed democracy Advisors, not directors of liberty. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios Fans hoping Arrowhead would maintain creative control over the adaptation received a diplomatic but clear message from the studio’s leadership. When directly questioned about the team’s involvement, Creative Director Johan Pilestedt finally addressed the elephant in the room: Hey! I’ve been dodging this question. The short answer is yes. The long answer is that we’ll see. We are not Hollywood people, and we don’t know what it takes to make a movie. And therefore we don’t, and shouldn’t, have final say. — Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) January 10, 2025 Reading between the lines, it appears that the developers themselves will serve in an advisory capacity rather than driving the creative vision. This hands-off approach makes sense given the studio’s focus on continuing to develop Helldivers 2 itself, particularly with the game’s recent resurgence following the Heart of Democracy update. The arrangement is akin Sony’s approach with other PlayStation adaptations like Uncharted and Gran Turismo, where game developers provided input but ultimately deferred to filmmakers. Results have been mixed, with critics generally less enthusiastic than audiences. For Helldivers fans, this creates a worrying scenario. The game’s satirical edge needs careful handling—too subtle, and it becomes generic sci-fi; too heavy-handed, and it loses the darkly comedic tone that makes the franchise special. Without Arrowhead steering the ship, maintaining that tone falls to whoever Sony brings aboard to helm the project. The Starship Troopers connection: homage or competition? Super Earth’s finest, reporting in! | Image Credit: TriStar Pictures The elephant-sized bug in the room is Starship Troopers. Paul Verhoeven’s 1997 sci-fi satire serves as Helldivers 2‘s spiritual predecessor, with both properties skewering militarism and fascism through the lens of over-the-top propaganda. This connection hasn’t gone unnoticed by the original film’s cast. Casper Van Dien, who portrayed Johnny Rico, has engaged with Pilestedt on social media, even criticizing the Helldivers’ capes (a fashion choice the Mobile Infantry would never approve). These interactions sparked rumors of a potential crossover, with Pilestedt suggesting Helldivers 2 needs some “Roughnecks” in the game. The film adaptation must thread the needle: honor Starship Troopers without becoming its shadow. Sony likely recognizes this challenge, which may explain their cautious approach to revealing details. The cosmic joke isn’t lost on fans that Helldivers 2—itself inspired by a movie that was adapted from a book—is now being adapted into a movie. This recursive loop of influence begs the question: what can the film offer that Verhoeven‘s cult classic hasn’t already delivered? Perhaps the secret sauce lies in the game’s cooperative chaos and the community that has formed around it. Where Starship Troopers focused on a single protagonist’s journey, a Helldivers film could embrace the expendable nature of its soldiers and the dark humor that emerges from their constant, often self-inflicted demise. Casting speculation: Who will die for democracy? A-listers with short lifespans. | Image Credit: Arrowhead Game Studios While no casting announcements have been made, Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani offered perhaps the most tantalizing hint at the film’s potential approach: We’re all hoping for as many A-list actors as possible. As long as they all get killed violently immediately. This gleefully brutal vision fits the game’s ethos perfectly, where death is both inevitable and spectacularly over-the-top. Picture a film that opens with recognizable stars making heroic speeches about liberty and democracy, only to be unceremoniously squashed by a Bile Titan within minutes. The approach would mirror Deadpool 2′s infamously bizarre treatment of the X-Force, but with the body count cranked to eleven—a fitting tribute to a game where friendly fire remains permanently enabled. It would also solve the adaptation’s biggest challenge: how to translate a multiplayer experience with disposable characters into a narrative film. Community speculation has ranged from practical (using the same actors for all Helldivers to emphasize their expendability) to ambitious (casting different actors for each mission, with none surviving to the credits). The latter would certainly be unprecedented in blockbuster filmmaking, but would capture the game’s essence in a way traditional storytelling couldn’t. Production timeline and what comes next Status: awaiting orders from High Command. | Image Credit: PlayStation/YouTube As of May 2025, the Helldivers 2 movie sits in early development limbo with no announced production timeline. Given Sony’s typical development cycle for video game adaptations, filming likely wouldn’t begin until late 2025 at the earliest, putting a potential release in late 2026 or beyond. This extended timeline lets Sony capitalize on the game’s continued momentum. The recent Heart of Democracy update has breathed fresh life into the player base, with Super Earth’s invasion creating new narrative possibilities that could shape the film’s direction. The adaptation benefits from PlayStation Productions’ growing expertise with game-to-screen jumps. With The Last of Us, Twisted Metal, and Fallout all finding success in television, and Uncharted performing well at the box office despite mixed reviews, Sony has built a foundation for translating gaming properties to new media. For now though, fans must continue their wait, scanning official channels for any intelligence drops about directors, writers, or cast. The community remains split on whether the adaptation will successfully bottle what makes Helldivers 2 special, but one thing remains certain: like a Helldiver calling in a stratagem, TIMING will be everything. FandomWire will be monitoring all channels for the slightest hint of new intelligence on this operation. Super Earth demands nothing less than our constant vigilance, so check back regularly as we update this file with fresh intel as it arrives! Only time will tell if this mission ends in glorious victory or another bug hunt gone wrong. Share your casting hopes and adaptation fears in the comments below! Source link #Sonys #Helldivers #Movie #Update Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

European stocks, FTSE; EasyJet, BT and British Land earnings European stocks, FTSE; EasyJet, BT and British Land earnings European stocks open lower It’s ten minutes after the opening bell, and European markets are trading in negative territory. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is 0.5% lower, with almost every sector in the red. Looking at regional bourses, the ******* DAX and French CAC 40 are both down by around 0.5%, while London’s FTSE 100 has shed 0.4%. — Chloe Taylor EasyJet sheds 3% as first-half loss widens, remains confident on full-year performance EasyJet reported a loss for the first six months of the year, but said current bookings indicate it will meet expectations for full-year profit. The airline said it made a pre-tax loss of £394 million ($529 million) for the first half of the year, compared with a £350 million loss for the same ******* in 2024. The company’s shares were down 3% at 08:10 a.m. London time, shortly after the market open. CEO Kenton Jarvis described the first half — normally a quieter ******* for airlines — as an “interesting time.” “In the first half, we have two quarters. The first quarter is the October through to December, and in that quarter, we actually performed very well,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Thursday. “Now in the second quarter, where we did make a slightly larger loss, that’s the ******* where airlines ramp up … In this quarter, we made important capacity investments and flew further, which helped drive productivity, and that helped reduce our unit costs during the half. But the routes themselves will need a little time to mature, and therefore needed some revenue stimulation.” Jarvis also cited capacity strains affecting all airlines — as both Airbus and Boeing fail to meet their original aircraft delivery schedules — but stressed that “demand is there.” EasyJet said that current bookings mean it was confident it will meet forecasts and report a profit for this financial year. “Demand looks good for the summer. As you said, our book position for both our third quarter, which ends in June, and our fourth quarter, which ends in September, are ahead of where they were this time last year,” Jarvis said. “We’re also seeing very positive bookings in our holidays division, where we’re expecting something like 25% passenger growth year-on-year. So demand is looking good for the summer at the moment, and supply is relatively constrained.” Stock Chart IconStock chart icon EasyJet What to expect from companies reporting results todayEasyJet The budget airliner is expected to release its second quarter results this morning and analysts are looking forward to commentary on the busy summer holiday season ahead. Analyst from Bank of America said they are expecting “available seat kilometers” — a metric measuring airline capacity — to increase by 13%, compared to last year. Looking back, the analyst expects the airline to report an 86% load factor capacity for the second quarter. “Shares trade at 7x [financial year 2025 price-to-earnings], below their 11x historical average, which we see as unjustified, given solid earnings prospect and strong balance sheet,” said BofA analysts led by Muneeba Kayani in a note to clients. BT Group Deutsche Bank analysts downgraded British telecom group BT shares weeks ahead of its fourth quarter results, citing the 17% rally in its share price this year. BT shares “have proven even more defensive than peers at a time of trade war confusion, a weak economy and GBP strength, despite Openreach line losses,” said Deutsche Bank’s Robert Grindle in a note to clients that downgraded the stock to a “Sell” rating. A BT Group Plc logo on a EE/BT Group Plc store in London, ***, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. Hollie Adams | Bloomberg | Getty Images The analyst cautioned investors that the company still faces fundamental challenges, such as new competitors taking market share. Grindle acknowledged that Bharti, one of India’s largest telecom operators, taking a stake in the company has added positive sentiment to the stock. British Land Analysts at UBS expect the most upside for British Land following its fourth quarter results, compared to its peers, Great Portland Estates and Land Securities. “This ultimately stems from the continued strong performance we’ve seen from the retail warehouse sector, and our expectation that their City office exposure will likely produce a strong beat on the underlying market benchmark numbers,” said UBS analyst Zachary Gauge in a note to clients on May 15. — Ganesh Rao European markets heading into negative territory at the open London was the No. 2 most-visited city in the world for 2023, according to Euromonitor International. Karl Hendon | Moment | Getty Images Good morning from London and welcome to CNBC’s live blog covering the latest action in European markets as well as business news, analysis, earnings and data. Here are the opening calls on Thursday: European markets are expected to open lower, with London’s FTSE seen opening down 43 points at 8,739, Germany’s DAX 135 points lower at 23,984, the French CAC 40 down 48 points at 7,865 and Italy’s FTSE MIB down 251 points at 40,331, according to data from IG. — Holly Ellyatt What to keep an eye on today EasyJet passenger aircraft on the tarmac at London Southend Airport in Southend-on-Sea, U.K., on May 3, 2024. Bloomberg | Getty Images There are a couple of big earnings reports and data releases to look out for on Thursday: Earnings are set to come from EasyJet, BT, British Land and Tate and Lyle on Thursday. Preliminary purchasing managers’ index data will be released for France and the U.K. CNBC will also be bringing you interviews from the Barclays leadership conference, focusing on energy, geopolitics and sector-specific challenges. — Holly Ellyatt What’s been going on in Asia-Pacific and U.S. markets overnight? Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on May 21, 2025, in New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images European markets are expected to follow their global counterparts lower on Thursday as concerns grow over the U.S.’ deepening budget deficit. Asia-Pacific markets fell overnight, tracking declines on Wall Street as investor sentiment soured on fears that a new U.S. budget bill could substantially add to the country’s debt. U.S. stock futures were flat in overnight trading after markets stateside saw a sizable sell-off Wednesday as worries about a ballooning deficit deepened. In regular trading, the blue-chip Dow slid more than 800 points, while the S&P 500 finished the day 1.6% lower. Equities were pressured by a sharp spike in Treasury yields amid concerns that a new U.S. budget bill would put even more stress on the country’s already large deficit. The rocky negotiations on Capitol Hill over tax and federal budget changes have become a fresh worry for investors after tariff headlines subsided. — Holly Ellyatt, Yun Li, Lee Ying Shan Source link #European #stocks #FTSE #EasyJet #British #Land #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Silver and Blood surpasses 3 million sign-ups in its pre-registration phase, with plenty of goodies up for grabs Silver and Blood surpasses 3 million sign-ups in its pre-registration phase, with plenty of goodies up for grabs Already 3.8 million sign-ups and rising SSR Vassal Hati x1 up for grabs More than 50 Vassals you can unlock In case you missed it, Moonton has opened pre-registration sign-ups for Silver and Blood, the studio’s upcoming RPG. It’s been a while since this was last teased, and maybe that means the team is really working hard to make sure it’s in the best shape it can be before it’s out. If you’ve been eagerly awaiting its launch, it seems you won’t have to wait too long for the official release – but in the meantime, pre-registering for this gothic vampire-themed journey will reward you with goodies that you can score at launch. In particular, signing up for Silver and Blood will offer milestone rewards such as Moon Tears and even the SSR character, Hati. At the moment, there are already 3.8 million sign-ups, and at 4 million, it’ll unlock SR Vassal Jestel x1, rising up until Soothing Embrace x10 & SSR Vassal Hati x1 for 10 million pre-registrations. With that alone, I don’t doubt the RPG’s popularity – and to be honest, I’d be curious about it too based on the visuals alone. I mean, just look at the trailer below! There’s also going to be more than 50 Vassals you can unlock across 5 factions, with a variety of skills to discover and an interesting tale to unlock along the way. While you wait for the official launch though, why not take a look at our list of the best RPGs on Android to get your fill? In the meantime, if you’re eager to join in on all the fun, you can do so by checking out Silver and Blood on the App Store and on Google Play. It’s free-to-play with in-app purchases. The App Store says it’s got an expected release date of June 26th, but do take that with a grain of salt as these things often change without prior notice. You can also join the community of followers on the official Facebook page to stay updated on all the latest developments, or visit the official website for more info. Source link #Silver #Blood #surpasses #million #signups #preregistration #phase #plenty #goodies #grabs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Megabill push reveals GOP’s reluctant embrace of economic populism – Politico Megabill push reveals GOP’s reluctant embrace of economic populism – Politico Megabill push reveals GOP’s reluctant embrace of economic populism PoliticoBudget office: Republicans’ megabill would give to the rich and take from the poor MSNBC NewsTrump and GOP’s tax bill would force cuts to Medicare, CBO says The Washington PostTrump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ will lead to Medicare cuts: CBO The HillPreliminary Analysis of the Distributional Effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Congressional Budget Office (.gov) Source link #Megabill #push #reveals #GOPs #reluctant #embrace #economic #populism #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

BTC/USD Breakout: Bitcoin Bulls Eye Close Above Prior High BTC/USD Breakout: Bitcoin Bulls Eye Close Above Prior High Bitcoin surges to record highs during Asian trade Trump tax bill nears House vote, adding to U.S. debt concerns Breakout may encourage fresh longs, if it sticks has rocketed to record highs in Asia as Donald Trump’s signature ‘big, beautiful’ tax bill moves closer to becoming law, adding to simmering concerns about the U.S. fiscal trajectory. If the breakout sticks, it may encourage additional bulls to join the charge higher. Trump Tax Bill Faces House Vote Amid Debt Doubts The U.S. House of Representatives will attempt to pass President Donald Trump’s tax and spending package in the early hours of Thursday, following weeks of internal Republican wrangling. The bill includes an extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, new tax breaks, increased military and border spending, and tighter eligibility for Medicaid and food assistance programs. The U.S. Congressional Budget Office estimates the legislation could add $3.8 trillion to the federal debt over the next decade, which already exceeds $36 trillion. The bill would also raise the U.S. debt ceiling by $4 trillion. The vote comes days after Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to Aa1, citing concerns over the government’s worsening fiscal position. As noted earlier, long-end U.S. Treasury yields have started reflecting structural fiscal concerns rather than the growth and inflation outlook. The confluence of rising issuance and higher deficits is pushing investors toward hard assets with limited supply. Gold may be glistening, but Bitcoin is booming. BTC/USD Breakout—Will it Stick? Source: TradingView While bulls would have been nervous as Bitcoin reversed back below the former record high of $109,185 late Wednesday, mirroring false breaks of the past, a fresh wave of buying during the Asian session has undoubtedly improved the mood. Some traders may buy immediately on the breakout. Still, given Bitcoin’s history of false breaks around these levels, it’s preferable to wait for a close above the former record high before committing to long positions. Pullbacks towards Wednesday’s high around $109900 would provide a decent entry level, allowing a stop to be placed below the former record high for protection against reversal. While some prefer extension targets, Bitcoin has had a knack of delivering obvious topping patterns when it’s traded at record highs previously, be they single-candle patterns such as shooting stars or bearish engulfers or multi-candle like evening stars. It’s up to the desired risk-reward you’re after, but if you see one or one forming, consider taking profit if you’re not a ‘hodler’. Momentum indicators are bullish and trending higher, although RSI (14) is overbought on the dailies. While that reminds me of reversal risk, previous episodes where RSI (14) sat around these levels did not result in immediate pullbacks. If Bitcoin were to have another failure at these levels, it would make a strong case for switching to a bearish bias. Beyond the former record high, big figures such as $105,000 and $100,000 would be in focus. Original Post Source link #BTCUSD #Breakout #Bitcoin #Bulls #Eye #Close #Prior #High Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moment police apprehend a runaway kangaroo in Colorado Moment police apprehend a runaway kangaroo in Colorado Body camera footage captured by the Durango Police Department shows officers chase and catch Irwin the kangaroo. It’s not clear how Irwin escaped from his home in the southwestern Colorado town, but kangaroos are permitted to be kept as pets in the state. “We had an officer ask one of the deputies close by for a lasso, and I don’t know how far out he was, so I was like, you know what, we have him cornered now, we might as well just try and apprehend him now”, said Officer Shane Garrison. Source link #Moment #police #apprehend #runaway #kangaroo #Colorado Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Moment Jewish Museum shooting suspect is detained Moment Jewish Museum shooting suspect is detained Video appears to show suspect Elias Rodriguez being taken away by police and shouting ‘free Palestine’. Source link #Moment #Jewish #Museum #shooting #suspect #detained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Brave to the end: army helicopter ****** victims hailed Brave to the end: army helicopter ****** victims hailed Four crew killed in an army helicopter ****** were “brave and selfless to the end”, the defence minister says, confirming the government accepts all 46 recommendations of a safety report. The Aviation Safety Investigation Report into the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter ****** off the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland on July 28, 2023 was released on Wednesday. Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class Two Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs were killed when their helicopter crashed into the sea during Exercise Talisman Sabre. Defence Minister Richard Marles thanked the Defence Flight Safety Bureau for their “tireless” work on the report and said every recommendation would be accepted by the government. The investigation, one of four into the ******, was an important step in understanding what occurred and learning from it, the minister told reporters in Brisbane on Thursday. “I would observe that the four crew who tragically lost their lives I’m absolutely certain were brave and selfless to the end,” he said. “Our thoughts are very much with their families, and we continue to work with them.” Mr Marles said the defence force was deeply focused on safety, but what defence did was inherently dangerous and it was important to “train for real”. The Talisman Sabre exercise alongside US and other nations’ forces was Australia’s most significant annual exercise for such training, he said. The ****** report found the primary cause of the tragedy was “spatial disorientation”, which happens when a pilot misperceives the position of their aircraft in relation to the surrounding environment. It concluded the pilots were likely experiencing a level of fatigue shown to “impede optimal performance” and increase susceptibility to spatial disorientation. “The estimated level of fatigue … was considered sufficient to affect their actions and decisions in the event,” the report said. It said the pilot likely didn’t know the chopper was facing nose down and combined with a lack of recognition of the aircraft’s increasing airspeed “resulted in a very high and unrecoverable rate of descent towards the water”. The helicopter was conducting manoeuvres during rain showers and flying with its cabin doors closed, factors that restricted visibility. Defence All-hours Support Line (ASL) – 1800 628 036 Defence Member and Family Support – 1800 624 608 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling – 1800 011 046 Lifeline – 13 11 14 Source link #Brave #army #helicopter #****** #victims #hailed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Gold Rally Could Be Past Its Peak by Year End: StanChart Gold Rally Could Be Past Its Peak by Year End: StanChart Standard Chartered Precious Metal Analyst Suki Cooper discusses the factors that led to the gold rally and its relationship to the inflow of ETFs. “If we start to see tax stimulus measures in the US and we start to see some of the uncertainty around geopolitical risks starting to unwind, we could actually see gold starting to stabilize the elevated levels,” Cooper tells Bloomberg Television. Source link #Gold #Rally #Peak #Year #StanChart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Senate votes to ignore GAO, parliamentarian to end EV rule – Axios Senate votes to ignore GAO, parliamentarian to end EV rule – Axios Senate votes to ignore GAO, parliamentarian to end EV rule AxiosSenate Republicans trigger a clash over the filibuster with vote to kill electric vehicle rule NBC NewsSenate Clears Way to Overturn California Air Pollution Standards The New York TimesSenate GOP set to revoke California’s car emissions standards, in a move Democrats call “the nuclear option” CBS NewsDemocrats vow payback in Senate rules fight Politico Source link #Senate #votes #ignore #GAO #parliamentarian #rule #Axios Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

House appears set to vote on Trump’s tax and domestic policy bill early Thursday House appears set to vote on Trump’s tax and domestic policy bill early Thursday Washington — The House was moving early Thursday toward a vote on President Trump’s domestic policy bill, hours after unveiling an updated version of the legislation that Republican leaders hope will satisfy enough holdouts. The measure cleared a critical hurdle — a procedural vote to begin debate on the massive budget package. A vote on the bill could follow later in the morning. The legislation, which addresses the president’s tax, defense and energy priorities, has overcome several setbacks since the beginning of the year after GOP leadership made repeated assurances to holdouts that their concerns would be addressed later if they kept the legislation moving forward. But as Speaker Mike Johnson’s self-imposed deadline to get the measure across the finish line in the House by Memorial Day quickly approached, the Louisiana Republican was facing increasing opposition from several factions of his party to parts of the bill involving Medicaid, the state and local tax deduction and other provisions. A 42-page managers amendment released by House GOP leaders late Wednesday includes changes to win over both the budget hardliners in the House Freedom Caucus and blue-state Republicans pressing to ease the tax burden on their constituents. The new version would, among other things, move up the implementation of Medicaid work requirements from Oct. 1, 2027 to Dec. 31, 2026, a change sought by hardliners. Another change to the bill would more quickly end tax credits for new renewable energy power plants, requiring them to begin construction within 60 days of the enactment of the legislation and be in service no later than Dec. 31, 2028. The measure makes an exception for nuclear plants, which must be under construction by Dec. 31, 2028. Johnson can only afford three defections if all members are present and voting, given his slim majority. All Democrats are expected to oppose it. Right-wing holdouts met Wednesday afternoon with Mr. Trump and Johnson at the White House. After the meeting, Johnson huddled with other members of the Republican conference to brief them on the changes while House Freedom Caucus members met separately. Before the White House meeting Wednesday, Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland, who chairs the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said he wasn’t optimistic the bill could pass this week, though he was “pretty confident” it could be passed within 10 days. But other budget hardliners said after the meeting that negotiations were headed in the right direction. During a visit to the Capitol Tuesday, Mr. Trump pressured Republicans to fall in line behind the legislation — which House GOP leaders have named “The Big, Beautiful Bill” — and suggested that those who don’t could face primary challenges. In a statement of administrative policy issued Wednesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget urged House Republicans to pass the measure, saying it “reflects the shared priorities of both Congress and the Administration,” adding, “failure to pass this bill would be the ultimate betrayal.” The details of the updated version of the legislation came together in the final hours before the vote. Johnson also negotiated with Republicans from blue states over a provision on state and local tax deductions, known as SALT. The moderates advocated for an increase to the SALT cap, currently set at $10,000, but argued that the $30,000 cap outlined in the package remained too low. An agreement was reached to increase the deduction to $40,000 per household for incomes up to $500,000, according to the managers amendment. GOP Rep. Mike Lawler of New York said Wednesday night that, with the increase, he believed all those opposed to the original provision were now on board. But even if Johnson is able to shepherd the legislation through the lower chamber, it’s expected to face resistance in the Senate — where numerous Republicans have said they’ll seek changes to the bill. Johnson met with Senate Republicans to discuss the budget process Tuesday. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, told reporters Wednesday that the speaker would “like to see as little change to the product as possible, because they cobble together a very delicate balance over there.” But Thune said “the Senate will have its imprint on it.” Caitlin Yilek Caitlin Yilek is a politics reporter at CBSNews.com, based in Washington, D.C. She previously worked for the Washington Examiner and The Hill, and was a member of the 2022 Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship with the National Press Foundation. Source link #House #appears #set #vote #Trumps #tax #domestic #policy #bill #early #Thursday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chagos Islands deal paused by last minute legal action Chagos Islands deal paused by last minute legal action BBC The government has temporarily been banned from concluding talks on the Chagos Islands deal by a last-minute injunction granted in the early hours of Thursday by a High Court judge. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. You can receive Breaking News on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on X to get the latest alerts. Source link #Chagos #Islands #deal #paused #minute #legal #action Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Reds primed for high-stakes Super clash with Hurricanes Reds primed for high-stakes Super clash with Hurricanes Their hopes of a home play-off all but shot, the Queensland Reds are backing returning Wallabies captain Harry Wilson to fire the side back into Super Rugby title contention. The fourth-placed Reds host the fifth-placed Hurricanes on Friday night in a high-stakes encounter in Brisbane that could well decide both sides’ semi-finals fate. Despite needing a minor miracle to reel in the third-placed Crusaders over the last two rounds, the Reds will still be favoured to reach the grand final qualifier if they topple the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium. Under the new six-team finals format, the highest-ranked losing side in the opening week of the play-offs will progress to the semi-finals. That leaves the Reds with plenty to play for after a deflating derby defeat to the ACT Brumbies in Canberra. “Every game’s been pretty crucial for the last three weeks. This is no different, so the boys are focused,” Reds coach Les Kiss said on Thursday. “We’re playing the 80 minutes very strong. We’re finishing probably stronger than most other teams at the moment. We’re just not nailing a couple of little things.” Wilson has missed Queensland’s past five games, of which the Reds won only two, and Kiss can’t overstate the flanker’s importance ahead of what shapes as a fierce back-row battle. “It’s a pretty good Hurricanes back row, but we’ve got Harry,” Kiss said. “I dare say that’s going to be a fairly critical part of the game. “They’re dangerous across the park. They’re a young team who, like us, are prepared to back their skill set. “It’s going to be a fantastic game to watch but, yeah, we certainly have to be aware of (Hurricanes flanker Du’Plessis) Kirifi and co. “Fraser (McReight) got three or four turnovers last week so I’m looking forward to that battle.” Kiss conceded the Reds had been frustrated at their inability to close out several tight contests this campaign but hoped to hit the finals running after following up Friday’s match with another home clash with the Fijian Drua. “You can get down lost in a ****-de-sac of doom but these boys, they don’t do that,” he said. “They just want to get onto the next solution and look for that. So we’ve worked smart and hard. We’ve had one training session this week to work through that. “We’ve got a pretty dynamic team we’re coming up against so we we have to be better than we have been, that’s for sure.” Source link #Reds #primed #highstakes #Super #clash #Hurricanes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Diversification Trade May Only Just Be Starting: Citi’s Manthey Diversification Trade May Only Just Be Starting: Citi’s Manthey There are signs that the diversification of equity flows away from the US may only be in its infancy, according to Beata Manthey, strategist at Citigroup. Manthey, who called the European stocks rally in October, says the latest inflows into Europe have offset only 10% of the previous outflows, which occurred when investors took flight after Russia invaded Ukraine. She speaks on Bloomberg Television. Source link #Diversification #Trade #Starting #Citis #Manthey Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

8GB vs 16GB Model Price Difference, US Launch Date, and Everything We Know 8GB vs 16GB Model Price Difference, US Launch Date, and Everything We Know AMD has been on a roll lately, with back-to-back hits in both its Ryzen CPU lineup, along with its previously lamentable Radeon GPUs. They had a flurry of announcements at the 2025 Computex Keynote, but nothing stood out as much as the RX 9060 XT. The Radeon RX 9060 XT is shaping up to potentially become one of the most popular GPUs in recent memory, partly thanks to an uninterested Nvidia. Read on, to know more about the card, its two versions, launch pricing,g and more. AMD officially unveils the RX 9060 XT at Computex 2025 AMD had its Computex event today, May 21, 2025 – where it showcased its advancements in AI, future partnerships, and of course, the RX 9060 XT. This is a more mid-range GPU offering from AMD, and should directly compete with the RTX 5060 and RTX 5060 Ti GPUs from Nvidia. The RX 9060 XT offers stiff competition to the RTX 5060 Ti | Image Credits: AMD The hype surrounding the card was already quite intense when leaks of it first emerged, and with confirmed availability it is sure to be a hit. The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT will retail for a rather aggressive price of $349, at its highest-end config. The card is an incredibly accessible GPU from AMD, which offers surprisingly competitive performance – even in ray tracing and upscaling, something which AMD has historically trailed behind in. This is a Navi 44-based GPU. When will the RX 9060 XT be released? The RX 9060 XT is set to launch on June 5, 2025 as of the time of writing this article. The card will be available only via retail partners this time around. This means that the rendered RX 9060 XT that was shown in the presentation is not indicative of a retail product. In other words, there is no reference version of the RX 9060 XT. While this does allow for board partners to come up with rather wacky ideas and intriguing concepts beyond what AMD would set the baseline as, it does throw the pricing (and availability) at the mercy of these retailers. Specifications and features of the RX 9060 XT The RX 9060 XT is primed as a budget, entry-level card thanks to its rather aggressive pricing of $349 and $299 for the 16 GB and 8 GB VRAM configurations, respectively. The RX 9060 XT possesses 2048 cores | Image Credits: AMD It would appear that AMD has taken a leaf out of Nvidia’s book this time around – opting to offer a rather useless 8 GB variant. Suffice to say that readers would find it in their best interests to nab an RX 9060 XT with 16 gigabytes of VRAM over the 8 GB version. 8 GB of VRAM is barely enough for modern AAA games these days, and having the 16 GB version should net you a lot more headroom. That being said, here are the card’s official specifications: GPU Family: Navi 44 Cores: 2048 Memory: 8 or 16 GB GDDR6 Boost Clock: 3.13 GHz Memory Bus: 128 bit Memory Speed: 20 Gbps Memory Bandwidth: 320 GB/s TDP: 150 W or 160 W PCIe Version: PCIe 5.0 x 16 In addition to the extra VRAM, the 16 GB version of the RX 9060 XT seems to have a slightly higher TDP. That’s as far as specifications go. In terms of features, the RX 9060 XT is no slouch. Being based on the newer RDNA 4 architecture, the card supports much superior ray tracing, compute, and graphics workload support – all while maintaining a relatively modest maximum TDP. Other than these generational improvements, there is also the addition of FSR 4 support – something which is exclusive to RDNA 4 cards at present. FSR 4 is a major step up over FSR 3.1, and uses hardware accelerated approximations to upscale images. The result is immediately apparent and can hold its own against the likes of DLSS from Nvidia. 8 GB vs 16 GB: Which version of the RX 9060 XT should you buy? In short, purchasing the 16 GB version of the RX 9060 XT is a more sound decision. Given that the price difference is only $50, you get double the amount of VRAM which is very crucial for gaming. After all, 8 GB is really pushing it these days, and you are more likely to run into bottlenecks sooner rather than later with the 8 GB variant. Modern games mandate a minimum of 8 GB VRAM, which can be easily exceeded when bumping up texture resolutions into High or even Medium territory. Furthermore, as per recently released information, the 8 GB version of the RX 9070 XT appears to have a lower TDP as well. The card tops out at 150 W of total power – as opposed to the 160 W seen in the 16 GB model. This surplus 10 W of power is very likely going to make a small difference in performance – which, when coupled with the additional 8 gigabytes of VRAM should make picking the 16 GB version a no-brainer. This is all assuming that you can get your hands on the card at MSRP. The RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT launched with a competitive price too, but failed to retain the same thanks to rampant scalping and supply chain distribution issues. Expect a markup of somewhere between $100 to $200 for these GPUs. Regardless, readers are still urged not to spend their hard-earned money on the 8-gigabyte version of the card, given its shockingly poor value. The 8 GB version should not really exist in the first place, and can be best described as a waste of silicon. A 12 GB version would have made more sense. Alternatively, AMD could have simply launched the card with 16 GB of VRAM and no other SKU. Source link #8GB #16GB #Model #Price #Difference #Launch #Date Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xbox Handheld Gaming Console to Arrive With Custom AMD Processor, Tipster Claims Xbox Handheld Gaming Console to Arrive With Custom AMD Processor, Tipster Claims Microsoft is said to be developing an Xbox handheld gaming console, and details of the device’s specifications have surfaced online. While Asus is expected to launch an Xbox-branded handheld device with a dedicated Xbox key in the coming months, Microsoft’s device could be equipped with a low-powered processor developed by AMD, according to a leaker. Microsoft is also expected to launch its next-gen gaming console in 2027, which is expected to compete with the purported PlayStation 6. AMD to Develop Custom Chip for ‘Real’ Microsoft Handheld According to details shared by user KeplerL2 on the NeoGAF forums, Microsoft will use a custom low-power APU designed by AMD on its handheld gaming device. The leaker doesn’t provide additional details related to the power consumption or the architecture of the processor. The user claims that the custom APU designed by AMD will be used on the “real” Xbox handheld from Microsoft. Meanwhile, the Xbox branded handhelds that are produced by other OEMs like Asus, will be equipped with other processors like the AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme, Intel’s Lunar or Panther lake CPUs, Nvidia’s N1, and the Snapdragon X Elite 2. Previous rumours had suggested Microsoft’s first-party device might be equipped with an Arm-based chip, which sparked concerns related to backwards compatibility. If the leaker’s claim is accurate, then the Xbox handheld should offer compatibility with a wider range of titles. While there’s no word on when Microsoft’s own Xbox handheld console will make its debut, Asus is expected to launch an Xbox branded model soon. The Asus ROG Ally 2 was recently listed on the US FCC website alongside the ‘Project Kennan’ model, which appears in a ****** colourway with an Xbox button. The ****** variant of the ROG Ally 2 is reportedly powered by an AMD Ryzen Z2 Extreme (36W) APU, paired with 64GB of RAM. Meanwhile, the white variant has a less powerful AMD Aeirth Plus (20W) APU. These models are expected to sport a 7-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate. The next-gen ROG Ally console could debut soon with some notable hardware upgrades, and Asus previously teased its arrival via a post on X (formerly Twitter). At the time, the company didn’t specify whether it would be an Xbox-branded device, but Microsoft responded to the post with a meme, which might have been a hint at the collaboration on the upcoming Project Kennan handheld device. Source link #Xbox #Handheld #Gaming #Console #Arrive #Custom #AMD #Processor #Tipster #Claims Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Indianapolis Colts’ music-loving owner Jim Irsay dies at age 65 – AP News Indianapolis Colts’ music-loving owner Jim Irsay dies at age 65 – AP News Indianapolis Colts’ music-loving owner Jim Irsay dies at age 65 AP NewsLongtime Colts owner and CEO Irsay dies at 65 ESPNColts’ Jim Irsay was the NFL’s fallible and touchable owner, and his bold voice spelled the end of Dan Snyder Yahoo SportsPeyton Manning is “heartbroken” by the news of Jim Irsay’s passing NBC SportsHere’s what we know about Colts ownership after Jim Irsay’s death CBS Sports Source link #Indianapolis #Colts #musicloving #owner #Jim #Irsay #dies #age #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Maroons prop’s Origin plea for refs to ‘let it slide’ Maroons prop’s Origin plea for refs to ‘let it slide’ Moeaki Fotuaika has urged officials to “let a few slide” when addressing how the NRL’s high-shot crackdown might impact the State of Origin opener. The Gold Coast prop has been named to start alongside clubmate Tino Faasuamaleaui in Wednesday’s first game in Brisbane. And, on the back of a series-deciding loss at Suncorp Stadium last year, the pair have made a pact to “lay the foundation” with physical defence. Complicating that is the fact there has never been a greater NRL focus on high contact. There were a record 18 sin-bins recorded in one round earlier this year with the Titans, at the time, the most penalised team for high-contact indiscretions. Ahead of his 10th appearance for Queensland, Fotuaika said there was a need to manage aggression but also a hope the Origin arena would be adjudicated differently to club level. “Controlling that aggression … sometimes you can go a bit over the top,” he said on Thursday from camp on the Sunshine Coast. “Hoping, because it’s an Origin game, they can sort of let a few slide. “If it’s a penalty game, obviously the spectators aren’t going to enjoy that part. “I’m sure the refs will work around that.” Faasuamaleaui missed last year’s series with a long-term knee injury and, boasting three series wins from his four campaigns, looms as a difference maker in 2025. “He’s definitely influential,” Fotuaika said. “His presence; he’s a big lad, when you have him beside you in that defensive line you have more confidence. “It makes us a lot better. “When Tino got the call on Sunday, after the Canberra game, he looked over at me and gave me the nod that I was getting the call after him. “When Billy told me I would be starting alongside the big fella I was excited. “Me and Tino have spoken about it. We want to lay the foundation for this team. We all know what we have to do.” Tough-as-nails North Queensland forward Reuben Cotter is in the same boat, taking last year’s State of Origin series loss personally after the pack was outgunned in the second and third games. Cotter has been named in the backrow but will likely spend time in the middle as he has in previous campaigns. Tom Gilbert’s pectoral injury will rule him out for a second-straight year, coach Billy Slater instead calling on rookies Trent Loiero and Beau Fermor to match it with the Blues. “I dare say I’ll find myself in the middle at some stage,” Cotter told AAP. “We’re up for the fight for sure, with some troops back. “Tino’s a huge addition. Big Lindsay’s (Collins) going good … all our forwards are playing some good footy and it’s good to have some size. “Definitely we take it personally; we keep the focus on us, dial in, but nobody wants to lose at home.” Fullback Kalyn Ponga (leg) is yet to train fully with the squad but Fotuaika has no doubt he’ll play next week. Source link #Maroons #props #Origin #plea #refs #slide Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]