Patel Taylors plans for 35-storey Isle of Dogs tower also given council backingFoster & Partners' revised plans for the 2-6 Commercial street scheme in Whitechapel1/2show captionA decision on a long-delayed office tower in Whitechapel designed by Foster & Partners has been deferred for a second time after councillors ignored the advice of planning officers to reject the proposals.In the latest twist to plans which have been on the books since 2018, six Tower Hamlets councillors said they were minded to approve the 17-storey scheme at 2-6 Commercial Street, with one abstention.A final decision will now be taken at a future committee meeting to allow planning officers to assess issues raised at the meeting and draw up planning conditions in a fresh report.The 41,000sq m proposals were on the agenda for the councils planning committee last month, also with a recommendation to refuse, but a decision was deferred to allow a site visit, which took place on 17 December.Councillors said in yesterday evenings committee meeting that the scheme would be an effective use of the site, which is currently a car park, and would reduce anti-social behaviour in the area including alleged drug dealing activity.Previous Foster & Partners proposals for the site, which were rejected in 2021They also said that despite the site not being located in a designated tall building zone, the impact of the buildings height would be lessened as it was close to several existing tall buildings.The scheme was a redesign of a previous application for the site designed by Foster & Partners for a shorter, 14-storey building that was rejected in 2021 due to concerns over its height and impact on nearby heritage assets.Although taller, the new proposals would retain the frontage of an existing building on the site while its massing would be stepped back compared to the original application.Meanwhile, councillors voted to back the officers recommendation to approve a 35-storey residential building designed by Patel Taylor at the same committee meeting.The 1 Selsdon Way scheme on the Isle of Dogs will see the demolition of an existing office building and the construction of 307 homes, 35% of which will be affordable.It will take the form of a four-storey podium topped by a slender triangular tower faced with a yellow-coloured brick cladding.Patel Taylors proposals for 1 Selsdon Way were approved yesterday evening

Bromptons proposed 100 million headquarters in Ashford, Kent, secured the backing of Ashford Borough Councils planning committee last night (15 January). Councillors voted by 10 to two in favour of the scheme, which is backed by developer Quinn Estates.If built, the proposals would deliver a new factory, 46,000m2 of office space, a museum and wetlands on a 40ha site just south of Ashford town centre and RSHPs Ashford Designer Outlet, completed in 2001.However, Bromptons accounts for the year ending March 2024 have potentially put the scheme in doubt. Companies House filings showed profits at the west London-based business collapsed by more than 99 per cent, dropping from 10.7 million to 4,602 since March 2023.AdvertisementPlanning officers in Ashford, Kent, had recommended the project for approval days after The Guardian reported that the Brompton HQ scheme had been paused. The same report said Brompton had canceled dividends to shareholders as a result of the fall in profit.Speaking at the committee, Brompton CEO Will Butler-Adams said its plans for Ashford were so the business which he admitted had fallen to zero profitability could find its real home. He added that the company had moved five times in its 50 years and that moving was not easy.Butler-Adams continued: We looked at Ashford, Manchester, Birmingham right across the UK and it was Ashford that [] stood above the rest.Ashfords councillors approved the proposal after debating the flood risk of the development, which planning officers said would provide a net gain of 400 cubic meters of compensatory storage area for floodwater. Planning officers had recommended the project.Hollaway Studios designs for the cycle manufacturer were first shown off in 2022. The scheme includes new structure on stilts floating 2.2m above rewilded greenfield land, with room for increasing Bromptons 850 staff to as many as 1,500.AdvertisementThe scheme features no car parking, but has a circular walking and cycle path, which, according to Hollaway, will provide both expansive views of the site and multisensory experiences of the factory.Hollaway added that the campus would be carbon-neutral and use natural light and air flows, as well as using wind and solar power to contribute to its energy demands.Speaking to the AJ following approval, Hollaway told the AJ: This is a real milestone for Brompton and Hollaway Studio. Weve been working closely with this innovative client for the last few years to bring this application to committee and in the process we have managed to overcome many challenges.The practice continued: The project allows for development in a flood zone 3, zero parking and is situated in a green corridor. All of these aspects required innovative design solutions and, working with a great team, weve managed to overcome. We very much look forward, in time, to continuing to work with Brompton in the next steps to realise this project.Founded in 1976, Brompton specialises in compact, foldable bikes and is now the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK. It has said the new building will be perfectly located between London and Paris two of its biggest markets.Brompton has been contacted for comment.

See at ESPN Watch Copa Del Rey soccer in the US from $11 a month ESPN Plus See at ESPN See more details See at ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming ExpressVPN See at ExpressVPN See more details Table of Contents Real Madrid will attempt to pick themselves up following their Supercup final disaster at the weekend, as they host Celta Vigo in this round of 16 clash in the Copa Del Rey.Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti will be expecting a positive reaction from his players after they went down 5-2 to eternal rivals Barcelona in Sunday's showpiece Supercup final in Saudi Arabia.They now face Galician side Celta, who currently find themselves in 12th position in La Liga. Claudio Girldez Gonzlez's men had to battle past second-tier Racing Santander in the last round to reach this stage.Real Madrid take on Celta Vigo at the Estadio Santiago Bernabu on Thursday, Jan. 16. Kickoff is set for9:30 p.m. CET local time, making it a3:30 p.m. ET and 12:30 p.m. PT start in the US, a 8:30 p.m. GMT start in the UK and a 7:30 a.m. AEDTFriday kickoff in Australia.Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game as it happens, wherever you are in the world. Despite his recent rich vein of form, Jude Bellingham was unable to prevent Real Madrid from crashing to a humbling 5-2 defeat to rivals Barcelona in last Sunday's Supercup final in Jeddah. Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto/Getty Images How to watch Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo in the US without cableThis match is available to stream in the US via ESPN Plus, which has live English and Spanish-language broadcast rights for Spanish Copa Del Rey fixtures in the States. ESPN Plus ESPN's standalone streaming service costs $11 a month or $110 for an annual subscription.Read our ESPN Plus review. See at ESPN How to watch Copa Del Rey from anywhere with a VPNIf you find yourself unable to view Copa Del Rey matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this. Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. James Martin/CNET 2024 Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. 61% off with 2yr plan (+4 free months) See at ExpressVPN Can I livestream Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo in the UK?While Premier Sports and ITV show La Liga matches in the UK, no UK broadcaster currently has live broadcast rights to show Spanish Copa Del Rey matches. That also means that if you're in the UK traveling for pleasure or for work, you're unlikely to be able to watch the game like you normally would at home, thanks to geo-blocking.There is one option to get around this, however. By using a VPN, as explained above, you can set your location to a country where the match is being broadcast and go from there.Can I livestream Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo in Canada?Like the UK, no Canadian broadcaster will be showing today's game.Can I livestream Real Madrid vs. Celta Vigo in Australia?It's the same story Down Under, with no Austraian broadcaster set to show this cup fixture. Quick tips for streaming Spanish Copa Del Rey matches using a VPNWith four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming Spanish Copa Del Rey matches may vary.If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.Remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommendBrave.

January 16, 20253 min readPowerful Forces Threaten Climate Action, Biden WarnsIn his farewell address, President Biden warned that a powerful oligarchy could undo four years of progress on climate policyBy Scott Waldman & E&E News President Joe Biden speaks from the Oval Office of the White House as he gives his farewell address Wednesday. Mandel Ngan - Pool/Getty ImagesCLIMATEWIRE | President Joe Biden used the first half of his 17-minute farewell address Wednesday night to tout his achievements over the past four years, highlighting infrastructure and climate legislation that created new jobs across the country.Then it got dark.Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden warned that a powerful oligarchy threatens U.S. democracy and is working to diminish and destroy his climate policy. He said climate change was among the most dire threats facing the country and that he was concerned about the fate of his landmark climate law, the Inflation Reduction Act. The law included almost $400 billion in clean energy spending which President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to claw back.On supporting science journalismIf you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.We've proven we don't have to choose between protecting the environment and growing the economy, we're doing both, Biden said. The powerful forces want to wield their unchecked influence to eliminate the steps we've taken to tackle the climate crisis, to serve their own interest for power and profit.Biden never named Trump directly. But he blamed a fog of misinformation for misleading the American people. The free press was crumbling, he said. Social media fact-checkers have been eliminated, he said referencing tech giant Meta's recent announcement that it would no longer use fact-checkers.I'm equally concerned about the potential rise of a tech industrial complex that could pose real dangers for our country as well, Biden said. Americans are being buried under an avalanche of misinformation and disinformation, enabling the abuse of power.Bidens address made it clear that he is concerned his climate legacy is under threat. He oversaw the most aggressive climate plan in U.S. history and some of its impacts, like boosting clean energy manufacturing and electric vehicles, will likely survive the Trump administration.But Bidens climate efforts will also now face a four-year frontal assault. Trump wants to repeal or weaken as much of the Inflation Reduction Act as possible, and hell begin targeting regulations on fossil fuels with an expected flurry of executive orders as soon as he takes office.Gone will be the president who frequently called climate change an existential threat. Seated at the Resolute desk will be a president who promises to drill, baby, drill.Trump has promised that the government's support of EVs is now over. He will transform a White House now focused on getting all federal agencies to consider climate change into one determined to ramp up fossil fuel production as quickly as possible.And while Biden increased the number of federal employees focused on climate change, carbon emissions reductions and environmental justice, Trumps incoming Cabinet officials have promised to purge them.In the final moments of his Oval Office speech, just days away from completing nearly a half-century in public office, Biden ended with a small note of hope.After 50 years of public service, I give you my word, I still believe in the idea for which this nation stands, where the strengths of our institutions and the character of our people matter and must endure, he said. Now it's your turn to stand guard.Reprinted from E&E News with permission from POLITICO, LLC. Copyright 2025. E&E News provides essential news for energy and environment professionals.

Hideki Kamiya calls out "sh**ty leakers" in wake of Switch 2 reveal"They need to be crushed as soon as possible."Image credit: Daniel Robson News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Jan. 16, 2025 Hideki Kamiya has called out "shitty leakers" in the wake of Nintendo's Switch 2 reveal, stating they "should be cursed".Earlier today Nintendo finally revealed its Switch 2 console after months of leaks and speculation.Following the reveal, Kamiya (game designer of Okami, Bayonetta, Devil May Cry and more) took to social media to express his frustration towards those who leaked Switch 2 information ahead of the official reveal.Nintendo Switch 2 First-look trailerWatch on YouTube"I hope that all of the people who leaked Switch 2 information/those who helped leak it will be cursed for the rest of their lives to always have poop on the soles of their shoes when they get home," he began, jokingly enough (via machine translation).Kamiya referred back to the surprise reveal of an Okami sequel in development from last year's The Game Awards. "Now that I've enjoyed the surprise announcement of Okami with all the users, I truly believe that... all those damn leakers should be cursed," he said.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.He continued, referring to theoretical leakers as "the worst of scum"."The shitty leaker only acts for his own pleasure and self-satisfaction, not only is he not contributing to anyone's benefit, he is incurring all sorts of opportunity losses, and has done nothing to be proud of in front of others," he said. "He is the worst of scum, so he should be covered in shit from head to toe and thrown out of the atmosphere... and then stop thinking and wander forever."He concluded the thread with a further vent of frustration."These damn leakers are in a position of responsibility where they have access to information that only a very select few know, yet what they do is nothing more than an expression of a filthy desire for approval that lacks a shred of rationality; they are shameful people, so it is not the manufacturers whose secrets have been exposed who should be blamed, but these damn people, and they need to be crushed as soon as possible," he said.The outspoken Kamiya is known for his hot takes on social media, yet while his thread is lighthearted to begin with, there appears to be an undercurrent of genuine annoyance.Indeed, leaks have become an issue across the industry. In recent years, many major releases - from Nintendo and other studios - have been leaked ahead of release. This week, former Nintendo staff said the company had likely been "very, very, upset" by Switch 2 leaks, due to their "disruptive impact".Kamiya's Okami sequel, thankfully, didn't leak before its reveal. It's being developed by his new studio Clovers.The Switch 2 is still without a firm release date, but was finally announced earlier today along with a tease of a new Mario Kart game.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Call of Duty in 2025 is a mixed bag. While Black Ops 6 multiplayer and Warzone continue to be overrun with cheaters ruining matches for legitimate players, the Zombies mode keeps on thriving thanks to Treyarchs unwavering support. Whether its through quality-of-life updates or the addition of new content, the undead-slaying mode is back at the top of Activisions shooter series.Once The Tomb map launches as part of the Season 2 update, Black Ops 6 Zombies will have a total of four maps for players to choose from guaranteeing plenty of choice when it comes to slaying the undead. A recent leak claims there are even more battlegrounds are on the way this year.More Black Ops 6 Zombies inboundNotable Call of Duty leaker TheGhostOfHope is at it again. This time around, the leaker claims that there are at least two more Zombies maps expected to launch during the remainder of the Black Ops 6 cycle.The news of even more maps making their way to Black Ops 6 shows Treyarchs commitment to making Zombies a flagship mode once again. Considering Modern Warfare 3 Zombies missed the mark by moving away from the round-based formula, the developer is determined to keep the momentum rolling.Exact details on the unreleased maps remain a mystery but rumours are already pointing towards Richtofens mansion and the Janus Towers being potential locations for the next chapters of the Dark Aether storyline.The resurgence of CoD ZombiesZombies in Call of Duty has been a staple of Treyarchs games since World at War. While other instalments also feature the mode, the Black Ops developer has spearheaded the mode into a constantly engaging co-op experience.Once Season 2 and The Tomb map launch on January 28th, 2025, there are four more Black Ops 6 seasons remaining. With plenty of content seemingly in the works, this year looks set to be a memorable one if youre fans slaying undead and completing all kinds of epic Easter eggs.For more Call of Duty, check out the best Jackal PDW loadout for close-quarters combat along with the best mouse and keyboard settings to keep your aim on the right track.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Situated among the picturesque Green Mountains, the best hotels in Stowe, Vermont allow visitors to vacation in peak comfort 365 days a year. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Stowe Mountain Resort, where Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak are groomed with steep, snowy trails. Hikers and mountain bikers tend to visit in the spring and summer, when wildflowers line the verdant paths. And leaf-peepers come for the colorful fall foliage, which typically peaks at the end of September with hues of vibrant crimson and fiery orange.No matter what season draws you to Stowe, youll have an impressive selection of hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to choose from. For modern travelers, both AWOL Stowe and Field Guide Lodge are Lark Hotels properties catered towards millennials. Those seeking ski-in-ski-out mountain access should book The Lodge at Spruce Peak, while The Sound of Music fans will adore a stay at the alps-style Trapp Family Lodge. In addition to the best hotels the city has to offer, youll even find a handful of well-appointed Airbnbs and resorts on our list for a cozier or more private experience.Browse According to Category:Stowe HotelsPhoto: Chris DelaneyAWOL StoweOn the edge of Cady Hill Forest, AWOL Stowe is a tranquil getaway designed for adults. Each earthy minimalist bedroom features a plush king bed, a walk-in shower, and La Bottega toiletriesand the communal amenities are above and beyond for a boutique hotel. Firepits, cedar hot tubs, and cold plunge pools provide Nordic-style relaxation; the guest-only bar serves up craft cocktails and light bites; and the complimentary breakfast includes an artisanal toast bar with sweet and savory toppings. Starting at $279.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Lark HotelsField Guide LodgeAWOLs family-friendly little sister, Field Guide Lodge is located in the heart of Stowe village. Its classic double-occupancy rooms can be found in the modern ski-house-inspired main building, while its spacious suites and cottages for larger groups are set back by the heated pool and hot tub. At Aprs Only, the on-site bar and tasting room, 80s nostalgia is on offer alongside local beer, wine, whiskey, and snacks like charcuterie boards and warm Bavarian pretzels. Starting at $119.BOOK NOWPhoto: Maverick CreativeThe Lodge at Spruce PeakRight at the base of Stowe Mountain Resort (part of the Epic Pass system), The Lodge at Spruce Peak is a Destination by Hyatt property with over 250 rooms, suites, and residences. Its ski-in-ski-out access makes it ideal for hitting the slopes during the winter, but its also home to an acclaimed golf course for playing 18 holes during the summer. Its outdoor pool, all-natural spa, and five food and beverage concepts complete the year-round appeal. Starting at $349.BOOK NOWPhoto: Chadwick EsteyTrapp Family LodgeAfter touring the United States in the 1940s, the singing von Trapp family settled in Stowe because its panoramic mountain views reminded them of their native Austria. They opened a rustic inn soon thereafter, which eventually grew into the 96-room Trapp Family Lodge that exists today. Still owned by The Sound of Music family, the alpine lodge sits on 2,600 bucolic acres where guests can ride in horse-drawn carriages, go snowshoeing, and take a sunset yoga class. Starting at $235.BOOK NOWPhoto: Matt KisidayPhoto: Matt KisidayCady Hill LodgeBuilt for adventure-loving families and groups of travelers, Cady Hill Lodge is the ideal basecamp for holing yourself up by the fireside and taking a dip indoors after enjoying all the wintery activities Stowe has to offer. The hotel is part of the Bluebird by Lark family and ideally positioned beside some of the best hiking trails, just a short walk from the village, and five miles from the state's highest ski mountain. The large, wood-clad lobby lounge exudes warmth and rustic charm and there are several places to sprawl out with friends and a warm beverage among the leather-clad Togo chairs and other cozy seating in the communal areas. When youre ready to retire for the evening, plaid-filled bedrooms that complement the outdoorsy vibe await you. Starting at $156.BOOK NOWPhoto: Read McKendreeTlta LodgeScandinavian hygge is the name of the game at Tlta Lodge, another Bluebird by Lark property thats geared towards rugged adventure seekers. The neutral palette and clean lines of its rooms are heightened by charming storage details such as the pegboard wall seen here and the open closet for plopping down ski gear and accessories. Outdoors, theres plenty to keep you busy between the river access and recreation path, indoor heated pool, outdoor hot tub, yoga room, and sauna. Starting at $150.BOOK NOWPhoto: Christopher Delaney, Courtesy of Outbound HotelsOutbound StoweOutbound Stowes contemporary bedrooms are outfitted in a cool blue-and-green color palette, with plaid prints and abstract art. Its bar, Eastside, mixes craft cocktails that can be sipped on the patio, and its outdoor pool is the regions largest, sitting adjacent to the flowing West Branch Little River. The hotel also offers direct access to the 5.3-mile paved greenway called the Stowe Recreation Path, so guests can walk, run, and bike in nature. Starting at $209.BOOK NOWPhoto: Cameron Neilson, Courtesy of Topnnotch ResortTopnotch ResortFor a luxury retreat, check in to Topnotch Resort, which is set on an 120-acre wooded glade in the Mount Mansfield foothills. All of the rooms and suites have a mountainy touch, the on-site restaurant highlights local ingredients, and the newly renovated fitness center is primed for individual workouts and group classes. Youll also find a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a tennis academy with six seasonal outdoor and four indoor hard courts. Starting at $199.Book NowPhoto: Ryan Bent PhotographyEdson HillWith 22 rooms spread across multiple buildings and 38 lush acres, Edson Hill is a bed-and-breakfast with sophisticated rustic flair, courtesy of Susan Stacy Design. Vintage four-post beds meet wood-paneled walls, tufted upholstery, and antique objects. Its Nordic Center is equipped with gear rentals so you can cross-country ski, snowshoe, or fat bike on the miles of historic trails, while its fine-dining restaurant focuses on elevated New England fare. Theres also a seasonal swimming pool and a spring-fed pond. Starting at $395.BOOK NOWStowe Home RentalsCourtesy of AirbnbTimber-Framed HomeWith a timber frame sourced from a local forest and straw bale insulation from nearby Shelburne, Vermont, this cozy one-bedroom home combines traditional building methods and modern energy-efficient design. Natural light flows in the sliding glass doors, which are outfitted with sheers and blackout curtains for privacy and heat control. A pellet stove can help warm the space in the winter. The bathrooms walk-in shower, with its rain head and hand wand, is finished in Moroccan tadelakt plaster. Starting at $285.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbHistoric Former SchoolhouseIn the middle of the historic district, the 1845 Stowe Village Schoolhouse has been thoughtfully converted into a charming Airbnb that sleeps eight guests. Period details and antique furniture are paired with modern amenities like a washer and a dryer for a comfortable stay. The full blue kitchen is stocked with premium appliances like an ILVE oven, an LP gas six-burner range, and a Bosch dishwasher, so you can cook elaborate meals. Starting at $550.BOOK NOWCourtesy of AirbnbModern A-FrameFor the quintessential A-frame experience, consider booking this enchanting three-bedroom house that accommodates up to eight people. The airy living room, with its vaulted ceiling, fireplace, sink-right-in sofa, and 50-inch television, is ideal for marathoning movies or staying in for a game night after a few hours skiing or traversing the local hiking trails. A full kitchen and long dining table make for easy family dinners, while the hot tub, rain shower, and jacuzzi simulate a luxurious spa. Starting at $525.BOOK NOWMore Vermont Destinations to ExploreGetty Images/Tom NarwidTwin FarmsJust an hour south of Stowe, Twin Farms is an all-inclusive 300-acre estate in Barnard, Vermont. The main house rooms, farmhouse suites, two-bedroom lodge, cottages, and treehouses each have their own look, from traditional New England to soothing neutral. Activities include canoeing on the pond, skiing on the private slopes, axe-throwing, and perusing the gardens where produce for the two farm-to-table restaurants is grown. The Bridge House spa and fitness center are extra perks that complete the offerings. Starting at $2,800.BOOK NOWCourtesy of Woodstock Inn & ResortWoodstock Inn & ResortAn hour and 20 minutes south, you can find Woodstock Inn & Resort, a historic hotel right off the main street in Woodstock, Vermont. Its 142 rooms and suites (some of which are pet-friendly!) are designed in classic New England style with gingham prints, dark wood dressers, and rolled-arm seating. Two year-round restaurants, as well as seasonal concepts for both summer and winter, feed guests with local flavors and ingredients. The golf club draws enthusiasts from all over the Northeast. Starting at $299.BOOK NOWCourtesy of The WestonThe WestonThe Weston, located two hours south of Stowe in Weston, Vermont, is a new country property from the Sharp family, the hoteliers behind The Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles and The Carlyle in New York. Theyve channeled their signature glamour into five rooms and three suites, and they added a New England aesthetic, with floral patterns, jewel tones, and hand-carved poster beds. Guests can also enjoy French bistro fare at The Left Bank restaurant and relaxing massages at the spa. Starting at $450.BOOK NOW

An age-old question Texas defends requiring ID for porn to SCOTUS: Weve done this forever SCOTUS likely to find Texas' age-gating of porn unconstitutional, expert says. Ashley Belanger Jan 15, 2025 2:38 pm | 166 Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Credit: Aurich Lawson | Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreOn Wednesday, the Supreme Court heard arguments that could determine if a Texas age-gating law preventing kids from accessing pornography online is overly burdensome for adults. A ruling against Texas could put an end to allegedly invasive age-verification laws in nearly 20 states.A decision isn't expected until summer 2025, so it's too soon to say which way the court is leaning.The question before the court is whether the 5th Circuit was right to stay a preliminary injunction that had previously been blocking Texas from enforcing the law or whether that decision should be reversed and remanded based on the level of constitutional scrutiny that the 5th Circuit applied.Texas and the 5th Circuit agreed that a rational basis for limiting access to speech, which is the lowest level of scrutiny, applied.But the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) sued Texas, arguing that strict scrutiny may be necessary. The civil rights groups claim that the statutory languagerequiring age-gating on any site where porn comprises a third of its contentrisks blocking adults from accessing protected speech, including both sexual and potentially non-sexual content, if adults wish to avoid showing ID on any given site.A lawyer for groups suing, Derek Shaffer, told justices Wednesday that everyone agrees that Texas has a compelling interest in restricting minors from accessing adult content online.But Shaffer warned that he thinks that while Texas is genuine in raising these concerns, the state allegedly has a "broader anti-porn interest in preventing willing adults from accessing this content." He accused Texas of designing the law to require more restrictive means for age-gating specifically to chill speech, ditching methods like content-filtering because allegedly "they want to make it more difficult" and "more costly" for adults to access porn.At the heart of the case is a question that justices raised repeatedly throughout the hearing: Where do states draw the line when verifying users' ages online?If judges agree that Texas' requirement of an ID or transactional data (like employment or bank records) to access adult content is no more burdensome than requiring an ID for gambling sites or to buy porn at a brick-and-mortar store, an important precedent could be set that could cement age-gating laws similar to Texas' law that have been passed in almost 20 states.Shaffer argued that requiring a government ID is "especially chilling" of adult speech and pointed out that Texas currently has no digital ID available that could be considered a less restrictive way to verify age.The porn industry, including Pornhub owner Aylo, has long advocated for device-based age verification. Still, justices questioned whether that might put the cost of protecting kids from obscene content online on phone makers like Apple or Google rather than the sites being regulated.Aylo declined to comment on today's arguments, instead referring Ars to the FSC and ACLU.Eric Goldmanan Internet law expert who joined other experts in filing a brief explaining how online age authentication," as required by Texas' law, "is more problematic than the offline age authentication procedures" SCOTUS has previously approved. He blogged about the trial, predicting that Texas may have lost. He wrote that his "view is that the Supreme Court isnt likely to take Texas bait and will not agree with the Fifth Circuits apathetic level of constitutional review."In a post-trial statement, Shaffer called on all states passing age-verification laws to "consider less restrictive, more effective solutions than the approach taken by Texas... We hope the Court will confirm the need to apply strict scrutiny to laws that burden and chill adults exercise of their First Amendment rights, and we look forward to the Courts decision."Texas law doesnt protect kids, groups argueGroups suing have asked SCOTUS to not just reverse and remand to the 5th Circuit, but also provide clear guidelines if heightened scrutiny applies, perhaps even directly stipulating that the preliminary injunction must be reinstated as the litigation continues.Also weighing in was a Department of Justice attorney representing the US, Brian Fletcher, who warned the court that he shared their "discomfort" with potentially "watering down strict scrutiny" by siding with Texas.Shaffer urged the court that Texas' age-verification law as implemented "will chill" speech and "will be invading privacy." Further, the ACLU said that it's not protecting kids, who can easily use a VPN to mask their location or access non-compliant adult sites where they could be possibly exposed to even more online risks that popular commercial sites like Pornhub say they more aggressively combat."You can use VPNs, the click of a button, to make it seem like you're not in Texas," Shaffer argued. "You can go through the search engines, you can go through social media, you can access the same content in the ways that kids are likeliest to do."Texas attorney Aaron Nielson argued that the problem of kids accessing porn online has only gotten "worse" in the decades since Texas has been attempting less restrictive and allegedly less effective means like content filtering. Now, age verification is Texas' preferred solution, and strict scrutiny shouldn't apply to a law that just asks someone to show ID to see adult content, Nielson argued."In our history we have always said kids can't come and look at this stuff," Nielson argued. "So it seems not correct to me as a historical matter to say, well actually it's always been presumptively unconstitutional. But we've done it forever. Strict scrutiny somehow has always been satisfied."Like groups suing, Texas also asked the Supreme Court to be very clear when writing guidance for the 5th Circuit should the court vacate and remand the case. But Texas wants justices to reiterate that just because the case was remanded, that doesn't mean the 5th Circuit can't reinstitute the stay on the preliminary injunction that was ordered following the 5th Circuit's prior review.On rebuttal, Shaffer told SCOTUS that out of "about 20 other laws that by some views may look a lot like Texas'" law, "this is the worst of them." He described Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton as a "hostile regulator who's saying to adults, you should not be here.""I strongly urge this court to stick with strict scrutiny as the applicable standard of review when we're talking about content-based burdens on speakers," Shaffer said.In a press release, Vera Eidelman, a senior staff attorney with the ACLU Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project, said that efforts to childproof the Internet not only hurt everyones ability to access information, but often give the government far too much leeway to go after speech it doesnt likeall while failing to actually protect children."Ashley BelangerSenior Policy ReporterAshley BelangerSenior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 166 Comments

A fresh update for EA Sports FC 25 has dropped today, January 16, along with the reveal of the game's Team of the Year squads and absolutely no other news in the world of gaming whatsoever.Voting opened up on this year's UT Teams of the Year last week, so here's hoping you got your picks in on time if you're hoping to see the players you think deserve the nod here. Regardless, it looks like EA's gioven you a good reason to fire FC 25 up again.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. You can find the two finalised TOTY XIs - on mens and one womens as has become standard - in the graphics included in the tweets below. They do a pretty great job of going through each player, so I'll not bother rattling off every name that's made the cut - you can find those here if you need 'em. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.To see this content please enable targeting cookies.These cards are set to start arriving in the game from January 17 - the attackers will be first out of the tunnel on that date, followed by midfielders on January 19 and the duo of defenders and goalkeepers on January 21. The full TOTY rosters will be added to the Ultimate Team pool of items from January 23 through January 31, and there's a 12th man and woman dropping on January 24 to keep the numbers nice and even.EA's also deployed an update to FC 25 today that's designed to serve as a "gameplay refresh", with the developer writing that "its the most significant mid-season gameplay overhaul weve ever made based on your feedback". No pressure then. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.The full notes for this update can be found here, and the big headlines are as follows:Major updates to core gameplay systems like passing, shooting, goalkeeping, and defending.Addressed issues like defenders catching up to dribblers too often.More offensively fluid gameplay enabling you to move the ball easier.Reduced tacklebacks and AI interceptions.If you've been diving into FC 25 for the first time in a little bit to check out TOTY, make sure to check out our guides that can help you take on the game, including the best tactics codes and formations, plus the best young stars to sign in career mode.

The wait is over!Image: NintendoPerhaps there's more to come. Some of us think the all-but-confirmed mouse-style functionality could be a game-changer, but it's hard not to see Switch 2 as a stop-gap console at this stage. This is a straight sequel to a barnstormer that gives Nintendo another generation to figure out what to do next - and I don't think Nintendo has another eight-year cycle to figure it out.Don't get me wrong: I love the look of this thing and the clack of the colourful, mercifully larger new Joy-Con into the system, and Nintendo will squeeze innovative interactions out of the familiar format. I imagine we'll be racing the buzzing Joy-Con across the table, using that optical sensor for things other than mouse movements, and plugging things into that USB-C port on the top for all sorts of zany peripheral action to surprise and delight.But the base offering here appears to be the least immediately intriguing home console the firm has put out since, what, the GameCube? And that had the benefit of a dramatic graphical upgrade over N64's visuals, plus a novel form factor. Mario Kart looks pretty good when you analyse the details, but nothing that couldn't be achieved on the current Switch (which has led some people at NL Towers to think it may even be cross-gen).Then again, everything Nintendo has done with Switch has been more influenced by its past handheld lines than its home consoles, and as we and other onlookers have said before, Switch 2 is very much the 3DS to Switch's original DS, just without the namesake gimmick.Might we all be madly theorising about this 'port' had the optical mouse-style functionality not been revealed through leaks? Image: NintendoThe thing is that Switch doesn't exist in a vacuum anymore. We've seen a flurry of bespoke handheld gaming devices come to market that, while not direct rivals with Nintendo's system, certainly take inspiration from it.The Steam Deck and Lenovo's line of handheld PCs are the most prominent, and Valve recently signalled that Steam OS is coming to other devices. Elsewhere, Sony's PlayStation Portal acknowledges players' increasing desire to play console games away from the TV. With Nintendo having proved that there's a mass market appetite, rumours that both Sony and Microsoft are working on new handheld devices suggest that the market is only going to get more crowded.Which is good. Competition forces innovation and it's in Nintendo's DNA to use tried-and-tested tech in new, unexpected ways. We're eager to see what the developers can do when they swing around for a second pass. And having extricated itself from the specs race many years ago, Nintendo is in its own bubble to an extent; whatever the competition does, they're not going to have Mario and co., at least not in any official capacity.I can't imagine Nintendo hardware tying us to a TV ever again. Increasingly big companies need to follow their audience wherever they go - that's why Microsoft and Sony are spreading beyond their own consoles. Given Switch's success, Nintendo's in a great position, but without some big new idea, it's rock-and-hard-place territory.Image: NintendoThis all sounds like a downer when the future is very bright and there's so much we still don't know. Sony fans don't get glum when the next console is a PlayStation with a new number, and rightly so. The reveal did the job and let us all breathe a sigh of relief - I just don't see this cycle lasting anywhere near as long as the last (which some might say is a good thing). At some point, Nintendo will have to upend the tea table with something truly unexpected and take video games in a new direction. For all the relief, there's a lingering question in the air: What's next, really?The answer? Great Nintendo games, of course; the tantalising prospect of a new generation's worth of first-party gems! As we've said in the past, nobody does 'more of the same' better than Nintendo; it just looks like 'delight' will be taking the wheel with 'surprise' in the backseat this gen. Dj vu2 soonSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube792kSee AlsoShare:00 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Asks Wii U Owners To Refrain From Using "Unauthorised" Online ServicesUpdate: Pretendo respondsNintendo Breaks Silence On 'Switch 2' Image And Video LeaksThe "official" announcement will take place this fiscal yearRumour: 'Switch 2' Will Reportedly Be Officially Revealed This ThursdayThough software won't be the focusIs This Our Best Look Yet At 'Switch 2'?Update: Genki had a visit from Nintendo's lawyers, it's claimed