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Two years after their debut singles, NCT U returned on Sunday (Feb. 18) with some lineup changes and the dramatic leadership anthem "Boss.”“Boss” is the first of six songs planned to come out of the larger NCT 2018 group, a revised platform through which NCT’s subgroups will release music this year; an album is expected to be released in March. It is a dynamic, electro-hip-hop track about being leaders and features lyrics written by members Mark and Taeyong.The paunchy, chanting chorus of the bass-heavy dance single is offset by dulcet vocals and charismatic raps, offering up the latest “SMP,” or SM Performance, single from an SM Entertainment act. It ends with a heavy synth conclusion almost entirely void of vocals that serves as a venue for the aggressive choreography featured in the music video.With an overall focus on the group’s rappers and the seven members' stomping, in-your-face dance moves, the hostile … [Read more...] about NCT U Shows the World Who Is ‘Boss’ in Charismatic New Video

A JOBLESS couple with seven kids who set up a £3,500 GoFundMe appeal for Christmas cash have slammed their "disgraceful" critics and insisted "we're amazing parents". Ryan Rodgers, 26, and Jenny Grimes, 25, from Liverpool, made an emotive plea for help after their Universal Credit payment was slashed, leaving them with just £480 a month to live on. The couple say they are forced to rely on food banks, charities and help from pals and relatives to feed their kids, who are all under seven years old. Writing on the crowdfunder, Ms Grimes said they were "ashamed" to ask for help but were facing a tough struggle ahead of Christmas. However they faced a backlash from furious neighbours who slammed the unemployed couple as "idle" and "dope smoking". Returning fire, Mr Rodgers wrote on Facebook that his family's lives had been "ruined" after their online campaign went viral.He said: "This is the 1 and only time that I will say anything. "What you should know is that we are giving … [Read more...] about Jobless dad-of-seven who set up £3,500 GoFundMe appeal to buy Christmas presents say ‘we’re amazing parents’

DAVID UNWIN/STUFF The Whanganui community is struggling to understand a spike in homicides, with eight occurring in recent times. Whanganui's homicide rate has dramatically increased over the past two years, despite the economy going well and fewer crime victims overall. So why the wave of violence and how does a community react? Jono Galuszka investigates.  Pākaitore​ is familiar with the sound of protest. Most famous for the 79-day occupation of 1995, when local Māori highlighted unresolved problems dating back to the first instances of European colonisation, the gardens are a regular meeting place for Whanganui's wronged. Pākaitore, also known as Moutoa Gardens, was once again congregated by the wronged in late-October. READ MORE:Whanganui man appears in court charged with drink driving causing deathHundreds rally against violence as murder accused appears in court Jasmine Wilson beaten black and blue in brutal fatal attack … [Read more...] about Whanganui slowly learning to move forward after nine homicides in two years

Here are the stories you shouldn’t miss today:TOP STORIESThe Long and Short of a Senate TrialAs the House prepares to vote to impeach President Trump, most likely on Wednesday, Senate leaders have begun fighting over which witnesses each party might call in a trial — or whether to call witnesses at all. Advertisement On the Democratic side, Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer is urging that several senior Trump aides be summoned, including acting White House chief of staff Mick Mulvaney and former national security advisor John Bolton. At the same time, Democrats want to avoid having the trial devolve into a venue for airing Trump’s attacks against former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.On the Republican side, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said there was “no chance” Trump would be convicted and that he was coordinating with the president’s lawyers on ground rules. Sen. Lindsey Graham said he had already made up his … [Read more...] about Newsletter: The long and short of a Senate trial