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Bop House Claps Back at Kai Cenat With the Launch of Their Own Streaming School Bop House Claps Back at Kai Cenat With the Launch of Their Own Streaming School In a sharp, sassy, and absolutely unbothered response to Twitch megastar Kai Cenat’s recent jab at sex workers and “OnlyFans girls,” viral content collective The Bop House is launching its own streaming institution: Bop University. And no, bops aren’t just welcome. They’re the entire curriculum. The Drama: Kai Cenat’s “Streamer University” Sparks Backlash It all started when Kai Cenat, known as one of the most-watched streamers on the internet, made a bold declaration during his livestreams: women who do OnlyFans are not allowed in his “Streamer University.” The comments ignited an immediate firestorm online, with many calling out the statement as sexist, gatekeeping, and tone-deaf in an industry where women, especially those who monetize adult content, already face systemic barriers. While some fans defended the joke as harmless banter, others, including some of the internet’s most influential female creators, weren’t laughing. And no one clapped back louder or smarter than The Bop House. The Clapback: Camilla Araújo Declares a New Era In a now-viral TikTok video, Camilla Araújo, co-founder and prominent face of The Bop House, took center stage with her signature poise and fire. “What is going on, everybody? I am gathered here today with my team to discuss recent talk on Streamer University,” Araújo began, throwing just the right amount of shade. “As you guys know, the infamous five-foot-two streamer by the name of Kai Cenat is not allowing bops into the university,” she continued. “So me and the team have made an executive decision to start Bop University.” And just like that, what started as a petty exclusion became a full-blown movement. Aishah Sofey Drops the Mission Statement In the same TikTok video, Aishah Sofey, another star of The Bop House, doubled down with a clear and unapologetic mission: inclusion, empowerment, and zero tolerance for online elitism. “Our goal here with Bop University, as opposed to Streamer University, is to not discriminate against bops,” Sofey said, serving truth and clarity in equal measure. “We want to create an inclusive environment and community for everyone to feel comfortable and safe. So more information coming soon.” Bop University isn’t just a concept. It’s a cultural reset. What Is a Bop Anyway? And Why Does It Matter? If you’re still stuck on the word “bop,” let’s break it down. Once used as a dismissive label to demean women who embrace their sexuality, particularly those with an OnlyFans presence, the term has since been reclaimed by a new generation of creators. Today, a bop is confident, creative, self-made, and unbothered by outdated norms. She knows her worth, owns her content, and makes her own damn rules. So when Kai Cenat said, “No OnlyFans girls allowed,” he inadvertently inspired the worst bops on the internet to create their platform. What to Expect from Bop University Although details about Bop University are still under wraps, sources close to The Bop House reveal that it will offer far more than a catchy name. Expect curated content that teaches aspiring creators how to build brands, grow audiences, monetize content, and protect themselves in the ever-changing world of digital media. Unlike other platforms, Bop University promises to center the voices of marginalized creators, including sex workers, women of color, and LGBTQ+ streamers. No more begging for a seat at the table. Bop University is building an entirely new one. Why This Matters in the Streaming World The launch of Bop University arrives at a critical time in the streaming and creator economy. With platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and TikTok often dominated by male creators and policies that frequently disadvantage adult content creators, women are fighting not just to be seen but to be respected. The Bop House is responding to Kai Cenat’s remarks and pushing the entire industry forward. The Bops Are Winning Let’s get real. Kai Cenat may have the numbers, but The Bop House has the momentum. Within 24 hours, their reveal racked up hundreds of thousands of views, generated trending hashtags like #BopUniversity and #LetTheBopsIn, and gained great backing from influencers, fans, and even industry professionals. The message is crystal clear: gatekeeping is out, and empowerment is so in. And if you’re still asking, who’s allowed in?The answer is everyone, especially the bops. The post Bop House Claps Back at Kai Cenat With the Launch of Their Own Streaming School appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More. Source link #Bop #House #Claps #Kai #Cenat #Launch #Streaming #School Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why Marvel Rivals Matchmaking Is So Bad? Skill Gaps, EOMM Controversy, Lag Issues Explained Why Marvel Rivals Matchmaking Is So Bad? Skill Gaps, EOMM Controversy, Lag Issues Explained Marvel Rivals has been an extremely successful entry into the hero-shooter genre, but every multiplayer game comes with its own set of problems, specifically matchmaking issues and server problems. Pair that with a community that’s critiquing the game’s every move, it’s bound to be a disastrous combo. Apart from facing controversies for things like having revealing outfits for female superheroes, Marvel Rivals suffers from issues such as skill gaps between players, problems regarding EOMM, and lag issues. The community has been pretty vocal about these issues, which hopefully will shed some light on them for the devs. Are skill gaps ruining the Marvel Rivals experience? One of the glaring issues in Marvel Rivals is smurfing, which basically refers to high-skilled players making new accounts to play in lobbies consisting of low-skilled players and then trolling them every step of the way. This creates a skill gap between the players in a match, which leads to highly frustrating and unfair battles. From the Reddit post below, you can pinpoint exactly what the issue is: So, a Level 18 Platinum II player getting MVP in every ranked match in just one day isn’t suspicious? This is what smurfing is, and players who are low-skilled or are relatively new to the game are suffering because of it. These types of players are stealing all the thunder in Marvel Rivals from others, and the community has not been silent about it at all. Comment byu/Taiizor from discussion inmarvelrivals Comment byu/Taiizor from discussion inmarvelrivals Comment byu/Taiizor from discussion inmarvelrivals Things like these are what make Marvel Rivals more unplayable day by day. It breaks the immersion, leading to unfair matchmaking and further ruining the competitiveness of the game in both casual and ranked play. What is EOMM, and why are Marvel Rivals players concerned? EOMM is disrupting the enjoyment of Marvel Rivals players | Image Credit: NetEase Games Engagement Optimized Matchmaking (EOMM) is a matchmaking system designed to prioritize player engagement over fairness in matches, which is another glaring issue that is demotivating players to play the game every day. What makes this worse than traditional Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) is its exposure to manipulation by putting players at an inherent disadvantage. SBMM matches players based on skill level, ensuring a minimum level of fairness, which is something that EOMM doesn’t do, and players suspect that it’s one of the main reasons why they keep losing. It has been a hot topic of discussion in the community, especially in the subreddit, and it has also received a lot of backlash from the fans. Comment byu/NathaKevin0 from discussion inmarvelrivals Comment byu/NathaKevin0 from discussion inmarvelrivals While some players deny its involvement in the matchmaking process, EOMM still has caused quite some discourse in the community, and a lot of players fear that it’s the reason why the game’s fair competition is slowly being taken over by engagement and manipulation. How lag and server issues make matchmaking worse Lag and server issues are the bane of existence for Marvel Rivals players | Image Credit: NetEase Games Lag and server issues constitute another reason why players are fairing worse in matches. Regional mismatches lead to high ping, which further leads to lag spikes, leaving players with no choice but to hard restart and launch the game once again, dooming their team. Imagine getting kicked out because of issues beyond your control. In addition to that, player disconnections have also been a plague for players, as they guarantee an unfair match and inevitable defeat. The feedback on these issues has been unfavorable, as you’d expect: Comment byu/Megatron69420wrecker from discussion inmarvelrivals Comment byu/Megatron69420wrecker from discussion inmarvelrivals All these issues make up for a disastrous multiplayer experience in Marvel Rivals that is sure to give players a migraine whenever they try to have a fun matchmaking session. Source link #Marvel #Rivals #Matchmaking #Bad #Skill #Gaps #EOMM #Controversy #Lag #Issues #Explained Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

China lifts Boeing delivery ban as tariff war cools, Bloomberg News reports – Reuters China lifts Boeing delivery ban as tariff war cools, Bloomberg News reports – Reuters China lifts Boeing delivery ban as tariff war cools, Bloomberg News reports ReutersChina Removes Ban on Boeing Deliveries After US Trade Truce Bloomberg.comBoeing Stock Is Rising. Why Its Getting a Boost From Tariff Talks Breakthrough. Barron’sTrade deal: de minimis tariffs slashed, Boeing ban lifted YahooChina removes ban on Boeing deliveries after deal with US to temporarily slash tariffs Fox Business Source link #China #lifts #Boeing #delivery #ban #tariff #war #cools #Bloomberg #News #reports #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Taiwo Awoniyi: Nottingham Forest striker undergoes surgery on serious abdominal injury Taiwo Awoniyi: Nottingham Forest striker undergoes surgery on serious abdominal injury Awoniyi, who joined Forest from Union Berlin in June 2022, had only been on the pitch for five minutes having come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare. Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis indicated in an Instagram, external post that his decision to march on to the pitch at the full-time whistle had been in part due to his view on how the injury suffered by Awoniyi had been handled. “Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgement on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game,” Marinakis said. “This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.” Awoniyi, who was at Liverpool between 2015 and 2021 but never made a senior appearance, has scored once in the Premier League for Forest this season. Source link #Taiwo #Awoniyi #Nottingham #Forest #striker #undergoes #surgery #abdominal #injury Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFL call-in umpires over Lachie Schultz incident in Collingwood clash with Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers AFL call-in umpires over Lachie Schultz incident in Collingwood clash with Walyalup (Fremantle) Dockers Bombshell audio has emerged that proves the umpires who officiated Collingwood and Walyalup’s (Fremantle) clash were aware Lachie Schultz was injured as play continued. Schultz was concussed in a sickening collision with Dockers star Jordan Clark in the last quarter of the Pies’ 14-point victory at Optus Stadium last week. Collingwood coach Craig McRae and captain Darcy Moore were adamant the umpires should have stopped play and following intense backlash, the AFL released a statement explaining umpires would have done so if they had seen Schultz was hurt. “In last night’s match the umpires did not see the injured player at the time, so play continued,” the original statement, released on Friday, read. “Upon review, if umpires were aware, play would have been stopped when (Nick) Daicos has possession in the middle of the ground.” However, in bombshell audio revealed exclusively by Seven’s Agenda Setters on Tuesday, the field umpires are heard acknowledging Schultz and discussing how to proceed with the game. WATCH THE BOMBSHELL VISION IN THE PLAYER ABOVE “Got an injured player in the middle,” one umpire is heard in the bombshell audio. As Schultz is attended to by medical staff and stumbles to the ground, one umpire says: “Oh!” “What do you think Craig?” one is heard asking, to which another says “we haven’t… we haven’t been told.” Pies forward Jamie Elliot kicks a set shot goal as Schultz comes from the ground. Camera IconUmpires claimed they had no knowledge Schultz was concussed. Credit: Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos Justin Power, Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer and Martin Rodger were the officiating field umpires. Meredith has more than 500 games experience and Fleer more than 200. Kane claimed she had no knowledge of the audio before it was brought to her by Seven and backtracked in an exclusive statement to the program. The umpires “The (initial) statement we released was incorrect, but we were given the wrong information from the umpires. It’s inconsistent with the vision.,” the statement read. “They (the umpires) were going off memory and not the vision and we should always look at the vision. “All the field umpires from the game have been coached this afternoon that they should have stopped the game. “Having said that, this is one me. It’s the footy department that runs umpiring and that sits with me.” Fremantle will be known as Walyalup for Sir Doug Nicholls Round. Source link #AFL #callin #umpires #Lachie #Schultz #incident #Collingwood #clash #Walyalup #Fremantle #Dockers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MEPs push for more coordination and resilience in European electricity grids | News MEPs push for more coordination and resilience in European electricity grids | News In proposals adopted on Tuesday, MEPs from the Industry, Research and Energy Committee put forward ways to modernise Europe’s electricity grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for renewable energy, ensure a resilient decarbonised electricity system, and support the EU’s energy goals. The adopted text calls for the implementation of an EU grid action plan and highlights the need for significant investment and infrastructure upgrades to modernise and increase cross-border transmission capacity. Better integration of national energy infrastructures MEPs highlight that significant investment and upgrades are required to increase cross-border and national-level transmission capacity and to modernise infrastructure. This includes the need for closer supervision by authorities to ensure a decarbonised, flexible, and resilient electricity system. The report calls for clearer and more effective rules and procedures to attract private investment in addition to public funding mechanisms, and ensure that network tariffs reflect real costs. It emphasises the need for investment to address grid bottlenecks and prevent the curtailment – the deliberate reduction of production due to grid capacity limits – of renewable energy. MEPs stress the importance of a more coordinated and fully pan-European electricity system planning to connect borders, sectors, and regions. They say that renewable energy sources need to be better integrated into electricity grids and that there should be more cross-border interconnections. Ensuring public acceptance and effective communication with citizens are crucial for the successful implementation of new grid projects, MEPs say. Quote “The Iberian blackout was a painful demonstration of how vulnerable our grids remain. It was a reminder that Europe’s energy transition will fail unless we invest just as strategically in infrastructure as in renewables. The blackout did not prove the failure of the Energy Union – quite the opposite. Thanks to cross-border interconnectors, France was able to step in immediately. Now the Commission must act decisively to prioritise planning and coordination on grids and storage – or we will keep lurching from one crisis to the next,” lead MEP Anna Sturgkh (Renew, Austria) said. “We are sending a clear and strong signal to the Commission to keep a well-financed Connecting Europe Facility for Energy (CEF-E) within the upcoming multi-annual budget proposal. EU funds managed by member states must also be more available for grid updates,” she added. Next Steps The report was adopted with 52 votes to nine, with two abstentions. It will be put to a vote by the full House during the 16-19 June 2025 plenary session in Strasbourg. Background The electricity system blackout that occurred in the Iberian Peninsula and parts of France on 28 April 2025 underscored the critical importance of enhancing EU grid resilience. The modernisation of Europe’s electricity grids is essential for achieving the EU’s clean energy transition and delivering renewable energy while supporting economic growth and prosperity. According to the European Commission, €584 billion is necessary for electricity grids this decade. This includes cross-border interconnectors and the adaptation of distribution grids to the energy transition. Source link #MEPs #push #coordination #resilience #European #electricity #grids #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nissan to cut 11,000 more jobs and shut seven factories Nissan to cut 11,000 more jobs and shut seven factories [Getty Images] Japanese carmaker Nissan has said it will cut another 11,000 jobs globally and shut seven factories as it shakes up the business in the face of weak sales. Falling sales in China and heavy discounting in the US, its two biggest markets, have taken a heavy toll on earnings, while a proposed merger with Honda and Mitsubishi collapsed in February. The latest cutbacks brings the total number of layoffs announced by the company in the past year to about 20,000, or 15% of its workforce. It was not immediately clear where the job cuts will be made, or whether Nissan’s plant in Sunderland will be affected. Nissan employs about 133,500 people globally, with about 6,000 workers in Sunderland. Two-thirds of the latest job cuts will come from manufacturing, with the rest from sales, administration jobs, research and contract staff, said the company’s chief executive, Ivan Espinosa. The latest layoffs come on top of 9,000 job cuts Nissan announced in November as part of a cost saving effort that it said would reduce its global production by a fifth. In February, talks between Nissan and its larger rival Honda collapsed after the firms failed to agree on a multi-billion-dollar tie-up. The plan had been to combine their businesses to fight back against competition from rival firms, especially in China. The merger would have created a $60bn (£46bn) motor industry giant, the fourth largest in the world by vehicle sales after Toyota, Volkswagen and Hyundai. After the failure of the negotiations, then-chief executive Makoto Uchida was replaced by Mr Espinosa, who was the company’s chief planning officer and head of its motorsports division. Nissan also reported an annual loss of 670 billion yen ($4.5bn; £3.4bn), with US President Donald Trump’s tariffs putting further pressure on the struggling firm. Mr Espinosa said that the previous financial year had been “challenging”, with rising costs and an “uncertain environment”, adding that the results were a “wake-up call”. The car giant did not give a forecast for income in the coming year due to the “uncertain nature of US tariff measures”. Last week, Nissan announced it had scrapped plans to build a battery and electric vehicle factory in Japan as it cuts back on investment. The firm has been in trouble in key markets, including China where growing competition has led to falling prices. In China, many foreign carmakers have struggled to compete with homegrown firms such as BYD. China has become the world’s biggest producer of electric vehicles, with some established car-making nations having failed to anticipate demand for the new technology. Source link #Nissan #cut #jobs #shut #factories Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Intel Arc B580 rumored to get custom dual-GPU version with 48GB memory – VideoCardz.com Intel Arc B580 rumored to get custom dual-GPU version with 48GB memory – VideoCardz.com Intel Arc B580 rumored to get custom dual-GPU version with 48GB memory VideoCardz.comMaxsun EEC Registration Confirms RTX 5050 With 8 GB VRAM Capacity; Also Confirms A 24 GB Arc B580 GPU WccftechMaxsun registers several Intel Arc B580 24GB models with the EEC Tom’s HardwareChipzilla’s Battlemage “G31” leaks Fudzilla.comIntel’s GPU Gains and New Tech: A Turnaround? TipRanks Source link #Intel #Arc #B580 #rumored #custom #dualGPU #version #48GB #memory #VideoCardz.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What stagflation may mean for your money What stagflation may mean for your money D3sign | Moment | Getty Images The U.S. economy is still in a “strong position” despite “heightened uncertainty,” according to the Federal Reserve’s latest assessment. Yet there’s a looming economic risk the U.S. hasn’t meaningfully faced for decades — stagflation. “The risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation appear to have risen,” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said on May 7. Those two factors — along with slower economic growth — are the definition of stagflation. Stagflation is not here yet. The unemployment rate is low and inflation has come down, though it is still higher than the Fed’s 2% target, Powell noted last week. Signs that the economy is in a “solid position” prompted the central bank to leave the short-term federal funds interest rate unchanged. What’s fueling stagflation fears Swiftly shifting tariff policies are the main threat prompting experts to sound stagflation warnings. Uncertainty related to tariffs is also a strong factor contributing to stagflation risks, according to Greg McBride, chief financial analyst at Bankrate. “Uncertainty, in and of itself, is a drag on economic growth,” McBride said. Businesses may react by not hiring, not expanding production, not making investments and otherwise waiting for the forecast to change, he said. “Even if a lot of [the tariffs] never actually come to fruition, this ******* of uncertainty itself is a headwind to the economy,” McBride said. More from Personal Finance: How consumers are preparing for an economic hit Trump eyes tax hike on wealthy How to land a job in ‘low firing, low hiring’ market Stagflation was last a major issue for the U.S. economy in the 1970s as the country contended with the economic fallout of the Vietnam War, the loss of manufacturing jobs and spikes in oil prices. While different factors are present today, stagflation is a “more pronounced risk than at any time over the past 40 years,” Greg Daco, chief economist at EY Parthenon and vice president at the National Association for Business Economics, recently told CNBC.com. Meanwhile, consumer confidence sank to its lowest reading in five years as tariffs impacted individuals’ outlook and employment confidence, according to the Conference Board’s April survey. Nevertheless, total retail sales were up in April, both month over month and year over year, as consumers moved up purchases in anticipation of tariffs prompting higher prices, according to the CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor. How consumers can prepare for stagflation Stagflation’s effects would be felt across the U.S. economy. However, there are several ways individuals can minimize their personal exposure ahead of those risks, experts say. 1. Pay down high interest debts Eliminating credit card or other high-interest debts like home equity loans can help create more room in your budget, particularly as interest rates stay put for now. “If stagflation comes to pass, you’re going to need that breathing room, because inflation will be high, and prices for all your expenses will be moving higher,” McBride said. 2. Boost emergency savings Most respondents — 65% — to the May CNBC Fed Survey said they expect the Fed will lower interest rates if stagflation risks come to pass. With interest rates holding steady, cash savers still have a unique opportunity to access higher returns. Top-yielding online savings accounts are still offering interest rates that are above the rate of inflation, according to McBride. That may not always be the case if interest rates come down and the rate of inflation picks up. Having cash set aside can help prevent the accumulation of high-cost debt or the need to prematurely raid retirement accounts in the face of income disruptions, rising expenses or other unexpected costs, McBride said. 3. Think twice before stocking up on goods Pending tariffs could mean rising prices on a variety of goods from leather goods to apparel to cars. That may tempt consumers to want to rush to buy the products they anticipate they will need, in order to save money. But buyer beware: So-called “panic buying” can mean you shell out more money than you otherwise would by purchasing more than you need. Source link #stagflation #money Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England squad: Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood & Georgia Stanway back England squad: Lauren Hemp, Alex Greenwood & Georgia Stanway back Manchester City forward Hemp, 24, last played for England in the 2-1 friendly victory over South Africa in October. Despite missing five months through injury, she still finished the Women’s Super League (WSL) campaign with the most assists (eight). City captain Greenwood, 31, has missed England’s last four matches but started November’s 0-0 draw with the United States and came on as a substitute in the 4-3 defeat against Germany in October before her injury. Both players – who were part of the Euro 2022 squad – started City’s final two league games of the season having returned from injury in April. Bayern Munich midfielder Stanway, 26, has not yet returned for her club but Wiegman is keen to give her more time on the training ground. Chelsea forward Lauren James is still not selected as she recovers from the hamstring injury that forced her to miss the end of the WSL campaign. England’s defence of their European title kicks off in seven weeks’ time with their opening match against France on 5 July. Wiegman has previously expressed concern at the lack of game time for some of her returning stars, including Hemp, Stanway and Greenwood. Elsewhere, Tottenham Hotspur’s Ella Morris has been called up from the Under-23s squad for the first time, alongside Aston Villa’s Missy Bo Kearns, who is recalled. Striker Michelle Agyemang, who spent this season on loan at Brighton from Arsenal, retains her place in the squad after scoring a stunning goal 41 seconds into her debut in a 3-2 defeat by Belgium in April. Aston Villa defender Lucy Parker, Manchester United centre-back Millie Turner and Brighton midfielder Maisie Symonds miss out. Source link #England #squad #Lauren #Hemp #Alex #Greenwood #Georgia #Stanway Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” faces a major test today as House committees iron out details Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” faces a major test today as House committees iron out details Washington — Three key House committees that have jurisdiction over the most contentious parts of a major budget package aimed at addressing President Trump’s defense, energy and tax priorities plan to meet Tuesday to move forward on their portions of the bill, as Republican leaders push to have it on the floor by next week. The Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture committees are scheduled to meet Tuesday on their proposals that include changes to Medicaid and food stamps to help pay for tax cuts. But major divisions among Republicans remain on several issues, including how to overhaul Medicaid and a tax deduction expiring in December. Republicans on the Energy and Commerce Committee, who were responsible for finding at least $880 billion in spending cuts, released the long-awaited details of their plan Sunday. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office recently calculated that achieving those savings would not be possible without cuts to Medicaid. Democrats have hammered Republicans on the issue, while Republicans have vowed to protect the benefits of eligible recipients. The changes to Medicaid laid out in the legislation include imposing work requirements for able-bodied adults without children, more frequent eligibility checks, cutting federal funds to states that use Medicaid infrastructure to provide health care coverage to undocumented immigrants and banning Medicaid from covering gender transition services for children. The committee did not lower the rate by which the federal government pays states for Medicaid, a point of contention between moderates and conservatives. In recent weeks, Republicans had considered moving more of the cost sharing to the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. Forty states have adopted the Medicaid expansion, and under that provision, the federal government pays 90% of the costs for expansion enrollees while the states are responsible for 10%. The federal government’s portion for those covered through traditional Medicaid can range from 50% to 83%. The exclusion is sure to rankle more conservative members who have demanded steep cuts to Medicaid spending, especially for those covered by the expansion. Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, expressed his disapproval on Monday, arguing the bill fails to offer any transformative changes to the program that provides health insurance for more than 70 million low-income adults, children and people with disabilities. “We will need SIGNIFICANT additional changes to garner my support,” Roy said in a lengthy post laying out his issues with the current package. At least 8.6 million people would lose health insurance and the deficit would shrink by at least $715 billion in the next decade under recommendations in the legislation, according to a preliminary analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released by Democrats on Sunday. Proposals unrelated to health care would reduce the deficit by at least $197 billion over 10 years, the analysis said. Ways and Means unveiled its plan Monday afternoon that would raise the debt limit by $4 trillion and extend tax cuts enacted during Mr. Trump’s first term — a top priority of congressional Republicans. The bill includes several of Mr. Trump’s campaign promises, including no tax on tips, overtime and car loan interest. The exemptions would expire at the end of 2028. The legislation also increases the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to $2,500 for four years. Tax writers also proposed a $30,000 cap to the state and local tax deduction with an income cap of $400,000. Blue-state Republicans have been pushing for an increase to the $10,000 cap, which is set to expire at the end of the year. But last week, a group of New York Republicans called a $30,000 cap “insulting,” adding that the amount falls short of earning their support. House leaders have a self-imposed deadline of sending the package to the Senate by Memorial Day, leaving them little time to resolve the outstanding differences. The Agriculture Committee’s portion increases the age requirement for able-bodied adults without children to qualify for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP., or food stamps The bill updates the age to 64, up from 54. Republicans also want to close a loophole for work requirement waivers that states could request for areas with unemployment rates over 10% or lack “a sufficient number of jobs.” Mr. Trump put pressure on Republicans to unify behind what he calls the “big, beautiful bill” while on his way to the Middle East on Monday, writing that “we have no alternative.” Other portions of the package include funding for infrastructure and technology enhancements along the U.S.-Mexico border in addition to investments in Customs and Border Protection staffing. It also includes oil and gas leasing mandates to generate billions in revenue. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, can afford just three defections in a floor vote. 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 #Trumps #big #beautiful #bill #faces #major #test #today #House #committees #iron #details Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wheels in Motion: Broome youth precinct moves forward with site works Wheels in Motion: Broome youth precinct moves forward with site works New bike jumps, walking trails, and a fresh outdoor hangout are closer for Broome’s youth, as the Shire begins critical site remediation works near the Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre. Source link #Wheels #Motion #Broome #youth #precinct #moves #site #works Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

No nudity on the red carpet or any other area of festival No nudity on the red carpet or any other area of festival The 78th Cannes Film Festival kicks off today and every year, the world has its eyes on the red carpet, which is perhaps one of the most rigidly controlled red carpets in the world. This year, there’s some change, as the festival has added a new stipulation: no nudity. While nudity was never previously endorsed at the festival, Cannes updated its dress policy to read that “nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival.” While a no-shirt-no-service policy is standard in places far less glamorous than Cannes, the policy tweak has sparked widespread attention because of the recent trend of sheer and “nude dresses”, much like Bianca Censori’s controversial outfit at this year’s Grammys. Asked for clarity on the policy, Cannes press officers said the festival “made explicit in its charter certain rules that have long been in effect.” Bella Hadid poses for photographersat the premiere of ‘Three Floors’ in Cannes – 2021 – AP Photo “The aim is not to regulate attire per se, but to prohibit full nudity on the red carpet, in accordance with the institutional framework of the event and French law,” it said. Model Ngoc Trinh poses for photographers at the premiere of the film ‘A Hidden Life’ – 2019 – AP Photo Cannes also noted that “voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted.” Bella Hadid poses for photographers at the premiere of the film ‘The Apprentice’ – 2024 – AP Photo Still, skin has often been flashed at the French Riviera festival by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Naomi Campbell and Kendall Jenner, and dress policies have long been flouted by celebrities. Kendall Jenner poses for photographers in Cannes – 2018 – AP Photo For evening premieres at the Palais’ Grand Théâtre Lumière, ****** tie and evening wear is required. Though not in recent years, Cannes security officials have sometimes turned away women for not wearing heels. The festival also banned selfies in 2018, as Cannes director Thierry Frémaux called them “grotesque”. However, A-listers sometimes snap a quick photo on the Palais steps. Source link #nudity #red #carpet #area #festival Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Inflation? Slowdown? This 10% Dividend Wins Either Way Inflation? Slowdown? This 10% Dividend Wins Either Way Are we careening towards a recession, or is a pickup in the big threat to the stock market? The negative first quarter print has recession fears in the financial headlines. Meanwhile, Fed Chair Jay Powell remains fixated on inflation. Ironically, both may come to pass. Which means we must prepare our portfolios for a slowdown that is quickly followed by a pickup in prices. Let’s put one smart lender on our “Goldilocks” watch list. This ticker yields 10% today (with some nice “dividend insurance” we’ll talk about in a moment). But the key point is that it profits as —and —tick higher. Let’s talk about the “slowdown-inflation two-step” I see coming—and how it’s set to open the door on this 10% dividend opportunity. Slowdown Now … Let’s start with the slowdown, which, as we discussed last week, is already upon us. The evidence: A 0.3% decline in first-quarter GDP: Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis But the underlying numbers were actually more bullish than the headlines suggested. That’s because the pullback was in large part due to a spike in imports as retailers stocked up ahead of Trump’s tariffs—and imports are calculated as a drag on GDP. That trend is likely to fade. Government spending also fell in light of DOGE cuts (though as we’ll discuss next, this will likely be fleeting), while consumer spending largely held up. We’ll happily take a GDP dip caused by temporary factors! But a slowdown is still likely. There were hints of this in the April employment report, which, while better than expected, still showed a slight slowdown from March. … Inflation Next Meantime, despite DOGE’s efforts, government spending rose 7.4% year-over-year for the first six months of this fiscal year (which began October 1, 2024). Tax receipts, by the way, are not up 7.4%. And remember that most of federal spending is untouchable: Messing with Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid is political suicide. Defense spending seems “secure” given the current state of the world. That makes it far more likely that a future Fed Chair (remember that Jay Powell’s term is up in a year) will resort to money printing, quantitative easing (and with it, sustained, or rising, inflation and rates in the longer term). Enter Our 10%-Paying “Floating-Rate” Lender Enter commercial mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITs), which stand to see higher income from their floating-rate loans as inflation—and interest rates—hold at current levels or tick up. When most people think of REITS, they think of those that own physical properties, like shopping malls, hotels and apartments. Instead, mREITs buy and originate mortgages on these properties. (But like their property-owning cousins, they get a hall pass on their corporate taxes so long as they pay out 90% of their income as dividends.) mREITs’ lending operations make money by borrowing at low short-term rates, then lending that cash out in the form of mortgages based on long-term rates. They then pocket the difference. This business model prints money when long rates (i.e., those on the ) are steady or, better yet, declining, as we’ll likely see in the coming slowdown. That’s because, when long-term rates drop, mREITs’ existing loans become more valuable because new loans pay less. That’s the setup we’re likely to see in the coming months. But what about when rates rise? That can hurt mREITs because their existing mortgage portfolios fall in value. But remember that they do see rising income from those floating-rate loans. Moreover, the best mREITs are run by experienced managers and have their hands in businesses beyond commercial lending, helping them navigate any rate environment. Starwood: Much More Than a Mortgage Lender Which sets up the 10%-yielding stock we’re going to talk about today: Starwood Property Trust (NYSE:). It really is the poster child for mREITs. For starters, its loan book is 98% floating-rate. And as we’ll see below, it’s diversified into other businesses that help hedge it against inflation. Starwood is managed by Barry Sternlicht’s Starwood Capital, which he founded with $20 million in 1991. Today, Starwood Capital manages over $120 billion in assets. These folks know the credit and real estate markets, and they’ve built STWD to thrive in all rate setups: Beyond commercial lending, which is about 55% of assets, STWD holds residential loans (11%) and devotes about 13% of its assets to owned properties. It also makes loans in the growing infrastructure space (a keen focus of the company) and originates, acquires and manages mortgage-backed securities. In addition, it runs LNR Partners LLC, which focuses on resolving distressed mortgages. Since its launch in 1993, LNR has resolved some $94.5 billion worth of such loans. On the commercial loan side, the company’s loan book is as diverse as it comes, with mortgages spread across office, housing, hotel, industrial, infrastructure, mixed-use properties, international properties, and more. Source: Starwood Property Trust Q1 investor presentation All of this has helped this “ironclad” mREIT blow past competitors Blackstone Realty Trust (NYSE:) and Granite Point Mortgage Trust (NYSE:) in the past five years—through COVID, plunging rates, rising rates and the trade war—and with far less drama, too: Starwood Soldiers Through the Wild 2020s That share-price gain is deserved. Just look at how STWD’s book value grew from the start of the rising-rate *******, in January 2022, to the end of 2024—when 10-year Treasury rates shot up from 1.5% to 4.6%. At the same time, the book values of BXMT and GPMT plummeted: Starwood Shakes Off Rising Rates, Grows Its Assets And this year? Despite concerns about inflation/recession, Starwood has posted a total return of roughly 3% and has only barely slipped into the red this year, while the ’s total return remains underwater, with volatility that’s gone through the roof: “Tariff Tantrum” Fails to Dent Starwood On the dividend front, Starwood raised the payout after its 2009 IPO and has held it steady, at $0.48 quarterly, for the past decade. And that payout looks safe: Management says it has $1.5 billion (or $4.53 a share) in unrealized distributable earnings from property gains to put toward the payout. That’s nearly 2.5 years of payouts, based on the current annualized rate. Slowdown Could Give Us a Better Deal on Starwood So why are we putting Starwood on our watch list and not our buy list, now? It goes back to book value: Right now, Starwood trades “at book,” which isn’t bad—but I expect a slowdown to pull the stock below book by a bit. That’s what happened in March 2023, when the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and friends sent recession fears soaring. Back then, STWD traded at 82% of book. And with another slowdown likely, I expect another chance to buy for less than book value in the coming months (though likely not quite at that 18%-off deal we saw in 2023!). When that opportunity appears, I’ll tip off members of my Contrarian Income Report service in our regular monthly issue. Disclosure: Brett Owens and Michael Foster are contrarian income investors who look for undervalued stocks/funds across the U.S. markets. Click here to learn how to profit from their strategies in the latest report, “7 Great Dividend Growth Stocks for a Secure Retirement.” Source link #Inflation #Slowdown #Dividend #Wins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump reduces tax on cheap imports from China – The Verge Trump reduces tax on cheap imports from China – The Verge Trump reduces tax on cheap imports from China The VergeUS to cut ‘de minimis’ tariff on China shipments to 54% from 120% ReutersUS cuts tariffs on small parcels from ******** firms like Shein and Temu BBCChina trade deal: White House partially cuts tariffs on Shein, Temu packages AxiosTrump slashes tariff on small parcels sent to US from mainland, Hong Kong, to 54% South China Morning Post Source link #Trump #reduces #tax #cheap #imports #China #Verge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Raymond James says this AI-related stock is a buy with more than 20% upside Raymond James says this AI-related stock is a buy with more than 20% upside The artificial intelligence ***** should boost shares of Super Micro Computer , according to Raymond James. Analyst Simon Leopold initiated coverage of the server maker with an outperform rating and set its price target at $41. That target implies 22.3% upside from Monday’s close. “AI platforms now comprise nearly 70% of Super micro’s revenue, and is also expanding its share of the branded AI server market. The company combines its engineering and manufacturing scale to compete,” the analyst wrote in a note this week. “Tariffs and technology transitions (e.g., NVIDIA’s Hopper to Blackwell processors) present intermediate-term challenges, but AI projects represent a long-term secular driver.” While Super Micro recently issued disappointing preliminary results for the fiscal third quarter , it’s still up sharply this year. The stock has risen about 10% in 2025, far outpacing the S & P 500. In the past six months, shares have also soared nearly 65%. SMCI 6M mountain SMCI, 6-month Those gains could extend in the near term. Dubbing Super Micro a “market leader in AI-optimized infrastructure,” Leopold noted the company has claimed 9% of the AI platform market and 31% share among branded suppliers. He believes Super Micro will expand its market share. The analyst cited more growth in hyperscale AI infrastructure as a key catalyst for gains ahead. He also pointed to the ramping of Nvidia’s Blackwell platforms as a catalyst, along with increased penetration of its AI deployments in other industries like finance and healthcare. “While recent lumpiness tied to product transitions and limited enterprise services constrain valuation, we believe SMCI’s 25%+ revenue [compound annual growth rate] and expanding U.S. footprint support a re-rating,” he wrote. To be sure, Leopold’s bullish stance puts him in the ********* on Wall Street. Eight of the 15 analyst covering it have a hold rating on Super Micro, per LSEG data. By contrast, five have a buy rating. Its average target of roughly $40 still calls for an advance of more than 20% in shares from here, however. Source link #Raymond #James #AIrelated #stock #buy #upside Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

France’s Macron to pay state visit to Britain France’s Macron to pay state visit to Britain French President Emmanuel Macron will pay a state visit to Britain in July after he accepted an invitation from King Charles, Buckingham Palace says. Macron and his wife Brigitte will be hosted by Charles and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle just outside London on July 8-10. The grand ceremonial event will be the first for Macron, who enjoys a good personal relationship with the British monarch. US President Donald Trump has also been invited for a state visit although no date has been confirmed. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been keen to reset relations with the European Union following Britain’s historic exit from the bloc in 2020. Charles, 76, had planned to make France the destination for his first overseas visit after taking the throne following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, but a state visit in March 2023 was postponed amid protests over a pension law brought in by Macron. When Charles eventually made the trip six months later, he became the first British monarch to address both houses of the French parliament. His speech in flawless French getting a standing ovation in the French senate. The British royals were moved by Macron’s heartfelt tribute to Elizabeth following her death in 2022 when he said: “To you, she was your queen. To us, she was the queen.” “When my mother died last year, my family and I were moved, beyond measure, by the tributes paid to her throughout France,” Charles told the French senate. British state visits, full of pomp and pageantry, usually include a carriage ride through central London and a lavish state banquet. The last state visit by a French president was in 2008 when Queen Elizabeth hosted Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, also at Windsor. Charles was diagnosed with an unspecified form of ******* in early 2024. Source link #Frances #Macron #pay #state #visit #Britain Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump wants to lower prescription drug prices. What it means for your pharmacy bill. Trump wants to lower prescription drug prices. What it means for your pharmacy bill. Americans pay more for prescription drugs than people in Europe or in any other wealthy nation. Is that likely to change anytime soon? President Donald Trump took aim at that pricing disparity with an executive order on May 12 that aims to lower drug prices for U.S. consumers and taxpayers, sharing on social media that they’d be cut by “59%, PLUS!” and later at the White House adding, “I guess even 90%.” But some doubt how much consumers will feel the cuts. Pharmaceutical experts say the executive order will have no immediate impact on how much people pay at the pharmacy or for mail-order prescriptions. The president has asked the drug industry to voluntarily lower drug prices for U.S. consumer or be subject to a barrage of regulatory actions to force lower prices. “The president thinks of pharmaceutical price differences between countries the same way he thinks of our trade imbalances with other countries,” said John Barkett, managing director at the management consulting firm BRG and a former senior policy advisor in the Biden White House. “If we pay more than other countries, then he thinks we’re getting ripped off.” How will the order lower drug prices? The United States trade representative and the Department of Commerce have 30 days to give drugmakers price targets “to bring prices for American patients in line with comparably developed nations,” the order said. If they don’t make significant progress toward those goals within six months, drugmakers could face actions from several federal agencies. The requested drug discounts could range for 59% to 80% from list prices. Trump said other wealthy nations should pay more for prescription drugs. He called his executive order, which aims to charge Americans less and other nations more, “equalization.” If drugmakers that don’t cut prices, the order directs Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Health and Human Services Department to draft federal rules to impose prices in line with other developed nations. Trump’s enforcement tool would come from federal regulators. Drug companies that fail to meet price targets could be investigated by the Federal Trade Commission for anti-competitive practices or face Food and Drug Administration reviews to “potentially modify or revoke” approvals of drugs found to be “unsafe, ineffective or improperly marketed.” The order also resurfaces an idea from the Trump administration’s first term that achieved little uptake − importing less expensive pharmaceuticals from other nations. Michael Cannon, director of health policy studies at the Cato Institute, said the threat of regulatory action from several federal agencies amounts to “throwing spaghetti against the wall.” “If they throw everything (at drug companies), they are more likely to get drug companies to do what they want,” Cannon said. How will these actions affect what I pay at the pharmacy counter? The executive order will have “no immediate impact on the American consumer,” Barkett said. The amount consumers pay for prescription drugs depends on their health insurance plans, which often charge copayments or a percentage of the pharmacy bill. Prices also often include complex rebates hidden from public view. Studies show consumers are feeling the pinch of higher drug prices. A 2023 survey by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that focuses on access to health care, said nearly 2 in 5 people skipped or delayed medical care or didn’t fill a prescription that year because they couldn’t afford it. Some Democrats are skeptical that the executive order will deliver meaningful drug price relief to consumers or taxpayers. U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, said Trump talks about lowering drug prices “but fails to accomplish anything.” “Rather than changing the law, Trump issues another press release that will offer consumers little or nothing,” Doggett said. “Begging Big Pharma to show some benevolence to the taxpayers and consumers, whom they continue to price gouge, will do nothing to assure access to affordable medications.” How much more do US residents pay for prescription drugs? Americans pay more for these life-saving medications than residents of other wealthy nations. U.S prescription drug prices run more than 2.5 times those in 32 comparable countries, according to a 2023 HHS report. The U.S. spent $1,310 per person on prescription drugs, compared to $646 per person paid in other developed nations, the report said. In January 2025, AARP Public Policy Institute examined average list prices on 25 drugs for which Medicare spent the most on but had not yet negotiated lower prices. The report found prices nearly doubled since they hit the market and collectively cost Medicare and taxpayers nearly $50 billion in 2022. About 7 million older adults on Medicare used the drugs and had to pay a portion of the bill at the pharmacy or via mail order. How does Trump’s order compare to the Biden administration’s efforts to lower drug prices? Under Biden’s 2022 climate and health legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare was empowered to negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies on a limited number of medications. The law called for extensive rules, public comments and talks with drug companies before Medicare implemented discounts. The Biden administration lowered prices on 10 widely prescribed drugs, such as the blood thinner Eliquis, which will take effect in 2026. In January, Medicare announced an additional batch of 15 drugs subject to negotiation for discounts beginning in 2027. The law also called for penalties on drug companies that raised prices on prescription drugs faster than the rate of inflation. What does the pharmaceutical industry think about Trump’s order? Stephen Ubl, president and CEO of the trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, or PhRMA, agreed with Trump’s assessment that foreign countries are not paying their fair share. Ubl also said pharmacy benefit managers, which negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers and patients, also demand scrutiny. “The administration is right to use trade negotiations to force foreign governments to pay their fair share for medicines,” Ubl said. “U.S. patients should not foot the bill for global innovation.” But Ubl said U.S. pharmacy benefit managers, insurers and hospitals take half of every dollar spent on medicines. “The amount going to middlemen often exceeds the price in Europe,” Ubl said. “Giving this money directly to patients will lower their medicine costs and significantly reduce the gap with European prices.” This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump plans to lower prescription drug costs Source link #Trump #prescription #drug #prices #means #pharmacy #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gérard Depardieu found guilty of ******* assault in Paris trial – BBC Gérard Depardieu found guilty of ******* assault in Paris trial – BBC Gérard Depardieu found guilty of ******* assault in Paris trial BBCGérard Depardieu Convicted of ******* Assault The New York TimesVerdict expected in Gérard Depardieu’s ******* assault trial NPRBrigitte Bardot defends ‘talented people who grab a girl’s bottom’ The TimesGérard Depardieu given 18-month suspended sentence after being found guilty of ******* assault of two women – Europe live The Guardian Source link #Gérard #Depardieu #guilty #******* #assault #Paris #trial #BBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Allison Dakin is selected for National Farmers’ Federation competitive leadership program Allison Dakin is selected for National Farmers’ Federation competitive leadership program Myroodah Station’s Allison Dakin has been selected for the National Farmers’ Federation’s mentoring and networking program designed to nurture women in the agriculture industry. Ms Dakin joins 11 other women from across the country in the 2025 Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program which will connect and empower the leaders to elevate their careers, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change within the industry. All candidates will be matched with an industry-leading mentor and will work towards personal and professional goals during the program. Ms Dakin — who currently lives at Myroodah Station, Derby — has spent the majority of her life working in the Australia agriculture industry and said she was looking forward to the three-day leadership retreat in Canberra in June. She said she is particularly looking forward to learning and being inspired by “amazing women doing amazing things”. Ms Dakin is no stranger to leadership, currently working as an executive officer at the Kimberley Agriculture and Pastoral Company — an integrated pastoral enterprise made up of four Indigenous-owned pastoral stations in northern WA, including Mt Anderson, Myroodah, Frazier Downs and Bohemia Downs. KAPCO provides an avenue for Indigenous people to gain training, skills and employment on country. NFF President David Jochinke said it was a very competitive selection process for the 2025 cohort. “These twelve women are the cream of the crop, and we congratulate them for taking the time and effort to further their leadership skills through this program,” he said. “The NFF has set a goal to double the number of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks by 2030. “This program boasts dozens of alumni and is now in its eighth year, a testament to the desire for diversity in ag’s leadership spaces. “I look forward to seeing these talented professionals thrive in this year’s program.” Ms Dakin will be joined by Queensland’s Karen Penfold, Courtney Bailey, Vivienne McCollum and Bronwyn Venus, New South Wales’ Nada Sukkarieh, Malinda Newton, Mary Johnson and Georgia Campbell, Northern Territory’s Anna Cochrane, and South Australia’s Mon Saunders. The flagship initiative was implemented in 2018 to address the under representation of women in agriculture’s leadership ranks. WA 2024 graduate Ming Fung Chua praised the program for expanding her leadership horizons. “The program has empowered me to break free from self-imposed limitations, embrace my potential, and build lasting bonds with incredible women who have supported my journey toward personal and professional growth,” she said. Source link #Allison #Dakin #selected #National #Farmers #Federation #competitive #leadership #program Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roger Wheeler State Beach is a go-to for families. Why it won’t be as friendly this summer Roger Wheeler State Beach is a go-to for families. Why it won’t be as friendly this summer NARRAGANSETT – Beachgoers will find their favorite sandy spots a little more cramped when they visit Roger W. Wheeler State Beach this summer. The beach is undergoing a makeover as construction crews replace and expand the boardwalk and build a bulkhead. By the time work is done, the new boardwalk will have doubled in size to nearly 1,200 feet in length and be accessible for people with disabilities. New stairs, sidewalks, shade structures, a foot washing station and concrete benches will also be installed, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM). The work, however, will bring some disruptions to beachgoers. Amenities at the beach – among them concessions, lifeguards, restrooms and showers – will open on Saturday, June 14, later than in previous seasons. Until then, the beach will be an active construction site with limited access, according to Evan LaCross, a public affairs officer at DEM. The beach area also will be reduced, with some sections being rocky, according to DEM. The oldest state beach in Rhode Island, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach, is getting a new boardwalk, stairs, foot washing station and benches. “There will be fenced-off areas along the East and West sides of the beach, extending into the parking lot and beachfront itself to establish safe work zones,” says a DEM page on the construction project. The parking area may also be reduced, DEM warned. It is a popular nesting spot for piping plovers, a protected shorebird. DEM said it would monitor and protect the nesting areas. The work began last August and is scheduled to last until May 2026, with a pause in construction this summer. It is being funded by $3.1 million in federal money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund; $7.5 million from the 2021 Beach, Clean Water and Green Economy Bond; and $150,000 from state capital funds. In total, about $10.7 million, LaCross said. History of Roger W. Wheeler State Beach Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is the oldest state beaches in Rhode Island, according to DEM. It was originally known as Sand Hill Cove, a name still used by some locals. The state’s ownership of the beach goes back to the Revolutionary War, when the state seized the property from a Tory sympathizer of King George III. Over time, beaches became more popular with Rhode Island’s working class. But it wasn’t until the 1940s – in the middle of World War II – that the state kicked out a community of squatters who had built ******** structures at the beach. A rendering of the new western bulkhead at Roger Wheeler State Beach. /RIDEM The beach was renamed in 1970 after the late Capt. Roger W. Wheeler, who was credited with creating the Rhode Island State Life-Saving System, a series of stations that assisted ships in distress. These days, Roger W. Wheeler State Beach is known for its fine white sand and calm waters protected by Galilee’s breakwaters, making it a popular spot for families with children. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Roger Wheeler State Beach getting a makeover, new boardwalk Source link #Roger #Wheeler #State #Beach #goto #families #wont #friendly #summer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Investment banks lift China growth outlook after surprise trade deal with U.S. – CNBC Investment banks lift China growth outlook after surprise trade deal with U.S. – CNBC Investment banks lift China growth outlook after surprise trade deal with U.S. CNBCDow soars 1,100 points after Trump team and China dramatically lower tariffs CNNChina cautiously welcomes pause in US tariff war The GuardianFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures a Historic Trade Win for the United States The White House (.gov)Stocks edge up, dollar dips as trade-deal sugar rush fades Reuters Source link #Investment #banks #lift #China #growth #outlook #surprise #trade #deal #U.S #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Broome health officer earns State honour for early career impact Broome health officer earns State honour for early career impact Broome resident Lylanie Smith has earned Statewide recognition for her work in environmental health, taking home the 2024 early career professional of the year award from Environmental Health Australia WA. Source link #Broome #health #officer #earns #State #honour #early #career #impact Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Your iPhone battery could get a big boost soon thanks to iOS 19 and Apple Intelligence – and that’s good news for the iPhone 17 Air Your iPhone battery could get a big boost soon thanks to iOS 19 and Apple Intelligence – and that’s good news for the iPhone 17 Air Apple is expected to reveal a new AI-powered battery tool as part of iOS 19 The Apple Intelligence-branded tool could extend battery life on all iPhones running iOS 19 The new software tool has been built with the upcoming iPhone 17 Air in mind Apple is expected to unveil a new AI-powered battery tool that will increase your iPhone’s battery life in iOS 19. According to Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, Apple is expected to reveal an “AI-powered battery management mode for iOS 19.” iOS 19 will likely be unveiled at WWDC 2025 in June and launch in September alongside the iPhone 17. Gurman’s sources state, “The enhancement will analyze how a person uses their device and make adjustments to conserve energy.” Apple will likely bring this AI tool to market as part of Apple Intelligence, which ties back to code in iOS 18.2 referencing Battery Intelligence. You may like While the iPhone already has some machine-learning capabilities that help improve battery life, such as low-power mode and optimized charging, this new AI feature is expected to continuously analyze how a device is used and make on-the-fly decisions to improve battery. Gurman says, “The company is using battery data it has collected from users’ devices to understand trends and make predictions for when it should lower the power draw of certain applications or features.” NEW: Apple prepares a new Apple Intelligence feature for iOS 19 coming this fall — an AI-powered battery optimization mode to extend battery life. This will be particularly aimed at the iPhone 17 Air, which will use the feature to offset a smaller battery. [Hidden Content] 12, 2025 Why now? According to the report, Apple is planning to bring these Apple Intelligence-powered battery features into the fray in order to boost the run time of the rumored iPhone 17 Air. According to reports, the iPhone 17 Air is expected to be impressively thin, yet due to its thinner design will lack battery capacity. By adding an AI-powered battery tool Apple will be able to offset some of the drawbacks of the thinner design, allowing for extended performance despite a thinner chassis. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Gurman states that the Apple Intelligence tool will be available for “all iPhones that have iOS 19,” meaning owners of the iPhone 16 series of devices, as well as some older iPhones will also reap the benefits. While Gurman has an excellent track record in revealing new Apple products and software early, we’ll need to wait until next month at WWDC to get a true representation of iOS 19 and everything it has to offer, including this AI-powered battery tool as well as a complete redesign. You may also like Source link #iPhone #battery #big #boost #iOS #Apple #Intelligence #good #news #iPhone #Air Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Workers could pay for heat pumps using salary sacrifice Workers could pay for heat pumps using salary sacrifice Ed Miliband is considering plans to let workers buy heat pumps using a salary sacrifice scheme – Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images Homeowners who ditch their gas boilers for a heat pump could pay back the cost of installation through salary sacrifice schemes under plans being considered by Ed Miliband. The proposal would allow salaried employees to repay their loan in monthly instalments that come out of their pre-tax income, saving money overall as they pay less towards national insurance and income tax. It would be similar to salary sacrifice schemes already in place for electric vehicles, which have been credited with boosting uptake among drivers. Mr Miliband, the Energy Secretary, is looking to expand the schemes on offer as a way of helping consumers with the similarly high costs of switching to a heat pump, according to energy companies. According to data provider MCS, the typical cost of installing an air source heat pump – the most common kind – is still about £5,500 after government grants are applied. On Monday, the Government did not rule out making salary sacrifice options available for heat pump purchases but it is understood there are no immediate plans being drawn up. The proposal would likely be more complicated to introduce than the equivalent EV scheme, however, given that heating systems are not typically leased. However, The Electric Car Scheme, which runs salary sacrifice schemes for client companies, said payments on a heat pump costing £14,760, spread over three years, could effectively be reduced from £410 to just £295 using the tax perk. Thom Groot, the chief executive of the company, said: “We know that the government is seriously considering adding heat pumps to the hugely successful legislation covering salary sacrifice EVs and would welcome their introduction. “Including these sustainable technologies would provide a meaningful boost to both our net zero goals and the economic growth that Rachel Reeves has made a central pillar of her policy.” Trevor Hutchings, the chief executive of the Renewable Energy Association, added: “The growing uptake of EVs has been driven in many cases by the hugely successful salary sacrifice provision that makes them cheaper for consumers. “Extending this to include renewable technologies like heat pumps and solar could provide the industry with a much-needed boost, one that industry estimates could translate into roughly 600,000 Heat Pump and renewable heating installations by 2030.” A government spokesman said: “We are helping more people install heat pumps, including with our £7,500 grant – and supporting industry to develop financing models that can remove the upfront cost entirely. “We are consulting on expanding the Boiler Upgrade Scheme to support new approaches, such as heat pump subscriptions, to help more households make the switch to cleaner heating in a way that works for them.” Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Source link #Workers #pay #heat #pumps #salary #sacrifice Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]