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What’s the theme, how to watch and how much does a ticket cost? What’s the theme, how to watch and how much does a ticket cost? Steven McIntosh Culture reporter Getty Images The co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala include Lewis Hamilton (pictured), Pharrell Williams and LeBron James The biggest names in entertainment are gearing up to celebrate menswear and ****** style at Monday’s Met Gala, the fashion industry’s biggest night of the year. Pharrell Williams and Lewis Hamilton are among the co-chairs for this year’s event, which raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. The annual gala, which takes place in New York City, is usually attended by huge names from the world of film, fashion and music. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Met Gala 2025. What is this year’s Met Gala theme?Getty Images Met Gala committee member Usher, pictured last month, said the celebration of menswear and ****** style was “timely” The Met Gala’s theme is usually connected to the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition, which this year is Superfine: Tailoring ****** Style. It’s inspired by Monica L Miller’s book Slaves to Fashion: ****** Dandyism and the Styling of ****** Diasporic Identity, published in 2009. This year’s Met Gala dress code is “Tailored for You” – a reference to the suiting and menswear which features in the exhibition. In fact, this is the first Met Gala in more than two decades to focus exclusively on menswear. “The theme this year is not only timely,” said Gala committee member Usher, “but also speaks to our rich culture that should always be widely celebrated.” Expect lots of references from both the male and female guests to the role ****** style has played over the centuries, particularly in menswear. The Met says the show “presents a cultural and historical examination of ****** style from the 18th Century to today, through the lens of dandyism“. Who is hosting?Getty Images The co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala include double Oscar nominee Colman Domingo Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who oversees the gala every year, is joined for 2025 by co-chairs Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky and LeBron James. ****** talent is also being celebrated with the event’s host committee, which includes athlete Simone Biles, film director Spike Lee, actress Ayo Edebiri, pop stars Doechii, Usher, Tyla, Janelle Monáe and André 3000, author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and playwright Jeremy O Harris. When is the Met Gala?PA Media Met Gala regular Kim Kardashian pictured at last year’s event The Met Gala always takes place on The First Monday in May – to use the title of the 2016 documentary about the event. This year, that means it takes place on Monday, 5 May, with guests arriving from about 18:00 EST (23:00 BST). It might be a bank holiday in the ***, but for the designers, publicists and PAs, it’ll be an extraordinarily busy day as they preen and prepare their stars to walk the grand staircase. Although the public never gets to see inside the event itself, where the guests are treated to dinner, cocktails, live music and a look around the costume institute’s new exhibition, the lengthy red carpet event beforehand ensures acres of media coverage. The guest list isn’t published in advance, but you can safely expect to see a huge number of A-listers on the night. How can I watch the Met Gala?Getty Images Vogue editor Anna Wintour has chaired or co-chaired every Met Gala since 1995 Unless you’re a New York resident planning to stand behind the barriers across the road from the museum, your best bet is probably to watch it online. Vogue will be running a live stream of the event across their digital platforms, including YouTube. US viewers will be able to watch on Peacock and E! Online, while countless news outlets will be live streaming their own coverage on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. You can also follow the live blog here on the BBC News website. But to be honest, photos and videos from the night will be inescapable when you open your social media feeds on Tuesday morning, so if you’re in the *** and going to bed, you shouldn’t have to look too far for coverage when you wake up. Can I buy tickets? No, sorry hun. The Met Gala is an exclusive event, only open to a small number of invited guests – usually around 450. Often, the biggest brands will buy a table, and use it to host their desired celebrities. The label benefits if the celebrity is associated with them and wears one of their outfits on the red carpet. The proceeds from ticket sales go to the costume institute. It’s understood an individual ticket goes for around $75,000 (£56,000), while a 10-seat table starts at $350,000. But at least the A-listers don’t have to deal with dynamic pricing. Look back on previous Met Galas: Source link #Whats #theme #watch #ticket #cost Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump film tariff poses threat to Hollywood Down Under Trump film tariff poses threat to Hollywood Down Under The federal government promises to stand up for Australia’s screen industry after Donald Trump announced 100 per cent tariffs on film productions made outside the US. “The Movie Industry in America is DYING a very fast death. Other Countries are offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away from the United States,” the US president posted on Truth Social on Sunday. “Hollywood, and many other areas within the USA, are being devastated.” Australia is such a popular location for foreign film productions, it is sometimes dubbed “Hollywood Down Under” with recent large-scale productions including The Fall Guy, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes and Thor: Ragnarok. The federal government’s location offset scheme offers a 30 per cent rebate for big budget film projects shot in Australia, with additional post-production rebates and state governments offering further sweeteners. But the imposition of tariffs could mean these incentives are no longer attractive for productions aimed at the massive US market. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Monday said he has had a “warm and positive” conversation with Donald Trump, in which tariffs were discussed. But he did not specifically mention to reporters the film industry tariffs Mr Trump announced hours beforehand. Minister for the Arts Tony Burke said he was monitoring the situation closely. “Nobody should be under any doubt that we will be standing up unequivocally for the rights of the *********** screen industry,” Mr Burke said in a statement. In his latest tariffs announcement on social media, Mr Trump described the film incentives as a threat to the US by foreign nations. “This is a concerted effort by other Nations and, therefore, a National Security threat,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Sunday. “It is, in addition to everything else, messaging and propaganda!” It’s not yet clear how the tariffs would be imposed but they could also affect the export of *********** content to the US market, making tickets more expensive for films such as George Miller’s Mad Max series. Source link #Trump #film #tariff #poses #threat #Hollywood Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Driver of Ctour Holiday van involved in Idaho ****** was licensed in California Driver of Ctour Holiday van involved in Idaho ****** was licensed in California WEST YELLOWSTONE, Mont. (AP) — Idaho State Police said Saturday that the driver of the tour van involved in a deadly collision with a pickup truck was licensed in California and the company that organized the trip was Ctour Holiday LLC, a large tour operator that provides international travel services. The pickup truck driver and six people in the Mercedes van were killed in the ******, which occurred Thursday evening on U.S. Highway 20 near Henry’s Lake State Park in eastern Idaho as the tour group was headed to Yellowstone National Park. Police identified the pickup driver as 25-year-old Isaih Moreno of Humble, Texas. They have not said whether the driver of the van was among the dead. Ctour Holiday did not immediately respond Saturday to messages seeking comment. The van passengers included 12 people of ******** nationality and one Italian. Police said they were working closely with Ctour Holiday and in contact with the two countries’ consulates. The ******** Consulate General in San Francisco said via email that five ******** citizens were killed and eight were injured. The consulate “immediately activated its emergency mechanism to provide consular protection and assistance to the injured and the families of the victims,” it added. The ****** remains under investigation, and police said the bodies would be taken to the Ada County Coroner’s Office for autopsies and formal confirmation of their identities. Three people were seriously injured: Two were flown to an Idaho Falls hospital and one to a hospital in Bozeman, Montana, according to police. Information on their conditions was not released, and the hospitals did not immediately respond to messages seeking updates. Others were taken to local hospitals with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. “Due to privacy considerations, no information regarding the medical status of the injured will be released,” police said in a statement. Source link #Driver #Ctour #Holiday #van #involved #Idaho #****** #licensed #California Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

China risks deeper deflation by diverting exports to domestic market China risks deeper deflation by diverting exports to domestic market SHENZHEN, CHINA – APRIL 12: A woman checks her smartphone while walking past a busy intersection in front of a Sam’s Club membership store and a McDonald’s restaurant on April 12, 2025 in Shenzhen, China. Cheng Xin | Getty Images News As sky-high tariffs kill U.S. orders for ******** goods, the country has been striving to help exporters divert sales to the domestic market — a move that threatens to drive the world’s second-largest economy into deeper deflation. Local ******** governments and major businesses have voiced support to help tariff-hit exporters redirect their products to the domestic market for *****. JD.com, Tencent and Douyin, TikTok’s sister app in China, are among the e-commerce giants promoting sales of these goods to ******** consumers. Sheng Qiuping, vice commerce minister, in a statement last month described China’s vast domestic market as a crucial buffer for exporters in weathering external shocks, urging local authorities to coordinate efforts in stabilizing exports and boosting consumption. “The side effect is a ferocious price war among ******** firms,” said Yingke Zhou, senior China economist at Barclays Bank. JD.com, for instance, has pledged 200 billion yuan ($28 billion) to help exporters and has set up a dedicated section on its platform for goods originally intended for U.S. buyers, with discounts of up to 55%. An influx of discounted goods intended for the U.S. market would also erode companies’ profitability, which in turn would weigh on employment, Zhou said. Uncertain job prospects and worries over income stability have already been contributing to weak consumer demand. After hovering just above zero in 2023 and 2024, the consumer price index slipped into negative territory, declining for two straight months in February and March. The producer price index fell for a 29th consecutive month in March, down 2.5% from a year earlier, to clock its steepest decline in four months. As the trade war knocks down export orders, deflation in China’s wholesale prices will likely deepen to 2.8% in April, from 2.5% in March, according to a team of economists at Morgan Stanley. “We believe the tariff impact will be the most acute this quarter, as many exporters have halted their production and shipments to the U.S.” For the full year, Shan Hui, chief China economist at Goldman Sachs, expects China’s CPI to fall to 0%, from a 0.2% year-on-year growth in 2024, and PPI to decline by 1.6% from a 2.2% drop last year. “Prices will need to fall for domestic and other foreign buyers to help absorb the excess supply left behind by U.S. importers,” Shan said, adding that manufacturing capacity may not adjust quickly to “sudden tariff increases,” likely worsening the overcapacity issues in some industries. Goldman projects China’s real gross domestic product to grow just 4.0% this year, even as ******** authorities have set the growth target for 2025 at “around 5%.” Survival game U.S. President Donald Trump ratcheted up tariffs on imported ******** goods to 145% this year, the highest level in a century, prompting Beijing to retaliate with additional levies of 125%. Tariffs at such prohibitive levels have severely hit trade between the two countries. The concerted efforts from Beijing to help exporters offload goods impacted by U.S. tariffs may not be anything more than a stopgap measure, said Shen Meng, director at Beijing-based boutique investment bank Chanson & Co. The loss of access to the U.S. market has deepened strains on ******** exporters, piling onto weak domestic demand, intensifying price wars, razor-thin margins, payment delays and high return rates. “For exporters that were able to charge higher prices from American consumers, selling in China’s domestic market is merely a way to clear unsold inventory and ease short-term cash-flow pressure,” Shen said: “There is little room for profits.” The squeezed margins may force some exporting companies to close shop, while others might opt to operate at a loss, just to keep factories from sitting idle, Shen said. Weekly analysis and insights from Asia’s largest economy in your inbox Subscribe now As more firms shut down or scale back operations, the fallout will spill into the labor market. Goldman Sachs’ Shan estimates that 16 million jobs, over 2% of China’s labor force, are involved in the production of U.S.-bound goods. The Trump administration last week ended the “de minimis” exemptions that had allowed ******** e-commerce firms like Shein and Temu to ship low-value parcels into the U.S. without paying tariffs. “The removal of the de minimis rule and declining cashflow are pushing many small and medium-sized enterprises toward insolvency,” said Wang Dan, China director at political risk consultancy firm Eurasia Group, warning that job losses are mounting in export-reliant regions. She estimates the urban unemployment rate to reach an average 5.7% this year, above the official 5.5% target, Wang said. Beijing holds stimulus firepower Surging exports in the past few years have helped China offset the drag from a property slump that has hit investment and consumer spending, strained government finances and the banking sector. The property-sector ills, coupled with the prohibitive U.S. tariffs, mean “the economy is set to face two major drags simultaneously,” Ting Lu, chief China economist at Nomura, said in a recent note, warning that the risk is a “worse-than-expected demand shock.” Despite the mounting calls for more robust stimulus, many economists believe Beijing will likely wait to see concrete signs of economic deterioration before it exercises fiscal firepower. “Authorities do not view deflation as a crisis, instead, [they are] framing low prices as a buffer to support household savings during a ******* of economic transition,” Eurasia Group’s Wang said. When asked about the potential impact of increased competition within China’s market, Peking University professor Justin Yifu Lin said Beijing can use fiscal, monetary and other targeted policies to boost purchasing power. “The challenge the U.S. faces is larger than China’s,” he told reporters on April 21 in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. Lin is dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics. He expects the current tariff situation would be resolved soon, but did not share a specific timeframe. While China retains production capabilities, Lin said it would take at least a year or two for the U.S. to reshore manufacturing, meaning American consumers would be hit by higher prices in the interim. — CNBC’s Evelyn Cheng contributed to this story. Source link #China #risks #deeper #deflation #diverting #exports #domestic #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tech site 404 Media says Signal-like app used by Trump adviser was hacked – Reuters Tech site 404 Media says Signal-like app used by Trump adviser was hacked – Reuters Tech site 404 Media says Signal-like app used by Trump adviser was hacked ReutersHow Marco Rubio defied expectations and rose to the top of Trump’s orbit PoliticoInside Waltz’s ouster: Before Signalgate, talks with Israel angered Trump The Washington PostEx-Trump adviser Mike Waltz will have ‘brutal’ hearing for UN ambassador, Dems say USA TodayThe Signal Clone the Trump Admin Uses Was Hacked 404 Media Source link #Tech #site #Media #Signallike #app #Trump #adviser #hacked #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Shh… the rise of the silent book club Shh… the rise of the silent book club David Pittam BBC News, Derby BBC The founders of the club say it’s a chance to unplug and stop scrolling A bell goes off. Chatter dies. The only sound is rustling pages and creaking chairs. The silent book club is in session. Members of one of many new chapters of this growing trend have gathered in an annex of the Board & Bean board game cafe in Chesterfield, in Derbyshire. They begin with a quick chat, largely concerning the popularity and the high number of Greggs shops in the town (apparently, it’s six). Readers inhabit the same space, while being simultaneously in Middle Earth, the middle ages or Middle England And then, organiser Emma Bent – e-reader in hand – calls for silence. For the next hour, no-one speaks at all. Barely anyone looks at their phone, or each other. They’re simply absorbed in their books. ‘Like parallel play’ For Ms Bent, 40, that is what makes the event special and why she runs four a month. She says: “To know everyone is going back to their world in the book, whatever that world may be – whether it’s Middle Earth, a dystopian future or the here and now with some detective sleuthing through the city – it’s comforting to be around. “It’s very relaxing and mindful. “And I think the social aspect appeals to people. Even though we’re sat in silence for an hour, it is a social club.” Unlike traditional book clubs, readers can bring any book they want. The hour of silent reading is followed by a discussion about the books everyone is reading. One woman studies a science fiction publication from her university course, while a man in headphones flicks through The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. Victoria Ruck admits the club is both “sweet” and a little bit “awkward” Victoria Ruck, 22, has never been in a traditional book club before, and feels this is helping her read more again. “It’s a bit like parallel play,” she says. “It’s nice to have other people reading because I feel forced to read. “The start is a bit like when you’re at a sleepover and waiting to see who’s going to stop talking first. “But the fun of it is being a little bit awkward, but quite sweet as well.” Biddy Ronelle, 35, is reading Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. “I love books,” she says. “But I don’t like reading what everyone else reads. “I don’t want to be bound to a time limit to how quickly I could read something. “The difference from home is it gets you out the house, you meet people and while you wouldn’t normally ask people what they’re reading, you do here.” Growing popularity The original Silent Book Club was founded by friends Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich in San Francisco in 2012. “We were saying how hard it is to stay engaged with a regular book club – maybe you don’t want to read the book, or you can’t make the dates,” Ms Gluhanich told the BBC. “It’s also incredibly difficult to unplug and stop scrolling and swiping nowadays. This is such a great opportunity to do that. “People say you can do that at home, but it’s hard to not pick up your phone, to run an errand.” She added it was different to a library because people were part of a regular, organised group – and most libraries don’t serve drinks. By 2023, they had 500 chapters. Now, the group says it has more than 1,600 chapters in 54 countries, including about 100 in the ***. According to Eventbrite, the number of silent book clubs being organised in the *** in the beginning of 2025 increased by 460%, compared to the same ******* in 2024. “I think it’s down to a resurgence in people looking for third spaces,” said Ms Gluhanich. “Getting out and socialising in ways that aren’t focused on drinking or dating. “This is one of the easiest ways to go out and socialise and talk, you get to do it in a way that’s not pressured and there’s a baseline topic.” Some members of the club choose to stop and chat after, while others make their way home Back in Chesterfield, the bell has rung to signal the end of the reading session. A few awkward laughs and shuffling of chairs, and some members make their excuses and leave immediately. Others stay to discuss what they’ve read, going round the room to share their thoughts. People who had been quiet during the social chat at the beginning of the meeting open up for the literary discussion. It’s five-star reviews from the 10 attendees. Just one plot twist at the end, from 61-year-old Jane Gill. “Maybe comfier chairs would be nice,” she adds. Source link #Shh.. #rise #silent #book #club Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

A father has become a millionaire overnight as he wins Saturday Lotto draw A father has become a millionaire overnight as he wins Saturday Lotto draw A father has revealed the moment his lazy Sunday turned into the day he scored a massive $2.4m Lotto payout, admitting he just did a random pick of numbers. Source link #father #millionaire #overnight #wins #Saturday #Lotto #draw Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Dem Rep. reacts to Trump saying he doesn’t know if he has to uphold the Constitution Dem Rep. reacts to Trump saying he doesn’t know if he has to uphold the Constitution Democratic Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and CNN Political Commentators Ashley Allison, Shermichael Singleton, and Kristen Soltis Anderson discuss Trump saying he doesn’t know if he has to uphold the Constitution, as well as growing concerns over his handling of the economy. Source link #Dem #Rep #reacts #Trump #doesnt #uphold #Constitution Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NBA playoffs: Buddy Hield leads Warriors flying past Rockets in Game 7 to close out series on the road – Yahoo Sports NBA playoffs: Buddy Hield leads Warriors flying past Rockets in Game 7 to close out series on the road – Yahoo Sports NBA playoffs: Buddy Hield leads Warriors flying past Rockets in Game 7 to close out series on the road Yahoo SportsHighlights from Warriors’ victory over Rockets in Game 7 ESPNNightly Pulse: NBA news & highlights from May 4 NBAWarriors vs. Rockets score: Golden State wins Game 7 as Stephen Curry comes alive in second half CBS SportsWarriors advance to Western Conference semifinals, beating Rockets in Game 7 CBS News Source link #NBA #playoffs #Buddy #Hield #leads #Warriors #flying #Rockets #Game #close #series #road #Yahoo #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Miami Grand Prix: Lando Norris says Max Verstappen was ‘not racing very smart’ Miami Grand Prix: Lando Norris says Max Verstappen was ‘not racing very smart’ McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “With the benefit of hindsight, let’s say that considering the situation in corner one-two, it could have been better for Lando to just lift and make sure that he could keep the second position because the car, again, with the benefit of hindsight, we see that he was very fast and he would certainly have passed Max, like Oscar, and then later Lando was in condition to do. “So I think like every situation in racing, you have to approach with the mindset of reviewing where the opportunities lie. And I think in this case, Lando could have been a little bit more patient.” Norris was further delayed in racing Verstappen because he passed him at Turn 11 by going off track and had to give the place back, before regaining it for good the following lap. Stella said he saw no difference in his two drivers’ approaches to racing Verstappen. “Both drivers were approaching the overtaking in a way that had Lando not gone off by a few centimetres in corner 11, he would have completed the overtaking in what was a similar time. So I don’t think we should over-read too much into situations. I think it’s, like I said before, it’s a matter sometimes of a fraction of a second or a fraction of a metre. “The big time loss came because of having to give back the position. So I think in terms of overtaking manoeuvre and precision and determination, I don’t see that there’s any difference between both drivers.” Once he passed Verstappen, Norris closed on Piastri in the second stint, but ran out of time to close the gap. Source link #Miami #Grand #Prix #Lando #Norris #Max #Verstappen #racing #smart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Scorned celebrations give Tony Popovic reason to smile Scorned celebrations give Tony Popovic reason to smile It’s not naturally his style, but Australia boss Tony Popovic has welcomed the subtle digs at his selection policy from overlooked players craving the chance to be a part of his Socceroos set-up. Popovic left three of the A-League Men’s form attacking talents – Western Sydney’s Nicolas Milanovic, Sydney FC playmaker Adrian Segecic and Western United striker Noah Botic – out of his Socceroos squad for March’s World Cup qualifiers. The trio, who all finished the regular season with double-figure goal hauls, each sent Popovic a reminder of their talents in the weeks that followed their Socceroos omissions which essentially said: Why didn’t you call me up? Botic and 20-year-old Segecic, who finished joint first in the Golden Boot race, whipped out phone celebrations, while Milanovic ripped off his shirt and held it aloft to the crowd in fixtures in March. Popovic may have the reputation as being a tough taskmaster, but there was part of him that enjoyed their celebratory pot-shots. “I may have performed well enough to think I should have been in, but I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that,” Popovic said. “When I was playing we all had personality, confidence, belief and nothing would waiver that – I feel we probably lost that. “These boys have shown they’ve got some personality, which is great – you’ve got personality, you’ve got character. You’re not afraid to show that, whatever it is. “Is that a message for me? I don’t know, whatever it is, that’s fine. You’ve just got to back it up. “You want to be like that, then that’s fantastic, but then you’ve got to be the best player in the park every week.” The trio are all expected to move on from the ALM over the off-season, but Popovic has cautioned that they may actually strengthen their claims of a national team call-up by remaining in Australia. Insisting there was no “blanket response” to how he’d advise Botic, Segecic and Milanovic, Popovic said: “The decision is, why am I going overseas? “If I’m going overseas (am I going) to be a bit part player, or am I going somewhere where I know the sporting director, the coach and they want to develop me? “Those discussions are very important … (and) if that’s not clear and they’re doing well in the A-League, we are showing A-League players that they will get a chance to play for the Socceroos. “It’s proven now you can be an A-League player, and not only play for the Socceroos but make major contributions.” Meanwhile, Popovic left the door ajar for Nestory Irankunda after leaving the ex-Adelaide United winger for the March window. Irankunda, signed to ******* giants Bayern Munich, has been on loan with Swiss outfit Grasshopper since late January. “He’s got more of a chance (of a call-up) now than before because he’s playing regularly,” Popovic said. “We’ve been watching him closely, he’s been starting a lot of matches, so I think for a young player, for him in particular, it’s a really important step and we’ll keep watching him to the end of the year.” Source link #Scorned #celebrations #give #Tony #Popovic #reason #smile Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

In New York, a GOP congressman is shelled with questions about Trump during raucous town hall In New York, a GOP congressman is shelled with questions about Trump during raucous town hall SOMERS, N.Y. (AP) — Voters in U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler’s suburban New York swing district unloaded a barrage of criticism on the Republican during a raucous town hall Sunday night, peppering him with questions around President Donald Trump’s aggressive agenda before devolving into a chaotic chorus of boos as attendees were removed by law enforcement. The town hall in Somers, a leafy section of Lawler’s Hudson Valley district, began to teeter off the rails soon after it began. The first crack emerged when Lawler, in his opening remarks, told the packed out prep school auditorium “This is what democracy looks like.” Laughter crept through the crowd. A little while later, the congressman’s mention of federal health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. drew loud jeers. “So you want, for instance, petroleum-based dyes to continue?” Lawler asked in response. Republicans, in some instances, have made themselves scarce in their home districts following President Donald Trump’s first few months in office, as party leadership expresses wariness of viral blowback against Republicans in vulnerable seats. Lawler, a moderate who last year won a second term and has openly expressed interest in running for governor, has instead sought to put himself in front of voters, holding a previous town hall late last month and has plans for more in the coming weeks. On Sunday, Lawler’s staff required people to RSVP and set up a series of ground rules, including that attendees live in the district, not record at the event, refrain from shouting or standing, and “be respectful of one another, of staff, and of the Congressman,” a sign at the door read. At one point, as Lawler was responding to a question about tariffs, security and law enforcement began to surround a woman in the upper stretch of the auditorium. The crowd chanted “let her stay, let her stay” before law enforcement picked her up and carried her out. It was unclear what exactly led to her removal. “Shame! Shame! Shame!,” the audience yelled. Lawler tried to get back on track: “Folks, tariffs are way more complicated than you want to make them.” The crowd groaned. “Folks, enough!,” Lawler said above the din. Soon after, another person was removed. Then another. In the audience, Jeanette Spoor, a 74-year-old retiree, said she wanted to ask Lawler about the future of Social Security and Medicaid but wasn’t called on during the nearly two hour event. “You’re not helping your constituents if you’re making it hard for them to get help,” she said in an interview. She added, “I have no hopes for this guy.” Another attendee, Kristi Thompson, 52, said she was bothered by what she said were Lawler’s long-winded answers that didn’t address the substance of the crowd’s questions. “He claims to be available to constituents but he isn’t,” she said. The crowd walked out during the final question of the night, which was about protests against Israel. Lawler began to answer, but cut himself off as the room emptied out. “I appreciate everybody coming out tonight and taking the time to ask your questions and hear my answers, whether you liked them or not, or agreed with them or not, or whether you really actually wanted to listen to them or not, but I very much appreciate you participating,” he said as attendees exited. Source link #York #GOP #congressman #shelled #questions #Trump #raucous #town #hall Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies ‘produced in foreign lands’ – The Guardian Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies ‘produced in foreign lands’ – The Guardian Trump announces 100% tariffs on movies ‘produced in foreign lands’ The GuardianTrump Says He Will Put 100% Tariff on Movies Made Outside U.S. The New York TimesUS: Trump announces 100% tariff on movies produced abroad dw.comTrump says non-US movies to be hit with 100% tariffs BBCTrump orders a 100% tariff on foreign movies CNN Source link #Trump #announces #tariffs #movies #produced #foreign #lands #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

How the ******** makes its smoke signal How the ******** makes its smoke signal Lucy Clarke-Billings BBC News Chimney installed on Sistine Chapel ahead of papal election When the Catholic Church elects a new pope, the world watches not for a press conference or social media post, but for rising smoke from a small chimney atop the Sistine Chapel. If the smoke is ******, no new pope has been chosen. If it is white, a decision has been made: Habemus Papam – we have a pope. It’s high drama, broadcast live to millions. But what viewers don’t see is the centuries-old ritual’s hidden complexity: the carefully built chimney, the engineered stove and the precise chemical recipes, each part painstakingly designed to ensure that a wisp of smoke carries a clear message. Experts told the BBC that the process requires “two custom fireworks”, smoke test rehearsals and ******** firefighters on standby. It is meticulously organised by a team of engineers and Church officials working in unison. Reuters Pope Francis died on Easter Monday aged 88 and with the ******** now over, attention has turned to the conclave – a private meeting through which a new pope will be chosen. The ******** has confirmed that cardinals will meet at St Peter’s Basilica on 7 May to celebrate a special Mass before gathering inside the Sistine Chapel, where the complex vote will commence. The tradition of burning the cardinals’ paper ballots dates back to the 15th Century and became part of conclave rituals aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing tampering, particularly after earlier papal election delays had led to public frustration and unrest. Over time, the ******** began using smoke as a way to communicate with the outside world while preserving the strict confidentiality of the vote. And today, despite countless advances in communication, the ******** has chosen to preserve the tradition. “From antiquity onwards people have seen rising smoke – of animal and grain sacrifices in the ******, or of burning incense in tradition – as a form of human communication with the divine,” Candida Moss, a theology professor at the University of Birmingham, told the BBC. “In Catholic tradition, prayers ‘ascend’ to God. The use of smoke evokes these religious rituals and the aesthetics of wonder and mystery that accompany them.” Prof Moss also says that the rising smoke allows people gathering in St Peter’s Square “to feel included – as if they are incorporated into this mysterious and secretive affair”. The reasons are symbolic, but making it work in the 21st Century requires real-world engineering. EPA Inside the Sistine Chapel, two stoves are temporarily installed specifically for the conclave: one for burning ballots, the other to generate the smoke signals. Both stoves are connected to a small flue – a pipe within a chimney that allows smoke to escape – that leads up through the chapel roof to the outside. On Friday, fire crews were seen on the roof, carefully securing the chimney top into place, while workmen erected scaffolding and constructed the stoves inside. The Sistine Chapel, which was built more than 500 years ago, is home to one of the most famous ceilings in the world. Adorned with Michelangelo’s frescoes, it is not exactly designed for smoke signals, and the chimney needs to be installed discreetly and safely. It’s a complex process. Technicians either use an existing opening or create a temporary hatch through which the flue – typically made of a metal such as iron or steel – is inserted. The pipe runs from the stoves to the outside, emerging through the tiled roof above St Peter’s Square. Every joint is sealed to prevent leaks and every component is tested. Specialists rehearse smoke tests in the days before the conclave begins, ensuring the chimney draw works in real time. Even ******** firefighters are involved; on standby in case of malfunction. “This is such a precise process because if one thing goes wrong, it’s not just a technical failure – it becomes an international incident,” Kevin Farlam, a structural engineer who has worked on heritage properties, told the BBC. “It’s not like putting a pipe on a pizza oven. Every part of the system has to be installed without damaging anything.” This setup is constructed days before the cardinals arrive and is dismantled once a pope has been chosen. Reuters To ensure the signal is visible, ******** technicians use a combination of chemical compounds. “What they’re essentially building here is two custom fireworks,” Prof Mark Lorch, head of the department of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Hull, told the BBC. “For ****** smoke, a mix of potassium perchlorate, anthracene, and sulfur is burned – producing thick, dark smoke. “For white smoke, a combination of potassium chlorate, lactose, and pine rosin, is used, which burns clean and pale. “In the past they tried to burn damp straw to create a darker smoke and dry straw to make lighter smoke – but this caused some confusion because sometimes it appeared grey.” He explained that these chemicals are “pre-packed into cartridges and ignited electronically” so there’s no ambiguity. The addition of bell ringing – introduced during Pope Benedict XVI’s election – now serves as confirmation and is used alongside the smoke signal. Over the years, there have been suggestions to modernise the system: coloured lights, digital alerts, or even televised votes. But for the ********, the ritual is not just a communication tool – it’s a moment of continuity with centuries of tradition. “This is about tradition and secrecy, but it has real theological heft to it as well,” Prof Moss said. “Plus ‘Catholic Church’ and ‘cutting edge’ are far from synonyms – innovation is almost antithetical to ritual.” EPA Firefighters installed the chimney on 2 May Source link #******** #smoke #signal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Doing nothing on social care is untenable, MPs warn Doing nothing on social care is untenable, MPs warn A failure to fix England’s social care system is costing the country in financial and human terms, cross-party MPs have warned. Doing nothing to reform social care for older and disabled adults is an “active” and “untenable” decision, according to a report from Health and Social Care Select Committee. It says successive governments have put too much emphasis on the cost of reforming the system, and future plans will be doomed to fail unless the government understands and measures the “cost of inaction”. The government, which has set up an independent commission which has just started work, said it had “hit the ground running” but acknowledged there was “much more to do”. “Taxpayers are currently paying £32 billion a year for a broken system” propped up by contributions from unpaid carers “equivalent to a second NHS”, the report said. The committee found that social care is consuming an increasing proportion of councils’ budgets, crowding out spending on other services. It added that social care makes up an integral part of the government’s NHS reforms and cannot be a separate process. Aside from improving the quality of care for people in need, the report found that investment in the system could also help drive economic growth. The report said that an extra £1 billion spent on social care would create 50,000 jobs across the country, and that every £1 invested would generate a £1.75 return to the wider economy. The committee also highlighted a lack of available data into the system, and called for the government to publish annual assessments of the level of unmet care needs for adults, as well as an annual estimates into how much delayed discharges are costing the NHS. Its report comes as an independent commission into adult social care chaired by Baroness Louise Casey begins its work. Its first report is due next year, with a final report due in 2028. The government said it was grateful for the committee’s work and would respond formally in due course. “Far from inaction, this government has hit the ground running on social care,” said Stephen Kinnock, minister of state for care. “A lot has been done, but we know there is so much more to do and deep reform is needed,” he said. Source link #social #care #untenable #MPs #warn Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

2025 Mazda CX-60 price and specs: Mid-size SUV gets price cuts, mechanical updates 2025 Mazda CX-60 price and specs: Mid-size SUV gets price cuts, mechanical updates The Mazda CX-60’s base price is now over $10,000 cheaper, while the whole range benefits from suspension and transmission updates. Source link #Mazda #CX60 #price #specs #Midsize #SUV #price #cuts #mechanical #updates Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Loyola High School tennis star, ‘a shining presence,’ killed in Manhattan Beach ******; DUI suspect arrested Loyola High School tennis star, ‘a shining presence,’ killed in Manhattan Beach ******; DUI suspect arrested Just last month, Loyola High School in Los Angeles celebrated senior Braun Levi for moving into the top national ranks of boys tennis. The 18-year-old bagged another victory just days ago, winning the Mission League doubles championship. In a photo, the beaming Levi stands beside teammate Cooper Schwartz, holding up four fingers — one for each of his four straight league doubles championships. Those achievements had to be a bit of a balm for the Levi family, coming just a few months after their home in Pacific Palisades burned in the January firestorm. The family had relocated to the South Bay. It felt beyond comprehension, then, when Loyola Principal Jamal Adams emailed students and staff of the Catholic Jesuit school Sunday to inform them that Levi had been killed in a traffic accident just hours earlier, a month before his high school graduation. “Braun was a shining presence in our Loyola family,” Adams wrote, “bringing light, joy, and inspiration to everyone he touched.” The principal invited the Loyola school family to a prayer vigil on campus Sunday evening. “All members of our community are welcome to join us as we gather in unity and remembrance,” Adams wrote. Manhattan Beach police said they had arrested a 33-year-old Los Angeles woman on suspicion of drunk driving and ********* in connection with the ******, which they said occurred after midnight Sunday morning. A brief news release from the department said only that a call came in at 12:46 a.m. about a traffic accident involving a pedestrian in the 100 block of South Sepulveda Boulevard. They found the victim, whom they did not identify, lying in the street. The police statement said that Jenia Belt of Los Angeles had been arrested in the ******. Belt remained in the Manhattan Beach jail Sunday, a police watch commander said. Friends showered Levi’s social media accounts with tributes to him. Levi was to attend the University of Virginia in the fall. “Anyone who got to know you knows how lucky they are,” said one message. “You never met a stranger, and left an impact on everyone you met. I’m going to live and love as big as you every day.” Said another: “Whether you were lucky enough to cross paths with him for an hour or a lifetime, he left an impression. It was impossible to be sad or bored whenever Braun was around, and his gift for lifting those around him was truly singular.” The images from Levi’s social media hint at a prototypical Southern California upbringing. He’s wading in a High Sierra lake with his family, arm-in-arm with buddies on the beach, posing for a selfie with actor Adam Sandler and rocking a pink suit and a fedora beside a horse racing track. Just two years ago, another Loyola High student-athlete died in the final weeks of his high school career. Ryan Times, a pitcher on the baseball team, was struck and killed by a train in April of 2023, when the school was on spring break. Brian Held, coach of the Loyola varsity tennis team, called Levi, a three-year captain, “probably the most decorated player to ever play for the school.” Held also taught Levi in AP Economics and Statistics. “We are all stunned, devastated and heartbroken with this tragedy,” Held said via email. “Braun was the most amazing, all-around leader, whom everyone loved, even his opponents. He was just that type of kid — unique and special. As one of his teachers, I witnessed how he brought joy to everyone.” Levi is survived by his parents and an older sister. Times staff writer Eric Sondheimer contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Source link #Loyola #High #School #tennis #star #shining #presence #killed #Manhattan #Beach #****** #DUI #suspect #arrested Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Roku is looking into complaints about washed-out HDR streams – The Verge Roku is looking into complaints about washed-out HDR streams – The Verge Roku is looking into complaints about washed-out HDR streams The Verge Source link #Roku #complaints #washedout #HDR #streams #Verge Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump's former VP Mike Pence defends US Constitution Trump's former VP Mike Pence defends US Constitution Former US vice president Mike Pence repeatedly defended the Constitution after receiving the John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Source link #Trump039s #Mike #Pence #defends #Constitution Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Romanian nationalist and Trump ally Simion wins first round of presidential vote – CNN Romanian nationalist and Trump ally Simion wins first round of presidential vote – CNN Romanian nationalist and Trump ally Simion wins first round of presidential vote CNNRomanian Nationalist Wins First Round of Presidential Voting The New York TimesNationalist Simion ahead in Romanian election rerun BBCFar-right Trump ally secures decisive win in first round of Romania’s presidential election rerun The GuardianRomanian presidential vote favourite says he will bring back banned far-right contender Reuters Source link #Romanian #nationalist #Trump #ally #Simion #wins #presidential #vote #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Anthony Albanese gives first press conference after winning historic second term Anthony Albanese gives first press conference after winning historic second term Anthony Albanese has confirmed he’s spoken to US President Donald Trump in his first press conference following Labor’s emphatic election win. The Prime Minister described the chat, which occurred at The Lodge shortly before the press conference, as “warm” and “generous,” and thanked Mr Trump for reaching out. Mr Albanese revealed they spoke about AUKUS and tariffs, and said the pair would continue to engage, while also hinting at a “face-to-face” meeting at “some time in the future”. “It was a very warm discussion about the friendship between our two nations that’s so important,” he told reporters from Parliament House on Monday. “I won’t go into all of the personal comments that he made but it was very generous in his personal warmth and praise towards myself. He was fully aware of the outcome and he expressed the desire to continue to work with me in the future.” Although he said he had accepted an invitation from the newly elected ********* prime minister Mark Carney to attend the G7 Summit in June, he declined to say whether he would visit Mr Trump any sooner. Feel like giving the politicians a rating this Federal election? Our Pollie Rater lets you do just that. Rate the politicians “We’ll wait and see. We’ll make appropriate announcements. My first international visit will be just like last time… to Indonesia,” he said. “That was something that President Prabowo and I had discussed before. It’s something I intend to do. “Our region is so important. The relationships that we have built are so important.” Mr Albanese added that he had spoken to a number of world leaders, including *** Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky, as well as past leaders like former *** prime minister Tony Blair, former New Zealand leader Jacinda Ardern and former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi. Camera IconAnthony Albanese has confirmed he’s spoken to Donald Trump following his landslide victory on Satuday night. Jason Edwards/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia Cabinet mum on cabinet reshuffle While he declined to give further details of a front bench reshuffle, he said his initial focus focusing his re-election would on receiving critical briefings from prime minister and cabinet. Speaking on the future of his front bench, he said they were matter for himself and the caucus. “I look forward to engaging, going to try to slow the pace a little bit. Over coming days, I will consult with colleagues about forming a – a frontbench down the track,” he said. Mr Albanese also promised to “be a prime minister for all Australians” regardless of their political opinions, and said they were “deeply humbled” by Saturday’s landslide victory. “I sought from that first day, indeed, I became Labor leader, back in 2019, I want Labor to be the natural party of government,” he said. “I think given who we are, representing working people, but also effectively engaging with business and engaging with civil society, that we can make what is the best country on earth even better in the future.” Mr Albanese confirmed he had spoken to *** Prime Minister Kier Starmer, the Indonesia More to come Source link #Anthony #Albanese #press #conference #winning #historic #term Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Limestone University announces closure, president told not to attend final graduation Limestone University announces closure, president told not to attend final graduation Limestone University announces closure, president told not to attend final graduation Source link #Limestone #University #announces #closure #president #told #attend #final #graduation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Follow along as Warriors, Rockets face off in Game 7 – ESPN Follow along as Warriors, Rockets face off in Game 7 – ESPN Follow along as Warriors, Rockets face off in Game 7 ESPNJimmy Butler on Houston Rockets forcing Game 7 vs. Warriors: ‘We know how good of a team we are’ Yahoo SportsWarriors vs. Rockets odds, prediction, time: 2025 NBA playoff picks, Game 7 best bets from proven model CBS SportsHouston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet expects team to rise to occasion in Game 7 AndscapeWarriors’ leaders face familiar feeling in Game 7 vs. Rockets NBA Source link #Follow #Warriors #Rockets #face #Game #ESPN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bondi killer Joe Cauchi ‘laid his hands’ on his dad, called his mum a b**ch after his knives were confiscated a year before the fatal attack Bondi killer Joe Cauchi ‘laid his hands’ on his dad, called his mum a b**ch after his knives were confiscated a year before the fatal attack Bondi killer Joel Cauchi “laid his hands” on his dad after his military knives were confiscated a year before the fatal attack, an inquest has been told. Source link #Bondi #killer #Joe #Cauchi #laid #hands #dad #called #mum #bch #knives #confiscated #year #fatal #attack Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bill Belichick Benches 24-Year-Old GF Amid PR Nightmare Bill Belichick Benches 24-Year-Old GF Amid PR Nightmare Bill Belichick is reportedly sidelining his 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson as the fallout from the couple’s disastrous CBS interview continues. The 73-year-old coaching legend is looking to hire a PR specialist in lieu of Hudson, and has been in talks with former Bears VP of communications Brandon Faber for several months, according to ProFootballTalk. Advertisement The PR hire would help manage both Belichick’s new role as head football coach of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his public image, which was badly bruised by Hudson’s cringeworthy PR moves. Belichick appeared on CBS Sunday Morning last week to promote his new book, but it went viral for the wrong reasons after Hudson, a former cheerleader, interrupted to shut down a question about how the couple met. “We’re not talking about this,” she jumped in after lurking off-camera. The incident sparked a media firestorm and raised concerns among Belichick’s friends about Hudson’s influence over him, according to Page Six. Advertisement In a statement released Wednesday through UNC, Belichick criticized CBS for using “selectively edited” clips and images to push the false narrative that Hudson was attempting to control the conversation. Hudson, who began dating Belichick in 2023, has reportedly acted as his de-facto agent after he split with his “right-hand man” Berj Najarian following his departure in Jan. 2024 from the Patriots after leading them to six Super Bowl victories. Sports commentator Pablo Torre claimed on his podcast that Hudson is “the person that you need to go through to book Bill Belichick for a Super Bowl commercial, or for the other commitments he has as a multi-platform personality. She’s the gateway.” Belichick has asked for Hudson, whom he described as his “muse,” to be CC’d on all UNC emails sent to him, according to the New York Post. She also torpedoed a deal for him to appear on Hard Knocks, HBO’s NFL docuseries, The Athletic reported. Source link #Bill #Belichick #Benches #24YearOld #Nightmare Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]