Pelican Press

Epic Games Marks Star Wars Day by Giving Away a Major Title for Free Epic Games Marks Star Wars Day by Giving Away a Major Title for Free To mark Star Wars Day, Epic Games Store is giving away LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga for free until May 5. Source link #Epic #Games #Marks #Star #Wars #Day #Giving #Major #Title #Free Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** police arrest several Iranian men across country in alleged attack plot – National *** police arrest several Iranian men across country in alleged attack plot – National LONDON — British counterterrorism officers have arrested several Iranian men over an alleged plot to attack an unspecified target, the Metropolitan Police force said Sunday. Police said five men aged between 29 and 46 were detained Saturday in various parts of England under the Terrorism Act on suspicion of preparing “a terrorist act.” Four are Iranian citizens and the nationality of the fifth was still being established. Police said the attack plot targeted a single location that was not being named “for operational reasons.” It said the premises was being given “advice and support.” All the suspects were being questioned at police stations and have not been charged. Police said they are searching several properties in London, the Manchester area of northwest England and Swindon in western England. Story continues below advertisement Forensic officers in blue overalls were photographed at a house in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, where one of the men was detained. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Three of the counterterror arrests took place in the Greater Manchester area, one in London and one in Swindon. Rochdale resident Kyle Warren told Sky News he “heard a massive bang” and saw “20 or 30 police with guns” drag a man from a neighboring house. More on World More videos “We’ve seen a man getting pulled out from the back, basically got dragged down the side entry and thrown into all the bushes and then handcuffed,” he said. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the force’s Counter Terrorism Command, said police are still working to establish a motive “as well as to identify whether there may be any further risk to the public.” Separately, three other Iranian men, aged 39, 44 and 55, were arrested in London on suspicion of a national security offense as part of an unrelated investigation, police said. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said the arrests were “serious events that demonstrate the ongoing requirement to adapt our response to national security threats. Trending Now Calgary man who fatally stabbed fitness instructor found guilty Trump ‘delighted’ by his influence on Canada’s election: U.S. journalist “The government continues to work with police and intelligence agencies to support all the action and security assessments that are needed to keep the country safe,” she said. Story continues below advertisement Police have not determined whether the alleged plot is connected to Iran, but Britain’s domestic intelligence service has warned of a growing threat from attackers linked to Tehran. In October, the head of the MI5 domestic security service, Ken McCallum, said his agents and police have tackled 20 “potentially lethal” plots backed by Iran since 2022, most aimed at Iranians in the U.K. who oppose the country’s authorities. He said at the time there was the risk “of an increase in, or broadening of, Iranian state aggression in the U.K.” if conflicts in the Middle East deepened. In March 2024, Pouria Zeraati, a presenter at a Farsi-language television station critical of the Iranian government, was stabbed in the leg outside his home in London. Two men were later arrested in Romania and charged over the attack. The U.K.’s official terror threat level stands at “substantial,” the middle of a five-point scale, meaning an attack is likely. &copy 2025 The ********* Press Source link #police #arrest #Iranian #men #country #alleged #attack #plot #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Editorial: Vindicated, PM’s challenge: contain excitement Editorial: Vindicated, PM’s challenge: contain excitement If he can look past the landslide result, he has a chance, like John Howard before him, of being a better prime minister than he was in his first term. Source link #Editorial #Vindicated #PMs #challenge #excitement Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Scientists rediscover rare species thought to be extinct with help from specially trained dogs: ‘A career highlight’ Scientists rediscover rare species thought to be extinct with help from specially trained dogs: ‘A career highlight’ Daisy, the wildlife detection dog, found her first dragon after months of training and searching. As part of a program run by Zoos Victoria in Australia, Daisy and her canine teammate, Kip, have been on a mission to locate Victorian grassland earless dragons — extremely rare reptiles that had not been seen for about 50 years and were assumed to be extinct before a rediscovery in 2023, the Guardian reported recently. The dogs have found at least 13 of the critically endangered creatures. The challenge for the dogs — and their human collaborators — is that there are likely fewer than 200 of the reptiles in the wild, and they often hide in spider burrows or under rocks, per the news outlet. The zoo’s search team uses the dogs’ skills in tandem with technological and traditional methods of surveying. “If something is hidden, or camouflaged, in a burrow, and just difficult to see, it might be easy to smell,” Emma Bennett, a detection-dog trainer and researcher not involved with the project, explained to the Guardian. Dr. Nick Rutter, who trained Daisy and works with her in the field, described her first find as “a career highlight” for him and told the news outlet he felt “an overwhelming cascade of joy.” Watch now: Giant snails invading New York City? He added that the light-brown, distinctively banded lizards are “bloody gorgeous.” According to the news article and accompanying video, the dogs appear happy doing their duty of finding reptiles. They take payment in the form of “treats, cuddles, ball games, and praise.” Photo Credit: Zoos Victoria This doesn’t change the fact that the team does important work. A 2023 *********** government report called the Victorian grassland earless dragon “nationally significant for being the most imperilled reptile on mainland Australia.” Understanding more about threatened and endangered species, the roles they historically played in their habitats, and what it takes to protect them can lead to positive outcomes for animals and their surroundings. One 2023 study documented how 29 formerly threatened species in Australia are thought to have recovered from immediate risks after investments in conservation. The Guardian reported that only about 0.5% of suitable grassland is left for the dragon, as its habitat has been encroached on by housing and farmland expansion. The effects of a warming planet are also having impacts on various habitats and animals in Australia. Yet the discovery of the lizard species hanging on is a reminder of nature’s persistence, argued Jane Melville, a senior curator at the Museums Victoria Research Institute, per the Guardian. “They’ve shown amazing resilience,” Melville said. “This little dragon has managed to hold on under really difficult circumstances.” Meanwhile, the cooperative approach of humans and dogs taking action to locate the reptiles is an inspirational interspecies story. Detection dogs — along with other animal hero species — have helped humans in Australia and elsewhere, as the Guardian noted, finding threatened species, sniffing out viruses and disease-carrying organisms, and surveying for birds and bats at wind farms. As for the dragon detectors, Rutter said in the video that they are training additional dogs and expanding their search areas. They also want to see if their current team can generalize from their training to search for similar species that also “haven’t been seen for quite a long time.” Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #Scientists #rediscover #rare #species #thought #extinct #specially #trained #dogs #career #highlight Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cassius Turvey marathon trial: Fate of four ******* accused rests with jury Cassius Turvey marathon trial: Fate of four ******* accused rests with jury For the past three months the WA Supreme Court has heard details of what allegedly took place the day a proud Noongar-Yamatji boy was fatally bashed Source link #Cassius #Turvey #marathon #trial #Fate #******* #accused #rests #jury Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Honkai: Star Rail X Fate/stay night UBV Crossover Revealed with Saber and Archer Honkai: Star Rail X Fate/stay night UBV Crossover Revealed with Saber and Archer HoYoverse revealed the details of the upcoming collaboration with the anime Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works. Source link #Honkai #Star #Rail #Fatestay #night #UBV #Crossover #Revealed #Saber #Archer Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Most Americans don’t have a will. Here’s why you should. Most Americans don’t have a will. Here’s why you should. 00:00 Speaker A According to Caring’s 2025 Wills and Estate Planning study, the number of Americans with a will is on the decline, from 33% in 2022 to just 24% in 2025. When asked why, over 30% claim they don’t have enough assets to pass down. But even if you’re not a millionaire or billionaire, you don’t want to be caught without a plan here. And here with some advice, we’ve got Laura Cohen, who is the estate planning attorney, attorney and founder of Two Hour Lifestyle Lawyer and the author of the new playbook and book Lifestyle lawyer Resolution. Great to have you here in studio with us, Laura. We got to know, what can the average American learn about estate planning from an individual, say like Warren Buffett? 01:22 Laura Cohen Yeah, so, uh, Warren Buffett has recently updated his estate plan, is my understanding, and I think that this is a really good way to illustrate to people, um, that estate planning is not something you just do once, right? It’s something you get in place, hopefully when you’re younger and you’re just starting a family or you’re buying your first home, but then your life is going to change, the laws going to change, your assets are going to change. All of these things are going to change over time. So do what Warren Buffett is doing, right? Update it continuously. I believe he’s in his 90s and he’s still tweaking. 02:33 Speaker A Yeah. And so with that in mind, and some of the good things that we’ve been able to take away from how Warren Buffett is navigating his own estate planning, much larger scale than many of us, but on the other side of that, you have some, some horror stories, unfortunately. What are some of the mistakes, we should classify them as, that you see people make? 03:20 Laura Cohen Yeah, some of the big mistakes that we see, number one, thinking you don’t need an estate plan. Right? And this is the number one that we hear, the number one thing that we hear. I don’t have enough money for an estate plan. And the thing that I would love to get across is that, you know, estate planning really benefits everyone. Uh, this is why I think people struggle to write the check because they don’t understand, well, what am I getting? Um, but it benefits everyone, whether you’re nominating guardians for your children, or you’re saving on estate taxes, or you’re just ensuring that your family’s, um, privacy is kept intact after you pass away. There’s a lot of problems that estate planning solves, and a lawyer can help with that. 04:25 Speaker A You actually recommend that people avoid AI generated or online wills. Why, why is that? 04:37 Laura Cohen I do recommend that they avoid it, and I think there’s a lot of reasons. Number one, it may not be, um, done properly, right? We’re looking at the outcome here. We’re not just looking at, well, does this document look legal and official, right? The legal language matters. Um, how it’s executed and signed matters, or else the court’s not going to accept it. So, um, the legal language may not be what you want, it may not be executed properly. And the last thing I’d like to say as well, is that this is really something, um, it’s a lifelong endeavor, right? So this is the kind of thing that you want to be forming a relationship with an attorney over your life, kind of like how you go to the dentist every year, you go to the doctor, you want to see your lawyer every year. What’s changed? Maybe it’s just the laws that have changed. 05:45 Speaker A Certainly. 05:47 Laura Cohen Right? And if those have changed, you’re going to need to get new documents, maybe. 06:00 Speaker A And so how have we seen different generations look across will generation differently and making sure that, as one of our guests put it earlier this week, when you step out of life, that everything is ready to be passed on correctly. 06:32 Laura Cohen What we’re seeing is, for a long time, the will was the main document. And that’s what everyone’s heard of. I need to have a will. Um, a will is great. It doesn’t do everything. It doesn’t solve a lot of the problems that people think, I think are solved by a will. So a better idea might be a living trust, and this is just going to depend on you and your family and your assets. Um, but a living trust solves all the same problems as a will, while also avoiding probate court, um, maybe avoiding taxes. There’s some different things that you can do. 07:36 Speaker A Laura, thanks so much for joining us in studio, breaking this down. 07:42 Laura Cohen Thank you. Source link #Americans #dont #Heres Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bryson wins LIV Korea with back-9 birdie binge – ESPN Bryson wins LIV Korea with back-9 birdie binge – ESPN Bryson wins LIV Korea with back-9 birdie binge ESPN2025 LIV Golf Korea prize money payouts for each LIV Golf player at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club GolfweekBryson DeChambeau’s LIV Golf Earnings Finally Surpass His PGA Tour Winnings Yahoo SportsDeChambeau ends tough run with first 2025 LIV win BBCAfter LIV Korea win, Bryson DeChambeau looks ahead to ‘star-studded’ PGA Championship NBC Sports Source link #Bryson #wins #LIV #Korea #back9 #birdie #binge #ESPN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kane able to call himself a champ at last with Bayern Kane able to call himself a champ at last with Bayern The “curse” has been lifted. Harry Kane can finally celebrate his first career title after Bayern Munich became Bundesliga champions on Sunday — with a little help from Freiburg. Freiburg drew with second-placed Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 to ensure Bayern are an unassailable eight points clear of the 2024 champions with two rounds of the ******* league remaining. England captain Kane, one of the best players of his generation, had never won a title in a career of runner-up finishes and individual top-scorer awards with England and Tottenham, leading some to speak of a “curse” against the player. Kane had been ready to celebrate on Saturday when Bayern looked set to win 3-2 in Leipzig, but Yussuf Poulsen equalised with the last kick of the game for Leipzig to draw 3-3 and postpone Bayern’s party for one day at least. “Next week, Harry!” teammate Thomas Muller wrote on Instagram. But Kane didn’t even have to wait that long. For Leverkusen played without conviction in Freiburg, where Matej Kovar saved the game’s first real chance from Patrick Osterhage but was powerless to stop Maximilian Eggestein from firing the home team ahead before the break. An own-goal from Piero Hincapie after the break – while trying to prevent Junior Adamu from scoring – put Freiburg in control. Leverkusen had to wait till the 82nd minute for Florian Wirtz to pull one back with his team’s first shot on target. Jonathan Tah equalised with the next in stoppage time, but it made no difference for the new league champions. Source link #Kane #call #champ #Bayern Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I tried cutting down food waste with an app and this is how it went I tried cutting down food waste with an app and this is how it went According to Food America, 92 billion pounds of food are wasted annually. This is equal to 145 billion meals, costing a whopping $473 billion. The reality is hard to stomach. Given that 51.7% of this waste comes from the food industry, there is a lot of work that can be done to pass food onto people who could actually make use of it. That’s where the app Too Good To Go comes in. As a social impact company, Too Good To Go is on a mission to inspire and empower everyone to fight food
waste together. Homescreen heroes This is part of a regular series of articles exploring the apps that we couldn’t live without. Read them all here. I came across the app a little while ago when my wife downloaded it and began picking up food from local supermarkets and restaurants. One time she brought home a variety box of vegetables, and it included about 15 cabbages! Don’t worry, it’s not always like that. Sometimes you can pick up pastries from the local bakery or sandwiches from your favorite coffee shop. You may like (Image credit: Future) A surprisingly easy process At the beginning, I was a little pessimistic, not about the concept but about how laborious the process might be. I was concerned that it would be difficult to find deals or that there wouldn’t be any near where I live. In reality, my experience couldn’t have been any more positive. The journey begins by searching for surprise bags at stores and restaurants around a set location. This could be near home or specifically for shops that you know are on your way home from work. It’s also possible to filter your results by day, collection time, and the type of food that you want. Once you’ve found something that tickles your fancy, you simply confirm your choice, reserve your food, and pay through the app. All that is left to do is to head to the shop at the pickup time, swipe the app, and take away your food. The fact that you’ve already paid through the app means there’s no transferring of cash or money with the retailer. This makes everything super secure and hassle-free from a pickup point of view. Given how simple the process is, it’s worth giving it a go, at least once, just to see if it’s for you. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. (Image credit: Future) So many benefits but a word of caution Not only is this app good for the world, but it’s also good for your bank balance. By using Too Good To Go, even a little, you’ll be able to save a considerable amount of money. With a wide variety of stores included, from chains to independent cafes, you’ll also open up to new types of food and ways of shopping. It’s all been positive so far, but it’s worth noting that most of what you buy is going to be end-of-life. That means you won’t have too long to eat it before it goes bad. Now that’s fine if you pick up some leftover sandwiches and have them as soon as you get home, but it takes a little bit more planning if you’re buying fresh vegetables instead. No challenge is insurmountable, but I’d just say make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into! (Image credit: Future) Get it delivered Along with picking up surplus food, it’s also possible to order directly from manufacturers or wholesalers and have it delivered directly to your home. Using this app feature, you’ll help food manufacturers and wholesalers reduce their environmental footprint by reducing food waste. The app really makes it feel like a collective effort. We’ve never actually tried ordering directly, but it’s definitely something I’d like to try in the future. I have found that it takes a little while to integrate Too Good To Go into your everyday rhythms and routines. It does take a bit of extra thought and additional energy, but I’ve had the benefit of knowing I’m helping, in one small way, make our world a little bit more sustainable. Download the Too Good To Go app on iOS or Android. Source link #cutting #food #waste #app Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

A Georgia man went to a Walmart to buy Tylenol. He was later charged with attempted kidnapping A Georgia man went to a Walmart to buy Tylenol. He was later charged with attempted kidnapping A Georgia man went to a Walmart to buy Tylenol. He was later charged with attempted kidnapping Source link #Georgia #man #Walmart #buy #Tylenol #charged #attempted #kidnapping Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump says, ‘I don’t know,’ when asked if he’s required to uphold Constitution – The Washington Post Trump says, ‘I don’t know,’ when asked if he’s required to uphold Constitution – The Washington Post Trump says, ‘I don’t know,’ when asked if he’s required to uphold Constitution The Washington PostLive updates: The latest on Donald Trump’s presidency | CNN Politics CNNTrump when pressed on if he needs to uphold the Constitution: ‘I don’t know’ PoliticoTrump Live Updates: ‘Meet the Press’ Interview, Pope Image and Arts Grants The New York TimesTrump says he doesn’t know if he needs to uphold constitutional due process The Guardian Source link #Trump #dont #asked #hes #required #uphold #Constitution #Washington #Post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mam chases comeback, Souths stretched again in round 10 Mam chases comeback, Souths stretched again in round 10 Ezra Mam is fighting for selection, South Sydney are contending with more injuries and Penrith are looking to build on a big win in round 10 of the NRL season. Source link #Mam #chases #comeback #Souths #stretched Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

BBC Arabic journalist who shared anti-Israel tweets wins thousands in tribunal BBC Arabic journalist who shared anti-Israel tweets wins thousands in tribunal Employment tribunal hears that Ahmed Rouaba’s colleague said there was ‘a violence behind’ the way he spoke A BBC Arabic journalist who reposted anti-Israel tweets has won more than £14,000 in a race case. An employment tribunal heard that Safaa Jibara, a colleague, said Ahmed Rouaba’s speech was of a “Bedouin character” after he allegedly shouted at bosses. Mr Rouaba was awarded the sum after claiming the comments made by Mr Jibara made him appear “uncivilised” and “savage”. The Telegraph previously revealed Mr Rouaba reposted a tweet which suggested that Israel had lied to the International Court of Justice in the recent genocide case brought against it by South Africa. He also reposted a tweet describing elements of Israel’s Gaza blockade as “pure evil”, as well as one suggesting that Israel was “starving” Palestinians “to save money bombing them”. The employment tribunal, which took place in central London, found that the statements were “patently related” to Mr Rouaba’s race and were “potentially problematic” as well as “derogatory”. Mr Rouaba was awarded £14,246.40 in compensation. In July 2019, allegations were raised about his conduct during a staff meeting, including that he had raised his voice at his boss and complained of discrimination after someone asked him to speak in “formal Arabic”. ‘A Bedouin character’ At the same time, Mr Rouaba submitted a grievance about both his manager and his boss’s manager. In August 2020, Mr Jibara was interviewed by HR about the meeting the previous year and told them there was a “violence” and something of a “Bedouin character” to Mr Rouaba’s way of speaking and that he could be “sharp” during discussions. He said: “We have to mention [Mr Rouaba’s] character and the fact he is from Algeria. There is a violence behind it [the way he speaks], a Bedouin character. “He always shouts when he tries to give his opinion, he comes across as sharp. He can’t explain himself in a mild way. He always shouts and is nervous. This belongs to his character and his cultural character.” Four months later Mr Rouaba attended a disciplinary hearing about the meeting, complaining that he was on “death row”, waiting for complaints against him. This was the seventh disciplinary process against him in three years. After that meeting he was informed that he was being given a final written warning for his conduct during the meeting and saw the comments made about him by Mr Jibara. ‘Shameful and heinous’ He appealed the sanction and also complained about the comments by his co-worker but the grievance was not upheld as Mr Jibara was merely “attempting to explain” cultural differences. The journalist sent several emails to the BBC complaining about Mr Jibara’s language, describing it as “shameful and heinous”, calling for the police to be involved and saying that his colleague was describing him as “uncivilised”. During his interview, Mr Rouaba said that calling him a Bedouin meant he was a “savage” and “rebellious”, describing the comment as “racist and offensive”. Following the rejection of his grievance, Mr Rouaba brought an employment tribunal claim against Mr Jibara alleging that the comments were part of a campaign of “harassment and intimidation” by two editors and their clique, including Mr Jibara, and that the BBC had not protected him from racial abuse. A panel found that Mr Jibara’s comments did constitute racial harassment and created a “humiliating environment” for Mr Rouaba. Employment Judge David Khan said: “We found that these impugned words were patently related to [Mr Rouaba’s] race, they were unwanted, and whilst Mr Jibara did not intend to harass [him], they had the proscribed effect on [Mr Rouaba]. “[Mr Rouaba] perceived that these words violated his dignity, and created a degrading, humiliating and/or offensive environment for him, as was clear from the many statements he made to that effect.” Meanwhile, the BBC underlined last month that they were “urgently investigating” the anti-Israel tweets that were liked and shared by its staff. A spokesman for the BBC said: “We do not comment on individual staff matters or individual social media posts and will not be commenting on these cases. However, we take any breaches of our social media guidance very seriously and always take appropriate disciplinary action wherever necessary.” 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 #BBC #Arabic #journalist #shared #antiIsrael #tweets #wins #thousands #tribunal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla owners blindsided by claim of unexpected issue forcing costly replacements — here’s the vehicle flagged Tesla owners blindsided by claim of unexpected issue forcing costly replacements — here’s the vehicle flagged One of the world’s most popular electric vehicles may also burn through tires at a faster rate than other cars, a new report suggested — though the data raised plenty of questions as well. What’s happening? Tesla’s Model 3 needed the most tire changes of any car in the United Kingdom, according to new data from British tire dealer Kwik Fit and further reporting by This Is Money. The tire company monitored a year’s worth of data from its locations across the U.K., seeing which vehicles were brought in for tire changes at disproportionately high rates at each location. The Model 3 ranked first in 54 areas, or more than double the second-place Citroen Berlingo. Another Tesla, the Model Y, ranked first in 16 areas, putting it at No. 3 on this list. The type of terrain native to each area didn’t seem to matter, as the Model 3 required the most tire changes in areas all across the country. It was also first in 14 of the 32 boroughs within London. When all of a carmaker’s models are considered, Tesla required the most changes in more locations than the next four automakers combined. Tesla has reportedly accounted for about 2% of new car sales in the United Kingdom as the most popular EV brand and one of the most popular car brands overall, but the market share is still not high enough to explain away Kwik Fit’s findings. While EVs do tend to be heavier on average and could lead to greater tire wear, what seems to be missing in the data is any indication of how often each car type needs to return for new tire changes on average, making the raw counting totals difficult to use for meaningful conclusions. Watch now: How bad is a gas stove for your home’s indoor air quality? On that note, This Is Money acknowledged that Tesla told the outlet the “above average changing of Model 3 tyres likely ties in with the Model 3 delivery *******; Tesla started delivering the Model 3 in volume in the *** in 2021 — within the three to five year ******* typical for tyre replacement recommendations.” So without more data to go on, it’s very possible that the spike is merely because a high number of Model 3s all hit U.K. roads about four years ago and are starting to need tire changes, rather than a more gradual spread. Why is this important? This report is just one of the latest bad PR moments facing the struggling EV brand. The company’s first-quarter results showed a 20% year-over-year decline in auto revenue, and a 71% drop in net income. That came on the heels of its stock price and sales numbers both falling over the first few months of 2025. And any report that makes potential converts question whether they should buy an EV is potentially bad news for the environment. Do you trust Tesla to produce quality products? Absolutely I trust Tesla not Elon I’m not sure Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Even when accounting for the pollution created when making and charging electric vehicles, EVs are still responsible for far less carbon pollution per mile traveled than cars with internal combustion engines. Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that EVs, on average, create nearly half the pollution of gas-powered cars. What can I do about EV tires? Just like with any car, doing research before buying an EV is important. This will make sure you’re getting the car you want now — and one you can afford to maintain later. On this front, it’s worth noting that most EVs are equipped with tires that can handle a slightly heavier car. Beyond that, it could be beneficial to research any statistics or owner testimonials on tire replacement frequency as well as the overall weight of a particular vehicle you’re considering, if concerned about tire wear and tear. It’s also worth researching which driving habits lead to tire wear, such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and improper inflation. “While the Maintenance Index has highlighted those models which are most likely to have had new tires fitted, our advice is consistent across all vehicles when it comes to tire care,” Kwik Fit’s Roger Griggs said in a statement. “Keeping tyres at the correct pressure and regularly checking wheel alignment will both help prolong the life of the tyres and also ensure they hold the road effectively.” Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #Tesla #owners #blindsided #claim #unexpected #issue #forcing #costly #replacements #heres #vehicle #flagged Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Mexico’s president says she rejected Trump’s plan to send US troops into her country – Politico Mexico’s president says she rejected Trump’s plan to send US troops into her country – Politico Mexico’s president says she rejected Trump’s plan to send US troops into her country PoliticoMexican president declines Trump’s offer of US troops to help fight drug cartels Fox NewsExclusive | Trump, Mexico’s Sheinbaum Spar Over Drug Cartels WSJSheinbaum says she rejected Trump’s offer to send US troops to Mexico Al JazeeraMexico’s president says she denied Trump offer to target cartels with US troops The Hill Source link #Mexicos #president #rejected #Trumps #plan #send #troops #country #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Philips Barista Brew review: an espresso machine that’s well-priced, but challenging to master Philips Barista Brew review: an espresso machine that’s well-priced, but challenging to master Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test. Philips Barista Brew: two-minute review The Philips Barista Brew is an espresso machine that can either hand-hold you through brewing espresso by automating part of the process, or leave you to do everything manually once you’ve built up your confidence. It’s a nice idea that should help smooth out the typical learning curve. The machine heats quickly, and has a useful pressure gauge on the front that lets you see whether you’ve achieved the optimal pressure while pulling a shot of espresso. The controls are simple to understand and use, and although the Barista Brew takes longer to master than some other machines I’ve tested recently (such as the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch), once accustomed to its idiosyncrasies, you’ll be able to create consistently good coffee with minimal fuss (and only a scattering of grounds on your kitchen worktop). For me, the Philips Barista Brew had two main drawbacks: the automatic dosing and the tamper. Both issues are solvable, though; but they do mean that this is a good coffee machine rather than a great one. You may like On its default settings, the Barista Brew ground far too much coffee for a double shot of espresso, and I needed to reduce the grind time by half to get an appropriate dose. Changing settings isn’t too difficult using the instruction booklet, but I can’t help but feel that the presets should be better configured, since making big changes to the standard settings may be outside the comfort zone of people new to coffee-making. I found it hard to achieve the optimum pressure using the Philips Barista Brew with its “calibrated” tamper, and my coffee tended to extract too quickly – even when very finely ground. Swapping to a conventional solid tamper solved the problem, however. (Image credit: Future) Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine at Amazon for $454.99 My other issue was the tamper, which is spring-loaded and limits the amount of pressure you can put on the coffee puck. Despite the coffee being finely ground, my shots often poured too fast, and the pressure gauge on the front of the machine showed that it was failing to reach the optimal nine bars. I found a few solutions. Grinding the coffee more coarsely means it takes up more space (imagine the difference between a bucket full of sand and one full of rocks), with it usually resulting in a faster pour because water will find its way through the grounds more quickly. But here, if you dial the grinder just right, you may be able to tamp hard enough to cancel out that effect. Another option is to simply grind more coffee, so there’s more for the tamp to compress; but this feels like a waste of beans. As with any espresso machine, add too much to your basket and it will make contact with the brew head when you insert the handle, which will stop the water passing through properly. (Image credit: Future) Finally, you can stick with your preferred grind size and dose, and use a simple third-party tamper to compress the puck rather than Philips’ spring-loaded unit. While this one feels nice in the hand, I can’t help but feel it’s over-engineered. Nevertheless, it’s important to bear in mind the price of the Barista Brew when you’re comparing it to others in the same category. Although I found the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch easier to master, the Barista Brew is much cheaper at its currently reduced price when you buy direct from Philips. If you don’t get along with the “calibrated” tamper, you can buy a good-quality unit separately and still pay a lot less. It’ isn’t perfect, but the Philips Barista Brew is very good for the price, and is definitely one to consider if you’re looking for a compact, all-in-one espresso machine that won’t break the bank. Philips Barista Brew: price and availability List price $649.99 / £580.99 (about AU$1,000) For ***** in US and Europe Dual-hopper version also available The Philips Barista Brew launched in January 2024, with a list price of $649.99 / £580.99 (about AU$1,000). However, it can often be found at a discount if you shop around – for example, at the time of writing, it’s available direct from Philips for £449.99. You’ll find all today’s best prices below. That’s about average for a semi-automatic espresso machine of this type, and is almost exactly the same price as the similarly specced De’Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo. If you want a machine that will hold your hand with features such as automatic milk texturizing or a color touchscreen (like the De’Longhi La Specialista Touch), for example, you should expect to pay a little more. This version of the Philips Barista Brew comes with a single bean hopper, but there’s also a model with a dual hopper that can hold two different beans at once and switch between them on-the-fly. That model is slightly more expensive at $699.99 / £624.99 (about AU$1,100) before discounts. Today’s best Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine deals Deal ends Sun, May 11, 2025 Philips Barista Brew: specs Swipe to scroll horizontally Type Semi-automatic bean-to-cup espresso machine Drink options 3 (single and double espresso, americano) Pump pressure (max) 15 bar Grind settings 15 Bean hopper capacity 8.8oz / 250g Water tank capacity 2.4 quarts / 2.3 liters Steam wand Manual Size (H x W x D) 16.1 x 12.6 x 13.1 inches / 410 x 320 x 334 mm Weight 7.9lbs / 8.6kg Philips Barista Brew: design Stylish-looking and compact Easy-to-use controls for coffee and milk Grinder is messy to use The Philips Barista Brew is quite compact compared to most of the best bean-to-cup coffee machines, and surprisingly light, too. This is largely down to its chassis, which is made mostly from ****** plastic, with brushed stainless steel only on the front. It’s a stylish appliance, and will look quite at home in a modern kitchen. The machine is operated using a series of buttons found along the front, with a dial on the side for dispensing hot water and steam. There are three drink options (single espresso, double espresso, and americano), and you can adjust the brew time and coffee dosage manually by following the clear guidance in the instruction booklet. (Image credit: Future) The version of the Philips Barista Brew I tested comes with a single bean hopper, but there’s also a version with a two-part hopper that allows you to switch between different beans on-the-fly – a welcome feature for those of us who prefer decaf in the afternoon. The dual-hopper version is only a little more expensive, and is well worth considering. The hopper sits on top of a ceramic burr grinder that offers 15 grind settings, which are adjusted by rotating the hopper. The burrs move smoothly, and dismantling the grinder for cleaning proved straightforward. The machine comes with a small cleaning kit that includes a brush for this purpose. Even with the powder ring fitted on the handle, coffee tended to fly out of the grinder (Image credit: Future) The grinder can be set to dispense a timed dose of coffee, or operated manually by pushing the portafilter handle against the back of the machine (tilting it slightly upwards to hit a switch). The water tank sits on the back of the Philips Barista Brew, and is easy to lift off using its robust handle. Some other reviewers have called it narrow and difficult to clean, but it’s actually wider than those of many other coffee machines I’ve tested this year, and it was perfectly possible to get my hand inside with a cloth and towel. The only downside is that it isn’t supplied with a water filter. Look behind the drip tray to find a nicely designed pin tool for clearing the steam wand (Image credit: Future) The steam wand has a good range of motion, and can be adjusted using a cool-touch silicone handle. Should it become clogged, you’ll find a double-ended pin tool for clearing any blockages tucked away behind the drip tray, where it’s unlikely to be found by children, or become lost. The sharper end of the pin even has a safety cap to protect your fingers. The Barista Brew comes with a 48mm portafilter and four filter baskets – single and double-walled, for single and double shots. The double-walled (pressurized) baskets are more forgiving if you haven’t quite nailed your coffee-making technique just yet, and make it easier to make a consistently well-extracted shot. The calibrated tamper feels nice and weighty in the hand, but limits how much pressure you can put on the puck (Image credit: Future) The portafilter handle has a rubberized area at the front of the basket, which makes it easy for you to stabilize it on the edge of your kitchen counter while tamping, without the need for a separate mat. It also has a powder ring that twists onto the basket that’s intended to keep things tidy during grinding, although I found it didn’t prevent grounds flying out. You also get the usual stainless steel milk pitcher, which is perfectly well made, and a “calibrated” tamper that only lets you compress the ground coffee a certain amount. It’s an interesting idea, but in practice I struggled to get a properly extracted coffee because it wasn’t tamped down hard enough. Finally, the Barista Brew has a cup-warmer on top – something I always appreciate, but which is usually missing from espresso machines in this price bracket. Philips Barista Brew: performance The Philips Barista Brew is fundamentally a very good coffee machine, and once you’re familiar with its quirks you’ll be able to make consistently good espresso. However, its guided brewing features aren’t quite as straightforward as it might first appear – and in some cases, it’s easier to do things yourself. The Barista Brew heats quickly, and its set of clearly labelled buttons are intuitive to use once it’s up to temperature. The standout design feature is the large central pressure gauge, which lets you see how well your coffee is extracted before you even taste it. Some higher-end coffee makers I’ve tested will determine whether the pressure was too high or too low and offer feedback on a color touchscreen, but the analog pressure meter does the job just as well. The machine’s pump is quiet in operation, too, averaging 60dB during use (about the same as a dishwasher or normal conversation). Some coffee makers can reach up to 70dB, so the Barista Brew definitely sits towards the more comfortable end of the scale. The powder ring is a nice addition, but doesn’t fully prevent coffee spraying out during grinding (Image credit: Future) My main issues with this machine involve grinding and tamping. The Philips Barista Brew offers a grind time setting to help with dosing. Just turn a dial on the front of the machine to decide how much coffee to dispense, hold the grind button to toggle between single and double shots, and tap it again to start grinding. Unfortunately, even when turned down to one of the lowest settings, the machine ground far more beans than I actually needed – even though I was using one of the finest grind sizes. I had to scoop out a good portion of grounds before I could consider tamping them down. It was much easier to ignore the dosing button and do things the old-fashioned way: use a digital scale to weigh the handle, zero the scale, push the handle against the back of the machine until the dosage looked right (about 18g for a double espresso), weigh it again, and make any tweaks to achieve the correct weight. The Barista Brew can pull a well-balanced espresso, once you’re used to its quirks (Image credit: Future) The grinder was also a bit messy. The Philips Barista Brew has a powder ring that twists onto the top of the basket before grinding, which should direct ground coffee inside. However, in use I found that ground coffee still had a tendency to shoot out onto my work surface and the rest of the machine. Coffee grounds were particularly prone to accumulating on the funnel directly below the grinder, which needed wiping after every use. It seems this issue is likely caused by static electricity. According to Philips, the spring-loaded tamper is calibrated to help you create a perfect puck; but during my tests, I found it didn’t apply as much pressure as I’d like. As a result, water ran through the grounds too quickly, and the machine failed to reach the optimum nine bars of pressure, even with very finely ground coffee (as shown on the pressure gauge). Therefore, the resulting drinks were often under-extracted and a little sour-tasting –something verified by my colleague Peter Berenski, the resident coffee-buff at TechRadar’s sister site, Tom’s Guide. The video below shows a typical under-extracted double espresso pouring in just 15 seconds rather than the ideal 28 seconds. You can get around this issue by using a third-party 58mm tamper; the “calibrated” unit supplied with the machine feels like a solution in search of a problem. The machine would be better with something simple. You can also try grinding your coffee more coarsely, so that the same weight of grounds take up more space, or simply use more beans – but this feels like a waste. On a happier note, the machine’s steam wand is excellent. You don’t have precise control over the pressure (the dial on the side of the machine simply lets you choose between steam and water), but once it’s up to temperature, it maintains good pressure for the length of time it takes you to texturize your milk. Automatic milk systems can be a nice touch for new users, but a manual wand delivers more flexibility, letting you adjust your technique for dairy or non-dairy milks. Should you buy the Philips Barista Brew? Swipe to scroll horizontally Philips Barista Brew score card Attribute Notes Score Value Very reasonably priced compared to rival machines, particularly if you take advantage of the regular discounts. 4.5/5 Design Compact and good-looking, although the grinder has a tendency to spray coffee around. 3.5/5 Performance A good machine fundamentally, but the grinder presets aren’t good for new users, and the calibrated tamper would be better replaced with a conventional one. 3.5/5 Buy it if Don’t buy it if Philips Barista Brew: also consider How I tested the Philips Barista Brew I put the Philips Barista Brew through its paces for a week, using both the pressurized and single-wall baskets to compare the results. I dialled in the grinder to achieve good extraction, and used both the automatic dosing system and manual grinding options. I used fresh arabica beans from a local coffee roaster, and chilled whole milk bought immediately before testing. I compared coffee made using the Philips Barista Brew to coffee made with my own Gaggia Classic manual espresso maker and Dualit ceramic burr grinder. For more details, see how we test, review, and rate products on TechRadar. First reviewed May 2025 Philips Barista Brew Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine: Price Comparison Deal ends Sun, May 11, 2025 Source link #Philips #Barista #Brew #review #espresso #machine #wellpriced #challenging #master Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

****** leaves semi cab hanging off bridge, southbound I-65 closed ****** leaves semi cab hanging off bridge, southbound I-65 closed Southbound Interstate 65 in Louisville near the John F. Kennedy Memorial Bridge is closed May 4 due to a ****** that left the cab of a tractor trailer hanging off the bridge, according to city officials. Crews with the Louisville Division of Fire have rescued the driver, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated in a post on X, formerly Twitter. Motorists crossing the bridge from Indiana are advised to use caution. Louisville Metro Emergency Services issued a LENSAlert at 10:05 a.m. regarding the ****** near the bridge. The eastbound Interstate 64 ramp from the Kennedy Bridge is also closed due to debris on the roadway, according to TRIMARC. It is unclear how long the closures will last. This story will be updated. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Semi ****** on Kennedy Bridge leaves I-65 closed in Louisville Source link #****** #leaves #semi #cab #hanging #bridge #southbound #I65 #closed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump posts AI image of himself as pope, leaving Catholics offended and unamused as conclave nears – CNN Trump posts AI image of himself as pope, leaving Catholics offended and unamused as conclave nears – CNN Trump posts AI image of himself as pope, leaving Catholics offended and unamused as conclave nears CNNVance Under Fire for Defending Trump’s Tasteless AI Pope Joke The Daily BeastCatholic outrage grows over ‘Pope Trump’ image on official White House media National Catholic ReporterNew York cardinal takes Trump to task over AI pope image: ‘Wasn’t good’ The Hill‘SNL’ Weekend Update Roasts Trump’s Pope Dream, Stock Market Pleas Rolling Stone Source link #Trump #posts #image #pope #leaving #Catholics #offended #unamused #conclave #nears #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lady Gaga concert bomb plot foiled by Brazilian police Lady Gaga concert bomb plot foiled by Brazilian police Descrease article font size Increase article font size Brazilian police said on Sunday that they had thwarted a bomb attack planned for Lady Gaga’s historic concert that drew over two million people to Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday. The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro state, working in coordination with the Justice Ministry, said the plot was orchestrated by a group promoting hate speech and the radicalization of teenagers, including self-harm and violent content as a form of social belonging. According to the Rio city hall, 2.1 million people attended the concert of the American pop icon. “The suspects were recruiting participants, including minors, to carry out coordinated attacks using improvised explosives and Molotov cocktails,” the police said in a statement. Lady Gaga performs during her free concert on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, May 3, 2025. AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo Trending Now Small-town mayors ‘excited’ Pierre Poilievre targeting seat in rural Alberta Majority of Canadians say misinformation affected federal election: poll The Justice Ministry said the recruiters identified themselves as members of Gaga’s global fan base, known as the “Little Monsters.” Story continues below advertisement The operation was based on a report by the ministry’s Cyber Operations Lab following a tip-off from Rio state police intelligence, which uncovered digital cells encouraging violent behavior among teenagers using coded language and extremist symbolism. Get daily National news Get the day’s top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. A man described as the group’s leader was arrested in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul for ******** possession of a firearm, while a teenager in Rio de Janeiro was detained for storing child ************. Authorities carried out over a dozen search and seizure warrants across the states of Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso, Rio Grande do Sul and Sao Paulo. More on Entertainment More videos Source link #Lady #Gaga #concert #bomb #plot #foiled #Brazilian #police Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Violent night unfolds across Atlanta Violent night unfolds across Atlanta The Brief Several violent incidents occurred in Atlanta from Friday night to early Saturday morning, including shootings and a stabbing. A 25-year-old man was shot on Trinity Avenue SW, two men were shot on Dale Creek Drive, and a 63-year-old man was stabbed on Fairburn Road. The conditions of the victims vary, and police have not provided information about arrests or suspects. ATLANTA – There were a number of violent incidents that unfolded across Atlanta Friday night into early Saturday morning. From a stabbing to multiple shootings, here’s what we know about each brutal event. Atlanta crimeMan shot at 275 Trinity Avenue SW What we know A 25-year-old man was shot in the head and right arm in downtown Atlanta Friday night. It happened at around 9:30 p.m. on Trinity Avenue SW, close to the site where Chicago rapper King Von was gunned down on Nov. 6, 2020. The victim was taken to the hospital. His current condition is unknown. Double shooting at 2881 Dale Creek Drive What we know Two men were shot near a home on Dale Creek Drive. This incident also happened before 10 p.m. on Friday. Atlanta police say a 24-year-old and 25-year-old were shot multiple times. They rushed themselves to Grady Memorial Hospital. Both were said to be in “stable” condition. Man stabbed in the back at 195 Fairburn Road What we know Less than three miles away, a 63-year-old man was stabbed in the back just outside a children’s learning center on Fairburn Road. Police say the man was in a fight with an unknown suspect early Saturday morning, when it escalated. Police responded to the area just after 2 a.m. He was taken to the hospital, but his current condition is unknown. What we don’t know It’s not clear whether the man knew his attacker. Police have not said anything about any arrests. The Source The information on each of these incidents was provided by the Atlanta Police Department. Source link #Violent #night #unfolds #Atlanta Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Santorini’s ****** Sand Beaches: Beauty Born of Fire Santorini’s ****** Sand Beaches: Beauty Born of Fire If you’ve ever flipped through a postcard rack in Greece, chances are you’ve seen dreamy beaches with golden sand and turquoise water. But Santorini doesn’t follow the script. Instead, it surprises visitors with beaches in shades of ******, red, and even white – dramatic reminders of the island’s volcanic soul. Among these, the ****** sand beaches stand out—not just for their color, but for their raw, striking beauty. If you’re planning to spend a day by the sea in Santorini, here’s what makes these beaches so special—and which ones are worth a visit. A Beach Born from a Volcano First things first: why is the sand ******? It all goes back to Santorini’s volcanic origins. Thousands of years ago, a massive eruption reshaped the island, scattering layers of volcanic rock, ash, and lava. Over time, these materials were broken down by the elements and waves, creating the distinctive dark pebbles and sand you see today. The result is a coastline that feels otherworldly. The sand is warm – sometimes very warm under the midday sun – and contrasts beautifully with the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. It’s not your typical beach scene, and that’s what makes it unforgettable. Perissa & Perivolos: The Lively Duo On the southeastern side of the island, Perissa and Perivolos beaches stretch out along the same long shore, separated more by vibe than distance. Perissa is lively and popular, with rows of sunbeds, beach bars playing music, and water sports for the adventurous. It’s a great choice if you want amenities close by and a bit of buzz to your beach day. Perivolos, a short walk (or drive) south, offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a hint of sophistication. Think beach clubs with soft cushions, creative cocktails, and the option to stay well into the evening. The ****** sand here is soft underfoot, and the service is top-notch. Kamari: Stylish and Scenic Over on the east coast, Kamari Beach lies at the foot of the massive Mesa Vouno rock. It’s organized and family-friendly, with a long promenade filled with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The dark pebbles and the sheer cliff backdrop give it a dramatic feel, while the gentle waves make it ideal for swimming. In the early morning or late afternoon, Kamari takes on a peaceful, almost cinematic quality – especially when the light bounces off the ****** sand and shimmers across the water. Stay for a seaside dinner as the stars begin to appear, and you’ll understand why many travelers return here year after year. Vlychada: Wild Beauty and Lunar Landscapes And then there’s Vlychada – a beach like no other in Santorini. Located on the southern coast of the island, Vlychada feels remote and surreal. Towering cliffs carved by wind and time rise behind the beach, resembling a lunar landscape or an abstract sculpture garden. The sand here is a mix of ****** and grey, and the beach is more quiet and raw. It’s organized in parts, with a small beach bar and sunbeds, but there’s plenty of space if you prefer to lay out your own towel and enjoy the wild scenery. Vlychada is also next to the island’s small marina, so you can combine your beach time with a walk along the dock, or a seafood lunch with a view of the moored boats. Monolithos: For Quiet Escapes Looking for something low-key? Head toward Monolithos, just north of the airport. This wide, shallow beach is less crowded than its more famous neighbors. It’s especially good for families with small children, thanks to its calm waters and soft, fine sand. There are a few tavernas nearby, but the main draw is the peace and space. What to Expect (and Pack) ****** sand is beautiful, but there are a few things to keep in mind. It heats up quickly under the sun, so flip-flops or sandals are a must – especially if you plan to explore barefoot. The sand is often mixed with small pebbles, so a beach mat or thicker towel adds comfort. And of course, don’t forget sunscreen. The reflective heat can catch you off guard. A Beach Day Like No Other Santorini’s ****** sand beaches are more than just a place to swim – they’re a living reminder of how nature shapes beauty in unexpected ways. Whether you’re sipping a freddo under a sun umbrella in Perivolos or walking barefoot through the early morning surf in Kamari, these beaches invite you to experience the island’s volcanic spirit up close. They’re not polished or ordinary. They’re dramatic, wild, and unforgettable. Just like Santorini itself. Source link #Santorinis #****** #Sand #Beaches #Beauty #Born #Fire Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump, in a new interview, says he doesn’t know if he backs due process rights – AP News Trump, in a new interview, says he doesn’t know if he backs due process rights – AP News Trump, in a new interview, says he doesn’t know if he backs due process rights AP NewsTrump, asked if he has to ‘uphold the Constitution,’ says, ‘I don’t know’ NBC NewsTrump says he doesn’t know whether to give immigrants due process rights The GuardianTrump Live Updates: ‘Meet the Press’ Interview, Pope Image and Arts Grants The New York TimesDoes a president need to uphold the Constitution? Trump says ‘I don’t know’ NPR Source link #Trump #interview #doesnt #backs #due #process #rights #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

6 ways to protect your retirement savings from a recession 6 ways to protect your retirement savings from a recession The stock market is down nearly 10% from its all-time high, based on S&P 500 returns through the end of April. A recession may be looming. There are times to sit back and admire the balance on your retirement account. This is not one of those times. If you are approaching retirement, or already there, you may be looking for ways to pad your savings. You may also be wondering how to avoid spending them, when they are already diminished. Take heart: There are ways to build savings in a depressed financial market, and ways to avoid drawing them down. Here are six tips from the experts. If you aren’t strapped for cash, one way to boost retirement savings in a downturn is to set aside as much as you can in tax-favored accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs and HSAs. The 401(k) already has high contribution limits, $23,500 in 2025. If you’re near retirement, consider pushing your savings as close to the max as you can afford. Americans 50 and over can save even more with “catch-up contributions,” which push the annual 401(k) limit to $31,000. A smaller subset of savers, in the 60-63 age range, get an even higher catch-up limit of $34,750, thanks to the SECURE 2.0 Act. “People may not realize the importance of catch-up contributions,” said Maria Bruno, senior financial planning strategist at Vanguard. Individual Retirement Account contribution limits are lower: $7,000, or $8,000 for those 50 and older. An older worker might not see the point in maxing out retirement savings close to retirement, because the savings won’t have as much time to grow. Keep in mind, though, that the savings don’t stop growing when you retire. If you retire at 65 and live to 85, then those savings will continue to accrue interest for up to 20 more years. Think of your savings as an investment that will grow “through” retirement, not just “to” retirement, Bruno said. A Health Savings Account is another potential tool to build retirement savings. The annual limit is $8,550 for a family in 2025, and people over 55 can contribute another $1,000. You can save any money you don’t spend. “Ideally, you want to think of that as a retirement account,” Bruno said. WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 31: (L to R) Senate ********* Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) attend a press conference to discuss their proposals for raising the 401(k) pre-tax contribution limits, October 31, 2017 in Washington, DC. For long-term retirement savers, a depressed market spells opportunity to buy stocks at a discount. Automating your retirement contributions is a good way to keep buying through the downturn. It “keeps you consistent and takes emotion out of investing,” said Michelle Crumm, a certified financial planner in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If your contributions aren’t automatic, you might miss out on buying equities on the cheap. Story Continues “When markets are down, too many people freeze,” Crumm said. If you are on the eve of retirement, perhaps the last thing on your mind is working another year or two. But postponing your retirement, even by a year or two, can be a powerful tool for building retirement savings. A Stanford University study found that delaying retirement by just three to six months has the same impact on retirement savings as raising your 401(k) contribution rate by a full percentage point for 30 years. Let’s say you put off retirement for a year. In that year, you can max out retirement savings, potentially adding tens of thousands of dollars to your account. And you won’t be drawing down your savings, which means they’ll last longer once you do retire. “It allows for continued income. You get savings from that income, while delaying portfolio withdrawals,” Bruno said. Staying in the workforce is especially attractive in a down market: It means you won’t have to raid your retirement savings while their value is depressed. The downside to working longer is that you’ll have less time to enjoy your retirement later. As a compromise, consider working part-time. “This way, your nest egg doesn’t take as large of a hit in those first years of retirement,” said Colin Day, a certified financial planner in St. Louis. And a part-time schedule “provides you with more flexibility to do the things you enjoy.” Illustration on poor savings methods. The closer your retirement date, the more likely you will soon need to tap your savings for living expenses. Ideally, you should have some of those savings in cash. A wise goal, retirement experts say, is to amass at least a year’s worth of living expenses in cash or cash-equivalent accounts, such as high-yield savings or money market funds. “These dollars will be the first that you will deplete to generate your new retirement paychecks,” said Heather Winston, head of product strategy, individual solutions at Principal Financial Group. Cash is especially important in a downturn, so you can avoid selling depressed investments. One trusty way to pad retirement savings is to shift your focus from spending to saving. “Start by separating nonessential expenses from essential expenses,” said Niv Persaud, a certified financial planner in Atlanta. “Pause spending on non-essential expenses, even if that means your adult kid needs to pay their own mobile phone bill. Shift money you would have spent on non-essential items to your retirement savings.” And look for other ways to trim your expenses, Crumm said. “Small adjustments today – refinancing insurance, downsizing subscriptions, paying off high-interest debt – can reduce the income you’ll need in retirement,” she said. “That means you’ll be able to withdraw less from your investments during down markets, giving your portfolio more time to recover.” Think of this tip as protection against future downturns. If you wait to claim Social Security, your monthly check gets larger. Your benefit rises in value every year you wait, from age 62 to 70. “If you can use other assets to bridge the gap, delaying Social Security can act as a form of longevity insurance, providing more guaranteed income,” Crumm said. A larger check can be especially helpful “if your portfolio’s growth is temporarily stalled,” she said, as in a down market. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 6 ways to recession-proof your retirement savings Source link #ways #protect #retirement #savings #recession Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX review 2025 Honda ZR-V e:HEV LX review Honda’s efficient hybrid powertrain is reserved for the top-spec ZR-V. Is it worth upgrading to from cheaper versions of the mid-size SUV? Source link #Honda #ZRV #eHEV #review Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]