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US-Iran latest nuclear talks end with limited progress, as Tehran sources express skepticism – CNN US-Iran latest nuclear talks end with limited progress, as Tehran sources express skepticism – CNN US-Iran latest nuclear talks end with limited progress, as Tehran sources express skepticism CNNIran-US talks made ‘some but not conclusive progress,’ mediator Oman says AP NewsUS and Iran clash over uranium enrichment as nuclear talks resume in Rome Fox NewsIranian officials warn nuclear talks in peril without uranium compromise The Washington PostExclusive | U.S., Iran Aim for Framework to Guide Talks Toward Nuclear Deal WSJ Source link #USIran #latest #nuclear #talks #limited #progress #Tehran #sources #express #skepticism #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Review: Rift Of The Necrodancer Is Challenging And Will Surely Kick Your **** Entertainium Review: Rift Of The Necrodancer Is Challenging And Will Surely Kick Your **** Entertainium Brace Yourself Games Rift of the Necrodancer turned my brain to Jell-O and I still kept coming back for more. Source link #Review #Rift #Necrodancer #IsChallenging #Surely #Kick #**** #Entertainium Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xiaomi Surpasses Apple to Lead Wearables Market in Q1 2025 With 19 Percent Market Share: Canalys Xiaomi Surpasses Apple to Lead Wearables Market in Q1 2025 With 19 Percent Market Share: Canalys Xiaomi led the wearable band market in Q1 2025, after refreshing uts Mi Band and Redmi Watch models earlier this year, according to a Canalys report. The Beijing-based technology firm surpassed Apple and regained the top vendor spot, as its shipments saw an annual growth of 44 percent. Huawei, Samsung, and Garmin were in third, fourth and fifth places, respectively. Meanwhile, a new study reveals that customers look for affordability, long battery life, and support for health tracking as the top three features when purchasing a smartwatch. Xiaomi Regains Top Vendor Spot as Shipments Grew to 8.7 Million Units Canalys’ latest Wearable Band Analysis report reveals that the global wearable band shipments rose to 46.6 million in Q1 2025, as the market grew 13 percent year-on-year (YoY). Basic wearables saw the highest growth, and Xiaomi shipped the most wearables bands in the first quarter, after launching two new models, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 and Redmi Band 5. The latter was the company’s best selling wearable device. Top wearable band vendors in Q1 2025 Photo Credit: Canalys Apple and Huawei were in second and third place, respectively. Canalys expects Apple’s market share (presently at 16 percent) to grow in the second half of 2025, as the company is expected to launch it’s 10th anniversary smartwatch in the coming months. Huawei shipments grew 36 percent YoY to 7.1 million units, after its Fit and GT wearable devices performed well. With a massive 74 percent growth in Q1 2025, Samsung’s shipments in the same ******* grew to 4.9 million units, as the company focused on affordable devices (Galaxy Fit) and premium models (Galaxy Watch) in emerging and affluent markets, respectively. Garmin nudged its existing user base to upgrade to newer models in a diverse product portfolio in the first quarter, as its shipments rose 10 percent YoY to 1.8 million units, as per the Canalys report. The wearable maker was in fifth place in terms of global shipment market share. “With hardware profitability under strain, the wearables market is shifting from being hardware-led to ecosystem-driven,” said Cynthia Chen, Research Manager at Omdia-owned Canalys. “Vendors are accelerating platform and service development to boost recurring revenue and user retention.” A recent consumer survey conducted by Canalys revealed that 18,185 of respondents were concerned about the prices of wearables, while 14,691 people responded saying battery life was an important factor to be considered while purchasing a smartwatch. Health tracking capabilities were the third most important factor for buyers, as per the survey. Source link #Xiaomi #Surpasses #Apple #Lead #Wearables #Market #Percent #Market #Share #Canalys Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Remains of U.S. President James Monroe’s daughter will be reburied beside him Remains of U.S. President James Monroe’s daughter will be reburied beside him After two centuries in a neglected European grave, the remains of U.S. President James Monroe’s daughter will be coming home to rest beside her father in Richmond. The Catholic Diocese of Richmond announced May 23 that the body of Eliza Monroe Hay had arrived two days earlier at Washington Dulles International Airport. Plans to reinter her near Monroe’s crypt at Richmond’s Hollywood Cemetery have not been finalized, but the diocese said it will take place this fall. The discovery of Monroe Hay’s grave in Paris’ Père Lachaise Cemetery was the culmination of the Bringing Eliza Home Project, an effort led by Barbara Vorndick of Fluvanna County and a member of the diocese. Vorndick spent six years combing through historical records and finally discovered documents mapping Monroe Hay’s grave in Paris. In a statement issued by the diocese, Vorndick called the project a “fascinating, enriching journey.” She credited her faith for guiding her, adding that it was after sending emails to France that a parish archivist there found a document of Monroe Hay’s ******** Mass. “Through the long hours and years of research, I came to feel God’s presence in a very real way,” Vorndick said in the statement. “When I wondered if I would ever find the documents that I needed, He was there, whispering in my ear – suddenly dropping ideas into my mind.” Who was Eliza Monroe Hay? Eliza Monroe Hay, who lived from 1786 until 1840, served as White House hostess in place of her ill mother< Elizabeth Monroe. James Monroe, a Virginia native and the nation’s fifth president, served two terms from 1817 to 1825 and is best known for his “Monroe Doctrine” that closed off the Western Hemisphere to European colonization. Eliza Monroe Hay James Monroe The family spent many years in France when Monroe was the American minister to France during the French Revolution. After her husband’s and mother’s deaths two days apart in 1830, and her father’s death the following year, Monroe Hay moved back to France. According to the 2013 book, “First Ladies’ Fact Book” by Laura Ross and Bill Harris, Monroe Hay converted to Catholicism and lived in a convent until her death. The true story of Memorial Day’s local origins Not the first Monroe to be reburied in Richmond The reinternment of Monroe Hay’s remains to Richmond is not the first reburial in the Monroe family. After his death in 1831 in New York City, James Monroe was originally buried in New York’s Marble Cemetery. Twenty-seven years later, in 1858, his body was exhumed and brought to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond and is part of what is now known as President’s Circle because four years later, John Tyler, the nation’s 10th president was buried next to him. Monroe’s tomb is recognizable for the Gothic Revival-style cast-iron cage that encloses his sarcophagus. What’s in Trump’s big tax bill? Here’s what you need to know. Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at *****@*****.tld or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: President James Monroe’s daughter will be reburied beside him in Richmond Source link #Remains #U.S #President #James #Monroes #daughter #reburied Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

4 top partners quit Paul Weiss, Big Law firm that cut deal with Trump – Business Insider 4 top partners quit Paul Weiss, Big Law firm that cut deal with Trump – Business Insider 4 top partners quit Paul Weiss, Big Law firm that cut deal with Trump Business InsiderKaren Dunn and Other Top Lawyers Depart Paul Weiss to Start Firm The New York TimesFour major partners exit Paul, Weiss after Trump deal PoliticoFour partners leave Paul Weiss following law firm’s deal with Trump ReutersTop Paul Weiss Litigators Leave to Start Their Own Firm WSJ Source link #top #partners #quit #Paul #Weiss #Big #Law #firm #cut #deal #Trump #Business #Insider Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

WAFL 2025: Claremont Sandover medallists star in 42-point victory over undermanned Swan Districts WAFL 2025: Claremont Sandover medallists star in 42-point victory over undermanned Swan Districts Claremont’s trio of Sandover medallists have torn an undermanned Swan Districts apart and all but shut the door on their finals hopes with a 42-point victory. Source link #WAFL #Claremont #Sandover #medallists #star #42point #victory #undermanned #Swan #Districts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DICE On Why New Battlefield Won’t Lock Weapons to Classes, Asks Players to Test “Worrisome Combos” DICE On Why New Battlefield Won’t Lock Weapons to Classes, Asks Players to Test “Worrisome Combos” C-H-E-F11d ago If only the developers/publishers listened to the people buying their product. EA: Battlefield Madden NBA LIVE Need For Speed All have HUGE followings, all destroyed because they want to do what they want and not what the fans say will make these games LARGER!! The moment they “GET IT RIGHT” is the moment they decide to listen to us. The reason why SONY exclusives hit, is because they listen to us and follow trends while elevating it to the next level. Source link #DICE #Battlefield #Wont #Lock #Weapons #Classes #Asks #Players #Test #Worrisome #Combos Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping Review – Short, Silly, and Satisfying – MonsterVine Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping Review – Short, Silly, and Satisfying – MonsterVine “Duck Detective: The Ghost of Glamping is an adventure game made by Happy Broccoli Games. This game is a sequel to Duck Detective: The Secret Salami. I honestly didn’t expect to get so absorbed and invested into a game that looks simplistic, yet fun.” Ruddy @ Thumb Culture Source link #Duck #Detective #Ghost #Glamping #Review #Short #Silly #Satisfying #MonsterVine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kim Kardashian’s robbers found guilty in Paris court, but won’t face prison time – PBS Kim Kardashian’s robbers found guilty in Paris court, but won’t face prison time – PBS Kim Kardashian’s robbers found guilty in Paris court, but won’t face prison time PBS‘Grandpa robbers’ who terrorized Kim Kardashian sentenced to prison, but will walk free CNNRobbery gang guilty of Kim Kardashian heist in Paris BBCFour men guilty of Kim Kardashian jewellery heist in Paris The GuardianParis Court Convicts Eight in 2016 Robbery of Kim Kardashian The New York Times Source link #Kim #Kardashians #robbers #guilty #Paris #court #wont #face #prison #time #PBS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Blades of Fire Review – A Soulslike Misfire with Xbox 360 Energy – MonsterVine Blades of Fire Review – A Soulslike Misfire with Xbox 360 Energy – MonsterVine MonsterVine: “With clunky level design, bad jokes, and frustrating mechanics, Blades of Fire fails to make its weapon crafting system worth the effort.” Source link #Blades #Fire #Review #Soulslike #Misfire #Xbox #Energy #MonsterVine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia launches major aerial attack on Ukraine capital Russia launches major aerial attack on Ukraine capital At least 14 people have been injured in a major Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv, city authorities say. Russia launched 250 drones and 14 ballistic missiles against Kyiv, Ukraine’s air force said, causing fires in residential buildings. It was one of the biggest combined aerial assaults on the city since the war began. The air force said it had downed six missiles and 245 drones. “With each such attack, the world becomes more certain that the cause of prolonging the war lies in Moscow,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X. The barrage came hours after Russia and Ukraine took part in a prisoner swap agreed after talks between the two countries’ officials in Turkey. Describing a “difficult night”, Zelensky said there had been fires and explosions across Kyiv with homes, businesses and cars damaged by strikes or falling debris. Olha Chyrukha, a 64-year-old local resident who lives just outside central Kyiv, told Reuters news agency: “I wish they’d agree to a ceasefire. To bomb people like this – poor children. My three-year-old granddaughter was screaming scared.” Zelensky said only “additional sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy” could push Moscow to agree to a ceasefire. Last week, Russia said Ukraine had launched hundreds of exploding drones at the country, including strikes over Moscow. The Russia’s Ministry of Defence said that 485 drones had been shot down. Source link #Russia #launches #major #aerial #attack #Ukraine #capital Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has revised iconic Bond-theme opening Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has revised iconic Bond-theme opening CrimsonWing6998d ago I’m not a fan of busts… they’ve always been weird to me with the chopped off limbs and whatnot, but I ain’t gonna lie, I’m kinda digging this one with the flowers at the base and snake wrapped around. The soundtrack is a must. I probably wouldn’t drop money on this without the game, but it mentioned they might be working with retail to bundle the game. If that happens… depending on the price, I might buy. Source link #Metal #Gear #Solid #Delta #Snake #Eater #revised #iconic #Bondtheme #opening Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lions roar back into form, finally beat bogey team Lions roar back into form, finally beat bogey team The Brisbane Lions have shaken off a two-week form slump, downing Hawthorn by 33 points at the MCG to end a five-game losing streak against the Hawks. After drawing against North Melbourne, then suffering a Gabba upset to Melbourne last week, the reigning AFL premiers travelled to Melbourne as underdogs. But Brisbane turned the tables on the Hawks, a scintillating four-goal run late in the second quarter setting up the 14.9 (93) to 8.12 (60) win in front of 57,199 fans. It was the Lions’ first win over Hawthorn since 2019, having lost every game across the past five years even though they had been strong favourites. It was fitting in Sir Doug Nicholls Round that Callum Ah Chee should star and Charlie Cameron awoke from his season-long slumber. Ah Chee was the best forward on the ground, kicking four goals and limiting the influence of Hawthorn captain James Sicily as an intercepting defender. After entering the match with 8.15 this year, Cameron set the MCG alight with three goals in three minutes late in the second quarter. Scores were level until Cameron put through his first at the 22-minute mark, slotting two more goals in quick succession, which included a dance celebration for his second. A Levi Ashcroft major gave the Lions a 23-point halftime lead they would never relinquish. Hawthorn had patches in the third quarter when they threatened to get back in the game, but the Lions sealed the match with the first three goals of the final term. Once a bogey venue for Brisbane, the Lions have now won five of their past six games at the MCG, including last year’s preliminary and grand finals. It was the first time the Lions have beaten Hawthorn at the MCG since 2004. Hawthorn were badly beaten in the midfield, as Lachie Neale and Will Ashcroft combined superbly, as they did on grand final day last year. Livewire forward Connor Macdonald was clearly the Hawks’ most influential player, booting three first-half goals. Brisbane will head home and have just five days before they host Essendon at the Gabba on Thursday night. The Hawks face another huge test on Friday night when they face premiership favourites Collingwood at the MCG. Source link #Lions #roar #form #finally #beat #bogey #team Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Google AI Mode Reporting Coming To Search Console – Search Engine Roundtable Google AI Mode Reporting Coming To Search Console – Search Engine Roundtable Google AI Mode Reporting Coming To Search Console Search Engine RoundtableIntroducing Google AI Ultra: The best of Google AI in one subscription Google BlogGoogle’s New AI Puts Breasts on Minors—And J. D. Vance The AtlanticEverything unveiled at Google I/O 2025: Smart glasses, Gemini, Search, more ZDNetGoogle Still Needs to Convince Investors It Has Got the Hang of AI WSJ Source link #Google #Mode #Reporting #Coming #Search #Console #Search #Engine #Roundtable Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

We Tracked Police Killings 5 Years After George Floyd We Tracked Police Killings 5 Years After George Floyd Killings by the police didn’t go down after George Floyd’s death and the protests that followed — they went up. Steven Rich, a data reporter, explains his findings and what may have contributed to the increase. Source link #Tracked #Police #Killings #Years #George #Floyd Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Life has changed ‘massively’ since Big Weekend Life has changed ‘massively’ since Big Weekend Louise Parry BBC News, Bedfordshire Kian Boyle/BBC Myles said it was a “proper emotional day” when he performed at the Big Weekend in Luton last May A year ago, Myles Smith stood on the BBC Introducing stage at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in his home town of Luton. Performing his newly-released single Stargazing, he could not imagine how the song – and his musical career – would take off. Since then, the 26-year-old won the Rising Star Brit Award, nailed the best-selling British song of 2024, toured the world and made the Time 100 list of influential people. He is back on the Big Weekend main stage in Liverpool this Saturday, before playing Glastonbury, Wembley and supporting Ed Sheeran later this summer. “It’s wild,” he told the BBC. “Main stage at Big Weekend is huge for me – it’s one of those pinch-me moments. “I’m just trying to take it all in and enjoy the ride.” Theo Batterham Myles has visited 17 countries during his 2025 We Were Never Strangers tour In June he will appear alongside stars including Mariah Carey and Will Smith at the Capital Summer Ball at Wembley Stadium, then in July he joins Ed Sheeran for one of his homecoming gigs at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich. “Ed’s been such a big influence on me growing up. To share a stage with him, especially in a place that’s important to him, it’s an honour.” Myles recalls the “surreal” feeling of playing in his own home county last May. “I remember walking out on to that stage and just thinking, how is this real? “To be able to play Big Weekend at home, in front of people who’ve supported me from the beginning – it felt like everything had come full circle. “Proper emotional day. I don’t think I’ll ever forget it.” Sam McMohn “I’m proof that you don’t have to come from a big city or a fancy school to make it work,” says Myles Stargazing became the sound of the summer, streamed more than one billion times and even featuring on former US President Barack Obama’s playlist. “You always hope people connect with a song, but Stargazing just seemed to take on a life of its own,” Myles says. What is it about the song that resonates with people? “I think it’s the honesty in it – everyone’s either been through heartbreak or held on to hope when they probably shouldn’t have. “It’s simple, but it’s real. And I think people felt that.” A ******* surprise came in April 2025, as he was included in Time 100’s list of most influential people, alongside Serena Williams, Mark Zuckerberg and Snoop Dogg. “That one caught me off guard. I never imagined I’d end up in it. It’s mad. “I think I just felt really grateful, you know? To be recognised on that level for doing something I love.” Reuters Myles was listed as a “pioneer” in the top 100 influential people in Time Magazine Myles admits his life has changed “massively” in the past year. “Eighteen months ago, I was still figuring a lot of things out,” he said. “Now I’m touring, releasing music that’s reaching people all over the world, meeting heroes of mine. “But at the same time, I’m still just me. Still grounded in the same values. Still got the same people around me.” That is at the heart of how Myles is keeping it together while being thrown into the limelight. “I try to stay close to my people. My family, my team, my friends – they keep me level. “And I write. Even if it’s not for a song, just getting stuff out helps. “And when I can, I get home. There’s something about being back in Luton that resets everything for me.” Kian Boyle/BBC Myles says Luton, where he performed at Big Weekend last year, “has always been home” Myles remembers “a few moments” growing up that helped to build him into the musician he is today. “I had a music teacher who really believed in me – and my mum, always pushing me to keep going, even when I wasn’t sure. “I used to play little open mics, local gigs when I could find them. Nothing glamorous, but those nights taught me a lot.” “Luton’s always been home. It shaped me.” What would he say to young musicians growing up in Luton? “Don’t wait for permission. If you love it, do it. Write the songs, upload them, play the gigs – no matter how small. “Keep going even when it feels like no-one’s listening, because someone will. “I’m proof that you don’t have to come from a big city or a fancy school to make it work. You’ve just got to stay honest and consistent.” Theo Blatter Connecting with people is “the best part” of his career, Myles says With his new EP – A Minute, A Moment – released this weekend, he says “there’s loads I’m excited about – more music, more touring”. “But honestly, I’m just looking forward to connecting with more people. That’s always been the best part of this. “And maybe, if I’m lucky, a bit of time to breathe and take it all in.” Source link #Life #changed #massively #Big #Weekend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When will mortgage rates go down? The outlook after a week of rates crawling higher When will mortgage rates go down? The outlook after a week of rates crawling higher Pleas for lower mortgage rates could be the battle cry of the decade among aspiring homeowners and those looking to refinance, and for good reason. According to Freddie Mac, current interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are 6.86%, an increase over the last couple of weeks. The average rate for a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage is 6.01%. Those are double the sub-3% mortgage rates consumers saw during the pandemic era. But if you’re waiting for rates to drop before buying a home, experts suggest otherwise. Current financial and housing market data indicate little interest rate relief in the coming year. Plus, there’s political turmoil to consider, including tariffs that could make building materials more expensive. If you want to buy, you’re not entirely out of luck, but it’s wise to consider a buying strategy that’s less about mortgage rates and more focused on homeownership. Learn more: How to buy a house in 13 steps This embedded content is not available in your region. In this article: As of May 22 this year, Freddie Mac reported that rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages had stayed below 7% for 18 consecutive weeks. This time last year, mortgage rates were averaging 6.94%. But considering rates are still not far below 7%, we get it if you feel like you can’t catch a break in the current economy. In situations like these, it pays to look at the numbers. Here’s the Freddie Mac data on mortgage rates for the past 52 weeks as of May 22, 2025: If you just go by the numbers, rates on both 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages remain below the highs noted above. So, yes, mortgage rates have decreased incrementally over the past year. Will they keep dipping? That remains to be seen. Dig deeper: Do mortgage rates go down in a recession? If you’re looking for a significant interest rate drop in 2025, you’ll likely be left waiting. The latest news from the Federal Reserve and other key economic data point toward steady mortgage rates on par with what we see today. When the Fed — the common nickname for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) — held its May 2025 meeting, it voted to keep the federal funds rate the same for the time being. It’s also unclear when the central bank will lower its rate again as it waits to see how unemployment and inflation play out in the coming months. That federal funds rate tends to directly influence rates on shorter-term lending. While mortgage rates aren’t directly based on the fed funds rate, they typically mirror fed fund rate trends. So, if the fed funds rate goes up, mortgage rates will likely follow. The inverse is also true. The next Fed meeting is set for next month, June 17 and 18. According to the CME FedWatch tool, there’s roughly a 95% chance that the Fed will not cut its rate at this meeting. This tool is usually pretty reliable, but considering the June meeting just under a month away, take this current prediction with a grain of salt. Learn more: How the Fed rate decision impacts mortgage rates While short-term lending rates closely follow the fed funds rate, mortgage rates more closely follow the 10-year Treasury yield. As of May 22, the 10-year Treasury yield sat at 4.56, not far from the close one year ago at 4.43. You’re probably wondering why today’s mortgage rates aren’t in the 4% range, right? To determine current mortgage rates, lenders add a “spread” to the 10-year Treasury yield. The spread is simply the difference between the rates consumers pay and the rate on the 10-year Treasury. Without getting too much into the weeds, charging a spread helps mortgage lenders cover costs associated with making loans to the public and the risk of providing such loans. Now, let’s go back to mortgage rates. This week last year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.94%, and the 10-year Treasury yield was 4.43% — a spread of 2.51%. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is 6.86%, and the 10-year Treasury yield is 4.56% — a spread of 2.30%. In short, no. You probably shouldn’t wait to buy a home until mortgage rates drop. Mortgage rates are just one part of the affordability equation. You also have to consider home prices, a factor of housing supply and demand. The current housing market is in a crunch. To put it simply, buyers outnumber homes for *****, especially homes in price ranges accessible to the first-time home buyer. When supply and demand are out of balance like this, home prices tend to remain high since sellers know they’ll have multiple buyers interested. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the median ***** price of single-family homes has generally trended upward since Q1 of 2009. At that time, the median ***** price was $208,400. The median price had risen to $416,900 by Q1 2025. (Although it’s worth noting that the number is down a couple of thousand dollars from the previous quarter.) While recession chatter has recently increased — especially after the first negative gross domestic product (GDP) in three years — prospective buyers likely won’t see much relief in a true recession. If interest rates drop like they tend to do in recessions, that will increase the number of people looking to buy and lock in a lower interest rate. That drives up demand for the already limited supply of homes. To truly save, buyers need both interest rates and home prices to drop, which is unlikely. Keep reading: Do mortgage rates go down in a recession? This embedded content is not available in your region. If you crave the comforts of homeownership, the best strategy in today’s market may be to buy what you can afford. Whether that means a smaller house or a condo instead of a single-family home, owning something puts you in a position to start building equity. Yes, shopping for the best mortgage lenders with low rates and fees is crucial when getting a mortgage. But to help you find your ideal home that balances affordability and desirability, it pays to adopt a curious mindset and consider lesser-discussed financial tools. There’s no better time to learn more about your local real estate market than today. By adopting a sense of curiosity, you could discover that your city has more to offer housing-wise than you previously thought. You may want to take weekend excursions to lesser-known neighborhoods and suburban developments beyond the city limits. You never know what you’ll find that could expand your idea of what “home” looks like — including new developments, school districts, and types of homes. If you’re looking to spend less on a home in today’s mortgage market, a house needing a bit of TLC could help you do just that. Loans like the FHA 203(k) mortgage can roll your purchase and renovation costs into one convenient loan. When you qualify and have an accepted offer, your lender immediately funds the home’s purchase price and puts the cost of renovations into an escrow account. As you make repairs, funds get dispersed. How would it feel to have a longer commute yet come home to a house you love? Master-planned communities tend to crop up outside major cities, offering amenities like parks, shopping, and top-notch schools — all in exchange for a longer commute. These areas could look a lot more palatable if they offer commuting options like park-and-ride or commuter rail. Dare to consider parking the car and taking public transit if it could get you into the home of your dreams. While shared walls, floors, and ceilings might not immediately scream “dream home,” they could help you find an affordable home in a terrific area. Condominiums come in various shapes and sizes, from apartment-style flats to townhomes. Depending on the area, you might even score a small backyard. However, be sure to consider HOA fees when calculating your monthly payment. While the monthly payment on a 15-year mortgage will be higher than the typical 30-year, these loans have plenty of upsides. Not only will you pay off your home on a speedier timeline, but you’ll also likely score a lower interest rate and save a ton on interest over the life of your loan. To make today’s mortgage rates more palatable, look into rate buydown options. An interest rate buydown lets you pay cash up front in exchange for a reduced interest rate on your mortgage. Buydowns can be permanent or temporary (for your loan’s first one to three years, for example). Even a few years of lower rate relief can make today’s home prices more affordable. Economists expect mortgage rates to hold steady for the remainder of this year. According to Freddie Mac data, the interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has ranged from 6.08% to 7.04% so far in 2025. Compared to historical mortgage rates, 7% isn’t considered a high rate. While it might be high compared to pandemic-era rates that were sub-3%, it’s on par with mortgage rates in the 1990s, and considerably lower than the double-digit rates seen in the late 1970s and early 1980s. It’s not impossible to get a 3% interest rate, but doing so requires the perfect set of circumstances. You’d need to find a homeowner with an assumable mortgage — one that can be passed to a new owner at the same interest rate as the original loan. Assumable mortgages are generally government-backed loans from agencies like the VA, FHA, or USDA. Laura Grace Tarpley edited this article. Source link #mortgage #rates #outlook #week #rates #crawling #higher Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Horoscope for Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Chicago Sun-Times Horoscope for Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Chicago Sun-Times Horoscope for Saturday, May 24, 2025 Chicago Sun-TimesHoroscopes Today, May 24, 2025 USA TodayYour Daily Singles Horoscope for May 24, 2025 YahooAries Daily Horoscope Today, May 24, 2025: Slowing Down May Reveal the Way Times of IndiaLove and Relationship Horoscope for May 24, 2025 Hindustan Times Source link #Horoscope #Saturday #Chicago #SunTimes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Royal Mail could face fine after missing delivery targets Royal Mail could face fine after missing delivery targets Royal Mail could be fined by regulators after failing to meet delivery targets. Ofcom has launched an investigation after almost a quarter of first-class post arrived late in the past year. The 98.5% target for second-class post was also missed, with just 92.2% delivered within the required three days. The company has already faced a combined £16m fine for falling short of its service obligations over the previous two years. Royal Mail said it was “actively modernising” and beginning to see results, but added that there was “still more to do”. Under Ofcom rules, 93% of first-class mail must be delivered within one working day of collection, excluding Christmas. Royal Mail said just 76.3% arrived within this window in the year to March 2025, a slim improvement on last year, when it was 74.5%. In a statement, Ofcom said: “If we determine that Royal Mail has failed to comply with its obligations, we will consider whether to impose a financial penalty.” A first-class stamp now costs £1.70, having gone up in price for the sixth time in three years. Royal Mail chief operating officer Alistair Cochrane said: “Our quality of service is not yet where we want it to be and we will continue to work hard to deliver the standards our customers expect. He also reiterated Royal Mail’s long-held stance that its one-price-goes-anywhere universal service obligation (USO) needs reform. Under the USO, the company is required by law to deliver letters six days a week and parcels five days a week to every address in the ***. In January, Ofcom proposed that Royal Mail only deliver second-class letters every other weekday – and not on Saturdays – to protect the future of the ***’s postal industry. Responding to the delivery target figures, Citizens Advice said: “Royal Mail’s quality of service targets should be there to protect customers, but the company is still getting away with hiking stamp prices while failing to deliver post on time.” Tom MacInnes, director of policy, added: “With Ofcom considering relaxing the current delivery targets set for Royal Mail as part of the universal service obligation review, reliability remains a huge concern. “The regulator must get off the sidelines and make the company do what it should’ve been doing all along – giving paying customers the service they deserve.” In April, shareholders cleared the ***** of Royal Mail’s parent company, International Distribution Services, to a Czech billionaire. The approval of the £3.6bn deal, first proposed a year ago, will see the 500-year institution taken over by Daniel Kretinsky’s EP Group. Source link #Royal #Mail #face #fine #missing #delivery #targets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Bryce Cotton: Adelaide signing set to open up on reasons for Perth Wildcats exit, deletes farewell post Bryce Cotton: Adelaide signing set to open up on reasons for Perth Wildcats exit, deletes farewell post Bryce Cotton has deleted his heartfelt social media farewell message for the Red Army from two months ago as the Wildcats legend hinted he was on the brink of giving the full story of why he left the club. Source link #Bryce #Cotton #Adelaide #signing #set #open #reasons #Perth #Wildcats #exit #deletes #farewell #post Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google CEO pitches dystopia where no one communicates with their friends anymore because AI’s writing our emails, claims this makes you ‘a better friend’ Google CEO pitches dystopia where no one communicates with their friends anymore because AI’s writing our emails, claims this makes you ‘a better friend’ When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Warner Bros. CEO of Alphabet and Google Sundar Pichai gave the opening address at the 17th annual Google I/O developer conference this Tuesday, and used the opportunity to get all starry-eyed, and slightly dystopian, about the future of AI. “We are shipping faster than ever,” said Pichai (thanks, TheRegister). “We have announced over a dozen models and research breakthroughs and released over 20 major AI products and features, all since the last I/O… today, Gemini 2.5 Pro sweeps the LLMArena leaderboard in all categories.” Gemini is now so core to Google’s business that it’s replacing traditional search. If you use any of Google’s suite of products you’ll have noticed the inexorable push of Gemini features into everything. It feels a bit like a very needy child (or the spawn of a tech company desperate to goose the “engagement” numbers). Pichai went on to talk about some genuinely impressive use cases for AI integration, with its Project Starline technology being used to offer ***-directional language translation voiced by AI-generated speech in real time. English and Spanish translation is now available for Meet subscribers, with support for more languages rolling out over the coming months. Then we get to a more questionable use case, which is all about further personalising AI. “We are working to bring this to life with something we call Personal Context,” said Pichai. “With your permission, Gemini models can use relevant context across your Google Apps, in a way that is private, transparent and fully under your control.” The initial manifestations of this idea are the little automated replies that Google offers up across services such as Gmail. Google calls these Personalized Smart Replies, and is aiming to make them much more detailed and capable of replacing actual human-to-human communication. “Let’s say my friend wrote to me looking for advice,” said Pichai. “He’s taking a road trip to Utah and he remembers I did this trip before. Now if I’m being honest, I’d probably reply with something short and unhelpful. Sorry, Felix. But with Personalized Smart Replies, I can be a better friend. That’s because Gemini can do almost all the work for me, looking up my notes in Drive, scanning past emails for reservations, finding my itinerary in Google Docs: trip to Zion National Park. “Gemini matches my typical greetings from past emails, captures my tone, style, and favorite word choices, and then it automatically generates a reply.” I’m not disputing that automated replies can be useful in certain contexts such as basic business communication. But even as someone who is generally terrible at replying to people I cannot imagine just giving up on that side of my personal life and leaving it to AI. I don’t really think you’re someone’s friend, at that point. Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. | Credit: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images I mean, where does this end up? We’ll have AI managing all of our relationships and communication, and AIs replying to AIs, which just seems like Google is actually devaluing human communication rather than enabling it. I don’t want to delegate my social life and relationships to an algorithm: maybe the Luddites had a point. The Personal Context feature will roll out for Gmail subscribers this summer. Equally troubling, in a different and perhaps larger way, is Google’s new “AI Mode” in Google Search. This has launched, initially as a setting in Google Labs, and Google is being coy about the potential impact on every single online company that depends on Google for traffic referrals. “For those who want an end-to-end AI search experience we are introducing an all- new AI mode,” said Pichai. “It’s a total reimagining of search.” AI mode will begin as a new tab in the Search window, integrating with Gemini 2.5 and Personal Context (once launched). Finally, among the many AI product announcements, Pichai at least showed that someone at Google has a sense of humour. As well as cramming AI in everywhere it can, it’s also announced the launch of SynthID Detector: a website that helps us identify when content is AI-generated. I wonder if you can whack emails from your friends in there. 2025 games: This year’s upcoming releasesBest PC games: Our all-time favoritesFree PC games: Freebie festBest FPS games: Finest gunplayBest RPGs: Grand adventuresBest co-op games: Better together Source link #Google #CEO #pitches #dystopia #communicates #friends #anymore #AIs #writing #emails #claims #friend Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Your daily horoscope: May 24, 2025 – The Globe and Mail Your daily horoscope: May 24, 2025 – The Globe and Mail Your daily horoscope: May 24, 2025 The Globe and MailHoroscopes Today, May 24, 2025 USA TodayYour Daily Singles Horoscope for May 24, 2025 YahooAries Daily Horoscope Today, May 24, 2025: Slowing Down May Reveal the Way Times of IndiaLove and Relationship Horoscope for May 24, 2025 Hindustan Times Source link #daily #horoscope #Globe #Mail Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India in England: Shubman Gill named India men’s new Test captain India in England: Shubman Gill named India men’s new Test captain Top-order batter Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain of the India men’s team. The 25-year-old succeeds Rohit Sharma as captain, with the 38-year-old having retired from Test cricket earlier this month. Gill, who has scored 1,893 runs in 32 Tests, will lead a depleted India team in a five-Test tour of England starting on 20 June. Veteran seamer Mohammed Shami was left out of the squad following a late injury setback, although he played in the Indian Premier League. Wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant has been named Gill’s deputy in the Test squad. India Test squad: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Druv Jurel , Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav. Source link #India #England #Shubman #Gill #named #India #mens #Test #captain Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gill passes Test and will lead India on tour of England Gill passes Test and will lead India on tour of England Shubman Gill has been named India’s new red-ball skipper and will lead the team on their upcoming five-Test tour of England starting on June 20. The 25-year-old batter takes over from Rohit Sharma, who last led India against Australia in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket this month, followed by batting great Virat Kohli doing the same. Jasprit Bumrah had led India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy – in the first Test in Perth and again in the final Test in Sydney, where Sharma dropped himself. However, the pacer wasn’t chosen for the job considering his fitness issues and workload management to monitor his availability through the English summer. Gill made his Test debut against Australia in December 2020 and has featured in 32 matches since, scoring 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. He currently leads Gujarat Titans atop the Indian Premier League. At 25 years and 258 days, Gill is the fifth-youngest cricketer to become India’s Test captain. Keeper-batter Rishabh Pant has been named vice-captain for India’s tour of England. INDIA TEST SQUAD: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Druv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna , Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav Source link #Gill #passes #Test #lead #India #tour #England Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

XRP Could Rocket to $8 as Focus Shifts to Crypto Majors After Bitcoin’s Record Run: Traders XRP Could Rocket to $8 as Focus Shifts to Crypto Majors After Bitcoin’s Record Run: Traders Attention is turning to major tokens as bitcoin BTC set fresh highs earlier this week, with some pointing out that institutional demand and a clear regulatory environment pave the way for strong moves among the top coins. Bitcoin was hovering just under $111,000 during the Asian morning hours on Friday, seeing a slight pullback on profit-taking as is expected after upward moves. Cardano’s ADA, dogecoin DOGE and Solana’s SOL added as much as 4%, while ether ETH, XRP, and BNB Chain’s BNB rose less than 1.5%. The broad-based CoinDesk 20(CD20), a liquid index tracking the largest tokens by market cap, rose 1.2% in the past 24 hours. Bitget Research’s Chief Analyst Ryan Lee told CoinDesk in a Telegram message that a potential dip in bitcoin dominance could kick off a broader alt season, with high-profile names like XRP and Solana in prime position to benefit. Lee pointed to XRP’s improving regulatory clarity and recent technical breakout patterns as reasons traders are eyeing a move toward $3–$8 in the medium term. XRP recently formed a golden cross against BTC on the weekly chart — a historically bullish signal suggesting a long-term trend reversal may be underway. The ratio has been locked in a sideways channel since late 2020, but that may now be breaking after last month’s SEC decision not to pursue further appeals against Ripple. SOL could climb toward $220–$300 on ETF speculation, while ADA shows potential for a breakout between $1 and $3, Lee added. Singapore-based QCP Capital said in a Thursday broadcast that the latest BTC move confirmed a robust trend supported by improved structural fundamentals and relatively low volatility. “This rally feels more structurally sound than the last with less frothy momentum-chasing and stronger fundamental underpinnings,” the firm said, adding that the brief dip following BTC’s initial record high break triggered put-side profit-taking, but buyers were “quick to reload on the upside.” Still, broader macro risks remain in play. Renewed tariff concerns, rising U.S. yields, and a stronger dollar could all inject volatility into the system, especially for altcoins, QCP said. Traders are urged to stay selective, focusing on assets with strong fundamentals and clear regulatory narratives. Meanwhile, FxPro’s Alex Kuptsikevich shared in an email that bitcoin’s sentiment index is hovering just below “extreme greed” as of Friday, a sign that the rally may still have room to run in the coming days. Source link #XRP #Rocket #Focus #Shifts #Crypto #Majors #Bitcoins #Record #Run #Traders Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]