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Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 Transcript: Sen. Chris Van Hollen on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 The following is the transcript of an interview with Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, that aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on May 18, 2025. MARGARET BRENNAN: And we are back now with Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen. Good morning and good to have you here. SEN. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN: Good to be here, Margaret. MARGARET BRENNAN: We just showed some reporting from our colleague, Debora Patta, with incredible pictures from our- our shooter inside of Gaza, Marwan. It’s hard to look at pictures of children in that level of starvation. You have said the Israeli government is starving civilians, and the U.S. is complicit in the gross violation of international law. The U.N.’s begging to go in. The Israeli government says they don’t want to work with the U.N. here. They want to work with this Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that’s just being set up. What do you know about this? Should there be U.S. support for it? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: So Margaret, you’re right. It’s very hard to look at those pictures, and the United States has been complicit. President Trump was in the region and really did nothing, said virtually nothing about what’s happening in Gaza, which is on- on fire. We’re in 77th day of a full blockade. Two million Palestinians are starving. This is collective punishment that is clearly ******** under international law. And this other idea that’s been cooked up, either by the Israelis or by the Trump administration, is clearly not fit for purpose when it comes to trying to address this burgeoning famine. And all it will do is further allow food to be used as a weapon of the war. So I hope the United States will back off this plan. None of the credible international organizations have said that they will participate because it violates, you know, international norms and how it’s structured. And so I hope the United States will back off and immediately call today to allow the trucks right now that have food to be able to come, provide food to starving people. These are provided by international aid organizations. MARGARET BRENNAN: Is there anything that the United States can do in terms of leverage? You were- you’ve been bipartisan in your criticism. You said that what happened in Gaza is a ****** stain on Joe Biden’s legacy as president. You are criticizing the current administration for not doing more here. What leverage is there? I mean, is what you’re saying falling on any ears that want to listen? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Well, I’ve had conversations with some people in- in the Trump administration and made clear that they need to do more. One of the very obvious things they could do is President Trump today could call upon the Netanyahu government to let aid in. I mean, the President acknowledged there are people starving in Gaza the other day. He said so. But why hasn’t he called on Netanyahu to let the aid in? Let’s just start with that. MARGARET BRENNAN: Well, we’ll follow the diplomacy that Steve Witkoff is leading. I want to ask you about what’s happening here at home. The Treasury Secretary this morning, is dismissing the news that Moody’s credit rating agency downgraded America’s credit, the first time since 1917 now all three agencies have said the US fiscal situation is unsustainable. Moody specifically said the upcoming bills and spending reductions won’t make a difference. You’re an appropriator. You are in a position of power here. What is going to happen with Capitol Hill and the President’s agenda? Is it going to be much of a fight? Is there going to be anyone pushing back because of this? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Oh, yes, Margaret. What you’re seeing is the Republican plan, the Trump plan is essentially to give these huge tax cuts to very wealthy people and corporations at the expense of everybody else. They’re going to cut Medicaid, they’re going to cut food and nutrition programs, but even after those cuts– MARGARET BRENNAN: –They say they are not, as you know– SEN. VAN HOLLEN: –but even- well, it’s in their current House bill. They have $700 billion in Medicaid cuts and 300 billion in food nutrition programs in the House bill now. I mean, they can always change it. But even after that, they’re going to- this will result in a huge spike in the national debt. And so that’s why Moody’s is warning people that we’re going down this road, and it will have a direct harmful impact on every American, because what it will do is drive up interest rates. Right? Just like the Trump across-the-board tariffs are raising prices, so will these big deficits and debts they incur. MARGARET BRENNAN: Moody’s also says, though, that this has been cumulative, which means Democrats bear some responsibility for the situation we find ourselves in now. SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Just on that point, I put forward a variety of plans to close tax loopholes for the very rich to begin to address the deficit problem. MARGARET BRENNAN: Speaking of responsibility, I’m sure you’ve been tracking all the headlines and the conversation about President Biden and what happened with that debriefing of him by the Special Counsel Hur during that Justice Department investigation of his mishandling of classified information. No charges were brought, but the audio of that was obtained by Axios, and it- you hear the president halting at times. Remember Hur was the one who said President Biden was a sympathetic, well meaning, elderly man with a poor memory, and Democrats really pushed back at the time at that saying that sounded very political. In hindsight, do you think Democrats were too willing to look the other way? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Well, hindsight is 20/20. We know a lot more now than we knew then. I can just say personally, I had limited interactions with President Biden at the time. He came to the Key Bridge in Maryland when it collapsed, and we had a good conversation. So hindsight is 20/20. Obviously, if we could redo this tape and play it over again, we would do things differently. MARGARET BRENNAN: Do you feel like you have to explain and defend that now? I mean, there was a piece in The Washington Post from Dan Balz who said Democrats are either- were either covering up then or covering their behinds now. SEN. VAN HOLLEN: No- well- look- I mean, I think we can acknowledge that this was a- people overlooked a serious problem or were just not aware. MARGARET BRENNAN: Willingly? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Well, I don’t- I can only speak for myself. I didn’t- I wasn’t aware of this, but we are focused on the future right now. I mean, right- right now we have the Republican tax plan, which is a giveaway to the rich. We have- you know, we didn’t talk about it, but Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, my view, is the overall narrative here was selling out US national interests for the private gain of his family business. He essentially gave away the crown jewels of American AI and semiconductor technology to the Gulf in exchange, in exchange, it looks like, for a $2 billion investment in the Trump family stablecoin venture. MARGARET BRENNAN: Another topic. But on this point, I hear you want to look forward. I do too. But don’t Democrats have to reckon with this and say to the public that the answer to that question- you know? SEN. VAN HOLLEN: I think we’ve all acknowledged that if we had the benefit of hindsight, we would have done things differently. I don’t know if all of us have. I recognize that, but at this point, it seems to me, the American people are much more interested in the conversation as to the future of our country and the damage that Elon Musk and Donald Trump are doing every day. MARGARET BRENNAN: Senator Van Hollen, thank you for your time today. SEN. VAN HOLLEN: Good to be with you. MARGARET BRENNAN: We’ll be back in a moment. Face The Nation Transcripts More Source link #Transcript #Sen #Chris #Van #Hollen #Face #Nation #Margaret #Brennan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why is the Fed quietly buying billions in bonds — and hoping nobody notices? Why is the Fed quietly buying billions in bonds — and hoping nobody notices? Watch what the Fed does. – Getty Images The U.S. Federal Reserve just pulled off something stealthy — over four days last week, without fanfare, the Fed vacuumed up $43.6 billion in U.S. Treasurys. That’s $8.8 billion in long-dated 30-year bonds on May 8 alone, plus another $34.8 billion earlier in the week. Not exactly small change. Quietly returning to the quantitative-easing trough isn’t standard Fed housekeeping — it’s like a bank robber returning to the scene because he forgot his car keys. Let’s talk straight: This isn’t tightening. It’s stealth easing. It’s monetary policy on tiptoes. Some traders have begun to notice, and smart investors should too. Commodity traders, in particular, have a nose for monetary sleight-of-hand. Gold GC00, the ultimate financial cynic’s metal, has risen sharply since early 2024. Gold doesn’t believe in politicians, central bankers or economists — even the Ivy League types who wave their hands and promise stability. It believes numbers. But this isn’t just a U.S. game. China has jumped into the gold pit too, and brings a ******* shovel. China’s central bank just cranked open the vault doors by dramatically raising gold-import quotas, letting local banks swap U.S. dollars DX00 directly for bullion. That’s China quietly telling Uncle Sam that holding all those U.S. Treasurys is starting to feel less like prudent investing and more like playing roulette with the house on fire. Think about it. Even if China converts into gold a modest 10% of the $784 billion Treasury stash it held as of February, it would send tremors through global markets. China isn’t hoarding gold because it matches the curtains — it’s preparing for a monetary earthquake. Central banks around the world are doing the same. America just imported a mountain of gold. Nations are bracing for the next seismic shift in global monetary power. Read: U.N. predicts slower global economic growth following Trump’s tariffs and trade tensions Gold and bitcoin BTCUSD are responding, too — bitcoin because crypto investors distrust central planners; gold because central planners distrust each other. Bitcoin is the back-alley asset that respectable investors pretend they don’t visit. Bitcoin is rising not only due to distrust of central banks and the neat little fiat-currency Ponzi schemes they’ve been running for years — but also because a year ago, bitcoin experienced its latest halving event, pushing it into the typical bullish upswing of a four-year cycle. Story Continues There’s more. The Trump administration, previously wary of crypto, has shifted significantly, establishing a U.S. bitcoin strategic reserve — a move signaling institutional-level confidence that bitcoin isn’t just a speculative fad but an asset worthy of strategic importance. Additionally, institutional and retail money is flowing into bitcoin ETFs — reinforcing bitcoin’s legitimacy as a mainstream financial asset. If the Fed quietly keeps hitting the QE button, bitcoin might become the investment equivalent of a midnight convenience-store burrito — volatile but satisfying. For investors willing to bet on the Fed’s recent move, opportunities are plentiful — particularly in places with tangible goods buried underfoot, such as the commodity-rich economies of Latin America and Brazil, an economic powerhouse that is enjoying a commodities-fueled bull run. This year so far, for example, the iShares MSCI Brazil ETF EWZ and the broader iShares Latin America 40 ETF ILF have each gained about 24%. These aren’t lucky guesses; they’re strategic positions leveraged to benefit from Fed-induced dollar weakness and rising commodity prices. Don’t miss: More SALT should be on America’s tax-deduction menu, argues Brett Arends. Way more. Brazil’s commodities are like beachfront property when a hurricane’s brewing offshore — a perfect location if you’re on solid ground and prepared for storm season. The Fed’s stealth QE is the opening act in a larger financial drama. Gold is climbing, bitcoin’s gaining legitimacy and resource-rich economies like Brazil are poised to benefit. Central bankers typically have fewer tells than professional poker players, but right now they’re twitching. And quiet moves by central banks often precede loud market shifts. Gold, bitcoin and Latin American markets have already enjoyed impressive returns, but the Federal Reserve’s discreet pivot back to quantitative easing suggests that these gains could accelerate. While QE typically props up U.S. stocks, the stealth of this move — amid declining trust in fiat currencies and rising geopolitical tensions — uniquely positions gold, bitcoin and Latin America as prime shelters, and profitable opportunities, in a brewing financial storm. Investors paying attention now — before the rest catch wind — stand the best chance of capturing these outsized returns. So pay attention. Garcia holds positions in gold, silver and bitcoin. . Read next: America just imported a mountain of gold. Here’s why that should scare you. Also read: Here’s something the rich know about managing investment risk that can help you, too Source link #Fed #quietly #buying #billions #bonds #hoping #notices Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

US treasury secretary says Walmart will ‘eat some of the tariffs’ after Trump demand – The Guardian US treasury secretary says Walmart will ‘eat some of the tariffs’ after Trump demand – The Guardian US treasury secretary says Walmart will ‘eat some of the tariffs’ after Trump demand The GuardianTreasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ AP NewsTrump calls on Walmart to absorb tariffs rather than raise prices The Washington PostWalmart CFO says price hikes from tariffs could start later this month, as retailer beats on earnings CNBCPrices will rise, Bessent says, as tariff pressure grows Axios Source link #treasury #secretary #Walmart #eat #tariffs #Trump #demand #Guardian Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Underpinned with stories aplenty Underpinned with stories aplenty Behind electric gates and a manicured front lawn, this impeccably presented residence pairs ******* charm with a no-expense-spared renovation in a desirable East Fremantle location. Source link #Underpinned #stories #aplenty Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Teens sickened during Seminole County middle school dance Teens sickened during Seminole County middle school dance Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what’s in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key Takeaways Several eighth graders fell ill toward the end of a middle school dance in Seminole County Friday night, prompting one to be rushed to the hospital by ambulance and others to be transported by worried parents. The Teague Middle School 8th grade dance at the Hilton Altamonte had been going off without any hiccups until the call from police came in. Several 8th graders fell ill toward the end of a middle school dance in Seminole County Friday night. “The cop said you need to come pick up your son. He’s pretty sick,” one mother, who asked to not be identified because of her relationships in the community, recounted. “They thought that the fruit punch was spiked.” The mother said her son was among nearly a dozen students in the ER waiting room. Other parents put the figure closer to 20. “Same symptoms, confusion, dizziness, hands were shaking, legs were shaking,” she said. “Some couldn’t even stand up. One kid in the waiting room actually fell over.” She said the drug and alcohol tests done on the students came back negative and doctors theorized whatever toxin was used – if one was used — was synthetic. She said all the kids were discharged throughout the night. Her son said he was still feeling a little tired Saturday afternoon but was otherwise okay and added the students involved belonged to different social circles that weren’t hanging out together before the dance began. The Seminole County Fire Department confirmed they transported one student as a patient. The school district said the same, but administrators weren’t able to immediately provide any other information about what happened. “You don’t hear about it often,” the mother said, wondering if students had been properly checked before the party started and fretting about kids with medical conditions. “It is an eye-opener.” Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Source link #Teens #sickened #Seminole #County #middle #school #dance Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Thank you, JJ: For Israel at Eurovision, first would have been the worst – The Times of Israel Thank you, JJ: For Israel at Eurovision, first would have been the worst – The Times of Israel Thank you, JJ: For Israel at Eurovision, first would have been the worst The Times of IsraelAustria Wins Eurovision 2025 Song Contest With JJ’s ‘Wasted Love’ The New York TimesAustria wins Eurovision – as paint thrown during Israel’s performance Sky NewsEurovision scoring revealed: Ireland received just 28 points, while Israel got maximum points from the Irish televote in semi-final The Irish IndependentAustria’s JJ wins 2025 Eurovision Song Contest upi.com Source link #Israel #Eurovision #worst #Times #Israel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Geraldton tops regional house price growth in the March quarter Geraldton tops regional house price growth in the March quarter Geraldton was the top-performing regional centre for the March quarter, according to the latest REIWA data. Its median house ***** price rose 6.5 per cent to $490,000 – up from $460,000 in the previous quarter. It was the second consecutive quarter the regional centre recorded the strongest price growth. Strong eastern states investor activity has driven continued growth in Geraldton, with demand strong for dwellings in the $400,000-600,000 range. Investors were looking for well-presented homes offering reasonable yields. These properties generally attracted multiple offers and, in some cases, sold well above the asking price. This placed pressure on local buyers, who were often priced out by investors offering slightly more. However, since the March quarter, the level of investor activity has softened slightly and REIWA members are reporting a more even mix of buyers again. Karratha (up 6.1 per cent to $610,000), Albany (up 4.3 per cent to $600,000), Bunbury (up 3.7 per cent to $616,995), Broome (up 1.9 per cent to $743,000), Esperance (up 1.6 per cent to $495,000) Busselton (up 1.1 per cent to $880,000) and Kalgoorlie-Boulder (up one per cent to $399,000) also recorded an increase in their median house ***** price. Port Hedland (down 2.2 per cent to $525,000) was the only regional centre to record a decline. Port Hedland saw the most growth in the rental market, with its median weekly rent increasing 11.8 per cent to $950. Rent price growth has fluctuated in Port Hedland in recent quarters – this increase followed a 12.6 per cent decline in the previous quarter and 2.4 per cent growth in the September 2024 quarter. A contributing factor to the growth this quarter was the type of properties being leased. REIWA data shows a higher proportion of leases in the upper end of the market, which contributed to the rise in the overall median. Despite the growth, underlying trends suggest the market is easing. Our members reported a slower start to the year, with fewer applications per property and some landlords needing to adjust their asking rents to secure tenants. It’s also taking longer to lease a property, with the median time on market rising more than 50 per cent over the quarter. Broome (up five per cent to $1050), Esperance (up 3.4 per cent to $600) and Busselton (up 1.3 per cent to $790) recorded an increase in their median weekly rent prices. Karratha ($1100), Kalgoorlie-Boulder ($650), Geraldton ($520), Bunbury ($600) and Albany ($550) remained stable over the quarter. Read the full report on reiwa.com. Source link #Geraldton #tops #regional #house #price #growth #March #quarter Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tall Ship Strikes Brooklyn Bridge, Killing Two Tall Ship Strikes Brooklyn Bridge, Killing Two In a chaotic scene on the East River, a ******** tall ship struck the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday. Officials reported that at least 19 people on board were injured and needed treatment, including two who died from their injuries. The vessel is a training vessel for the ******** Navy that had embarked on an eight-month journey. Source link #Tall #Ship #Strikes #Brooklyn #Bridge #Killing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Romanians vote in a tense presidential runoff that pits a nationalist against a pro-EU centrist – AP News Romanians vote in a tense presidential runoff that pits a nationalist against a pro-EU centrist – AP News Romanians vote in a tense presidential runoff that pits a nationalist against a pro-EU centrist AP NewsWill Romania vote take country away from European mainstream? BBCRomania could be next to elect a right-wing populist: What to know The Washington PostIn Transylvania, fear haunts Romania’s troubled democracy politico.euRomanians vote in presidential run-off that could widen EU rifts Reuters Source link #Romanians #vote #tense #presidential #runoff #pits #nationalist #proEU #centrist #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Israel starts Gaza ground assault after hundreds killed Israel starts Gaza ground assault after hundreds killed The Israeli military says it has begun “extensive ground operations” in northern and southern Gaza, stepping up a new campaign in the enclave where ************ health authorities said Israeli air strikes have killed at least 130 people. Israel made its announcement on Sunday after sources on both sides said there had been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and the ************ militant group ****** in Qatar. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and hostage deal as well as a proposal to end the war in return for the exile of ****** militants and the demilitarisation of the enclave – terms ****** has previously rejected. The statement was in line with previous declarations from Israel, but the timing, as negotiators meet, offered some prospect of flexibility in Israel’s position. A senior Israeli official said there had been no progress in the talks so far. Israel’s military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 ****** targets in Gaza over the past week to support “Gideon’s Chariots”, its new ground operation aimed at achieving “operational control” in parts of the enclave. It said it killed dozens of ****** fighters. Gaza’s Health Ministry said in the week to Sunday alone, at least 464 Palestinians were killed. The deaths of 130 or so Palestinians overnight are in addition to that figure. “Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by (overnight) Israeli bombardment,” Khalil Al-Deqran, Gaza health ministry spokesperson, told Reuters by phone. The Israeli campaign has devastated Gaza, pushing nearly all its 2.3 million residents from their homes and killing more than 53,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities. Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure ****** into freeing its hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza Strip and controlling aid. International experts have warned of looming famine. Asked about the Qatar talks, a ****** official told Reuters: “Israel’s position remains unchanged, they want to release the prisoners (hostages) without a commitment to end the war.” ****** was still proposing releasing all Israeli hostages in return for an end to the war, the pull-out of Israeli troops, an end to a blockade on aid for Gaza, and the release of ************ prisoners, he said. Israel’s declared goal in Gaza is the elimination of the military and governmental capabilities of ******, which attacked Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing about 1200 people and seizing 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Reports in Israeli and Arab media that ****** leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been killed could potentially complicate the Doha talks, which began on Saturday. ****** neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Israel’s Defence Ministry had no immediate comment. Gaza medics said contrary to earlier reports Zakaria Al-Sinwar, a history lecturer at a Gaza university and the brother of ******’ current and former leaders, was alive but in critical condition. He was placed in the morgue earlier with his three children, before medics realised he was still breathing. “Hospitals are overwhelmed with a growing number of casualties, many are children,” health ministry spokesman Deqran said. One of Israel’s overnight strikes hit a tent encampment housing displaced families in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, killing women and children, wounding dozens and setting tents ablaze, medics said. Later on Sunday, Gaza’s health ministry said the Indonesian Hospital, one of the largest partially functioning medical facilities in north Gaza, had ceased work because of Israeli fire. Source link #Israel #starts #Gaza #ground #assault #hundreds #killed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Full interview: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” Full interview: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” Full interview: Secretary of State Marco Rubio on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” – CBS News Watch CBS News Watch Margaret Brennan’s full interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a portion of which aired on May 18, 2025, on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan.” Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Full #interview #Secretary #State #Marco #Rubio #Face #Nation #Margaret #Brennan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Transcript: Former Ambassador Bridget Brink on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 Transcript: Former Ambassador Bridget Brink on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 The following is the transcript of an interview with Bridget Brink, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, that aired on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” on May 18, 2025. MARGARET BRENNAN: Last month, Ambassador Bridget Brink resigned from her post as America’s top diplomat to Ukraine, and last week, she explained why. Though she had been serving as a career diplomat for three decades, Brink wrote in the Detroit Free Press she could, quote, ‘no longer in good faith carry out the administration’s policy,’ accusing President Trump and his team of putting pressure on the victim, Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia. For more, we’re joined now by Ambassador Brink. Ambassador, good to have you here. AMBASSADOR BRIDGET BRINK: Hi, Margaret, thanks so much for having me on. MARGARET BRENNAN: You served this country for so many decades. What happened that made you say, ‘I can’t take it’? AMB. BRINK: Well, maybe let me give you a little context. What I saw in Ukraine was horrifying. For three years, Russia launched missiles and drones at men, women and children sleeping in their homes, tried to take down the energy grid for millions of Ukrainians, to take out the power, heat and light in the middle of winter, and committed war crimes and atrocities at a level we haven’t seen since World War Two. I resigned from Ukraine and also from the Foreign Service, because the policy since the beginning of the administration was to put pressure on the victim Ukraine, rather than on the aggressor, Russia. I fully agree that the war needs to end, but I believe that peace at any price is not peace at all. It’s appeasement and as we know from history, appeasement only leads to more war. MARGARET BRENNAN: And to be clear, you are a career diplomat, so that means you serve regardless of who is the president of the United States and what party they come from. And in fact, when you tried to leave post in January, Secretary Rubio asked you to stay on in Kyiv, as I understand it, you were there for a number of months until April. What specifically with this policy is a problem for you? Because you did. You worked at post under the Trump administration. Was there a trigger that made you say we’re getting it so wrong? BRIDGET BRINK: Well, I would say it wasn’t a hard, a hasty, rash decision. It was one that I took over the first three months of the administration. But the first sign was the Oval Office meeting in February, in February, President Trump and President Zelensky, where I saw that our approach is to put pressure on Ukraine and not pressure on Russia. MARGARET BRENNAN: The President and this administration’s policies, you have heard Secretary Rubio say is just to try to get the fighting to stop. Do you see that America has leverage here? AMB. BRINK: Yes, of course we have leverage- MARGARET BRENNAN: On Russia? BRIDGET BRINK: Yes, of course we do. I mean, we’re the leader in- of the free world. I think let’s just be clear, Russia and Putin have invaded a sovereign, independent, democratic country in the heart of Europe, with the help of North Korea, Iran and China. This is fundamentally against U.S. interests Europe as our largest trading partner, is responsible for 16 million jobs on both continents, and having this war or any festering, unresolved war on the margins of Europe, is very bad for the United States. So what do we need to do as the United States? We need to put together with partners and allies, pressure on Russia to end the war. And there are many ways to do this. We can put additional sanctions in the energy sector, in the banking sector. Russia is not as strong as some people say, or some people think. The economy is hurting. They have 20 percent interest rates- 21 percent interest rates, 10 percent inflation. And so right now is the time to increase the pressure on Russia, to bring Putin to the table, not decrease it. MARGARET BRENNAN: And we know that President Trump and President Putin have plans to speak on Monday, when you were still in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy called out the U.S. Embassy for what he called a disappointingly weak reaction from America following a missile attack that killed small children. He said, you must not be afraid to call things by their names, and the U.S. is afraid to even say the word Russian when speaking about the missile that murdered children. Do you feel American officials are being censored from saying things frankly and honestly? AMB. BRINK: I mean, our job as diplomats is to reflect and represent the policy of the the President and the administration. That’s our job. That’s- that’s what we do as professionals and having worked for five different presidents that requires reflecting that policy that’s made constitutionally by the President. So to me, the real question is, how are we going to help to end this war in a way that’s in the interest of the United States? And to do that, it can’t be peace at any price. It has to be a peace that does things that advance our own interests, and those are really simple. It’s how to keep Ukraine free, how to deter Russia, and how to send the right signal to China. And this is what we should be doing. And every step that we make in diplomacy, I think should try to help achieve this goal. MARGARET BRENNAN: And call things what they are. AMB. BRINK: It’s important for us, as a leader of the free world- again, to be clear and accurate, and also, I think it’s an important moment in history. We’ve seen the devastation that happens when we appease aggressors, and we do not want to do that again. So my strong advice in terms of how to deal with Putin and Russia is not to give a single meeting or concession or legitimacy until Putin agrees to an unconditional ceasefire that’s verifiable and moves forward toward a just and lasting peace. On that basis, I can see a conversation and diplomacy that can achieve our interests. MARGARET BRENNAN: At the State Department, we have seen plans from Secretary Rubio to make some dramatic changes, and- and these are the professionals who would be advising the Secretary and the President in some way on these policies. He’s going to close 132 offices, consolidate bureaus, he’s going to cut about 15 percent of staff, he says. Eliminate offices. What do you think the impact will be on making the right decision when you have these changes? Is all of this helping our foreign policy or is this hurting the ability to shape it? AMB. BRINK: I mean, again, having worked for five presidents, every new administration comes in with a set of goals, and our job as professional civil service was to execute and implement those goals to the best of our ability. I believe that cutting the State Department in ways that take away our diplomatic power does not help us achieve American interests, and there are key parts of the State Department that- that ensure our security broader than simply security from the defense side. There’s cyber security, there’s fight against disinformation, there’s ensuring that there’s free media and free press. That’s all that we do as part of the State Department. So I think how we do it really matters. And my concern would be, as many people have said, If you don’t fully fund the State Department, you need a ******* military budget. Because what we do- and we do it in small, sometimes quiet and unknown ways, is we help prevent wars. We help to open markets to U.S. businesses. We help American citizens when they’re hurt or injured overseas. We play a very important role that’s not necessarily the most public role, but I think this is a critical role to American foreign policy and national interest. MARGARET BRENNAN: And do it often in war zones far away from your family, as you did for many years. Thank you very much, Ambassador Brink, for sharing your insights with us. We’ll be back in a moment. Face The Nation Transcripts More Source link #Transcript #Ambassador #Bridget #Brink #Face #Nation #Margaret #Brennan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

5 Killed After 2 Helicopters Collide and ****** Near an Airport. Authorities Say the Investigation Could Now Take a Year 5 Killed After 2 Helicopters Collide and ****** Near an Airport. Authorities Say the Investigation Could Now Take a Year Two helicopters collided midair near an airport on May 17, leaving no survivors There were a total of five people on board the helicopters, which were registered outside of Finland and traveling from Estonia The investigation into the collision is ongoing, and it could take up to a year, authorities said Multiple people are dead after two helicopters collided and crashed near an airport, leaving no survivors. A total of five people died in the incident — which took place in Kauttua, Eura, near the Eura Airport in southwestern Finland — on Saturday, May 17, according to an official news release from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). According to flight plans, there were two people on board one of the helicopters and three in the other, Finnish police said. Both aircraft were destroyed in the collision and subsequent ******. An emergency call reported the collision to police at around 12:35 p.m. local time, and first responders arrived “quickly” at the scene of the accident, according to the NBI. All five passengers were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities later revealed in a press conference held on Sunday, May 18, per Estonian Public Broadcasting. The NBI did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Sunday, May 18. PETRI HAKOSALO/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter ****** that killed five people in Finland The ****** site, a wooded area, has since been isolated, police said, adding that the helicopters were located a little over 300 feet apart from each other. Both helicopters involved in the ****** were civil and registered outside of Finland, police said. They were traveling from Tallinn, Estonia, to Piikajärvi in Kokemäki, according to the NBI. (The Piikajärvi Airport is located about 9.3 miles from the Eura Airport.) Finnish and Estonian authorities are now “working closely together in response to the accident,“ Johannes Siirilä, detective chief inspector of the NBI, said in an official statement. The NBI is also cooperating with the Southwestern Finland Police Department on the investigation, the bureau said. Police are currently investigating the details of the helicopters and the ****** itself. The Safety Investigation Authority is also conducting its own investigation at the ****** site, per the NBI. The NBI’s Robin Lardot said that the investigation is currently focused on the distance maintained between the two aircraft, as well as their altitude at the moment of the fatal May 17 collision, Estonian Public Broadcasting reported. PETRI HAKOSALO/Lehtikuva/AFP via Getty Authorities at the site of the May 17 helicopter ****** that killed five people in Finland What is left of the two helicopters — which were revealed to be Robinson R-44 models — have been sent to the city of Turku for investigation, according to the Estonia outlet. Autopsies of the five victims will also take place in the Finnish city. Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Though Finnish authorities declined to comment on the identities of the deceased, Estonian Public Broadcasting identified three of the ****** victims as businessmen Oleg Sõnajalg and couple Priit and Lilit Jaagant. As for the cause of the ******, Tiina Bieber with the Finnish Safety Investigation Authority said investigators cannot say whether it was human error or malfunction, per Estonian Public Broadcasting. Bieber also said that the investigation could take nine months to a year. Read the original article on People Source link #Killed #Helicopters #Collide #****** #Airport #Authorities #Investigation #Year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Austria welcomes JJ back home with cheers, hugs and roses after winning Eurovision Song Contest – AP News Austria welcomes JJ back home with cheers, hugs and roses after winning Eurovision Song Contest – AP News Austria welcomes JJ back home with cheers, hugs and roses after winning Eurovision Song Contest AP NewsView Full Coverage on Google News Source link #Austria #welcomes #home #cheers #hugs #roses #winning #Eurovision #Song #Contest #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bridging the age gap through housing diversity Bridging the age gap through housing diversity With property values surging an extraordinary 75 per cent since March 2020, thousands of Western *********** homeowners find themselves asset-rich, yet lifestyle poor, trapped in family homes no longer serving their needs while younger generations struggle to gain a foothold in the neighbourhoods they grew up in. This intergenerational housing disconnect threatens the fabric of established communities across the city. Perth’s property market presents unique characteristics relevant to housing diversity. With REIWA reporting that Perth’s median house price reached $775,000 in early May, affordability challenges are acute for first-time buyers. The State Government has responded through its Housing Diversity Pipeline initiative, encouraging innovative development on government-owned land, particularly near transport nodes. Housing diversity delivers multiple advantages for communities across Perth. Thoughtfully designed apartments in established suburbs create opportunities for older residents to downsize without abandoning familiar neighbourhood settings. This housing transition simultaneously releases larger family homes into the market, often resulting in neighbourhood rejuvenation while preserving community character. The predominant demographic in central Perth comprises those aged 20-29, according to the *********** Bureau of Statistics, with childless couples forming a significant household type. This contrasts with many outer suburbs where traditional family households predominate, highlighting the need for diverse housing options across different areas to serve various life stages. Successful diverse developments incorporate elements appealing across demographic boundaries – adaptable living spaces, universal design principles ensuring accessibility and communal facilities fostering intergenerational interaction. When these elements combine, developments can successfully house multiple generations, creating naturally balanced communities. For WA, housing diversity succeeds best when developments integrate harmoniously with existing community fabric. This requires architectural design respecting neighbourhood character while providing contemporary living standards, thoughtful transition zones between development and surrounding buildings, and ground-floor activation benefiting the broader community. Local planning frameworks must evolve to support housing diversity objectives in the WA context. Requirements for dwelling size variations within developments can ensure mixed demographic appeal while design guidelines mandating accessibility features help to create developments serving diverse resident needs. Housing diversity represents an essential strategy for maintaining vibrant, inclusive communities in established suburbs. By providing appropriately designed apartments appealing across demographic boundaries, developers help to address intergenerational housing needs while enhancing community sustainability, delivering benefits not only for residents but also for the broader social and economic fabric of Perth’s urban areas. Recent *********** Housing and Urban Research Institute research indicates poor-quality housing with inadequate environmental performance constitutes a public health issue regardless of density level. The intensification process offers WA decision-makers a timely opportunity to elevate housing quality standards more in line with international practices as older, underperforming housing stock is replaced. Source link #Bridging #age #gap #housing #diversity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

1 Stock to Buy, 1 Stock to Sell This Week: Snowflake, Target 1 Stock to Buy, 1 Stock to Sell This Week: Snowflake, Target Moody’s U.S. credit downgrade, housing data, and retailer earnings will be in focus this week. Snowflake is a buy with strong earnings, upbeat guidance on deck. Target’s shrinking revenue, declining profit and weak outlook make it a stock to sell. Looking for more actionable trade ideas? Subscribe here for 45% off InvestingPro! The stock market ended higher on Friday, with the major averages registering sharp gains for the week driven by signs of a de-escalation of the U.S.- China trade war and renewed optimism over AI spending prospects. For the week, the rose 3.4%, the climbed around 5.3%, while the tech-heavy surged 7.2%. The strong week saw the Dow and S&P wipe out their losses for the year. Source: Investing.com More volatility could be in store this week as investors continue to assess the outlook for the economy, inflation, interest rates and corporate earnings. Late Friday, Moody’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating by one notch to ‘Aa1’ from ‘AAA’, citing rising debt and interest payments. On the economic calendar, flash PMI readings on manufacturing and the services sector will grab attention on Thursday, along with updates on the housing market. Interest rate futures suggest traders see a more than 90% chance that the Fed will keep rates unchanged at its June meeting, according to the Investing.com . Source: Investing.com Elsewhere, in corporate earnings, results from major retailers such as Home Depot (NYSE:), Lowe’s (NYSE:), Target (NYSE:), and TJX Companies (NYSE:) will be the key updates of the week as the reporting season quiets down. Other notable names lined up to report earnings include Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:), Snowflake (NYSE:), Intuit (NASDAQ:), and Baidu (NASDAQ:). Regardless of which direction the market goes, below I highlight one stock likely to be in demand and another which could see fresh downside. Remember though, my timeframe is justfor the week ahead, Monday, May 19 – Friday, May 23. Stock To Buy: Snowflake Snowflake, the data analytics and cloud data management software provider, is positioned for a potential positive catalyst when it releases its first-quarter earnings report on Wednesday at 4:05PM ET. Analyst sentiment has been notably positive heading into the print. According to InvestingPro data, profit estimates have been revised upward 19 times in recent weeks, compared to just ten downward revisions. This favorable revision ratio suggests growing confidence in Snowflake’s near-term execution and business momentum. Source: InvestingPro For the April-ended quarter, analysts expect adjusted profit to rise an impressive 51% year-over-year to $0.21 per share, with revenue projected to increase 22% to just over $1 billion. This growth trajectory demonstrates Snowflake’s continuing ability to expand its enterprise customer base despite broader technology spending concerns. Once a data analytics pure-play, Snowflake has transformed into a comprehensive cloud data platform, capitalizing on the AI and big data megatrends. Its Cortex AI suite is gaining significant traction, empowering businesses to harness predictive analytics. Additionally, analysts have noted improving adoption of Snowpark, the company’s developer framework that expands use cases beyond traditional data analytics. Given these dynamics, Snowflake’s management is well positioned to deliver strong sales guidance for the current quarter and beyond as it benefits from the strong upward trend in AI adoption rates, customer retention, and strategic growth initiatives. Source: Investing.com Market participants predict a sizable post-earnings swing in SNOW stock, with a possible implied move of 10.8% in either direction according to the options market. Shares – which have staged an impressive rally off the April 7 low of $120.10 – closed at $183.08 on Friday. Despite concerns about its valuation, the technical picture for Snowflake is exceptionally strong, with “strong buy” signals across most short- and long-term timeframes. With an RSI of 72.5, the stock is in overbought territory—typically a cautionary sign, but in the context of pre-earnings momentum and strong fundamentals, this suggests powerful buying pressure. Be sure to check out InvestingPro to stay in sync with the market trend and what it means for your trading. Subscribe now for 45% off and position your portfolio one step ahead of everyone else! Stock to Sell: Target In contrast, Target faces a much more difficult environment as it prepares to release its Q1 financial results on Wednesday at 6:30AM ET. According to the options market, traders are pricing in a swing of 10.4% in either direction for TGT stock following the print. Analyst sentiment has deteriorated significantly ahead of the report, with InvestingPro data showing all 22 analysts covering Target reducing their profit estimates – a unanimous expression of growing concern. Source: InvestingPro Wall Street projects earnings of $1.69 per share, falling nearly 19% from a year earlier, while revenue is anticipated to decline by about 1% to $24.4 billion. These projections indicate Target is struggling to maintain both top-line momentum and profitability in the current retail environment. The big-box retailer is facing a plethora of headwinds, including slowing store traffic, reduced spending on discretionary goods, as well as potential margin pressure from proposed tariffs that could impact its supply chain and product costs. Further complicating Target’s situation is customer response to the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with some analysts pointing to boycott activity affecting store traffic. As such, I believe CEO Brian Cornell is likely to deliver cautious full-year guidance due to a challenging operating environment, competitive landscape, and concerns over potential tariffs. Source: Investing.com TGT stock –which fell below $100/share for the first time since April 2020 earlier this month– ended Friday’s session at $98.58. Shares, which are trading below their key moving averages, are down a whopping 27.1% in 2025, significantly underperforming the broader market. It should be noted that Target currently has an InvestingPro ‘Financial Health Score’ of 2.5 out of 5.0 due to lingering concerns over weakening profit margins and spotty sales growth. Whether you’re a novice investor or a seasoned trader, leveraging InvestingPro can unlock a world of investment opportunities while minimizing risks amid the challenging market backdrop. Subscribe now and instantly unlock access to several market-beating features, including: ProPicks AI: AI-selected stock winners with proven track record. InvestingPro Fair Value: Instantly find out if a stock is underpriced or overvalued. Advanced Stock Screener: Search for the best stocks based on hundreds of selected filters, and criteria. Top Ideas: See what stocks billionaire investors such as Warren Buffett, Michael Burry, and George Soros are buying. Disclosure: At the time of writing, I am long on the S&P 500, and the via the SPDR® S&P 500 ETF (SPY), and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ). I am also long on the Invesco Top QQQ ETF (QBIG), and Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP). I regularly rebalance my portfolio of individual stocks and ETFs based on ongoing risk assessment of both the macroeconomic environment and companies’ financials. The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Follow Jesse Cohen on X/Twitter @JesseCohenInv for more stock market analysis and insight. Source link #Stock #Buy #Stock #Sell #Week #Snowflake #Target Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Pennsylvania woman scammed out of $45,000 in sophisticated ‘dealership cloning’ scheme Pennsylvania woman scammed out of $45,000 in sophisticated ‘dealership cloning’ scheme When Adrianna Parsons and her husband found a shiny Lexus SUV listed for ***** on CARFAX, they thought they were in safe hands. “It all looked very legitimate at first glance,” said Parsons, a resident of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. The vehicle was listed for $46,000 and linked to a dealership called Specialty Auto in Lincoln, Nebraska. Concerned about buying a car from a dealership 1,400 miles away, Parsons called the number listed on the website and spoke with a man claiming to be the owner, Jim Woods. “He played the role. He preyed on us. He knew that I was worried. My gut was telling me to stop. I didn’t listen to it well enough,” she shared with ABC 6 Action News. The man offered to send a custom video of the SUV — what Parsons called a “cold video” — to confirm he had the car. Reassured, the couple agreed to wire $45,000. The SUV never arrived. What Parsons didn’t know was that the man wasn’t the real Jim Woods — and the website wasn’t legitimate. Though Jim Woods does own a dealership by that name, he told ABC 6 he doesn’t sell cars online and has no internet presence. Multiple other victims have since contacted him with similar stories. Don’t missWhat is dealership cloning? The scam that ensnared Parsons is a sophisticated form of fraud called dealership cloning. Scammers replicate the name, location, and even employee details of real dealerships to create convincing fake websites. They then upload fake listings to platforms like CARFAX, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist, often using stolen images and real VINs. Despite being a trusted resource, CARFAX listings aren’t immune to scams. When reached for comment, the company declined to explain how it vets dealer listings. In a statement, it said, “If CARFAX is made aware of a potentially fraudulent listing, the team acts swiftly to investigate and remove [it].” Since Action News began investigating, the fake Specialty Auto website has been taken down. Local police and the Nebraska DMV are investigating. The FBI has also been alerted. Still, Parsons says the loss was “cataclysmic” for her family. Read more: You’re probably already overpaying for this 1 ‘must-have’ expense — and thanks to Trump’s tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here’s how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now How to protect yourself from dealership cloning scams As more car sales move online, so do the risks. Here’s how to protect yourself: Verify the seller: Confirm the dealership’s website URL and call the dealership. Be wary of inconsistent contact details, slight misspellings or prices that are too good to be true. You can also search the dealership’s name alongside terms like “scam” or “fraud” to find any complaints. Avoid risky payments: Never wire money, pay with gift cards, or send cryptocurrency. Instead, use a credit card or a reputable escrow service that holds the funds until the vehicle is delivered and verified. Get proof of the car: Ask for a custom video to prove the seller has the vehicle. Order a VIN report independently and cross-check it with photos and seller info. If buying remotely, hire an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle in person. Trust your instincts: If a deal feels too good to be true, it probably is. In Parsons’ case, her intuition told her to walk away but the scammer’s smooth demeanor made her second-guess herself. With many legitimate dealerships and platforms moving their business online, the burden increasingly falls on consumers to vet who they’re buying from and whether the transaction is a possible scam. What to read next This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Source link #Pennsylvania #woman #scammed #sophisticated #dealership #cloning #scheme Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Treasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ – AP News Treasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ – AP News Treasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ AP NewsTrump calls on Walmart to absorb tariffs rather than raise prices The Washington PostPrices will rise, Bessent says, as tariff pressure grows AxiosUS treasury secretary says Walmart will ‘eat some of the tariffs’ after Trump demand The GuardianTrump tells Walmart to ‘eat the tariffs’ after retailer warned it will raise prices CNBC Source link #Treasury #secretary #Walmarts #warnings #price #increases #worstcase #scenario #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix result: Max Verstappen wins from Lando Norris in Imola Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix result: Max Verstappen wins from Lando Norris in Imola It was a fitting drive to mark Red Bull’s 400th grand prix. The two caution periods led to a see-sawing battle between the McLaren drivers for second place. Piastri had been on target to pass Norris when the Briton made his only pit stop and looked set to lead to a fight with Norris coming back at Piastri on fresher tyres. Shortly after Norris’ stop, Esteban Ocon’s Haas stopped on the hill between the Tosa and Piratella corners, leading to a virtual safety car (VSC) *******. Norris was ahead after the VSC because Piastri stopped for fresh tyres to avoid being vulnerable to cars behind. Then, officials decided to deploy a full safety car when Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes stopped in exactly the same place as Ocon had. This time, Verstappen and Norris stopped for fresh tyres and Piastri did not – because he had no appropriate ones still available – and that put Norris back behind Piastri, but on 16-lap fresher tyres. Behind the safety car, Norris suggested that Piastri’s tyres “looked pretty dead” and they should not fight if they wanted to challenge Verstappen for the win. But McLaren chose not to apply team orders and the two battled for three laps before Norris finally swept by into the first chicane with five laps to go, by which time Verstappen was out of reach. The closing laps were compelling viewing, with the field alternating position between drivers on old tyres and those on fresh. This allowed Hamilton to move up. He had started on hard tyres and ran long, which allowed him to make his first stop under the VSC, and again for fresh tyres under the safety car. He passed Albon’s Williams and Leclerc and was just 1.4 seconds behind Piastri at the flag. Leclerc fought hard to hold back Albon but was adjudged to have forced the Williams off track when they were side by side through Tamburello and Ferrari ordered him to hand the position back, giving Albon fifth place. The Anglo-Thai’s team-mate Carlos Sainz finished eighth, ahead of the Racing Bull of Isack Hadjar and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda, scoring the final point after his heavy ****** in qualifying. And the timing of the two safety cars also wrecked the hopes of Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso, after his excellent fifth place on the grid. An early pit stop and a limited tyre allocation boxed Aston and Alonso in, and he bemoaned on the radio that he was “the unluckiest driver ever” as he slumped to an 11th-place finish. Source link #EmiliaRomagna #Grand #Prix #result #Max #Verstappen #wins #Lando #Norris #Imola Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Time to focus on what makes a happy city Time to focus on what makes a happy city Perth recently ranked as the 165th happiest city in the world, according to the Institute for Quality of Life’s annual Happy City Index. While 165 might not seem impressive at first glance, it’s worth noting Perth is in good company. Nine *********** cities made the top 200, including all five state capitals. Adelaide was the top-performing *********** city, coming in at number 29 thanks to high scores across the environment, governance and citizen wellbeing categories. The Happy City Index measures 82 indicators across six core themes – citizens, governance, environment, economy, health and mobility. These categories offer valuable insight into what contributes to a liveable, thriving urban environment. Perth’s result serves as a timely reminder of both our city’s strengths and areas where we can do better, particularly as we adjust to newly elected Western *********** Labor Party and *********** Labor Party governments at state and federal levels respectively. The index highlights that Perth performs well in areas such as citizens, governance and health – a reassuring sign that many aspects of quality of life here remain strong. However, it also identifies serious opportunities for improvement in the categories of environment, economy and mobility. These areas should be a priority for policymakers, planners and the broader community over the coming years. Our relatively low ranking in economic indicators might surprise some, especially given WA’s strong performance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing strength of our resources sector. However, the Happy City Index appears to reflect concerns around a lack of economic diversification, limited innovation and the increasing cost of living – all of which can impact how people experience life in the city. The State Government’s continued efforts to diversify the economy are, therefore, well placed and must be accelerated if we want to climb the happiness rankings. The data also underscores the need to invest in more efficient and connected public transport networks, and to continue strengthening our city’s environmental sustainability credentials. Ultimately, the Happy City Index is not just about global rankings – it’s about identifying the levers we can pull to improve quality of life for Perth residents now and into the future. By acknowledging where we stand and where we want to be, we can shape a more vibrant, inclusive and prosperous city for everyone who calls Perth home. I, for one, wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Source link #Time #focus #happy #city Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Treasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ Treasury secretary says Walmart’s warnings on price increases are a ‘worst-case scenario’ WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Sunday played down inflation risks from the Trump administration’s tariffs, saying that he spoke to the head of Walmart and the retailer’s warnings of price increases for consumers were simply a “worst case scenario.” As doubts persist about President Donald Trump‘s economic leadership, Bessent pushed back against inflation concerns, praised the uncertainty caused by Trump as a negotiating tactic for trade talks and dismissed the downgrade Friday of U.S. government debt by Moody’s Ratings. Bessent said he spoke on Saturday with Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, stressing in two news show interviews that what he thought really mattered for Walmart customers was the decline in gasoline prices. Gas is averaging roughly $3.18 a gallon, down from a year ago but also higher over the past week, according to AAA. “Walmart will be absorbing some of the tariffs, some may get passed on to consumers,” Bessent said. “Overall, I would expect inflation to remain in line. But I don’t blame consumers for being skittish after what happened to them for years under Biden,” a reference to inflation hitting a four-decade high in June 2022 under then President Joe Biden as the recovery from the pandemic, government spending and the Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed up costs. Walmart did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Bessent’s description of his conversation with McMillon. Trump on Saturday that Walmart should absorb the additional costs created by his tariffs. “Walmart made BILLIONS OF DOLLARS last year, far more than expected. Between Walmart and China they should, as is said, “EAT THE TARIFFS,” and not charge valued customers ANYTHING. I’ll be watching, and so will your customers!!!” he posted on his Truth Social site. Bessent said Walmart on its earnings call on Thursday had been obligated under federal regulations “to give the worst-case scenario so that they’re not sued,” suggesting that the price increases would not be severe in his view. But Walmart executives said last week that higher prices began to appear on their shelves in late April and accelerated this month. “We’re wired to keep prices low, but there’s a limit to what we can bear, or any retailer for that matter,” Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told The Associated Press on Thursday. Bessent maintained that the ratings downgrade was a “lagging indicator” as the financial markets had already priced in the costs of a total federal debt of roughly $36 trillion. Still, the tax plan being pushed by Trump would add more roughly $3.3 trillion to deficits over the next decade, including a $600 billion increase in 2027 alone, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. Story Continues The treasury secretary maintained that deficits would not be a problem because the economy would grow faster than the debt accumulation, reducing its increase as a size of the overall economy. Most independent analyses are skeptical of the administration’s claims that it can achieve 3% average growth as Trump’s 2018 tax cuts failed to do so. Those tax cuts from Trump’s first term did boost economic growth before the pandemic, but they also raised the budget deficit relative to previous estimates by the Congressional Budget Office. On tariffs, the Trump administration is still trying to determine rates with roughly 40 major trading partners before a July deadline. It’s also in the early stages of a 90-day negotiation with China, after agreed a week ago to reset tariffs on that country from 145% to 30% so that talks can proceed. Bessent said any worries about tariffs by small business owners most likely reflected the higher rate previously being charged on China. Still, the uncertainty has been a major drag for consumers and businesses trying to make spending plans in the weeks, months and years ahead. “Strategic uncertainty is a negotiating tactic,” Bessent said. “So if we were to give too much certainty to the other countries, then they would play us in the negotiations.” Bessent appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” and CNN’s “State of the Union.” Source link #Treasury #secretary #Walmarts #warnings #price #increases #worstcase #scenario Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mike Johnson Memorial Day deadline for budget bill Mike Johnson Memorial Day deadline for budget bill U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) looks on, after President Donald Trump delivered remarks on tariffs, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. Leah Millis | Reuters House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed optimism that the budget bill that failed to exit committee Friday would still reach the House floor before Memorial Day as lawmakers prepare to vote again at 10 p.m. ET Sunday night. “We’re working around the clock to deliver this nation-shaping legislation for the American people as soon as possible,” Johnson said in an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” as he stressed the importance of the timeline for the “historic” bill. “The budget committee will reconvene this evening they’ll get that through the committee and the plan is to move that to the rules committee by midweek and to the House floor by the end of the week so that we meet … our original Memorial Day deadline.” In a Truth Social post Friday, President Donald Trump said lawmakers “MUST UNITE, behind ‘THE ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL.’ But members of the GOP-led House Budget Committee voted 16-21 against passing the multitrillion dollar legislation. Five Republicans joined Democrats to vote against the bill, with Representatives Ralph Norman of South Carolina and Chip Roy of Texas specifically calling out concerns about Medicaid requirements and spending. On Wednesday, Norman posted on X that, “Delaying work requirements for able-bodied adults on Medicaid isn’t ‘progress.’ It’s fiscally irresponsible and another sad excuse for the swamp!!” “We are writing checks we cannot cash and our children are gonna pay the price,” Roy said to the press Friday. “I appreciate Chip and Ralph,” Johnson said Sunday, largely blaming potential delays in enforcing new eligibility requirements on states’ abilities to implement changes in their systems. Asked about the possibility of resistance in the Senate, where GOP Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin has referred to the bill as “the Titanic,” Johnson said he has met regularly with Senate Majority Leader John Thune to ensure swift passage. “There’s no surprises, the package we send over there will be one that was very carefully negotiated and delicately balanced and we hope they don’t make many modifications to it,” Johnson said. In addition to the Memorial Day deadline Johnson has imposed in the House, lawmakers contend with another looming target. “Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said we need to do this by July 4,” Johnson said. Source link #Mike #Johnson #Memorial #Day #deadline #budget #bill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Wes Anderson Explains the Darkness at the Heart of His Films – Vulture Wes Anderson Explains the Darkness at the Heart of His Films – Vulture Wes Anderson Explains the Darkness at the Heart of His Films VultureMichael Cera on Finally Working With Wes Anderson and His ‘Phoenician Scheme’ Character’s ‘Very Silly’ Accent: ‘It Took All of Us a Minute to Feel Normal About It’ VarietyWes Anderson: Trump, Musk — and why Gene Hackman got annoyed with me The TimesWes Anderson talks ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ Gene Hackman and his Cannes bus AP NewsWes Anderson on ‘The Phoenician Scheme,’ His Cannes Party Bus and Why You Should Always See His Movies Twice The Hollywood Reporter Source link #Wes #Anderson #Explains #Darkness #Heart #Films #Vulture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Barry Ferguson: Rangers confirm interim boss to leave Ibrox job Barry Ferguson: Rangers confirm interim boss to leave Ibrox job Barry Ferguson says he has “loved this experience” after it was confirmed that Saturday’s draw with Hibernian was his last match as interim manager of Rangers. Ferguson, who took charge when Philippe Clement was sacked in February, had spoken about his desire to continue in the role, but those hopes have been dashed. The 47-year-old leaves along with coaches Neil McCann, Billy Dodds and Allan McGregor. “I’ve already lived the dream as a player and as captain of Rangers, and to do so as head coach in these last three months has been an enormous honour,” Ferguson said. “There have been some ups and downs, but I have loved this experience and given it my all throughout. The backing I have received has been phenomenal. “I said, no matter how this ******* panned out, I would always remain a committed supporter of the club, and I look forward to remaining a Rangers ambassador. “I wish whomever becomes the new manager every success in the job.” Source link #Barry #Ferguson #Rangers #confirm #interim #boss #leave #Ibrox #job Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Open: This is “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 Open: This is “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 Open: This is “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” May 18, 2025 – CBS News Watch CBS News This week on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio discusses what the Trump administration’s recent trip to the Middle East means for U.S. security and diplomacy. Plus, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On Source link #Open #Face #Nation #Margaret #Brennan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]