Reform and Maga are correct that ageing populations are storing up huge social problems, but our prosperity still rests on the hard work of migrants A growing mountain of reports highlights one of the US’s most fascinating features: the fact that people in red states seem to breed far more than those in the blue ones, and are being newly encouraged to do so by high-profile figures who are desperat...
Reform and Maga are correct that ageing populations are storing up huge social problems, but our prosperity still rests on the hard work of migrants A growing mountain of reports highlights one of the US’s most fascinating features: the fact that people in red states seem to breed far more than those in the blue ones, and are being newly encouraged to do so by high-profile figures who are desperate for a Maga baby boom. The vice-president, JD Vance, and his wife are expecting their fourth child , and Vance says he wants “ more babies in America ” – and, presumably, fewer of the people he derided as “ childless cat ladies ”. Elon Musk is reckoned to be a father of 14 , and his views on reproduction reflect his contribution to the Trumpist procreation drive: “If people don’t have more children, civilisation is going to crumble,” he said in 2021 . “Mark my words.” In Europe, Italy’s far-right prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, says she will somehow tackle a mixture of unprecedentedly low birthrates and ageing population known as the “ demographic winter ”. Before he was sent packing by voters, the infamous Viktor Orbán was on much the same page: “We need Hungarian children,” he said in 2019 , announcing a lifelong exemption from income tax for women with four or more of them. John Harris is a Guardian columnist Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here . Continue reading...
It started as a hook-up, but before long they were parents. Now Sofia and León are finding new ways to be intimate • How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymously It just felt easy, like I’d already known him for a long time. I told León I loved him after two weeks Continue reading...
It started as a hook-up, but before long they were parents. Now Sofia and León are finding new ways to be intimate • How do you do it? Share the story of your sex life, anonymously It just felt easy, like I’d already known him for a long time. I told León I loved him after two weeks Continue reading...
Many of those who love spending time in Britain’s green places say it is awe-inspiring, calming and therapeutic As a recent study revealed almost half of UK adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings such as gardens, parks, fields or woods, we asked readers to tell us about what being outside means to them. The replies – heartfelt and passionate – came flooding in, with some...
Many of those who love spending time in Britain’s green places say it is awe-inspiring, calming and therapeutic As a recent study revealed almost half of UK adults now spend less than three hours a week in natural settings such as gardens, parks, fields or woods, we asked readers to tell us about what being outside means to them. The replies – heartfelt and passionate – came flooding in, with some admitting they just did not have the words to say how important it is. Continue reading...
On a blazing hot day in South Africa, female southern pied babblers can’t think straight. The medium-sized black-and-white birds are trying to get at tasty mealworms behind a see-through barrier. On cooler days, the birds can quickly figure out that all they have to do is go around the small wall of plastic. But when the mercury goes up, the birds just keep stubbornly pecking at the barrier. That ...
On a blazing hot day in South Africa, female southern pied babblers can’t think straight. The medium-sized black-and-white birds are trying to get at tasty mealworms behind a see-through barrier. On cooler days, the birds can quickly figure out that all they have to do is go around the small wall of plastic. But when the mercury goes up, the birds just keep stubbornly pecking at the barrier. That experiment is part of a growing body of research showing that animals get their minds muddled during heat waves. When it’s hot outside, birds struggle to learn, dogs bite more often, goat-like chamois pick fights. This is bad news not just for those who get on Fido’s toasted nerves. If the animals can’t stay alert enough to find food or avoid predators, their chances of survival go downhill, says Amanda Ridley , a behavioral ecologist at the University of Western Australia who coauthored the pied babbler study. With climate change making heat waves more common, such cognitive impairments across the animal kingdom could ripple through entire ecosystems, putting already fragile species at greater risk. If pollinators forget which flowers to visit, crops and wild plants may fail. If birds can’t find food as easily, their young may not survive. And on a warming planet, a sharp mind is particularly vital. “A changing climate means that your ability to behaviorally adapt is even more important,” Ridley says. Read full article Comments
In this article DIS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Rita Ferro at Disney Upfront 2026. Courtesy: Disney Co. As Rita Ferro, Disney president of global advertising, prepared to take the stage at the company's recent upfront presentation, she had actor Paul Anthony Kelly on her mind. Kelly recently portrayed John F. Kennedy Jr. in the limited FX TV series "Love Story," and met Ferro a...
In this article DIS Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Rita Ferro at Disney Upfront 2026. Courtesy: Disney Co. As Rita Ferro, Disney president of global advertising, prepared to take the stage at the company's recent upfront presentation, she had actor Paul Anthony Kelly on her mind. Kelly recently portrayed John F. Kennedy Jr. in the limited FX TV series "Love Story," and met Ferro at an earlier event. After a fangirl moment that included an iPhone snapshot, Ferro requested that Kelly introduce her at the annual pitch to advertisers. "That's the Disney difference: trust, innovation and unrivaled fandom. Not just with the stories they tell, but how they operate as a company," Kelly said on stage earlier this month. "And all of this is in large part due to Rita Ferro." "She claims to be my biggest fan, but honestly I think I'm hers," Kelly said. Ferro is a 29-year veteran at Disney and has risen through various roles to the top of its advertising business. That places her at the center of a media industry rediscovering the importance of advertising, as traditional TV, streaming, digital and social platforms all jockey for viewers and ad dollars. While Disney and other media companies held shows in mid-May to dazzle advertisers, the negotiations to lock in commitments are currently underway. Ferro said in interviews with CNBC that she thinks fandom — from sports to entertainment franchises — is key to driving the Disney portfolio and what unites the company's divisions under newly installed CEO Josh D'Amaro. "When you think of 'One Disney,'" Ferro said, referring to the strategy being undertaken by D'Amaro, "and all of the opportunities to tie in brand partnerships with our movie studio partners, [and] the corporate alliance pieces that can tie into park activations, it's a far more interesting and dynamic opportunity than just a traditional media sales role." Rita Ferro and Paul Anthony Kelly. Courtesy: Disney From MTV to Disney Ferro previously held rol...
When the XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched in November 2025, they were immediately one of the most successful assets of their kind, and they bolstered the investment thesis for the underlying asset as a result. Today, there's a growing number of brand-new spot ETFs for Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE) , and if the early performance of just two of them foreshadows the market's ...
When the XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) were launched in November 2025, they were immediately one of the most successful assets of their kind, and they bolstered the investment thesis for the underlying asset as a result. Today, there's a growing number of brand-new spot ETFs for Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE) , and if the early performance of just two of them foreshadows the market's reception for the full set, it looks like they will one-up the XRP ETFs in no time flat. Here's why the Hyperliquid ETFs could prove to be the more impressive performers, and whether that makes them worth owning. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading
JHVEPhoto/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Summary IHG reported 1Q26 operational results which showed accelerated growth in RevPAR that was above consensus estimates. The company's pipeline is geared towards luxury and premium properties which will result in higher fee revenue and margins. Despite macro concerns, IHG has not seen a slowdown in hotel demand in the US market which is IHG's largest ...
JHVEPhoto/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Summary IHG reported 1Q26 operational results which showed accelerated growth in RevPAR that was above consensus estimates. The company's pipeline is geared towards luxury and premium properties which will result in higher fee revenue and margins. Despite macro concerns, IHG has not seen a slowdown in hotel demand in the US market which is IHG's largest market. The company's earnings growth is in-line with peers which includes a higher dividend forecast. Coupled with a lower valuation and YTD share price underperformance against key peers, I rate the stock as a BUY. Company background InterContinental Hotels Group ( IHG ) is a global operator of hotels with 7,014 hotels globally, encompassing ~one million rooms in over 100 countries. IHG mainly operates on an asset light franchise model with 21 key hotel brands spanning various spending tiers such as: Luxury & Lifestyle (Six Senses, Kimpton, InterContinental), Premium (Ruby, Crowne Plaza), Essentials (Holiday Inn) ad Suites (Staybridge, Candlewood). IHG has another 2,300 hotels with 343,000 rooms in the pipeline. 59% of current room inventory is for the mid-end essentials category. IHG has around 4% room market share globally and 11% market share in pipeline rooms. The company's revenue model is simple. 71% of rooms are franchised where IHG receives a fixed percentage fee from room revenue, 27% are managed where IHG receives a percentage fee from total hotel revenue coupled with a bonus payment based on hotel performance. 2% of rooms are exclusive partners where IHG receives marketing, distribution, technology and other fees in exchange for IHG's enterprise platform access. Less than 1% of rooms are self owned and operated by IHG. IHG 1Q26 operating results: accelerating growth Despite macro concerns from rising oil prices and inflation, IHG reported strong 1Q26 results which resulted in strong share price performance. The company only reports full financial results every ...
We look at the fault-lines within Anfield and what is needed in the aftermath of the head coach’s sacking Maybe Mohamed Salah’s style of communication was not the slickest but he was correct that Liverpool need to redefine the style of football they play. Everything on the pitch last season under Arne Slot felt very placid as Liverpool failed to dominate opponents and were often found overrun. The...
We look at the fault-lines within Anfield and what is needed in the aftermath of the head coach’s sacking Maybe Mohamed Salah’s style of communication was not the slickest but he was correct that Liverpool need to redefine the style of football they play. Everything on the pitch last season under Arne Slot felt very placid as Liverpool failed to dominate opponents and were often found overrun. The new head coach will want to demonstrate his plans and implement an attacking style to best use what is available to him. Anfield does not want to witness back-foot football, fans want to see a swagger to those in red. Supporters and Slot suffered from a disconnect in the final months. The Dutchman was hindered by not possessing the vivacious personality of Jürgen Klopp nor the results in the end, and the aforementioned tedious style. The successor will want to put fans at the forefront and build a strong bond between stands and dugout, built on a platform of attractive play. Continue reading...
WANAN YOSSINGKUM/iStock via Getty Images Key Takeaways Markets: With two radical developments unfolding in the last three months — the war in Iran and AI's accelerating displacement of software engineers and the software industry — the first quarter was truly a quarter where it felt like decades happened. Amid the significant turmoil, the ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG Portfolios outperformed t...
WANAN YOSSINGKUM/iStock via Getty Images Key Takeaways Markets: With two radical developments unfolding in the last three months — the war in Iran and AI's accelerating displacement of software engineers and the software industry — the first quarter was truly a quarter where it felt like decades happened. Amid the significant turmoil, the ClearBridge Dividend Strategy ESG Portfolios outperformed the S&P 500 Index, which declined 4.33%. Contributors: Outperformance was driven primarily by stock selection in the health care, consumer discretionary and communication services sectors, overweights to energy, materials, consumer staples, utilities and real estate, and underweights to IT and consumer discretionary. Detractors: Stock selection in consumer staples, energy and real estate detracted. Outlook: Our diverse portfolio emphasizes high-quality companies with low risk of disintermediation supported by strong financial characteristics and reasonable valuations. We anticipate continued dividend growth, driving increased cash returns and providing a meaningful offset to inflation. Volatile times also contain a silver lining, offering us the opportunity to take advantage of dislocations to high-grade the portfolio. We believe we are well-positioned for the current environment. Performance Review Tactically, we benefited from our significant underweight to information technology (IT, which declined 9.2% in the S&P 500 during the quarter) and our significant overweight to energy (which surged 38.2% in the S&P 500). Strategically, we benefited from our commitment to broad diversification amid a market that has become massively concentrated. As users of Claude Code multiplied in the first quarter, the S&P 500 software sector declined 24% — a staggering amount for what appeared to be a fundamentally sound industry. We currently own just one software stock — Microsoft ( MSFT ) — and one stock — ADP ( ADP ) — with a small, and we believe well-defended, software exposure. While ...
Dacharlie/iStock via Getty Images Booz Allen Hamilton ( BAH ) is a provider of government consulting services. The firm is a market leader and generally has a strong reputation. As a dividend growth stock, Booz Allen Hamilton is familiar as a Dividend Contender with a 14-year streak of annual increases, a history of double-digit increases, and solid safety. I last wrote about it 1.5 years ago. The...
Dacharlie/iStock via Getty Images Booz Allen Hamilton ( BAH ) is a provider of government consulting services. The firm is a market leader and generally has a strong reputation. As a dividend growth stock, Booz Allen Hamilton is familiar as a Dividend Contender with a 14-year streak of annual increases, a history of double-digit increases, and solid safety. I last wrote about it 1.5 years ago. The company has many attractive characteristics including a rising cash flow, long-term relationships with government clients, and technical depth. However, recently, it has been challenged with a changing government contracting environment that has recently stabilized. The equity is undervalued with an earnings multiple that is well below the historical average and the highest dividend yield in a decade. Hence, I view Booz Allen Hamilton as a long-term ‘buy’. Overview of Booz Allen Hamilton Booz Allen Hamilton Holding Corporation was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in McLean, Virginia. The company was privately held until an IPO in November 2010. Today, the firm is the leading provider of professional management and technology consulting services to the United States government. It basically provides staffing services to U.S. government clients in information technology, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and engineering services. The company has 31,500 employees, of whom 28,800 are client staff. The great majority (97%) of revenue is from contracts with the U.S. government. Revenue was 55% defense, 29% civil, and 17% intelligence in fiscal year 2026. Defense is mainly the U.S. Department of Defense ("DoD"). Intelligence covers the DoD, National Security Agency, and the many other agencies and organizations involved in the area. Civil customers include the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services, Treasury, etc. Total revenue was $11,217 million in fiscal 2026 and in the last twelve months (“LTM”). The firm’s fiscal year ends on the last day of March. It i...
Joseph Chalom on SharpLink’s edge vs ETFs: Permanent capital, almost full staking, $200 million restaking allocation, institutional owners go from 6% to 47%.
Joseph Chalom on SharpLink’s edge vs ETFs: Permanent capital, almost full staking, $200 million restaking allocation, institutional owners go from 6% to 47%.