Tag: Impact

  • National Impotence Day 2025 Date and Significance: What Is Erectile Dysfunction? Psychological and Physical Impact of ED and Other Details You Should Know

    National Impotence Day 2025 Date and Significance: What Is Erectile Dysfunction? Psychological and Physical Impact of ED and Other Details You Should Know

    National Impotence Day, also known as National Erectile Dysfunction Day, is a significant observance aimed at raising awareness about erectile dysfunction (ED) and its impact on men’s health. Celebrated annually, this day encourages open discussions about ED, breaks down the stigma surrounding the condition, and promotes education on its causes and treatments. Although many men feel embarrassed or reluctant to talk about ED, this awareness day provides a platform for individuals to learn more about the condition, its effects, and how they can seek help. On National Impotence Day 2025, observed on February 14, we bring you National Impotence Day significance, erectile dysfunction meaning, psychological and physical impact of ED and other important details that you should know.

    National Impotence Day 2025 Date

    National Impotence Day 2025 falls on Friday, February 14.

    What Is Erectile Dysfunction (ED)?

    Erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED, is a condition where a man has difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. ED is not uncommon and can affect men of all ages, although it becomes more prevalent as men get older. The causes of ED can be both physical and psychological, and in many cases, a combination of both. Physical causes may include underlying health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and hormonal imbalances. Psychological factors like stress, anxiety, depression, or relationship problems can also contribute to ED. National Impotence Day 2025: From Kegel to Squats, 5 Exercises That Will Help You Avoid Erectile Dysfunction. 

    While occasional difficulty with erections is a normal part of life, persistent or chronic ED can lead to emotional distress, decreased self-esteem, and challenges in relationships. National Impotence Day aims to highlight the importance of addressing ED, encouraging men to seek help from healthcare providers without shame.

    National Impotence Day Significance

    National Impotence Day serves a critical role in reducing the stigma associated with erectile dysfunction. For many men, ED can be an uncomfortable subject to bring up, even with a doctor. This is often due to societal pressures and misconceptions about masculinity. The awareness day provides a safe space for men to acknowledge and discuss ED openly, helping to normalize conversations about sexual health.

    By encouraging education and awareness, National Impotence Day helps men and their partners better understand ED, its potential causes, and treatment options. Raising awareness about ED can lead to earlier diagnoses, better management of the condition, and ultimately improved quality of life. It also fosters healthier relationships by promoting communication between partners and addressing concerns without shame or embarrassment.

    The Psychological and Physical Impact of ED

    Erectile dysfunction can have a significant impact on both the mental and physical well-being of those affected. On the physical side, ED can be a sign of underlying health issues, such as poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, or hormonal imbalances. These physical causes may require medical treatment to address the root of the problem, and early diagnosis can prevent further complications.

    On the psychological side, ED can take a toll on a man’s self-esteem and mental health. Many men feel frustrated, embarrassed, or inadequate when dealing with the condition. This can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or even depression. In some cases, ED can cause tension in relationships, as it may lead to a lack of intimacy and communication between partners.

    National Impotence Day encourages men to seek support from healthcare professionals, mental health counselors, and support groups. Open conversations about ED can reduce the emotional burden of the condition and provide individuals with the resources they need to manage their health.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2025 11:44 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • What would be the impact of a credit card interest rate cap?

    What would be the impact of a credit card interest rate cap?

    New legislation in Congress that was introduced by an unlikely duo of senators seeks to impose a credit card interest rate cap, with the potential for such a bill becoming law aided by President Donald Trump’s campaign pledge on the subject.

    Sens. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation that would cap credit card interest rates at 10% for five years after the bill’s enactment. The two populist senators touted the measure as a means of fulfilling a campaign pledge made by Trump’s campaign last year.

    The bill’s introduction coupled with White House support for the proposal could allow for the idea to gain traction, although there would be consequences to the policy and it still faces a long road to enactment.

    “Credit card rate caps have always been the longest of long shots because there’s so many people lined up against it for various reasons, but it shouldn’t surprise anybody that a rate cap is enormously popular,” Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree, told FOX Business.

    JOSH HAWLEY, BERNIE SANDERS PROPOSE CAPPING CREDIT CARD INTEREST RATES AT 10%

    Credit card interest rates could be capped at 10% under a bill offered by Sanders and Hawley. (iStock)

    Schulz said that LendingTree conducted a poll that showed respondents continued to support the idea of a credit card interest rate cap even if it means restricted access to credit and diminished credit card rewards.

    “It’s still a long shot, but there’s no question that the idea politically kind of has some wind at its back right now, and if it’s ever going to happen, this may be as likely a time as ever for it to happen,” he said.

    Schulz added that credit cards offered by federally chartered credit unions are capped at 18%, which do still offer rewards but aren’t as lucrative as those offered by larger banks. He went on to say that a cap at that level or 20% would be significant for consumers dealing with credit card debt while potentially having a better chance at becoming reality.

    US CREDIT CARD DEFAULTS SOAR TO HIGHEST LEVEL IN 14 YEARS

    Several leading trade groups representing the financial services industry sent a letter to Hawley and Sanders outlining their opposition to the duo’s proposed 10% credit card interest rate cap. Signatories to the letter included the Consumer Bankers Association, America’s Credit Unions, American Financial Services Association, Bank Policy Institute, Independent Community Bankers of America, American Bankers Association and the National Bankers Association.

    The letter cited economic research showing that government price setting on APR caps hurts consumers, in part because it “would eliminate access to credit cards for millions of consumers and drive them to sources of credit which are far more costly and less regulated.”

    Senator Bernie Sanders

     Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., accused financial institutions of “extortion” and “loan sharking” for having credit card interest rates over 25%. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images / Getty Images)

    The groups noted the state of Illinois imposed a rate cap, which the Federal Reserve researched and found was responsible for reducing the number of loans to subprime borrowers by 38 percent. They also referenced a study by researchers at Dartmouth who found Oregon’s 36% all-in APR cap was responsible for “harming, not helping, consumers on average” and “restricting access caused deterioration in the overall financial condition of Oregon households.”

    “As responsible and well-regulated financial institutions, we share the goals of reducing the cost of consumer credit and increasing financial inclusion. Unfortunately, the 10 percent rate cap proposed in this legislation would stifle our shared financial inclusion goals, reduce access to credit and push consumers to far more costly and less regulated lenders,” the groups wrote.

    CONSUMER WATCHDOG WARNS COMPANIES AGAINST DEVALUING CREDIT CARD REWARDS, LAUNCHES TOOL TO AVOID SCAMS

    Missouri Senator Josh Hawley supports TikTok ban

    Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., said high credit card interest rates are “exploitative” and capping them would provide “meaningful relief.” (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images / Getty Images)

    While it’s unclear whether Congress will consider legislation capping credit card interest rates, Schulz noted that there are still steps consumers can take to ease their financial burden.

    “The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do yourself to lower your interest rates without waiting for Congress to come in as the cavalry in lowering rates. You can get a 0% balance transfer credit card if you have good credit. You could look at a low interest personal loan, that’s a good option if you can’t get a 0% balance transfer card,” he said.

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    “You can even call your credit card issuer and ask for a lower rate. LendingTree did a survey last year where we found that 76% of people who asked for a lower interest rate on one of their credit cards got one, and the average reduction was about 6 percentage points which is really significant,” Schulz said. “So it’s absolutely worth the call, because that sort of success rate shows that it’s not just people with 800 credit scores and long track records who are getting their way – it’s regular folks too who really need the help.”

  • Experts weigh in on how Trump’s tariffs might impact healthcare costs

    Experts weigh in on how Trump’s tariffs might impact healthcare costs

    President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China have raised significant concern over their potential impact on healthcare costs, but while the move could have a broad effect on the industry, it is likely they will not produce the devastating results that some may be expecting, health policy and trade experts say. 

    A survey by market research group Black Book Research found that 84% of the healthcare consumers they questioned said they expect to see higher costs due to increased pricing on medical treatments and drugs as a result of Trump’s new tariffs. But health policy expert Chris Pope posited that healthcare is “not a very highly tradable sector” and that the sectors that do rely on trade relations, like pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices, will hinge on the magnitude of any Trump tariffs.

    “There’s not much international trade for most of healthcare. The biggest parts of healthcare – physician services, these are all provided domestically already, and hospitals are a domestic part of healthcare, so you take out those two things, and you’ve kind of ruled out almost three-quarters of all healthcare spending,” Pope said in an interview with Fox News Digital. “So, for the most part, we’re talking about drugs and devices, which are, at most, about a quarter of healthcare spending.”

    DEMS CLAIM TRUMP TARIFF COULD ‘DRIVE UP’ COSTS DESPITE DEFLECTING BLAME FROM BIDEN’S INFLATION

    “In terms of prices for the industry, whether it’s absorbed in their margins, or they do less research and development, or they pass it on to consumers … it’s not completely devastating, but it’s definitely annoying,” said Christine McDaniel, a senior economist at George Mason University’s Mercatus Institute.

    Picture of President Donald Trump alongside an image of someone dispensing pills from a pill bottle. Experts say Trump’s tariffs could have a broad impact on the industry, and it is hard to predict, but added that it is likely they will not have the devastating impacts that some may think. (Fox News)

    Experts told Fox News that drug prices are among the most vulnerable aspects of the healthcare system, largely due to the U.S.’ reliance on China for certain precursor chemicals and compounds that are essential for producing important medications. However, Pope said that the impact will likely only affect generic drugs and not branded drugs that are based on demand rather than supply. Generic drugs are already relatively cost-efficient, with many of them ranging under $10, he said.

    Monica de Bolle is an immunologist and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. She painted a bleaker picture of how many drugs could be impacted by the tariffs.

    ‘MAKING AMERICA EXPENSIVE AGAIN’: DEMOCRATS FIND A TAX THEY DON’T LIKE IN TRUMP TARIFFS   

    “If you go through a list of the kinds of things that we import from China when it comes to active drug ingredients, or anything else that goes into the making of over-the-counter drugs, everything is in there. If you look at the list, it basically spans the range of potential medications that anyone takes at any point in their lives,” said de Bolle. “It includes things like over-the-counter NSAIDS, so non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, things like Motrin, ibuprofen, even Tylenol, because Acetaminophen is on that list.”

    She added that drugs that are more dependent on China include medications for anxiety and other psychiatric disorders, such as antidepressants, and following Trump’s tariffs, “those prices are going to go up, for sure,” she said.

    Older adult prescription

    Rising drug costs have become a concern for many following President Donald Trump’s tariffs on China, which the United States relies on for many less-advanced drugs.   (iStock)

    Experts say costs in healthcare could also rise due to disruptions in the supply chain for medical devices, but they noted that the impact will be a lot harder to generalize, compared to the impact on drug pricing. 

    “Maybe before [the supply chain] was broken up into five stages. Well, now maybe they’ve broken it up into six or seven stages. So there are certain things that they have to stay in China for, or they have to source from China, but then they do the next step in India or another nearby country . . . which is going to be more expensive,” McDaniel said.

    ‘THIS IS ABOUT FENTANYL’: TARIFFS ARE CRUCIAL TO COMBATING ‘DRUG WAR,’ TRUMP AND CABINET OFFICIALS SAY

    However, Pope argued that prices could change, depending on the device and the magnitude of Trump’s tariffs. 

    “It’s going to vary a lot, according to where the devices are manufactured, where the components are manufactured, what kind of subsidies are available from other countries and domestically, and the degree of retaliation,” he said.

    The U.S. and China flags

    There is a debate about whether the U.S. should wean off its dependence on Chinese-manufactured drugs, like antibiotics. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)

    While Trump’s tariffs might be new, the experts say that getting out of China is not. Reducing the U.S.’ dependency on Chinese products tied to healthcare, particularly drugs like antibiotics, has been talked about among lawmakers for some time due to the potential national security risks. Parallel to these discussions, companies have been preparing for future tariffs in light of increased geopolitical tensions.

    “There has been a lot of discussion coming from both the Democratic camp, as well as the Republican one, about the necessity to bring some of the production of certain types of drugs back to the U.S. to reduce dependency on China,” said de Bolle. “This whole deal about drugs and medical equipment and all of that that was under discussion before Trump. So, it’s not even Trump-related.”

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    “In essence, you know what’s happening now with the tariffs that Trump imposed isn’t any different from the sorts of things that these people were thinking of doing anyway.”

  • Maxx Crosby excited for Raiders’ future with Pete Carroll, whose impact is being felt: ‘My type of person’

    Maxx Crosby excited for Raiders’ future with Pete Carroll, whose impact is being felt: ‘My type of person’

    Maxx Crosby is an optimist, and with Pete Carroll on board as the Las Vegas Raiders’ new head coach, the defensive end couldn’t be more excited about the future. 

    The star edge rusher spoke to Fox News Digital on Radio Row in New Orleans ahead of Super Bowl LIX, and while he enjoys his time among his peers, he also wants to be playing in the “Big Game” one day. 

    Carroll has lifted the Lombardi Trophy once as a head coach in the NFL, while with the Seattle Seahawks, and also won two national championships during his time coaching in college. 

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    Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby reacts during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/David Becker)

    That championship pedigree is what Crosby believes the Raiders need right now.

    “I think it’s pretty straightforward: He’s done it. He’s done it many times at both levels, college and the NFL,” Crosby said when asked why Carroll was the right man for the Raiders’ head coaching gig, while also promoting his partnership with SAXX Underwear on Radio Row.

    “For me, I’m an optimistic person. I want to be a winner, I want a chance to win. From everything I’ve seen so far, it’s been encouraging. So — taking it one step at a time and we’ll see how everything plays out. But I’m excited for the future, for sure.”

    HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

    Carroll’s impact within the Raiders organization has already been felt by Crosby, too, and it’s that patented energy he brings every day that’s “infectious.”

    “Every conversation I’ve had with him has been awesome,” Crosby said. “All energy all the time, my type of person. At the end of the day, you’ve got to have fun with what we do, you know what I mean? We’re modern-day gladiators. We’re going out there — car crashes every single Sunday. That’s the reality. So, you have to have fun with it. The work comes first, but at the same time, you’ve got to enjoy your job. You’ve got to be excited to come into the building every morning and go to work. 

    Pete Carroll looks on

    Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 7, 2024. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

    “I think he does an incredible job doing that. I’ve yet to experience that yet, but just being around him for a couple weeks now, the dude doesn’t stop.”

    Crosby offered an example of how much fun Carroll is having being back inside an NFL building. 

    “It’s about team, it’s about culture, it’s about competing,” he began. “That’s what he preaches and lives by. I’ve been able to see it at a short glimpse so far, but it’s just funny. You hear guys, I’m talking to one of the front office guys, and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I have this JBL speaker — [Carroll] gave everyone a speaker. I go upstairs and it sounds like a frat house is going on.’ There’s music bumping all the time and stuff. I love that. That’s how I am. 

    “I think it’s necessary. Energy’s got to be right and correct, and I feel like that leads to success when the work is behind it. He’s proven it his whole life that he can win and knows how to win. It’s exciting.”

    MAXX AND SAXX MADE PERFECT SENSE

    When Saxx Underwear wanted to partner with Crosby, he found it a no-brainer, considering the name. But it’s what they’ve done together, impacting the next generation of athletes with NIL (name, image and likeness) deals, that has him excited to talk about it during Super Bowl Week. 

    Tubi promo

    Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

    “Just the alignment from top to bottom, how much they poured into what I believe in,” he said of the partnership. “Helping out with NIL deals for guys at Eastern Michigan, UNLV. Helping out and giving back to places I care about. And best underwear in the game, period. 

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    “I wear it every single day, and we aligned in many ways. They’ve been incredible.”

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  • National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 in the US: Know Date, Aim and Significance of the Day That Raises Awareness About the Impact of HIV on Black Communities

    National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 in the US: Know Date, Aim and Significance of the Day That Raises Awareness About the Impact of HIV on Black Communities

    Every year, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is observed annually on February 7 across the United States of America (USA). As per historical records, the day was first established in 1999 to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities in the United States. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 falls on Friday, February 7. The annual event is an important day that focuses on four key themes – education, prevention, testing, and treatment. Black Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS due to systemic inequalities, healthcare barriers, and social stigma. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an important day that highlights the impact of HIV/AIDS on Black communities. Difference Between AIDS and HIV: Navigating the Complexities of These Interconnected Health Conditions.

    As per records, Black Americans face higher rates of HIV compared to other racial groups. Social determinants like healthcare disparities, stigma, poverty, and limited access to resources contribute to these disparities. In this article, let’s know more about the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 date and the significance of the annual US event. February 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Get Full List of Major Events in the Second Month of the Year. 

    National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 Date

    National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day 2025 falls on Friday, February 7.

    National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Significance

    National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the US holds great significance as the day aims to motivate individuals to know their HIV status through regular testing. The annual event advocates for preventive measures, including safe practices, PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), and education. National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the US serves as an opportunity to encourage those living with HIV to seek and maintain treatment, reducing transmission and improving health outcomes.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 07, 2025 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Mattel considers raising prices on toys to mitigate tariff impact

    Mattel considers raising prices on toys to mitigate tariff impact

    Mattel is looking at potentially upping toy prices as part of its efforts to mitigate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. 

    Over the past weekend, the president signed executive orders seeking to bring a 10% levy on imports from China and a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada. 

    The tariff against China went into effect on Tuesday; however, the Trump administration paused the levies against America’s northern and southern neighbors for one month after Mexico and Canada both agreed to take steps to heighten enforcement on their borders with the U.S. 

    WHAT’S HAPPENING WITH TRUMP’S TARIFFS ON CHINA, CANADA AND MEXICO?

    Leaders at Mattel said Tuesday that “leveraging the strength of our supply chain” and possible price actions were among the measures that the toy company was looking at implementing to deal with the tariffs. 

    Mattel is looking at potentially upping toy prices as part of its efforts to mitigate President Donald Trump’s tariffs on imports from China, Mexico and Canada. (Armando Arorizo/Bloomberg via / Getty Images)

    “Our teams have been fully engaged in analyzing and planning for a range of scenarios,” CFO Anthony DiSilvestro told analysts and investors. “And in terms of the financial impact on Mattel, our 2025 guidance includes the anticipated impact of the new tariff based on what we know today and mitigating actions we plan to take, including those leveraging the strength of our supply chain and potential pricing.”

    Mattel, known for Barbie, Hot Wheels, Fisher-Price and other brands, makes toys in seven countries, he said, adding that the toy company has been “continuously optimizing and diversifying our manufacturing footprint” in recent years. 

    barbie dolls on store shelves

    A shopper views Mattel Barbie dolls for sale at a Target store in Chicago. (Christopher Dilts/Bloomberg via / Getty Images)

    Less than 40% of Mattel’s global toy production is expected to occur in China this year, a much smaller share than the industry average of roughly 80%, according to DiSilvestro.

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    “With the U.S. representing about half of our global toy sales, our tariff exposure in the U.S. related to China should be about 20% of global production,” the Mattel CFO said. “And with respect to Mexico and Canada, we currently source less than 10% of our toys from Mexico and have no sourcing from Canada.”

    The toy company plans for “no single country” to have more than 25% of production by 2027, DiSilvestro added.

    Ticker Security Last Change Change %
    MAT MATTEL INC. 21.39 +0.56 +2.66%

    Regarding the tariff mitigation actions, he said Mattel “work[s] closely” with its retail partners to “achieve the right balance and always keep consumers in mind when we consider pricing actions.” 

    The toy company forecasted 2%-3% growth in net sales for fiscal 2025, as well as adjusted earnings per share in the range of $1.66 to $1.72, factoring in any potential impact from the tariffs and the company’s response to them.

    hot wheels

    Hot Wheels cars by Mattel are offered for sale at a store on April 23, 2024, in Chicago. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)

    Mattel works with some 500,000 retail stores to sell its various toy products, according to CEO Ynon Kreiz. It also uses e-commerce avenues for toy sales.

    AUTOMOTIVE GROUPS REACT TO TRUMP TARIFFS ON IMPORTS FROM CANADA, MEXICO, CHINA

    The company generated nearly $5.38 billion in net sales over the course of 2024. Its annual net income, meanwhile, came in at $541.8 million. 

    “Our 2025 priorities are to grow the top and bottom line, while increasing investment in our digital game self-publishing business to drive long-term growth, in line with our capital allocation priorities to invest in organic growth,” Kreiz told analysts.

  • House committee holding hearing on regulatory policy’s impact on LA fires

    House committee holding hearing on regulatory policy’s impact on LA fires

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    A subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives will hold a hearing on Thursday on how regulatory policy impacts the prevention of natural disasters, with a focus on the deadly wildfires that ravaged Southern California last month.

    The GOP-led House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust will kick off the hearing, titled “California Fires and the Consequences of Overregulation,” at 10 a.m. on Thursday.

    Not only will the hearing examine how regulatory policy in the Golden State has affected the prevention of natural disasters, specifically wildfires, it will also address how “excessive regulation” on insurance and permitting slows down recovery.

    Days after the fires began, California Gov. Gavin Newsom suspended regulations related to rebuilding, waiving permitting requirements based on the California Coastal Act and the California Environmental Quality Act to allow for a quicker rebuilding process.

    CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM TO SEEK MORE FEDERAL FUNDS FOR LA FIRE RECOVERY DURING DC MEETING WITH TRUMP

    Firefighters work from a deck as the Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property in Malibu, California, Jan. 8, 2025.  (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

    In the wake of the fires, a March 2024 announcement from California’s largest private insurer, State Farm, stating that it was discontinuing coverage for 72,000 home and apartment policies resurfaced, generating backlash and questions surrounding the accessibility of insurance in that area specifically.

    The insurer said a letter sent to the California Department of Insurance (CDI) shortly after that announcement was an “alarm signaling the grave need for rapid and transformational action.”

    Now, State Farm is asking the CDI to “immediately approve” a 22% rate increase for non-tenant homeowners, a 15% increase for renters and condo owners, and 38% for rental dwellings.

    la wildfires

    Smoke from the Palisades Fire rises over residences in Mandeville Canyon Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

    ESSENTIAL PHONE NUMBERS FOR LOS ANGELES-AREA RESIDENTS AND HOW YOU CAN HELP THEM

    The increased rates are to help “avert a dire situation,” State Farm said, and would go into effect on May 1, 2025.

    “As of February 1st, State Farm General (Fire only) has received more than 8,700 claims and has already paid more than $1 billion to customers,” the insurer wrote in a release on its website. “State Farm General will ultimately pay out significantly more, as collectively these fires will be the costliest disasters in the history of State Farm General.”

    la wildfires

    An aerial photo shows multiple charred homes after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

    KELSEY GRAMMER SAYS CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS ‘TOOK THEIR EYE OFF THE BALL’ IN WILDFIRES CATASTROPHE

    The hearing comes a day after Newsom traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with President Donald Trump and Congressional members in efforts to secure more federal funding for wildfire recovery. 

    The Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, Wade Crowfoot, who oversees water and fire policy across the state, also attended the meeting.

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    Witnesses at the hearing include Steve Hilton, founder of Golden Together; Steven Greenhut, R Street Institute resident senior fellow and western region director; and Edward Ring, who oversees Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center.

    Fox Business’ Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.

  • Trump tariff threats on Canadian oil could impact three US regions, gas analyst says

    Trump tariff threats on Canadian oil could impact three US regions, gas analyst says

    Americans in the Midwest, Rockies and Great Lakes regions may want to brace for gas price hikes if the U.S. places tariffs on Canadian oil, energy expert Patrick De Haan warned Thursday.

    “[The impact would be] certainly unbalanced,” De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, told FOX Business’ Stuart Varney.

    “And who will be impacted?” he continued. “Primarily, motorists in the Great Lakes could see gas prices shooting up in excess of $0.20 a gallon. A lot of that Canadian crude oil flows directly down into areas like the Great Lakes, the Midwest, the Rocky Mountains regions, where it may be difficult to find different sources of crude oil.”

    CANADA READIES TRUMP TARIFFS RESPONSE: ‘IN A TRADE WAR, THERE ARE NO WINNERS’

    Gas prices  (iStock / iStock)

    “Having said that, the pressure on Canada is undermining the price of western Canadian oil. It’s down to about $60 a barrel today, but this certainly is still likely to have some bite for motorists in the Great Lakes, the Rockies and the Midwest.”

    Even the Northeast, which is reliant on Canada’s St. John and Irving oil refineries, could potentially take a hit.

    “That would be an impact, though, on refined products, so the Northeast could be subject to those tariffs that finalize products like diesel fuel and jet fuel, and gasoline does flow from that Canadian refinery to the northeastern United States as well, so there could be some spillover to other regions,” De Haan explained.

    WHY IT MAY NOT BE EASY TO RESTART THE KEYSTONE XL PIPELINE

    President Trump has long threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, two of the U.S.’s largest suppliers of crude oil, unless the countries take action to stop the flow of illegal immigrants and fentanyl into the U.S.

    During her first press briefing on Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt reaffirmed Trump’s plan to impose the tariffs on Feb. 1.

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    Reuters contributed to this report.

  • Ex-NFL star touts ‘awesome’ impact Taylor Swift has made since going to Chiefs games

    Ex-NFL star touts ‘awesome’ impact Taylor Swift has made since going to Chiefs games

    Taylor Swift is set to be a focal point at the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year as she will very likely be in a suite at the Caesars Superdome cheering on Travis Kelce.

    There is a lot less uncertainty around her appearance than there was last year. Swift was in the midst of the Asian leg of her “Eras Tour” and needed the conditions to be just right for her to fly back to Las Vegas to watch the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers.

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    Taylor Swift embraces Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after the AFC Championship NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

    This time, the tour is finished, and Swift has her sights set on New Orleans. While the broadcast cameras were not necessarily on her every move during the playoffs so far, the impact she has made on fans – specifically young female fans – has been indelible.

    Former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman underscored that point during his appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Tuesday.

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    Taylor Swift smiles during Kansas City Chiefs football game with Travis Kelce

    Taylor Swift started showing up at Chiefs games last season. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

    “Honestly, it’s been an awesome thing because my daughter does talk about football,” Edelman told Fox News Channel’s Ainsley Earhardt. “You know, playing for the New England Patriots, it’s terrible to hear your daughter say Chiefs all the time. 

    “It gives us a conversation point. She loves learning about it.”

    Edelman will be a part of FOX’s coverage for Super Bowl LIX with Charissa Thompson, Charles Woodson, Michael Vick, Peter Schrager, Kristina Punk and Cooper Manning.

    FOX’s coverage of Super Bowl LIX will begin at 1 p.m. ET. Coverage can also be streamed live on Tubi for the first time ever.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    Tubi promo

    Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

    The Chiefs will take on the Philadelphia Eagles.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

  • White House sets record straight about impact of Trump’s federal funding freeze

    White House sets record straight about impact of Trump’s federal funding freeze

    Following the temporary freeze on federal assistance, ordered by the Trump administration’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Americans may be wondering if the freeze will impact them.

    In her first official press briefing Tuesday afternoon, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the federal grants and loans pause will not impact individual assistance going directly to Americans.

    The OMB confirmed the freeze does not apply to student loans and Pell Grants, as the order clearly states financial assistance to “individuals” is exempt.

    The pause, which will take effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday and remain in effect pending a review by the Trump administration, will also not impact Social Security, food stamps, or Medicare and welfare benefits, Leavitt confirmed.

    BIDEN’S LATEST ROUND OF STUDENT LOAN HANDOUTS BRINGS ADMIN TOTAL TO MORE THAN 5 MILLION

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks at the daily briefing at the White House in Washington on Tuesday. (AP / AP Images)

    FOX Business previously reported the pause is limited to programs, projects and activities that may be impacted by President Donald Trump’s executive orders.

    Some of those programs include diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the Green New Deal, and funding nongovernmental organizations that contradict the national interest.

    Karoline Leavitt Holds First White House Press Briefing

    Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. ( Samuel Corum/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

    After agencies complete a comprehensive analysis of their federal financial assistance programs, which will be required by Feb. 10, they will be reviewed for consistency with the president’s priorities.

    The memo noted the federal government spent more than $3 trillion on federal assistance in the 2024 fiscal year, according to previous reporting.

    NEW YORK REPUBLICAN PROPOSES TO SLASH STUDENT LOAN INTEREST RATES

    Karoline Leavitt wearing a pink blazer

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified what will be impacted by President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal assistance.  (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)

    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., told The Wall Street Journal that the freeze “will mean missed payrolls and rent payments and everything in between: chaos for everything from universities to non-profit charities, state disaster assistance, local law enforcement, aid to the elderly, and food for those in need.”

    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

    FOX Business requested comment from Schumer following Leavitt’s remarks, but did not immediately receive a response.

    The pause could be as short as a day, White House officials told FOX Business. Agencies can also request exemptions on a case-by-case basis.

    Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this story.