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Large bruise on Trump’s hand prompts speculation over health – but White House blames ‘shaking hands’ | US News

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A large bruise that appeared on Donald Trump’s hand is down to him shaking a lot of hands, the White House has said.

Mr Trump‘s right hand seemed bruised during the 78-year-old’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, prompting speculation on social media over his health.

Redness or bruising on the US president’s right hand were also spotted in August and November last year, Sky News’ US partner network NBC reported.

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Mr Trump meets Mr Macron in DC

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has claimed the bruising is a result of hand shaking.

“President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history.

“His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day,” Ms Leavitt said.

“President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day,” she said in a follow-up statement.

Read more from Sky News:
Trump on Ukraine’s territory: ‘We’ll see’

All smiles and handshakes: Trump and Macron appear friendly

People speculated about potential causes for the bruising on social media.

On X, one person suggested Mr Trump was on blood thinners, while another said: “Maybe, but elderly people bruise more easily than younger folks. Trump is 78. He could have gotten that in any number of ways.”

One user didn’t seem to believe the White House’s explanation.

“Why even lie? It’s obviously an IV bruise for blood testing or something. Is it a surprise to people that Trump is old and gets regular physician visits?” they said.

In a December interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press, Mr Trump said he would release his full medical report, but he has yet to do so.



This story originally appeared on Skynews

House budget vote marks a key test Trump agenda, with GOP support still unclear : NPR

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Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., (right) departs a news conference alongside House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. House Republicans are working to pass a budget bill this week that includes up to $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and an increase in the debt limit.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America


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Andrew Harnik/Getty Images North America

The future of President Trump’s domestic agenda faces a decisive test in the House on Tuesday, as Republicans look to overcome internal divides over spending and pass a framework for a sweeping multitrillion dollar plan to address defense, energy, immigration and tax policy.

Tuesday’s vote is critical for House Republicans, as passage would allow them to unlock a complicated legislative tool known as reconciliation. It’s a process that Republicans can use to avoid a filibuster from Democrats in the Senate, but in order to use it they have to first agree on a budget blueprint.

“We’re making great progress,” House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., told reporters. “It’s a very complicated negotiation, a lot of numbers, a lot of factors, a lot of different opinions. But we will get there as we always do.”

House Republicans are working with a razor-thin majority, and will need virtually the entire conference to vote yes. But even if they can cross that hurdle, it would still amount to just a first step on what promises to be a lengthy and difficult path in passing the party’s policy priorities.

Their budget blueprint passed an important test vote earlier Tuesday, but it remained unclear whether enough members would support a final vote expected later this evening.

With the final vote fast approaching, GOP leaders were still working to wrangle support. Johnson and his deputies have spent weeks in painstaking negotiations, but have struggled to balance competing demands from within a fractious GOP caucus.

While fiscal hawks are demanding steep spending cuts, other members have voiced concern about those cuts having to come from Medicaid, the government insurance program that provides health coverage for millions of low-income and disabled Americans.

The Republican-led Senate, impatient with delays on the House side, has already moved their own budget reconciliation plan forward. However, President Trump, after weeks of talks with members, has made clear he’d like to see the House version get to his desk.

The House plan calls for an increase in funding to secure the southern border, a boost for military spending and raising the nation’s debt limit by $4 trillion.

The plan also calls for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts over the next decade. Those cuts include renewing the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which are set to expire at the end of the year, as well as other proposals that the president campaigned on, like no taxes on tips, overtime or Social Security.

In order to get the budget plan just to this stage, Johnson was forced to concede to a demand from some conservative holdouts for $2 trillion in spending cuts. Under the budget framework, the exact details of those cuts will be sorted out later, by individual committees in the House.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee, for example, would be responsible for coming up with $880 billion in savings. But because the committee has say over spending for programs like Medicare and Medicaid, more moderate Republicans are worried about cuts coming from the social safety net.

Given Republicans’ thin majority in the House, they can only afford to lose one vote, but entering Tuesday, several members were signaling opposition.

Among the potential holdouts was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who in a post on social media Monday wrote, “If the Republican budget passes, the deficit gets worse, not better.” Elon Musk responded to the post by saying, “That sounds bad.”

Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., said that before she could agree to support the bill, she was hoping for deeper spending cuts to help guard against rising prices.

“I think my party needs to go a little bit on [the] offensive,” she said. “If we care about the people.”

Another potential holdout, Tennessee Republican Tim Burchett, wasn’t sure how he would vote. Burchett, who spoke to Trump by phone earlier Tuesday, declined to share details from the call or give any clues on what he would do.

“I don’t know,” he told NPR.

If the House cannot pass its budget plan, the Senate bill may end up as Plan B. President Trump has expressed a desire for one “big, beautiful bill,” but the Senate plan would seek to pass his main agenda through two bills: one that tackles the border, military spending and energy policy first, followed by a second bill on tax cuts.

Elena Moore contributed reporting.



This story originally appeared on NPR

LeBron and Bronny James deny ‘every allegation’ in car crash lawsuit

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LeBron and Bronny James have denied “each and every allegation” made in a lawsuit that claimed they had some involvement in a 2022 car crash in the town of Littlerock in the Antelope Valley.

That lawsuit, filed last fall in Los Angeles County Superior Court, alleged that the father-son Lakers teammates “negligently owned, controlled, repaired, entrusted, maintained and operated an automobile as to cause it to, and it did, become involved in an accident or collision,” causing injury to the plaintiffs and damage to the vehicle they were in.

Attorneys representing LeBron and Bronny James filed their answer Thursday.

“These answering defendants deny each and every allegation contained in the complaint and further deny that plaintiffs have been damaged in the sum or sums alleged, or any other sum or sums, or at all,” the filing states.

The filing lists 14 defenses to the complaint, including the assertions that if any injuries or damages did occur, they were caused “by persons other than these answering defendants” and “by plaintiffs in failing to conduct themselves in a manner ordinarily expected of a reasonably prudent person in the conduct of their affairs and person.”

It further states that “the events, injuries, losses, and damages complained of in plaintiffs’ complaint, if any there were, were unavoidable insofar as these answering defendants are concerned and occurred without any negligence, want of care, default, or other breach of duty to plaintiffs on the part of said defendants.”

LeBron and Bronny James are asking for judgment in their favor and relief, including payment for the costs of the lawsuit.

Attorneys for both sides did not immediately respond Tuesday to requests for comments from The Times.

Plaintiffs Kiara McGillen and April Lopez filed their lawsuit Oct. 23, the day after LeBron and Bronny James became the first father-son duo to share an NBA court together. It stated that McGillen and Lopez were in a car on Pearblossom Highway at or near the intersection of 87th Street on Nov. 13, 2022, when the alleged incident occurred.

The filing originally stated that McGillen was the car’s driver, but it was amended to state that McGillen and Lopez were both passengers. The car belongs to Lopez, the lawsuit states.

Days after the lawsuit was filed, the Antelope Valley office of the California Highway Patrol told The Times it was unable to find a report filed on Nov. 13, 2022, regarding an accident at that location. The lawsuit does not indicate whether CHP was notified of the alleged incident.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs “sustained personal injuries which caused and will continue to cause pain, discomfort and physical disability,” and they have “employed and will employ in the future physicians, surgeons and others for examination, treatment and care.”

McGillen and Lopez are seeking unspecified damages.



This story originally appeared on LA Times

Chaos! Conor Benn gets egg-slapped during Chris Eubank Jr. face off, pull-apart brawl erupts (Video)

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Boxing rivals Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn came face-to-face for a special pre-fight press conference earlier today at Manchester Central Auditorium in England, to help spread the word for their upcoming showdown on April 26 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Mission accomplished.

Eubank Jr. somehow smuggled an egg to the face off without it breaking — right up until he turned Benn’s face into an omelet. The slap heard ‘round the pan resulted in a pull-apart brawl and honestly, “The Destroyer” should be more upset that Eubank Jr. wasted a perfect good egg.

Especially with today’s prices.

“Apparently egg contamination was the reason for his two failed drugs tests,” Eubank Jr. wrote on Twitter. “So I contaminated him with an egg.”

Eubank Jr. is referring to their first booking, which ended before it began when Benn popped for clomifene (he was later exonerated).

“That’s the only shot you’ll land on me you f*cking prick,” Benn replied. “Two rounds you are finished.”

The Eubank Jr. and Benn rivalry dates back more than 35 years to when their fathers, Chis Eubank and Nigel Benn, fought in Nov. 1990 and then again in Oct. 1993. Eubank Sr. captured the first contest by decision before battling to a draw in their rematch.

Whether or not Eubank Jr. and Benn face off at future pressers remains to be seen.



This story originally appeared on MMA Mania

NHS warns about little-known issue if taking anti-depressants

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People who are currently taking anti-depressants are being warned by the NHS that they need to be cautious. On the official website, it says that there are “several important things to consider when taking antidepressants”.

The NHS is advising individuals currently on antidepressants to exercise caution. On their official website, they highlight “several important factors to consider when taking antidepressants.”

They encourage individuals to “consult a GP or mental health professional” about these concerns, emphasising that combining antidepressants with other medications could have serious consequences. Additionally, they note that it may impact social plans with friends or family.

It warns: “Antidepressants can react unpredictably with other medicines, including some over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if there are any other medicines you should avoid.”

They also caution that you need to be mindful of what you drink. The NHS warns: “You should be wary of drinking alcohol if you’re taking antidepressants, as alcohol is itself a depressant and can worsen your symptoms.”

If you consume alcohol while taking tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), they state that “you may become drowsy and dizzy.”

Despite being “less likely to experience unpleasant or unpredictable effects” whilst drinking alcohol while taking an SSRI or a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant, they still caution that it could be dagnerous noting that “avoiding alcohol is often still recommended.”

If you have suicidal thoughts

In rare instances, some individuals may have suicidal thoughts or urges to self-harm when starting antidepressants, with those under 25 appearing to be at higher risk.

The NHS urges: “Contact your GP, or go to A&E immediately, if you have thoughts of killing or harming yourself at any time while taking antidepressants.

“It may be useful to tell a relative or close friend if you’ve started taking antidepressants and ask them to read the leaflet that comes with your medicines. You should then ask them to tell you if they think your symptoms are getting worse, or if they’re worried about changes in your behaviour.”

If you’re struggling with your mental health, call Samaritans on 116 123. They say: “You do not need to have any credit or call allowance on your plan to call.”



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

South Korea Introduces e-Arrival Card

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As of February 24, 2025, South Korea has officially introduced the e-Arrival Card, a digital entry requirement that replaces the long-standing paper-based declaration form.

This move is part of the country’s efforts to modernize its immigration process, reduce paperwork, and improve efficiency at border control.

Travellers can now submit their e-Arrival Card online before entering South Korea, streamlining the entry process.

While the paper version remains available during the transition period until December 31, 2025, the e-Arrival Card will be the only accepted method starting in 2026.

Who Needs to Submit the e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is mandatory for most foreign visitors, but there are some exceptions. Travellers exempt from this requirement include:

  • Registered residents of South Korea, including Permanent Resident Card and Overseas Korean Resident Card holders
  • Holders of a valid Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA)
  • Airline crew members

For everyone else, this digital declaration can be submitted online starting 72 hours before arrival, replacing the need to fill out a paper form at immigration.

Although the paper form is still being accepted during the transition period, travellers are encouraged to switch to the digital system as soon as possible to avoid delays or complications. By 2026, the online submission will be the only option, meaning travellers will no longer be able to fill out a paper form upon arrival.

Why Has South Korea Implemented the e-Arrival Card?

The e-Arrival Card is designed to make travel more efficient by reducing congestion at airports and allowing immigration officers to pre-screen arrivals before they land.

The shift to digital processing is expected to improve the flow of travellers, making entry faster and more convenient.

During my recent arrival at Incheon International Airport (ICN), the experience was far from seamless.

The customs area was already crowded, and having to fill out a paper arrival card while border officers manually reviewed each one only added to the delay.

The entire process felt outdated, particularly when many other countries have already transitioned to digital systems.

With the e-Arrival Card now in place, this transition should help alleviate bottlenecks at immigration and provide a smoother, more convenient entry process for visitors.

How to Apply for South Korea’s e-Arrival Card

The process is simple and entirely free of charge. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Visit the official portal (e-arrivalcard.go.kr)
  2. Accept the Terms & Conditions (Minors under 14 require a guardian to submit the form on their behalf)
  3. Upload a copy of your passport (OCR technology will automatically extract details from the document)
  4. Enter essential travel details, including the arrival and departure dates, flight or ship details, purpose of visit, and accommodation address with contact information.
  5. Submit the form (No approval process required—once submitted, you’re good to go.)

Important Rules and Deadlines

Now that the e-Arrival Card is in effect, travellers should be aware of a few key requirements.

The form must be submitted within 72 hours prior to arrival, ensuring immigration officers have the most up-to-date information. Once issued, the e-Arrival Card remains valid for 72 hours, meaning travellers who arrive later than this window will need to submit a new form.

Unlike a visa, this process is completely free and does not require any approval. A single submission can cover up to nine travellers, making it convenient for families or groups visiting South Korea together.

If any travel details change after the form has been submitted, the information can be updated directly on the e-Arrival Card portal before arrival.

A Few Quick Korea Travel Tips

Navigating South Korea can be a bit tedious if you’re not prepared with the right tools.

While the country has an efficient transportation system and plenty of modern conveniences, first-time visitors might find some differences compared to other destinations.

Here are a few essentials that will make your trip much smoother.

Ditch Google Maps – Use Naver Map or KakaoMap

One of the first things you’ll need is a reliable map app. Due to government restrictions on mapping data, Google Maps does not work well in South Korea. (AirTags also don’t work here, so don’t rely on them for tracking your luggages!)

Instead, locals rely on Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate directions, public transit routes, and retail store information. Both apps offer English support, but in my experience, Naver Map is the better option for non-Korean speakers.

Uber Now Works in South Korea

For getting around, Uber is available in South Korea, but it operates differently than in many other countries. The app connects users with official taxi drivers rather than private rides, as individual ride-hailing is still not permitted in South Korea.

While Uber provides a convenient way to book cabs and make a payment within the app using a credit card, you may have trouble finding a ride late at night, especially during peak hours.

Try MobiMatter Over Airalo

Staying connected is another essential part of travel, but eSIM options can be expensive. Many travellers default to Airalo, but their plans for South Korea start at $46.50 CAD, which isn’t the most budget-friendly option.

A better alternative is MobiMatter, which offers more affordable data plans without sacrificing quality.

While they don’t provide unlimited data, the speeds are fast enough for most travellers, and I personally had no issues during my stay, with a solid download speed of 41 Mbps. (For transparency, we’re not affiliated with MobiMatter—just sharing a good find.)

If you’re looking for the best hotels in Seoul, our Prince Collection team can help you book luxury stays with exclusive perks.

One of my personal favourites is Grand Hyatt Seoul, which offers stunning views of the city or Namsan mountain, excellent amenities, and a great executive lounge. 

By booking through Hyatt Privé with Prince of Travel, you can enjoy extra benefits at no additional cost, including:

  • Daily breakfast for two guests
  • One-category room upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability)
  • Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability
  • $100 (USD) property credit (benefit may vary by hotel)
  • Welcome gift and letter

Book Luxury Hotels with Prince Collection

Conclusion

With the e-Arrival Card now in effect, South Korea is moving toward a more modern and efficient border control system. While paper forms will still be accepted until the end of 2025, the digital system will become fully mandatory in 2026.

For travellers, this means faster processing, less paperwork, and a smoother arrival experience in one of Asia’s most visited destinations.

If you’re planning a trip to South Korea, make sure to submit your e-Arrival Card before departure to avoid delays and enjoy a hassle-free entry.



This story originally appeared on princeoftravel

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon Regrets Cursing But Stands By RTO

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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon says that despite employee pushback, and a petition signed by over 1,800 staff at the time of writing, most of JPMorgan’s 300,000 employees are still returning to the office full-time in March.

However, he admitted that he shouldn’t have cursed while speaking about it at a town hall in Ohio earlier this month.

“I should never curse, ever,” Dimon said in an interview with CNBC on Monday. “And I shouldn’t get angry and stuff like that.”

When addressing questions about the RTO mandate in mid-February, Dimon said, “Don’t give me the s— that ‘work from home Friday’ works.” He also said that JPMorgan was sticking with its return-to-office policy and he didn’t care “how many people sign that f—ing petition.”

Related: Jamie Dimon Says the U.S. Government Is ‘Not Very Competent’ and Hopes Elon Musk’s DOGE Is ‘Quite Successful’

Though Dimon’s delivery may have changed since the town hall, his core message has not. He told CNBC that he stands by in-person work and explained the move from three days in the office to five was in the best interests of JPMorgan and its clients.

“I completely respect people that don’t want to go to the office all five days a week,” Dimon stated, adding, “They can get a job elsewhere.”

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon. Photographer: Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images

According to Dimon, JPMorgan is not entirely against remote work, with 10% of the bank’s jobs operating on a fully remote basis — and staying that way even after the return-to-office mandate. For example, the bank has built virtual call centers in Baltimore and Detroit that collectively employ more than 100 remote workers.

But while working from home may make sense for virtual call centers, Dimon doesn’t think it should apply to all JPMorgan employees. According to Bloomberg, 60% of JPMorgan staff, including managing directors and salespeople, are already at the office five days per week. The switch to fully in-person work in March affects back-office staff who currently work on a hybrid schedule.

“I’m not against work-from-home,” Dimon told CNBC. “I’m against where it doesn’t work… We’re not going to change. We’re going back to the office.”

Related: ‘Feels Like a Slap in the Face’: Some JPMorgan Employees Reportedly Aren’t Happy With Their Bonuses

JPMorgan first announced a strict return-to-office policy last month, with plans to implement it in March. Staff immediately flooded an internal website with over 300 comments calling out the policy’s negative impact on their commute and work-life balance. Employees circulated a petition addressed to Dimon calling for hybrid work to be the default mode of work at the bank. The petition has received 1,803 signatures as of press time.

JPMorgan is the largest bank in the U.S., with $3.9 trillion in assets. In mandating five days back in the office, the bank follows the examples of companies like Amazon, Walmart, and AT&T.



This story originally appeared on Entrepreneur

Americans slashed spending on major life plans under Biden: survey

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More than half of Americans are delaying major life plans due to uncertainty over the economy, according to a new survey released Tuesday.

The Wells Fargo  “Money Study” – conducted in the final weeks of the Biden administration – found among those putting of their plans that 33% were postponing buying a new home, one in six delayed plans to go to college and one in eight now expect to retire later than expected.

The major lender, which interviewed nearly 4,000 people between Sept. 5 and Oct. 4 for its second-ever poll, also found that 76% of Americans cut back spending – up from 67% last year.

The Wells Fargo study found that many Americans are delaying major purchases, such as buying a house. AP

“Consumer behaviors are shifting. The value of the dollar and what it is providing may not be as predictable anymore, which seems to be more pronounced for younger Americans,” said Michael Liersch, head of Advice and Planning at Wells Fargo.

“There is a clear social narrative surrounding the question: ‘Do I, and will I, have enough?’”

Many of those polled continued to blame inflation for their concerns, with about 90% saying they were still experiencing sticker shock when eating out or buying ticket prices for concerts.

The study also found that 82% of Gen Z adults, those born between 1997 and 2022, and 79% of Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are cutting back.

The Money Study’s results chime with the latest consumer confidence numbers released earlier on Tuesday, which showed persistent concerns about inflation and the state of the job market.


The report, carried out in the final weeks of the Biden administration, found that younger adults, in particular, are reining in their spending.
The report, carried out in the final weeks of the Biden administration, found that younger adults, in particular, are reining in their spending. Bloomberg via Getty Images

The index slipped to 98.3 for the month, down nearly 7% — the biggest drop since August 2021.

It comes as President Trump renews his threat to slap tariffs on America’s major trading partners, Canada and Mexico, next month, sparking fears they could further stoke inflation.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

Trump’s unwavering plan to end congestion pricing: Letters

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The Issue: President Trump’s plan to kill congestion pricing in New York, despite pleas from Gov. Hochul.

President Trump’s welcome cancellation of the congestion-pricing mon­ey grab should only be Step 1 (“Trump: Kat’s wrong; I will kill congest toll,” Feb. 23).

Next, he should withhold all federal funding for the bloated MTA until the agency finally collects 100% of fares from transit riders.

Losing millions annually to freeloaders is inexcusable.

Giving any taxpayer dollars to an agency that is failing to collect money owed for each ride is outrageous.

It’s time to put an end to rampant fare evasion and finally assure that all riders are paying their fare share.

Richard Rafal

Manhattan

I work in the congestion-pricing zone.

I don’t know where Gov. Hochul is getting her information from, but traffic in certain areas of the zone is much worse than before.

This includes streets in the area of bridges and tunnels, most streets going crosstown and all avenues.

They are lying to the public to convince people that this “money grab” is good.

It isn’t, and most people see this.

Joe Kowalczyk

The Bronx

Sitting in traffic for hours shouldn’t be the norm, and our transit system deserves stable funding.

I recognize that the toll has drawbacks for low-income drivers who rely on cars for work, and the state must address these concerns.

But if Hochul backs down under federal pressure, we risk worsening congestion.

This is about investing in our future, not political games.

Mary Bisgrove

Manhattan

New York contributed $600 million for a new football stadium in Hochul’s hometown but isn’t willing to fund needed upgrades to the city’s neglected subway system.

Instead, state leaders pushed a regressive congestion tax that collects the same amount from millionaires as it does the working poor.

Mass transportation is an essential service; football is just entertainment.

Congestion pricing is the most unfair way of funding.

Kudos to Trump for pulling the plug.

André Montero

Brooklyn

Trump wants the states to monitor themselves for various laws, except when it’s convenient for him.

Then he makes it a federal matter.

Case in point: congestion pricing.

Michael Lefkowitz

East Meadow

With a potential halt of congestion pricing by the Trump administration, let’s reclaim that $700 million to $1 billion a year being stolen by fare-beaters.

New York’s feckless justice system refuses to punish this theft, the honest citizens get creamed and the subways get plagued by horrific crime.

Jeffrey Wiesenfeld

Great Neck

The Issue: The cancellation of Trump critic Joy Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” and other MSNBC programs.

MSNBC did itself no favors by sustaining, for many years, a bigoted and angry commentator, simply because of a parchment from Harvard (“MSNBC axes anti-Trump Reid’s show,” Feb. 24).

Reid never sounded “Ivy” with her insights.

Leftist networks should realize that when average Americans sit down to watch opinion shows, they want a dash of reality mixed in with the vitriol.

It gets tiresome hearing views that are a lot of anger and only a touch of truth.

Rich Klitzberg

Boca Raton, Fla.

How refreshing to read about the beginning of the end of the biased liberal media.

Reid, and others of her ilk, are beginning to suffer.

American citizens don’t want to wake up to untruthful news reporting, as illustrated by the content of her shows and her MSNBC ouster.

I look forward to celebrating more of this landslide.

Harry Winkler

West Palm Beach, Fla.

Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.



This story originally appeared on NYPost

£10,000 invested in Lloyds shares 20 years ago is now worth…

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Image source: Getty Images

It’s great to see Lloyds Banking Group (LSE: LLOY) shares up 25% so far in 2025. That would already have turned £10,000 invested at the start of the year into £12,500 today.

We’re seeing a 31% gain over five years, which would take £10,000 up to £13,100. Oh, plus five years of dividends. But even five years is still a short time for long-term Foolish investors. What does the long term say?

Two decades

Let’s take ourselves back 20 years to 2005. Before Covid, Brexit, PPI mis-selling… and even before the 2008 banking crisis.

At the end of February 2005, Lloyds shares were selling at 318p. At the time of writing, we’re looking at a price of 68p. That’s a 79% fall, which would have reduced £10,000 to just £2,100. Ouch! What can we learn? I think quite a lot, and it’s by no means all bad.

Thanks to dividends, our actual losses wouldn’t have been that high. No, Lloyds paid out a total of 141p per share over that period. So we could be sitting on a total value per share today of 209p.

That’s still a loss of 34%, which would leave our £10,000 worth £6,600. It’s still not great. But it’s not the wipeout we might expect from the second-biggest FTSE sector crash I can remember. The dot com crash was the biggest.

Diversification wins

It also shows the importance of diversification. Over that same two-decade period, the FTSE 100 is up 75%. Add around the same again in dividends, and it’s enough to take an intital £10,000 up to £25,000. That includes Lloyds and the other banks. And it also covers a period from Ocotber 2007 to February 2021 when the Footsie posted a zero overall rise.

Stock market investors have been through a high-risk 20 years. But look how well we could still have come out of it had we been well diversified.

Diversification can be tricky when we’re getting started. I bought some Barclays shares in 2007 just before the big crash. If it hadn’t been part of a diversified ISA, I could have quickly lost three-quarters of my money.

One way to reduce the risk would be to go for something like the iShares Core FTSE 100 UCITS ETF. That’s an exchange-traded fund that tracks the FTSE 100. Over 20 years something like that can closely match the index, less a small annual charge. We get maximum FTSE 100 diversification from just one buy.

Investment trusts

I like investment trusts too, and I have a couple, including City of London Investment Trust. It doesn’t try to track the market, but instead goes for a range of dividend-paying UK stocks. Again, it offers a package of diversification. And it’s raised its dividend for 58 years in a row.

I have one core takeaway from this look back on the past 20 years of Lloyds shares. Even someone buying Lloyds at such an apparently disastrous time could still have done well had it been part of a diversified strategy.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool