Latest news with #Lara
Cosmopolitan
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
KATSEYE Shoutout the Trans Community In 'Mean Girls' Lyrics
Calling all Eyekons! Global girl group KATSEYE has officially dropped their highly anticipated second EP, Beautiful Chaos. The 5-track project comes after the release of their Charli XCX-co-written single, 'Gabriela,' and, of course, their certified song of the summer, 'Gnarly.' One of the new tracks on the EP, 'Mean Girls,' chooses grace over drama as the six members shout out all kinds of women—'sweet girls,' 'queen girls,' 'spill all the tea girls,' and, yes, even 'mean girls'—in its lyrics. Of course, the Gen Z powerhouses didn't leave out the trans community, as they also mused, 'God bless the T girls and all the in-between girls,' toward the end of the track. The sweet sentiment comes after two of KATSEYE's members, Lara Raj and Megan Skiendiel, came out as queer earlier this year. In March, Lara opened up about her sexuality during a live stream on Weverse, a South Korean platform where K-pop idols get to interact with fans. 'I knew I was half a fruitcake when I was like eight. So I really was wanting everybody,' she wrote to fans on the app, then clarifying that she doesn't label herself 'bc im not just into men n women, i like anyone im open to anyone.' A few months later, Megan came out as bisexual during another live stream. In a viral clip from the June live stream, Megan wishes Lara a happy Pride month as they apply hair extensions. 'Thank you, Megan, you too!' Lara said in between giggles. She then encouraged her bandmate to speak her truth as she counted her down. 'Guys, I'm coming out. I'm bisexual,' Megan shared before jumping with joy and saying, 'Oh my God, wait, I was like, scared.' The girls are not only experiencing, but spreading, queer joy and for that, we simply must stan. Stream 'Beautiful Chaos' now
Newsweek
16 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
California Proposes Major Insurance Reform
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is pursuing sweeping reforms for California's FAIR plan to stabilize the state's insurer of last resort. In a press release issued on Wednesday, the California Department of Insurance said FAIR Plans' expansion in the last 10 years has revealed "flaws in a system that was never designed to bear the weight it now carries." Under Proposition 103, insurance companies have been allowed to bypass high-risk areas including those prone to wildfires, leaving many homeowners and businesses in the state resorting to the FAIR Plan for coverage. "The FAIR Plan needs to be a temporary option, not the only option," Lara said in the press release. "My top priority is for people to have more choices in a competitive market. And for those unable to find coverage right now, the FAIR Plan needs to provide the services and benefit payouts they deserve, quickly and fully." Why It Matters The reforms come amidst a crisis in California's insurance market, where increasing wildfire risk has led many providers to limit or abandon coverage. The number of policies held on the FAIR Plan, which offers insurance to those who cannot find coverage on the market, has boomed in recent years. As of March 2025, the FAIR Plan's total policies in force is 573,739—a 23 percent increase since September 2024, and a 139 percent increase since September 2021. What To Know Through Lara's Sustainable Insurance Strategy, he is aiming to restore the FAIR Plan to a "temporary solution, not a permanent one," and to give Californians "more options and stronger protections." His reforms include: Expanded coverage : Starting July 26, 2025, the FAIR Plan will temporarily offer high-value commercial coverage—up to $20 million per building and $100 million per location—through 2028, including coverage for HOAs and affordable housing. : Starting July 26, 2025, the FAIR Plan will temporarily offer high-value commercial coverage—up to $20 million per building and $100 million per location—through 2028, including coverage for HOAs and affordable housing. Increased transparency : As of July 1, 2025, the FAIR Plan must publicly report exposures, policy counts, and financial data to inform policymakers and the public. : As of July 1, 2025, the FAIR Plan must publicly report exposures, policy counts, and financial data to inform policymakers and the public. Market stabilization : In response to insurer withdrawals, Lara moved to stabilize the market and on June 23, 2025, urged dismissal of a lawsuit by Consumer Watchdog that he says undermines reform efforts. : In response to insurer withdrawals, Lara moved to stabilize the market and on June 23, 2025, urged dismissal of a lawsuit by Consumer Watchdog that he says undermines reform efforts. Wildfire claims oversight : The Department of Insurance is investigating FAIR Plan responses to smoke damage claims from the Los Angeles wildfires and has directed improvements in staffing and claims handling. : The Department of Insurance is investigating FAIR Plan responses to smoke damage claims from the Los Angeles wildfires and has directed improvements in staffing and claims handling. Operational review : A financial examination report on FAIR Plan operations, based on 2022 recommendations, is expected soon to assess progress on governance and service reforms. : A financial examination report on FAIR Plan operations, based on 2022 recommendations, is expected soon to assess progress on governance and service reforms. New financial tools: Lara has co-sponsored Assembly Bill 226, allowing the FAIR Plan to seek bonds, loans, and credit lines—pending Insurance Commissioner approval—to expand fire insurance access. An aerial view of a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire on May 7 in Pacific Palisades, California. An aerial view of a mobile home park destroyed by the Palisades Fire on May 7 in Pacific Palisades, California. Justin Sullivan/GETTY What People Are Saying Commissioner Lara said in Wednesday's press release: "Decades of neglect have created a crisis of availability. We want homeowners and business owners to have choices – not just a last resort. We cannot accept the growth of the FAIR Plan as inevitable. My continued reforms create the first-ever requirement for insurance companies to write policies in wildfire-distressed areas if they want to use forward-looking models or the cost of reinsurance in their rates. This is about reforming the limits of Proposition 103 and delivering on the promise of insurance access for every Californian." What Happens Next? Researchers at the comparison website Insurify have estimated that homeowner insurance premiums on the market will continue to rise this year, by as much as 21 percent throughout 2025, with an estimated average annual premium of $2,930, compared to $2,424 paid by California homeowners in 2024.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Katseye drops 'Beautiful Chaos' EP, disco-inspired music video for 'Gameboy'
Katseye is here with some new bangers! The girl group dropped their new 'Beautiful Chaos' EP on Friday, which includes the previously released tracks 'Gnarly' and 'Gabriela.' More tracks include 'Gameboy,' 'Mean Girls,' and 'MIA.' Following the release, Katseye took to Instagram to thank their fans 'for all of the love and support you've shown us." "Thank you for being here from the beginning. these songs are extremely meaningful to us and it's been SO hard to keep them from you," they added. 'Welcome to the world of 'Beautiful Chaos,' we can't wait for you to be a part of it.' On Friday, Manon, Sophia, Daniela, Lara, Megan, and Yoonchae also released the music video for 'Gameboy,' where the ladies danced the choreography on top of a lit-up disco dancefloor. The Katseye craze took over Manila in 2024 when the girl group visited the country for a fan showcase, various appearances including 'It's Showtime,' and collaborations with Filipino content creators like Niana Guerrero. Filipina member Sophia was also able to reunite with her family, and Lara and Megan were able to try balut. The girls are best known for their viral song, 'Touch.' — Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News
STV News
a day ago
- STV News
'My husband went overboard and we might never know what happened'
The wife of a US Navy diver who fell from a ferry travelling from Gourock to Dunoon fears she may never find out what happened to her husband. Mark Federspiel, 64, went overboard on Father's Day on his way back home from vising his 22-year-old daughter Lara on the mainland. Now, almost two weeks on, his wife Annette told STV News the circumstances of what happened to Mark remain a mystery, as there were no cameras on board the vessel and no eyewitnesses. 'All I know for sure is that I came onto the boat with Mark, but I came off it without him,' she told STV News. 'He has been missing for 12 days now, and the police haven't found a body. 'An oceanographer is now assisting the effort. They are looking at things like the tide and Mark's weight, with the working assumption that he may end up in the area off Helensburgh. 'But we might never get him back.' Mark Federspiel with his daughter Lara. Mark had been receiving treatment for a rare form of leukaemia, with the side effects of the drugs often leaving him unsteady on his feet. Annette, who has been married to Mark for almost 40 years, said: 'Mark was living with leukemia, and he was depressed, but there is no way that he jumped overboard. He loved me too much, and he loved Lara too much. 'He regularly felt dizzy and his legs were in a bad way, the MacMillan nurses will testify to that. 'Mark was very relaxed when he left the car, he didn't say anything out of the ordinary. I knew his legs had been sore and his balance wasn't very good.' Annette and Mark had been doing some painting and DIY at their daughter's house while she was away on holiday. On their way back across the Firth of Clyde, Annette charged up her phone and found Lara had posted a reel about her dad. Annette told STV News: 'Lara had put a story up for Father's Day and I said 'Mark, wait til you see what Lara's said about you' and I showed him the message. 'Just after that, Mark said he had to visit the bathroom, and that was the last time I saw him. I was re-reading Lara's post, but I began to wonder where Mark was.' Just seven minutes or so after Annette realised Mark must have fallen overboard, she raised the alarm. 'I started screaming on the deck of the ferry,' she said. 'That's when staff members started coming down the stairs – there was not one member of staff on deck. I was in my car, but when Mark disappeared, nobody saw anything, and there were no cameras on board. 'I am so angry. If Mark fell in, why didn't he get a ring thrown to him? What is the point in them being there? I have travelled on the ferry so many times, but once the staff take your ticket, they are gone. 'After we couldn't find Mark, the next thing we knew, there were helicopters and rescue boats deployed, and everybody on the ferry was looking out at the water trying to spot him.' Mark, a physicist, and Annette, who had worked in the beauty industry, had recently returned to her hometown of Dunoon after years spent in the United States and were looking forward to their retirement in Scotland. He had been diagnosed with hairy cell leukaemia two years earlier. As a US Navy diver, Mark was responsible for disassembling explosives at sea and was nicknamed 'Mark the Shark' because of his speed. Annette was critical of Western Ferries, saying that personnel should have been on deck when Mark disappeared. 'Nobody can say what happened to him,' she said. 'If staff were on the ferry deck, they could have thrown a ring at him, and he would still be here today. 'My husband deserved more; he was a great guy and a great father. We may never be able to put this to rest. I'll always be asking 'where are you Mark?' and Lara will be asking 'where are you dad?' We just want him home. 'There are no answers, and we might never know what happened. 'I have a sea view from my house, and I was using binoculars to watch the search. I am still traumatised and cannot believe this has happened to my husband. 'The police have been nice and very compassionate, but we've not heard a single thing from the mental health team that was helping Mark.' Getty Images Police Scotland said 'exhaustive' water searches had concluded, but inquiries are continuing. Chief inspector James McArthur said: 'Around 1.40pm on Sunday, June 15, 2025, we received a report of a 64-year-old man missing from a ferry travelling between Gourock and Dunoon. 'Police and partner agencies, including the Coastguard attended and extensive searches have been carried out on the water and shorelines. Local officers have been assisted by our Dive and Marine Unit and Air Support Unit. 'The water searches have concluded, however, our enquiries remain ongoing and officers are providing support to his family.' A spokesperson for Western Ferries said: 'Everyone at Western Ferries is profoundly aware of the tragic nature of last weekend's events and the impact they have had on family and friends. 'Western Ferries wants to reassure all our customers that our vessels' bridges are strategically positioned to provide optimal visibility to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. The design of the vessel and the onboard equipment satisfies all relevant regulatory requirements. 'Since the events of June 15, Western Ferries has been co-operating fully with the police and emergency services to assist in understanding the circumstances.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm a size 14 and did the best 25% off Tesco summer haul – run before new co-ord sells out, it's so flattering
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SAVVY fashionista has revealed the epic Tesco clothing haul she bagged in the 25% off sale - and urged people to run for a "beautiful" co-ord. Lara Mercer, from Scotland, regularly shares her shopping hauls and style inspiration on her TikTok page (@laralouisemercer). Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Lara Mercer did a big summer clothing haul from Tesco Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer 6 Lara hailed this £39 co-ord as perfect for holiday Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer 6 The Scots fashionista predicted this co-ord to be a viral must-have Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer In a recent video, the mum showed off the "perfect for holiday" summer buys she picked up in the supermarket this week. Tesco's in-house fashion label, F&F, is renowned for its stylish buys at affordable prices. But Clubcard users can save an extra 25% on items if they purchase them before Sunday, June 29. Lara, a size 14, had only nipped to the supermarket to grab bin bags and coffee when she stumbled across the promotional signs in the F&F aisles. "Why did no one tell me there was 25% off?" she cried. "Obviously that roped me in, and there was so much [new things]. I didn't think there would be, I felt like I was only just there last week. "They had loads of sizes as well. So Monday mornings are a good time to go to Tesco guys." First up, she bagged a £25 black and white polka dot satin midi dress which she described as "just beautiful". She also found a gold sheer metallic dress for £19.50 that she insists is so pretty you'll want to wear it by the pool and at night time too. She gushed: "How beautiful is that? Oh my god. That on holiday, some chunky jewellery. Tesco fans are set to love the latest items in stores for 25 per cent off when you use clubcard "It's got this wee slip dress inside which is perfect so it's not see-through. So you could probably wear it at night as well. Obsessed. The colour is just everything. "Guys it's a win win any time that's on. It's just a bargain." Next, the Scots fashionista picked up a £22.50 cream crochet mini dress that she said would be the perfect day-to-night outfit if you "get a wee slip dress or Skims underneath". Lara styled it with a gold belt to cinch in the waist, and sized up to a large for a comfy look. But it was two summery co-ords that she was most impressed with. She bagged a £25 white maxi skirt with a black floral pattern, sizing down to a size 12, and matching bandeau crop top for £14. 6 Lara managed to bag her summer buys in the 25% off sale Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer 6 Her haul should have cost £151 but she saved over £30 Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer 6 Other fashion fans are loving Lara's picks Credit: TikTok/@laralouisemercer She hailed the outfit as "the perfect co-ord for your holiday", adding: "How stunning is this? I genuinely love it. "It's not anything I would ever wear, especially the long skirt. But I am obsessed. The print, the fit, the black and white. Oh my god, I want to scream. "How beautiful is that print? Oh my goodness. Love it. Love, love, love. "And it's got this stretchy material at the back." She also tracked down a pretty sage green high-waisted mini skirt and tie-front waistcoat, priced at £22.50 each. "Look at the colours of that. That sage green, all embroidered", she gushed. "This is going to be the new viral co-ord 100 per cent. It's stunning. And it's really good quality, it's lined as well. "This is beautiful, I can 100 per cent guarantee this is going to sell out so quick." Lara's haul should have set her back £151 in total, but she managed to get it for just £113.25, saving £37.75. She said: "When you've got the 25% off it makes a good bit of difference." And fashion fans were loving her gorgeous picks, with her video racking up 49,000 views. One gushed: "Love the waistcoat co-ord set and the swimsuit cover up, you have styled so well. Running to Tesco." "You look great in all of them", someone else added. Meanwhile, a third wrote: "You just keep finding better outfits." More supermarket bargains While you're in store, you may also want to keep an eye out for the £19.50 'chuck on' summer dress that is "gorgeous on" and comes in three colours. Fashion fans are in a frenzy over the "prettiest" £35 Tesco dress too - it's perfect for weddings and comes in on-trend, classy colour. Elsewhere, shoppers have fallen in love with Tu's Yellow Striped Tie Detail Midaxi Tea Dress, which is priced at £28.
