Officials Warn of 'Dangerous' Swimming Conditions at NC Beaches
Oak Island and Sunset Beach in North Carolina are dealing with dangerous swimming conditions this week because Portuguese Man o' War washed ashore. These organisms are known for packing an incredibly painful sting even after they've died. With that said, Cape Lookout officials have issued a warning to beachgoers.
"These aren't jellyfish, but colonies of organisms with a powerful sting. Even when dead, their tentacles can still sting, so DO NOT TOUCH them," fire officials in Sunset Beach said.
That's not the only issue plaguing North Carolina this month. Swimming advisories have been issued for parts of the Outer Banks due to a serious bacteria problem.
According to the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program, test results from Whiskey Creek show that bacteria levels have blown past the state and federal action levels of 104 enterococci per 100 milliliters. This is a sign of fecal contamination in the water.
From CBS 17:
Testing at Jockey's Ridge Sound-side Access in Nags Head found water samples that show a running monthly average of 37 enterococci per 100 milliliters of water, according to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality.
The levels in the Roanoke Sound exceed the state and federal standards of a running monthly average of 35 enterococci per 100 milliliters, based on five samples taken within a 30-day period, officials said.
The beaches in these areas have not closed despite these swimming advisories.
It's unclear how long these beach troubles will last for the Outer Banks.
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Forbes
41 minutes ago
- Forbes
Portugal Golden Visa: Americans Benefit From Key Court Ruling In 2025
Aerial view of Poiso forest, Madeira Island, Portugal. getty The Portugal golden visa program has become a top choice for Americans seeking residency abroad, and recent constitutional rulings have further strengthened the program. In 2024, Forbes named Portugal the best golden visa program for investors because of the speed towards citizenship, coupled with the minimum requirement of spending two weeks in the country every year. Like every other EU golden visa, holders have access to free movement in all 27 EU countries and the Schengen area beyond, but Portugal also offers a great healthcare and education system, and social services. When Spain closed its program, both Portugal and Greece were big winners. For example, Greek government figures highlighted a monthly increase in American applications from 302 to 383 by November 2024. (Greece has one of the fastest golden visa processes, granting residency within 60 days.) By June 2025, the Portuguese government had seen a 72% increase in approvals, with Americans being the main recipients, according to information from the country's Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum, AIMA. The government approved a record number of applicants, 4,987 more than the previous year. Portugal's golden visa program has raised more than $7.2 billion (€7 billion) since it was created in 2012, and most participants have been Chinese, Brazilian, and U.S. nationals. Non-Europeans can apply for fast-track residency through various options in Portugal, including a minimum $525,000 (€500,000) investment in eligible funds. The program allowed people to apply for citizenship five years after enrolling in the golden visa program. Vida Capital is a Lisbon-based golden visa fund that has seen an immense increase in American interest in gaining Portuguese citizenship over the past year—a 571% increase in traffic from the U.S. in the first half of 2025 compared to the first half of 2024. Since 2019, the foreign population in Portugal has almost tripled to 1.6 million, which accounts for about 15% of the total population, as per Portugal's Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum. In June 2025, the government announced plans to toughen up on how people gain residency, and it was unclear how that would impact the golden visa program. For example, the government voted to extend the period required for a foreigner to obtain citizenship to as many as 10 years from the current five (reduced to seven years for individuals hailing from the so-called Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries, such as Brazil). The government also voted on introducing a need to really understand the Portuguese language and culture before acquiring a passport. Vida Capital has seen a 116% bump in U.S. traffic since the government announced citizenship these changes in June. The Constitutional Ruling Favours The Portugal Golden Visa Program The Portuguese constitutional courts this week blocked several proposals of the upcoming Foreigner's Law that the government was planning to introduce namely that all immigrants to the country would have to undergo a two-year waiting period before bringing family members to Portugal and limiting reunification to spouses and minor children. The court upheld the rights of golden visa applicants and added that AIMA must continue processing golden visa family reunification applications under the existing favorable rules. Alex Ohnona, co-founder of Vida Capital said, "the constitutional court's ruling this week actually strengthens the case to move forward now. It signals that golden visa investors will maintain their special status, including family benefits, regardless of broader immigration reforms." Tomás Assis Teixeira, a partner at CCA Law in Porto, agreed that the ruling reinforced the golden visa status. "The Court notably didn't challenge the privileged treatment of golden visa holders compared to other visa types, and specifically preserved full family reunification rights for golden visa investors, including spouses, children, and dependent parents. This demonstrates Portugal's commitment to maintaining the programme's competitive advantages." Joana Mendonça, General Counsel of Global Citizen Solutions, a consultancy specializing in residency and citizenship by investment, added that "by upholding differential treatment for investors and skilled professionals, the court has confirmed that strategic economic policy objectives can coexist with constitutional equality principles when properly structured." The Arguments For And Against A Golden Visa Program Golden visa programs allow non-nationals to gain citizenship or residency in a country through investment. Critics argue that golden visas allow applicants to bypass residency requirements that apply to the rest of the population, such as language proficiency and the need to be in a country for a specific duration before applying. Many EU countries have closed their programs because critics also argue that they sometimes enable corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. Advocates argue they bring in outside investment, injecting much needed foreign capital into a country's economy. Another reason golden visas are seen as divisive is that one of the ways that many golden visa programs offer residency is in exchange for investment in real estate. Analysts and incensed locals see these as one of the main contributing drivers of increased property prices. In 2023, Portugal removed the part of the program that offered golden visas through real estate purchases, and it was a contributing factor as to why Spain closed its program entirely in April 2025. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said that the vast majority of these visas, 94%, were granted in connection with real estate investments in already strained housing markets. The current surge in American interest stems from many affluent families looking for a Plan B in respect of residency. However, as Forbes noted in 2025, U.S. applicants need to consider the additional cost of application fees, biometrics, and residence card issuance fees, due diligence costs, and renewal fees (every 2 years). Americans would also be liable for double taxation if they were to stay in Portugal for more than 183 days a year. Plus, to obtain actual citizenship, a language level of A2 in Portuguese would be required, as would a clean criminal record. One thing is clear, however. With European programs few and far between, interest in the Portugal golden visa will endure. Indeed, some industry insiders would go further, believing that the ruling might allow for the introduction of more favorable elements that would make it even more attractive. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Here's How Retirement Visas For U.S. Expats Compare, Based On New Data By Alex Ledsom Forbes What It Means To Be Wealthy In Panama By Alex Ledsom Forbes The Prettiest Village In France, Voted By The French—In Pictures By Alex Ledsom
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
‘I retired to Portugal – it's like living in a five-star hotel'
Ken MacKenzie has always loved spending time at his holiday home in Praia d'El Rey, in Portugal. So after retiring in 2021, he set about trying to convince his wife Diane to move there permanently. The couple had bought a plot of land north of Lisbon in 2007. There were setbacks in getting their project off the ground due to the financial crisis, but by 2011 they had a five-bedroom villa – with a pool and sea views. During school holidays the couple, along with their four children, would visit for weeks at a time. MacKenzie would often commute back on Monday mornings to London, where he worked as a partner at an accountancy firm, and then rejoin the family on a Thursday evening. 'It was always in my mind that we could live here in the future, but you do have to recognise that things are going to be different,' says MacKenzie, 64. 'You give up your routine and your day-to-day contact with friends and family.' Finally, in March 2024, the family made the decision to make the holiday villa their full-time home. How to move to Portugal Portugal has long been a popular destination for British expats. Not only is the weather better and the cost of living lower, but it has been relatively easy to get a residence permit and – until recently – there were significant tax breaks for expats. It is estimated that almost 50,000 British expats live in the country. Those moving to Portugal will first need to apply for a residency visa, and then once they are in the country, apply for a residency permit. This is usually valid for two years and can be extended for a further three years, according to Gilda Pereira, of the Portuguese migration agency Ei. After living in the country for five years on this permit, you can apply for a permanent residency permit or citizenship. For all of these, you will need to prove you have sufficient income to live on and accommodation. Since Brexit, a golden visa programme has opened up to UK residents moving to Portugal. This is a visa available to those investing or buying a property in the country, but does not require you to live there permanently. But Pereira says the most common option for UK retirees is a D7 visa, which is available to non-EU nationals who can prove they have the funds to support themselves – with €870 (£753) a month for a single person or €1,305 (£1,130) a month for couples. This does not require an investment. Previously, some expats were eligible for the Non-Habitual Residents (NHR) tax scheme, which offered generous tax breaks to foreign residents – including a reduced tax rate of 10pc on UK pension income. This ended in 2024, although those who had already qualified are able to benefit for 10 years. The MacKenzies moved before the scheme ended, so are able to enjoy this tax break. 'It is attractive that there is a tax benefit, but we would have moved here anyway,' says MacKenzie. The NHR has been replaced by a new scheme, the IFICI, which does not offer any tax breaks on pension income, says Pereira. However, there is no inheritance tax charged in Portugal. The tax was abolished in 2004, and instead residents pay a flat rate of 10pc stamp duty on inherited assets – although close relatives including a spouse, child or parent who inherit are exempt from this. A double-taxation agreement between the UK and Portugal means you will not pay tax twice on the same income. However, those planning to draw on their pension should consider taking their tax-free lump sum before they become Portuguese tax residents, because there is no equivalent tax break in the country. Everyone registered as living in Portugal is entitled to use its national health service. Unlike the NHS, this is not free but the fees are relatively low – at €5 for a GP appointment and €15 to go to A&E. Pereira says: 'Many people choose Portugal for the weather, the friendly people and the healthy lifestyle. However, they can find the bureaucracy a problem. Applying for visas and permits can be difficult so it is worth finding a professional who can help with the process.' MacKenzie adds: 'Moving country is like moving house but more extreme. And then, if you are dealing with retiring at the same time, it means you have to flip your mindset from saving to spending. It can be a massive challenge.' 'I love to sit on the terrace and watch the waves' For MacKenzie, retirement in Portugal is everything he had hoped for. He swims every day and uses his sauna. He plays golf, goes walking with his dog Gizmo, enjoys cycling and going to the gym. The nearest beach is just 250 metres away. 'The weather is so much better than the UK and it's a very outdoors lifestyle. I love to sit on the terrace and watch the waves, it's such a spectacular setting. It feels like living in a five-star hotel,' he says. 'Having the holiday home has made it all easier. I think it would be daunting to move if we hadn't spent time here before.' Portugal is one of the more affordable European countries to live. According to consultancy Immigrant Invest, you can expect to spend about €300 a month on groceries, while a monthly travel pass is €40 and a litre of petrol €1.87. It estimates that a single person needs about €1,780 a month to live comfortably, including rent. Property prices vary significantly across the country, from about €1,500 per square metre in the Alentejo region in the centre and south of the country to €3,644 per square metre in central Lisbon. According to Portugal's national statistics office, house prices across the country increased by a massive 16.3pc in the year to the first quarter of 2025. MacKenzie and his wife downsized their house in the UK to a smaller property in Tunbridge Wells before moving, and now rent it out to get a steady income stream. He also receives an income from investments and draws down on his private pension. The couple will get the full state pension in a few years, and Portugal is one of the countries where retired expats can still benefit from annual increases in the payment – thanks to the UK's valuable triple lock. However, it depends which country you retire in as to whether you will enjoy this protection. For anyone considering a move overseas, MacKenzie recommends attending events to learn more about how to do it. 'The Portuguese Chamber of Commerce does a six-monthly roadshow in the UK, which is very useful. Social media can also be helpful but there is a lot of wrong information out there,' he says. Seeking professional advice can also be worth it for some of the more complex aspects, and the couple have continued using the property agent who looked after their villa when they were in the UK, to help with any issues. 'Portuguese isn't an easy language, and we don't read it or speak it fluently, so having that help was beneficial. It can also be a problem if you don't get the sequence of doing things right, for example, getting into the tax system in Portugal while extracting yourself from the UK can be tricky because the tax year runs differently,' adds MacKenzie. The tax year in Portugal runs with the calendar year from Jan 1 to Dec 31, unlike in the UK where it runs from April 6 to April 5, so you may have a year where you must file a tax return in both countries. 'You need to be realistic about what you want to take on yourself and where you need help.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Solve the daily Crossword
San Francisco Chronicle
19 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Here are Yosemite's busiest entrances
Summer visitors flocking to Yosemite National Park can expect to hit the longest lines at the park's southern gate, acting superintendent Ray McPadden said Tuesday. Located two miles from the town of Fish Camp, that gate marks the park's only south-facing entrance, making it a hotspot for visitors from the Los Angeles area. Yosemite's second-busiest access point — the Big Oak Flat entrance, off Highway 120 — shares the load of Bay Area visitors with the Arch Rock Entrance, located down Highway 140. It's been almost three months since Yosemite began implementing a contentious new reservation system designed to keep the crowds of visitors at bay. Hourlong waits at popular entrance stations were common before the park launched its first trial reservation system five years ago. Now, McPadden said, Yosemite aims to keep wait times to a maximum of 10 minutes. 'Good news is, the vast majority of the days, you're going to wait less than 10 minutes,' McPadden told the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors this week. 'Bad news is, Saturday mornings, people are still very much piling up.' Wait times can jump up to almost an hour between 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturday mornings, McPadden said. Park leadership hopes to 'cycle people through faster' during these times, especially at the park's most popular entrances. They're piloting a public connectivity program at the Big Oak Flat entrance, he added — granting visitors internet access so they can pull up information about their reservation and lodgings on their cellphones while they wait in line. Yosemite's system requires reservations for visitors who enter the park between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Memorial Day weekend, between June 15 and Aug. 15, and over Labor Day weekend. It's a more relaxed version of the permanent day-use requirements that the park had planned to introduce this year, but put on an indefinite hold to give the Trump administration time to review the changes. The first Memorial Day under the reservation requirements went smoothly in spite of initial concerns that they would sow confusion at the gates. And McPadden portrayed the 'visitor-friendly' pilot system as an overall success. 'What we're generally seeing is people are getting to go where they want to go,' McPadden said. 'Traffic is free-flowing in the park. We're not seeing crazy lines. We're not seeing our ambulances failing to get to emergencies or any other emergency service disruptions. So this is all good.' The park is projected to hit 4.5 million visitors by the end of 2025, he added, which could make it the park's second or third busiest year on record. Yosemite set its visitation record when it welcomed more than 5 million visitors in 2016, the centennial year of the National Park system. Although McPadden did not say whether the pilot reservation system would be here to stay, he expressed optimism that the park would soon move toward a consistent 'new normal.'
