Latest news with #JohnBell
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Yacht crews and friends - including Below Deck reality show star - pay touching tribute to 'murdered' superyacht 'golden girl' Paige Bell on her birthday and reveal how she'd planned to celebrate turning 21
Tributes have flooded in from around the world for superyacht stewardess Paige Bell days after she was killed, with family, friends and the yachting community marking what would have been her 21st birthday. The South African crew member was found dead in the engine room of Far From It, the luxury motor boat she worked on in the Bahamas, on July 3. Police arrested a 39-year-old Mexican engineer who worked with Paige after discovering him near her body, and he was later charged with her murder. Paige's distraught parents Michelle and John Bell flew out to the Bahamas last week, 'seeking justice for the monster that took her life' and 'to begin the painful process of bringing their baby girl home.' Tragically, Paige had been just days away from travelling home to Durban to attend a big celebration with loved ones for her birthday on July 14. As they prepared to mark the milestone without their beloved daughter, a statement written on GoFundMe on behalf of Paige's family asked that people 'come together' to commemorate her life. 'In honor of Paige, her mother has asked that we all eat red velvet cake (her favorite) on that day and share a photo in remembrance of the beautiful soul she was,' it read. Yacht workers, friends and well-wishers around the world responded by sharing their support for the family, with dozens posting pictures of their red velvet cakes. Crews on boats from the Bahamas to Europe and Paige's native South Africa also blared their horns in a worldwide tribute to honour the life of one of their own. When a seafarer dies, it is a maritime tradition to sound eight bells to honour them - a signal that a sailor's 'watch' is over. Yacht captain and Below Deck star Hugo Ortega shared a picture of Paige and footage of a harbour full of yachts sounding their horns on her birthday. In a tribute on social media, he wrote: 'To Paige's family, boyfriend, crew & friends, I'm so incredibly sorry. 'I think I can speak for the entire yachting community when I say my heart is broken for you... for women in the industry, for women everywhere,' he added. One of Paige's crewmates and close friends shared a touching tribute to the youngster, who she called 'my darling angel.' 'Happy birthday to the girl with the loudest cackle. Thank you for being an absolute ray of sunshine in my life, you will be deeply missed. 'I will miss being woken up by your contagious laugh on our off duty days,' she said, adding: 'Love you lots, more than you like pepperoni [pizza].' Pictures in her post showed Paige smiling with her team and a bottle of prosecco emblazoned with her nickname 'Paigey' and 21. Countless videos from around the world showed yacht crews blaring their horns, both at sea and in harbour, highlighting how hard the tragic news of Paige's death has hit the tight-knit yachting community. Sharing footage of him and his crew eating red velvet cake as he switches their boat's horn on, crew member Andre West wrote: 'As a South African crew in Greece, we are sending every ounce of love and all the comfort in the world to the friends and family of Paige Bell. Our hearts break with you all. Fly high.' Another clip showed a crew falling silent in prayer as they paused work to remember the young woman's life. Industry broadcaster Yachting International Radio shared a moving tribute online, reiterating the request of Paige's family that people mark her birthday with cake. 'We didn't know Paige. But we know grief. We know the ache of a life interrupted. And we know this industry has too often turned away instead of toward,' the poignant statement read. 'So today, we pause. Not to perform. But to remember. Because some absences should never feel quiet. The broadcaster, which works to highlight issues faced by the yachting industry, added poignantly: 'The fight for justice and change can resume tomorrow. 'Today, we say her name. Not in anger. Not in noise. But in stillness, so the world cannot forget. Paige.' The young stewardess was remembered by those who knew her as a hard-working 'golden girl' with a 'radiant spirit' and 'infectious laughter'. Stephanus Coetzer former crewmate of Paige on board motor yacht Sweet Emocean, said she had told him of her dream of becoming a Chief Stew. 'I truly believe that if she was with us still she would have accomplished all of her dreams, without a doubt,' he said in a tribute post. 'I believe she would have tried to "be the change" that she believed made crew members good.' Just after 1pm on July 3, police were alerted to an incident at the marina on Harbour Island, an exclusive resort 60 miles east of the capital Nassau. Cops boarded the 43-metre yacht Far From It, where they were told that Paige had not been seen for a short period of time. They found her unresponsive in the yacht's engine room with visible injuries, before a doctor attended the scene and confirmed she had died. She was found near the engineer who had severe injuries to his arm in what police described as a suspected suicide attempt. He was apprehended, cautioned and taken to a nearby clinic for treatment, police said in a statement, before he was later charged with murder.
Axios
24-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
How a hemp exec could decide the future of THC regulation in North Carolina
North Carolina House Rules Chairman Rep. John Bell, who is also the president of a hemp manufacturing and distribution company, has been the point person in his chamber on several proposed bills making their way through the legislature that could impact his company. He also has the power to determine their fate. Why it matters: One proposal, the " Protecting Our Community Act," could give Bell's company, Asterra Labs, a leg up on competitors who may not be able to comply with testing, packaging and other requirements outlined in the legislation. Another, House Bill 328, passed by the state Senate Thursday, would force him to close Asterra and lay off all 20 of his employees, he said. Driving the news: HB328 now goes to the House, where Bell has the power to block it from ever coming to a vote. Alternatively, he could aid in transforming the legislation into something more favorable to the state's hemp industry. The big picture: Bell, who is among the most powerful elected officials in North Carolina, is uniquely positioned to shape the laws that could be of significant financial gain — or detriment — to the company he leads. Though allowed under state ethics law, his work on the legislation, which has been playing out behind the scenes for months, calls attention to the ethics of a dilemma that plays out often in the halls of the legislature, where lawmakers often work in the private sector to supplement their legislative income. In an interview with Axios, Bell pointed to a host of other teachers, lawyers, doctors, realtors, retired state employees and law enforcement officers who, as lawmakers, work on, run and vote on bills that pertain to their professions. "We've got a car dealer piece that's going on right now, back and forth. How many car dealers do we have in the General Assembly?" Bell said. "Does anybody say shit about that?" Catch up quick: A growing push to regulate hemp has emerged in recent weeks, with Republicans and Democrats alike highlighting the need for age restrictions and limits for psychoactive hemp-derived cannabinoids, including gummies and vapes. Though marijuana remains illegal in any form in the state, North Carolina is among the most lenient states in the country for hemp-derived consumables. With only a few weeks left before lawmakers wrap up the bulk of their work for this year's session, Senate Republicans unveiled and rapidly advanced this week the most restrictive hemp bill proposed yet. If the bill becomes law, it would ban all forms of hemp-derived THC, including CBD, with the exception of delta-9, the psychoactive component of marijuana. Threat level: That proposal would wipe out the hemp industry in the state, Bell said, and eliminate thousands of jobs, including in his own company. "If you intended to go after the bad actors, what you just did with this legislation is you eliminated all the good players, but kept the bad actors in place," Bell said he told the bill sponsor this week. He also asked the sponsor whether, if the bill becomes law, "would they like to come with me to my facility and tell 20 people they have to find another job." Behind the scenes: Bell has been a key player in hemp legislation proposed this session as a participant in several meetings and discussions about the legislation in recent months, two sources familiar with his involvement tell Axios. Bell sought an opinion from the legislature's nonpartisan staff attorney on the ethics of working on the legislation. In a letter dated June 18, the attorney outlines the state ethics law concluded that "conflicts of interest" don't "prohibit service as a legislator." "The general scenario of a legislative action that legalizing and establishing a process for marijuana, medical marijuana, CBD products, hemp, or THC products to be produced, sold, or consumed in this State does not raise red flags of required recusal, provided that legislative action is not in some way authorizing only the business with which you are associated to be the grower, producer, seller of the product," read the letter, which Bell provided to Axios. Zoom in: State law bars elected officials from using their position to financially benefit themselves or their business, unless it also benefits the rest of their profession, occupation or general class. "As long as I'm not doing something exactly for Asterra Labs and my business, there's no ethical challenges there," Bell told Axios in an interview Wednesday. Of note: Asterra is a subsidiary of private equity firm RISE Capital, which is owned by former University of North Carolina System Board of Governors chairman Harry Smith. Smith is one of just a few in the state who have vocalized discontent with longtime Republican Senate leader Phil Berger, who backed the Senate's latest hemp restrictions bill. Between the lines: Though North Carolina's session requires that lawmakers spend a significant amount of their year in Raleigh, the legislature is technically part-time. Lawmakers are paid less than $14,000 a year, making it nearly impossible for those who are elected to the position to serve without working an additional job. "I don't think you could have a functioning legislature if you made everybody recuse themselves every time there was a bill that might affect their pay," Andy Jackson, director of the Civitas Center for Public Integrity at the conservative John Locke Foundation, told Axios. The other side: Bell is in a "comfortable position" as far as the law stands, Jackson said. What the law doesn't address, however, is what should happen if the legislation helps Bell "and a handful of other people in the industry essentially corner a market because they're already established," Jackson said.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What is a CD loan and how can I apply for one?
A CD loan is a type of secured loan offered by a bank or credit union that uses your certificate of deposit as collateral. CD loans can be a good option for individuals with a long credit history and good credit score, but may not be suitable for those with other borrowing options available. CD loans can help build credit if payments are made on time, but defaulting can damage credit. CD loans are secured personal loans where your certificate of deposit – a type of savings account that has a fixed term and interest rate – is used as collateral. Opening a CD loan can help you avoid withdrawing funds from your CD account before the term ends, which would incur a penalty. Like other forms of borrowing, you can use a CD loan for many reasons, like financing an emergency, paying for a home renovation or consolidating debt, but this method isn't an option for everyone. Only those who have an active CD can take out a CD-specific loan. Interested in opening a CD account but want to shop around? Take a look at some of the best offers from lenders. Learn more A CD loan, also known as a CD-secured loan, uses your certificate of deposit as collateral. Because you're borrowing against your balance and not withdrawing the funds, the loan allows you to retain your investment without penalty. Like with other secured debt, lenders normally offer lower APRs for CD loans than unsecured debts like credit cards. Lenders can pull back on the eligibility requirements and charge lower interest rates because the loan balance is backed by the money in your CD. While this is ideal for the lender, it can pose a risk to you, the borrower. If you default on the CD loan, the lender can seize your CD to cover any delinquent payments. Applying for a CD loan is similar to applying for any other type of personal loan. Here are the basic steps: Compare CD loan terms: Rates vary depending on the lender. Shop around to ensure you get the best deal for you. Gather the required documents: Documentation requirements also vary, but you'll likely need to provide your Social Security number, government-issued ID and most recent pay stubs. Complete your application: After you've selected a lender, submit an application online or in person. Repay the loan as promised: Make on-time payments to avoid late fees and damaging your credit file. CD loans may be an excellent choice for consumers, depending on their unique financial situation. People who are building or rebuilding credit: Certified financial planner John Bell says, 'I think they are best for those that are building credit and maybe don't have access to more traditional credit options, like a loan from a bank or a credit card.' People who want to avoid early withdrawal penalties: A CD loan is also a good option for individuals who want to use the funds in their CD as collateral to avoid early withdrawal penalties. While you're not borrowing from your funds when you take out a CD loan, you may be able to borrow up to the amount you currently have in your account. CD-secured loans are ideal for people who have difficulty getting approved for a loan but are confident in their ability to repay the loan. While there are advantages and disadvantages, they can be useful borrowing tools for those who qualify. Easy application process Your CD continues to earn interest Long repayment terms Good for those with bad credit Lower rates compared to alternatives Not widely available CD account required Might cost more than cashing out your CD No access to funds Loss of funds Limited loan amount Can't borrow against CDs in retirement accounts Pros in detail Easy application process: When you apply for a CD loan with a bank or credit union that holds your CD, you can often get loan approval quickly, sometimes within hours, and receive funds within a day or two. Your CD continues to earn interest: Your CD continues to grow throughout the life of the loan. Long repayment terms: Banks and credit unions usually offer generous terms, sometimes allowing you to repay funds for up to 10 years. Good for those with bad credit: Borrowers with poor credit may qualify for a CD-secured loan. Lower rates compared to alternatives: CD loans generally come with lower interest rates than other types of debt, including credit cards and unsecured personal loans. Cons in detail Not widely available: Not all banks and credit unions offer CD-secured loans. CD account required: Most lenders require that you already have an active CD to qualify. Might cost more than cashing out your CD: Some CD loans carry interest rates that are higher than your CD's rate. 'Lenders tend to add [a] margin on loan rates, which normally makes borrowing more expensive than saving (i.e. [by] owning a CD),' says Chris Diodato, CFA, CFP and founder at WELLth Financial Planning. No access to funds: You cannot cash out your CD until after you've paid off the loan. Loss of funds: If you cannot pay off the loan, the financial institution will deduct the funds from your CD to recoup what's owed. Limited loan amount: You can typically only borrow a certain amount based on a percentage of your CD's value — often between 80 and 95 percent. Can't borrow against CDs in retirement accounts: 'CDs within retirement accounts such as IRAs and Roth IRAs cannot be used to obtain a CD loan,' says Diodato. 'The IRS prohibits pledging IRA assets for a loan and would treat such an action as an immediate and taxable distribution.' A CD loan may be a good way to build credit if you make consistent, on-time payments since around 35 percent of your FICO credit score is based on repayment history, but it's important to note that not all banks report CD loans to credit bureaus. If you're hoping your CD loan will help improve your credit, make sure to check with your bank first instead of assuming your payment will be reported to credit bureaus. That said, even though they're a lower risk than other options, a lender can still seize your CD and report your delinquency to credit bureaus. Avoid defaulting on your balance since it will severely impact your credit score and can remain on your credit report for seven years. If you don't have a qualifying CD or can't find an option that fits your needs, you could consider a few financing alternatives. Unsecured loans Unsecured loans, like personal loans, don't require collateral. You'll need good credit to qualify with most lenders, but there are options for those with bad credit. Keep in mind that unsecured loans typically carry higher rates than CD loans, but they're still a good option if you don't want to put your assets at risk. Savings-secured loans With a savings-secured loan, you pledge the funds from your savings account as collateral. Savings-secured loans often feature fixed-rate terms, enabling you to make the same monthly payment throughout the life of the loan. Since your own funds back the loan, banks often offer same-day approval. Like with a CD loan, if you default on the balance, you could use your hard-earned savings account to satisfy the delinquent payments. Secured credit cards A secured credit card offers benefits if you do not need a specific amount of money and simply need to build or repair your credit. Plus, with a positive repayment history, you may be able to qualify for an unsecured card down the road. To be eligible for most secured cards, you'll need to put down a cash deposit. This deposit acts as collateral and your credit limit. For instance, if you deposit $1,000, that will be your collateral, and you can use the card to spend up to $1,000. A CD loan could be viable if you have a CD and need cash quickly. It's easily accessible, even for those with low or no credit, and can help improve your credit health if managed wisely. The funds in your CD will even continue to grow throughout the loan term. These loans are not without its drawbacks. Simply making early withdrawals from your CD may sometimes be the better option. Consult with your online lender, bank or credit union to learn more about CD loan options that may be available to you. It's equally important to inquire about loan terms to determine if you should move forward with applying for a loan or explore alternatives. What are CD loan interest rates? Your CD loan interest rate depends on the institution you're borrowing from, your credit score, and your repayment terms. Interest rates vary, so comparing interest rates on CD loans and other borrowing options, like unsecured personal loans, credit cards and a credit card cash advance, is a good idea. When does using a CD loan make sense? If you're in a pinch and can't borrow money from any other place — like a personal loan or a 401(k) loan — or don't have access to a credit card, a CD loan is a good option for some. You can also use it to consolidate high-interest debt balances with minimum payments that are draining your wallet or for a small much-needed home repair or renovation. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
ABC News
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
QSO: The Tempest
Shakespeare's stories have inspired music by many composers. This concert features music from 4 composers who were all inspired by The Tempest and are interspersed with narration by John Bell. John is Australian Theatre Royalty, and has performed such monumental Shakespearean roles as Hamlet, Macbeth, Prospero, Falstaff, and King Lear. Recorded in the QPAC Concert Hall on 3 May, 2025 by ABC Classic. Producer Lucas Burns. Sound Engineer Shelley Bishop. Program Arthur Honegger: The Tempest Jean Sibelius: The Tempest (selections). Includes Henry Purcell's The Tempest overture Pyotr Tchaikovsky: The Tempest (Burya) Fantasy Overture Artists John Bell (narrator) Queensland Symphony Orchestra Umberto Clerici (conductor) Find out more Visit the QSO here
Times
09-05-2025
- Science
- Times
Sir John Bell: ‘We've seen spectacular growth in life sciences. The risk is we lose it'
The Beetle and Wedge Boathouse pub on the River Thames south of Oxford is a favourite local of Professor Sir John Bell, one of the most senior and well-connected figures in the UK's life sciences sector. Bell, 72, who has advised successive governments over the years and was regius professor of medicine at Oxford University for 22 years, remains a keen rower who enjoys coming downstream in his sculling boat from the pontoon at the foot of his garden in Wallingford as far as the pub at Moulsford. For our lunch, Bell has driven the short distance and we sit in a window seat inside the pub overlooking the still river with a fresh breeze blowing in on a gloriously sunny day. Bell doesn't 'do
