Latest news with #SouthCarolinian
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Senate Republican campaign chief says Trump's megabill not polling as well as hoped
The News National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Tim Scott said Friday he's urging colleagues to tout pieces of the GOP's new tax-and-spending law, rather than the whole proposal, to help bolster its standing with the public. The newly enacted megabill includes massive tax cuts and credits as well as extra spending on defense and stricter immigration policies, offsetting the cost of both with cuts to social safety-net programs. Democrats have zeroed in on those cuts, including to Medicaid and food assistance, as they look to reclaim congressional seats in next year's midterms. Right now, the polling on what President Donald Trump dubbed the 'big, beautiful bill' is 'breaking even, which is not where I want to keep it,' Scott told reporters. 'However, the polling that I've seen has shown that when you talk about the component parts of the bill, the bill goes up in popularity significantly,' the South Carolinian added, saying he's encouraging fellow Republicans 'to spend their time talking about the big, beautiful bill as an answer for most of the issues and concerns that we have around the country.' 'That's how we make this bill more popular, because people love the benefits that are in the bill. They have not had the opportunity to understand all those benefits,' he said. 'President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill is an encapsulation of the countless campaign promises he was specifically elected to enact,' White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement. 'He has kept his promise, and the One Big Beautiful Bill is full of extremely popular policies — tax cuts for working families, no taxes on tips or overtime or Social Security, a secure border, modernized air traffic control, and more.' Know More Scott, who also chairs the Senate Banking Committee, pointed to lower taxes for small businesses; an expanded Child Tax Credit; tax breaks for tips and overtime; more spending on defense; and energy provisions as examples of popular components in the new law. He also offered notable candor as he referenced Trump's first-term tax cuts, which are now permanent under the new law — taking issue with Republicans' sales job on tax cuts in 2017 and 2018. 'That is really important,' Scott said. 'We didn't do a very good job in 2018 of selling the [initial] tax cuts, and I think that cost us some seats. This time around, I'm encouraging us to sell the permanence of the tax cuts.' Notable We took at Scott's nascent chairmanship of the NRSC back in January.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Inside Sun Valley's ludicrous, over-the-top security crackdown
SUN VALLEY, Idaho — 'Sir, please come with us so we can talk outside,' said one of the two local police officers who suddenly towered over me in the middle of what must have been my fifth double espresso of the day. What could the law want with me, I wondered, as I rose from my table at the Austrian-themed coffee-and-pastry haunt at this posh mountain resort. Indeed, I felt I had accomplished precious little since I arrived here this week — much less anything that would interest the cops. Instead, I had attempted to cover the Allen and Co. conference — the so-called 'summer camp for billionaires' at the Sun Valley Resort. Attendees at this year's summit include Sam Altman (who actually did give us something to chew on — thanks Sam), Tim Cook, Anderson Cooper and CBS anchor Gayle King. Advertisement 6 A fabulously fluorescent Gayle King was one of the journalists on the guest list. Jenny Flick They might have thick wallets, but these card-carrying, power-vest wearing members of the global elite have thin skins — or is it just the bankers at Allen & Co. and their security goons? The latter, it seemed, had called law enforcement on me. 'We have had complaints that you have been harassing the guests, and you are going to be asked to leave the property,' said the other youngish-looking cop. My crime, it appears, had been to lob a handful of questions in the direction of the president's daughter, Ivanka Trump, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the luxury resort's lush grounds. Advertisement In the case of Ivanka, I stated my business with a member of her Secret Service detail who promptly crossed the room to inform her. In response, she came over and took my question (about a DC-related exclusive, she politely professed ignorance) before exiting the premises with her coffee. As for Bessent, I had met him at the comparatively relaxed Milken conference in May. We shook hands Wednesday morning before our extremely brief stroll. He gently parried our queries — with his usual South Carolinian politesse — about his speech to America's uber-rich and what he made of Elon Musk's falling out with President Trump. His government heavies did not bat an eyelid — despite what you may have read in one loose-with-the-facts newsletter. Nevertheless, the organizer's security took a great interest in our activities. Advertisement 6 Ivanka Trump was spotted getting coffee at the VIP shindig on Wednesday. Jenny Flick 6 Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had flown straight from a Cabinet meeting with President Trump to attend the boondoggle for billionaires. Getty Images 'We have a reporter here — asking questions!' rasped one of Allen & Co.'s wannabe Navy SEALs as he alerted his higher-ups. Another by the name of Colby followed me to my car to ensure the message was fully understood. Advertisement Perhaps it was not Team Bessent — said to be huge fans of this newspaper — who wanted me ejected. Maybe my asking a bemused barista for details of Ivanka's coffee order was the straw that broke the camel's back? 6 The idyllic setting has hosted the Allen & Co. conference since 1983. It was once a favorite of author Ernest Hemingway, who spent his final days in Idaho before taking his own life in 1961. Getty Images Soon thereafter, a baby-faced Sun Valley apparatchik, his earpiece dangling down the front of his unironed shirt, bowled up to me and demanded that I put my name to a no-trespass order. The bizarre diktat would ban me from the Sun Valley resort for one year, he intoned. I refused to sign it — but he told me the ban would take effect, anyway. Security huffed and puffed that I had committed the grievous offense of talking to people, as well as 'walking up and down' the premises on my coffee runs to Konditorei, the Austrian-themed cafe. 6 The Sun Valley 'rules' for journalists covering the Idaho conference. James Franey/NY Post Before the constitutional know-it-alls get in touch, I understand the First Amendment does not extend to private property, which in this case has been rented out by Allen & Co, the boutique investment bank behind this conference. But I had hoped to be treated better in the birthplace of free speech, given that back home in Britain standards have been slipping of late. Advertisement Journalists who had schlepped from New York were told in no uncertain terms that if the summit's top brass did not like our coverage, that we would be booted off the premises. 6 The Post's research from Sunday on the Sun Valley Lodge wine list. James Franey/NY Post Sun Valley's head of security, a man who introduced himself only as 'Randy', gave a 'welcome speech' in which he directly cited The Post's coverage from Tuesday. He panned our 'exposé' of the Sun Valley Lodge's pricey wine list and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's generous tipping habits. As for this piece, Randy did not reply to The Post's multiple requests for comment. My comment: Loosen up, Randy. A $648 bottle of Louis Roederer Cristal Brut Champagne should do the trick.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows States With Unhappiest Shift Workers, According to Study
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. The unhappiest shift workers have been found, and many live in North Dakota, New Mexico and Vermont, according to a newly released report. Workforce management platform Deputy's 2025 Shift Pulse Report revealed significant divides in how shift workers feel about their jobs, based on both the states and industries in which they work. Why It Matters Workers' happiness levels contribute significantly to companies' success and productivity, while employee satisfaction prevents high turnover rates and allows employers to attract top talent. Multiple factors may be at play in why certain states see higher shift worker happiness, with each state's prominent industries, workers' protections and company culture all having a role. Shift workers are employees who occupy roles beyond the typical 9-to-5 workday and are vital in keeping hospitals, grocery stores, restaurants and other community businesses running. What To Know North Dakota, New Mexico and Vermont had the lowest net happiness scores for shift workers, with some of the states falling behind the national average by over 20 percentage points. In North Dakota, one in five shift workers said they were unhappy—higher than any other state in the country. The report attributed this to a "mismatch between employment opportunities and job satisfaction in rural or resource-driven economies." "That's likely due to economic instability, limited job opportunities, and a higher dependency on government assistance," Kevin Thompson, CEO of 9i Capital Group and host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "These conditions create a tougher environment for shift workers to thrive." Vermont and West Virginia also had high levels of dissatisfaction, likely a result of aging workforces and stagnating wages. Oklahoma, Louisiana and Indiana also made the top 10 list for unhappy shift workers. South Carolinian workers, conversely, had the highest satisfaction levels, with 98 percent of workers saying they have nearly no negative feelings about their jobs. Other Southern states performed well, like Kentucky, Florida and Georgia, which could reflect the region's larger focus on hospitality and work flexibility. "You've got these southern states like South Carolina and Kentucky absolutely crushing it, while places like Vermont and North Dakota are struggling," Michael Ryan, finance expert and founder of told Newsweek. "I think it comes down to cost of living, honestly. In South Carolina, your dollar goes further, housing's cheaper, and there's probably less of that crushing economic anxiety that makes every bad day at work feel like the end of the world." A worker stocks a fridge with fresh fruit at a grocery store in New York City on April 8. A worker stocks a fridge with fresh fruit at a grocery store in New York City on April 8. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images America's Happiest Shift Employees Work In the Marijuana Industry The report also tracked the happiest and unhappiest workers by industry, and the tobacco, e-cigarette and marijuana sector rose to the top. A whopping 91.87 percent of shift workers had a positive sentiment in that industry, perhaps due to workplace culture and competitive wages, as it's a newer field. "When you think about it, it makes perfect sense," Ryan said. "These are newer, regulated industries that are still figuring things out, so they're probably trying harder to keep good people. Plus, let's be real. The margins are better, so they can afford to treat workers well." Catering and coffee shop shift workers were the next happiest, with dentist offices, gyms and child care centers also displaying high satisfaction levels. Health care workers, meanwhile, were some of the unhappiest, with only 73.56 percent of workers reporting positive sentiment. It also had the highest Unhappy score, at 8.25 percent. "These are the people we literally depend on, and they're drowning. We're talking about folks who've been running on fumes since 2020, dealing with staffing shortages, angry customers, and life-or-death pressure every single day," Ryan said. "No wonder they're burnt out." What People Are Saying Ryan also told Newsweek: "What this whole thing really shows me is that where you work and what you do matters way more than we give it credit for. A shift worker in a South Carolina café is having a different experience than someone doing the same job in Vermont. That's not just about the work – that's about everything around it." Thompson added to Newsweek: "Much of the sentiment data reflects deeper economic and quality-of-life dynamics across states. It's no surprise that states like South Carolina rank high — a combination of coastal lifestyle, lower cost of living, and a booming regional economy likely contributes to greater overall satisfaction among shift workers." Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "States like North Dakota and New Mexico ranking lower may surprise some, but it comes from market conditions in those areas. Less populous locations can deal with employees having to take on more responsibilities at the same pay with little chance for promotion. When you feel trapped in your job with little support, it's difficult to be satisfied with your position." HR consultant Bryan Driscoll told Newsweek: "States with the unhappiest workers are often dealing with weak labor protections, poor childcare access, and industries that are chronically understaffed and underpaying." What Happens Next Quality of life and the cost of living will continue playing significant roles in worker sentiment across the country. "States with desirable amenities like beaches or mountains, coupled with a lower cost of living, tend to attract individuals with more financial resources," Thompson said. "This can boost overall sentiment scores, but it doesn't always reflect the experience of lower-income shift workers. For instance, I've had clients move to New Mexico specifically for the mountain resorts and scenic lifestyle — but that move is typically only viable for those with significant means." Many of the lower-ranked states are experiencing an aging population, with younger workers flocking to regions with stronger job markets. "Over time, this trend creates a growing divide between areas with opportunity and those without — reinforcing a cycle that can be hard to break," Thompson said.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Forbes Daily: Newsom Calls Trump Protest Response A ‘Perilous Moment'
When President Donald Trump was inaugurated, a slate of billionaires stood behind him. Now, a small number of the country's wealthiest are standing against him. Walmart heiress Christy Walton, one of America's richest women—worth an estimated $19.4 billion—paid for a full-page ad in the New York Times calling on readers to 'mobilize' this Saturday, the same day Trump is scheduled to host a military birthday parade in Washington, D.C. The words 'No Kings' appear at the top of Walton's ad, an apparent reference to a political organization of the same name that is organizing nationwide demonstrations this weekend. Trump has deployed the National Guard and Marines for protests in Los Angeles, and suggested anyone who protests the parade will be met with 'very big force.' Though Walton doesn't have a role in running Walmart, the retailer has already been caught in the crosshairs of Trump's trade war: The president threatened the nation's largest retailer after its CEO warned of tariff-related price increases. Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday night ordered an overnight curfew covering a large portion of the city's Downtown area, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom attacked President Donald Trump in a televised address, describing his decision to send military forces to handle the protests against immigration raids as a 'perilous moment' for democracy. Earlier Tuesday, a judge turned down Newsom's request for an emergency ruling that would have blocked federal troop deployment in Los Angeles. Digital bank Chime will debut on public markets Thursday, and many industry experts expect its stock to pop as one of the fintech industry's largest consumer-facing businesses. But the firm faces long-term challenges, including growing its customer base more profitably (as well as retaining existing customers), controlling lending losses and combating fraud. Defense tech giant Anduril recently raised a mega funding round led by Founders Fund, which values the company at more than $30 billion, making the company's chairman and cofounder Trae Stephens a billionaire. Booming investor appetite for funding military startups has helped make Stephens the latest entry to a group of billionaires who are making a fortune selling weapons systems to the government. AP Photo/Yuri Gripas Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has always enjoyed displaying his wealth, buying and selling at least 20 homes over the years, but life wasn't always as luxurious for the South Carolinian who started working at 9 years old. Though it's difficult to pinpoint, Forbes estimates Bessent is worth about $600 million, and while he struggled to generate big returns at his own hedge fund, he's found success working for big personalities like George Soros and now President Donald Trump. Elon Musk expressed regret about some of the posts he made on X last week, marking a significant climb down by the billionaire who triggered a feud with the president last week by bashing his signature spending bill. The battle took a toll on Tesla's stock, but shares of the EV maker rose in premarket trading early on Wednesday after Musk's apology. Khaby Lame, TikTok's most-followed person, fled the U.S. after he was detained by ICE at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas for 'overstaying the terms of his visa,' according to the Department of Homeland Security. The Senegalese-Italian creator's detention comes amid Trump's broader immigration crackdown and nationwide protests of ICE. Lame has more than 162 million followers and was the tenth-highest paid on Forbes' 2024 Top Creators list, having earned an estimated $20 million. Alice Lagarde for Forbes; Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images;; Dylan Buell/Stringer/Getty Images Despite American golfer Scottie Scheffler's recent dominance, the title of the world's highest-paid golfer goes to Spaniard Jon Rahm, as his decision to defect from the PGA Tour to Saudi-backed LIV Golf continues to pay dividends. Still, LIV's spending spree has seemingly come to an end, and without a fresh set of lucrative signing bonuses, Forbes found the world's 10 best-paid golfers are collectively making less—an estimated $612 million, down 10% from 2024's $678 million. President Donald Trump's attack on higher education is leading schools to take on new debt: 99 colleges and universities have issued $20.8 billion in public debt so far in 2025, up from $17 billion by 71 institutions at the same time last year, data shows. The elite schools that have been directly impacted by the president's assault are beefing up their liquidity, but smaller colleges are also entering the bond market. Levine Leichtman Capital Partners Lauren Leichtman spent four decades building a super successful private equity firm with her husband, Arthur Levine. But the couple's latest purchase is the San Diego Wave pro women's soccer team for an estimated $113 million last October. Leichtman knows a thing or two about good investments. In 1984, she cofounded Beverly Hills, California-based private equity firm Levine Leichtman Capital Partners alongside her husband, investing in small businesses that needed money and targeting successful founders who had built companies with $30 million to $40 million in revenues. Over the next 40 years, the couple built their small wife-and-husband shop into an $11 billion (assets) buyout firm with blue-chip investors ranging from the California Public Employees' Retirement System to publicly-traded asset manager Hamilton Lane. While they stepped back from day-to-day management in 2020, Leichtman and Levine still own the firm, which makes up the bulk of their fortunes. Add in their private investments, real estate and the San Diego Wave—the team is now worth an estimated $165 million—and Forbes estimates that Leichtman and Levine are each worth $1.3 billion, ranking Leichtman 26th on Forbes' 2025 list of America's Richest Self-Made Women. Throughout the years, Leichtman and Levine have stuck to what they know best. They invest in businesses with positive cash flow. They look for experienced entrepreneurs and management teams who want to stay on to run the company and keep an ownership stake after the deal is closed. And they use a combination of debt and equity to ensure regular cash payments from interest on the debt. WHY IT MATTERS 'In an industry dominated by men, Leichtman is the only woman to become a billionaire in private equity, according to Forbes' wealth rankings,' says Forbes staff writer Giacomo Tognini. 'She stands out as a pioneer in building one of America's most successful middle market private equity firms that has made profitable investments in well-known companies including restaurant franchises Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Wetzel's Pretzels, as well as scoring big exits in industries ranging from pipe fittings to air quality control.' MORE America's Richest Self-Made Women For the fourth consecutive month, fewer Canadians traveled to the U.S. in May, which cements trouble for the travel industry and economy. International travel to the U.S. is expected to drop this year: 38%: The drop in Canadians taking road trips into the U.S. in May compared to last year, according to new data from Statistics Canada Roughly 1 in 4: The share of all foreign travelers to the U.S. that Canadians make up 9%: The expected decline in U.S. international arrivals in 2025 Burnout is a common challenge, especially among entrepreneurs, but just getting more rest and practicing self-care probably won't get at the root of the problem. Figure out what's draining to you, or blocking your progress, and work toward eliminating these factors from your day-to-day. Say no to things that don't serve your growth and create goals that excite you. The key is rediscovering your purpose. She may not be a household name, but Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough could play a vital role in the contents of the budget bill making its way through Congress. What year did the first person officially serve in the nonpartisan job? Check your answer. Thanks for reading! This edition of Forbes Daily was edited by Sarah Whitmire and Chris Dobstaff.
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
FSU students have plan to prevent campus shootings — after all, they lived through one
On April 17, 2025, a gunman entered the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee — our campus — killing two people and injuring six others. Phoenix Ikner, 20, an FSU undergraduate student from Tallahassee, is being charged with the murder of Coach Robert Morales— a local legend who coached high school football and had ties to Miami — and Tiru Chabba, a South Carolinian food service executive visiting FSU for work. A lack of gun control didn't directly cause this tragedy. Ikner used firearms that legally belonged to his parents; his stepmother is a Leon County Sheriff's deputy. While there is no single solution to prevent gun violence, a group of FSU students has developed a three-part proposal to mitigate the risk of school shootings on college campuses. We propose three legislative acts: the ACCESS Act, the ARMOR Act and the AGENT Act. ▪ The ACCESS Act addresses a long-standing issue for college students — access to mental health resources. College students are an especially vulnerable group when it comes to mental health. This act would create the Office of Mental Health Services to provide oversight and coordinate mental health resources across Florida's public university system. It would fund the hiring of more licensed mental health practitioners and train existing staff on specialized care. A portion of services would be provided by licensed professionals, with support from graduate students earning clinical hours. Of course, counseling alone cannot prevent all forms of gun violence. ▪ The ARMOR Act is designed to ensure that every classroom door on Florida's 110 public college campuses can be locked from the inside during an emergency. This simple yet crucial infrastructure upgrade could save lives by buying time during active shooter events. ▪ The AGENT Act is a more controversial but, we believe, necessary measure. It gives students the right to protect themselves from armed threats, like the one we faced in April. In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Gun-Free School Zones Act to curb campus violence. However, in practice, this designation has turned campuses into soft targets — spaces where law-abiding citizens cannot respond to threats. The AGENT Act in accordance with federal statute, would permit campus carry of guns in Florida under tightly controlled conditions. It would not simply follow Florida's constitutional carry law. Instead, the AGENT Act would require a concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit, which involves a live-fire proficiency test. To carry on campus, students and staff would have to pass this test annually and undergo regular mental health check-ins through the new Office of Mental Health Services or an equivalent body on private campuses. Our bill is modeled on elements from Georgia and West Virginia's campus carry laws and includes important limitations. For instance, weapons would not be allowed in on-campus daycares to eliminate risks to infants and children. Similarly, areas with 'adequate security measures'— meaning locations with electronic screening and armed staff— would be exempt from carry permissions, as those spaces already have built-in protections. By combining mental health investment, safety-focused infrastructure upgrades and regulated campus carry, we believe Florida can make meaningful progress in protecting students. We, the students behind this proposal, urge the Florida Legislature to act. We also call on the public to demand meaningful change from their elected officials. We are looking for legislative sponsors and are meeting with Florida representatives and senators. Together, we can turn a tragic moment into a lasting transformation that protects the future of our state — and its students. Reid Seybold is pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science at FSU. Noah Brown is pursuing a master's degree in applied American politics. They can be reached at: TheAAASolution@
