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Irish Daily Mirror
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Rihanna suffers heartbreak as dad dies after 'brief illness'
Pop star Rihanna's dad Ronald Fenty has died aged 70. The father of the global icon died early this morning in Los Angeles following a brief illness, according to reports. Family members have reportedly gathered in California to pay their respects and honor Ronald's memory. The heartbreaking news comes as Rihanna, real name Robyn Fenty, is currently expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky. Ronald's official cause of death has yet to be made public, as his death was announced by Starcom Network News, a prominent radio station based in Rihanna's homeland of Barbados. Photos have shown Rihanna's brother, Rajad Fenty, arriving at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this week in an emotional moment for the family. Ronald had divorced wife Monica Braithwaite, the chart-topping singer's mum, amid a struggle with drink and drug issues when Rihanna was just a teenager. He was even the subject of a lawsuit delivered by his daughter who accused him of misusing her name to benefit his own entertainment company – she later dropped it in 2021. Rihanna previously paid for her father to attend a $58,000 Malibu rehab following a difficult period in their relationship that saw her send him home from her tour due to his alcohol abuse. Speaking after the birth of Rihanna's first child, Ronald spoke fondly of being a granddad, admitting: "She's loving it. She's a very overprotective mother." "Everybody says [the baby] looks like me," he told Page Six at the time. "But you know, babies change, faces change. He [resembles] a lot of Rihanna and Rocky together." He had previously noted 'not knowing' if Rihanna and A$AP, birth name Rakim Mayers, would ever tie the knot, saying: "I don't know about marriage, I really don't know." Rihanna announced her third pregnancy earlier this month as she attended the 2025 Met Gala. She sparked rumours that another baby was on the way over recent weeks, thanks multiple baggy outfits concealing her stomach. But in a video shared on social media, Rihanna seemingly used her fitted two-piece Miu Miu look to make a big announcement at the 2025 gala. The Work hitmaker confirmed her second pregnancy in a similar low-key manner in 2023 when she revealed her growing bump during her Super Bowl performance. In the process, she became the first person to headline the halftime show while pregnant. Her dad reportedly had "no idea" his daughter was expecting a second baby and is thought to have 'found out while watching the Super Bowl'. While the world was finding out about Rihanna's big news, Ronald was reportedly none the wiser, putting two and two together after seeing his daughter perform. "Oh my God! My baby girl looks pregnant," he recalled telling his partner while watching the show alongside his partner, reported TMZ at the time.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
New Sanctions Drive Benefit Accountability
From today, beneficiaries failing to meet the obligations they agreed to can expect two new measures to encourage people off welfare and into work. Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says the Money Management and Community Work Experience sanctions can apply to a first obligation failure while getting a main benefit, such as Jobseeker Support. 'From today, Money Management means people who don't comply may have half their main benefit put on a payment card for four weeks. This is a sensible move,' Louise Upston says. 'The card can only be used at approved shops for groceries, transport, health, and education-related items. People will continue to get the remainder of their main benefit, as well as any supplementary assistance (such as for ongoing accommodation costs), directly into their bank accounts. 'Community Work Experience means people with work obligations who don't comply may have to find and participate in at least five hours of community work experience per week at one or more community or voluntary sector organisations, for four weeks. 'Also from today, it's now mandatory for some people, and their partners, to have a completed Jobseeker Profile before their benefit can be granted. 'And an obligation failure will now count against a person for two years, instead of one. 'These very fair and reasonable sanctions will allow clients to continue receiving their full benefit, instead of the 50 per cent reduction they would have experienced with a financial sanction,' Louise Upston says. The introduction marks the launch of the second phase of the Traffic Light System. The first phase was launched last year to help clients better understand their obligations and what they need to do to stay on track. 'The new sanctions will ensure accountability in the welfare system for people who don't meet their obligations, while also recognising that reducing benefits isn't the answer for everyone. 'Around 98 per cent of beneficiaries are complying with their obligations – those who don't are the ones who need to consider the increased consequences. 'Overall, these changes will ensure we have a welfare system proactively supporting those who can work to get off the benefit and into employment. This will contribute to the Government's target to have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030,' Louise Upston says. The Minister again recognised the efforts of frontline MSD staff working with job seekers. 'I thank MSD staff who have undergone training to support clients around the Traffic Light changes. We know the faster we can help beneficiaries find suitable employment, the better the outcomes for them, their families, our communities, and our economy.' Two more non-financial sanctions, Report Job Search and Upskilling, will become available to some clients in October this year, further expanding the Traffic Light System. Notes: Non-financial sanctions will only be available to clients for a first obligation failure if they are in active case management or have dependent children. If they do not meet this criteria, they will have a financial sanction imposed as before. These clients will also need to have an appointment with MSD within 5 working days and meet any other eligibility criteria. MSD staff will consider a client's circumstances before imposing a non-financial sanction, to ensure it is the most appropriate option for the client. Young people getting Youth Payment or Young Parent Payment will be assigned a Traffic Light colour, so they can easily see if they're on track with their obligations. No other Traffic Light System-related changes will apply to these clients or young partners with youth activity obligations.
Gulf Today
24-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
UAE focuses on empowering Emiratis with future-ready skills: Hamdan
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, stated that empowering a new generation of Emiratis with future-ready skills and the ability to harness them in service of the nation is a cornerstone of the UAE's strategy to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. Empowered with education, knowledge, and the ability to turn ideas into meaningful achievements, these young talents are vital enablers of development and key to strengthening the UAE's position regionally and globally. 'Our wise leadership has always prioritised investing in minds before resources, recognising that people are the most enduring and impactful strategic asset. The innovations emerging across various national sectors today clearly demonstrate that Emiratis are not only keeping pace with global technological progress but are also at the forefront of leading and shaping it,' Sheikh Hamdan stated. Sheikh Hamdan made these remarks during a meeting with over 100 outstanding participants in the 'Al Nokhba Program', organised by the National Service and Reserve Authority under the patronage and presence of Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. The 'Al Nokhba Program' was held in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, Dubai Future Foundation, and Khalifa University, with the aim of creating an advanced model that supports a knowledge-based economy and fosters exceptional talent capable of innovation and leadership in a rapidly evolving world. The meeting, held at Emirates Towers, was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; Dr Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa and several senior officers from the Ministry of Defence. Showcasing innovation During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on a number of outstanding projects developed by national talents in sectors such as aviation, intelligent robotics, data science, blockchain, biotechnology, advanced water technologies, telecommunications, IT, space and nuclear energy. The projects were the result of an intensive, months-long training programme focused on advanced and sustainable technologies, reflecting the UAE's strong commitment to equipping the national workforce with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to seize future opportunities and address emerging challenges. Participants presented a selection of graduation projects developed by Emiratis, including an efficient, greenhouse cooling system tailored for the UAE's environment; the exploration of Nanochitin and Phosphorylated Natural Fibers extracted from biological, marine, food, and agricultural waste to produce fire-resistant materials; moving and pointing the satellite in any direction on once in space; the 'SARIM' robot, designed to traverse rough desert terrains; the 'EMAPS' Marine project, an AI-powered platform for monitoring coastal navigation and detecting suspicious movement; and the 'M061' ventilator, locally developed to support the national healthcare reserve during the COVID-19 pandemic. 'Al Nokhba Program' further developed participants' competencies in research and feasibility studies for engineering projects, designing and manufacturing electromechanical devices, technical device schematics, smart monitoring system development, engineering systems testing, as well as leadership, teamwork, public speaking, presentation preparation, critical thinking stimulation, scientific research, coding and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions. Since its launch in 2019, the 'Al Nokhba Program' has graduated over 200 exceptional recruits across 14 cohorts. With a rigorous selection process, the programme identifies and nurtures top national talent in emerging technology fields. All graduates secured employment within months of completing the programme, achieving a 100% placement rate—underscoring the strategic value of such national initiatives in equipping a future-ready generation. Today, these graduates are actively contributing to strengthening the UAE's global competitiveness and leadership across key sectors.
Business Insider
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
'The ultimate girl math': Meet the women who make thousands a month renting their clothes
Lane Creatore realized she was sitting on an untapped gold mine: her closet. Her closet was full of viral pieces, many of them hardly worn and taking up space in her tiny New York City apartment. Instead of letting those clothes collect dust, Creatore turned to renting them out online. The 31-year-old fashion blogger is one of the thousands of women who rent their clothes on the app Pickle to the city's fashionably desperate — maybe they need a dress for a wedding, or are just itching to wear an item but don't want to pay the full price. In good months, Creatore can make five figures. "Pickle is honestly the ultimate girl math," Creatore told Business Insider. "Instead of thinking in terms of wears, I think, 'I'm going to make this investment in terms of rentals.'" Pickle was founded by former Blackstone employees Brian McMahon and Julia O'Mara. After launching its app in 2022, Pickle tapped New York City influencers for growth. In 2023, it opened its first brick-and-mortar store in New York and has since expanded to markets like Los Angeles and Miami. The startup has also raised $20 million to date. Pickle's top 10 "lenders" earned an average of $3,200 a month in 2024, according to the company, which takes a 20% cut of transactions in the app (and 35% of transactions from their in-person shop). BI spoke with five women about how much money they've made renting out their clothes on Pickle, how they've built bustling side-hustles, and their strategies for getting the most out of their unworn clothes. Some are earning thousands Creatore started renting on Pickle in July and listed only a few items. Less than a year later, she made $12,797 in April alone. She now typically earns between $7,000 and $12,000 each busy month. BI verified Creatore's and the four other Pickle lenders' earnings with documentation. Isabella De Murguia, 26 and based in New York City, works in consulting and devotes around four hours a week to her Pickle side-hustle, not including laundry. She opened her closet in 2023 after seeing ads for the app on TikTok, and now makes between $3,000 and $4,000 a month during peak rental seasons. Jess Work, 26, works full-time in fashion while balancing a part-time job as a content creator. On average, she earns between $3,000 and $4,000 from her rentals. Some months, like around the holidays, she can make about $6,000 from the app, Work told BI. Work has a total of 229 listings on Pickle, which range from $15 to $215 — the most expensive item being a limited edition silver dress from an H&M collaboration. Work said the dress has been rented a handful of times since she listed it six months ago, dubbing it the "sisterhood of the sparkly dress." Even those who aren't hitting four and five figures can earn a sizable chunk of change. Andrea Duffield, a 31-year-old entrepreneur in Miami, makes between $600 and $800 each month, which is helpful "especially in this economy." In Los Angeles, photographer and bartender Kana Kozlowski, 26, has been renting for around a year. She earns between $200 and $500 most months, but saw a bump during Coachella. Across the platform, Pickle has had spikes in rentals around holidays like Halloween, or seasonal categories like skiing gear. Pickle also helps its lenders price their rentals, which are typically listed at 10% to 20% of the original retail price, McMahon said. Rentals are paying the bills For some, Pickle earnings go toward everyday expenses and bills. De Murguia said the app helps her hit savings goals and afford social outings. "It's really tough to get joy from being a full-time creative when you're worried about money," Creatore said. "This has really given me that peace of mind again to fall back in love with blogging and photography." Duffield recently founded her own company and said everything she makes from Pickle goes back into the business. Keeping up a Pickle closet takes work Unlike most New Yorkers, De Murguia has a lot of storage space — four closets go to herself and her Pickle inventory, and one goes to her boyfriend. Pickle has changed the way lenders shop. Four of the women BI spoke said they now buy items with the intent of renting them out. "I can buy something maybe that I wouldn't have bought previously," Work said. "I know that I'll be able to hopefully make more or at least cover the cost of the item." Creatore said she has a spreadsheet to map out purchase, rental, and maintenance costs, and De Murguia returns anything that doesn't rent within a week. Keeping inventory flowing also comes at a cost. Work estimated that she spends between $1,000 and $2,000 each month on new items. Certain items are pretty much guaranteed to do well, the lenders told BI: pieces that are sold out, were seen on a celebrity, or come from certain brands, like Rat & Boa and Frankies Bikinis. Part of being successful is about knowing what's likely to go viral, they said. "If something starts to get really popular in a particular market or on social media, it's typically on Pickle right away," McMahon said. As De Murguia put it, the potential success for those with closet savvy is huge: "You could probably call it an enterprise."
Al Etihad
23-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Hamdan bin Mohammed meets with outstanding participants of ‘Al Nokhba' Programme
23 May 2025 20:53 DUBAI (WAM)H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, stated that empowering a new generation of Emiratis with future-ready skills and the ability to harness them in service of the nation is a cornerstone of the UAE's strategy to build a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. Empowered with education, knowledge, and the ability to turn ideas into meaningful achievements, these young talents are vital enablers of development and key to strengthening the UAE's position regionally and globally.'Our wise leadership has always prioritised investing in minds before resources, recognising that people are the most enduring and impactful strategic asset. The innovations emerging across various national sectors today demonstrate that Emiratis are not only keeping pace with global technological progress but are also at the forefront of leading and shaping it,' H.H. stated.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed made these remarks during a meeting with over 100 outstanding participants in the 'Al Nokhba Programme', organised by the National Service and Reserve Authority under the patronage and presence of Major General Pilot Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed 'Al Nokhba Programme' was held in collaboration with the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office, Dubai Future Foundation, and Khalifa University, with the aim of creating an advanced model that supports a knowledge-based economy and fosters exceptional talent capable of innovation and leadership in a rapidly evolving meeting, held at Emirates Towers, was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Major General Rashid Mohammed Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander of the Air Force and Air Defence; Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation; Dr. Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University and several senior officers from the Ministry of the meeting, H.H. was briefed on several outstanding projects developed by national talents in sectors such as aviation, intelligent robotics, data science, blockchain, biotechnology, advanced water technologies, telecommunications, IT, space and nuclear energy. The projects were the result of an intensive, months-long training programme focused on advanced and sustainable technologies, reflecting the UAE's strong commitment to equipping the national workforce with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to seize future opportunities and address emerging presented a selection of graduation projects developed by Emiratis, including an efficient, greenhouse cooling system tailored for the UAE's environment; the exploration of Nanochitin and Phosphorylated Natural Fibers extracted from biological, marine, food, and agricultural waste to produce fire-resistant materials; moving and pointing the satellite in any direction on once in space; the 'SARIM' robot, designed to traverse rough desert terrains; the 'EMAPS' Marine project, an AI-powered platform for monitoring coastal navigation and detecting suspicious movement; and the 'M061' ventilator, locally developed to support the national healthcare reserve during the COVID-19 pandemic.'Al Nokhba Programme' further developed participants' competencies in research and feasibility studies for engineering projects, designing and manufacturing electromechanical devices, technical device schematics, smart monitoring system development, engineering systems testing, as well as leadership, teamwork, public speaking, presentation preparation, critical thinking stimulation, scientific research, coding and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world solutions. Since its launch in 2019, the 'Al Nokhba Programme' has graduated over 200 exceptional recruits across 14 cohorts. With a rigorous selection process, the programme identifies and nurtures top national talent in emerging technology fields. All graduates secured employment within months of completing the programme, achieving a 100% placement rate—underscoring the strategic value of such national initiatives in equipping a future-ready generation. Today, these graduates are actively contributing to strengthening the UAE's global competitiveness and leadership across key sectors.
