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Amid the surging global crypto market frenzy, 100X once again shakes the industry! The brand-new asset-backed Meme coin $MMB — “MEMEBULL” has officially made its debut! This is not just another Meme token, but an innovative crypto asset backed by a multi-million-dollar Meme asset pool, combining real profitability with community-driven hype. It has already been hailed by industry insiders as: “The next explosive Meme + Asset Management powerhouse!”  Mark the Date: $MMB will be officially listed on the 100X Exchange on September 1, 2025! A new era for the crypto market begins on this day. The Symbolism of MEMEBULL The golden bull represents scarcity and wealth. Its bright green eyes symbolize market insight and an ever-upward trend. This is more than a token — it is a unique global IP crafted by 100X in the Web3 era. It conveys power, wealth, and unstoppable momentum, signaling the trumpet call of a new bull run! How $MMB Stands Apart from Traditional Meme Coins Unlike most Meme coins that rely purely on hype, $MMB is powered by both value and community heat: 1. Real Asset Backing: Secured by a multi-million-dollar Meme asset pool, ensuring solid underlying value. 2. Dual Incentive Model: Community consensus ignites the hype, while staking & mining deliver sustainable yields. 3.Ecosystem Growth: Closely tied to the 100X MEMEBOX asset management business, expanding in sync with the platform. $MMB is not just an investment — it’s the perfect fusion of asset management and Meme culture! Limited Supply · Scarcity Rules With a limited issuance model, every $MMB becomes highly precious. Within the grand ecosystem of 100X, $MMB will stand as the core symbol of value capture, ecosystem expansion, and wealth transfer. As 100X continues to launch more groundbreaking products and services, the value of $MMB is set to rise exponentially — the bull charge is unstoppable! MEMEBULL is more than a token — it’s a symbol of wealth culture and the belief in freedom. It represents:  • The wealth dreams of a new generation of investors  • The collective power under the bull market trend  • 100X’s determined step forward in the global Web3 landscape In the future, $MMB will become a landmark case of Meme + Asset Management integration, destined to leave a bold mark in the industry. MEMEBULL Rising High · Green Eyes on Top! With its official launch on September 1, 2025 at the 100X Exchange, $MMB not only ignites the passion of a bull market but also opens a brand-new era of Meme + Asset Management synergy. With $MMB, 100X has sounded the rallying call for the next wave of global consensus and wealth frenzy! When the bull market arrives, only those holding $MMB will truly stand at the peak of the tide! 100X Exchange website: https://www.100xex.com  Twitter:  https://x.com/100x_global  Community：https://t.me/community_100x  Disclaimer and Risk Warning The content on Coinpedia’s sponsored page is provided by third parties and is intended for promotional purposes. Coinpedia does not endorse, guarantee, or take responsibility for the accuracy, quality, or effectiveness of any services, products, or information presented in these sponsored materials. The inclusion of sponsored content does not imply Coinpedia’s approval or support. Readers are advised to exercise due diligence and conduct their research before making decisions or taking action based on the information presented in sponsored content. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

XRP’s ETF journey is heating up with fresh debates, surprising demand numbers, and mounting regulatory delays. Bloomberg analysts say demand will be smaller compared to Bitcoin, yet new data shows rising interest in XRP products. At the same time, the U.S. SEC has delayed decisions on multiple XRP ETF filings, leaving investors waiting for clarity.  Now, the big question is, will 2025 finally be XRP’s ETF breakthrough year? Expert Clarifies Demand for XRP ETFs Bloomberg senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas recently clarified his comments on XRP ETFs. He stressed that analysts never claimed there was “no demand” for XRP. Instead, Balchunas pointed out that demand naturally falls the further you go from Bitcoin.  This means XRP ETFs will likely see lower demand compared to Bitcoin ETFs — but not zero. We never said no demand. We did however make up an easy to remember rhyme to describe how alt coin etfs will likely play out: “the further away you get from btc, the less assets there will be.” https://t.co/661keZboUt — Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) August 27, 2025 While some doubt XRP’s ETF potential, recent numbers suggest otherwise. CME Group, a global trading giant, revealed that XRP futures crossed $1 billion in open interest (OI) in under four months, the fastest contract to hit that milestone. At the same time, futures-based XRP ETFs already crossed $800 million, signaling big institutional appetite. SEC Pushes Back Deadlines Despite this momentum, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has once again delayed its review of XRP ETF filings. Currently, the first major deadline is October 18, when the SEC must decide on Grayscale’s XRP ETF application.  More deadlines follow quickly after, ending by October 25. Franklin Templeton’s application remains on a slightly different timeline. Odds of Approval Still Strong Despite the delays, optimism remains. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffart believes there is a 95% chance that the SEC will approve XRP ETFs this year. Adding to this confidence, betting platform Polymarket also shows an 82% probability of approval in 2025. Amid the ETF buzz, XRP’s price climbed 5% today bouncing from $2.85 to $3.00, with its market cap hitting $178.3 billion. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

Japanese investment firm Metaplanet is doubling down on its Bitcoin-first strategy, announcing its bold plans to raise $1.2 billion through an international share sale. Out of this, a significant $835 million will be used to purchase more Bitcoin to strengthen its position in the digital asset space. This move signals Metaplanet’s growing confidence in Bitcoin and its strategy to strengthen its position in the digital asset space. In a recent tweet, Metaplanet announced that it will issue up to 555 million new shares, which could increase its total stock count from 722 million to approximately $1.27 billion. The pricing for these shares will be finalized between September 9 and 11, with payments made shortly thereafter. This move builds on Metaplanet’s reputation as one of the most aggressive Bitcoin investors in Asia.  However, the majority of the funds, about ¥123.818 billion ($837 million) will be used to purchase more Bitcoin between September and October 2025. The remaining ¥6.516 billion ($44 million) is set aside for Bitcoin-related financial operations, giving the company flexibility to manage its growing crypto portfolio. Beyond Buying Bitcoin Not all of the raised funds will go directly into Bitcoin. Roughly $440 million will support the company’s “Bitcoin Income Business,” which earns money by selling covered call options on its BTC holdings. Why Bitcoin? Metaplanet’s leadership has been clear about its motivation. With Japan’s yen weakening and inflationary pressures growing, the company sees Bitcoin as a hedge and a long-term store of value.  The firm also believes the strategy will enhance shareholder value over time, aligning with its ambitious “21 Million Plan” and “555 Million Plan,” which aim to secure over 210,000 BTC by 2027. As of August 25, 2025, it already holds nearly 18,991 Bitcoins, valued at ¥314.6 billion (approximately $2.11 billion). This makes it one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders in Japan, Following the announcement, Metaplanet’s stock reacted positively. Shares jumped 5.7%, closing at ¥890 soon after news of the fundraising. And the fundraising comes at a strong moment for Metaplanet. The company has just been upgraded from small-cap to mid-cap in FTSE Russell’s September 2025 review, securing a spot in the FTSE Japan Index. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

XRP sits in a unique spot in the crypto world. Despite being the third-largest crypto by market cap at around $180 billion, it remains one of the most criticized assets in the industry. From Bitcoin maximalists to Ethereum and Solana advocates and now even Chainlink supporters, XRP has been under nonstop attack.  Top experts argue that nonstop criticism is actually boosting Ripple’s visibility, giving the token stronger engagement than many rivals. Free Marketing Through Controversy ETF Expert and ETF Store President Nate Geraci highlighted the irony, pointing out that despite the hate, XRP is bigger than BlackRock.  Stepping forward to clear the air, Crypto investor Paul Barron explained why XRP’s position is so unique. According to him, constant attacks from Bitcoin maximalists, Ethereum supporters, or even Solana fans don’t hurt XRP, they actually make it stronger.  Barron added that this hate is actually “free marketing,” as every jab against XRP keeps the token in the spotlight. He even called this effect an “inverse sentiment engine,” where negativity creates more visibility instead of less. Crypto lawyer Bill Morgan added another twist. He noted that even Chainlink supporters have recently joined in attacking XRP, XRPL, and its community. But instead of silencing XRP’s voice, these attacks have fueled its passionate community. Every insult only activates stronger engagement, keeping XRP’s presence alive in every debate. In that case you should add Chainlink advocates to the other three communities you mentioned. They have launched quite the onslaught against XRP, the XRPL and the XRP community the last 2 weeks. It started all at once and came from nowhere as if it was coordinated and did not… https://t.co/tKTXKrE6Wx — bill morgan (@Belisarius2020) August 27, 2025 While Morgan admitted that some criticisms do raise valid questions that XRP advocates need to address.  Ripple vs SEC: Legal Battle Finally Ends While online hate works in XRP’s favor, its biggest challenge was on the court for a long time. The legal battle between Ripple Labs and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is finally over.  On August 22, 2025, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals approved a joint agreement to dismiss all appeals and close the case. As part of the settlement, Ripple will pay a $125 million civil penalty. This fine covers institutional XRP sales that the court classified as unregistered securities offerings. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

The Pi Network community is buzzing with excitement after a 2021 Pi Network hackathon winner, Pi Barter Mall, stated in a tweet post that the Pi token could soon be listed on Coinbase, one of the biggest crypto exchanges in the world. Meanwhile, Pi Coin is still struggling to recover from its recent drop, trading close to its all-time low of $0.34. Speculation about a Pi Coin listing on Coinbase gained momentum after Pi Barter Mall, known for promoting Pi commerce since its Hackathon win, tweeted that a listing could be “coming soon.” This aligned with earlier hints from key Coinbase figures. Back in March 2025, Coinbase’s Chief Legal Officer, Paul Grewal, celebrated Pi Day with a photo of pies featuring the Pi logo, fueling community whispers about growing institutional interest. Although Coinbase has not confirmed anything officially, the timing is significant. Pi Network is gearing up for its v23.01 upgrade and a mainnet launch on September 3, 2025, which aims to resolve technical and transparency issues noted by analysts. Why Pi Network Listing Is Getting Delayed Pi Network has strong demand, but it’s still not listed on top exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. Analysts say the delay comes from strict requirements such as open-source transparency, third-party code audits, and proper KYC/KYB compliance. To solve this, Pi Network plans to release more open-source details next month, which could help meet listing criteria. For now, official trading is limited to exchanges like OKX, Bitget, and MEXC. Pi Network Coin Analysis Pi Coin (PI) has been trading between $0.33 and $0.35 through late August, after a small 3.6% dip earlier in the month. Recent technical analysis shows a double-bottom pattern, which could signal a bullish reversal if momentum builds and listing rumors attract new buyers.  In the short term, analysts expect PI to stay around $0.35 into September, with possible monthly highs near $0.3761. By year-end, targets range between $0.50 and $0.51, depending on network adoption and improved liquidity. We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts on This Article! Was this writing helpful? Read More

John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of eight City University of New York colleges on our list of the 25 best schools for return on investment. Plexi Images/GHI/UCG/Universal Images Group/Getty Images With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates currently higher than the overall rate, it’s easy to question the value of a college degree. And even those convinced of the long-term worth of a degree, can still get serious sticker shock from the listed tuition prices at private universities. The good news is that students don’t need to enroll at the most expensive universities to earn a degree worth the investment. And some of the most prestigious, fancy schools have pretty generous aid for middle-class students, as well those from poor families. As part of the Forbes 2026 Top Colleges ranking, we put together a list of the 25 schools that offer students the best returns on their investment—high earnings potential for a relatively low price. To determine which of Forbes’ top 500 colleges offer the best return on investment (ROI), we looked at each school’s price-to-earnings premium, a calculation by the think tank Third Way that shows the number of years it takes graduates to recoup the net cost (after grants and scholarships are deducted) of their education. And then we looked at the schools’ debt-to-percent-borrowed index, a figure that Forbes created for the top 500 colleges list. It takes into account the percentage of students who take on debt to attend a school, and how much debt those graduates leave with. All of the federal data we used is from the 2023-24 academic year. The 25 colleges that scored highly on both of these metrics are featured here. Four of the top five colleges on this list belong to the City University of New York system, which routinely outperforms all other state systems on this list, thanks to bargain basement tuition and a high number of students who commute to school from their family homes, minimizing the number with debt. If you’re a New York resident attending CUNY Brooklyn College, tuition will cost you less than $10,000 per year, before aid. If you’re an out-of-state student, it costs $15,000 per year. Alumni’s median income 20 years after graduation is an impressive $121,600, according to Payscale. Admittedly, New York City’s cost of living is high, but it’s also a city filled with plenty of job prospects and opportunities to network. Once again, Princeton University scored the highest on this list of any of the elite schools. That’s thanks to the extraordinarily high earnings of its graduates (a median of $194,100 some 20 years after graduation) and its generous financial aid, which reduces the number of students leaving with debt. For the class of 2029–that is, this year’s freshmen–Princeton is covering all costs of attendance, including tuition, food and housing, for most families earning up to $150,000. Most families earning up to $250,000 get free tuition. Harvard, which covers all expenses for most families earning up to $100,000, and offers free tuition up to $200,000, also made this list. Read on for a closer look at the 25 colleges that offer the best return on investment. To learn more about each school, click on the college name. To see where each school ranks in the top 500, click here. CUNY Brooklyn College Last year, CUNY Brooklyn College ranked seventh. Now, it’s the first of eight total CUNY schools–seven of which are in the top ten. After graduation from the public university nestled in Kings County (the official name for Brooklyn) students make up the net cost of their education in just over half a year, according to Third Way data. CUNY Brooklyn College sends graduates out with high earnings potential and minimal debt. Only 7% take out federal loans to attend. CUNY Hunter College CUNY Hunter is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. It was originally founded as a teacher’s college for women, the first free teacher’s college in America. The school was renamed after its founder (and first president), Thomas Hunter. Over 20,000 undergraduates enroll each year, drawing students from all over but especially surrounding neighborhoods. Graduates are expected to break even after about three years. Princeton University Princeton University has fallen from its spot as #1 on our overall list, as well as our ROI list, coincidentally now ranking third on both. The lifetime extra-earnings value of a bachelor’s degree from this Ivy League school is estimated at just under $4 million over 40 years. Princeton is known for having one of the best financial aid programs among top universities in the US, with 89% graduating debt free, thanks to a large endowment (over $34 billion). And for those who graduate with debt, the average is low. Mid-career median salaries (after 20 years) are the highest in the Ivy League, at $194,100, according to Payscale. CUNY City College The next CUNY school is located in Harlem. It’s the oldest of the 25 CUNY schools–founded in 1847. It was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States. While it’s no longer free, students are paying well under $10,000. Psychology, biology and computer science are its most popular majors, and graduates regain their net cost after six months, according to Third Way data. CUNY Lehman College Located in the Bronx, Lehman’s historic campus spans 37 acres. While the 6-year graduation rate (just 49%) is lower than most other schools on our list, so too is student debt. Lehman College is known for its exceptional education in social mobility and social justice. The school’s Center for Human Rights and Peace Studies, as well as its Human Rights Education and Transformative Justice Certificate, give students a pathway to a career in the social rights sector, leading to relatively low salaries for Lehman grads compared to other New York schools on our list–a median of $98,300 after 20 years, according to

Bo Hines (far right), the former executive director of the presidential council of advisers for digital assets, pictured attending the White House Crypto Summit in Washington in his former role, next to from right to left David Sacks, White House Crypto and AI Czar, President Trump, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Associated Press Tether, the first and largest stablecoin issuer of USDT, is stepping up its Washington presence after a record profit report and the signing of the first U.S. law regulating payment stablecoins. Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether, and Bo Hines, former White House Crypto Council Executive Director and Tether’s new Strategic Advisor for Digital Assets and U.S. Strategy, discussed the latest on their U.S. stablecoin strategy with me. Tether, launched in 2014, has grown into one of the dominant players in the digital asset market. The company reported $4.9 billion in profit in the second quarter of 2025, underscoring its position as one of the most profitable firms in global finance. Now, as the United States implements its first federal framework for regulating payment stablecoins, Tether has turned to a former senior government official to help shape its strategy in Washington. Last week, the firm announced it had hired Bo Hines, former executive director of the White House presidential council on digital assets, as a strategic adviser for U.S. policy. Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino and Hines discussed their views on the changing landscape in an interview on August 25, focusing on the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act) — legislation signed by President Donald Trump on July 18 that sets new requirements for stablecoin issuers. Bo Hines, former executive director of the Presidential Council of Advisers for Digital Assets, is pictured when in his role at the White House during the signing of the U.S. Genius Act by President Trump, is now s Strategic Advisor for Tether on U.S. strategy and digital assets. © 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP Recruiting Washington Experience Hines previously played a key role in shepherding the GENIUS Act through Congress under the direction of White House “Crypto and AI Czar” David Sacks. The law, passed on a bipartisan basis, was among the most significant policy moves of the Trump Administration aimed at providing a framework for stablecoin issuers to operate in the U.S. Asked why he joined Tether, Hines cited the company’s role as a major purchaser of U.S. Treasuries: “What they’re doing for the U.S. government is extremely important, just from a public‑private perspective,” Hines said. “They are one of the largest purchasers of U.S. debt, which helps ensure we retain more control over our own economy.” Ardoino said the decision to bring Hines on board reflected respect for his ability to deliver complex legislation across party lines: “When I heard Bo decided to move on from his government job, I was impressed by his ability to drive the GENIUS Act forward and position the U.S. to seize this opportunity,” said Ardoino. Expanding U.S. Focus Ardoino emphasized that Tether intends to deepen its engagement in the United States under the new regulatory framework. “USDT is the best ally for the United States,” Ardoino said. “We have already invested nearly $5 billion in the U.S., and our interest in strengthening our role here continues to grow,” said Ardoino. When taking into consideration other U.S. stablecoin competitors under the GENIUS Act, Ardoino argued that competitors often focus on affluent banked customers, while Tether plans to pursue remittance use cases and underserved markets. “So there is a very huge interest in, you know, our competitors, like Circle…they’re all focused on a very thin segment. So everyone focuses on the rich people, like if the rich people had issues in making payments, they all focus on the segment of the market that is already banked, because that is the low hanging fruit.” Circle was contacted with an opportunity to respond, which was declined. Remittances And Emerging Markets International remittances represent a key part of Tether’s strategy. Ardoino noted that U.S. migrant workers often face fees as high as 28% to send money abroad. This is where Ardoino commented that his company could help the U.S., particularly with the unbanked or underserved in the U.S. as well as those seeking to send remittances abroad. “We see remittances as one of the biggest opportunities,” Ardoino said, pointing to strong adoption of USDT in emerging markets across Latin America, Asia and Africa. “Hundreds of millions of people are already using USDT, and remittance flows from the U.S. are the next logical step.” Hines added that U.S. businesses could also benefit from faster, lower‑cost cross‑border payments: “Instead of waiting days for wires to clear, businesses can transact instantly with lower costs and more transparency,” he said. Paolo Ardoino, chief executive officer of Tether Holdings Ltd., at the signing ceremony for the GENIUS Act, where President Trump acknowledged him. Ardoino hired Bo Hines, the former executive director for Trump’s council of crypto advisers in the White House, to be the advisor for Tether on U.S. strategy and digital assets. © 2025 Bloomberg Finance LP Scale, Scrutiny And Regulation Ardoino acknowledged that Tether’s rapid growth has drawn increased regulatory focus.“From 2020 to 2024, USDT supply expanded from $5 billion to more than $120 billion,” he said. “It’s no surprise regulators are paying close attention. Nearly 40% of on‑chain transaction fees are linked to USDT transfers. He also highlighted Tether’s cooperation with law enforcement, saying the company works with more than 250 agencies worldwide, including the Secret Service, FBI and the Department of Justice. On surviving the regulatory scrutiny that the world’s leading stablecoin issuer faced, Ardoino said, “We think that we proved over and over that we were not like Terra Luna. We were not the single coin that failed into Silicon Valley Bank and those issues, we survived operation choke point 2.0…we had all the major you know, participants to the traditional financial markets calling for our debt, and we

KATSEYE featured in Gap denim, for the retailers newest ad campaign ‘Better in Denim’ Courtesy: Gap Is the verdict still out on who has great jeans? If so, a new player has entered the chat. Gap’s “Better in Denim” campaign nods to the early aughts and the return of low-rise denim with a 90-second spot that has gotten over 23 million plays on TikTok to date, and it isn’t losing steam. To accomplish this, they tapped global girl group KATSEYE to be the heart and soul of Y2K-inspired content that feels both fresh and free, tipping its cap to the brand’s heritage in dance and visual identity, particularly with their monochromatic background. All of this happens with the movement, jumping, dancing, and swaying in the denim, showcasing the flexibility and mobility that can be achievedin the clothes. Who is KATSEYE? KATSEYE, a dance group that debuted in 2023 on Netflix’s Dream Academy. Known for their viral dances and for their ability to bridge and connect cultures through a K-pop lens, KATSEYE’s built a global following of more than 20 million people across various social channels. In June 2024, their single ‘Touch’ became a popular anthem on TikTok. One year later, their second EP, Beautiful Chaos, hit number 4 on the Billboard 200, establishing them as a global pop act. KATSEYE is the embodiment of youthful diversity, style, and individuality that Gap has long sought to champion. Beyond their asceticism, the six members of the group – Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Manon Bannerman, Megan Skiendiel, Sophia Laforteza, and Yoonchae Jeung – hail from different countries, including the Philippines, South Korea, Switzerland, and the United States. For the brand, this campaign has generated over 100 times Gap’s usual 2025 engagement rates, outperforming previous campaigns , such as ‘Feels Like Gap’. For KATSEYE, this moment is somewhat a manifestation of their evolving presence in fashion, having appeared at Coach’s 2025 Spring-Summer New York Fashion Week show and in Fendi’s April 2025 centennial campaign. KATSEYE on stage at “The Debut: Dream Academy” – Live Finale at XR Studios on November 17, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images) Billboard via Getty Images Subtle Shade At American Eagle? This rollout didn’t happen in a vacuum. In many ways, this spot is an overt and covert response to rival American Eagle Outfitters and their recently publicized jeans campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney. Last month, American Eagle came in hot with a series of ads featuring one of America’s most popular rising stars. Actress Sydney Sweeney, 27, launched her new collaboration with the retailer, titled ‘Sydney Sweeney Has Great Jeans’. While intended to celebrate “all-American denim,” critics accused it of being oversexualized and even drawing a genetic innuendo. The backlash was swift, with users labeling it “rage-bait marketing,” ultimately sparking a social media firestorm. From the South China Morning Post to the Daily Mail, and Vanity Fair to NPR – outlets across time zones, age brackets, and industry verticals all chimed in on their thoughts, perspectives, and symbolism of the ad. On social media, the ad became the talk of TikTok, X and Instagram with influencers and everyday people eager to record videos to share their opinion, all while replaying the advertisement for their users to see, of course. Even the President commented! What’s all the talk about? The pun/double entendre of language between genes and jeans, the intersection of visual identity and sex appeal, and the pretty privilege of “traditional” beauty. Where American Eagle danced on the line of controversy, Gap navigated in a different direction, built on joy, movement, and inclusivity. The use of Kelis’ ‘Milkshake’ as the soundtrack — “Damn right, it’s better than yours” — seemed to put some weight on their jab at American Eagle. Sydney Sweeney overlooks herself in her latest campaign for American Eagle. COURTESY: American Eagle Instagram The Competition Is Healthy With America locked in a cultural battle that shows no signs of letting up, this moment provides fertile opportunities for brands and talent alike to express their points of view and their perspectives on the topics of the day through creativity, commercial endeavors, and social media in ways that previous generations could not. Talking back and forth through the aperture of public opinion is not only smart, but it also allows the conversation to be adjusted, built upon, and crafted to target different audiences through new angles of relevance. Seeing Gap Inc. come in with their full range of denim – from low-cut to high-rise and skinny to baggy – made their spot talk not only to the American Eagle campaign, but in some way talk through it, screaming diversity without saying one word at all. I look forward to the next round, and may the creatives with the best jeans win. Read More

Community Nursing Services in Utah is a nonprofit hospice and home health agency that brings comfort to patients and families through unique programs like pet therapy. Community Nursing Services YoloCares is a California based NPHI member organization, seen here taking a patient out for a special bike ride. YoloCares (Northern California) Discussions about end-of-life care in America are often met with silence, confusion or fear. Yet millions of families face it every year, often without the support, clarity, or resources they need. Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO and founder of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), argues that it’s time we redefine hospice not as a last resort, but as a profound opportunity for quality, dignified living until the end. As a stage 3 melanoma survivor, Koutsoumpas understands how deeply caregiving can touch our lives. “I’m lucky to be here… It’s long been part of the very core function of hospice care to make sure that a caregiver was recognized as an important part of the team,” he says. Koutsoumpas believes hospice can be a transformative force for families and caregivers, but first, the myths about it need to be addressed. Dispelling Myths About Hospice Tom Koutsoumpas, CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) NPHI “One of the myths is that you have to be imminently dying,” he explains. “You don’t. You have to be terminal, and you have to have a six-month prognosis based on the general overall judgment of the physician. But it’s not a steadfast rule that you’re in continued decline or that you’re about to die.” Instead, Koutsoumpas says, hospice’s role should be expansive. The goal, he emphasizes, “is to make sure that patients and their families live to the fullest until the very end of life.” That might mean savoring family dinners, laughter with grandchildren, or peaceful moments at home. “If a patient could have dinner, could be interactive with their family… right up to the very end of life. Then that means we were successful in caring for them.” Hospice Innovations and Technology Hospice operation is evolving. “We want to make sure that we can use the latest tools of technology and support to care for our patients and families,” says Koutsoumpas. The adoption of telemedicine in palliative care accelerated because of the pandemic. Telepalliative services such as remote consultations with clinicians have become invaluable, especially for symptom management and emotional support at home. Patients with mobility issues or in rural areas also benefit from such flexibility, helping extend care to underserved populations. A cost-focused study of TeleHospice found that combining virtual and in-person visits could reduce staff travel expenses by over $115,000 annually. Beyond telehealth, specialized innovations are making their mark. One such example: robotic companion pets. Though still emerging, research indicates these devices may offer emotional benefits, reducing loneliness and agitation among hospice patients. “It’s a really wonderful tool that has changed their lives,” Koutsoumpas says. Equity and Disparity in Hospice Care A 2018 Cornell University study revealed that Black patients often face poorer experiences in hospice care compared to white patients, not necessarily because of different medical conditions, but because of a breakdown in trust and communication. Systems that provide comprehensive support regardless of a patient’s financial or housing situation are vital. NPHI represents more than 120 programs across 39 states, and it operates a national helpline, 844-GET-NPHI, where families can get help navigating palliative care options. They’ve also developed free caregiver guides in partnership with organizations like the American Cancer Society. These cover advanced caregiving for cancer, palliative care, cardiac, dementia, lung, veterans’ needs, and soon, pediatric care. “We care for patients, for people without regard to their ability to pay. It doesn’t matter if they can afford it or not, we accept everybody,” Koutsoumpas says. Emmanuel Hospice in Grand Rapids, MI, is an interfaith nonprofit hospice offering patients and loved ones meaningful experiences, like virtual reality. Emmanuel Hospice Redefining the Conversation Tom Koutsoumpas’ insights are indicative of a growing movement in hospice care: one that prioritizes early referral, equality of access and compassionate, tech-informed support. His calls for dispelling myths, innovating care delivery, and addressing inequity align with policy discussions and reforms throughout the field of palliative care. As he puts it, hospice should not be seen as surrender; it should be seen as support, as life-affirming. “The goal of hospice is to make sure that patients and their families live to the fullest until the very end of life.” The Well Beings Blog supports the critical health and wellbeing of all individuals, to raise awareness, reduce stigma and discrimination, and change the public discourse. The Well Beings campaign was launched in 2020 by WETA, the flagship PBS station in Washington, D.C., beginning with the Youth Mental Health Project, followed by the 2022 documentary series Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film by Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers (Now streaming on the PBS App). WETA has continued its award-winning Well Beings campaign with the new documentary film Caregiving, executive produced by Bradley Cooper and Lea Pictures, that premiered June 24, 2025, streaming now on PBS.org. For more information: #WellBeings #WellBeingsLive wellbeings.org. You are not alone. If you or someone you know is in crisis, whether they are considering suicide or not, please call, text, or chat 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor. To reach the Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and press 1, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat online, or text 838255. Read More

Topline The diamond ring NFL star Travis Kelce used to propose to pop icon Taylor Swift could have a carat size of her lucky number 13, an appraiser told Forbes, and likely carries a price tag well over a half million dollars. Taylor Swift attends the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 02, 2025. Getty Images for The Recording Academy Key Facts Swift on Tuesday announced she was engaged to her boyfriend of two years in a post that included photos of the couple embracing in a garden and a close-up of a ring gemologist appraiser Deborah Villepigue says looks to feature a diamond between 10 and 15 carats. The stone is an antique cushion-cut diamond with a D color grade—the highest on the scale—and likely a clarity of VVS1 or better, she said, in a yellow gold vintage setting with an estimated total value of about $650,000. Villepigue explained that because the diamond appears to be an antique, it is likely heavier and has a higher carat weight than a similarly sized diamond if it were cut today. She said it’s very possible the stone has a carat weight of 13—a number of significance to Swift that she has referenced dozens of times in her career (fans have already noticed her engagement announcement came on the 26th—13+13—and 13 days after her record-breaking appearance on Kelce’s podcast “New Heights,” which took place Aug. 13). Swift was also wearing what appeared to be a diamond-studded Cartier Santos Demoisells watch for the proposal, similar styles of which resell for upwards of $15,000. Get Forbes Breaking News Text Alerts: We’re launching text message alerts so you’ll always know the biggest stories shaping the day’s headlines. Text “Alerts” to (201) 335-0739 or sign up here. Crucial Quote “Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift wrote in her engagement announcement post. Key Background The so-called “Tayvis” relationship took the pop culture world by storm almost exactly two years ago. Kelce first suggested he was interested in Swift in July 2023 on his popular “New Heights” podcast, where he admitted he’d made a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it to give to Swift after seeing an Eras Tour performance. The pair were then publicly linked in September of 2023 after Swift appeared at a Kansas City Chiefs game to cheer on the tight end. The appearance sparked a media frenzy, in which the NFL capitalized by making jokes online, brands launched Kelce/Swift-related merch and it led to a spike in viewership for league games. Since then, the pair have been seen together all over the world and talked openly about their relationship earlier this month when Swift made a two-hour appearance on the “New Heights” podcast to reveal details about her upcoming album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Further Reading ForbesTaylor Swift Announces Engagement To Travis KelceBy Conor Murray Forbes‘Tayvis’ Is Engaged: A Complete Timeline Of Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s RelationshipBy Mary Whitfill RoeloffsForbesTrump Calls Taylor Swift ‘Terrific’ After Her Engagement To Travis Kelce—After Repeatedly Saying She’s ‘No Longer Hot’By Antonio Pequeño IV Read More