Wrestling fans know that there are few events more thrilling than the WWE Royal Rumble, and 2025s edition, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, was no exception. But what made this years Rumble even more unforgettable wasnt just the action in the ringit was the way the entire city embraced the spectacle. Indy wasnt just a host city; it became WWE territory for an entire weekend.Indianapolis went all in, transforming downtown into a wrestling fans dream. Not even Indianapolis International Airport wasnt spared from the Rumble fever. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by huge WWE Royal Rumble promo banners hanging from the rafters.The airport felt like the first stop on a journey into a full-blown WWE experience. Perhaps the most fun touch came in the form of street name changes. Fans strolling through the heart of downtown found themselves walking past intersections like Seth Freakin Rd and Cody Rd. The Yeet St led directly to Lucas Oil Stadium, and Bloodline Ave was filled with fans wearing Roman Reigns shirts. The entire vibe was a celebration of WWEs rich culture.The energy inside Lucas Oil Stadium was even better. Over 70,000 wrestling fans from across the globe flooded the venue, their chants echoing through the space, each one sporting the latest WWE gear and preparing for what was sure to be a night full of surprises. The event generated the largest gate of any single-night event in WWE history, with 70,342 fans in attendance. As the lights dimmed and the arena began to buzz with anticipation, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history in the making. Every fan had their theories: Who would make a surprise return? Which superstar would punch their ticket to WrestleMania 41? Would John Cena enter at #30 and win the Rumble? The questions swirled, but the only certainty was that the night would be one to remember.The countdown for the Womens Royal Rumble match began10 9 8and the roar of the crowd signaled that it was finally time. The biggest surprise was the return of Alexa Bliss, who for awhile many thought was not coming back to the WWE. The pop she got almost blew my ears out. The Womens Royal Rumble match was, without question, one of the highlights of the night. With intense athleticism, surprise entrants, and thrilling eliminations, it was a battle from start to finish. But it was Charlotte Flair who came out on top, making history yet again with her second Royal Rumble victory. Flairs dominant performance saw her eliminate some of WWEs toughest women, and when it came down to the final moments, she showed why shes called The Queen. Her victory solidified her place at WrestleMania 41. Another exciting surprise of the match was the former TNA Womens Champion Jordynne Grace. The crowd went wild when she made her unexpected entry, bringing her trademark power and intensity to the Rumble. Even at this early point, it seems like Jordynne Graces entrance into WWE promises to be a game-changer for the womens divisionOne match that was a little lackluster was the DIY vs. The Motor City Machine Guns. It was a back-and-forth battle that showcased the brilliance of both teams. The in-ring chemistry between Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa and Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley was undeniable. That being said, as much as it was a fantastic contest, it did feel a bit like a match that could have been saved for SmackDown rather than being placed on such a high-profile stage. It just didnt quite have the same big-match feel as some of the other bouts on the card.Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens in a Ladder Match for the Undisputed WWE Title was a display of pure grit and dedication to the craft of professional wrestling. It wasnt just about the movesthey told a story through their relentless battle, using the ladders in ways that made every thud resonate in your bones. Let me tell you, you could feel every hit, every painful slam of the ladder, even from up in my seat. Every time one of them was slammed into those unforgiving rungs, the stadium let out a collective gasp. You could see the sweat, the determination, the sheer willpower to winand when it finally ended, the crowd was left in awe. This was a match that reminded everyone why the Ladder Match is one of WWEs most beloved and brutal concepts.As the Mens Royal Rumble match was about to start, everyone had their bets: Would CM Punk get his favor from Paul Heyman to win? Would we see a dominating performance from a returning legend? How long would it take Roman Reigns to walk down the ramp?Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!Then, in one of the most unexpected moments in WWE history, Jey Usothe man whod long become the biggest babyface in the companywas the last man standing. Main Event Jey Uso had done it: he was heading to WrestleMania 41 as the Royal Rumble winner. Some in the crowd were in disbelief, others in celebration, but the common thread was shock. The stadium erupted into a frenzy as Jey pointed to the WrestleMania sign above, fireworks lighting the Wrestlemania 41 sign.For those of us watching, it was a moment that captured the essence of WWEthe unpredictability, the drama, and the sheer emotion that can make a live event so exhilarating. Jeys victory wasnt just a storyline twist; it was a symbol of the unpredictable magic that makes WWE special.When the lights went down on Royal Rumble 2025, the night was far from over. The streets of Indianapolis stayed alive with the energy of the event, as fans spilled out into downtown to celebrate. Some found themselves debating the nights biggest moments, while othersperhaps a little too inspired by the showrecreated their favorite wrestling moves on the sidewalk.Looking back on my experience at the 2025 Royal Rumble in Indianapolis, I can say it was one of the most thrilling WWE events Ive ever attended. From the way the city embraced the spectacle to the surprises that unfolded in the ring, this Rumble will be talked about for years to come. Jey Usos shocking victory was the cherry on top of an unforgettable night, and its one that will be etched in the minds of WWE fans for a long time.

If you have a small bedroom, youll know the true meaning of sleeping tight. Perhaps your full-size mattress lends your bijou bedchambers the feel of a bouncy castle (or, more accurately, a padded cell). Or maybe that 12-inch crevice between the foot of your bed frame and your wall requires a posterior shimmy that would rival the cast of Cabaret. But having a diminutive dozing space neednt be a nightmare, as far as interior design is concerned. In fact, it can be preferable. I strongly prefer small bedrooms to large ones, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Michelle R. Smith insists. [My young son] Bash refuses to sleep in his bedroom because its too big.Much like other pint-size spaces like powder rooms, small bedrooms can provide a unique opportunity to be creative. In fact, the busier the better, Smith says. If you have plain, crisp white walls, what differentiates it from a closet? Instead, she suggests, create coziness via space-heightening striped wallpaper or an all-over floral. Smith also recommends sconces, in lieu of lamps, and leaving room for side tables, though a simple bracket shelf will do. After all, you only need room for water and your phone.Studio apartments can be trickier, but for ELLE DECOR A-List designer Jean Liu, space needn't be a debilitant of style. In her showstopping one-room flat, Liu kept functionality in mind. The daybed where I sleep happens to be one of the main seating areas when guests visit, she tells us. Opt for multipurpose furniture like a bed with built-in storage or a foldable desk to create more room for essentials. Light, neutral color palettes make the space feel open, while mirrors strategically placed can reflect light and make the room appear larger. Vertical storage solutions, such as floating shelves or tall dressers, can free up floor space and help keep the room uncluttered.Still stuck? Were here to help you live large with 45 small bedroom ideas from the ELLE DECOR archive that create the illusion of loftiness, distract from clutter, or are just plain dreamy. No matter what strategy you choose, youll be putting the beauty in beauty rest in no time! 1Hang a Tapestry Sylvie BecquetLacking the DIY skills to install wallpaper? Too timid for a bold color? A tapestry might be the small-bedroom solution for you. Simply hang one behind your bed to give the combined sense of an expanded headboard and a richly textured chic mural. Here, in his own private manor house, ELLE DECOR A-List Titan Robert Couturier shows us how its done. 2Get Smart with SpaceClment VayssieresInterior designer Peter Dunhams Paris pied--terre may clock in at a mere 300 square feet, but that didnt mean he skimped on style. In the bedroom, the ELLE DECOR A-Lister simply got smart with space, opting for floating sconces, a towering hammered-copper headboard, and a diminutive bedside table that can stash bedtime reading material. Its my Airstream in the sky in Paris, Dunham told us. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Choose a Fun Headboard Tim LenzNeutral mastermind Augusta Hoffman added fun touches to her clients bachelorette pad, including the trefoil-shaped headboarda big move for a small space. We are also eyeing that mini floating nightstand, which saves space and adds lightness. 4Bunk UpStephen Kent JohnsonOne bedroom in this Montana house makes the most of vertical space, with a four-person bunk bed situation that is as chic as it is practical. Made it all wood, it hones the rustic charm of its surroundings. We especially love the bed curtains, which offer a little privacy to each co-inhabitant. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Install a CanopyMiguel Flores-ViannaLimited space doesnt mean you cant sleep like a queen. Take a look at this bedroom in an exuberant Aspen home designed by ELLE DECOR A-Lister Patrick Mele as proof. Here, the designer installed a whimsical butterfly-print canopy above the bed. The structure doesnt occupy an ounce of additional square footage and has the delightful effect of creating a room-within-a-room. Does this mean we can call our apartment a two-bedroom? 6Bring in Earth TonesDavid MitchellThe cozy yet stylish bedroom in this Manhattan apartment maximizes space with clever design choices. A calming neutral palette creates a serene atmosphere, while thoughtful touches like plush bedding and modern accents add a sophisticated edge. Though small, the room feels airy, luxurious, and grounding. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Let Your Coverlet LeadWilliam Jess LairdIf your budget is tight, consider shelling out for one investment piece for your small bedroom, like a particularly fabulous bedspread or coverlet. Here, ELLE DECOR A-List designer Andre Mellone selected a checkered one with matching pillows, a choice that works with the rest of the rooms moody palette, creating the feeling of being tucked away in a cozy cave with nature just in view. 8Embrace Pared-Back PrettyMaureen M. EvansStar Mexican chef Elena Reygadas has a small sleeping space, sure, but her home is blessed with sky-high ceilings and tons of light. The pale blue Chippendale bed, an heirloom from Reygadass grandmother, adds a sense of vintage romance without being over the top. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Try a DaybedJennifer HughesWhen a full-sized mattress just wont fit, opt for a smaller daybed. We love how landscape architect Thomas Woltz slotted this elegant antique alongside a window in his Virginia Victorian. 10Pile Your PillowsSerena Eller VainicherWhen space is at a premium, be sure to make the most of your bed itself. Here, in a perfectly situated Rome apartment, design duo Alvisi Kirimoto piled an antique bed with pillows by Vox Populi. A space-saving, squiggly-legged nightstand by Maarten Baas provides extra punch. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below11Stack Your Accessories Victoria PearsonThis boho-chic room, designed by Schuyler Samperton, has many tricks up its sleeve. Striped wallpaper adds height, while a largely blue color palette keeps the look cozy. Samperton also made sure the accessories were stacked vertically (take a look at that well-styled nightstand!), a move that works with the upward lines of the wallpaper and headboard. 12Play with Your Bed FrameLauren MillerIf a fabric canopy isnt quite your vibe, consider choosing a bed frame that adds architectural interest instead. Designer Sam Sacks kept this Toronto bedroom crisp and white to let the custom four-poster bed be the hero element in the space. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below13Use a Striped Wallpaper William Jess LairdVertical stripes, whether youre choosing a shirt or decorating a room, create the illusion of height. In a guest bedroom in her own New Orleans home, designer Michelle R. Smith covered the walls in a classic blue stripe by Lewis & Wood. A plush blue velvet quilt and charming vintage artworks lend the space a cozy storybook quality.14Pick Pretty Sconces Manuel RodrguezElegance is the name of the game in Lindsay Stall Falconers pretty New York City bedroom. In addition to the elevated palette of gray, blush, white, and gold in classic fabrics, she lifted the look with a pair of antique sconces. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below15Go WildKirk Davis SwinehartSometimes, its best to embrace your treasures. William Cullum, a senior designer at Jayne Design Studio, certainly did in the tiny-but-mighty 500-square-foot studio apartment he shares with his partner. His maximalist design ethos? If we love it, we make it work.16Pile on the Complementary Patterns Simon UptonThis Parisian house decorated by Eric Allart is centuries oldand has the quirky architecture to prove it. Allart gave this small garret bedroom plenty of personality with complementary block-printed fabrics in aqua hues. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below17Choose Deep Jewel Tones Nicole FranzenYour bedroom may feel like a cave, but that doesnt mean it cant be a chic cave. Take this enveloping bedroom designed by Le Whit. The designers painted the walls in Sherwin-Williamss Naval and upholstered the bed in a wine-colored Zak+Fox fabricdeep hues that spell deep slumber. 18Pitch a TentSimon WatsonWere here for some glampingespecially when the tent is designed by Veere Grenney. In this London townhouse, the decorator swaddled a combined dressing room and nap quarters in a striped fabric by Le Gracieux, creating height while leaving a sleeper wrapped in style. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below19Make Your Headboard Work Kelly MarshallIf the only thing your bedroom can fit is, well, a bed, make your headboard work for you. We love this vibrant idea in the Los Angeles home of Mara Brock Akil, designed by Tiffany Howell. This custom blue velvet bed is tricked out with a nightstand, lighting, and plenty of 70s glamour. 20Frame It OutStephen Kent Johnson When it comes to your sleeping quarters, why not create a room-within-a-room with a striking four-poster bed? We love the barley twist version that designer Tatyana Miron Ahlers sourced for her chic Manhattan pad.Rachel SilvaAssociate Digital EditorRachel Silva is the associate digital editor at ELLE DECOR, where she covers all things design, architecture, and lifestyle. She also oversees the publications feature article coverage, and is, at any moment, knee-deep in an investigation on everything from the best spa gifts to the best faux florals on the internet right now. She has more than 16 years of experience in editorial, working as a photo assignment editor at Time and acting as the president of Women in Media in NYC. She went to Columbia Journalism School, and her work has been nominated for awards from ASME, the Society of Publication Designers, and World Press Photo.Anna FixsenDeputy Digital EditorAnna Fixsen is the deputy digital editor of ELLE DECOR, where she oversees all facets of ELLEDECOR.com. In addition to editing articles and developing digital strategy, she writes about the world's most beautiful homes, reviews the chicest products (from the best cocktail tables to cute but practical gifts), and reports on the most exciting trends in design and architecture. Since graduating from Columbia Journalism School, she's spent the past decade as an editor at Architectural Digest, Metropolis, and Architectural Record and has written for outlets including the New York Times, Dwell, and more.

Meta last year introduced significant enhancements to the Threads timeline, as users gained the option to create custom feeds and choose which feed they want to see by default. Now Meta is announcing another new feature for Threads: the ability to share custom feeds with others.As shown by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Threads now has an option to let users share their custom feeds with other people. This means that other Threads users can see and save the feed youve created with all the accounts youve chosen. Its a great way to share a tech news feed with a friend, for example.To make a custom feed public on your profile, Tap and hold the feed youve created at the top of your Threads app, then tap Edit feeds. Youll see a Public toggle just switch it on. The process of sharing a custom feed with someone is very similar. But instead of using the toggle, tap the Share Feed button to send it as a link or DM.The custom feeds can be seen in the top tab of the Threads apps home screen. A shared feed can be pinned to the home screen as well.Since launching custom feeds last year, people have created feeds around popular interests like sports, books, art, astronomy, fashion, poetry, design, and more, adding to the vibrant communities and conversations on Threads, Meta told 9to5Mac.The option to share custom feeds is now being rolled out to all users globally. The Threads app is available for free on the App Store. Make sure you update the app to the latest version in order to get access to the new features.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Youre not alone, Discord is down globally.In which case, yes, you might actually be alone, but hopefully not for long. Roblox, too, apparently.Discord outage reports have spiked on DownDetector in the last few minutes. The alarm bells are surely ringing at Discord (unless they ring using Discord).For now, it appears Discord is trialing a fix.MonitoringA fix has been implemented and we are monitoring the results.Feb04,202513:30PSTIdentifiedThe issue has been identified and a fix is being implemented.Feb04,202513:24PSTInvestigatingWe are currently investigating this issue.Feb04,202513:21PSTWell update our coverage if Discord has more to say. Otherwise, the outage isnt just affecting you. No need to reset your router.Update: The outage seems to have lasted about 45 minutes.Top iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

"Would undermine the Trump administrations commitment to take the U out of UAP."Scully DuggeryAmid a looming purge of anti-loyalists, FBI agents who've been investigating mysterious sightings in the sky wait, did anybody just faintly hear the "X-Files" theme playing? are concerned that they may get caught up in the Donald Trump dragnet.AsPolitico reports, some officials who work with the bureau's secretive "unidentified anomalous phenomena" working group fed-speak for unidentified flying objects, better known as UFOs are concerned that having worked on cases related to the Trump-inspired insurrection on January 6, 2021 may lead to their sacking."I have spoken to several agents from the UAP Working Group who are afraid of losing their role and the investigation getting unintentionally compromised," formal Naval pilot Ryan Graves, a noted UFO whistleblower, told Politico.It's unclear exactly how many members of the FBI's UAP Working Group, whose existence had not been revealed before Politico broke this story, were previously involved with Jan. 6 cases. The tenor of concern from Graves and other officials familiar with the office, however, suggests that there's enough overlap to make a difference."These leaders might not be aware of the incredible work these agents are doing, and how their investigation could be empowered as part of a formalized intergovernmental effort," said Graves, who also runs an advocacy group for military UFO whistleblowers.FediverseBeyond the authoritarian nightmare of a seemingly Stalinesque expulsion of those who don't fall in lockstep with the White House, the potential gutting of the group could undermine Trump's own stated goals about getting to the bottom of UAP sightings.Former Army special forces and intelligence official Caison Best toldPolitico that he'd worked with the group after he saw something he couldn't explain or identify in Colorado and that hollowing out the office out would be "obviously detrimental" to the work its members do."The FBI is one component of the government that is starting to realize what other functions in the government have already known for a long time and have been participating in," Best said, somewhat cryptically. "And if FBI agents are the mechanism to bring that under a legal umbrella, I think theyre doing unbelievably critical work."Graves put a similar sentiment in layman's terms: purging UAP working group members "would undermine the Trump administrations commitment to take the U out of UAP."More on the UAPs and Trump: UFO Whistleblower Claims Trump Is Being Lied To About Those Drones in New JerseyShare This Article

"You need to come pick this up."On the British islands of Turks and Caicos, residents and tourists have been left to deal with the aftermath of SpaceX's Starship explosion, which rained down debris onto the archipelago last month.In interviews withCNN, folks living on and visiting the 40-island nation, eight of which are inhabited, described their shock at finding bits of spacecraft near their homes and businesses."I just never have seen colors like that in the sky," Lori Kaine, a resident of Turks and Caicos' main island Providenciales, told the broadcaster. "At first, I thought it was an actual plane that had exploded."As photos and videos from the January 16 incident show, the colors from Starship's upper stage explosion as it reentered the atmosphere during twilight were indeed spectacular that is, until the detritus from the disaster made ground fall.According to Kaine, the sounds made from the falling debris were incredibly loud, and she could hear a resounding boom from inside with all her doors and windows shut. The next morning, she took stock of the scene and found a fallen wire in her driveway, hexagonal tiles on the road where she walks her dogs, and various other pieces of refuse on the beach near her house."Im like, 'OK, this is crazy,'" the Providenciales resident said, "because [the debris was] on the inner roads of the island and over on the beach."Though this definitely isn't the first time Starship prototypes have exploded during tests or left behind pieces of scrap, the January 16 incident stands out because some of the wreckage from the upper stage landed on a populated area far from the launch.In a statement to CNN, the Federal Aviation Administration maintains that Turks and Caicos was informed that it was located within a potential "hazard area," though residents say that communication about those warnings was minimal. Prior to the launch, the FAA claims, SpaceX was required to "ensure that the probability of casualty to a member of the public on land or on board a maritime vessel does not exceed one in one million."Luckily, there were no injuries from the Starship explosion on the territorial islands, and the FAA says it's working on confirming reports of property damage. Still, those who witnessed the aftermath are less than thrilled about the mess or the lack of follow-through regarding its removal."Im into the launches and what Musk is doing," Amos Lucker, the owner of a Providenciales car rental service, told CNN, "but I think he should be liable for the cleanup, too."After the test flight explosion, SpaceX implored people to report debris and not to touch or pick up any pieces because they may be hazardous. According to Kaine, the Providenciales resident, that statement didn't make its way to her until after she'd already begun cleaning up fragments.Attempting to do the right thing, the woman called SpaceX's hotline to report what she'd found. The company took a week to respond,she says, ultimately saying that it would be days before anyone could come check it out and as of CNN's press time, Kaine still had more than 200 pounds of Starship pieces stored in her garage."You need to come pick this up," the Turks and Caicos resident implored of SpaceX. "And my concern has grown on a larger level about these launches, because now that Im reading about it theres such limited information out there."Share This Article

Galactus has arrived in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.And this aint no sentient cloud. This is a big old alien in purple and blue armor. (We bet you ten space bucks that hes even got a big G somewhere on his outfit like the original Stan Lee / Jack Kirby Galactus did.)Galactus makes a blink and youll miss it cameo in the end of the new teaser forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps.But hes not the only Marvel Comics reference in the trailer. In our latest Marvel video, we break down the entireFF trailer, and point out all the stuff drawn from Lee and Kirby as well as the long history of theFantastic Four comic, which has been published by Marvel since 1961.Watch our full trailer breakdown here:READ MORE: The Worst Marvel Comics EverIf you liked that video breaking down all the Marvel Easter eggs in the new The Fantastic Four: First Steps teaser, check out more of our videos below, including one on all of the clues that Doctor Doom was the secret Big Bad in the Marvel Cinematic Universe all along, one on the controversial casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and whether Marvel is making a mistake with the shift away from Kang, and one on some of the most notable deleted scenes in the history of Marvel, and how they could have changed the MCU forever. Plus, theres tons more videos over atScreenCrushs YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to catch all our future episodes.The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to open in theaters on July 25, 2025.Sign up for Disney+ here.Get our free mobile appEvery Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to BestIt started with Iron Man and its continued and expanded ever since. Its the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with 34 movies and counting. But whats the best and the worst? We ranked them all.Categories: Movie News, Superheroes, Videos

MissionTo improve the companys conversion ratio of interstate opportunities by raising the number of closed sales and showing the outcomes listed below.Metrics / Key Performance IndicatorsBook a minimum of 30 orders for the first full month, ensuring a 5% ongoing monthly increase for the consecutive 6 months.Maintain the personal conversion rate above 20% after the second month.Make a minimum of 50 outbound calls per 40-hour week.Maintain a 100% response rate to the companys interstate requests.Ensure that 100% of the qualified interstate leads in the CRM are followed up on time.CompetenciesCustomer Orientation. The right candidate must be willing to help people and provide high-standard service in a prompt, polite manner.Sales Skills. The right candidate must demonstrate knowledge of the buyer's psychology, making the first impression, relevant questioning, active listening, and objection handling.Aggressiveness. The right candidate must show persistence and enthusiasm when initiating contact with new leads, following up with opportunities, and closing sales.Efficiency. The right candidate must work smart, producing the requested output with minimal wasted effort. It involves proper planning and staying within the schedule.Stress Resistance and Adaptability. The right candidate must be comfortable working in a fast-paced, busy environment and maintaining stable performance under heavy pressure or changing priorities.Attention to Detail. The right candidate must always convey essential details to customers. Omitting important information often leads to profit loss and reputational damage to the company.Communication. The right candidate must speak articulately, logically, and concisely.Team-Building. The right candidate must establish a collaborative working relationship with colleagues.Proactivity and Self-Sufficiency. The right candidate must act independently and achieve the set outcomes without constant supervision.Responsibility and Integrity. The right candidate must be honest and reliable. Deliberately giving false information will serve as the basis for employment termination.Intelligence. The right candidate must demonstrate an ability to learn quickly and memorize large chunks of new information.Literacy. The right candidate must have an excellent command of English, high grammar competence, and proper writing skills.

Since taking office on Jan. 21, there's been a barrage of sweeping executive orders from President Donald Trump's administration. Experts say a key student loan program --Saving on a Valuable Education student loan repayment plan-- could be next on the chopping block.SAVE is an income-driven student loan repayment plan that was implemented during former President Biden's administration. It lowered monthly student loan payments for millions of borrowers and offered them additional paths to forgiveness. However, SAVE has been hung up in the courts for the latter half of 2024, leaving millions of borrowers unsure about the fate of their student loans.Before the previous administration left office, an email was sent to borrowers, detailing the current status of SAVE, the implications for forgiveness and what you can do now."The Biden-Harris Administration has been vigorously defending the SAVE Plan in court to give borrowers more breathing room on their student loans," the Office of Federal Student Aid wrote in the Jan. 15 email.However, experts don't expect the Trump administration to defend this income-driven repayment plan. Instead, experts say borrowers should brace for the end of SAVE and other possible student loan changes.Hold onto your seats, as there will be a roller coaster of a ride over the next four years. Mark Kantrowitz, financial aid and student loan expert If you're enrolled in SAVE, here's what you need to know.Why is SAVE on hold?In 2024, a federal court issued an injunction that prevents ED from using the SAVE plan and from canceling loans that have earned forgiveness under the SAVE, PAYE and ICR plans. During the injunction, loans on the SAVE plan, which first went live in 2023, are in interest-free forbearance.Here's what ED said forbearance means for you:You don't have to make monthly payments.Interest is not accruing.Months in forbearance do not count toward forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or income-driven repayment plans.How long will SAVE remain on hold?Experts expected the forbearance for SAVE borrowers to last for at least six months into 2025. In one of the last emails from the Biden administration, SAVE borrowers were told payments could remain on hold until December 2025.However, the Trump administration could change all of this, said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan and financial aid expert. Kantrowitz doesn't expect the Trump administration to defend the SAVE plan in court, and if it repeals the SAVE plan, the forbearance period could end sooner.Will the Trump administration repeal SAVE?Experts agree that the new administration is likely to look for ways to repeal former President Biden's Saving on a Valuable Education plan.How? Kantrowitz expects Republicans to put the student loan income-driven repayment and forgiveness plan on the chopping block as part of a legislative process called budget reconciliation. This process, which can be utilized once a year, only requires a 51-vote to pass in the Senate, as opposed to the usual 60-vote filibuster rule.Elaine Rubin, a student loan policy expert for Edvisors and CNET Money expert review board member, agrees that SAVE's days are numbered."There is very little chance that the SAVE plan will survive," Rubin said.If SAVE is repealed, borrowers will be able to move to a different income-driven repayment plan. Rubin suspects borrowers will have 90 days to move to another plan, though the window could be shorter. If you haven't already reviewed other IDR options, you can compare your expected monthly payment on other IDRs using the calculator at StudentAid.gov.What can student loan borrowers do?Though SAVE is likely to be eliminated, it's not a certainty. We'll need to wait to see what happens in the coming months. In the meantime, here are three steps experts recommend taking. Look into the PSLF "buy back" program, if you qualifyIf you're in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and enrolled in SAVE, you might be able to get credit for months of forbearance by making extra payments through thePSLF Buyback program.The Buyback program is currently only available to borrowers who have reached the 10-year mark on repayment, but may not be eligible for forgiveness during the SAVE pause. Review additional income-driven repayment plansWith SAVE unlikely to survive another year, it's a smart idea to explore what your payments will look like under other income-driven repayment plans. Since SAVE was the most affordable IDR plan for most borrowers, your monthly payment will likely increase on another plan. Compare your monthly payment under different plans so you'll have an idea of what your new student loan payment could look like.You can explore other IDRs using the StudentAid.gov repayment simulator. Watch for updates from the Department of EducationKeep an eye out for emails from the student aid office and your servicer, and check StudentAid.gov/saveaction for updates on court actions."While there are several unknowns, it's best for borrowers to stay on top of all correspondence they receive," Rubin said.There's still much that we don't know about the fate of student loan programs, but Kantrowitz advises borrowers to brace for changes."Hold onto your seats, as there will be a roller coaster of a ride over the next four years," he added. Related links

Jared Blake and Ed Be of Lichen.Photo: Deirdre LewisLichenLichen Bamboo Room Divider in HoneyLM Stool by Nifemi-Marcus BelloI first visitedLichenin 2020 when I was reporting astory about intrepid New York City shopkeepers. Ive been obsessed ever since. The inventory is always changing, but step inside, grab a coffee, and look around. Youre sure to discover something incredible from the past or present. Maybe its a super rare1980s Robert Venturi Chippendale chair. Or the work of an experimental young designer likeNifemi-Marcus Bello, based in Lagos, whose work I have been following since I first saw it at Lichen. Im saving up for his Selah floor lamp, made with sheet metal typically used for electrical power generators. It feels a bit like a contemporary take on the classic Castiglioni Toio lamp. Hannah Martin, senior design editorHome Decorlan Byrd x Lulu and GeorgiaElan Byrd Terrene Table LampIm a big fan of designer lan Byrd, so when I got the alert about her collection for Lulu and Georgia it seemed like a good excuse to indulge in some retail therapy. Lighting is the last thing that I need to be concerned about right now, but I couldnt resist the cuteness of this rattan table lampare you kidding me?! 10 out of 10, no notes! Sydney Gore, senior digital design editorIfstheticIfsthetic Anyan Candle HolderFrom hand-carved candle holders to throw pillows designed with bold colors and textures, Ifsthetic is the embodiment of luxury home decor. Founder and creative director Brittney Ifemembi takes inspiration from her Nigerian American roots to amplify her culture through her home goods line. The chic Pkk slippers and sultry H candle are two decor standouts in my space, but I look forward to adding to my collection with every Ifsthetic drop. Nashia Baker, senior commerce editorLa Reunion StudioLa Runion Studio Medallion MatLa Runion Studio was started by Nigerian-American designer Sarah Nsikak as an homage to African culture (the name nods to the island of the same name off Madagascar). Using deadstock fabric from fashion friends and textiles acquired at antique markets/auctions, she weaves them into colorful quilted designs that recall the work of the Gees Bend community. Departing from her signature patchwork dresses, Nsikak has since migrated into the home dcor lane, with a new small run of goods that includes this posh, Marie Antoinette-esque floor mat. Lori Keong, associate commerce directorBadlands VintageVintage Easy Chair by Studio KIm always watching Badlands Vintage for their next dropthe store is ingeniously curated and filled with unique, vintage pieces, from mid-century modern to Bauhaus to artisanal ceramics. I learn more about design from a 30-minute scroll on their website than I do scrolling interiors on Instagram for two hours. Julia Harrison, commerce writer54kiboHoola Beaded Pendant Light ChandelierNana Quagraines decor platform 54kibo stocks everything from luxury dishware to textiles to baby gifts and high-end furniture. The common thread that ties all of these products together? Nanas dedication to sourcing the best in contemporary African design. Most recently, I was delighted to see the work of South African lighting design studio Mash.T, whose work is woven and beaded by hand. Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorAlysia MazzellaAlysia Mazzella Mirth PillarTheres nothing like the smell of burning beeswax to make a room feel homey. Im an Earth sign, so I thrive when Im groundedsetting good vibes inyourdomestic environment through scent is crucial to unlocking this level of inner peace. I became familiar with Alysia Mazzella and her beeswax practice during the pandemic and have never looked at candles in the same way since. I get so much use out of these packs of tea lights that she sells. At this point, I should be on the subscription planso I never experience running out again! Sydney Gore, senior digital design editorCurvesCurves by Sean Brown Iconic Chairs Woven ThrowCurves by Sean Brown Shower CurtainOffering charming furnishings, everyday objects, and homeware, Curves is tastefully in pursuit of adding individuality to ones personal space by bringing together vibrant and colorful home decor made by a selection of artists. Andrea Lewis, assistant to the global editorial directorChances are youve seen one of Sean Browns custom CD rugs on AD, your IG feed, or in many stylish celebrity homes, but the Toronto-based designer keeps a full selection of creative decor and design objects stocked in the Curves shop. Ive been eyeing this incredible shower curtain covered with designs of iconic chairs (because yes, I too love chairs on everything), and I think 2025 is the year I need to bring it home once and for all. Rachel Fletcher, commerce directorClaude HomeOrphee Liqueur Glass by Justine Menard (Set of 2)Claude Home hooked me first with its catalog of Justine Menard ceramics, namely these liqueur glasses and these petits vases, which then opened the door to the amazing curation of Claude Homes founder, Maggie Holladay. From one-of-a-kind sculpture to design-forward furniture Claude Home considers every detaildown to the smoked glass sconces. Julia Harrison, commerce writerBon FemmesCocoshalom Fancy Pants Art PrintBon Femmes is a Chicago-based business that offers a delightful spread of home items that you wont find anywhere else. From unique candles to anthropomorphic ceramics, you can easily spend hours scrolling through the charming wares. My favorite items have to be the selection of printslike this artwork done on recycled paper. Audrey Lee, commerce editorTaaru MajeureTaaru Rose BasketUpon entrance to Taaru Majeure in Larchmont, New York, shoppers are immediately greeted by store owner Mama Faye and will find themselves immersed in a vibrant world full of wanderlust. The refined pan-African design bazaar showcases beautiful items, from woven baskets to nubby mudcloth pillows, but my favorite are the handcrafted bed throws from Casamance, Senegal. The small shop is a quick ride from New York City, but many of the handcrafted items are also available on the shop website. Michael Shome, global visuals director