What states are thinking about eliminating property taxes? I heard Texas, and Florida are two states that are thinking about totalling abolishing property taxes and cover revenues with sales taxes. How true is this, or is it just a conspiracy theory? I would appreciate a comprehensive overview of the states that will be eliminating abolishing property taxes. Property taxes, high homeowners insurance, and high homeowners association dues are making being a homeowner unaffordable and above and beyond being able to buy a house.

I have seen many French Bulldogs ride skateboards like pros. I own a French Bulldog and purchased a skateboard to teach him how to ride a skateboard like the French bulldogs you see on YouTube riding skateboards. Does anyone know how to teach a French bulldog to ride a skateboard? I want a comprehensive step-by-step instruction on teaching my French Bulldog how to ride a skateboard and enjoy it. Please tell me the success rate of French bulldogs and whether they enjoy riding skateboards.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czVQ5RZ6Hac

GCA Forums News: National Headline Summary For Thursday, May 8, 2025

Politics and Policy

Trump Declares Memorializing “Victory Day” for WWII: On May 8, 2025, Trump signed a proclamation declaring the day as Victory Day to memorialize World War II. This marks another attempt to honor World War II’s military achievements and is intended to accompany a proclamation for World War I later in the year. Detractors assert it is the capping of meaningless symbolism among troubling policies.

Federal Reserve Keeps Interest Rates Unchanged:

Given the uncertainty from Trump’s proposed trade war and tariff policies, the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates at current levels. Economists warn that escalating trade tensions could hinder inflation and economic growth.

Trump Administration Renegotiation Plan:

This controversial strategy aims to negotiate a significant reduction in the US foreign assistance offered to Libya. Although explicit details remain scarce, the proposal has faced criticism for its potential to compromise humanitarian efforts.

Reorganization Activities After Resignations In The USDA:

After a “deferred resignation offer” in which 15,000 employees opted to leave, the Department of Agriculture, led by Secretary Brooke Rollins, has been restaffing and actively seeking to fill the critical roles left vacant. This recruiting blitz is aimed at stabilizing the department.

World News

“No Peace” India-Pakistan Relations Hit New Low

A limited peace remains after India’s missile strikes in Pakistani-held Kashmir, called by India “retaliation” for Kashmir militant activity, which killed 26 people in Indian-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif referred to it as a “cowardly” attack. Both nations claim victory at this stage. Pakistan was completely “blackout-censored” during wartime readiness drills and blacked-out TVs. India conducted nationwide “blackout” war readiness drills. Flights were cancelled out of India, and memorials were held for the “dead.” Everything remains extremely precarious, and tensions can flare up anytime.

Vatican Conclave Elects New Pope

On May 8, 2025, while it was still daytime, white smoke rose from the walls of the Sistine Chapel. During the black smoke days, this meant no agreement among the 133 cardinals voting. The newly elected Pope, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics, remains unnamed. Many television sets were also tuned to the conclave’s coverage worldwide, waiting to see what would happen about LGBTQ targeting outreach.

Business and Finance

Gates Philanthropic Pledge

During an interview with Reuters, Bill Gates said he plans to donate almost his entire personal worth for the next 20 years. He plans to set aside US$20200 million to target the world’s poorest through his foundation, claiming the pledge is one of the largest ever and can change philanthropy.

Port Caused Problems Due to Trump Tariffs: Los Angeles and Long Beach ports suffered heavily from the lack of incoming cargo ships due to the Trump-era tariffs. The disruptions have caused alarm over possible delays in the supply chains and a spike in consumer prices.

Electric Star Schemes Set to be Retired: An Environmental Protection Agency plan to withdraw one of its Energy Star offices will eliminate a thirty-year-old scheme that incentivised the production of lower-energy appliances. In its absence, consumers and environmentalists will face high energy costs and environmental damage.

Engineering and Science

Videographers Capture Colossal Squid Alive:

The Marine Biological Association achieved a major milestone in 2025, becoming the first organization to capture a colossal squid on Video. As highlighted in one of the articles in the NYT Mini Crossword, the strides result from persistent efforts in deep-sea scientific research.

Latest Update for Tesla Spring 2025:

Tesla has completed the Cybertruck feature implementations for the Spring Update. The version is now available in 75-80% of all vehicles. Receivers’ October Report sales continue to rise. However, praise was also aimed at the new door’s bragging features, as mixed feelings were found regarding the performance of the new features revealed and stalled claiming.

One UI 7 Launches for Galaxy Users:

Samsung One UI 7 was available to Galaxy device users, including new AI features like Writing Assist and Reshape. The latter group suffers immensely from performance issues related to AI abuse on the device’s battery life.

Culture and Entertainment

Vice President Harris at the Met Gala:

Vice President Harris attended the 2025 Met Gala, her first public engagement after giving a speech following the 2024 elections, which she lost. This appearance garnered much interest, marking her return to the public spotlight.

NYT Puzzles Break Records:

The New York Times Wordle Strands and Mini Crossword, dated May 8, 2025, continue to break records. Besides their astonishing clues, the ‘Well, fancy that!’ theme was one to look out for.

Leap Day Series Resonates:

The fifth episode showcased emotional relationships between characters and was well-received for depicting friendship and chosen family. Fans on X appreciated the emotional aspects of the show.

Local Spotlight

Frederick’s Alive @ Five Launches:

The Alive @ Five summer happy hour series 21 opened in Frederick, Maryland, on May 8, 2025. The event occurs at the Carroll Creek Amphitheater and serves those aged 21 and over. The event seeks to promote community engagement through the efforts made by the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Analysis

These complex issues are related, domestically or internationally. The Trump administration policies, ranging from symbolic and trivial ones such as “Victory Day” and triumphal American celebrations to wretched ones such as mass deportation, leniency in documentation, and harsh tariffs, pose critical questions on the economy and America’s relationship with the world. The ongoing skirmish between India and Pakistan illustrates the remaining international conflict situations that sustain the fragile geo-political equilibrium. At the same time, the new Pope from the Vatican denotes new possible shifts in the religious equilibrium. Tremendous technological developments, including filming the colossal squid or the latest Tesla update, parallel cultural phenomena like the Met Gala or the New York Times crossword puzzles. GCA Forums News readers will think about this interaction of policy, war, and progress for some time, most likely for two weeks, if not more.

Here is the suggested Q&A:

What is the commission rate for a self-gen commercial loan originator?

The commission rate for a self-gen commercial loan originator is 50% of broker revenue from funded loans.

What is the commission rate for a Com-Gen Commercial Loan Originator?

The commission rate for a Com-Gen Commercial Loan Originator is 35% of broker revenue from funded loans.

What is the commission rate for an internal referral?

The commission rate for an internal referral is 15% of broker revenue from funded loans.

Is there a cap on commission earnings for commercial loan originators?

No, there are no caps on commission earnings for Commercial Loan Originators.

What is the commission rate for a commercial loan processor?

The commission rate for a Commercial Loan Processor is 10% of broker revenue from funded loans.

What is the monthly cap on commission earnings for a commercial loan processor?

The monthly cap on commission earnings for a commercial loan processor is $7,000.

What is the production bonus for a commercial loan processor?

For commission earnings exceeding the $7,000 commission cap, a commercial loan processor will receive a payout at 5% of broker revenue for funded loans.

What is the commission rate for a closer/funder/recorder?

The commission rate for a closer/funder/recorder is 5% of broker revenue from funded loans.

What is the production bonus for a closer/funder/recorder?

For commission earnings exceeding the $7,000 commission cap, a closer/funder/recorder will receive a payout at 2.5% of broker revenue for funded loans.

What is the commission rate for a referrer?

The commission rate for a referrer is 15% of broker revenue up to $1,000 per file

I live in Texas. Does your company offer loans on manufactured or modular homes using a VA loan? I own my home outright. 100% equity. Would like to do a cash out refinance for some upgrades.

My wife and i are interested in qualifying for a USDA loan because there is no money down. I am self-employed so I am worried about my income. What is the maximum debt-to-income ratio on USDA loans.

What is the difference between a hard pull and soft pull during the mortgage loan process. I heard the hard credit pull drops the credit scores of the mortgage loan borrower. So if the borrower keeps shopping for mortgage rates with different lenders, the borrowers credit scores can plummet?

I have a question I asked multiple people who are called expert loan officers and credit repair geniuses but I am getting conflicting answers. I want to know if a consumer needs to get his credit scores up for a mortgage to a 640 FICO. He has never missed a monthly payment and has perfect payment history the past five years. He has 10 credit card accounts with all of them maxed to the credit limit. Here are the credit card balances and credit card limit. His middlw credit score is currently 525. Question is what credit card should he pay down the balance to lower his credit utilization ratio. Should he start paying down the lower limit credit first or should he pay down the higher credit limit credit card first. Here is his credit cards, the balances, and the credit limit.

CREDIT CARD. BALANCE LIMIT

1. DISCOVER $498. $500

2. CAPITAL ONE. $470. $500

3. CREDIT ONE. $490. $500

4. SELF VISA. $1,500. $1,490

5. TRUMP CARD $4,000. $4000.

6. JOURNEY CARD $2,130 $$2,200

7. CREDIT PLUS $3,490. ,$3,500

8. BUDDY VISA $1,500. $1,600

10. MISSION LANE $1498 $1,500

Is investing in copper a good investment? Whether investing in copper is a good investment or not depends on several factors, including the investor’s goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Here are some key points to consider regarding investing in copper:

1. Copper is a cyclical commodity: The demand for copper is closely tied to the overall health of the economy, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. When the economy is growing, demand for copper typically increases, driving up prices. However, during economic downturns, copper prices tend to decline.
2. Supply and demand dynamics: Copper is a finite resource, and its price is influenced by the balance between supply and demand. If new copper mines are brought online or existing mines increase production, it could lead to an oversupply and lower prices. Conversely, supply disruptions or increasing demand from emerging economies like China and India can drive prices higher.
3. Industrial usage: Copper is an essential material in many industries due to its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as its resistance to corrosion. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, and various industrial applications. The growth or decline of these industries can impact copper demand and prices.
4. Investing options: Investors can gain exposure to copper through various instruments, including copper futures contracts, copper mining stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track copper prices, or physical copper (e.g., copper bars or coins).
5. Volatility and risk: Like many commodities, copper prices can be volatile and subject to significant fluctuations due to various factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical events, and supply disruptions. Investing in copper carries risks, and investors should be prepared for potential price swings.

Ultimately, the decision to invest in copper should be based on thorough research, an understanding of the copper market dynamics, and an assessment of one’s investment objectives and risk tolerance. It may be advisable to consult with a financial advisor or conduct further research to determine if copper suits your investment portfolio.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p2Jwt9VZDU

What are the benefits of investing in coins? Investing in coins, particularly rare and collectible coins, can offer several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

1. Historical Value: Many collectible coins have historical significance, making them valuable to collectors who appreciate their historical and cultural context.

2. Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks or bonds, coins are physical items that you can hold. This tangibility can be reassuring for investors who prefer physical assets.

3. Portfolio Diversification: Investing in coins can diversify your investment portfolio. Tangible assets like coins can help balance a portfolio that includes stocks, bonds, and real estate.

4. Potential for Appreciation: Rare and collectible coins can increase in value over time, especially if they are well-preserved and have a limited supply.

5. Inflation Hedge: Precious metal coins, such as gold and silver, can act as a hedge against inflation. The value of these metals tends to rise when the purchasing power of paper money declines.

6. Tax Advantages: In some jurisdictions, profits from selling collectible coins might be taxed differently from other investments, potentially offering tax benefits.

7. Ease of Storage and Transport: Coins are relatively easy to store and transport compared to other physical assets like real estate or large collectibles.

8. High Liquidity: Rare coins often have a strong market, making them relatively easy to buy and sell. There are numerous coin dealers, auctions, and online platforms dedicated to coin trading.

9. Privacy: Coin investments can be made and held privately, offering a level of confidentiality that is not possible with some other types of investments.

10. Enjoyment and Hobby: For many investors, coin collecting is also a hobby. The enjoyment and educational value of collecting coins can be a significant benefit beyond financial gains.

11. Limited Supply: The rarity of certain coins can make them highly desirable. Limited mintage and historical scarcity can drive up their value over time.

12. Global Market: Coins have a global market, meaning they can be bought and sold internationally. This broad market can provide more opportunities for liquidity and appreciation.

Considerations

While there are many benefits to investing in coins, it’s also important to be aware of potential challenges:

• Expertise Required: Successfully investing in coins often requires specialized knowledge. Understanding the market, grading standards, and authenticity verification is crucial.

• Risk of Fraud: The coin market can be susceptible to counterfeits and fraud. Working with reputable dealers and getting coins authenticated can mitigate this risk.

• Market Volatility: Like any investment, the value of coins can fluctuate. Market demand, economic conditions, and trends in collecting can all impact coin prices.

• Storage and Insurance: Proper storage is essential to preserve the condition of coins. Additionally, insurance may be necessary to protect against theft or damage.

By considering both the benefits and the potential challenges, investors can make informed decisions about whether investing in coins aligns with their financial goals and interests.

Ladies and gentlemen, breaking news. Our first transgender first Lady, Big Mike Obama

Many people wonder what are the benefits and negatives between a car purchase and car lease? Which benefits a automobile consumer?

Why are homebuyers buying a house in rursl areas have a difficult time getting qualified and pre-approved for a home mortgage?