17
Apr
Solar panels are changing the world, powering everything from cars and trains to blenders and…
The post The Surprising History of Solar Panels: A Kid’s Guide to Renewable Energy appeared first on Earth911.
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16
Apr
In one of our best conversations, meet Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux, which has developed…
The post Best of Earth911 Podcast: Caelux CEO Scott Graybeal on the U.S. Perovskite Solar Panel Supply Chain appeared first on Earth911.
15
Apr
At 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, Alfredo “Lelo” Juarez Zeferino was driving his partner to work in Skagit County, Washington, when he was pulled over by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in plainclothes and an unmarked vehicle. Within moments, agents shattered the back driver’s-side window of Zeferino’s car. In an effort to de-escalate, he stepped out — only to be immediately handcuffed, placed in the agents’ car, and driven to a border patrol holding station in Ferndale. Later that day, he was transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, where he remains detained. Hundreds of people gathered in Tacoma later that week to protest his arrest.
Zeferino is a prominent organizer and co-founder of Familias Unidas por la Justicia, known for his decades of advocacy on behalf of farmworkers in Central Washington. His work has led to major labor reforms, including state-mandated heat protections for outdoor workers — who are now required to take regular water and cool-off breaks once temperatures reach 80 degrees — and the passage of a 2021 law guaranteeing overtime pay for farmworkers. Zeferino is also a volunteer organizer with Community to Community, a food justice organization. His supporters believe his arrest is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to crack down on activists and organizers critical of its immigration and labor policies.
“He’s been a really outspoken member of our community and an important member of our union,” Edgar Franks, Zeferino’s longtime colleague and friend, tells Refinery29 Somos. “We think that this was politically motivated to silence a lot of the organizing and the activism that has been happening to better the lives of immigrants.”
“We think that this was politically motivated to silence a lot of the organizing and the activism that has been happening to better the lives of immigrants.”
Edgar Franks
Just days before Zeferino’s arrest, immigration reform advocate Jeanette Vizguerra, an undocumented mother of four, was detained by ICE agents at a Target near Denver, where she worked. Vizguerra made international headlines in 2017 when she sought sanctuary in a Denver church for three years to avoid deportation during President Donald Trump’s first term. That same year, she was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. But on March 17, 2025, she was surrounded by ICE agents on a work break and taken into custody without a warrant. She is currently held at the GEO Detention Facility in Aurora, Colorado, where supporters rally weekly to demand her release.
While ICE has been targeting organizers and participants of pro-Palestine protests in college campuses across the U.S., the detainment of Zeferino and Vizguerra indicates that the Trump administration is widening its scope of political enemies.
But this isn’t exactly new. There’s a long history of ICE targeting activists, according to George Carrillo, a political organizer and CEO of the Hispanic Construction Council. He cites the arrest of Elvira Arellano — founder of the immigration advocacy group La Familia Latina Unida and an advocate for asylum status for immigrants — in 2007, as well as the detainment of Maru Mora-Villalpando — who led anti-detention center protests — in 2017.
“ICE often denies targeting activists, but internal emails and the timing of arrests tell a different story.”
George Carrillo
“The pattern is hard to ignore,” Carrillo tells Somos. “Documents and reports, including from the NYU Immigrant Rights Clinic, highlight surveillance and arrests tied directly to advocacy efforts. ICE often denies targeting activists, but internal emails and the timing of arrests tell a different story.”
Tony Tian-Ren Lin, a sociologist and senior advisor at the Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural and Educational Center, says this overt targeting represents a chilling evolution in U.S. politics. “Activists used to be targeted under cover,” Lin tells Somos. “We know that in America, the FBI was following and taping Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. We know the Black Panthers were targeted as well as the Young Lords. But what we are seeing today with ICE, they just arrest people off the streets, and that’s very new and very alarming.”
Lin also notes the contradictions in current immigration enforcement. “In the past, you could have said that [the U.S.] extracted the labor it needed and then, once they could not extract any more labor from you, they’ll throw you away,” Lin explains. “Now, when they still need your labor, and they could still extract labor from you, they’re throwing you into a Salvadorian jail. That’s the irrationality of it.”
“Activists used to be targeted under cover. … But what we are seeing today with ICE, they just arrest people off the streets, and that’s very new and very alarming.”
Tony Tian-Ren Lin
For Franks, activists are being detained because they are advocating for better working conditions and immigration reform. Their work is powerful and it threatens the status quo. “With how active I believe [Zeferino] has been throughout his whole teenage years to now, he’s always been out there, he’s a pretty public person, talking about issues that have to do with farmworkers and immigrants,” Franks says. “He’s been a really outspoken member of our community and an important member of our union and for workers.”
Carrillo sees a larger, systemic threat. “When there’s full party control across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the essential checks and balances of democracy erode,” he says. “ICE targeting Latine activists goes beyond silencing voices. It raises deeper concerns about the rule of law.”
“All these detentions and deportations, they only make us want to organize better and more urgently.”
Edgar Franks
The targeting of Zeferino and Vizguerra, in particular, sends a message to immigrants not to make political stances or organize around the issues in their communities. But for Franks, this shows how successful Latine activists have been in advocating for immigrants’ rights. “I think Latino organizing, especially in the immigrant sector, has been really effective one way or another,” he says. “And it’s always been done through direct action, through policy, through marching. and protest. Despite a lot of the hardships, there were gains that were being made, so the targeting of organizers is being done to discourage people from pursuing those fights.”
But here’s the thing, Franks adds: “All these detentions and deportations, they only make us want to organize better and more urgently.”
Activists and communities aren’t backing down. As Carrillo put it: “While ICE’s actions challenge the resilience of Latine changemakers, the fight for justice continues, fueled by community solidarity and the unwavering commitment to protect those who speak truth to power.”
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15
Apr
No matter how many decades pass, some scent memories still hit me like a bus when I encounter them again: The smell of bookstores — specifically Barnes & Noble — takes me back to my childhood days of being a voracious reader. The smell of Subway sandwich shops (how do they all smell exactly the same, regardless of where you are in the world?) reminds me of my freshman year of college, when I frequented the chain several times a week. To me, Grand Central Station smells like brand-new dollar bills with metallic undertones (don’t ask why). Hopefully, I’ll be adding one more to the list: My upcoming wedding.
What is scentscaping?
Beyond my dress and the guest list, one detail I’m thinking a lot about is scent. I want every part of my wedding, from the ceremony to the dancefloor, to evoke “love is in the air.” In wedding circles, it’s referred to as “scentscaping.”
“Scentscaping is the art of creating a signature scent around your event or wedding,” explains Allison Cullman, vice president of brand marketing and strategy at online wedding planner Zola. But it’s not just a beloved perfume or cologne worn by the bride and groom (though Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Chloé’s eponymous scent, and Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia are all timelessly popular picks for brides). Scentscaping is about scenting the space itself to elevate and enhance the experience for guests. We do, after all, have five senses — so why should wedding music, florals, and plated dinners take a front seat while scent is overlooked?
“Scentscaping usually involves infusing the scent subtly into multiple touchpoints — from scented stationery to diffusing scent in the reception — throughout the wedding,” says JJ Vittoria, founder of Olfactory NYC, a custom fragrance studio (located not only in NYC, but with outposts in Boston, Miami, and Washington D.C.). Famously, the wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William was scented with Jo Malone Orange Blossom (which prompted a frenzy of fans clamoring for the floral citrus scent), whereas Meghan and Harry opted for Diptyque (the exact scents remain a royal secret). I’m no royal, but as it turns out, these bougie practices seem to have mass appeal when it comes to making your special day extra special.
When scentscaping is done right, you may not even notice it. You’ll know you’re having a great time, but it may not click until later that scent played such a major role in your positive feelings. “I’ll give an example,” shares Cullman. “There’s a particular hotel in Miami that I have such incredible scent associations with: It was so warm and welcoming, and blended into the vibe versus taking your breath away or being overpowering.”
Why is scentscaping so popular?
From candles to diffusers, scentscaping is becoming popular for several reasons: “When we asked couples, ‘How do you want your wedding to be perceived by others?’ the top word was ‘memorable’,” says Cullman. As couples seek more meaningful and memorable weddings, custom scents are becoming a popular part of the planning process. With the rise of personal fragrance, it’s no surprise that scent is now being used to enhance wedding spaces, too. (According to a CEW report, fragrance was the fastest-growing beauty category from January through September 2024, rising 14% in prestige and 2% in mass, with home fragrance in particular swelling to $14.2 billion alone in 2025.)
There’s also science to confirm the link between scent and memory: Scent is processed by the brain’s olfactory bulb (the part of the brain that processes smells) and takes something of an express route to the areas related to emotion and memory. That’s why it’s not uncommon to experience a wave of nostalgia after smelling a loved one’s perfume or a beloved childhood treat (for me, it’s Fruit By The Foot). “[Scentscaping] adds to the multisensory experience of the wedding for the guests as well as the couple, creating a distinctive association of that specific scent with that special day,” says Vittoria. “Like a wedding photo, smelling the scent in the future will create recollections of that day.”
What are some popular notes for scentscaping?
According to Vittoria, florals (groundbreaking!) are a popular choice for spouses-to-be, but lately, he’s noticed a trend in wedding scents inspired by the destination itself: “We recently made a scent for a couple getting married in Kiawah Island, South Carolina. [It] was an aquatic green scent with notes of elemi [a tree that emits a spicy, fragrant resin] and fig to encapsulate the lush green locale,” he explains. “We’ve also had citrus for a Florida wedding and even a ‘Big Apple’ scent for New York.” Vittoria, who got married in Vermont, created a maple scent for guests to enjoy during the day — and take home as favors: “We’ve had guests looking to get refills already,” he shares.
I’m getting married at a ski resort and have already been looking for something that complements the mountains and cozy cabin ambiance of our venue. During a recent trip to Olfactory NYC, I created a bespoke sandalwood, cedarwood, rosewood, (all of the woods!), and musk scent that felt warm, sensual, and utterly comfy. I ordered it as an eau de parfum to wear down the aisle. To complement my custom perfume, I ordered Bois de Balincourt diffusers from Maison Marie Louis to scent my reception space. (Pro tip: Check if your venue allows open flames before ordering 100 mini candles.)
How do you choose a signature wedding day scent?
If you’re ready to “scent” your own upcoming nuptials, Cullman advises having a conversation with your partner about what scents you love — and perhaps more importantly, don’t — so that you can align on which emotion you want to convey or elicit with your custom scent. “It really depends on a couple and their preferences, where they’re getting married, the type of vibe that they’re trying to create,” she says. Another aspect not to overlook? In a deluge of stressful deadlines, contracts, and logistics, teaming up with your fiancé(e) can be a highlight of the planning process: “The act of making a custom scent is a fun, relaxing activity to incorporate into the wedding day lead up,” Vittoria adds. At the very least, my curated scentscape will enhance the cozy mountain wedding vibe for our guests — and at best, instantly transport me back to the day I said “I Do.”
The Best Candles & Diffusers For A Spring/Summer Wedding
Diptyque Tubéreuse (Tuberose) Room Spray, $82
Diptyque’s iconic Tubéreuse scent is a popular choice for weddings year-round, and it’s easy to see why. The intoxicating white floral is sweet yet fresh, and perfect for creating the ultimate romantic mood at any wedding. We recommend this one in room spray form, but the French fragrance maison also makes large room candles (pictured), should you wish to have your scent double as décor.
Maison Louis Marie No.13 Nouvelle Vague Diffuser, $85
Maison Louis Marie’s diffusers are a gorgeous addition to any wedding décor, and the brand’s new Nouvelle Vague scent (which also comes in candle form) is actually inspired by an iconic destination wedding locale: The Amalfi Coast. Summery citrus accord meets subtle white florals with a hint of Tuscan fig and agave throughout, making this a beautiful choice for any warm-weather bride.
Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Candle, $82
Jo Malone is already a go-to brand for scenting high-profile nuptials, and if we had to choose one fragrance for spring weddings, it would be this one. Peony & Blush Suede (also available as a diffuser) juxtaposes sweet floral and fruit notes with grounding suede notes for a springtime scent that’s anything but boring.
Olfactory NYC Custom Diffuser, $45
Bring your creative vision to life by making a custom fragrance diffuser with Olfactory NYC. Start with your choice of 16 base scents, and then make it your own by layering various accords for a result that’s as unique as you are.
Phlur Missing Person Candle, $45
Phlur’s bestselling Missing Person scent is all about capturing the essence of a loved one’s presence, making it an especially sentimental choice for weddings. Featuring delicate, skin-like notes of white musk, sheer florals, soft woods, and jasmine, it’s a nuanced, evocative scent that’s perfect for any intimate ceremony.
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15
Apr
Whether you’re heading to a music festival, embracing sportscore during baseball season, or are simply looking for an accessory to complement any summer outfit, there’s one item that’s a must-have: a small, clear bag that allows for hands-free fun.
Many venues, especially major stadiums, now require that any bags brought inside be clear, so the contents can be easily seen by security. Starting a few years ago, this created a frenzy of last-minute Amazon bag purchases and an overall flood of PVC plastic bags on the market. The upside of this demand is that there are actually a lot of cute, clear stadium bags to choose from. From clear crossbody bags and clear fanny packs to tote bags and mini backpacks, these in-demand styles are so trendy that you can wear them beyond game day.
Ahead, we’ve compiled the very best clear purses — with many customizable options coming from Amazon and Etsy — that fit within the typical stadium-approved 12 x 6 x 12-inch dimensions. We even found designer clear bags from brands like Kate Spade Outlet and Tory Burch. While you may think this will be a one-off purchase, you may be surprised that you’ll want to use a clear purse time and time again, whether you’re bringing it to school, out to brunch, or for a stroll in the park.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Tory Burch Mini Miller Clear Crossbody Bag
If you’re a Tory Burch fan like us, then your game days are about to get very exciting — all thanks to the clear iteration of the bestselling Mini Miller Crossbody; complete with a structured, camera bag shape, statement logo, and thick, leather embossed straps.
Tory Burch Mini Miller Clear Crossbody Bag, $, available at Tory Burch
Kate Spade Outlet Clare Clear Small Crossbody
Kate Spade is making a case for wearing clear bags on the regular, thanks to this sleek and simple design.
Kate Spade Outlet Clare Clear Small Crossbody, $, available at Kate Spade Outlet
Lululemon Clear Everywhere Belt Bag
We all know and love Lululemon’s top-rated bags, including its viral belt bag, and now you can find a clear version that’s perfect for baseball games or stadium concerts.
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Clear, $, available at Lululemon
Staud The Stadium Mini Shirley Bag Clear Tan
From the warm brown leather trim to the structured shape and statement square handle, Staud has taken the clear bag into new, very luxurious territory. Not to mention, it’s an incredibly practical design too — we especially love the structured, flat-bottom base so the bag never loses its shape and the covered leather coin purse to secure your valuables.
Staud The Stadium Mini Shirley Bag Clear Tan, $, available at Staud
Hammitt Tony Medium Clear Bag
Looking for a little everyday luxury? Hammitt elevates its functional crossbody bag with statement gold hardware and an array of colorful trim options.
Hammitt Tony Medium, $, available at Hammitt
Margo Paige Semi-Circle Crossbody
If you’re looking for a sustainable and stylish clear bag made from Global Recycled Standard-certified recycled PVC, look to Margo Paige. We’re loving this super chic and super roomy crossbody bag — with its trendy half-moon shape, statement metal ring handle, colorful trim, and cool, chunky resin chain, it certainly stands out from the usual clear bag crowd. This is a design that works for everything, from brunches to business meetings.
Margo Paige Semi-Circle Crossbody, $, available at Margo Paige
Stoney Clover Lane Stadium Clear Fanny Pack
For true hands-free ease, you can’t beat a fanny pack — they can work both ways, either attached around your waist or slung crossbody. The bright, striped straps on these Stoney Clover bags add a fun, preppy twist to an otherwise very simple design too.
Stoney Clover Lane Stadium Clear Fanny Pack, $, available at Stoney Clover Lane
Dr Martens Iridescent Transparent Mini Backpack
Fun and functional in equal measure, this iridescent backpack is roomy enough for all your game-going, concert-attending, or festival needs.
Dr Martens Iridescent Transparent Mini Backpack, $, available at DR MARTENS
Cult Gaia Bess Caged Embellished Box Shoulder Bag
Who says that clear bags have to be boring? Certainly not Cult Gaia, as this glitzy cage-inspired design proves.
Cult Gaia Bess Caged Embellished Box Shoulder Bag, $, available at Neiman Marcus
Doodling Design Studio Personalized Clear Concert Purse
We’re loving the bright trims on these popular Etsy crossbody bags. You can also amp up the design with up to three patches for an additional fee.
Doodling Design Studio Personalized Clear Concert Purse, $, available at Etsy
Think Rolyn Clear Stadium Bag
Not only can you wear this bag in two ways (either as a crossbody or around your waist as a fanny pack), but you can also customize the trims and straps based on your team’s colors. We also love the mini zippered pocket on the front — perfect for stashing away your ticket for easy access.
Think Royln Clear Stadium Bag, $, available at Think Royln
Béis The Stadium Tote in Clear
We can always rely on Béis to create a top-quality bag. This one has a detachable handle so you can easily switch between a crossbody or a top-handle tote, and the large, boxy shape holds all your essentials plus more.
Béis The Stadium Tote in Clear, $, available at Béis
Coach Jelly Tabby
Coach fans rejoice, you can now sport the brand’s iconic Tabby silhouette in a clear, jelly-like PVC.
Coach Jelly Tabby, $, available at Amazon
Daytrip Teal Bag
Say goodbye to boring clear concert bags and hello to Daytrip’s bold, bright, and colorful designs — there’s one to match every outfit and vibe.
Daytrip Teal Purse, $, available at Daytrip
Veronica Beard Shopper Bag
Simple and stylish, you can never go wrong with a classic top-handle bag. Want to go hands-free? Never fear; Veronica Beard provides a matching white leather crossbody strap.
Veronica Beard Shopper Bag, $, available at Veronica Beard
Lilly Pulitzer Amberlie Clear Crossbody Bag
Lilly Pulitzer totally elevates the game with chic gold clasp detail and chain straps — perfect for all your summer parties and late-night dinners.
Lilly Pulitzer Amberlie Clear Crossbody Bag, $, available at Lilly Pulitzer
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Our Fave Festival Fits From 29Rooms Palm Springs
15
Apr
In our series Salary Stories, women with long-term career experience open up about the most intimate details of their jobs: compensation. It’s an honest look at how real people navigate the complicated world of negotiating, raises, promotions and job loss, with the hope it will give young people more insight into how to advocate for themselves — and maybe take a few risks along the way.
Been in the workforce for at least five years and interested in contributing your salary story? Submit your information here.
Age: 33
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Current industry and job title:
Lead product manager, product management
Current salary: $170,000
Number of years employed since school or university: 11
Starting salary: $51,000 in 2014
Biggest salary jump: From $64,000 to $105,000 in 2018.
Biggest salary drop: From $150,000 to $0 in 2023.
Biggest negotiation regret: Not using the 10% rule when negotiating for a job. Always ask for 10% more than they offer you.
Best salary advice: I actually got great advice from an ex-boyfriend to add up the dollar value and the personal value of employee benefits, and then use every penny of those benefits.
I did a new graduate development program at a mature tech company where I rotated teams every four months for a year. I stayed in the last role of my rotation. It wasn’t where I wanted to end up, but that is where the need was for the company. This company has mass layoffs every two to three years so it is best to be in the department where the most need is. I had friends in the development program that ended up in departments that had layoffs the following year.
I actually taught more senior people on the team how to use analytics tools and Excel tips and tricks. Despite all of that, my manager wouldn’t give me any of the analytics assignments I asked for. Instead, I had to train the new hire who eventually took on the analytics assignments and I got stuck with really boring, tactical tasks like sending email newsletters. I learned how to automate a lot of my tasks and was only doing two to four hours actively working a week. I was bored, and after speaking to people who had worked there for a while, moving teams could take up to two years.
They also talked about how a lot of the skills they ended up honing in their roles were specific to the company, which made them less marketable to other companies if they ever wanted to move into a role outside of the company. After a year and a half in this role, I decided I needed to move into a role at a younger tech company where I could learn more and gain skills that made me more marketable in the future.
This company had more perks like free food all day, happy hours, nap pods, and a commuter benefit that made my transportation to and from the office free. The work was more exciting, and because of how fast the company was growing, there was always something to do. The company’s mission resonated with me so I felt like the work I did was purposeful. However, the company argued that because they had a great culture and mission, they didn’t have to compete with the job market on salary.
When other companies started opening new offices in the city around this time, it became clear that they were underpaying employees compared to other tech companies. I initially tried to negotiate my salary when I joined. I was asked what my previous salary was and I told them what I made. That was a mistake. I know now that I could have just told them what my expectations were or just said a higher number. I asked for a signing bonus but was told that they didn’t do that. That was a lie.
I later learned from people on my team that they had all received signing bonuses when they joined. Once I learned these things, I felt disillusioned. All of the perks seemed like smoke in mirrors.
I was one of two people on my eight-person team to get a raise. The other person got a $5,000 raise and I got a $12,000 raise. It felt like a slap in the face as the only person of color on the team and one of the highest performers. The only upside in this entire situation was that I decided to purchase a home and my income before the pay raise made me eligible for a state-funded first-time home buyer program. Since I had cut back on expenses, I paid off my student loans and was offered an affordable mortgage.
By this point, I had already decided I wanted to pursue a career in Product Management because I learned that product managers were doing very similar things to what I was doing in my role but getting paid twice as much. I tried to move into these roles internally, but was repeatedly told I didn’t have enough experience.
The new salary was a life-changing amount of money for me! I had similar perks to the last company with the free food and commuter benefits that kept my expenses low. I also had a better 401(k) match. It was a 100% match up to 5% of my salary, when my last company offered 3%. I also had a guaranteed annual bonus of 10% of my salary.
The hiring manager was really excited about my experience. He proved himself to be an advocate and a sponsor for me. The work I was doing wasn’t as sexy, but I felt valued.
The company offered an annual $5000 education reimbursement and another $3000 to attend conferences or workshops.
I was the only woman of color on my team, but the company was very diverse. There were many other women of color in product management, including leadership. I was really content.
Then, I got a new manager. My new manager made my life and a lot of other people on our team’s lives hell. I was really excited to have a woman of color as a manager, but she was a big disappointment. During this time, one of the product managers left and I was asked to take on his product and manage his team until they could find a backfill. After five months of doing two jobs, I asked for a raise to $130,000 and a promotion. I created a presentation with how I got to the $130,000 number based on the new scope of my role and the value I was bringing. My manager kept giving me the runaround. I was exhausted and I was starting to feel undervalued again and unconfident since most of my ideas were being shot down.
I ended up using my education and conference budget to get a career coach who I was referred to by a friend who pivoted into her dream role within eight weeks. This career coach’s program helped me land an offer to my dream role in the same amount of time!
I said I expected $130,000 in the interview process. They gave me that number in the offer and I asked for 10% more in salary 30% more in stock options since I had some data from similar startup offers that offered the amount of stock options I asked for. There wasn’t much else to negotiate since there was unlimited vacation and the company was fully remote. The recruiter said the budget for the role was $150,000, but since I was new to the industry, they felt like the middle range was fair. They did get me 30% more in stock options.
I was content with the offer. This role lived up to my expectations. It was my dream job. I was excited to get online to solve the problems we were addressing. I enjoyed getting to know everyone on my team and other people in the company. Everyone was really cool! I am still friends with many of them to this day. I got to travel pretty frequently to meet other people on the team and attend conferences. It was great!
I was promised a promotion to Senior Product Manager and a raise to $180,000 before the layoff talks happened. I loved my job and wanted to stay, but everything was changing anyway so pretty soon it would have been a miserable place to work even if I hadn’t been laid off. I was given four weeks pay as my severance and health insurance for two months. That severance ended up being generous compared to what employees in the three other layoffs that year received as the company’s funds continued to dwindle.
I made it to the final interview round at four companies and got two offers within six weeks post-layoff. I focused on hybrid roles so that I didn’t have to compete with people from all around the country. I ended up taking an offer to join a large non-tech company that is historically profitable during recessions so I felt at ease knowing it would be pretty stable. I was offered $125,000. I asked for $155,000 after seeking advice from a friend. They agreed!
This company also had pretty good benefits. The company covered a full round of egg freezing and a round of IVF and 20 weeks of paid maternity leave.
I only considered companies that allowed employees to take maternity leave at any time. I found this list becoming more and more narrow as companies started to pull back on the length of parental leaves, issuing return-to-office mandates, continuing with mass layoffs, and reducing pay.
When I found this new job, they initially offered $150,000, which was lower than what I had been making in a less senior role. I asked for $180,000 to get to where I’d hoped to be pre-layoff. They said the best they could do was $170,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus. I accepted the offer. I was excited to be fully remote again, especially knowing I was going to be a mom. For now, this job is stable but I will consider changing industries when the time is right.
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A Week In Triangle Area, NC On A $130,000 Salary
14
Apr
Megan Thee Stallion was thee highlight of Coachella 2025. It was hard not to smile ear-to-ear while watching the Grammy-winning rapper make the Indio Valley Desert a thousand degrees hotter during her highly-anticipated performance on Sunday night (April 13). It wasn’t just the fact that her high energy earned her control over the entire audience, or the surprise performances from Queen Latifah, Victoria Monet and Ciara, or how sickeningly good she looked.
What made Megan Thee Stallion’s Coachella performance (dubbed “Megchella” by fans) so special was the glow she emitted during the entirety of the show. It was how happy she looked, how much fun she was having and how clearly proud she was of herself for the work she put in that led her to this coveted spot on Coachella’s mainstage. The energy, the surprise guests, the twerking on her surprise guests, and her stunning beauty just felt like added bonuses.
Seeing the 30-year-old rapper happy is a win for Black women. In the few years that Megan Thee Stallion’s star has ascended, the Houston Hottie’s (whose real name is Megan Pete) has experienced a bevy of trials and tribulations. In the midst of grieving her mother and grandmother, she faced a surplus of scrutiny — not enough support and protection — in the aftermath of Tory Lanez shooting her. On top of that, she was in the midst of a lawsuit against her record label, 1501 Certified Entertainment, and going through an ugly best friend breakup. Experiencing all of that back-to-back would be heavy for anyone.
When the world tried to tear her down, Megan Thee Stallion did the work to build herself back up stronger than before. As Black women so often do, she overcame. [Coachella 2025] was a victory lap.
taryn finley
In her documentary Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words, the rapper revealed details about her healing journey. She spent a month at a mental health facility, took social media breaks, limited her alcohol consumption, and began working out. When the world tried to tear her down, she did the work to build herself back up stronger than before. As Black women so often do, she overcame.
So when Meg hit the Coachella stage as an independent artist for the first time (she was signed to 1501 during her 2022 Coachella performance), it was a victory lap.
Meg kicked off the performance with “Ungrateful,” donning a black, floor-length fur coat and cowboy hat to give ode to her Texas roots. The rapper performed a medley of her hits, including “Mamushi,” “Cognac Queen” and “BOA.” She even showed that growth doesn’t mean you can’t be a little petty, taking Nicki Minaj’s “Big Foot” diss track and turning it into a costume for her background dancers.
One of the biggest highlights of her performance, however, was the Black sisterhood on display with her special guests. Fans went wild when hip-hop icon Queen Latifah joined Meg onstage for “Plan B.” Queen treated the crowd to a performance of “U.N.I.T.Y.” Victoria Monet also made a special appearance, giving a delicious performance of “Spin” alongside Meg and following up with “On My Mama.” The Houston rapper also invited Ciara on stage for “Roc Steady,” which sampled the Atlanta singer’s “Goodies.” The crowd screamed as they hit the iconic “Goodies” dance in unison.
“I love you so much and I’m so proud of you,” Ciara told Meg, bringing Meg to tears before going into “Big Ole Freak.”
Meg paid homage to these ladies and that energy was reciprocated. She brought the power of multi-generational Black sisterhood front and center. That sisterhood is the community that roots for us and picks us up when we need it most. And it’s the community who celebrates with us when we’ve hit a well-deserved milestone.
From the outside looking in, Coachella was one of those milestones for Meg. It further solidified her place as an entertainer as she finessed through technical difficulties while maintaining an electrifying performance. And fans on social media agreed.
#Megchella trended on X into Monday afternoon. “Meg is hip hop,” one user said, while another stated that she should’ve been the headliner.
[Megchella] is a hopeful reminder of Black women’s ability to stand up over and over again through life’s B.S. More importantly, it’s a beautiful look into the joy and freedom we all deserve to feel.
taryn finley
Towards the end of Meg’s set, her mic got cut. A Bluesky user caught video of the moments her mic was off. As the crowd chanted her name, Meg finished out her set and choreography with grace and professionalism, taking a bow as her performance came to an abrupt end.
Though Goldenvoice, the company that organizes the festival, didn’t give a reason why her set was cut short, unhappy fans believe the reason was to leave room for Post Malone, who was headlining.
“#Megchella was the greatest performance of the whole weekend and they cut her for Post Malone???,” one user asked. Another person said Meg should’ve been Sunday’s headliner.
Though next weekend’s performances won’t be livestreamed, Megan performs again on Sunday, April 20, the second weekend of Coachella.
Megchella was amazing to watch because of her talent and expertise. But it’s also so sweet seeing Meg at this point of her healing journey, and to be able to root for her knowing everything she’s been through. It’s a hopeful reminder of Black women’s ability to stand up over and over again through life’s B.S. And more importantly, it’s a beautiful look into the joy and freedom we all deserve to feel.
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Meg Thee Stallion Reclaims Narrative, Sues Blogger
14
Apr
Spring is the ultimate reset — golden‑hour strolls, that first jacket‑free afternoon, and the irresistible urge to swap neutrals for something brighter. But between decoding new‑season trends and finally slipping into lighter layers, I’m still figuring out not just how to dress but which fresh pieces deserve a spot in my rotation.
That’s where the Nordstrom sale section comes in. As a fashion editor, I’m always combing through it for the best finds — timeless staples, trend-forward styles, and everything in between. Right now, I’m especially drawn to pieces that feel fresh for spring: breezy dresses, elevated basics, wear-everywhere denim, and accessories that make the outfit. And yes, loungewear and swimwear are very much in the mix.
Click through for 30 of the best spring-ready picks hiding in Nordstrom’s sale section — all editor-approved, and all worth scooping up before they’re gone.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
60% Off Free People Come as You Are Frayed Hem Denim Maxi Skirt
Free People Come as You Are Frayed Hem Denim Maxi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off Nine West Gilma Slide Sandal
Nine West Gilma Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
60% Off Madewell Stripe Zip Front Cardigan
Madewell Stripe Zip Front Cardigan, $, available at Nordstrom
20% Off By Adina Eden Solid Chunky Drop Stud Earring
By Adina Eden Solid Chunky Drop Stud Earring, $, available at Nordstrom
60% Off Hudson Jeans S/S Forward Seam Tee
Hudson Jeans S/S Forward Seam Tee, $, available at Nordstrom
19% Off Jessie Zhao New York Blue Garden Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit
Jessie Zhao New York Blue Garden Reversible One-Piece Swimsuit, $, available at Nordstrom
20% Off LK Bennett Amore Pinstripe Linen Blend Double Breasted Blazer
LK Bennett Amore Pinstripe Linen Blend Double Breasted Blazer, $, available at Nordstrom
13% Off Forever & Always Shoes Selena Leather Sneakers
Forever & Always Shoes Selena Leather Sneakers, $, available at Nordstrom
25% Off BP. Slinky Rib Knit Tank
BP. Slinky Rib Knit Tank, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off The Sak Cora Smartphone Crossbody Bag
The Sak Cora Smartphone Crossbody Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Wide Leg Pants
Wit & Wisdom Skyrise Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Nordstrom
50% Off Larroudé Dew Drop Mule
Larroudé Dew Drop Mule, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off Brave+True Duchess Check Print Woven Cotton Shirt
Brave+True Duchess Check Print Woven Cotton Shirt, $, available at Nordstrom
27% Off Zella Cloud Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpants
Zella Cloud Fleece Straight Leg Sweatpants, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Katy Perry The Wandering Slide Sandal
Katy Perry The Wandering Slide Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off Wash Lab Denim Lucy Denim Midi Skirt
Wash Lab Denim Lucy Denim Midi Skirt, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off Bag Donna Karan New York Baldwin Large Shoulder
Donna Karan New York Baldwin Large Shoulder Bag, $, available at Nordstrom
50% Off Maje Wide-Leg Suit Trousers
Maje Wide-Leg Suit Trousers, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off French Connection Nancy Mesh Embroidered Kitten Heel
French Connection Nancy Mesh Embroidered Kitten Heel, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off WeWoreWhat Ruched Cup Button Midi Dress
WeWoreWhat Ruched Cup Button Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Steve Madden Mona Sandal
Steve Madden Mona Sandal, $, available at Nordstrom
55% Off Farm Rio Summer Beach Cover-Up Crop Top
Farm Rio Summer Beach Cover-Up Crop Top, $, available at Nordstrom
37% Off Simplify Spencer Polarized Sunglasses
Simplify Spencer Polarized Sunglasses, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off City Chic Millie Crop Wide Leg Jeans
City Chic Millie Crop Wide Leg Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom
35% Off Reformation Jadey Oversize Tipped Cashmere Sweater
Reformation Jadey Oversize Tipped Cashmere Sweater, $, available at Nordstrom
15% Off Indego Africa Braided Raffia Tote Black
Indego Africa Braided Raffia Tote Black, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off Rag & Bone Cassidy Jacket
rag & bone Cassidy Jacket, $, available at Nordstrom
40% Off Mango Arizona Tonal Embroidered Oversize Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Mango Arizona Tonal Embroidered Oversize Cotton Button-Up Shi, $, available at Nordstrom
25% Off Levi’s Baggy High Waist Wide Leg Dad Jeans
Levi’s Baggy High Waist Wide Leg Dad Jeans, $, available at Nordstrom
30% Off JW Pei Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag
JW PEI Joy Faux Leather Shoulder Bag, $, available at Nordstom
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This Weekend's Best Sales, According To Us
14
Apr
Sure, Lady Gaga delivered “mayhem in the desert,” Megan Thee Stallion’s performance featured surprise guests Ciara, Victoria Monét, and Queen Latifah, and Missy Elliott’s set slayed, but we’re calling it now: The best vibes of Weekend One in the desert were at 29Rooms: The Lunar Lounge.
Over 1,000 revellers joined our party in Palm Springs to celebrate Refinery29’s 20th anniversary and the return of 29Rooms, our interactive, interconnected experience and the ultimate pit stop where beauty, art, and wellness collide.
In the desert heat – temperatures soared to an almost record of 104 F (!!) during the day — our party goers showcased their best festival fits. Their looks featured some of the season’s top trends: from fringe, wide-brim hats, and cowboy boots to comfy matching sets like a crochet matching set or a sea-through maxi dress. Perfect for jumping right in the pool at your hotel after the last set. (Just us?)
Among our fave looks: Caroline Stern’s bedazzled jacket and matching hair gems, which she wore during our TIkTok Live from our Beauty Space Station. And stylist Ivy Coco’s sequined skirt and crop top combo.
The Lunar Lounge was our first stop on our epic 2025 29Rooms road trip, which is popping up across the country this summer.
Here are some of our fave fits from the party. We’ll see you next year!
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7 Can’t-Miss Events During Coachella Weekend
14
Apr
In The Last Of Us Season 2, we’re five years into the future from when we were last with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), and, for the most part, things still look pretty familiar. Sure, there are a few new faces around, and the safe haven of Jackson, where a now-distant Ellie and Joel have settled with his brother’s family, has grown a bit bigger, but the infected run rampant and the U.S. (and the rest of the world?) remains ravaged and desolate. Structurally, life is different, yes, but as our characters rebuild, it doesn’t seem like much has changed societally — America is still very much America.
This is most evident toward the end of the premiere, which aired Sunday, when the Jackson community gathers at the local church to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Ellie is hanging out at the fringes, watching with a longing smile as her best friend — and crush — Dina (Isabela Merced) livens up the dance floor. Soon, Dina drags Ellie to dance with her, the music changes to a slow song like it’s actually a rom-com and not the zombie apocalypse, and the pair share a goofy moment before pulling closer to sway along. As Dina snuggles closer to Ellie — head resting on her shoulder, hand caressing her back, whispering flirty remarks in her ear — you can see all the tingle-inducing emotions flicker across Ellie’s face. It’s all the giddy promise of teenage love: disbelief, desire, yet still trying to keep it cool, and it culminates in a tender, hesitant-turned-passionate kiss that feels like a sigh of relief. Until they’re interrupted, that is, by an angry older man who calls them a slur and utters his disgust that two teen girls would dare to kiss at “a family event.”
As the infuriating scene plays out, all that ran through my head was of course. Of course one hate-filled man ruined a beautiful moment — which, surely, are few and far between given, well, everything else — for Ellie and Dina, tainting the memory of their first kiss forever. Of course no one else in the crowd (besides a late-to-the-scene Joel) offers them any support. Of course queerness is still under attack even as the outside world succumbs to crisis. It’s the reality we live in, after all. Currently, the ACLU is tracking 563 bills across the U.S. that are targeting the LGBTQ+ community in a myriad of harmful and dangerous ways, and, last fall, the FBI released a report that revealed they had recorded 2,936 anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes in 2023, up around 8.6 percent from 2022. In Canada, where I’m from, police-reported hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community jumped a devastating 69 percent in 2023 from the year before, and Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party who is currently campaigning to become the next Prime Minister, is on record spewing transphobic rhetoric.
So no, it wasn’t surprising that Ellie and Dina are met with hate. But in a show as bleak as The Last of Us, it’s incredibly depressing. When building a new world — or even just a town like Jackson — people should be striving to be better rather than attempting to recreate the inequity-filled status quo that existed pre-infected. Jackson is a small, tight-knit community of people who have beat the odds and are surviving through a violent, frightening time together. They go on supply runs together, they hunt infected together, and they have committed to keeping each other safe and alive. Why would Ellie, Dina, or any other queer person living in Jackson — who may not have even had much time to explore their queerness and how it might be received publicly given the whole fight-for-survival thing — expect to be attacked for their sexuality by the people they have been fighting alongside? They, like everyone else in Jackson, are key members of the community who shouldn’t have to worry about the respect they’re afforded because of who they are or who they love. At the very least, they should be able to count on others to not let homophobia go unchecked.
The scene in which Ellie and Dina are confronted is the most glaring and, so far, consequential way that The Last of Us’ new world older looks like just like the biased-filled pre-pandemic way of life we all recognize, but quieter moments in the premiere do indicate that this isn’t just a one-off. At one point, Maria (Rutina Wesley), a town leader and Joel’s sister-in-law, emphasizes that they need to be building faster to be able to accommodate more people fleeing the infected because she can’t bear to “leave them out there.” Joel’s response? “If our life boat is swamped, yeah, we leave them out there.” He’s immediately contrite about the way he expresses his valid concerns — they really can only construct shelter at a set speed — and the show isn’t setting out to make Joel look like a bad guy. But the parallels to right-wing anti-immigration sentiment, which has been using “build the wall” as a motto since Trump’s first presidency, are startling. If Joel, or any of Jackson’s leaders, let this thinking fester, then Jackson will no longer be a haven; it will become a place where safety is a privilege only afforded to a few, and that’s really not something worth rebuilding.
Stigmas from pre-infected life also play out in smaller, more personal ways, too. Early in the premiere, Dina asks Joel why Ellie is so angry with him, and he gives a very thoughtful and self-reflective answer about the state of their relationship. When he’s done, Dina laughs and asks, “Are you in fucking therapy?” (Spoiler alert: He is.) Joel gets embarrassed and tries to deny it, and the conversation moves on.
In some ways, this could be seen as a charming moment — here Joel is having a meaningful conversation with his adoptive daughter’s best friend, and they’re comfortable enough with each other that they can trade teasing remarks — but it’s also so, so sad. In our world, stigmas around mental health are still inescapable; according to a 2022 survey by the KFF and CNN, 62 percent of adult respondents said stigma was a big problem when it comes to actually seeking mental health help. And in The Last of Us, Dina is still a teenager, which just goes to show how deeply embedded these stigmas can become. Joel shouldn’t feel like seeking help is something he has to hide, nor should he be made fun of for it, even if done in good nature. In fact, I’d argue that seeking therapy while going through the trauma that has unfolded in the show is something more characters should be doing. Jackson could be a place where mental health is as valued as physical wellbeing. Instead, shame still thrives because it’s not as urgent of a matter while chaos looms, which will only create fractures within the community as time goes on.
My point isn’t that The Last Of Us should be creating a Jackson that is a magical, oasis free of judgment, hate, and societal issues — that’s probably more of a fantasy than a mushroom zombie apocalypse. But the characters should be trying. It would be nice, at least, to have the impression that some of them have the longterm goal of making things better than they once were. Yes, the world beyond Jackson’s walls is unpredictable hot garbage. Within its walls, however, they’ve been given the chance to remake their corner of the world into something new. Instead of doing that, they’re just inching their way back to the same old version of America — one that was full of flaws that too many people were willing to abide by.
Should the day ever come where our characters’ most basic needs — shelter, food, and sense of security against the dangers of the virus — are consistently met, they’ll realize that sticking to the pre-infected status quo won’t bring them happiness or a sense of belonging in their community. You can’t just work to survive, you have to work to create a world where tackling hate, injustice, and personal hardship head on is second nature, whether the infected are out there or not.
The Last Of Us airs Sundays on HBO and Max.
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On Kendrick's Super Bowl Halftime Show & America