CHICAGO, May 12, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rising interest rates and the increased prices of goods and services placed pressure on the consumer wallet in the opening quarter of 2022. Despite the challenges, consumers remain well positioned from a consumer credit perspective, according to TransUnions (: TRU) newly released Q1 2022 Quarterly Credit Industry Insights Report (CIIR).

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, consumer performance remained relatively strong as stimulus funds, forbearance and accommodation programs provided consumers with a safety net during a period of great uncertainty. Now that pandemic financial programs have ended, new challenges such as inflation and rising interest rates are starting to have an impact on consumer spending power.

While prices are increasing, consumer spend has not yet recovered to the pre-pandemic levels. The CIIR found that in Q1 2022 the average credit card balance hovered around $5,010. While this was a 4.7% increase over Q1 2021 ($4,784) it still lagged 11% behind the average balance in Q1 2020 ($5,637). Total credit card balances for the industry are $769 billion, which is 5.5% below the $814 billion observed in Q1 2020.

In addition to consumer spend approaching pre-pandemic levels, consumer liquidity also remains stable. Aggregate excess payment (AEP) the excess amount a consumer makes over the minimum amounts due on all their credit accounts is typically an indication of a consumers ability to manage their overall debt payments. In Q1 2022, average AEP was $328, remaining relatively flat from the $326 observed in Q1 2021. The current level remains above the average AEP levels seen pre-pandemic.

Consumers are Paying More Toward Their Monthly Bills

Compared to a year ago, the price of everything from filling a gas tank to buying a carton of eggs has increased due to inflation. Since wages of many consumers have not kept up with inflation, people are spending more to get less. However there are several positives to note, including low unemployment, lenders increasing access to credit, and strong consumer performance, said Michele Raneri, vice president of research and consulting at TransUnion. These are all indications that consumers are well positioned as the economy continues to find its footing from the financial volatility of the pandemic.

Credit Industry Indicator Shows Credit Health Remains High

Another sign that consumer credit health remains healthy: TransUnions Credit Industry Indicator (CII) increased to 116 in Q1 2022 up from 115 in the previous quarter and 105 one year ago. The CII offers a comprehensive view of consumer credit health through aggregated credit data, including supply, demand, usage and performance, to show the overall picture of whether the credit market is improving or deteriorating. It also provides a view of the impact of economic market events, including inflation, on consumers.

In addition to consumer credit health maintaining a healthy level, there has not been a material impact to consumer performance. Serious delinquency rates across mortgage, auto, credit card and personal loans have stayed relatively flat in the wake of expired forbearance programs or rolled back accommodation programs.

Consumers are continuing to perform well on their credit and debt obligations even when faced with several macroeconomic factors that are influencing affordability. Factors such as rising interest rates could affect the monthly payment amounts for some consumers, but we are currently seeing that they are continuing to make payments, sometimes even in excess, of what is required, said Raneri.

For more information about the report, please register for the Q1 2022 Quarterly Credit Industry Insights Report Webinar. Read on for more specific insights about credit cards, personal loans, auto loans and mortgages.

Consumers Gain More Access to Credit as Credit Card Industry Rebounds

Q1 2022 CIIR Credit Card SummaryFor the third consecutive quarter, card origination volumes set an all-time record with 21.5 million new originations in Q4 2021. The total represents a 7% QoQ and 38% YoY increase. This surge was mostly driven by non-prime consumers with the subprime risk tier growing 57.5% and near prime growing 39.8% YoY. All other risk tiers exhibited double-digit growth, though at lower percentages. Credit card demand has led to a record 197 million consumers with access to such credit with 159 million of those consumers carrying a balance. Credit lines have also rebounded strongly with total credit lines exceeding $4 Trillion for the first time in Q1 2022 and the average new account credit line growing to $4,634 an increase of 21.6% YoY.

Instant Analysis

Card issuers continue to exhibit strong interest in pursuing growth and meeting consumer demand for credit through larger origination volumes and extending higher credit lines. While total credit lines are at a record high, the average credit line remains below pre-pandemic levels as lenders manage risk for the origination growth in the below prime risk segments. However, in spite of inflation pressures and the rising price of goods and services, growth among consumer balances remains muted and has shown minimal market growth.

Q1 2022 Credit Card Trends

*Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.

Vehicle Sales Soften as Inventory Challenges Continue to Affect Auto Industry

Q1 2022 CIIR Auto Loan SummaryDealer inventory continues to remain tight and has been further impacted by international pressures on the supply chain, including the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 lockdowns in China. Origination volumes in Q4 2021 dropped to 6.5 million a decrease of -3.0% over the same period last year. As a result, available vehicles are moving off dealer lots at a quick rate. These issues have continued to erode vehicle affordability with the average balance of new auto loans reaching $28,415 in Q1 2022 a YoY increase of 15.2%. This has pushed the average monthly payment of vehicle purchases (including both new and used vehicles) to $556, an increase of approximately $100 over a four year period.

Instant Analysis Supply shortages have driven up vehicle prices and the shutdown of international factories will lead to a growing lack of inventory throughout the remainder of the year. On top of the increasing prices of vehicles, rising inflation will also have an impact on consumer purchasing power. To help keep monthly payments in check, we anticipate some lenders may offer consumers options such as lengthened loan terms to offset affordability challenges.

Q1 2022 Auto Loan Trends

*Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.**Data from S&P Global MobilityAutoCreditInsight, viewed one quarter in arrears.Click here for additional auto industry metrics.

Despite Uptick, Personal Loan Delinquencies Remain Below Pre-Pandemic Levels

Q1 2022 CIIR Personal Loan SummaryThe serious delinquency rate (60+DPD) at the borrower level saw an uptick in Q1 2022, increasing from 2.68% to 3.25% YoY. This growth was predominantly due to the growing share of balances held by below prime consumers. However, delinquency rates remain at healthy levels and are below pre-pandemic highs. Total balances reached a milestone high of $178 billion in Q1 2022 and grew 23.8% YoY, the fastest rate of growth since Q2 2016. This growth was driven by a 12.2% YoY increase to the average balance per consumer, which reached $9,896 in Q1 2022. The number of consumers carrying a balance also grew for the third consecutive quarter (20.4 million) in Q1 2022 just below the peak of 20.9 million consumers in Q1 2020.

Instant Analysis Lenders are cautiously expanding back into the non-prime segment of the market with Q4 origination risk tier distribution very closely resembling the levels seen pre-pandemic. Inflation is putting pressure on all consumers which will likely drive continued growth across risk tiers, as consumers seek credit to finance specific purchases or for debt consolidation. While investor demand is still driving growth, rising interest rates and uncertainty about the economy could dampen some of this growth. Lenders will continue to monitor performance of subprime and near prime consumers across their portfolios for signs of deterioration as they continue to lend in this segment.

Q1 2022 Unsecured Personal Loan Trends

*Note: Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.

Amid Rising Home Prices, Homeowners Poised to Increase Home Equity

Q1 2022 CIIR Mortgage Loan SummaryRising interest rates and limited housing supply have caused the mortgage origination market to slow with volumes declining to 2.9 million originations in Q4 2021 a -28% YoY decrease but a number still well above the 2.3 million observed pre-pandemic in Q4 2019. Rate and term refinance originations dropped dramatically by 58% YoY resulting in the continued increase of purchase share of originations for the third consecutive quarter up from 47% in Q4 2020 to 56% in Q4 2021. Tappable home equity, however, continues to grow and reached an all-time high of approximately $20 trillion in Q4 2021. Additionally, homeowners are showing sustained interest in taking advantage of the equity they have built with total home equity originations up 4% YoY and 80% from 2018 to 1.2 million. Within home equity originations, cash-out refinance decreased by only 6% YoY while HELOC grew 31% YoY in Q4 2021 and 13% YoY for a Home Equity Loan. Rising home prices have also pushed the average loan size of new mortgages to $315,543, an increase of 7% YoY.

Instant Analysis

The rising interest rate environment has impacted mortgage origination volume. There is less incentive to go through a rate and term refinance and for those looking to purchase a home, low inventory and high home prices presents a challenge. A marginal reduction in new cash-out refinance volumes and a substantial increase in HELOC and home equity loan originations indicates that for those who are already homeowners, the continued home price appreciation offers an opportunity to tap into growing home equity and gain access to cheaper capital. Mortgage lenders can bolster growth in a subdued market by leveraging tools that can identify and reach consumers who are in the market to tap their available home equity.

Q1 2022 Mortgage Trends

* Originations are viewed one quarter in arrears to account for reporting lag.Click here for additional mortgage industry metrics.

For more information about the report, please register for the Q1 2022 Credit Industry Insight Report webinar.

About TransUnion (: TRU)TransUnion is a global information and insights company that makes trust possible in the modern economy. We do this by providing an actionable picture of each person so they can be reliably represented in the marketplace. As a result, businesses and consumers can transact with confidence and achieve great things. We call this Information for Good.

A leading presence in more than 30 countries across five continents, TransUnion provides solutions that help create economic opportunity, great experiences and personal empowerment for hundreds of millions of people.

http://www.transunion.com/business

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Despite a Series of Challenges, Consumer Credit Health Remains Relatively Strong in Opening Quarter of 2022 - GuruFocus.com

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A new research study by Typing.com a company that teaches keyboarding, digital literacy, and coding explored the estimated monthly search volumes on Google and Amazon for the 50 most well-known self-help books. The aim was to determine which self-help titles were the most popular, and the results showcase a wide range of interests within the broad self-help category.

The most popular self-help books, as assessed by monthly search traffic, is a mix of some expected titles, some perennial bestsellers, and some titles that have gained notoriety within various circles (The Secret and The Four Agreements, for example, land on lists for those with an interest in spirituality; Who Moved My Cheese and 7 Habits of Highly Effective People are classics in the business world and readily accessible at airports; Jordan Peterson remains a staple among mens rights activists).

Of the ten books, only two are by women. Few are by authors of color.

Itd be easy to criticize the most searched books on these criteria alone. Instead, its also worth considering the content within these books.

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In July 2020, writer Devi Abraham shared her experiences reading two popular self-help titles. The first, Atomic Habits, is included in the above list. The second, Cal Newports Deep Work, is not on the most popular list above but is a title cited regularly as a must-read for better productivity.

Not only are men the most popular writers of self-help books, but they are their own subjects as well. Self-help is not an all-white category, and it continues to grow more diverse annually; this is positive not only because self-help books are big business and have their own New York Times Best Seller List but its positive because the white male subject is not, nor should it be, the standard way of operating.

Unfortunately, it is built into the very bones of helping itself.

Self-help books have been around for centuries, but it wasnt until the 1960s where they became a popular genre within the reading public. This was, in addition to a time where capitalism grew and afforded (white, middle class) individuals the time and money to buy, read, and write such books, when helping professions became more common and legitimized. This was also the era when the psychology professions such as counseling and social work became more accessible. The 1950s and 60s in particular brought about the development of early cognitive behavioral therapy (thanks to Albert Ellis) and the person-centered therapy of Carl Rogers.

Rogers is widely regarded as a groundbreaker in the field of therapy. His work, which centered on people as unique and capable individuals, moved helping away from Freudian psychoanalysis and the sometimes-problematic fixations of that theory (n.b., psychoanalysis has contemporary uses still!). Rogers was a humanist who saw people in an optimistic light and believed every individual had the capacity to grow, change, and develop into who it is they want to be. He believed every individual could self-actualize.

But as much as Rogers did for the helping fields, he followed in the steps of his predecessors: white men. He worked in an area of rigid gender stereotypes and though empathy, unconditional positive regard, and presence with clients were key to his theory of helping, his own thinking was still inspired by his lived experience in a patriarchal society. It was Rogerss daughter, Natalie, who challenged her father to think bigger and consider the perspective from which his helping came. Natalie expanded upon her fathers work, growing an entire field of person-centered therapy of her own with expressive arts, and her first book, Emerging Women, was one that highlighted how much of the roles women traditionally took were no longer the roles women were taking.

Her work, and the work of dozens of other women in the helping field, have had no less impact than their male forerunners and contemporaries. But as is the case today, womens voices and womens lives are curiously absent from most popular and most sought self-help books.

Self-help/self-improvement books have always had their fans and their critics and rightly so. But they came of age in a rapidly moving world grounded in capitalism, and the promise of a fix packaged into a neat, easy-to-read book made them prime for sales and big ones. These books are broadly defined, and they shift in their tone, their content, and their approach in much the same way therapy does. If one book doesnt work, maybe the next one will. Unlike therapy, though, there is no end goal for no longer needing the next self-help book; the more, the better, the closer to actualization.

With a foundation created by white men, no matter how groundbreaking their work and no matter how inclusive it may strive be, it should come as no surprise that self-help continues to be an arena for, by, and centering men. Five pages of addressing womens issues in two of the top books is, frankly, surprising in scope. Men have had and continue to have a day that requires less unpaid labor than female counterparts.*

Because men do not need to think about the hours of unpaid labor, the invisible work, the countless time spent making grocery-meal-schoolbag checklists, they do not have the lived experience of needing to use these realities for fodder. They have the privilege of writing for an uninterrupted hour and not answering their phone or email.^ They do not need to schedule their days around school pickups or drop offs, playdates or trips to the post office. They are not often tasked with finding caregivers, being primary caregiver, or doing both; this task is especially burdensome to women of color, particularly if they themselves work as caregivers, as Angela Garbes explores in Essential Labor.

Men do not think about it because they dont see it, and they dont see it because they do not have to see it. Taken as a collective, our dedication to self-help books and the popularity of those by men, once again reiterate the role self-help books play for us. Where these men say we can pull up our bootstraps and solve our problems, they miss the bigger picture. There are not individual solutions to collective problems and worse, by framing problems in the context of male-driven solutions, we grow a market for more self-help books to solve the same problems that will not be solved away through self-help books penned by men.

Over decades of reading self-help books, both for fun and for my own growth, Ive learned the true value of this category isnt in what you find tucked between the pages. Its instead precisely what isnt seen: the blank spaces and the questioning of why it is we need to improve ourselves as individuals, rather than push back against the systems that force such feelings of inadequacy and experiences of disenfranchisement upon us.

For white men, this is rarely a pursuit they need to question. They built the system. Women missing from the pages and the searches is on purpose. If theyre not seen, why then, would they need to improve or self-actualize?

We cant become the best versions of ourselves no matter what that looks like without ensuring our neighbor can do the same. That development doesnt happen over the course of reading a book. The time and energy is a privilege afforded to few, I wrote in a previous musing on self-help. Becoming ones best self only happens when we take what we see or dont see in the book and put ourselves to work in our communities, with those whose needs we can help meet through hard work, through hard listening, and when we hand over the mic to those whose voices have too often been ignored, spoken over, or silenced all together.

Men, particularly white men, still have a lot of work to do.

Perhaps this is partially why there is some worry in the self-help world that the market will begin to crumble. The bread and butter experts and consumers are baby boomers, 60 or older. There are few millennials making a name for themselves in self-development and fewer still in gen z.

Except there are experts in both of these generations. There are dozens of self-help books and self-development books that aim to bring solutions and empowerment to younger adults. These books tackle complex, nuanced topics including community and friendship (How We Show Up and Big Friendship), self-confidence and anxiety (Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, How To Be Yourself, Brave Not Perfect, The Body Is Not an Apology), sex (Come as You Are), and motherhood/care-taking (Like A Mother and Essential Labor).

Theyre just not by or about white men.

Theyre about dismantling the patriarchal systems, not tying tighter knots around them.

*Of course this is not universal and it is based on a gender binary. We know this. That doesnt change the cultural perception that this is what is seen and valued.

^A white man once told me how royally offended he was I use an out of office responder outlining my response times for my personal email because of how unprofessional that was. Amazing how a woman laying claim to her boundaries is an offense.

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Best Selling Self-Help Books and the Missing Women Phenomenon - Book Riot

What do most organizational cultures worldwide have in common? The answer is simple homogenous groups of male leaders dressed in suits. Eco-leadership strives to change this. As it brings diversity, collectivism, and purpose into the workplace, it revolutionizes traditional paradigms of corporate leadership.

Ideas come from all kinds of persons in all kinds of situations. Yet, due to implicit biases, companies refuse to boost organizational diversity. Their primary mission lies in maximizing profit, rather than cultivating community spirit. In other words, traditional organizations are institutional-centric theyre designed to accommodate the company, not its workforce.

Since the 19th century, leaders have been increasing productivity through control. It all started when the factory system came into existence. Fred W. Taylor pioneered the scientific management theory for factory work that streamlined workflow via surveillance. He centralized decision-making and resource management. As a result, capitalist employers decomposed tasks to individual workers, granting them no say in the operations of the business.

The efficiency craze of Taylorism lingers to this day companies weld labor into a speedy human machine. Thecontroller leadership discourse treats employees as replaceable human capital. It eliminates group cohesion, leaving marginalized groups outside the upper echelons.

This patriarchal style of leadership reenacts commonly held perceptions, prejudices, and power dynamics of the modern world. Rooted in militarism thinking, it breeds workplace dissatisfaction and alienates minority groups.

As leaders make decisions from the top down, they create hierarchical, rather than inclusive workplace cultures. The employees title determines their privilege, authority, and ability to influence organizational objectives. The organizational rank grants workers power over, rather than power with others.

Hence, its no surprise that minority groups struggle with making their voices heard. From playing nice to working extra hours, they silently navigate through power imbalances to prove themselves worthy.

As Teresa Cardador reveals to Women At Work, women who enter male-dominated fields, such as engineering or tech, put up with various prejudices and microaggressions. She claims that the pressure that society puts on women to change their behavior or figure out how to talk to people differently is a form of victim-blaming. Rather than fixing leadership, these recommendations blatantly overlook broader cultural and systemic issues.

After all, in organizational life, the workplace acts as a theater with unwritten rules of what cannot be said or done in society at large. For this reason, workplace elitism serves as a microcosm of its broader, societal counterpart.

To tackle global issues of inequality, Its right about time we embrace people-conscious, embodied eco-leadership, which builds the institutional vision upon integrity, truth, and meaningful relationships.

Eco-leadership represents a complex synergy of internal and external eco-systems. It builds supportive networks, bridges silos, and encourages inclusive organizational architectures. Eco-leadership extends to all realms of governance, including ethics, social responsibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. Ultimately, it fosters adaptive organizations that easily adjust to external shifts.

Traditional, ego-centric leaders fall victim to tunnel vision, short-termism, and a lack of meaningful collaboration. Eco-leaders, on the other hand, find the right balance between grit and flexibility. They adapt quickly to uncertainty while guiding others through creativity and intuition. Caring for people and the planet, they respond to stakeholders, competitors, and environmental trends on a regular basis.

A former zoo and aquarium senior leader, Julie C. Henry has worked across fifty-five organizations across corporate, nonprofit, government, and community fields. An animal lover at heart, she specializes in zoology, communication, and sustainable business leadership. This makes Henry a true ambassador of eco-leadership, which she channeled not only through her career but also through activism.

Fascinated by her multi-faceted background, we asked the author a few questions on the sustainability movement, self-empowerment, and life lessons. These are some highlights of our conversation about the universal wisdom of the wild:

Leadership skills are very important when shifting the world around you. Theyre not tied to a job title or career aspirations when you think of making a change, revert to your inner leader and connect with who youre speaking to on a deeper level.

Keeping animals on top of my mind allowed me to realize the scope of my work. Whether its a small non-profit or a big corporation, humans organize themselves just like animals they fit into niches and use their resiliency muscle to make a change. For instance, cheetahs slow down no matter how old they are, how fast they run, or how successful they are, they always take a break. And so should humans.

Resiliency is a biological fact an unbreakable law of nature that ensures survival. Pelicans will fly over and look for fish only to sit on the water, getting their energy up for the next hunt. Cheetahs run and whether they catch the prey or not, they take a break.

And how do leaders nowadays define resiliency? They either over-glorify busyness or use toxic positivity, forgetting that resiliency is always followed by rest. Youre going to slow down eventually so, are you going to be proactive about it or let nature do it for you?

As people, we are tied and affected by our surroundings more than wed like to admit. So, if youre constantly surrounded by technology, bad food, or toxic people, you are simply not positioning yourself for success.

You walk into the room and people say, should you even be here? Go away! But regardless of others opinions, naked mole rats show up as naked mole rats. Theyre amazing creatures that are immune to cancer and live in colonies like bees. So, forget that youre a human for a minute and embrace your inner naked mole rat!

Why dont you pretend like youre a sea cucumber? When its threatened, it actually throws up its own guts, and the predator either swims away or eats it. And the best part of it all? when the threat is gone, the sea cucumber simply regrows its own guts.

Animals dont try to make something out of chaos. They simply evolve through it.

Things are always different when you walk outside have you ever seen a sunset that looks the same? have you been to the ocean that doesnt evolve tide after tide? In the midst of change, animals are not fighting it they are rolling with the punches and working together within their own niches. Most importantly, theyre not derailed by change, but theyre not running away from it either.

We, humans, are afraid of uncertainty. This is exactly where nature comes into play. As an ever-changing part of the universe, it reminds us of our unrealistic expectations.

Once the mother sea turtle comes up on the shore and lays her nest, she goes back into the water, never seeing her offspring again. Subsequently, up to a hundred of her eggs hatch up on their own. Once the babies leave their nest, theyre 100% reliant on instinct and the magnetic pull of the earth. They fearlessly go through the water and follow the tides, dodging various predators like raccoons, crabs, and fish on the way.

When we, as humans, are stressed and overworked, leaning into the purpose the reasons why youre doing what youre doing or why youre here on earth helps tremendously. Rely on your inner compass just like the sea turtle does.

Non-inclusive organizational settings pose challenges to information-seeking, agency, and self-empowerment. Luckily, its possible to reclaim your inner eco-leader. Through interdependence, you can find mentors, build your resilience muscle, and gain clarity about whats expected of you. Like Henry mentions, you need to lead yourself before you lead others:

There are the sorts of moments that make us who we are, the moments when we choose to lead ourselves first before we earn the right to lead others the moments when we dig in and change the trajectory of our path, when we choose bravery over blanket acceptance of what is, and wonder instead about what could be.

Julie C. Henry, Wisdom From The Wild, Preface

With the imminent climate crisis, activists find it challenging to find collective solutions to modern-day problems. Its helpful to keep in mind that innovation necessitates entrepreneurial thinking. In the times of struggle, eco-leaders must consult nature around them to garner new insights. Like animals, they must replenish their energy, generating new ideas for survival.

Hence, with a myriad of animal hierarchies, nature acts as a guiding light for those in search of leadership advice. It equips all beings both human and non-human with actionable tools for peaceful cooperation. Simply honing our primal instincts, we can muster the power to transform organizational structures, creating a sustainable future for the planet.

Nature is always teaching us, if we have the presence of mind to listen

Julie C. Henry, Wisdom From The Wild, Preface

Editors Note:The opinions expressed here by Impakter.com columnists are their own, not those of Impakter.com.In theFeatured Photo: Vandana Shiva. Featured Photo Credit: Pexels,About 4 Julie C. Henry (juliechenry.com)

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"The Wisdom of The Wild": A Guide To Eco-Leadership - Impakter

One of the most-acclaimed, if not the most acclaimed RuPaul's Drag Race spinoff, Drag Race Espaa, has been officially renewed for season 3 on the heels of the season 2 finale.

The sophomore season's finale episode crowned Sharonne as Spain's next drag superstar.

In a recent chat with Shadow and Act discussing her win and what's next, Sharonne says the win represents "a great personal pride not only for the work Ive done in the show, but also for all the years Ive dedicated in my life to Drag."

Throughout the season, Sharonne had three wins, including one during the Snatch Game episode, which she calls her highlight of the season. "I made someone I adore and who has always been close to the hearts of the Spanish people," she said of the performance. Vernica Forqu was great and I wanted to remember her with affection and a touch of humor, as she never lost it."

On the other hand, the rusical was the biggest challenge she said she had to overcome. "Recording times are limited, and in a very short time, we had to learn the texts, record [the] songs [and know] the stage space and where we had to move," she explained. "That was done in one afternoon and it was recorded the following morning. Quite a feat!"

As for what's next, there is a new series coming to Drag Race Espaa's local network, ATRESplayer Premium that she will star in. It is likened to a Spanish version of HBO's We're Here, and she'll be featured along with Drag Race Espaa host Supremme de Luxe, Drag Race Espaa season 1 queen Pupi Poisson and season 2 queen Estrella Extravaganza.

"At the moment, we are about to premiere Reinas Al Rescate, a new format of ATRESplayer Premium where we will meet the LGTBI+ collective in rural environments," Sharonne said. "Its a beautiful program where we will laugh and get excited in equal parts. And June 22 starts the tour of El Gran Hotel de las Reinas that will take my colleagues and me to travel all over Spain until the end of the year. Whatever else comes my way, it will be good."

And she also would love to come to the United States and there is one American entertainment personality she'd love to meet and perform with.

"Ive never been [to America] and I would love to. In my shows before I went on Drag Race, I always sang live and to be able to sing there would be a dream, plus to meet and exchange a few notes with Jennifer Hudson. That would be heaven. I'm just asking for it."

You can stream Drag Race Espaa season 2 in its entirety on WOW Presents Plus. Season 3 is expected to bow sometime next year.

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'Drag Race Espaa' Season 2 Winner Sharonne On Her U.S. Dreams Of Performing With Jennifer Hudson - Shadow and Act - Shadow and Act

A council grouping NGOs that work in the refugee sector has urged the government to reopen an honest dialogue on the laws, policies and practices to manage migration and asylum, while describing Malta as offering an extremely hostile environment to refugees.

"The government refuses to explain why they are abandoned out at sea, either not rescued or not allowed to safely disembark. Hundreds are detained in squalid conditions and on dubious legal grounds in what international human rights bodies described as 'institutional mass neglect'. New detention rules dramatically limit their possibility of (such people) receiving needed information and support," the Malta Refugee Council said.

In a statement to mark World Refugee Day, the council said measures adopted by the government to speed up an under-resourced asylum procedure limit the opportunity for persons to fully explain why they are in need of protection.

Furthermore, the care provided to the most vulnerable is, at most, basic.

The council said dialogue between the Government and civil society, including refugee-led groups, has been effectively closed.

"Never before has refugee protection been so challenging," it said.

The council appealed to Malta to be a place of shelter for those men, women and children forced to flee their homes, whether it is the war in Ukraine, discriminatory laws in Nigeria or ethnic conflict in South Sudan, among others.

"All refugees share the same need for safety, protection and dignity. Safety, for refugees as for all of us, requires us to ensure no lives are lost or harmed in fleeing and seeking protection. It means ensuring we rescue people in distress at sea and bring them to land as soon as possible. Importantly, it requires us to stop pushing refugees back to countries where we know they will surely face the most horrific violations," it said.

"Protection, for refugees as for all of us, means living conditions that do not expose people to violence, threats, abuse, insults or any form or dehumanising treatment. It means ensuring that everyone is offered the full opportunity to explain their personal story, with the necessary support. Essentially, it means that refugees are all equally able to receive documents confirming their status and to approach procedures, systems and entities that provide support and services."

"To treat refugees with dignity is to appreciate their individual human experiences and provide them with the space and opportunity to regain control over their own lives. It means rethinking our relationship with refugees from one that manages migration and asylum to one that supports individual empowerment and growth," it added.

It urged the government to reopen an honest dialogue on the laws, policies and practices to manage migration and asylum so as to ensure real safety, protection and dignity, while promoting effective integration, for all refugees.

Independent journalism costs money. Support Times of Malta for the price of a coffee.

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Government urged to reopen dialogue on migration laws and practices - Times of Malta

Eating out lets you discover all sorts of exciting new dishes. Vegans have countlessexcellent restaurantchoices. No matter where you live or visit, chances are theres great vegan food near you. Thousands of vegan and vegetarian restaurants exist worldwide. Dining out is a joy when the entire menu is vegan.

Many non-vegetarian restaurants work hard to please vegans, and offer superb vegan dishes. These places often label their vegan menu items, which makes ordering easy.

Lebanese and Israeli cooking is especially vegan-friendly. These restaurants serve outrageously good falafel, hummus, and salads. Italian and Ethiopian restaurants also offer a variety of enticing vegan meals. We offer helpful guides to the worlds most vegan-friendly cuisines.

If youtravel abroad, you can get sensational vegan restaurant food unlike anything available at home. Thats doubly true if you seek out the countrys favorite vegan dishes.

On top of all this,vegan fast foodis everywhere. Thats a big change from just a few years ago. Most of the top chains now feature delicious vegan items.

Continued here:

Vegan Made Easy - A healthy plant-based lifestyle - Vegan.com

You can choose from hundreds of delicious vegan packaged foods. Start by checking out brands like Miyokos, JUST, and Gardein. These and other companies make it easy to bypass non-vegetarian foods.

You can choose from an extraordinary assortment of vegan meat products. And the variety of dairy alternatives is equally impressive. If you enjoy foods like cheese, ice cream, and butter, youll find dozens of high quality vegan replacements. And things will only get betternot a month goes by without fantastic new products hitting the market.

Spend just twenty minutes wandering around a natural foods store and youll discover countless exciting things to try. Dont miss the bulk section, which is loaded with low-cost vegan snacks and staples. If you lack a natural food store nearby, most supermarkets carry a decent selection of vegan items too.

For extensive coverage of all the best vegan packaged foods, see our vegan alternatives page and our online grocery.

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Vegan Food: Grocery Shopping, Cooking, and Dining - Vegan.com

There is only one vegan bakery in Fort Worth, and they open their arms to vegans and nonvegans alike.

Husband and wife duo Stephanie and Mark Garza have been running Fort Worths only 100% vegan bakery, Planted Bakery, for two years. Two years later, they reflect on the passage of time from their start during the pandemic.

Planted Bakery is at 5400 Woodway Dr., Suite 120, in southwest Fort Worth.

Nothing that we do now looks like what we did back then, and thank God, Mark says. Its way better because we know what we're doing now versus when we started, when it was just our passion of wanting to cook and have a bakery. The pandemic slowed everything down, and when everything started to open back up slowly, people began rediscovering us again, which was really neat. We learned a lot in that time, and it didn't hurt us, but it helped us out. Now the things seem to be picking back up again.

The two have been vegan for five years. The idea for an entire vegan bakery came out of their lost hope for finding any bakery specifically vegan. Places they would go to would be a dead-end for the couple, noting minimal menu items that were either not prepared well or clearly evident a nonvegan baker was trying to be vegan.

We saw we didn't have that many options, Mark says. Over time, we developed it and saw it was working for us for vegans and nonvegans and people with specific allergies and people with lactose issues and whatnot. People come in because it's good food and what we hang our hats on.

Currently, they are the only 100% vegan bakery in the city which Cowtown can forgive.

I don't want to be the only vegan bakery in Fort Worth, Stephanie says. Im ready to move to the phase where more people have that option but also to have whole places where kids can walk in and order anything they want and not worry about it. As a kid, you should be able to walk in anywhere, especially somewhere your parents are taking you for a treat. I think of all the times my parents did that for me and how important that is a childhood memory.

Since opening, they recall people coming from miles out to try their baked goods. Some voiced their opinion on working with a spouse when the two first opened. Two years later, they can say with pride that thats what makes the place even more unique.

Its easy to work with your friend because you have that to fall back on, Stephanie says. We have a good time together. We know when to be quiet and work and when to play around and get each other's spirits up because it's been a hard day. I think it makes it easier.

Since their start at the bakery, their primary purpose has been to encapsulate all baked goods lovers, on their side of Interstate 20 and be the friendly neighborhood place everyone loves.

Fear of failure is what it takes to have that small business mentality, Mark says. It can't be fun always, and it can't be easy. The moral, almost spiritual side is knowing you are doing something that no one else is doing in the area.

Some of her favorites are the classic carrot cake and pepperoni rolls, and he recommends any of her cupcakes. (Especially the Turtle chocolate one.) He says that vegan cupcakes or not, hers are the best in the area.

The thing about this bakery is that we cater to everybody, Mark says. If you are vegan, and if you are a hardcore savory meat-eater, come on in, we got stuff for you too. If you are a strict vegan eater, we got stuff for you too.

5400 Woodway Dr, Suite #120, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m. 7 p.m.

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Fort Worth Vegan Bakery is the Real Deal - Fort Worth Magazine

What makes a sandwich, burger, hot dog, or party spread? Condiments. Its the secret sauce, the sour cream, and the ranch dressing that truly make your taste buds sing and tempt you to go back for another bite. While these traditional dips, dressings, and spreads often contain sneaky animal ingredients, weve found exceptional and veganized store-bought options for every single one. From the original Vegenaise to fish-free peanut sauce, here are 19 fantastic vegan condiments that are better than the real thing.

Follow Your Heart

Vegans have the self-proclaimed hippie founders of Follow Your Heart Caf to thank for creating the original vegan condiment: Vegenaise. Developed in 1970 for the cafs Avocado, Tomato, and Sprouts Sandwich, this plant-based rendition of mayonnaise hooked customers who soon demanded it by the jar. While other brands have produced their own vegan mayo in the 50 years since its inception, Follow Your Hearts Vegenaise is still the beloved original.Learn more here

Daiya

Given the vegan chicken boom, its only appropriate to keep a bottle of vegan honey mustard on hand. This dressing is perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and kick. Dunk your favorite vegan chicken nuggets, drizzle over home-baked oven fries, or pour onto a massive salad for that iconic honey mustard taste.Learn more here

Banchans

Depending on where you grew up and where you live now, you likely have an attachment to a certain style of barbecue sauce. Many store-bought versions are accidentally vegan, and theres a good chance the brand you love is animal-free, but some sauces do contain non-vegan worcester sauce and/or honey. Check the label of your favorite brand or try out this balanced blend from Banchan.Learn more here

Primal Kitchen

Despite its namesake, this classic marinade is free of animal ingredients and adds a punch of flavor to veggies. Whether youre whipping up grilled tofu skewers or trying out Gordon Ramsays eggplant steak recipe, dont forget the power of the sauce.Learn More here

Pesto should be vegan, but omnivore brands and chefs often cant help but put parmesan where it doesnt belong. This TJs pesto version is a safe, plant-based go-to whenever you dont feel like getting out the food processor to make your own. For us, thats most days.Learn more here

Single Origins Foods

This spicy-sweet condiment is on trend. Popularized by the fried chicken craze, hot honey was soon taken up by the pizzaiolos to accentuate spicy pepperoni pies. Admittedly, weve yet to find a store-bought vegan version, but one can successfully recreate it at home by whisking together vegan honey (try Un-Honey) with a teaspoon or two of hot sauce. Test the spice level as you go!Learn More here

Sarah McLaughlin/VegNews

If youre using anything other than ruffled potato chips to scoop up this spread, youre doing French onion dip wrong. The fried, ruffled variety is the only chip strong enough to stand up to this robustly rich and thick dip. No chips? Sturdy, raw vegetables and vegan wings are adequate vessels to transfer this onion-spiked dip from tub to mouth. We cant get enough of Violifes new dips, and the French Onion is divine. Bring on the snacking!Learn more HERE

Hidden Valley Ranch

Whether you drizzle it over vegan pizza or exclusively reserve it for salads, this herbaceous condiment is a vegan triumph. There are countless iterations of quality vegan ranch dressings and dips, but we have to highlight the brand that got us addicted in the first place: Hidden Valley. Yes, they make a vegan ranch now. Its 2022, after all.Learn more here

Forager Project

Sour cream is like country musicpeople have very strong opinions about it. Its a love it or hate it kind of condiment, but if youre Team Sour Cream, this vegan product gets it just right. Rather buy it in store? Follow Your Heart and Forager both make excellent dairy-free renditions of this thick-and-tangy dip.Learn more here

Nobel Made

When it comes to chicken wings, what matters most is not what the wings are actually made of, but the sauce theyre smothered in. Give an omnivore fried-and-battered tofu or a store-bought vegan chicken wing drenched in fiery, tangy buffalo sauce, and none will be the wiser.Learn more here

Mother Raw

Once you know traditional Caesar dressing is made with blended whole anchovies, its hard to enjoy it, even if youre not vegan. Liquified fish is just a little too off-putting for most. Fortunately, a variety of vegan brands have nailed the creamy, umami essence of this popular dressingno fish-blending required. Brands like Mother Raw replicate that salty flavor with capers and nail the creaminess with an emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.Learn more here

HLTHPUNK

Spoiler alert: that oh-so-secret sauce thats so good youd lick it off your forearm as it cascades down? Its not a secret at all. Its basically Thousand Island dressing with pickle juice and sweeteners. Its possible to make your own, but in a pinch, we reach for this store-bought tube of awesomeness every single burger night.Learn more here

Kite Hill

Hard to spell, easy to veganize. This thin, zesty yogurt sauce is made with almond milk, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Try it drizzled over pita sandwiches, falafel, and Mediterranean-style grazing plates.Learn more here

Watcharee

Lets clarify one thing: peanut sauce is not thinned-down peanut butter. The best peanut sauces are complex. Theyre nutty and salty and citrusy and sweet and whisper of umami. Most bottled varieties achieve this flavor profile with honey and fish sauce, but Watcharees does it differently. The flavor is built with peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, tamarind, coconut sugar, curry paste, and a medley of other spices for a peanut sauce that rivals any animal-based contender.Learn more here

GTFO Its Vegan

Tartar sauce is like mayoits deceptively dairy-free, but it contains a pesky egg ingredient. When dipping tofu-based fish sticks, reach for a jar of this creamy tartar sauce (or make your own). Pro tip: this chunky dip is also phenomenal with vegan hush puppies, which are essentially quick-fried cornbread.Learn more here

Earth Balance

With the exception of our failed homemade attempt, there has never been a vegan butter we havent loved. There are a plethora of optionssalted and unsalted, palm oil-free, cashew-based, and oat-basedbut when it comes to the everyday butter we know we can find at virtually any grocery store, its Earth Balance. No matter what brand you reach for, slather it on thick, because its bound to be good.Learn more here

Miyokos Creamery

For cream cheese so thick and velvety it gets stuck to your teeth, reach for a tub of Miyokos. This cashew-based spread is for those who measure thickness by the centimeter, or dare we say half-inch? Its for those who lick the knife after the spread, expertly avoiding the serrated edge while gleaning every last bit of cream cheese from the utensil. The brand makes a flavor for everyone including Classic Plain, Savory Scallion, Everything, Fish-Free Lox, and Cinnamon Raisin.Find it here

Wildbrine

Known for its krauts and gut-friendly products, Wildbrine shows off its prowess in fermentation. The brand makes three different types of kimchi, but this Korean style is the most true to the fish sauce-laced pickled napa cabbage we grew to love in the pre-vegan days. Horseradish lovers, pick up the Miso Horseradish Kimchijust be prepared, one bite will clear your sinuses.Learn more here

Loca Foods

Even good dairy-based queso is hard to find, but LOCA nails this addictive, spicy cheese dip, and it does so with humble potatoes. Dont ask how, just enjoy. Get your vegan nachos, tacos, and tortilla chips at the ready!Learn more here

For more vegan staple products, read: 25 Accidentally Vegan Snacks You Can Find at Virtually Any Convenience StoreThe Essential Vegan Guide to Pantry StaplesThe 70+ Essential Products at Trader Joes

Tanya Flink is a Digital Editor at VegNews as well as a writer and runner living in Orange County, CA.

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19 Vegan Condiments That Are Better Than the Real Thing - VegNews

Noted for its crunchy texture and licorice-like flavor, the fennel in this recipe from The Low-Carbon Cookbook & Action Plan book is filled with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The cooling yogurt dressing tames the sharp flavors of fennel and radishes in this warm weather salad.

For the cultured cashew yogurt:1 cup raw cashews2 cups room temperature water, divided3 capsules refrigerated vegan probiotic

For the cashew dill dressing: cup prepared cashew yogurt3 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon lemon juice1 tablespoon reserved grapefruit juice2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill teaspoon coarse salt teaspoon ground black pepper

For the salad:1 medium fennel bulb4 celery stalks1 small shallot, thinly julienned1 pink grapefruit, supremed, juice reserved2 radishes, thinly sliced2 tablespoons fennel fronds

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Vegan Shaved Fennel and Pink Grapefruit Salad With Cashew Dill Yogurt Dressing - VegNews