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<p>The newly unveiled Slate Truck is unlike anything else in the modern EV market. Designed to sell for under $20,000 after federal incentives, it arrives without paint, a built-in stereo, a touchscreen, or any illusions about what it is. In a world of increasingly complicated cars, the Slate Truck offers something that has quietly disappeared from American roads: simplicity.</p>

<p>On the surface, the Slate Truck is almost startlingly simple. A two-seat electric pickup with a gray injection-molded composite body has no factory-installed infotainment system. If you want music, you&rsquo;ll bring a Bluetooth speaker. If you want navigation, you&rsquo;ll mount your phone. If you want luxury, this isn&rsquo;t the truck for you.</p>

<p>Yet underneath the stripped-down design lies a sophisticated rethink of manufacturing and ownership. Slate&rsquo;s decision to eliminate traditional automotive paint shops, which are among the most expensive and environmentally challenging parts of car production, cuts millions from the cost of every vehicle. Plastic body panels, uniform color, and a factory focused on a single trim level allow Slate to operate with a level of efficiency that few legacy automakers can match.</p>

<p>The minimalism is real, but it stops where it needs to. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and a backup camera. Slate targets a 5-Star Safety Rating, and there&rsquo;s enough modularity built into the design that buyers can expand the truck&rsquo;s capabilities over time, including an optional DIY SUV kit that adds rear seating and rollover protection.</p>

<p>Performance numbers are modest but adequate: a 201-horsepower rear-mounted motor, 150 miles of range from the standard battery, or up to 240 miles with an upgrade.</p>

<p>For a certain kind of buyer, it&rsquo;s a rare offering: a brand-new electric truck that prioritizes utility over luxury and flexibility over ornament.</p>

<p>Slate's deeper gamble isn't just about building a cheaper EV &mdash; it&rsquo;s about redefining the relationship between automaker and driver.</p>

<p>There are no dealerships; sales are direct to consumers. Maintenance is built around a DIY ethos, with Slate offering an online knowledge base and support network called "Slate University." Those who prefer not to turn their wrenches can rely on a nationwide network of independent service centers.</p>

<p>Personalization is not a luxury feature here&mdash;it&rsquo;s a core philosophy. Slate envisions owners wrapping their trucks in vinyl colors, upgrading batteries as needed, and configuring their vehicles for their lives, not their image.</p>

<p>Of course, there are risks. The Slate Truck&rsquo;s price depends heavily on the survival of federal EV tax credits, which could change with shifting political winds. Competition from other low-cost EV startups or larger automakers adapting their strategies could also reshape the market before Slate delivers its first trucks in late 2026.</p>

<p>Still, in a market dominated by complexity and cost inflation, the Slate Truck offers something refreshingly rare: restraint.</p>

<p>If Slate succeeds, it won&rsquo;t just sell a new kind of truck. It will prove that, in the race for the future of transportation, more isn't always better, and sometimes, less is exactly what buyers have been waiting for.</p>


The New $20K Slate Truck: America’s Simplest Electric Pickup

<h3>The rise of the Painter of Light</h3>

<p>Kinkade&rsquo;s origin story reads like a twisted American dream. Raised in poverty by a single mother in Placerville, California, he grew up in a home so poor that the lights were often shut off. This deprivation, he later claimed, inspired his obsession with luminous, cozy cottages&mdash;paintings of warmth and security he never had.</p>

<p>After studying at UC Berkeley and the Art Center College of Design, Kinkade began his career with surprising ambition. Early recordings reveal a young artist who admired Van Gogh and spoke of painting &ldquo;the truth&rdquo; of human suffering. But by the 1990s, he had pivoted to mass-market nostalgia, churning out dreamy landscapes devoid of conflict, diversity, or modernity. His work, infused with Christian symbolism, became a staple of evangelical and suburban homes, marketed as an antidote to the elitist, &ldquo;dark&rdquo; contemporary art world.</p>

<p>Kinkade didn&rsquo;t just sell art&mdash;he sold a lifestyle. His images appeared on everything from La-Z-Boy recliners to jigsaw puzzles, and his franchised &ldquo;Signature Galleries&rdquo; dotted shopping malls. At his peak, his company raked in $100 million a year. He positioned himself as a folksy, God-fearing family man, a persona that clashed starkly with his later unraveling.</p>

<h3>The cracks in the canvas</h3>

<p>Behind the scenes, Kinkade&rsquo;s life was anything but serene. Former colleagues and family members describe a man plagued by alcoholism, erratic behavior, and a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. He was accused of drunkenly heckling performers in Las Vegas, urinating on a Winnie the Pooh statue at Disneyland, and sexually harassing women. His business practices also came under fire: franchise owners sued him, alleging they were misled into investing in doomed galleries, while critics dismissed his art as &ldquo;kitsch&rdquo;&mdash;a hollow, algorithmic fantasy of Americana.</p>

<p>Yet <em>Art For Everybody</em> complicates this narrative by revealing a trove of unseen works from Kinkade&rsquo;s vault&mdash;dark, brooding pieces that starkly contrast with his sunny public output. These paintings, some featuring tormented figures and surreal abstractions, suggest an artist wrestling with inner demons. &ldquo;He was painting the thing he wanted,&rdquo; documentary director Miranda Yousef notes, arguing that his saccharine landscapes were a desperate attempt to escape his traumatic past.</p>

<h3>The sellout paradox</h3>

<p>So was Kinkade a sellout? The answer depends on whom you ask.</p>

<p>To the art establishment, he was a purveyor of sentimental schlock. Critics like Joan Didion lambasted his work as &ldquo;sinister,&rdquo; comparing its artificial coziness to a trap for Hansel and Gretel. His industrial production line&mdash;where assistants added brushstrokes to prints&mdash;further eroded his credibility.</p>

<p><img alt="A typical painting by Thomas Kinkade of an idyllic cabin." loading="lazy" src="https://dwy9ix7d387oz.cloudfront.net/attachments/2025/3/222593aa-1e4b-4614-8a92-f104fdbc7c16.jpg" /></p>

<p>However, defenders, including some who appear in the documentary, argue that Kinkade&rsquo;s real sin was rejecting artistic pretension. He embraced populism, declaring, &ldquo;Art should be accessible to everyone.&rdquo; In an era of abstract expressionism and conceptual art, his literal, emotionally direct imagery resonated with millions. And his early, unseen works hint at a talent that might have flourished differently had he not been consumed by commercial ambition.</p>

<h3>The legacy: Redemption or reinvention?</h3>

<p>The documentary&rsquo;s most contentious claim is that Kinkade was a secret genius&mdash;a Warhol-like figure playing a long con on the art market. But this feels like a stretch. While his vault paintings are intriguing, they don&rsquo;t redeem his factory-produced cottages. What they do reveal is a man torn between authenticity and profit, between the artist he once aspired to be and the brand he became.</p>

<p>Kinkade&rsquo;s story is a distinctly American tragedy: a gifted draftsman who found that selling an idealized fantasy was far more lucrative than grappling with reality. His work, dismissed by elites, tapped into a deep cultural longing&mdash;for comfort, nostalgia, and a world untouched by complexity. In that sense, he was less a painter of light than a mirror reflecting the contradictions of his audience.</p>

<p>Now, with <em>Art For Everybody</em> reviving interest in his life, the question remains: Was Thomas Kinkade a cautionary tale about commercialism, or a misunderstood artist whose true potential was never realized? The answer, like his paintings, may depend on how much light you&rsquo;re willing to see&mdash;and how much darkness you&rsquo;re willing to acknowledge.</p>

<p><em>Art For Everybody</em> is now in limited release, asking viewers to reckon with the man behind the myth and the art behind the empire.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Thomas Kinkade: Painter of Light or Master of Kitsch?

Was Thomas Kinkade a Fraud? The Painter of Light’s Shadows

<p>After years of delays and extensions, the Department of Homeland Security will officially begin enforcing the REAL ID requirement next month. Yet despite nearly 20 years to prepare, most states are still not fully compliant, and millions of Americans may find themselves scrambling to meet the deadline.</p>

<p>According to the <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/09/12/2024-20616/minimum-standards-for-drivers-licenses-and-identification-cards-acceptable-by-federal-agencies-for#citation-1-p74137" target="_blank">DHS</a>, over 40% of Americans still don&rsquo;t have a REAL ID, leaving them vulnerable to travel disruptions, denied entry at TSA checkpoints, and costly last-minute alternatives.</p>

<h3>What is a Real ID, and why does it matter now?</h3>

<p>The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005, was designed to strengthen identification standards after 9/11. To obtain a REAL ID, you must visit your state&rsquo;s DMV and present specific documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, your Social Security number, and two proofs of residency. REAL IDs are marked with a gold or black star in the top corner and are valid for boarding domestic flights and entering federal buildings.</p>

<p>Enhanced Driver&rsquo;s Licenses (EDLs), available only in five states&mdash;Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington&mdash;also meet federal travel requirements. Unlike REAL IDs, EDLs include a U.S. flag and the word "Enhanced" on the card and can also be used for land and sea travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.</p>

<p>Starting May 7, without that star, a valid passport, or an <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification#:~:text=Beginning%20May%207%2C%202025%2C%20if,Border%20crossing%20card" target="_blank">approved alternative</a>, you won&rsquo;t be allowed to board a domestic flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>And if you think TSA will give you a break, think again.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2025/04/11/tsa-begins-real-id-full-enforcement-may-7" target="_blank">Transportation Security Administration </a>says 81% of travelers currently use compliant forms of ID. That still leaves 1 in 5 people at risk of being stopped at security. And the stakes are high: if you show up with a non-compliant ID and no alternative, you&rsquo;ll face extra screening, major delays, or flat-out denial.</p>

<p>Due to the slow and uncertain backup identity verification process, TSA warns travelers without a REAL ID to arrive at least three hours early for domestic flights. Even TSA PreCheck members aren't exempt&mdash;REAL ID applies to everyone.</p>

<h3>A national lag</h3>

<p>A recent <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/real-id-deadline-weeks-away-most-states-not-fully-compliant-yet/" target="_blank">CBS News analysis</a> found that 30 states remain under 70% compliance, and at least 17 are below 50%. States like New Jersey (17%), Pennsylvania (26%), and New York (43%) are among the slowest to convert.</p>

<p>Even in more compliant states like California (55%), last-minute DMV appointments are hard to find, and licenses can take three to four weeks to arrive by mail. Temporary paper IDs won't work at airport checkpoints&mdash;you need the physical, star-stamped card.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Maryland are approaching full compliance, thanks to earlier rollouts and wider public outreach. But for much of the country, it&rsquo;s a race against the clock.</p>

<h3>What you can do right now</h3>

<p>If you don&rsquo;t already have a REAL ID or a valid passport, here&rsquo;s what to do:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Check your ID:</strong> Look for the star in the upper corner. If it&rsquo;s not there, it&rsquo;s not compliant</li>
	<li><strong>Bring your passport:</strong> If you already have one, this is the easiest alternative for travel</li>
	<li><strong>Make a DMV appointment ASAP:</strong> Visit your state&rsquo;s DMV site to see what documents you need</li>
	<li><strong>Don&rsquo;t rely on temporary IDs:</strong> TSA will not accept them</li>
</ul>

<p>Remember that your current license is still valid for everyday use if you don&rsquo;t fly or visit federal facilities. But now is the time to act if you&rsquo;re planning a trip, especially for summer.</p>


TSA’s May 7 Rule Could Cancel Your Summer Travel Plans

Travel Alert: Real ID Required for Flights May 7 Onward

<p>The escalating tariffs have had a pronounced effect on the US economy. Major stock indices experienced significant declines earlier in the month, with the S&P 500 dropping over 10% in a matter of days, erasing more than $3 trillion in market value. The tech sector has been particularly affected, as companies like Tesla and Nvidia face supply chain disruptions due to China&rsquo;s export restrictions on critical minerals.</p>

<h3>Government responses and market reactions</h3>

<p>In response to the economic fallout, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the unsustainability of the current tariff levels, suggesting that both the US and China need to reduce tariffs to facilitate trade talks. President Trump has indicated that tariffs on Chinese goods will &ldquo;come down substantially,&rdquo; though he emphasized that reductions would not be unilateral and would depend on reciprocal actions from China.</p>

<p>These statements have provided some relief to financial markets. The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all posted gains following the announcements, reflecting investor optimism about potential de-escalation. However, analysts caution that the situation remains fluid, and further policy shifts could lead to renewed volatility.</p>

<h3>Speculation and future outlook</h3>

<p>While official statements suggest a willingness to negotiate, insiders and analysts remain skeptical about the prospects for a swift resolution. Some view the tariff measures as a strategic move by the Trump administration to pressure China into broader economic concessions. Others warn that the prolonged trade conflict could have lasting negative effects on global supply chains and economic growth.</p>

<p>China, for its part, has signaled openness to dialogue but insists that any negotiations must be based on mutual respect and equality. The Chinese government has also taken steps to mitigate the impact of US tariffs by diversifying its trade partnerships and investing in domestic industries.</p>

<h3>Final thoughts</h3>

<p>The US-China tariff dispute has introduced significant uncertainty into the global economic landscape. While recent statements from both governments offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation, the path forward remains unclear. Businesses and investors are advised to stay informed and prepared for potential fluctuations as the situation evolves.</p>


US-China Tariff Standoff: Economic Strain & Volatility Amid Uncertainty

US-China Tariffs Strain Economy Amid Market Volatility

<h2 id="inside-conclave--a-vatican-whodunit-meets-history">Inside Conclave: A Vatican Whodunit Meets History</h2>

<p>For those who haven&rsquo;t seen it yet, Conclave centers on the secretive voting ritual that happens after a pope dies. The plot kicks off with the fictional Pope (in the film) dying unexpectedly, and cardinals from around the globe assembling in Rome to elect his successor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ralph Fiennes plays Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, who presides over the conclave. As the cardinals sequester themselves in the Sistine Chapel to vote, the film layers on intrigue: factions form, scandals loom, and Lawrence uncovers explosive secrets about the leading candidates. It&rsquo;s part suspense thriller, part chamber drama, set against the ornate backdrop of Vatican City. Conclave doesn&rsquo;t shy away from the political maneuvering, either. The movie imagines clear factions among the cardinals: a reformist liberal bloc versus traditional conservatives, with various power brokers angling behind the scenes.</p>

<p>Crucially, Conclave is based on a novel by Robert Harris, and the filmmakers strove to get the details right. Director Edward Berger and screenwriter Peter Straughan have talked about their meticulous research process​. They couldn&rsquo;t film inside the actual Vatican, so they did the next best thing: interviewed numerous cardinals for insight, toured Vatican grounds, and then recreated locations like the Sistine Chapel on a studio lot. They even consulted clergy about obscure traditions &ndash; for example, what happens to the Pope&rsquo;s Ring of the Fisherman after death (it&rsquo;s ceremonially smashed, a detail shown in the film). All this homework paid off in giving Conclave an authentic atmosphere. As Catholic historian Kathleen Sprows Cummings noted, &ldquo;They got a lot of the details right&hellip; The movie did a really good job of balancing the human &ndash; people, men who are ambitious &ndash; and the Holy Spirit&rdquo; in the process​. In other words, it captures both the earthly politicking and the spiritual weight of a conclave.</p>

<h2 id="streaming-surge-after-pope-rsquo-s-death">Streaming Surge After Pope&rsquo;s Death</h2>

<p>It&rsquo;s no coincidence that Conclave has suddenly shot up in popularity. The day after Pope Francis died, Conclave made its debut on Amazon&rsquo;s Prime Video streaming service &ndash; almost as if timed for the moment​. Previously, the movie had been available only by rental or on Peacock, but as of April 22, it&rsquo;s now included for Prime subscribers​. The result? A Conclave craze. Amazon&rsquo;s trending charts showed the film racing into the Top 10 in multiple countries; in fact, it hit #2 on Prime Video&rsquo;s worldwide movie rankings on release day​, second only to a big-budget action flick. In heavily Catholic countries like Argentina and Brazil, Conclave even grabbed the #1 spot among streaming films​. The film grossed $116 million worldwide with a production budget of $20 million. It garnered 8 Academy Award nominations (including Best Picture); and won Best Adapted Screenplay.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 id="what-conclave-gets-right-about-electing-a-pope">What Conclave Gets Right About Electing a Pope</h2>

<p>Religious commentators and Vatican experts largely agree: Conclave nails many of the essentials of a papal election. Rev. Thomas Reese, a longtime Vatican analyst, was pleasantly surprised by the accuracy. &ldquo;The voting procedure was done very well,&rdquo; he noted, pointing out that even the special urn and paper ballots in the movie are perfect replicas of the real ones used in the Sistine Chapel​. Indeed, the film shows cardinals each writing a name, folding their ballot, and placing it in a golden urn &ndash; just as it happens in reality. The subsequent burning of ballots (to produce the black or white smoke) is also depicted correctly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reese, who has written books on the Vatican, confirmed that Conclave accurately portrays the cardinals being locked away with no outside contact until a two-thirds majority vote elects the new pope​. That secrecy and isolation &ndash; known as &ldquo;conclave&rdquo; from the Latin cum clave (&ldquo;with a key&rdquo;) &ndash; is very much real. The filmmakers had religious advisors on set to ensure archaic procedures were portrayed correctly​. One advisor even helped choreograph the destruction of the late Pope&rsquo;s ring, an old tradition rarely seen by outsiders​.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Perhaps more importantly, Conclave captures the human dynamics of a papal election in a credible way. The movie shows informal conversations among cardinals over meals and in private apartments before they begin voting. In real life, these behind-the-scenes talks (called &ldquo;general congregations&rdquo;) absolutely happen &ndash; elder cardinals and power brokers will gather for dinners and discussions in Rome as they feel out who has support​.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 id="where-to-watch-conclave-now">Where to Watch Conclave Now</h2>

<p>If you&rsquo;re now itching to watch (or re-watch) Conclave amid all this real-world papal drama, here&rsquo;s how you can tune in:</p>

<ul>
	<li><strong>Amazon Prime Video:</strong> The film is available to stream for Prime subscribers as of April 22, 2025​. (It&rsquo;s included free with your Prime membership.)</li>
	<li><strong>Digital Rental/Purchase:</strong> For non-Prime members or those who prefer other platforms, Conclave can be rented or bought digitally on services like Apple TV, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube Movies. It&rsquo;s typically around $5.99 to rent and $14.99 to purchase in HD</li>
</ul>

<p><span style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span>&nbsp;</p>


Conclave Surges After Pope’s Death: An Accurate Portrayal?

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