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Shoppers have been left bemused after spotting Easter eggs on supermarket shelves before New Year’s Eve. With Easter Sunday falling on April 20 next year, customers shared their confusion on social media after finding chocolate eggs and hot cross buns already for sale in shops including Morrisons, Tesco and Asda. One user, @Jingle1991, shared an image of Malteser Bunnies in Sainsbury’s on Christmas Eve and pointed out: “Jesus hasn’t even been born yet.” Meanwhile, Gary Evans from Margate shared a shot of Creme Eggs on display in Morrisons in Margate on Boxing Day. “I just think its crazy that everything is so superficial and meaninglessly commercial... (there’s) something quite frantic about it,” the 66-year-old told the PA news agency. Joseph Robinson found Easter confectionary including Cadbury Mini Eggs, and themed Kit-Kat and Kinder Surprise products at his local Morrisons in Stoke-on-Trent on Friday evening. “It’s funny, as they’ve not even managed to shift the Christmas chocolates off the shelves yet and they’re already stocking for Easter,” the 35-year-old admin support worker told PA. “I wish that Supermarkets weren’t so blatantly consumerist-driven and would actually allow customers and staff a time to decompress during the Christmas period.” Asked if he was tempted to make a purchase, Mr Robinson added: “As a vegan it holds no appeal to me!” Mike Chalmers, a devout Christian from Chippenham, Wiltshire, was slightly less critical after spotting a display entitled: “Celebrate this Easter with Cadbury.” “Christmas and Easter are the two centrepoints of the Christian good news story so it’s no bad thing to see the connections,” the 44-year-old said. “It’s about more than shapes of chocolate though!” Marketing consultant Andrew Wallis admitted he was surprised to see Easter eggs in the Co-op in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire, but added it also illustrates “forward-thinking” from big businesses. “It made me reflect on how big brands are always thinking ahead and planning early,” the 54-year-old from the Isle of Man, who provides marketing advice to the fitness industry, told PA. “My message to retailers would be: while planning ahead is important, it’s also essential to be mindful of consumer sentiment. “Some might feel it’s too early for seasonal products like this but others might see it as a sign of forward-thinking. “Striking the right balance is key to keeping customers happy.”
Published 5:38 pm Tuesday, November 26, 2024 By Associated Press NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Married couples across the U.S. have had access to no-fault divorce for more than 50 years, an option many call crucial to supporting domestic abuse victims and key to preventing already crowded family courts from drowning in complicated divorce proceedings. But some advocates for women worried as old comments from now Vice President-elect JD Vance circulated during the presidential campaign opposing no-fault divorce. And after President-elect Donald Trump and Vance won the election, warnings began popping up on social media urging women who might be considering divorce to “pull the trigger” while they still could. Some attorneys posted saying they were seeing a spike in calls from women seeking divorce consultations. Trump — who is twice-divorced — hasn’t championed overhauling the country’s divorce laws, but in 2021 Vance lamented that divorce is too easily accessible, as have conservative podcasters and others. “We’ve run this experiment in real time and what we have is a lot of very, very real family dysfunction that’s making our kids unhappy,” Vance said during a speech at a Christian high school in California, where he criticized people being able to “shift spouses like they change their underwear.” Despite concerns, even those who want to make divorces harder to get say they don’t expect big, swift changes. There is not a national coordinated effort underway. And states determine their own divorce laws, so national leaders can’t change policy. “Even in some of the so-called red states, it hasn’t gotten anywhere,” said Beverly Willett, co-chair of the Coalition for Divorce Reform, whose group has unsuccessfully attempted to convince states to repeal their no-fault divorce laws. Mark A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Washington, said that while many Americans have become accustomed to no-fault divorce being an option, Vance’s previous comments on making it more difficult to separate from a spouse could help jumpstart that effort. “Even though he’s not directly proposing a policy, it’s a topic that hasn’t gotten a ton of discussion in the last 15 years,” Smith said. “And so to have a national profile politician talk that way is noteworthy.” Meanwhile, Republican Party platforms in Texas and Nebraska were amended in 2022 to call for the removal of no-fault divorce. Louisiana’s Republican Party considered something similar earlier this year but ultimately declined to do so. A handful of proposals have been introduced in conservative-led statehouses over the years, but all immediately stalled after they were filed. In January, Oklahoma Republican Sen. Dusty Deevers introduced legislation that would have removed married couples from filing for divorce on the grounds of incompatibility. Deevers backed the bill after writing a piece declaring no-fault divorce was an “abolition of marital obligation.” Similarly, in South Carolina, two Republican lawmakers in 2023 filed a bill that would have required both spouses to file for a no-fault divorce application rather than just one. And in South Dakota, a Republican lawmaker has attempted to remove irreconcilable difference as grounds for divorce since 2020. None of the sponsors of these bills responded to interview requests from The Associated Press. All are members of their state’s conservative Freedom Caucus. Nevertheless, some Democratic lawmakers say they remain worried about the future of no-fault divorce. They point to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 as an example of a long-accepted option that was revoked through a decades-long effort. “When you choose to be silent, you allow for this to creep in,” said Democratic South Dakota Rep. Linda Duba. “These are the bills that gain a foothold because you choose to be silent.” Before California became the first state to adopt a no-fault divorce option in 1969, married couples had to prove their spouse had violated one of the approved “faults” outlined in their state’s divorce law or risk a judge denying their divorce, said Joanna Grossman, a law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Qualified reasons varied from state to state, but largely included infidelity, incarceration or abandonment. The system was a particular burden on domestic violence victims, often times women, who could be stuck in dangerous marriages while they try to prove their partner’s abuse in court through expensive and lengthy legal proceedings. “If there was any evidence that the couple both wanted to get divorced that was supposed to be denied because divorce was not something you got because you wanted it, it was something you got because you’ve been wronged in a way that the state thought was significant,” Grossman said. To date, every state in the U.S. has adopted a no-fault divorce option. However, 33 states still have a list of approved “faults” to file as grounds for divorce — ranging from adultery to felony conviction. In 17 states, married people only have the option of choosing no-fault divorce to end their marriages. Calls to reform no-fault divorce have remained fairly silent until the late 1990s, when concern pushed by former President George Bush’s administration over the country’s divorce rate sparked a brief movement for states to adopt “covenant marriages.” The option didn’t replace a state’s no-fault divorce law, but provided an option for couples that carried counseling requirements and strict exceptions for divorce. Louisiana was the first state to embrace covenant marriage options, but the effort largely stopped after Arizona and Arkansas followed suit. Christian F. Nunes, president of the National Organization for Women, said she is “extremely worried” about the possibility of no-fault divorce being removed with the incoming Trump administration, Republican-controlled Congress and wide range of conservative state leaders. “With so many states focusing on a misogynistic legislative agenda, this will turn back the clocks on women’s rights even more,” Nunes said in a statement. “This is why removing ‘no fault’ divorce is another way for the government to control women, their bodies, and their lives. Eliminating no-fault divorce is also a backdoor way of eliminating gay marriage, since this implies that a marriage is only between a man and a woman.” With Trump’s reelection, Willett, whose group opposes no-fault divorce, said she’s cautiously optimistic that the political tide could change. “Was what he said an indication of things to come? I don’t know,” Willett said. “It’s a good thing but it’s certainly not anything that has been really discussed other than a few high profile conservatives who talk about it.”
Kelly Clarkson has always been a Swiftie, and she paid tribute to Taylor Swift on her daytime talk show Tuesday afternoon (Nov. 26) by performing a cover of “Lavender Haze” during her popular Kellyoke segment. See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news Dressed in a yellow top and patterned skirt, the star effortlessly hit Swift’s high notes in the chorus, singing, “I feel the lavender haze creepin’ up on me/ Surreal, I’m damned if I do give a damn what people say/ No deal, the 1950s s— they want from me/ I just wanna stay in that lavender haze.” “Lavender Haze” appeared on Swift’s Billboard 200 chart-topping 2022 album, Midnights , and the song peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 songs chart. “I happened upon the phrase ‘lavender haze’ when I was watching Mad Men ,” she previously explained of the track in her now-deleted “Midnights Mayhem With Me” video posted to Instagram. “I looked it up because I thought it sounded cool, and it turns out that it’s a common phrase used in the ’50s where they would describe being in love.” She continued, “I guess theoretically, when you’re in the lavender haze, you’ll do anything to stay there and not let people bring you down off of that cloud. I think a lot of people have to deal with this now, not just ‘public figures,’ because we live in the era of social media. If the world finds out that you’re in love with somebody, they’re going to weigh in on it.” Watch Kelly Clarkson cover Taylor Swift’s “Lavender Haze” below.No. 13 Texas A&M routs Abilene Christian 92-54, Taylor moves into 2nd in Aggies' all-time scoringIsrael and Lebanon's Hezbollah start a ceasefire after nearly 14 months of fighting
PHOENIX — If the postgame pictures spoke loudly after Arizona State beat Kansas State on the road, the press conference comments were piercing. "College Gameday said, 'Why are we even picking this game?' which is super disrespectful," ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt said. "And then we go out and put on a show." Sam Leavitt's love for winning is deeply rooted in the disrespect he feels the rest of the country has shown both his team and himself. "The QB discussion," he said. "I wasn't rated higher than Avery (Johnson) in high school and he had more offers than me. It was kind of a point to prove that I was a better player." Consider one of the receipts read and another one printed for this week. Sam Leavitt's redemption tour continues against a school that surprisingly didn't offer him a football scholarship out of high school. "Every team that didn't offer me bothered me growing up," he said. A matchup against No. 14 BYU goes deeper than just Sam. The entire Leavitt lineage knows what is on the line. "I don't have any feelings towards wanting BYU to do anything right," Sam's dad, Jared Leavitt, said. "I hope it's a complete disaster for them, that we throttle those guys." The elder Leavitt has a past in Provo, having played linebacker for the Cougars in the early 1990s. He was a part of two teams that were loaded with talent. "We had great teams at BYU. We were really really good," Jared Leavitt said. Jared Leavitt said most of the credit should go to his quarterback. "Let's just be honest. Ty was the magic man. He was doing some pretty incredible things," he said. The quarterback himself is quick to deflect to the defense. "We beat No. 1 Miami," said Ty Detmer, a former BYU quarterback and current ALA Gilbert North head coach. "We had five turnovers on offense. Held them to 21 points. Probably a big reason I was able to win the Heisman Trophy is because the defense played so well in our biggest game that year." Detmer knows a big game when he sees one. RELATED: The biggest game in a decade: ASU football readies up for showdown with No. 14 BYU ALA Gilbert North plays in the second round of the high school football playoffs on Friday. He is then taking his team to the Saturday showdown in Tempe. They were able to score cheap seats in the upper deck of the stadium. From one quarterback to another, Detmer will have his sights on Sam Leavitt. "He's become that guy. As a former quarterback, you can appreciate that and appreciate the way he handles himself during the games," he said. Detmer said the confidence of Sam Leavitt is not in question, and that it's understandable his family has questions about the radio silence during the recruiting process. For his part, Jared Leavitt said he was sure Sam Leavitt would eventually receive an offer from BYU, but another quarterback had committed to the Cougars before his son did. "Kind of a big mistake, don't you think?" Jared Leavitt added. The answer will soon be loud and clear—whether disbelief from BYU is a disadvantage on Saturday against Sam Leavitt and the Sun Devils. "That's natural to have a little chip on your shoulder. Sometimes that's good for you too, to really lock in and make this week important," Detmer said. Sports Watch more of the latest sports videos on the 12News YouTube channel. Don’t forget to subscribe!
The Cross River State governor Senator Bassey Otu says everyone has to be carried along in the economic, social, and cultural prosperity in the world. Otu made the call during the flagged off of the 2024 Carnival Calabar which has the theme “Our Shared Prosperity”. According to the governor, “This year’s theme is Our Shared Prosperity and is actually international in nature because we have the global audience here, people of all continents. “It is to tell everyone that there is need to bring the economics social and cultural prosperity into what we are doing so that our people will share”, the governor said. Otu said he is humbled to be celebrating about two decades of the Carnival Calabar and thanked former governors of the state for holding on to what former governor Doland Duke started. He also indicated that a new band called Diaspora Band may be added in future to cater to the people in the Diaspora. Also speaking, Gab Onah, the Chairman of the Cross River State Carnival Commission said they have laboured since the start of the millennium to change the story and narrative of the state and they are beginning to see the fruits. He added that his year’s event is another testimonial of their humble effort to unite the world, give love, and help foster peaceful coexistence. Several dignitaries graced the flag off including the Cross River State Deputy Governor Peter Odey and Aisha Buhari, the wife of former president Muhammadu Buhari. Six bands comprising Freedom, Bayside, Passion 4, Seagull, Master Blasta, and Diamond Band are seeking to displace last year’s winner Calas Vagas in the fiesta.
Aramis Biotechnologies secures $80 million CAD for vaccine development do-overZach Kittley finalizing agreement to take over as Florida Atlantic coach, AP source saysUTICA — It was a packed ballroom at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Utica on Thursday, as leaders from local businesses and organizations gathered to attend the 2024 Business of the Year Awards. The annual ceremony, put on by the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, spotlights exceptional members of the chamber who excel in their contributions to the community. “This is truly one of my favorite events of the season, where we come together to honor the fantastic businesses in our community,” said Kari Puleo, executive director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce. “These businesses exemplify the innovation, dedication, and community spirit that make our region thrive. Their commitment and dedication to the Greater Utica area inspire us all and serve as a reminder of the incredible talent and resilience we have right here in our community.” Over 30 businesses and organizations across the Mohawk Valley were nominated and sorted into five categories. Winners of the Business of the Year Awards are evaluated and selected based on their staying power, response to challenges, innovation, growth within their industry, as well as their commitment to the Mohawk Valley region, and their involvement with the chamber. For-Profit Business with 50 Employees or Fewer BME Company C & D Advertising Coldwell Banker Faith Properties Delta by Marriott Utica Fahy Kitchens and Baths Greenscapes Hale Manufacturing (winner) Home Sweet Home Cleaning and Gardening LLC Inizio Technology Solutions Mohawk Valley Cash Register Total Solutions Transworld Business Advisors of Mohawk Valley Utica Coffee Roasting Bradley Waters, who is the owner, president and publisher of the Sentinel Media Company, presents Hale Manufacturing with its award. Sentinel Media Company was chosen as Business of the Year in 2023 in the For-Profit with 50 Employees or Fewer category. For-Profit Business with Over 50 Employees Hale Transportation Indium Corporation (winner) Pacemaker Steel & Piping PJ Green “Our business is materials for the advanced electronics industry and semiconductor packaging industry, and those customers change their platforms often. We believe material science changes the world, and we bring it to the latest challenges in electronics,” said Tim Twining, vice president of sales, marketing, and technical service at Indium Corporation. “It is difficult in the Mohawk Valley to find expertise in electronics assembly, but it’s here,” he added. Not-For-Profit Business with 50 Employees or Fewer American Heart Association Mohawk Valley Liberty Affordable Housing The Stanley Theatre The United Way of the Mohawk Valley Utica Public Library (winner) Not-For Profit Business with Over 50 Employees AmeriCU Credit Union Arc Oneida-Lewis Chapter CNY Quest First Source Federal Credit Union (winner) Masonic Medical Research Institute Munson “Giving back to the communities we serve is core to our mission and our vision,” said John Calabrese, president/CEO of First Source Federal Credit Union. “We live and breathe that each and every day. We are committed to giving back to the communities that we serve through financial resources, through volunteerism, and through providing financial eduction that we work with.” Catalyst Rising Business 3 Brothers Sealcoating (winner) Brockway-Carpenter Real Estate Upstate Ink & Thread
In this article FFIC Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Flushing Bank in New York City. Google Earth Flushing Financial, a New York-based commercial real estate lender, is seeking to raise $70 million to shore up its capital, CNBC has learned. The bank's CEO, John Buran, has told potential investors that he intends to sell low-yielding bonds and loans backed by commercial real estate, including multifamily buildings, moves that would generate a loss and necessitate the sale of fresh stock, people with knowledge of the deal told CNBC. Bankers working on the deal have yet to finalize pricing, but it will likely be between $15 to $15.50 per share, according to one of the people, below the $17.25 level the stock closed at on Thursday. The bank declined to comment to CNBC earlier Thursday, but later issued a release confirming the equity sale. Banks with commercial real estate exposure have struggled after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates through 2023, leaving them with unrealized losses on their balance sheet. New York Community Bank was forced to raise capital earlier this year after its stock sank amid concerns over its portfolio of commercial loans. Most of the U.S. banks under pressure are community banks with under $10 billion in assets, like Flushing, which had about $9.3 billion in assets as of September. Now, with a rebound in bank stock prices this year and the start of a Fed easing cycle in September, investors expect more banks to raise capital in the coming months. Behind the scenes, regulators have been prodding banks with confidential orders to improve capital levels. "The rate environment is still a challenge, but we're controlling what we can control and setting the foundation for a better future," Buran told analysts in October. Shares of Flushing Financial have risen about 5% this year through Thursday, trailing the 18% rise in the KBW Regional Banking Index.