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BMW praises Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology on social media
By DAVID McHUGH The Associated Press FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany’s technology and services company Bosch said Friday it planned to reduce its automotive division workforce by as many as 5,500 jobs in the next several years in another sign of the headwinds hitting the German and global auto industries. The company cited stagnating global auto sales, too much factory capacity in the auto industry compared with sales prospects and a slower than expected transition to electric-powered, software-controlled vehicles. The news comes two days after Ford Motor Co. announced plans to drop 4,000 jobs in Europe , and with Volkswagen employees threatening work stoppages over what they say management has told them are plans to close as many as three factories in Germany. Revenue at Stellantis , created through the 2021 merger of PSA Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, tumbled 27% in its most recent quarter that ended this fall. Auto sales have slowed this year in Europe as consumers stung by inflation hold back on spending, while automakers have sunk billions into developing electric cars only to see slower sales than expected and new competition from cheaper Chinese brands. The German government abruptly cancelled purchase incentives at the end of last year, sending electric vehicles sales in that country down by 27% over the first nine months of this year. Some 3,500 of the job reductions at Bosch would come before the end of 2027 and would hit the part of the company that develops advanced driver assistance and automated driving technologies, as well as centralized vehicle software, said Bosch, which is headquartered in Gerlingen near Stuttgart. About half those job reductions would be at locations in Germany. “The auto industry has significant overcapacities,” the company said in a statement. “In addition, the market for future technologies is not developing as originally expected ... At the moment, many projects in this business area are being put off or abandoned by automakers.” In addition, 750 jobs would be lost at a plant in Hildesheim, Germany by end 2032, 600 of those by the end of 2026. A plant in Schwaebisch Gmund would lose some 1,300 over between 2027 and 2030. The reductions are still in the planning stage and final numbers would have to be agreed with employee representatives and carried out in what the company said would be a socially responsible way. While automakers put their names on the cars they sell, most of the car is actually made by a series of suppliers Some 230,000 people work for Bosch’s mobility division, out of a global workforce of 429,000. In addition to its business as an auto industry technology supplier Bosch makes factory and building equipment and software across a range of products including industrial boilers and waste-heat recovery systems, video security systems, and power tools.
Pune: The 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections saw political alliances struggling to maintain dominance as independents, rebel candidates, and intra-alliance rivalries disrupted the race for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The impact was seen with over 50 constituencies turning into battlegrounds where these outsiders played a pivotal role in altering outcomes. The MVA, comprising the Shiv Sena (UBT), Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), and Congress, bore the maximum brunt of “friendly fights” between allied candidates. In at least 21 constituencies, infighting led to vote splits that weakened the coalition’s chances, allowing rivals to capitalise on the fractured support base. In Indapur, a traditional NCP stronghold, the contest saw NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) candidate Dattatraya Bharne face off against NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Harshvardhan Patil. The entry of rebel candidate Pravin Mane, also from the Sharad Pawar faction, added an unexpected twist. Bharne secured 117,236 votes, narrowly defeating Patil, who polled 97,826 votes, by a margin of 19,410. Mane’s 37,917 votes significantly impacted Patil’s prospects, demonstrating how internal discord within NCP (SP) played a decisive role. Another such fight was witnessed in Hadapsar, a fiercely contested constituency, where NCP candidate Chetan Tupe edged out NCP (SP) candidate Prashant Jagtap by just 7,122 votes. Tupe garnered 134,810 votes, while Jagtap received 127,688 with Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel Gangadhar Badhe and VBA candidate Afroz Mulla collectively secured nearly 10,000 votes, further affecting Jagtap’s chances. Similarly, Shrirampur, one of Congress’s few victories in western Maharashtra, highlighted the impact of rebels from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Mahayuti. Congress candidate Hemant Ogale won with 66,090 votes, defeating Shiv Sena’s Bhausaheb Kamble, who secured 52,726 votes, by a margin of 13,373. Notably, NCP rebel Kanade Lahu, contesting independently, garnered 42,571 votes, splitting the Mahayuti vote and altering the outcome. Chitra Lele, professor of political Science at SNDT College, said, “Rebel candidates and independents have highlighted the cracks in alliance politics. Their success in attracting votes demonstrates growing voter disillusionment with established party structures.” Pandharpur witnessed a close contest where BJP candidate Samadhan Awatade won with 125,163 votes, defeating Congress’s Bhagirath Bhalke by a slender margin of 8,430 votes. The division of MVA votes between Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Anil Sawant, who secured 10,217 votes, proved decisive, handing the saffron party a narrow victory. In Bhor, NCP candidate Shankar Mandekar triumphed over Congress’s Sangram Thopte by 19,638 votes. Two independent candidates, Kuldeep Konde and Kiran Dagade, collectively polled over 54,000 votes, splintering support for Thopte in what was traditionally considered a Congress bastion. Karmala saw NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Narayan Aba Patil win by 16,085 votes, defeating Shiv Sena’s Digvijay Bagal. The race was complicated by NCP rebel Sanjay Mama Shinde, who contested as an independent and secured a staggering 80,006 votes, further diluting Bagal’s chances. In Aurangabad East, BJP candidate Atul Save narrowly defeated AIMIM’s Imtiaz Jaleel by just 2,000 votes. The presence of over 10 Muslim candidates, who collectively secured more than 12,000 votes, fragmented the opposition vote, paving the way for Save’s victory. Rebel candidates and ‘Trumpet’ symbol Rebel candidates, particularly from the NCP (SP), wielded the “trumpet” symbol to significant effect in several constituencies, drawing crucial votes away from official party nominees. This further weakened the chances of NCP (SP) candidates, underscoring the challenges of maintaining party unity in a highly competitive political environment.A penthouse going for R80 million, and more than 5 000 apartments — all in one development. That’s a big price tag for Gauteng (and for South Africa in general). When it comes to some of the Balwin Properties developments, it makes me wonder who the buyers of these apartments and luxury penthouse are. Who lives in them? Balwin Properties was established in 1996 and is the largest sectional title property developer in South Africa. In 2015, it went public and was listed on the JSE. The company has an impressive development pipeline, with more than 42 000 apartments planned over the next 15 years. While its development plans sound promising, the latest figures from its earnings report tell a different story. Balwin Properties has made significant investments in Gauteng and other provinces such as the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. On reviewing its interim financial results for the six months to end August 2024, it showed that profits had decreased by 57% and revenue was down by 28%. Steve Brookes, chief executive of Balwin Properties, is the Sol Kerzner of sectional title development in South Africa. Previously a car salesperson in Johannesburg South, he has boomed the Balwin business over the years with his maverick moves in the sectional title real estate sector. He attributed the decline in earnings and stock price to several factors, including the poor economy, rising living costs, high interest rates and other macroeconomic issues beyond the company’s control. Customers value transparency, and property-related issues are relevant when explaining poor results. This includes details about occupancy rates, the rising costs of construction and negative rental reversions. Waterfall City, in Midrand, is a smart city. Retail, commercial and residential real estate developments are located here, as is the Mall of Africa and the head office of big corporates such as PwC. Balwin Properties is known for its bold Munyaka development in Waterfall City, which will have more than 5 000 apartments once it is complete. When the Munyaka development launched, people were excited about its unique amenities, such as the 30 000m2 lagoon monitored online 24/7 through the Crystal Lagoons control room in Miami. Other amenities include a padel court, cinema, running track, action sports field, playground, restaurant and lifestyle centre. President Cyril Ramaphosa was present for the unveiling of this development circa 2020. At the time, Brookes said the company planned to achieve a market capitalisation of R10 billion within five years. It’s been almost five years, and Balwin Properties’ market capitalisation today is R1.3 billion. He also said that they would build a development similar to Munyaka in the Paarl Winelands. While Paarl has been pumping with commercial and residential developments over the past five years, such a development is yet to materialise. It’s a big project for Waterfall, and it would be an even bigger project for a town like Paarl. According to Balwin Properties’ website, Munyaka has a variety of apartment types — one, two and three bedrooms, villas and penthouses. Prices for a one-bedroom apartment (41m2–64m2) start at R1 034 910, while two-bedroom apartments (75m2–115m2) begin at R1 484 910. The prices for three-bedroom apartments (110m2–118m2) start from R1 799 910. I viewed the floor plans for a six-bedroom, six-bathroom lagoon penthouse that measures 1 230m2 (with 695m2 under the roof and the rest consisting of a covered and uncovered patio, a butler’s suite and basement storage). Balwin Properties advertised the penthouse at a sale price of R80 million. That’s a lot of money for this location compared with other penthouses in Gauteng and Cape Town. In addition, other apartments in this development are advertised at much lower prices. Koshiek Karan, a former investment banker with listed real estate deal experience, says that when interest rates were low, many people bought units in Balwin Properties developments. They barely qualified for these home loans, and when the cost of living went up, the interest rates went back up, and now they can’t afford the monthly payments of their real estate investment. “Owning a property extends far beyond simple bond repayments. There is insurance, utilities, municipal rates, levies, maintenance, and more. Qualifying is different to affordability.” This issue affects many property buyers in the country and points to the problem of poor financial literacy. Balwin Properties generally builds its developments in working-class and middle-income areas where the cost of acquiring land is cheaper. A few years back, it launched a huge R1.6 billion affordable housing development called Wedgewood on a premium road in Sandton — it was cancelled. The building was going to be 20 storeys with 1340 apartments. The studio apartments were roughly 33m2 in size, with sale prices ranging from R799 000 to R1.49 million. Regarding the Munyaka development, of the 5 020 apartments planned, 3 705 remain unsold. This raises concerns when it comes to the demand for apartments in these mass compound-style complexes. The company certainly goes big when it comes to your home. Is it too big, though? There is a dire need for more affordable apartment offerings to come onto the market. One wonders if Balwin is oversupplying apartments in parts of Gauteng in relation to demand and if they are designed and priced correctly. The number of apartments in most Balwin Properties developments is 1 000 to 3 500 units per development. That is an extraordinary scale compared with other sectional title developers in South Africa. If you browse the website, you can find many units still available for sale in most of the company’s developments. Would you be able to live in a development of this scale? In a world where customers favour boutique brands, specialised expertise, product personalisation, and companies that focus on their niche, I wonder if these big-box offerings appeal to South Africans. The question remains: who is the target market? When I chatted to Nicholas Dakin, a global portfolio manager at Sasfin Wealth, about Balwin Properties’ balance sheet, he said that what stood out for him was the level of debt, which has been trending higher over time as it has taken on more debt to fuel its aggressive expansion plans. While the group’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio did decline marginally to 40.2% in its most recent interim results, it remains elevated. Property companies should try to keep their LTV ratio between 35% to 40%. Therefore, this is a fairly precarious situation, given that the company has a significant amount of unsold stock and high vacancies. As a result, Balwin Properties did not declare a dividend in the last financial year in an attempt to reduce the group’s debt exposure. A solid and consistent dividend is one of the key reasons investors like to own property shares. Dakin believes this is the key reason for the weakness in the share price. But he also pointed out that the share price has recovered strongly since April, benefiting from government of national unity optimism. The company has recently created a subsidiary called Balwin Rentals, reflecting the current times where rentals are in huge demand nationwide. In July this year, Balwin Properties announced expansion plans for its rental portfolio. Over the next decade, it plans to build close to 7 300 apartments dedicated solely to the rental market. I am a fan of this idea because the demand is there. The rental portfolio will include one, two and three-bedroom apartments with a monthly rental rate of R6 000 to R13 000. Perhaps the plan is for the rental subsidiary business to generate some annuity income. The company has also opened another subsidiary called Balwin Sport, which has padel courts in the developments. Balwin Properties has other businesses in the pipeline to offer its apartment owners, such as solar power. Selling apartments provides the company with erratic income, so these annuity-income subsidiaries might be the solution to diversifying and generating a consistent cash flow. That said, Balwin Properties has had its worst year on record. Perhaps it should reconsider whether it remains listed. Being listed means it must keep bringing products to the market and constructing more apartments. The company is not a dividend payer. Balwin Properties’ current market capitalisation of R1.3 billion is small when compared to other listed property funds on the JSE. Growthpoint’s current market capitalisation is R45 billion (at one point, it was R70 billion) and is the largest listed property fund in South Africa. I would say anything under R2.5 billion should be reconsidered when listing on the JSE because a company might not be liquid enough for institutions to buy into. Since listing, the share price has decreased sharply, from about R10 a share in 2015 to R2.30 at the time of writing. But Balwin Properties is still pumping out loads of stock. So, do people believe in the product, or is the listing forcing it to build? I am excited to see the next results presentation and how the performance of the newly added annuity businesses, such as the rental portfolio, will help with the bottom line. Ask Ash is a new column that examines South Africa’s property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email ( [email protected] ) and X (@askashbroker).
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Manhattan police have obtained a warrant for the arrest of 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione , suspect in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson . Mangione was arrested at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, while carrying a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Here's the latest: That’s according to a spokesperson for the governor who said Gov. Hochul will do it as soon as possible. Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the suspect in the fatal shooting of a healthcare executive in New York City, apparently was living a charmed life: the grandson of a wealthy real estate developer, valedictorian of his elite Baltimore prep school and with degrees from one of the nation’s top private universities. Friends at an exclusive co-living space at the edge of touristy Waikiki in Hawaii where the 26-year-old Mangione once lived widely considered him a “great guy,” and pictures on his social media accounts show a fit, smiling, handsome young man on beaches and at parties. Now, investigators in New York and Pennsylvania are working to piece together why Mangione may have diverged from this path to make the violent and radical decision to gun down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in a brazen attack on a Manhattan street. The killing sparked widespread discussions about corporate greed, unfairness in the medical insurance industry and even inspired folk-hero sentiment toward his killer. ▶ Read more about Luigi Mangione Peter Weeks, the Blair County district attorney, says he’ll work with New York officials to try to return suspect Luigi Mangione there to face charges. Weeks said the New York charges are “more serious” than in Blair County. “We believe their charges take precedent,” Weeks said, promising to do what’s needed to accommodate New York’s prosecution first. Weeks spoke to reporters after a brief hearing at which a defense lawyer said Mangione will fight extradition. The defense asked for a hearing on the issue. In the meantime, Mangione will be detained at a state prison in western Pennsylvania. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office said Tuesday it will seek a Governor’s warrant to secure Mangione’s extradition to Manhattan. Under state law, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul can issue a warrant of arrest demanding Mangione’s return to the state. Such a warrant must recite the facts necessary to the validity of its issuance and be sealed with the state seal. It would then be presented to law enforcement in Pennsylvania to expedite Mangione’s return to New York. But Blair County District Attorney Peter Weeks says it won’t be a substantial barrier to returning Mangione to New York. He noted that defendants contest extradition “all the time,” including in simple retail theft cases. Dickey, his defense lawyer, questioned whether the second-degree murder charge filed in New York might be eligible for bail under Pennsylvania law, but prosecutors raised concerns about both public safety and Mangione being a potential flight risk, and the judge denied it. Mangione will continue to be housed at a state prison in Huntingdon. He has 14 days to challenge the detention. Prosecutors, meanwhile, have a month to seek a governor’s warrant out of New York. Mangione, wearing an orange jumpsuit, mostly stared straight ahead at the hearing, occasionally consulting papers, rocking in his chair, or looking back at the gallery. At one point, he began to speak to respond to the court discussion, but was quieted by his lawyer. Luigi Mangione, 26, has also been denied bail at a brief court hearing in western Pennsylvania. He has 14 days to challenge the bail decision. That’s with some intervention from owner Elon Musk. The account, which hasn’t posted since June, was briefly suspended by X. But after a user inquired about it in a post Monday, Musk responded “This happened without my knowledge. Looking into it.” The account was later reinstated. Other social media companies such as Meta have removed his accounts. According to X rules, the platform removes “any accounts maintained by individual perpetrators of terrorist, violent extremist, or mass violent attacks, as well as any accounts glorifying the perpetrator(s), or dedicated to sharing manifestos and/or third party links where related content is hosted.” Mangione is not accused of perpetrating a terrorist or mass attack — he has been charged with murder — and his account doesn’t appear to share any writings about the case. He shouted something that was partly unintelligible, but referred to an “insult to the intelligence of the American people.” He’s there for an arraignment on local charges stemming from his arrest Monday. He was dressed in an orange jumpsuit as officers led him from a vehicle into the courthouse. Local defense lawyer Thomas Dickey is expected to represent the 26-year-old at a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Blair County Courthouse. Dickey declined comment before the hearing. Mangione could have the Pennsylvania charges read aloud to him and may be asked to enter a plea. They include possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. In New York, he was charged late Monday with murder in the death of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione likely was motivated by his anger with what he called “parasitic” health insurance companies and a disdain with corporate greed, said a a law enforcement bulletin obtained by The Associated Press. He wrote that the U.S. has the most expensive healthcare system in the world and that the profits of major corporations continue to rise while “our life expectancy” does not, according to the bulletin, based on a review of the suspect’s hand-written notes and social media postings. He appeared to view the targeted killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO as a symbolic takedown, asserting in his note that he is the “first to face it with such brutal honesty,” the bulletin said. Mangione called “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski a “political revolutionary” and may have found inspiration from the man who carried out a series of bombings while railing against modern society and technology, the document said. A felony warrant filed in New York cites Altoona Officer Christy Wasser as saying she found the writings along with a semi-automatic pistol and an apparent silencer. The filing echoes earlier statements from NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny who said Mangione had a three-page, handwritten document that shows “some ill will toward corporate America.” Mangione is now charged in Pennsylvania with being a fugitive of justice. A customer at the McDonald’s in Altoona, Pennsylvania, where Mangione was arrested said one of his friends had commented beforehand that the man looked like the suspect wanted for the shooting in New York City. “It started out almost a little bit like a joke, my one friend thought he looked like the shooter,” said the customer, who declined to give his full name, on Tuesday. “It wasn’t really a joke, but we laughed about it,” he added. The warrant on murder and other charges is a step that could help expedite his extradition from Pennsylvania. In court papers made public Tuesday, a New York City police detective reiterated key findings in the investigation he said tied Mangione to the killing, including surveillance footage and a fake ID he used to check into a Manhattan hostel on Nov. 24. Police officers in Altoona, Pennsylvania, found that ID when they arrested Mangione on Monday. Mangione is being held without bail in Pennsylvania on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. Late Monday, Manhattan prosecutors charged him with five counts, including murder, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a forged instrument. Mangione doesn’t yet have a lawyer who can speak on his behalf, court officials said. Images of Mangione released Tuesday by Pennsylvania State Police showed him pulling down his mask in the corner of the McDonald’s while holding what appeared to be hash browns and wearing a winter jacket and ski cap. In another photo from a holding cell, he stood unsmiling with rumpled hair. Mangione’s cousin, Maryland lawmaker Nino Mangione, announced Tuesday morning that he’s postponing a fundraiser planned later this week at the Hayfields Country Club north of Baltimore, which was purchased by the Mangione family in 1986. “Because of the nature of this terrible situation involving my Cousin I do not believe it is appropriate to hold my fundraising event scheduled for this Thursday at Hayfields,” Nino Mangione said in a social media post. “I want to thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support. My family and I are heartbroken and ask that you remember the family of Mr. Thompson in your prayers. Thank you.” Officers used New York City’s muscular surveillance system . Investigators analyzed DNA samples, fingerprints and internet addresses. Police went door to door looking for witnesses. When an arrest came five days later , those sprawling investigative efforts shared credit with an alert civilian’s instincts. A customer at a McDonald’s restaurant in Pennsylvania noticed another patron who resembled the man in the oblique security-camera photos New York police had publicized. He remains jailed in Pennsylvania, where he was initially charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, forgery and providing false identification to police. By late Monday evening, prosecutors in Manhattan had added a charge of murder, according to an online court docket. It’s unclear whether Luigi Nicholas Mangione has an attorney who can comment on the allegations. Asked at Monday’s arraignment whether he needed a public defender, Mangione asked whether he could “answer that at a future date.”
Capricorn Daily Horoscope Today, Nov 26, 2024 predicts new tasksEducation Loan Provider Credila Financial Services Files IPO Draft With SEBI
From Maui to the Caribbean, Thanksgiving tournaments a beloved part of college basketballUS elections, rate cuts, RRR reduction rock the markets in Q3I jinxed it. The Russell 2000 closes below all-time high level by less than a point
The Department of Telecommunications has given a significant relief to the telecom sector by waiving the need for bank guarantees for spectrum auctions held before the 2021 reform package, Vodafone Idea announced. Previously, telecom operators were required to provide bank guarantees aggregating approximately Rs 24,800 crore ahead of each spectrum installment. However, as per the new terms, Vodafone Idea will not need to provide such guarantees for the 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2021 auctions. The company is in talks with the Department of Telecommunications regarding a one-time shortfall related to the 2015 auction. This move is seen as part of the government's ongoing support for the telecom industry, aiming to ensure the banking sector's resources are used to enhance 4G and 5G networks across India. (With inputs from agencies.)
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. No Shame.Morrisons.Easter eggs.Boxing Day. December 26th.Peace on Earth pic.twitter.com/slGoIjOpRq — Gary Evans (@GaryEva04679693) December 26, 2024 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.” @Morrisons It's not even a full 2025 and you're already stocking for easter.Kindly get in the bin pic.twitter.com/kLS7DGSRXt — Joseph (@stokegoblin) December 27, 2024 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.” Easter is for life, not just for Christmas(Photo today in Morrisons!) pic.twitter.com/VmdJ31La9r — Mike Chalmers (@realMChalmers) December 27, 2024 “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. Christmas isn’t even over, and Easter eggs are already on the shelves. Say what you want about it—but big brands don’t wait. They plan ahead and act fast. Are you doing the same? Your future self will thank you pic.twitter.com/Sl9qd7sOGS — andrewwallis (@andrewwallis) December 27, 2024 “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.”Michael Moore Rips Joe Biden Going Out in a ‘Blaze of Horror’: Pushing Us ‘Right into World War III’
NoneHezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah has fired about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel, wounding seven people in one of the militant group’s heaviest barrages in months. Sunday's attacks in northern and central Israel came in response to deadly Israeli strikes in central Beirut on Saturday. Israel struck southern Beirut on Sunday. Meanwhile, negotiators press on with cease-fire efforts to halt the all-out war. And Lebanon's military says an Israeli strike on a Lebanese army center in the southwest killed one soldier and wounded 18 others. Israel's military has expressed regret and said its operations are directed solely against the militants. Israel cracks down on Palestinian citizens who speak out against the war in Gaza UMM AL-FAHM, Israel (AP) — In the year since the war in Gaza broke out, Israel's government has been cracking down on dissent among its Palestinian citizens. Authorities have charged Palestinians with “supporting terrorism” because of posts online or for demonstrating against the war. Activists and rights watchdogs say Palestinians have also lost jobs, been suspended from schools and faced police interrogations. Palestinians make up about 20% of Israel's population. Many feel forced to self-censor out of fear of being jailed and further marginalized in society. Others still find ways to dissent, but carefully. Israel's National Security Ministry counters that, “Freedom of speech is not the freedom to incite.” Somalia says 24 people have died after 2 boats capsized in the Indian Ocean MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somalia's government says 24 people died after two boats capsized off the Madagascar coast in the Indian Ocean. Somalia’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi said 46 people were rescued. Most of the passengers were young Somalis, and their intended destination remains unclear. Many young Somalis embark every year on dangerous journeys in search of better opportunities abroad. A delegation led by the Somali ambassador to Ethiopia is scheduled to travel to Madagascar on Monday to investigate the incident and coordinate efforts to help survivors. Forecasts warn of possible winter storms across US during Thanksgiving week WINDSOR, Calif. (AP) — Forecasters in the U.S. have warned of another round of winter weather that could complicate travel leading up to Thanksgiving. California is bracing for more snow and rain while still grappling with some flooding and small landslides from a previous storm. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for California's Sierra Nevada through Tuesday, with heavy snow expected at high elevations. Thousands remained without power in the Seattle area on Sunday after a “bomb cyclone” storm system hit the West Coast last week, killing two people. Republicans lash out at Democrats' claims that Trump intelligence pick Gabbard is 'compromised' FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Republican lawmakers are pushing back against criticism from some Democrats that President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead U.S. intelligence services is “compromised” by her comments supportive of Russia and a meeting with an ally of that country. The accusation came from Sen. Tammy Duckworth. The Illinois Democrat says she has concerns about the pro-Russian views expressed by Tulsi Gabbard, who was tapped for the post of director of national intelligence. Duckworth’s comments on Sunday drew immediate backlash from Republicans. The rising price of paying the national debt is a risk for Trump's promises on growth and inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. He also has big debt problem that'll be a hurdle to delivering on those plan. Trump has bold ambitions on tax cuts, tariffs and other programs. But high interest rates and the price of repaying the federal government’s existing debt could limit what he’s able to do. The federal debt stands at roughly $36 trillion, and the spike in inflation after the pandemic has pushed up the government’s borrowing costs such that debt service next year will easily exceed spending on national security. Moscow offers debt forgiveness to new recruits and AP sees wreckage of a new Russian missile KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The measure, whose final version appeared on a government website Saturday, underscores Russia’s needs for military personnel in the nearly 3-year-old war, even as it fired last week a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives to those willing to fight in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Security Service on Sunday showed The Associated Press wreckage of the new intermediate-range ballistic missile that struck a factory in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday. After Trump's win, Black women are rethinking their role as America's reliable political organizers ATLANTA (AP) — Donald Trump's victory has dismayed many politically engaged Black women, and they're reassessing their enthusiasm for politics and organizing. Black women often carry much of the work of getting out the vote, and they had vigorously supported the historic candidacy of Kamala Harris. AP VoteCast, a survey of more than 120,000 voters, found that 6 in 10 Black women said the future of democracy was the single most important factor for their vote this year, a higher share than for other demographic groups. But now, some Black women are renewing calls to emphasize rest, focus on mental health and become more selective about what fight they lend their organizing power to. Pakistani police arrest thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of rally in the capital ISLAMABAD (AP) — A Pakistani security officer says police have arrested thousands of Imran Khan supporters ahead of a rally in Islamabad to demand the ex-premier’s release from prison. Khan has been behind bars for more than a year. But he remains popular and his party says the cases against him are politically motivated. Police Sunday arrested more than 4,000 Khan supporters in eastern Punjab province, a Khan stronghold. They include five parliamentarians. Pakistan has sealed off the capital with shipping containers. It also suspended mobile and internet services “in areas with security concerns.” 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator' make gravity-defying theater debuts NEW YORK (AP) — “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have debuted in theaters with a combined $270 million in ticket sales. Their worldwide performance breathed fresh life into global box office results that have struggled lately. Together the films turned the moviegoing weekend into one of the busiest of the year. Jon M. Chu’s lavish big-budget musical “Wicked,” starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted with $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally. Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is a sequel to his 2000 best picture-winning original and launched with $55.5 million in ticket sales. “Moana 2” is being released Wednesday, so it looks like Hollywood might be looking at historic sales over the Thanksgiving holiday.As COP29 wraps up, Canada reaffirms its commitment to global climate action and remains determined to keep 1.5 °C alive