Bank of America analysts assert that President Trump’s tariffs have undeniably increased consumer inflation. They estimate tariffs account for 30 to 50 basis points of the core personal consumption expenditure inflation rate. Furthermore, the analysts suggest that consumers have absorbed approximately 50 to 70% of the overall tariff costs. This indicates that tariffs could continue to drive inflation upward in the coming months.
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In a significant move, Kimberly-Clark is set to acquire Tylenol maker Kenvue in a $48.7 billion deal, creating a consumer goods powerhouse with a combined revenue of $32 billion. The agreement will see Kimberly-Clark shareholders owning approximately 54% of the combined entity, housing household brands like Listerine and Band-Aid alongside Huggies and Kleenex. This deal, one of the year’s largest, comes as Kenvue, a relatively young independent company spun off from Johnson & Johnson, has been under pressure from activist investors. The transaction, anticipated to close in the second half of next year pending shareholder approval, will result in cost savings and has led to shifts in both companies’ stock prices.
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The UK government has authorized the transfer of more Storm Shadow cruise missiles to Ukraine, bolstering their ability to target Russian territory. This decision aims to ensure Ukraine’s preparedness for potential intensified attacks by Russia over the winter. While the exact quantity of missiles remains undisclosed, the Storm Shadow’s range exceeds 250 kilometers, providing a significant strike capability. This development follows reports of the US loosening restrictions on the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine, although, the Tomahawk missiles are not currently being considered.
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Obama tells Democrats to push back against Trump’s ‘lawlessness and recklessness”, and the sentiment is that it’s about time. Many feel that the current Democratic leadership isn’t doing enough, that the warnings have been sounded for far too long, and more forceful action is needed. The consensus seems to be that the urgency of the situation demands a unified front, including past leaders like Obama, Biden, and even figures like Bush and Clinton, to unequivocally declare that democracy is at risk. There’s a palpable frustration that this level of public pushback hasn’t been more pronounced.
Obama’s call to action raises the question: what does “push back” actually look like?… Continue reading
Donald Trump expressed sympathy for the royal family while aboard Air Force One, regarding the situation surrounding former Prince Andrew. Trump commented on the situation after Buckingham Palace announced Andrew would be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, marking a significant change. Trump’s remarks follow the increased scrutiny of Andrew’s association with Jeffrey Epstein and the stripping of his royal titles and military titles. The former president has a history with both Epstein and Andrew, having previously described both men in positive terms despite growing controversy.
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As the mayoral election in New York City approached, Zohran Mamdani, a frontrunner in the race, made a series of appearances at various nightclubs, including LGBTQ+ bars. A video shared by influencer Matt Bernstein showed Mamdani giving a speech at the queer art collective Papi Juice, which was met with cheers from the crowd. Mamdani encouraged supporters to help him win by visiting his campaign website and signing up for shifts. If elected, he would be the first Muslim and Indian American to lead the city and has pledged to support the LGBTQ+ community.
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Recent polls indicate potential Democratic victories across Virginia, New Jersey, and New York. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger holds a significant lead in the gubernatorial race, while Jay Jones has surged ahead in the Attorney General contest. New Jersey’s gubernatorial race shows Mikie Sherrill narrowly ahead, and in New York City, Zohran Mamdani has expanded his lead in the mayoral race. Ultimately, the outcome of these elections will heavily depend on voter turnout on Election Day.
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US retailers left short-changed as penny production ends, a situation that’s already sparking a lot of thought. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, isn’t it? The penny, that tiny copper disc, has been a staple of American commerce for so long. Now, it seems, its days are numbered, or at least its minting is. We’re talking about a de facto phase-out, a decision that’s causing ripples through the retail landscape and beyond.
Honestly, a lot of people don’t seem to care that much about the penny. You hear it all the time: “Keep the change.” “It’s just a penny.” Some of us have probably even stopped bending down to pick one up off the sidewalk.… Continue reading
On Saturday, Zohran Mamdani, the leading candidate in New York City’s mayoral election, received a call from former President Barack Obama, who offered his support and to act as a sounding board if Mamdani wins. Obama also commended Mamdani’s campaign against his rivals, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Recent polls show Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ahead of Cuomo and Sliwa, although his policies, which include raising taxes and rent control, have drawn concerns from the finance community. His campaign has gained endorsements and financial backing, but his views could present challenges for Democrats on the national stage.
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Goli Kouhkan, a 25-year-old child bride, faces execution in Iran for the killing of her abusive husband. She was convicted of participating in the killing of her husband, which occurred after years of suffering physical and emotional abuse. Under Iranian law, Kouhkan can be spared if she pays 10 billion tomans (approximately £80,000) to the victim’s family, a sum she is unlikely to obtain, and is representative of the discriminatory treatment of women and minorities in Iran. Human rights groups condemn the case, citing the rising number of executions, particularly of women, and the lack of legal protections against domestic violence and forced marriage within the country. Kouhkan is Baluch, a marginalized ethnic minority, and was married at 12, a situation reflective of the poverty and lack of rights faced by women in Iran.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Obama Offers to Be Mamdani’s ‘Sounding Board’: Mixed Reactions
On Saturday, Zohran Mamdani, the leading candidate in New York City’s mayoral election, received a call from former President Barack Obama, who offered his support and to act as a sounding board if Mamdani wins. Obama also commended Mamdani’s campaign against his rivals, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Recent polls show Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ahead of Cuomo and Sliwa, although his policies, which include raising taxes and rent control, have drawn concerns from the finance community. His campaign has gained endorsements and financial backing, but his views could present challenges for Democrats on the national stage.
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