7 days ago
President Donald Trump's portfolio managers bought as much as $30 million in Meta stock and ******* eX debt in August as purchases made in his name continue to be highly active.
A newly released financial disclosure shows more than 500 securities transactions in August, including up to $25 million in Meta stock and $5 million in ******* eX debt. His portfolio also invested in AT&T, Netflix and Chevron. In contrast, he sold shares of Advanced Micro Devices, T-Mobile, Dell Technologies and Nvidia.
Democrats have criticized moves made by the president's portfolio managers in the past. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Robert Garcia sent a lengthy letter to Trump in August, saying they want to know who are the money managers in charge of his investments.
"One ******* ysis estimates that you reported more than 14,000 stock trades, worth up to $1.06 billion during your first year in office. The total is likely higher as these reports don't even include transactions worth less than one thousand dollars," reads a passage of the letter.
"The sheer volume of this trading activity and the timing of a number of transactions, raise questions about whether you are using your knowledge of government activities, your official authority, or the vast megaphone provided by the Presidency to make investments or move markets to your personal benefit—and about whether you have been making decisions that boost your portfolio at the expense of taxpayers, the economy, and national security," it adds.
#million #Stock
A newly released financial disclosure shows more than 500 securities transactions in August, including up to $25 million in Meta stock and $5 million in ******* eX debt. His portfolio also invested in AT&T, Netflix and Chevron. In contrast, he sold shares of Advanced Micro Devices, T-Mobile, Dell Technologies and Nvidia.
Democrats have criticized moves made by the president's portfolio managers in the past. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Robert Garcia sent a lengthy letter to Trump in August, saying they want to know who are the money managers in charge of his investments.
"One ******* ysis estimates that you reported more than 14,000 stock trades, worth up to $1.06 billion during your first year in office. The total is likely higher as these reports don't even include transactions worth less than one thousand dollars," reads a passage of the letter.
"The sheer volume of this trading activity and the timing of a number of transactions, raise questions about whether you are using your knowledge of government activities, your official authority, or the vast megaphone provided by the Presidency to make investments or move markets to your personal benefit—and about whether you have been making decisions that boost your portfolio at the expense of taxpayers, the economy, and national security," it adds.
#million #Stock
7 days ago
We now have a better idea of exactly who the biggest creators are on social media. ESHAP and What's Trending have partnered to unveil the second annual Creator Map, a guide to the biggest creators by platform. And TheWrap has your first look at their findings.
The Creator Map will be unveiled later today at the first Jupiter Festival Miami, which is sponsored by YouTube. Evan Shapiro, media cartographer and ESHAP founder and CEO; Shira Lazar, What's Trending founder and CEO; and Jon Goss, CEO of the Lighthouse will unveil the project on the main stage of the event.
Described as the "definitive visual guide to the creator ecosphere," the Creator Map offers a data-informed view of the creator economy, an industry that can often feel confusing and chaotic from an outsider perspective. For the first time, the top 200 creators across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will have both their follower counts and Affinity Quotient scores published on the map. Sponsored by Whalar Group and with data powered by Whalar's creator operating system Foam, the Affinity Quotient measures the depth of audience engagement and places a greater emphasis on active signals such as shares and saves than on passive interactions. That's an important insight as engagement rather than follower count has become the top metric in the creator economy. The Creator Affinity 100 list was first presented at this this year's IBC and identified 100 creators generating the greatest affinity among their audiences.
The map also identifies top creators across Snap, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Twitch, Pinterest and Rumble, along with the top Substack publishers and podcasters. Additionally, it identifies some of the top agencies, studios, technology tools, payment platforms and other companies powering the creator ecosystem. Check it out below:
ESHAP and What's Trending Creator Map (Photo Credit: ESHAP, What's Trending)
#biggest
The Creator Map will be unveiled later today at the first Jupiter Festival Miami, which is sponsored by YouTube. Evan Shapiro, media cartographer and ESHAP founder and CEO; Shira Lazar, What's Trending founder and CEO; and Jon Goss, CEO of the Lighthouse will unveil the project on the main stage of the event.
Described as the "definitive visual guide to the creator ecosphere," the Creator Map offers a data-informed view of the creator economy, an industry that can often feel confusing and chaotic from an outsider perspective. For the first time, the top 200 creators across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok will have both their follower counts and Affinity Quotient scores published on the map. Sponsored by Whalar Group and with data powered by Whalar's creator operating system Foam, the Affinity Quotient measures the depth of audience engagement and places a greater emphasis on active signals such as shares and saves than on passive interactions. That's an important insight as engagement rather than follower count has become the top metric in the creator economy. The Creator Affinity 100 list was first presented at this this year's IBC and identified 100 creators generating the greatest affinity among their audiences.
The map also identifies top creators across Snap, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Twitch, Pinterest and Rumble, along with the top Substack publishers and podcasters. Additionally, it identifies some of the top agencies, studios, technology tools, payment platforms and other companies powering the creator ecosystem. Check it out below:
ESHAP and What's Trending Creator Map (Photo Credit: ESHAP, What's Trending)
#biggest
8 days ago
Kevin Hart's 2017 ***** tape scandal could resurface in court as Montia Sabbag may be called to testify in the comedian's ongoing legal battle. Sabbag, who was involved in the controversial recording, could now face questions about the incident and the investigation that followed.
Kevin Hart's former ***** istant Miesha Shakes is seeking testimony from Montia Sabbag in her legal dispute with the comedian, potentially bringing Hart's controversial 2017 ***** tape scandal back into the spotlight. According to TMZ, Shakes wants Sabbag questioned about the video and the investigation that followed.
Sabbag was at the center of the scandal after a video involving her and Hart became the subject of an extortion investigation. She has acknowledged that she appears in the recording but has denied any involvement in making it or in the extortion attempt that followed. Shakes now reportedly wants her account of those events to become part of the current proceedings.
Sabbag's potential involvement comes amid a separate dispute between Hart and Shakes over a non-disclosure agreement. Hart has accused his former ***** istant of violating the agreement by discussing his personal life in an interview with a blogger. Shakes has disputed that claim and argued that Hart failed to fulfill obligations under the agreement, which she says makes the deal invalid.
The two sides also disagree over who is responsible for damage to Hart's reputation. Hart has accused Shakes of harming his public image, while Shakes has argued that Hart's own actions have contributed to it, citing the ***** tape controversy among other examples. Shakes plans to testify in the case and wants Hart to do the same. The legal proceedings are ongoing.
#sabbag
Kevin Hart's former ***** istant Miesha Shakes is seeking testimony from Montia Sabbag in her legal dispute with the comedian, potentially bringing Hart's controversial 2017 ***** tape scandal back into the spotlight. According to TMZ, Shakes wants Sabbag questioned about the video and the investigation that followed.
Sabbag was at the center of the scandal after a video involving her and Hart became the subject of an extortion investigation. She has acknowledged that she appears in the recording but has denied any involvement in making it or in the extortion attempt that followed. Shakes now reportedly wants her account of those events to become part of the current proceedings.
Sabbag's potential involvement comes amid a separate dispute between Hart and Shakes over a non-disclosure agreement. Hart has accused his former ***** istant of violating the agreement by discussing his personal life in an interview with a blogger. Shakes has disputed that claim and argued that Hart failed to fulfill obligations under the agreement, which she says makes the deal invalid.
The two sides also disagree over who is responsible for damage to Hart's reputation. Hart has accused Shakes of harming his public image, while Shakes has argued that Hart's own actions have contributed to it, citing the ***** tape controversy among other examples. Shakes plans to testify in the case and wants Hart to do the same. The legal proceedings are ongoing.
#sabbag
8 days ago
Henry Cavill has found himself at the center of a very different kind of online frenzy. A new Googlebook commercial featuring the actor has sparked enthusiastic reactions from fans, with them quickly turning the ad into its own little event.
The excitement comes partly from how naturally Cavill fits the campaign. Google in its blog post, describes him as an "actor, producer and technology enthusiast" whose interests include gaming and "fantasy lore." The company says he also runs his own production company and uses Googlebook for personal projects tied to his creative ambitions.
Googlebook pairs high-end hardware with Gemini Intelligence and adds a grab bag of features, including Continue on phone syncing, Rambler for speech-to-text and Antigravity. Google has built the machine to play nicely with Android devices while still having enough muscle for demanding creative projects and professional workloads.
Cavill also offered a positive first impression after trying the device before its release. He said Google's pitch about its integrated tools intrigued him enough to request hands-on time with the product. After working with the team, he described it as having "the whispers of the next generation."
Online reactions focused on the actor as much as the new computer. One fan joked that "hiring Henry Cavill is cheating" because people would watch him simply set up a printer.
#henry #online #creative
The excitement comes partly from how naturally Cavill fits the campaign. Google in its blog post, describes him as an "actor, producer and technology enthusiast" whose interests include gaming and "fantasy lore." The company says he also runs his own production company and uses Googlebook for personal projects tied to his creative ambitions.
Googlebook pairs high-end hardware with Gemini Intelligence and adds a grab bag of features, including Continue on phone syncing, Rambler for speech-to-text and Antigravity. Google has built the machine to play nicely with Android devices while still having enough muscle for demanding creative projects and professional workloads.
Cavill also offered a positive first impression after trying the device before its release. He said Google's pitch about its integrated tools intrigued him enough to request hands-on time with the product. After working with the team, he described it as having "the whispers of the next generation."
Online reactions focused on the actor as much as the new computer. One fan joked that "hiring Henry Cavill is cheating" because people would watch him simply set up a printer.
#henry #online #creative
8 days ago
Zendaya is facing backlash after a video of her meeting France's First Lady went viral. The clip, shared by Paris Match, shows the actress staying seated while Brigitte Macron stopped by to say ******* o at the Louis Vuitton show during Paris Fashion Week. The brief moment has caught everyone's attention online, with many debating whether she should have stood up.
Zendaya's seated ******* o to Brigitte Macron leaves social media divided. The 30-year-old actress sat in the front row at Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2027 show on Tuesday. The show was held in the Cour Carrée of the Louvre.
In the video shared online, Macron, 73, walks through the front row, greeting guests like Pharrell Williams and Lisa of BLACKPINK. She then pauses to speak with Zendaya. At first glance, the exchange looks warm and friendly. But upon closer look, Zendaya never rises from her seat. Reportedly, she said ******* o, told Macron it was a pleasure to meet her, and shook her hand.
The clip quickly sparked debate online. Some viewers criticized Zendaya for remaining seated, with one viral reaction saying she "gotta get up" when the First Lady says ******* o. Many viewers agreed, saying standing would have been the polite thing to do. "When the Premier Dame from France Talks to You please get up," one Instagram user wrote. Another commenter, who said she loves Zendaya, noted that American culture seems more relaxed about formalities than others.
Others came to her defense. Some fans suggested she may have been caught off guard, pointing out that the greeting was quick and unplanned. A few added that a busy front row at a fashion show isn't exactly a formal setting, and that Zendaya came across as gracious and polite throughout. Neither Zendaya nor Macron has addressed the reactions yet. For the unversed, Zendaya is a Louis Vuitton ambassador and a regular at the brand's Paris shows.
#hello #louis #show #front
Zendaya's seated ******* o to Brigitte Macron leaves social media divided. The 30-year-old actress sat in the front row at Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2027 show on Tuesday. The show was held in the Cour Carrée of the Louvre.
In the video shared online, Macron, 73, walks through the front row, greeting guests like Pharrell Williams and Lisa of BLACKPINK. She then pauses to speak with Zendaya. At first glance, the exchange looks warm and friendly. But upon closer look, Zendaya never rises from her seat. Reportedly, she said ******* o, told Macron it was a pleasure to meet her, and shook her hand.
The clip quickly sparked debate online. Some viewers criticized Zendaya for remaining seated, with one viral reaction saying she "gotta get up" when the First Lady says ******* o. Many viewers agreed, saying standing would have been the polite thing to do. "When the Premier Dame from France Talks to You please get up," one Instagram user wrote. Another commenter, who said she loves Zendaya, noted that American culture seems more relaxed about formalities than others.
Others came to her defense. Some fans suggested she may have been caught off guard, pointing out that the greeting was quick and unplanned. A few added that a busy front row at a fashion show isn't exactly a formal setting, and that Zendaya came across as gracious and polite throughout. Neither Zendaya nor Macron has addressed the reactions yet. For the unversed, Zendaya is a Louis Vuitton ambassador and a regular at the brand's Paris shows.
#hello #louis #show #front
8 days ago
Prince William has reportedly unknowingly imbibed his wife Kate Middleton's traits, even in her absence. The Prince of Wales seemingly echoed his wife's mannerisms during his solo visit to Somerset through spontaneous actions. Notably, the Waleses are focusing on their royal engagements amid Prince Harry's return and Charles Spencer's book drama, seemingly choosing not to react to the ongoing controversies.
Prince William reportedly appeared to emulate one of Kate Middleton's physical gestures during his solo visit to Somerset. As per The Royal Observer, the Waleses have always maintained a united front and have indulged in subtle, romantic gestures to showcase their sweet bond.
William's recent solo appearance at Somerset also seemingly confirms that he has subconsciously started mirroring Kate's expressions. During his trip, he visited the Town Football Club and interacted with senior citizens, fans, and kids at a local cafe. He rounded the trip with a visit to the fire station. While Kate wasn't there, her presence was strongly felt through William's actions. He seemingly made the same hand gestures as the Princess of Wales does when talking.
As per the outlet, the future queen is known for being a social and affable person. Not only that, her hand gestures and animated mannerisms are almost her trademark style. The prince made similar hand gestures during emergency scenarios with volunteers and young kids.
Not only that, as per the outlet, he had exciting conversations with children and even indulged them with high-fives. Fans have often viewed Middleton as a people person.
#somerset #solo
Prince William reportedly appeared to emulate one of Kate Middleton's physical gestures during his solo visit to Somerset. As per The Royal Observer, the Waleses have always maintained a united front and have indulged in subtle, romantic gestures to showcase their sweet bond.
William's recent solo appearance at Somerset also seemingly confirms that he has subconsciously started mirroring Kate's expressions. During his trip, he visited the Town Football Club and interacted with senior citizens, fans, and kids at a local cafe. He rounded the trip with a visit to the fire station. While Kate wasn't there, her presence was strongly felt through William's actions. He seemingly made the same hand gestures as the Princess of Wales does when talking.
As per the outlet, the future queen is known for being a social and affable person. Not only that, her hand gestures and animated mannerisms are almost her trademark style. The prince made similar hand gestures during emergency scenarios with volunteers and young kids.
Not only that, as per the outlet, he had exciting conversations with children and even indulged them with high-fives. Fans have often viewed Middleton as a people person.
#somerset #solo
8 days ago
Arnold Schwarzenegger is teaming up with James Patterson.
The actor and former governor of California co-wrote an upcoming book ******* led The Protector with Patterson, one of the world's most widely read authors. This marks Schwarzenegger's debut as a novelist. It will be published by Little, Brown and Company on Oct. 4, 2027.
The new novel is set in modern-day Los Angeles. It follows a Catholic priest named Father Viktor Brennan, a military veteran who is new to a small parish plagued by violence.
"Father Brennan confronts the criminals threatening the community he's vowed to protect, even as his courageous actions endanger his life, and reveal clues to his mysterious past," according to an official description.
The character of Father Viktor Brennan takes inspiration from both Schwarzenegger and Patterson's Catholic backgrounds.
#father #brennan #james
The actor and former governor of California co-wrote an upcoming book ******* led The Protector with Patterson, one of the world's most widely read authors. This marks Schwarzenegger's debut as a novelist. It will be published by Little, Brown and Company on Oct. 4, 2027.
The new novel is set in modern-day Los Angeles. It follows a Catholic priest named Father Viktor Brennan, a military veteran who is new to a small parish plagued by violence.
"Father Brennan confronts the criminals threatening the community he's vowed to protect, even as his courageous actions endanger his life, and reveal clues to his mysterious past," according to an official description.
The character of Father Viktor Brennan takes inspiration from both Schwarzenegger and Patterson's Catholic backgrounds.
#father #brennan #james
9 days ago
McDonald's is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges its AI-enhanced pricing tool violates antitrust laws because it shares nonpublic data with franchisees who might be competing in the same market.
The lawsuit, which was filed Friday in Illinois, said McDonald's pricing tool uses artificial intelligence to collect data that competing franchises wouldn't normally share, like store-level sales. The Chicago-based burger giant has said it makes the tool available to U.S. franchisees to help them set prices at their individual restaurants.
The lawsuit also blames the pricing system for raising McDonald's U.S. prices.
"McDonald's has built and for years deployed its own information-sharing pricing platform, which draws on data from its millions of daily transactions to set menu prices across thousands of U.S. restaurants," the lawsuit states. "The result is algorithmic price-fixing aimed at customers who are already stretched thin."
McDonald's said Tuesday that the lawsuit is "filled with inaccuracies" and it would vigorously defend itself.
#restaurants
The lawsuit, which was filed Friday in Illinois, said McDonald's pricing tool uses artificial intelligence to collect data that competing franchises wouldn't normally share, like store-level sales. The Chicago-based burger giant has said it makes the tool available to U.S. franchisees to help them set prices at their individual restaurants.
The lawsuit also blames the pricing system for raising McDonald's U.S. prices.
"McDonald's has built and for years deployed its own information-sharing pricing platform, which draws on data from its millions of daily transactions to set menu prices across thousands of U.S. restaurants," the lawsuit states. "The result is algorithmic price-fixing aimed at customers who are already stretched thin."
McDonald's said Tuesday that the lawsuit is "filled with inaccuracies" and it would vigorously defend itself.
#restaurants
9 days ago
Disney raised prices on many of its theme park offerings today, coinciding with the start of the company’s new fiscal year. But consumers aren’t pushing back the way they did a few years ago.
Disney’s price hikes are an annual October ritual for the company, and it’s always a tricky balancing act between increasing revenue and consumers’ willingness to pay.
Many ticket types, passes and add-ons at Disneyland are not increasing at all this time. But premium products are getting more expensive, like the highest-level, skip-the-line service at Walt Disney World, which could now run just shy of the $500 mark during peak demand.
It’s a reflection of the company’s strategy: Spread the price boosts across different audiences, while leaving bottom-tier prices - like the slowest season, one-day, one-park tickets - unchanged.
Its theme parks strategy, Disney said, has evolved over time. Higher-priced premium products and add-ons, alongside targeted discounts and a refresh of older attractions, allowed the company this summer to generate the strongest parks and cruises revenue in two years.
#disney #company #consumers
Disney’s price hikes are an annual October ritual for the company, and it’s always a tricky balancing act between increasing revenue and consumers’ willingness to pay.
Many ticket types, passes and add-ons at Disneyland are not increasing at all this time. But premium products are getting more expensive, like the highest-level, skip-the-line service at Walt Disney World, which could now run just shy of the $500 mark during peak demand.
It’s a reflection of the company’s strategy: Spread the price boosts across different audiences, while leaving bottom-tier prices - like the slowest season, one-day, one-park tickets - unchanged.
Its theme parks strategy, Disney said, has evolved over time. Higher-priced premium products and add-ons, alongside targeted discounts and a refresh of older attractions, allowed the company this summer to generate the strongest parks and cruises revenue in two years.
#disney #company #consumers
9 days ago
Kanye West and Bianca Censori made a rare public appearance alongside North West over the weekend. Consequently, the teenager drew plenty of attention during the family outing. The trio attended the ComplexCon 2026 10-Year Anniversary Festival in Los Angeles. During the event, North appeared noticeably taller than her stepmother.
According to The Sun, Kanye West attended ComplexCon 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center with his wife, Bianca Censori, and his 13-year-old daughter, North West. The family reportedly arrived with a large security team and spent time exploring the festival while interacting with fans.
North stood out with bright blue hair, a black outfit, and bold makeup, while Bianca opted for a more covered-up look than her usual public style. The outlet noted that North appeared to tower over her stepmother during the outing, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about moments from the family's appearance.
Additional photos from the event showed Kanye and Bianca coordinating in black leather outfits as they walked around the convention with North. The trio was seen checking out attractions and greeting attendees throughout the festival.
The outing came shortly after Kim Kardashian opened up about raising her children in the public eye. Speaking to The Times, Kardashian admitted she worries about the pressures of fame for her children. She particularly harbors concerns for North, who has shown the strongest interest in being in the spotlight.
#bianca #kanye #outing #censori
According to The Sun, Kanye West attended ComplexCon 2026 at the Los Angeles Convention Center with his wife, Bianca Censori, and his 13-year-old daughter, North West. The family reportedly arrived with a large security team and spent time exploring the festival while interacting with fans.
North stood out with bright blue hair, a black outfit, and bold makeup, while Bianca opted for a more covered-up look than her usual public style. The outlet noted that North appeared to tower over her stepmother during the outing, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about moments from the family's appearance.
Additional photos from the event showed Kanye and Bianca coordinating in black leather outfits as they walked around the convention with North. The trio was seen checking out attractions and greeting attendees throughout the festival.
The outing came shortly after Kim Kardashian opened up about raising her children in the public eye. Speaking to The Times, Kardashian admitted she worries about the pressures of fame for her children. She particularly harbors concerns for North, who has shown the strongest interest in being in the spotlight.
#bianca #kanye #outing #censori
9 days ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican Sen. Thom Tillis says in a new book that his deciding vote to confirm Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in January 2025 is the "biggest regret of my career" and that he also "should've stopped" Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from becoming Health and Human Services secretary in the early days of President Donald Trump's second term.
In "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents," to be published Tuesday, the North Carolina senator defends his decision at the time to not be "the lone voice in the wilderness" preventing Trump's nominees from confirmation. But Tillis makes clear he was always skeptical of allegations about Hegseth's turbulent management style, treatment of women and excessive drinking. Hegseth denied all the allegations.
"I know for a fact that there are others like me," Tillis writes, "Republicans who agreed to go along with the early demands of the Trump team no matter how ridiculous they were, believing that failing to do so would mean the end of their political career, and who now see that things have gone way too far."
He writes that he can count at least 30 of his GOP colleagues who have "expressed reservations (to put it mildly) about many of the president's actions in private. Then, when the reporters showed up with their cameras and microphones, they'd have nothing but nice things to say."
Tillis, who announced last year that he would not run for reelection in a "breaking point" with the president on his sweeping tax and spending cuts package, is publishing the book in his final months in office. He joins a long list of Republicans who have ratcheted up their public denunciations of Trump once they had less to lose politically.
#hegseth
In "How to Lose Friends and Antagonize Presidents," to be published Tuesday, the North Carolina senator defends his decision at the time to not be "the lone voice in the wilderness" preventing Trump's nominees from confirmation. But Tillis makes clear he was always skeptical of allegations about Hegseth's turbulent management style, treatment of women and excessive drinking. Hegseth denied all the allegations.
"I know for a fact that there are others like me," Tillis writes, "Republicans who agreed to go along with the early demands of the Trump team no matter how ridiculous they were, believing that failing to do so would mean the end of their political career, and who now see that things have gone way too far."
He writes that he can count at least 30 of his GOP colleagues who have "expressed reservations (to put it mildly) about many of the president's actions in private. Then, when the reporters showed up with their cameras and microphones, they'd have nothing but nice things to say."
Tillis, who announced last year that he would not run for reelection in a "breaking point" with the president on his sweeping tax and spending cuts package, is publishing the book in his final months in office. He joins a long list of Republicans who have ratcheted up their public denunciations of Trump once they had less to lose politically.
#hegseth
10 days ago
American Idol alum Caleb Flynn has been sentenced to life without parole for the February 2026 murder of his wife Ashley.
The judge told Flynn his actions exhibited "layers of deceit, manipulation, and cruelty."
He claimed an intruder broke into their Ohio home and fatally shot Ashley as she slept.
American Idol alum Caleb Flynn has learned his fate, days after a jury convicted him of murdering his wife Ashley as she slept.
An Ohio judge sentenced the 40-year-old father to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday, explaining his actions exhibited "layers of deceit, manipulation, and cruelty." Flynn, who maintains his innocence, must also pay $20,000 in restitution to Ashley's parents for expenses related to her funeral.
#american #caleb #sentenced
The judge told Flynn his actions exhibited "layers of deceit, manipulation, and cruelty."
He claimed an intruder broke into their Ohio home and fatally shot Ashley as she slept.
American Idol alum Caleb Flynn has learned his fate, days after a jury convicted him of murdering his wife Ashley as she slept.
An Ohio judge sentenced the 40-year-old father to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday, explaining his actions exhibited "layers of deceit, manipulation, and cruelty." Flynn, who maintains his innocence, must also pay $20,000 in restitution to Ashley's parents for expenses related to her funeral.
#american #caleb #sentenced
10 days ago
American Idol star Caleb Flynn was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Monday, after being found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn, on February 16.
The 40-year-old broke down in tears as he was convicted of aggravated murder, felonious **** ault and tampering with evidence, after he staged the crime scene to make it appear as though an intruder was responsible for her death.
The jury deliberated for over two hours before they reached a verdict, and Miami County Common Pleas Judge Jeannine Pratt called his actions "abhorrent" before sentencing him to life behind bars.
Caleb was sentenced to life behind bars for murdering his wife
Before his sentence was read out, Caleb maintained in a statement in court that he did not kill his wife, and apologized for how he had spoken about Ashley in texts sent to his mistress, Alleigha Botner.
#life #ashley #behind #bars
The 40-year-old broke down in tears as he was convicted of aggravated murder, felonious **** ault and tampering with evidence, after he staged the crime scene to make it appear as though an intruder was responsible for her death.
The jury deliberated for over two hours before they reached a verdict, and Miami County Common Pleas Judge Jeannine Pratt called his actions "abhorrent" before sentencing him to life behind bars.
Caleb was sentenced to life behind bars for murdering his wife
Before his sentence was read out, Caleb maintained in a statement in court that he did not kill his wife, and apologized for how he had spoken about Ashley in texts sent to his mistress, Alleigha Botner.
#life #ashley #behind #bars
10 days ago
Caleb Flynn was found guilty of murdering his wife, Ashley Flynn.
An Ohio man who was found guilty of murdering his wife and staging the crime scene to make it seem as if an intruder had broken into their home and fatally shot the mother of two was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Caleb Flynn, 40, a former pastor who once appeared as a contestant on "American Idol" in 2013, was found guilty of aggravated murder and multiple counts of murder, felonious **** ault and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn.
Judge Jeannine Pratt called the former pastor's actions "abhorrent" and "quite honestly impossible to fathom" while handing down the life sentence on Monday.
Caleb Flynn called 911 early on Feb. 16 to report that his wife had been shot by an intruder at their home in Tipp City, north of Dayton. He was arrested three days later. Prosecutors alleged that Caleb Flynn "executed" his wife by shooting her twice in the back of the head in bed so that he could be with his mistress and manipulated the crime scene to make it seem as if an intruder had broken in through the garage.
#wife #intruder #crime #scene
An Ohio man who was found guilty of murdering his wife and staging the crime scene to make it seem as if an intruder had broken into their home and fatally shot the mother of two was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Caleb Flynn, 40, a former pastor who once appeared as a contestant on "American Idol" in 2013, was found guilty of aggravated murder and multiple counts of murder, felonious **** ault and tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his wife, 37-year-old Ashley Flynn.
Judge Jeannine Pratt called the former pastor's actions "abhorrent" and "quite honestly impossible to fathom" while handing down the life sentence on Monday.
Caleb Flynn called 911 early on Feb. 16 to report that his wife had been shot by an intruder at their home in Tipp City, north of Dayton. He was arrested three days later. Prosecutors alleged that Caleb Flynn "executed" his wife by shooting her twice in the back of the head in bed so that he could be with his mistress and manipulated the crime scene to make it seem as if an intruder had broken in through the garage.
#wife #intruder #crime #scene
10 days ago
As he enters the final chapter of his life, Robert Wagner is fine-tuning his $20 million will — and a source says the actor, 96, plans to leave a portion of his fortune to late wife Natalie Wood's loved ones.
"Robert still loves Natalie deeply," the source tells Examiner. "He honors her every birthday and anniversary, so the idea of doing something for her extended family as a way to honor her memory really appeals to him."
The 43-year-old actress mysteriously drowned in 1981 during a trip on the yacht Splendour with Wagner, then 51, and her Brainstorm costar, Christopher Walken.
While the Hart to Hart actor has consistently denied any involvement in her death — and an investigation officially cleared him as a person of interest in 2022 — his actions on the night of Wood's passing have long been scrutinized.
"Robert knows that for some people Natalie's death will always be the first thing they think of when they hear his name," adds the source. "That hurts him enormously. He can't change what happened or what people think, but he can still do something positive for the people she left behind and hopefully get some closure from that himself."
#still #death
"Robert still loves Natalie deeply," the source tells Examiner. "He honors her every birthday and anniversary, so the idea of doing something for her extended family as a way to honor her memory really appeals to him."
The 43-year-old actress mysteriously drowned in 1981 during a trip on the yacht Splendour with Wagner, then 51, and her Brainstorm costar, Christopher Walken.
While the Hart to Hart actor has consistently denied any involvement in her death — and an investigation officially cleared him as a person of interest in 2022 — his actions on the night of Wood's passing have long been scrutinized.
"Robert knows that for some people Natalie's death will always be the first thing they think of when they hear his name," adds the source. "That hurts him enormously. He can't change what happened or what people think, but he can still do something positive for the people she left behind and hopefully get some closure from that himself."
#still #death
12 days ago
Kim Kardashian is giving fans another glimpse into her latest fashion collaboration. The mogul shared a new video documenting a fitting for her upcoming capsule collection. Fans see her trying on pieces inside a dimly lit studio alongside the collection's designer. Naturally, the highlight was her strapless sequined minidress, a bold bronze-gold number that perfectly matched the shoot's moody, intimate mood.
In the clip, Kim Kardashian stands in a dressing room lined with clothing racks, trying on the finished look in real time. The post was captioned, "A collaboration built on shared language: the body as material."
For the fitting, Kardashian wore a strapless, sequined micro minidress in a warm bronze-gold tone. The fitted, bandage-style design featured horizontal ribbing that wrapped tightly around her torso. It boasted a sweetheart neckline, a mini-length hem, and an all-over metallic sheen. The dress highlighted her famous curves while fitting right into the collection's aesthetic.
Kardashian kept the rest of the look stripped back, skipping jewelry and accessories altogether. With nothing else competing for attention, the dress itself became the clear focal point of the clip. She wore her dark hair sleek and straight, leaving it loose to frame her face throughout the fitting. Her makeup stayed soft and natural, keeping the focus on the dress rather than a full glam beauty look. For Kardashian, it's a reminder that when it comes to this particular launch, the body truly is the material.
The strapless silhouette is free of accessories and distractions, allowing the dress's clinging shape to do all the talking. The clip comes as the capsule officially hits shelves, with the post confirming fans can now purchase the collection. With the capsule now live, the bronze-gold minidress offers an early preview of just how body-conscious the full collection is likely to run. The post offered fans a rawer, closer look at the collaboration than its earlier campaign imagery provided.
#kardashian #fans #capsule #minidress
In the clip, Kim Kardashian stands in a dressing room lined with clothing racks, trying on the finished look in real time. The post was captioned, "A collaboration built on shared language: the body as material."
For the fitting, Kardashian wore a strapless, sequined micro minidress in a warm bronze-gold tone. The fitted, bandage-style design featured horizontal ribbing that wrapped tightly around her torso. It boasted a sweetheart neckline, a mini-length hem, and an all-over metallic sheen. The dress highlighted her famous curves while fitting right into the collection's aesthetic.
Kardashian kept the rest of the look stripped back, skipping jewelry and accessories altogether. With nothing else competing for attention, the dress itself became the clear focal point of the clip. She wore her dark hair sleek and straight, leaving it loose to frame her face throughout the fitting. Her makeup stayed soft and natural, keeping the focus on the dress rather than a full glam beauty look. For Kardashian, it's a reminder that when it comes to this particular launch, the body truly is the material.
The strapless silhouette is free of accessories and distractions, allowing the dress's clinging shape to do all the talking. The clip comes as the capsule officially hits shelves, with the post confirming fans can now purchase the collection. With the capsule now live, the bronze-gold minidress offers an early preview of just how body-conscious the full collection is likely to run. The post offered fans a rawer, closer look at the collaboration than its earlier campaign imagery provided.
#kardashian #fans #capsule #minidress
13 days ago
Howie Mandel's daughter is sharing a fiery scene on TikTok, complete with a warning her dad should have taken seriously.
Jackelyn Shultz posted a TikTok video of the "America's Got Talent" judge standing near a vehicle engulfed in flames, capturing a moment that quickly drew reactions across social media.
Mandel, 70, wore blue overalls and held a canned beverage while appearing to record the fire on his phone near a Food4Less store.
"Dad, it could explode if there's gas in it," Shultz, 41, warned her dad.
Seconds later, as Mandel turned toward his daughter, a burst of flames erupted behind him.
#shultz
Jackelyn Shultz posted a TikTok video of the "America's Got Talent" judge standing near a vehicle engulfed in flames, capturing a moment that quickly drew reactions across social media.
Mandel, 70, wore blue overalls and held a canned beverage while appearing to record the fire on his phone near a Food4Less store.
"Dad, it could explode if there's gas in it," Shultz, 41, warned her dad.
Seconds later, as Mandel turned toward his daughter, a burst of flames erupted behind him.
#shultz
16 days ago
By Waylon Cunningham
NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - McDonald's is increasingly using artificial intelligence to guide menu prices across the U.S. and some global markets, a plan that aims to boost headquarters' profit but risks alienating customers and attracting antitrust scrutiny.
One pricing factor supercharged by AI: an estimate of how much each store's patrons are willing to pay.
The details of how that pricing system works, its extensive use of AI, the company's regulatory concerns and the tensions with its franchisees haven't been previously reported. For this story, Reuters reviewed screenshots of the company pricing engine taken in August and interviewed nine sources with first-hand knowledge of the burger chain's strategy.
McDonald's pricing engine uses machine-learning algorithms to continually ****** yze data from millions of daily transactions across McDonald's nearly 14,000 restaurants and generate what the company calls "the optimal price" at each location for each menu item, from Big Macs to discounted coffee for seniors.
#pricing #company #engine #cunningham
NEW YORK, Sept 29 (Reuters) - McDonald's is increasingly using artificial intelligence to guide menu prices across the U.S. and some global markets, a plan that aims to boost headquarters' profit but risks alienating customers and attracting antitrust scrutiny.
One pricing factor supercharged by AI: an estimate of how much each store's patrons are willing to pay.
The details of how that pricing system works, its extensive use of AI, the company's regulatory concerns and the tensions with its franchisees haven't been previously reported. For this story, Reuters reviewed screenshots of the company pricing engine taken in August and interviewed nine sources with first-hand knowledge of the burger chain's strategy.
McDonald's pricing engine uses machine-learning algorithms to continually ****** yze data from millions of daily transactions across McDonald's nearly 14,000 restaurants and generate what the company calls "the optimal price" at each location for each menu item, from Big Macs to discounted coffee for seniors.
#pricing #company #engine #cunningham
25 days ago
On September 9, 2026, Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. (NYSE:JMKE) reported its first quarterly results as a public company, with total revenue up 10% year over year to $208 million and same-store sales accelerating to 2.3% growth from 1.7% in the prior quarter. It was primarily driven by transaction growth even as the restaurant industry faced weak traffic trends. Net income fell to $37 million from $59 million a year earlier. It showed non-routine expenses, advertising fund timing, and higher interest costs following the company's July initial public offering, partially offset by a $14 million gain on the sale of corporate-owned stores.
Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. (NYSE:JMKE) is gaining customers while its brand remains a major competitive advantage. The firm added 83 stores in the second quarter. It grew its customer base and increased systemwide sales 10% to $1.21 billion. Jersey Mike's also earned the No. 1 ranking among U.S. quick-service restaurant brands in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index, surpassing Chick-fil-A after 11 consecutive years at the top. It gives the newly public company a strong foundation for continued customer and franchisee growth.
The business has substantial whitespace for long-term unit growth. Jersey Mike's ended the quarter with 3,378 locations and maintains a domestic development pipeline of more than 1,600 stores, with more than 90% of that pipeline coming from existing franchisees. Management estimates that the U.S. market could eventually support roughly 7,500 locations and sees potential to reach approximately 15,000 stores globally. It gives the business a long runway for franchise-led revenue and royalty growth.
Digital engagement and transaction growth give Jersey Mike's more avenues to increase sales. Digital sales represented 43% of systemwide sales in the second quarter, up from 41% a year earlier. Same-store sales increased 2.3% mainly because customers placed more transactions. Jersey Mike's also had more than 12.5 million active MyMike's loyalty members in 2025. It provides the company with a large customer database that it can use to increase frequency and personalize marketing as it expands.
Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. (NYSE:JMKE) still faces a significant profitability challenge despite its revenue growth. Second-quarter revenue jumped 10% to $208 million. However, net income fell 37% to $37 million from $59 million a year earlier. Management attributed part of the decline to advertising-fund timing and higher interest expense. It shows that revenue growth has not yet translated into comparable bottom-line growth for shareholders.
#million #customer
Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. (NYSE:JMKE) is gaining customers while its brand remains a major competitive advantage. The firm added 83 stores in the second quarter. It grew its customer base and increased systemwide sales 10% to $1.21 billion. Jersey Mike's also earned the No. 1 ranking among U.S. quick-service restaurant brands in the 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index, surpassing Chick-fil-A after 11 consecutive years at the top. It gives the newly public company a strong foundation for continued customer and franchisee growth.
The business has substantial whitespace for long-term unit growth. Jersey Mike's ended the quarter with 3,378 locations and maintains a domestic development pipeline of more than 1,600 stores, with more than 90% of that pipeline coming from existing franchisees. Management estimates that the U.S. market could eventually support roughly 7,500 locations and sees potential to reach approximately 15,000 stores globally. It gives the business a long runway for franchise-led revenue and royalty growth.
Digital engagement and transaction growth give Jersey Mike's more avenues to increase sales. Digital sales represented 43% of systemwide sales in the second quarter, up from 41% a year earlier. Same-store sales increased 2.3% mainly because customers placed more transactions. Jersey Mike's also had more than 12.5 million active MyMike's loyalty members in 2025. It provides the company with a large customer database that it can use to increase frequency and personalize marketing as it expands.
Jersey Mike's Subs Inc. (NYSE:JMKE) still faces a significant profitability challenge despite its revenue growth. Second-quarter revenue jumped 10% to $208 million. However, net income fell 37% to $37 million from $59 million a year earlier. Management attributed part of the decline to advertising-fund timing and higher interest expense. It shows that revenue growth has not yet translated into comparable bottom-line growth for shareholders.
#million #customer
25 days ago
On September 4, 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported that Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' longtime chai latte devotees have turned against the company's reformulated recipe, introduced in March. It reduced sweetener and shifted from a pre-made concentrate to a new base with just two grams of sugar.
Customers have signed petitions, flooded Starbucks' corporate lines, and taken to Reddit and store review sites demanding the original formula back. Starbucks says the change gives customers more control over sweetness and has introduced new variations like Mango Cream Chai and Pumpkin Cream Chai.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' broader turnaround remains intact despite the backlash over its chai reformulation. Global comparable sales increased 7.9% in fiscal Q3, with comparable transactions rising 4.2%. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55-$2.65 from $2.25-$2.45. Stronger customer traffic and higher earnings give investors evidence that one unpopular menu change has not derailed the recovery.
The chai backlash appears concentrated among loyal customers of one product rather than across Starbucks' broader customer base. The business introduced the new chai formula as part of a personalization strategy. Customers can customize sweetness and other ingredients. If Starbucks keeps transaction growth across its wider menu, the business could improve its product economics without materially damaging overall customer demand.
Starbucks is improving profitability while it executes its turnaround. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded 430 basis points year over year to 14.4% in fiscal Q3, while North America revenue increased 7% to $7.4 billion. These results give investors evidence that the company can improve margins and sales even as it experiments with its menu and customer experience.
#customer
Customers have signed petitions, flooded Starbucks' corporate lines, and taken to Reddit and store review sites demanding the original formula back. Starbucks says the change gives customers more control over sweetness and has introduced new variations like Mango Cream Chai and Pumpkin Cream Chai.
Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' broader turnaround remains intact despite the backlash over its chai reformulation. Global comparable sales increased 7.9% in fiscal Q3, with comparable transactions rising 4.2%. The company raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS guidance to $2.55-$2.65 from $2.25-$2.45. Stronger customer traffic and higher earnings give investors evidence that one unpopular menu change has not derailed the recovery.
The chai backlash appears concentrated among loyal customers of one product rather than across Starbucks' broader customer base. The business introduced the new chai formula as part of a personalization strategy. Customers can customize sweetness and other ingredients. If Starbucks keeps transaction growth across its wider menu, the business could improve its product economics without materially damaging overall customer demand.
Starbucks is improving profitability while it executes its turnaround. Non-GAAP operating margin expanded 430 basis points year over year to 14.4% in fiscal Q3, while North America revenue increased 7% to $7.4 billion. These results give investors evidence that the company can improve margins and sales even as it experiments with its menu and customer experience.
#customer
25 days ago
On September 9, 2026, Reuters reported that CEO Brian Niccol's first two years as Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) CEO have succeeded in bringing customers back to the coffee chain. Comparable sales rose 7.9% in the fiscal third quarter for a fourth straight quarter of improvement, but his "Back to Starbucks" restructuring has raised costs and squeezed margins along the way. Global operating margin has fallen to 12.9% from 15.8% two years earlier. Niccol, who marks his second anniversary in the role, now faces pressure to convert the sales recovery into the sustainable profit growth investors are demanding.
Niccol's turnaround strategy has already restored customer momentum at Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The "Back to Starbucks" strategy reversed six consecutive quarters of declining comparable sales as the company focused on reducing wait times, simplifying menus, improving store ambiance, and increasing staffing. Starbucks has moved beyond the sales deterioration that preceded Niccol's tenure. It gives investors a stronger foundation for the next phase of the turnaround. If management can sustain traffic gains while improving productivity, the sales recovery could provide a path toward stronger earnings growth.
The China joint venture with Boyu Capital gives Starbucks a more capital-efficient way to participate in China's growth. Starbucks sold control of its China retail operations to Boyu. It retained a 40% stake and continues to own and license its brand and intellectual property. The structure reduces Starbucks' direct capital requirements while allowing it to retain economic exposure to the Chinese market. Reuters cited ****** ysts who said the arrangement leaves Starbucks well positioned to convert stronger organic sales growth into profit growth, which could support returns as the recovery progresses.
Starbucks now has an opportunity to turn its customer investments into margin expansion. The firm committed at least $500 million toward labor as part of the restructuring. Niccol prioritized staffing and store improvements to rebuild the customer experience. That spending helped help the sales recovery. But it also pushed global operating margins down to 12.9% from 15.8% over two years. With sales now improving, management can focus more heavily on productivity, cost control, and operating leverage. It creates an opportunity for stronger earnings if it can improve margins without damaging customer traffic.
Labor tensions could undermine Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' recovery and keep costs elevated. Starbucks has yet to reach a first contract with its U.S. barista union. The union called for a consumer boycott in August. Negotiations or labor actions could disrupt store operations, increase labor costs, and create reputational pressure just as Starbucks tries to improve profitability. Therefore, investors face a risk that labor issues could offset some of the productivity gains management needs to expand margins.
#
Niccol's turnaround strategy has already restored customer momentum at Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX). The "Back to Starbucks" strategy reversed six consecutive quarters of declining comparable sales as the company focused on reducing wait times, simplifying menus, improving store ambiance, and increasing staffing. Starbucks has moved beyond the sales deterioration that preceded Niccol's tenure. It gives investors a stronger foundation for the next phase of the turnaround. If management can sustain traffic gains while improving productivity, the sales recovery could provide a path toward stronger earnings growth.
The China joint venture with Boyu Capital gives Starbucks a more capital-efficient way to participate in China's growth. Starbucks sold control of its China retail operations to Boyu. It retained a 40% stake and continues to own and license its brand and intellectual property. The structure reduces Starbucks' direct capital requirements while allowing it to retain economic exposure to the Chinese market. Reuters cited ****** ysts who said the arrangement leaves Starbucks well positioned to convert stronger organic sales growth into profit growth, which could support returns as the recovery progresses.
Starbucks now has an opportunity to turn its customer investments into margin expansion. The firm committed at least $500 million toward labor as part of the restructuring. Niccol prioritized staffing and store improvements to rebuild the customer experience. That spending helped help the sales recovery. But it also pushed global operating margins down to 12.9% from 15.8% over two years. With sales now improving, management can focus more heavily on productivity, cost control, and operating leverage. It creates an opportunity for stronger earnings if it can improve margins without damaging customer traffic.
Labor tensions could undermine Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX)' recovery and keep costs elevated. Starbucks has yet to reach a first contract with its U.S. barista union. The union called for a consumer boycott in August. Negotiations or labor actions could disrupt store operations, increase labor costs, and create reputational pressure just as Starbucks tries to improve profitability. Therefore, investors face a risk that labor issues could offset some of the productivity gains management needs to expand margins.
#
25 days ago
Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRA) reported on September 15 that fiscal 2027 second-quarter revenue from continuing operations increased 1.1% to $71.6 million. For the quarter ended August 1, 2026, GAAP operating income from continuing operations reached $4.2 million, compared with a $4.6 million loss a year earlier.
However, gross profit included a $7.7 million tariff refund relating to prior-period imports. Subtracting that benefit from reported operating income, with all other items unchanged, produces an illustrative operating loss of approximately $3.5 million and an operating margin of negative 4.9%.
The quarter therefore shows improving customer demand alongside an earnings recovery that still depends heavily on refunds.
Direct-channel performance gives Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRA) tangible evidence of customer traction. Direct revenue increased 8.0% to $65.4 million, while comparable sales rose 9.2%. Management attributed the comparable-sales improvement to better e-commerce conversion and higher average transaction values across direct channels.
That combination matters because stronger conversion means more shoppers complete purchases, while larger transactions support revenue without requiring equivalent growth in customer traffic. Continued momentum could help spread store, distribution, and corporate costs across a larger sales base.
#bradley
However, gross profit included a $7.7 million tariff refund relating to prior-period imports. Subtracting that benefit from reported operating income, with all other items unchanged, produces an illustrative operating loss of approximately $3.5 million and an operating margin of negative 4.9%.
The quarter therefore shows improving customer demand alongside an earnings recovery that still depends heavily on refunds.
Direct-channel performance gives Vera Bradley, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRA) tangible evidence of customer traction. Direct revenue increased 8.0% to $65.4 million, while comparable sales rose 9.2%. Management attributed the comparable-sales improvement to better e-commerce conversion and higher average transaction values across direct channels.
That combination matters because stronger conversion means more shoppers complete purchases, while larger transactions support revenue without requiring equivalent growth in customer traffic. Continued momentum could help spread store, distribution, and corporate costs across a larger sales base.
#bradley
25 days ago
GOOG trades at a P/E of 14 versus META's 24, with Cloud revenue surging 82% while META's operating margins collapsed from 43% to 31%.
META's Reality Labs bleeds roughly $4B per quarter, 2026 capex is projected between $130B and $145B, and active litigation makes it a volatile aggressive-growth bet rather than a retirement hold.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Google didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat GOOG. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) just unleashed rival consumer AI agents (Google's family-focused CC, a shared agent supporting up to six family members, and Meta's single-user Muse, aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce), and the retirement-focused investor writing one check today needs a clear answer: which mega-cap deserves the slot?
Both stocks are pouring tens of billions into AI infrastructure. Both consumer AI agents (not just chatbots) are designed to take real actions on a user's behalf rather than only answering questions. However, CC is a family-oriented productivity and logistics agent tightly tied to the Google ecosystem. Muse is a more general-purpose personal agent aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce. They compete in the emerging "AI agent that actually does things" category, but target different use cases and user models.
#stocks #family
META's Reality Labs bleeds roughly $4B per quarter, 2026 capex is projected between $130B and $145B, and active litigation makes it a volatile aggressive-growth bet rather than a retirement hold.
Just released. Our ******* ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now, and Google didn't make the cut. Enter your email to see the names that beat GOOG. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) just unleashed rival consumer AI agents (Google's family-focused CC, a shared agent supporting up to six family members, and Meta's single-user Muse, aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce), and the retirement-focused investor writing one check today needs a clear answer: which mega-cap deserves the slot?
Both stocks are pouring tens of billions into AI infrastructure. Both consumer AI agents (not just chatbots) are designed to take real actions on a user's behalf rather than only answering questions. However, CC is a family-oriented productivity and logistics agent tightly tied to the Google ecosystem. Muse is a more general-purpose personal agent aiming for higher autonomy across a user's digital life, including commerce. They compete in the emerging "AI agent that actually does things" category, but target different use cases and user models.
#stocks #family
25 days ago
Interested in Apollo Global Management Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Apollo expects interest rates to remain higher for longer, while estimating only a 10%–20% chance of a recession over the next year. Consumer spending, inflation and AI infrastructure investment are supporting economic activity, though geopolitical and energy risks remain.
The firm views AI primarily as a large-scale financing opportunity, providing structured capital to investment-grade companies involved in digital infrastructure, energy, logistics and defense rather than betting on individual technology winners.
Apollo reported strong institutional fundraising, including a $12 billion first close for its Fund XI, and expects private-equity industry consolidation as smaller or overexpanded managers struggle to return capital. Its high-grade capital-solutions business has completed more than 200 transactions totaling roughly $150 billion.
Baggage Claim: Apollo's $7.7 Billion Bid to Acquire easyJet
#apollo #infrastructure #energy #grade
Apollo expects interest rates to remain higher for longer, while estimating only a 10%–20% chance of a recession over the next year. Consumer spending, inflation and AI infrastructure investment are supporting economic activity, though geopolitical and energy risks remain.
The firm views AI primarily as a large-scale financing opportunity, providing structured capital to investment-grade companies involved in digital infrastructure, energy, logistics and defense rather than betting on individual technology winners.
Apollo reported strong institutional fundraising, including a $12 billion first close for its Fund XI, and expects private-equity industry consolidation as smaller or overexpanded managers struggle to return capital. Its high-grade capital-solutions business has completed more than 200 transactions totaling roughly $150 billion.
Baggage Claim: Apollo's $7.7 Billion Bid to Acquire easyJet
#apollo #infrastructure #energy #grade
25 days ago
Affirm Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:AFRM) has underperformed the broader market year to date, but the tide is slowly turning. Robust growth in interest-bearing loans, a strategic partnership with Shopify in Australia, and accelerating volumes at Amazon provide multiple avenues for continued growth.
On September 12, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $115 from $106, citing improving underlying fundamentals. The hike follows the company's impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues surging 33% to $1.2 billion and operating income rising $89 million to $147 million.
The robust revenue growth came as the company continued to attract more business interest-bearing loans. Interest income rose 35% in the fourth quarter, in line with a 33% increase in average net loans held for investment partners. More importantly, 80% of Affirm's direct-to-consumer product loans carried interest at quarter-end, giving the company an increasingly meaningful source of recurring interest income.
The investment bank has also touted the growth opportunity around Affirm Card, which is helping the company expand its relationship with consumers beyond individual BNPL transactions. Active cardholders more than doubled to 5.2 million, resulting in a 124% increase in Card GMV to $2.8 billion.
Management has already hinted at continued upside momentum by estimating a massive increase in GMV to $64 billion in fiscal 2027 and an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%. Against this backdrop, Wolfe Research ****** yst Darrin Peller upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $90 price target. According to the ****** yst, Affirm Holdings is a winner in the point-of-sale financing ****** e.
#interest #billion #company
On September 12, Goldman Sachs raised its price target to $115 from $106, citing improving underlying fundamentals. The hike follows the company's impressive fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with revenues surging 33% to $1.2 billion and operating income rising $89 million to $147 million.
The robust revenue growth came as the company continued to attract more business interest-bearing loans. Interest income rose 35% in the fourth quarter, in line with a 33% increase in average net loans held for investment partners. More importantly, 80% of Affirm's direct-to-consumer product loans carried interest at quarter-end, giving the company an increasingly meaningful source of recurring interest income.
The investment bank has also touted the growth opportunity around Affirm Card, which is helping the company expand its relationship with consumers beyond individual BNPL transactions. Active cardholders more than doubled to 5.2 million, resulting in a 124% increase in Card GMV to $2.8 billion.
Management has already hinted at continued upside momentum by estimating a massive increase in GMV to $64 billion in fiscal 2027 and an adjusted operating margin of 30.5%. Against this backdrop, Wolfe Research ****** yst Darrin Peller upgraded the stock to Outperform with a $90 price target. According to the ****** yst, Affirm Holdings is a winner in the point-of-sale financing ****** e.
#interest #billion #company
25 days ago
Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is taking another step toward monetizing artificial intelligence beyond its core advertising business. On September 9, the company acquired AI startup Stilla.ai.
The acquisition will strengthen the company's agentic AI capabilities as it moves to capitalize on growing demand for AI agents that can handle business transactions. Plans are underway to integrate Stilla.ai's team and technology into Meta Business Agent, which already helps businesses interact with customers across various platforms.
Stilla.ai's technology could help Meta's Business Agent enable more sophisticated interactions between customers and AI agents across its messaging platforms. In the long term, customers could use AI agents to inquire about products, discuss pricing, and potentially complete purchases without leaving Meta's ecosystem.
Such capabilities could result in new monetization opportunities as the company faces increasing pressure to generate returns from its substantial artificial intelligence investments. Rather than relying exclusively on AI to improve advertising efficiency, Meta could use AI to facilitate transactions and capture value from the commercial activity taking place across its platforms.
The acquisition could help the company build an AI-driven commerce layer across its massive messaging ecosystem. The company has access to billions of users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, while millions of businesses already use its platforms to communicate with customers.
#customers #agents
The acquisition will strengthen the company's agentic AI capabilities as it moves to capitalize on growing demand for AI agents that can handle business transactions. Plans are underway to integrate Stilla.ai's team and technology into Meta Business Agent, which already helps businesses interact with customers across various platforms.
Stilla.ai's technology could help Meta's Business Agent enable more sophisticated interactions between customers and AI agents across its messaging platforms. In the long term, customers could use AI agents to inquire about products, discuss pricing, and potentially complete purchases without leaving Meta's ecosystem.
Such capabilities could result in new monetization opportunities as the company faces increasing pressure to generate returns from its substantial artificial intelligence investments. Rather than relying exclusively on AI to improve advertising efficiency, Meta could use AI to facilitate transactions and capture value from the commercial activity taking place across its platforms.
The acquisition could help the company build an AI-driven commerce layer across its massive messaging ecosystem. The company has access to billions of users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp, while millions of businesses already use its platforms to communicate with customers.
#customers #agents
26 days ago
A crypto whale appears to be shifting a large portion of its portfolio from Bitcoin into Ethereum.
According to blockchain ***** ytics platform Lookonchain, 11 newly created wallets suspected to belong to the same whale, sold 602 BTC and bought 18,780 ETH on Hyperliquid over the past three days. Both sides of the transactions were worth roughly $45.83 million, indicating a large-scale portfolio rebalancing.
At press time, Bitcoin was trading around $81,001, up nearly 5.5% over the past 24 hours, while Ether was around $2,594, gaining about 5%.
JPMorgan says one ***** et class could soon beat gold
Kevin O'Leary has a warning on Washington's tax plans
#whale #Portfolio #ethereum #lookonchain
According to blockchain ***** ytics platform Lookonchain, 11 newly created wallets suspected to belong to the same whale, sold 602 BTC and bought 18,780 ETH on Hyperliquid over the past three days. Both sides of the transactions were worth roughly $45.83 million, indicating a large-scale portfolio rebalancing.
At press time, Bitcoin was trading around $81,001, up nearly 5.5% over the past 24 hours, while Ether was around $2,594, gaining about 5%.
JPMorgan says one ***** et class could soon beat gold
Kevin O'Leary has a warning on Washington's tax plans
#whale #Portfolio #ethereum #lookonchain
26 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Two major news networks were denied access to the White House on Saturday morning, with reporters from CNN and MS NOW both going live to report they'd been barred following a ban imposed by President Donald Trump.
The actions escalated Trump's long-running efforts to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable, and is the latest test of First Amendment protections in the United States. Trump said Friday he would ban both organizations and also Politico, because of their coverage — which he called "fake news."
CNN issued a statement saying it stood behind its reporters. "We will not be deflected from our duty to hold the government and other public bodies to account," it said. The statement was shown on the air before senior White House reporter Betsy Klein began to report on her ban.
MS NOW also said in a statement that it stands behind its journalists.
"The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars," the network said in a statement Saturday. "MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy."
#reporters
The actions escalated Trump's long-running efforts to restrict news coverage by journalists he finds objectionable, and is the latest test of First Amendment protections in the United States. Trump said Friday he would ban both organizations and also Politico, because of their coverage — which he called "fake news."
CNN issued a statement saying it stood behind its reporters. "We will not be deflected from our duty to hold the government and other public bodies to account," it said. The statement was shown on the air before senior White House reporter Betsy Klein began to report on her ban.
MS NOW also said in a statement that it stands behind its journalists.
"The White House belongs to the American people and the decisions made inside are funded by our tax dollars," the network said in a statement Saturday. "MS NOW intends to take any and all steps necessary to defend our First Amendment rights and the essential role of independent journalism in our democracy."
#reporters
26 days ago
The big day that seemingly everyone had circled on their calendar for weeks, Sept. 16, lived up to the hype.
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and the 11 other voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) raised the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points to a new range of 3.75%-4.00%. The first interest rate hike since July 2023 wasn't well-received by Wall Street, with the time-tested Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES:^DJI) tumbling more than 1%, and the broad-based S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) and innovation-powered Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) edging lower.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
While Warsh's and the FOMC's actions are bound to raise questions and incite worry on Wall Street, nearly 36 years of history make clear what comes next for stocks.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and the FOMC just kicked off the first rate-hiking cycle in three years. Image source: Official Federal Reserve Photo.
#years #sept #chair
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and the 11 other voting members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) raised the federal funds target rate by 25 basis points to a new range of 3.75%-4.00%. The first interest rate hike since July 2023 wasn't well-received by Wall Street, with the time-tested Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES:^DJI) tumbling more than 1%, and the broad-based S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) and innovation-powered Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) edging lower.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
While Warsh's and the FOMC's actions are bound to raise questions and incite worry on Wall Street, nearly 36 years of history make clear what comes next for stocks.
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and the FOMC just kicked off the first rate-hiking cycle in three years. Image source: Official Federal Reserve Photo.
#years #sept #chair
26 days ago
Empress Royalty has signed a stream purchase agreement (SPA) for an interest in production from the Tongon Gold Mine in Côte d'Ivoire for an upfront cash payment of $62m (C$86.78m).
The agreement, made through its wholly owned subsidiary Empress Holdings, was reached with Appian Tongon Streamco.
In connection with the acquisition, Empress Holdings has also entered into a $75m senior secured credit facility with Appian Empire Loanco, providing an initial $55m draw at closing to partially fund the purchase, with a further $20m committed for future royalty and stream transactions.
According to the terms of the stream agreement, Empress Holdings will receive 3.58% of Tongon's payable gold output until 400,000 ****** ulative ounces have been delivered from 31 January 2026.
This percentage will then decrease to 2.93% until 600,000oz are delivered, and subsequently to 0.81% of gold production for the remainder of the stream's term, which is approximately 29 years from the acquisition date.
#Gold #production
The agreement, made through its wholly owned subsidiary Empress Holdings, was reached with Appian Tongon Streamco.
In connection with the acquisition, Empress Holdings has also entered into a $75m senior secured credit facility with Appian Empire Loanco, providing an initial $55m draw at closing to partially fund the purchase, with a further $20m committed for future royalty and stream transactions.
According to the terms of the stream agreement, Empress Holdings will receive 3.58% of Tongon's payable gold output until 400,000 ****** ulative ounces have been delivered from 31 January 2026.
This percentage will then decrease to 2.93% until 600,000oz are delivered, and subsequently to 0.81% of gold production for the remainder of the stream's term, which is approximately 29 years from the acquisition date.
#Gold #production
