United announced a plan to exit JFK International Airport in late October on Friday but vowed that the airline will return. JFK International Airport.Skyhobo/Getty Images United officially announces plans to suspend daily flights from NYC to the West Coast. The latest split should not have come as a surprise to JFK. United's done this before. United remains eager to 'return to JFK as soon as possible.' United Airlines broke up with New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport – again – after a short attempt at rekindling the relationship during the pandemic.The airline officially announced plans Friday to exit JFK in late October when service will be suspended on daily flights from New York to Los Angeles and San Francisco, according to an internal memo provided by the carrier to Insider."Given our current, too-small-to-be-competitive schedule out of JFK — coupled with the start of the winter season where more airlines will operate their slots as they resume JFK flying — United has made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend service at JFK," according to the United memo.The long-distance relationship between the carrier and the Queens airport has a long history. United pulled out of JFK in 2015 after many years of service, a move current CEO Scott Kirby has labeled a "mistake." The carrier returned in early 2021 – picking up slots from international carriers that weren't using them.United signaled on September 6 to New York's busiest airport that the carrier might suspend its four daily flights – two to LA and two to San Francisco. While United is saying farewell for now to JFK, the airline isn't abandoning New York City altogether. The airline remains eager to "return to JFK as soon as possible," according to the internal memo.Coast-to-coast flights will continue at United's hub at nearby Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. United's 100 JFK employees will be offered jobs at nearby airports, according to the carrier.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

A judge on Friday gave a victory to news outlets seeking to unseal additional records in a sweeping gender-discrimination lawsuit against Nike. A Nike logo at a store in San Francisco.SOPA Images / Contributor A judge ordered Nike to unseal additional records in a sweeping gender-discrimination lawsuit. The ruling is a victory for news outlets that challenged the protective order in April. The lawsuit, filed in 2018, alleges that women at Nike were "devalued and demeaned." A judge on Friday granted a victory to a group of news outlets seeking to unseal additional records in a sweeping gender-discrimination lawsuit against Nike.In a 15-page ruling, US Magistrate Judge Jolie A. Russo said Nike must release more information about its pay practices, including information about what the plaintiffs allege is a pay gap between male and female employees.Nike had tried to block the release of the information, arguing that attorneys for the plaintiffs derived the pay information from confidential employee compensation data and that the release would allow competitors insight into Nike's pay practices. Nike also disputed the accuracy of the calculation.Nike and the plaintiffs have 14 days to file written objections to the ruling. If the judge doesn't reverse the decision, Nike must refile unredacted documents with the court."The court finds that Nike's proffered reasons to seal are neither compelling nor, on balance, outweigh the public interest in disclosure," Russo wrote. "Defendant's alleged refusal to pay female employees fairly is a matter of public import and the subject matter of this litigation."The lawsuit, filed in 2018, alleges that women at Nike employees were "devalued and demeaned." It followed explosive reports in The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times in which sources described a "boys-club culture" at Nike.Since then, Nike has repeatedly said it has zero tolerance for discrimination. It's also updated numerous human-resources practices.The lawsuit, which awaits a ruling on a motion that seeks class certification, is proceeding under a protective order, a legal mechanism that can speed up complex lawsuits, including cases with a great deal of sensitive personal information.Insider, The Oregonian, and the Portland Business Journal challenged the protective order in April, arguing that more information about Nike's pay practices is in the public interest."We're pleased the court recognizes the strong public interest in this case," said Ellen Osoinach, a local legal initiative attorney in Oregon for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. "The released records will shed light on the extent of Nike's alleged pay inequities. However, public access to the remaining sealed and redacted records remains a priority."Russo also ruled against Nike's request to keep some information sealed regarding a 2018 internal pay-equity study."Defendant's mere desire to keep this information confidential is inadequate in this context, nor does it outweigh the public's interest in disclosure, especially in light of [Nike's] initial and widely-disseminated statements concerning the study," she wrote.Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The lead attorney for the plaintiffs, Laura Salerno Owens, said: "We agree with the court's ruling. In a class action impacting thousands of Oregonians, the public has a right to view the evidence. Nike should not be able to hide statistics evidencing Nike's discriminatory practices. Nor should Nike be able to hide that it stopped its promotion practice study, especially when it touted that study publicly. As the court noted, 'sunlight is the best disinfectant' — the only way to truly achieve justice is to have a transparent and open examination of Nike's treatment of women in the workplace."Last week, Salerno Owens told Insider that Nike employees had continued to contact her with discrimination claims.In her ruling, Russo criticized Nike's repeated attempts to seal documents, saying it had "erroneously designated certain redactions in its initial filing," which led to additional document submissions and a "tremendous expenditure" of court time.Russo also granted a motion by the publications to intervene in the lawsuit, essentially giving them a watchdog role in sealing or redacting documents."Courts routinely permit the press to intervene for the purpose of unsealing judicial records," Russo wrote, adding that the interests of the public and the press are "not necessarily represented in the litigation."Do you work at Nike or have insight to share? Contact the reporter Matthew Kish via the encrypted messaging app Signal (+1-971-319-3830) or email (mkish@insider.com). Check out Insider's source guide for other tips on sharing information securely.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Hans Kristensen, a nuclear expert at the Federation of American Scientists, said he's increasingly concerned that Vladimir Putin could go nuclear. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen set at Red Square as he addresses a rally and a concert marking the annexation of four regions of Ukraine Russian troops occupy - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, in central Moscow on September 30, 2022.ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images Nuclear expert Hans Kristensen said he's "extraordinarily concerned" Putin could use nukes in Ukraine. In an interview, Kristensen said he is alarmed by Putin's increasingly threatening rhetoric. Kristensen is director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists. In a speech on Friday, an increasingly unhinged Vladimir Putin, facing battlefield setbacks abroad and growing dissent at home, railed against what he portrayed as a hypocritical and gender-mad West — his address included a transphobic rant about sex-change operations and "outright Satanism" — as he announced the formal annexation of occupied eastern Ukraine, territory he said that Russia would defend with "all the means at our disposal."The Russian president is no stranger to colorful attacks on liberalism and, indeed, nuclear threats. Days after he ordered the Feb. 24 invasion, Putin tried to intimidate Ukraine's allies by announcing that he was putting his country's nuclear forces on a heightened state of alert and warning that those who continued supporting Ukrainian armed resistance would face "consequences they have never seen."But that threat was almost subtle compared to those made in the months since. Earlier this week, Putin warned that Russia's potential use of nuclear weapons was "not a bluff."Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia's security council and always eager to demonstrate his loyalty to Putin and his "special military operation," echoed the remarks days later, saying that Russia could use nuclear weapons in Ukraine — "without asking anyone's permission, without long consolations" — if it felt "the very existence of our state," now expanded to include the Donbas region, were threatened.NATO would not dare respond, Medvedev added, and risk a broader nuclear conflagration over "a dying Ukraine that no one needs."The rhetoric could be dismissed as simple tough-guy posturing from a country that's current at risk of losing a war of choice. But long-time observers are alarmed, with Russia's long-time reliance on nuclear blackmail to get its way now more explicit than ever. Putin, indeed, on Friday pointed to the United States' dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in World War II as "setting a precedent" for the use of nuclear arms in a conflict.Hans Kristensen is director of the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists who has been monitoring Russia's nuclear rhetoric. In an interview, he spoke to Insider about signs the US and others are looking for that might point to Putin pulling the trigger on a battlefield nuke — and why his latest speech is cause for alarm. Some questions and answers have been edited for brevity.Q. President Putin gave a speech just today marking the annexation of occupied eastern Ukraine. And in it he reiterated that he would use "all the means at our disposal" to defend Russian territory. Does that, to you, imply nuclear weapons? Did anything he say diverge from what we understand to be Russian nuclear doctrine? Anything alarming?A. Yeah, it confirms, what he said, earlier, last week, where he was more explicit. It's his style, if you will — he likes to rattle this sword and be very dramatic, but of course, the generic term, "all means at our disposal," could also mean many other things. It remains to be seen. I think the key here is that obviously he's trying to create a new condition, in Russian declaratory nuclear policy, where just someone upsetting the integrity of Russian territory somehow, potentially, is a recipient of a nuclear attack. And that goes beyond anything that is in the current declaratory policy. That certainly requires much more significant steps here. Obviously he's trying to create a situation where there's additional coercion — pressure — on Ukraine and the West to stop fighting and seek some kind of negotiated settlement here.Q. As you said, his rhetoric goes beyond Russian doctrine, which is, as I understand it, not so dissimilar to US doctrine: if there's an existential threat to the state, they might resort to nuclear weapons. So when you see Putin going a little bit more inflammatory, do you, as an expert, see that as just playing politics and — despite his protests that he isn't in fact bluffing — playing tough guy? Or do you think that does reflect a change in their doctrine?A. It reflects a change in the way that the president of Russia talks about this; whether it reflects an actual change in Russia's planning for these scenarios is another matter. Frankly, I think the Russian military is probably a little less excited about throwing nuclear weapons around because they know full well what the consequences of doing that will be.I think one could read it to sort of say this is what Putin does. This is his chest-thumping style — he likes to use big words to scare other people. But whether it's reflected in the actual planning they're doing is another matter and I think that'll take some time actually before we see that. But there are a number of steps they would have to take before they could use a tactical nuclear weapon in the Ukraine conflict. It's not like he has a red button on his desk and he could just press that when he feels like it. Q. I'm curious if there was anything that Putin could say that you would interpret as more alarming than just rhetoric? Whether there are kind of code words that, if you saw the introduction of them into Putin's speeches, you would take that as more than just posturing.A. Well, I thought I heard that. One of the lines in his speech was that the United States had already set a precedent for the use of nuclear weapons in war by referring to the use of nuclear weapons against Japan in World War II. I would say that's a new signal where he could begin to sort of argue, "We're not the first doing this, the Americans have already done this kind of stuff." And that could add another level of indicator that he's thinking about this in a new way.Q. Max Seddon, the Moscow bureau chief for the Financial Times, was commenting on this speech today and he was just saying, in general, it's the most blistering attack on the West as a whole that he's ever heard from Putin. And he said that, if he were a Western policymaker wondering if Putin would really use nuclear weapons, "I'd be very concerned."Do you share that concern or should we kind of take a step back and not get wrapped up in hysteria over nuclear weapons?A. No, I think we should be extraordinarily concerned. And I think that concern has to translate into very deliberate efforts to convince Putin and the Russian leadership that this would take the conflict to a whole new level. We've heard some statements from US officials, of course, that they've been trying to convey that for a long time and that urgency seems to have been deepened by Putin's latest speeches and his annexation of these territories into Russia.Q. As you probably saw, Dmitry Medvedev was basically saying that "the degenerate west" — they're not gonna want to get in a war of annihilation. That Ukraine doesn't matter, it's a failing state, if we use a tactical nuclear weapon, they're not going to risk the existence of London, Brussels, New York City over poor little Ukraine. How could the West respond to that, without laying all its cards out, to say that, "Well, no, we're not gonna tolerate that."A. Well, Medvedev might be right about that — that the West would not want to use nuclear weapons even if Putin used a nuclear weapon in Ukraine. The point is, the use of a nuclear weapon by Russia and Ukraine is not an attack on NATO. It is not an attack on the United States. Can NATO — can the United States — decide suddenly to attack Russia with nuclear weapons if they have not been attacked first? And that's a real tough issue and I don't think that is a likely outcome.I think the outcome is much more some intensifying of sanctions and diplomatic isolation, political isolation, maybe some cyber attacks, and in the most extreme form, probably some kind of military action. But again here, even that is hard to think about because, again, NATO has not been attacked. The United States has not been attacked. So can you start attacking Russia? That is a real hard dilemma here. So I think Medvedev, to some extent, is correct when he's saying that. Of course, the danger is that suppose Russia really thinks that it can just pop a nuke there — or several — and the West really is sort of armstrung; it can't really act, certainly not at the nuclear level.Q. I'm certainly not chomping at the bit myself to see a war between two nuclear-armed powers. But when you talk about things like sanctions and diplomatic isolation, it's hard not to roll one's eyes and be like, okay, so essentially what you are saying is that, "Yes, they could get away with using a nuclear weapon."A. One wildcard scenario you can imagine, of course, is that if he did do it that NATO would then — or the United States, more likely — would conduct strikes against Russian forces inside Ukraine. And that would be sort of, not quite be an attack on Russia — but of course it would be considered an attack on Russia because they are Russian forces — but it would be sort of at a half step, if you will. You could still say to the Russians, "We're doing this not to threaten Russia, as such, but to tell you that if you continue to do this then the next phase would be a lot more serious."Q. Just to get into the more nitty gritty here, when you used the term "tactical" nuclear weapon earlier, what is the difference between a tactical nuclear weapon and a non-tactical nuke?A. Well, tactical, or non-strategic — these are terms from the Cold War, where tactical to a large extent referred to battlefield weapons, where they were developed for wars involving nuclear weapons in a small region. Those were the type of scenarios that were very much at the center of planning during the Cold War and also because arms control treaties have looked at long-range strategic offensive forces, and never — except for the INF Treaty — looked at sort of medium- or shorter-range systems.Today, tactical nuclear weapons are essentially anything that's not covered by the strategic arms control treaties. It tends to generally just be shorter-range systems, most of which are also dual capable: they serve both conventional and nuclear roles. They tend to be shorter range, have a wider spectrum of explosive yield options, ranging all the way from one kiloton, perhaps even less, but certainly from one kiloton to tens of kilotons even up to 100, 150, 200 kilotons in some tactical systems.A Russian Tu-95 bear bomber and its escort fighter during an event in Russia.Photo by Elizaveta Becker/ullstein bild via Getty ImagesQ. When people talk about nuclear weapons, and the treaties that you're talking about that govern them, we tend to think about something that would trigger an existential war — the destruction of Earth as we know it — whereas these are to gain, to be obvious, a tactical advantage on the battlefield by hitting, say, a bunker that's deep underground. Or perhaps the reason Russia would be thinking about it is just simply the message that it would send, right?A. Yeah, I mean all of those missions could be accomplished with strategic weapons as well. It's more about what kind of attack are you doing. What's the intensity of the attack? And here the Russians, because of their geographic position. They're surrounded by potential adversaries in their near region, right? They have the Brits, they have the French, and of course NATO forces, and then they have the Chinese. So they need, in their military planning, they need sort of regional nuclear forces, to engage those adversaries in those regions.We could really think about them as strategic, because any use of a nuclear weapon would be strategic in nature. The "tactical" just comes in in the sense about the range of it and the intensity of the attack.The United States does not rely on tactical nuclear weapons as much as Russia does and that's partly because the United States doesn't have regions rights next to it where it has to fight nuclear wars. It used to have more tactical nuclear weapons when it had a lot of them deployed in Europe and in South Korea, but most of those were retired and pulled out after the Cold War. It has a few hundred nuclear tactical bombs left for fighter jets, and some of them are in Europe right now, but it's not something it relies heavily on for its nuclear war planning. So the US would choose instead, if it had to respond lightly — so like a small strike in response to something — they would rely more on strategic, for example, most prominently in that scenario, strategic bombers with either gravity bombs or long-range cruise missiles.Q. What would be the thinking behind using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine? Is it kind of a situation where the worse Russia is doing on the battlefield increases the likelihood that they would use a nuclear weapon to say, "Look, just back off, NATO, stop arming this force that we're considering a proxy army against Russia"? What would be the strategic thinking — getting into the Russian mindset — of potentially using a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine?A. Well, there could be several, or a combination of them. One, for example, could be to try to turn the the tide of the war — to try to knock out some Ukrainian forces or key military facilities that they need to sustain their offensive. That would be a real battlefield use, if you could say that, but that takes more than probably one weapon because you would have to hit a number of areas and a number of facilities to have a real impact on the battle, if you will. And that's also a little complicating because if you start detonating nuclear weapons in the area you potentially get radioactive fallout that you can't control — it could rain over your own troops as well, so it might not be an advantage to do that in the field.Before the Gulf War in 1991, the Pentagon did a study on whether the use of tactical nuclear weapons against Saddam Hussein's forces there in the desert was an option. But they discovered that they would have to use a large number of tactical nuclear weapons to have a real impact — a real effect — on those forces. "Tactical" nuclear use is not as necessarily as limited and benign as some people sometimes think.That's one option, battlefield interest. The other one is of course related, in terms of psychological effect, but it would be more sort of a more clean terror attack where they use it against, for example, Kyiv — or a couple of cities — just to break the Ukrainian will to resist. But that would also be considered a much more significant attack — much more significant use — because of the human casualties involved.That could backfire in another way, politically, by motivating the West go in much more directly, so they really have to be careful about how they think about this. I think the big problem is with people both inside the Russian system, but also in the public in general, if they think about tactical nuclear weapons as something small; something less severe or something almost okay. That's the big danger here — that to treat that as sort of something that is doable.Russian President Vladimir Putin (L), accompanied by Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian General Staff, oversees the 'Vostok-2022' military exercises at the Sergeevskyi training ground outside the city of Ussuriysk on the Russian Far East on September 6, 2022.MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty ImagesQ. There's been a lot of talk of concern among US officials that Russia could potentially use nuclear weapons, and the US has been at least talking about stepping up its surveillance of Russian forces. What exactly does that mean? What are the US and its allies looking for that would signal a potential use of a tactical nuclear weapon?A. Well, there are several steps that the Russians have to go through that they will be looking for. One has to do with the process of the decision itself. Putin would be involved in a conversation with his military leadership about this and they will have to agree. That's the most common theory about how the command decision will be made. It's not just that Putin has a red button on his desk. There are thought to be three people involved in this: Putin, the minister of defense, and the chief of the armed forces, and each of them has a vote. Presumably, if just one of them doesn't agree, then it can't happen. But it's very iffy if that is indeed the case. We don't quite know the details of this, but even if they make a decision, that decision has to be communicated down through the command and control system to the units that have to carry it out. That traffic is potentially detectable. And then you get to the units that are then activated. So for example, before you can even fire a tactical nuclear weapons system, you have to bring the warhead for it out of central storage. So that would be activity at the bunkers — the special units that are the custodial units and the security units, they would be activated. And then they would have to either transport it by truck or fly by helicopter out to the front line to the units that would actually have to launch it. And there you would have another team that would have to install it.So there are a number of these steps that would have to be sort of set in motion that would give away that something is happening. Whether the US is turning up its surveillance of this? I think it's been pretty busy surveilling this for a long time, actually. Satellite observations, both the visible spectrum of satellites, like normal images we can find on Google Earth, but also infrared and signal detection and then, of course, also intel. You see these spy planes that are flying along the borders all the time. They've been busy. They've been busy for a long, long time. This is a normal level of activity, I would say. And then there's spies on the ground. You have people in the system or maybe even out with some of the units that will relay information.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

"Bullet Train" is now available to purchase from digital retailers like Amazon Prime Video for $20. The action flicks stars Brad Pitt and Joey King. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Brad Pitt in "Bullet Train"Sony "Bullet Train" follows one unlucky assassin's latest mission on the world's fastest train. Brad Pitt stars alongside Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Bad Bunny. The film is now available to buy for $20 on Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu. You can now watch "Bullet Train" from the comfort of your couch. The film is available to buy on-demand for $20 from retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu. A funky, action-packed adventure based on a book written by Kotaro Isaka, "Bullet Train" follows an unlucky assassin as he takes an assignment on the fastest train in the world. The mission gets derailed as he runs into one lethal adversary after another, all coincidentally stuck on the same train. Egos and objectives collide, resulting in bloody, stylish, and fast-paced action. Check out the trailer for 'Bullet Train'"Bullet Train" stars Brad Pitt as Ladybug, the unlucky assassin, and the movie is directed by David Leitch. Leitch is best known for directing "Deadpool 2," "Atomic Blonde," "Hobbs & Shaw," and "Nobody," as well as co-directing "John Wick."How to watch 'Bullet Train'"Bullet Train" is now available to watch online through digital retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and Vudu. The movie currently costs $20 to buy in up to 4K quality. Once you buy the movie, you'll be able to stream it whenever you like. Keep in mind, however, that a cheaper rental option is expected to launch on October 18. New releases like this typically cost about $6 to rent, but you only get 30 days to start watching and then 48 hours to finish after you hit play.If you decide to purchase a digital copy of "Bullet Train," you may also want to consider a free Movies Anywhere membership. The service links your Amazon, Apple, Google, Vudu, and Microsoft accounts, allowing you to view compatible movies on every service. That means if you buy "Bullet Train" from Vudu, you'll be able to watch it on the Amazon Prime Video app for no extra cost. Who is in the movie 'Bullet Train'?"Bullet Train" features a star-studded cast, including Brad Pitt, Aaron-Taylor Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Logan Lerman, and Sandra Bullock. Notably, Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny also cameos. Is 'Bullet Train' a remake?"Bullet Train" is not a remake of the 1975 Japanese action film of the same name. The 2022 film is based on the book "Maria Beetle" by Kotaro Isaka. Is 'Bullet Train' worth watching?"Bullet Train" currently holds an underwhelming 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 314 reviews from critics. That said, the audience score is much higher at 76%. Though it's not critically acclaimed, the movie is likely still a worthwhile watch for lovers of action, or fans of the many big names starring in it. Despite issues with the story, reviewers did praise the film's exciting set pieces.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is going for the American League home run record. You can stream his remaining games on services like MLB.TV. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Aaron Judge tied the American League record for most home runs in a season on September 28.AP Photo/Steve Nesius New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge is one home run away from breaking the American League record. Judge tied Roger Maris' long-standing record of 61 home runs in a season on September 28. The Yankees have seven games left this season; you can watch matchups on YES Network and MLB.TV. The New York Yankees have already secured their place in the 2022 MLB Playoffs, but outfielder Aaron Judge is continuing his pursuit of the American League home run record set by Yankees legend Roger Maris in 1961. Judge tied Maris' mark of 61 home runs in a season on September 28, and the Yankees have seven games left as the regular season enters its final week.Judge is also in the chase to become the AL's first triple-crown winner in a decade; Miguel Cabrera was the last batter to lead the American League in home runs, batting average, and RBIs in 2012. Before Cabrera, no hitter had achieved the triple crown since 1967. Judge is also considered a favorite for the American League's most valuable player award, alongside Angels star Shohei Ohtani.Judge's next game against the Baltimore Orioles on September 30 will stream for free on MLB.TV, and will also be available via Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, and the YES Network. All of Judge's at-bats during the game will be streamed on MLB.com as well.The Yankees' home cable TV station, the YES Network, will carry all the remaining games in the teams local market, which includes New York and Connecticut, as well as parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For those outside the region, MLB.TV will stream all of the Yankees games; a subscription costs $30 but the free seven-day trial for new members will cover the rest of the regular season.Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees' remaining 2022 season scheduleMatchupTimeChannelBaltimore Orioles at New York YankeesSeptember 30, 7:05 p.m. ETMLB.TV, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, YES NetworkBaltimore Orioles at New York YankeesOctober 1, 1:05 p.m. ETYES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)Baltimore Orioles at New York YankeesOctober 2, 1:35 p.m. ETESPN+, YES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)New York Yankees at Texas RangersOctober 3, 7:05 p.m. ETYES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)New York Yankees at Texas RangersOctober 4, 2:05 p.m. ETYES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)New York Yankees at Texas RangersOctober 4, 8:05 p.m. ETYES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)New York Yankees at Texas RangersOctober 5, 4:05 p.m. ETESPN+, YES Network, MLB.TV (blackout restrictions apply)How to stream Aaron Judge's home run chaseThe easiest way to stream every moment of Aaron Judge's home run chase is to subscribe to MLB.tv. Judge's September 30 game will be free for all viewers, but it's unclear if the rest of the Yankees' regular season games will be free too.MLB.tv costs $30 but the free seven-day trial for new members will cover all of Judge's remaining games. Unfortunately, MLB.tv will black out Judge's games for fans in the Yankees' home market of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.Viewers within those states must subscribe to the YES Network via cable or another TV provider to watch Yankees games. If you don't have YES via cable, DirecTV Stream offers the YES Network with its $90 choice package; there's a five-day free trial period that will cover the remaining Yankees games from October 1 to October 5.Other streaming options include ESPN+, which will stream three of the Yankees' final seven games, including the season finale against the Texas Rangers on October 5. ESPN+ costs $10 a month or $100 per year.Amazon Prime Video will also air the Yankees game on September 30, the last of 21 pre-determined Yankees games that Prime Video chose to stream during the season. Prime Video costs $9 per month, but since the game is free on MLB.tv, we recommend watching there.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Six in 10 American adults think Congress is "out of touch" with climate change, an Insider/Morning Consult poll indicates. US Capitol in Washington, DC, framed by storm clouds in May 2021.Drew Angerer/Getty Images A majority of Americans believe Congress is "out of touch" with climate change, a new poll found.  Adults who strongly disapprove of President Joe Biden's job were most likely to think Congress is "out of touch." Adults who strongly approve of Biden's job were most likely to think Congress is "in touch" with climate change.  A majority of American adults think Congress is out of touch on climate change, a new Insider/Morning Consult poll found. About six out of 10 adults surveyed said they think Congress is "very out of touch" or "somewhat out of touch," according to the poll. !function(){"use strict";window.addEventListener("message",(function(e){if(void 0!==e.data["datawrapper-height"]){var t=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var a in e.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r=0;r.....»»

"We all know the old adage 'loose lips sink ships.' Even if it's a riff off a movie, it's still not appropriate," etiquette expert Diane Gottsman said. itsdanielmac/TikTok Apple exec Tony Blevins announced he is leaving the company after controversy from a viral TikTok video.  In the video, Blevins makes a joke about fondling women's breasts, which he said was a riff on the '80s movie "Arthur." Experts told Insider that regardless of the origins of the remarks, Apple did the right thing.  Apple's vice president of procurement Tony Blevins is claiming a crude joke that cost him his job was a reference to a 1981 film. But movie riff or not, experts told Insider that Apple was right to pursue an investigation into the exec's conduct, which ultimately led to his resignation. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Blevins is leaving the company, after sparking significant controversy for remarks he made in a viral TikTok video. In the clip — now viewed more than 1.4 million times — Blevins is asked what he does for a living. He responds: "I have rich cars, play golf and fondle big-breasted women, but I take weekends and major holidays off." Blevins said in a statement to Bloomberg that the remarks were a reference to a quote from the 1981 movie "Arthur," in which actor Dudley Moore in the titular role says, "I race cars, play tennis and fondle women, but I have weekends off and I am my own boss."The video was flagged to Apple's human resources team by multiple employees, leading to an internal investigation. Six direct reports and hundreds of employees were removed from Blevins' management, according to Bloomberg. "I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely apologize to anyone who was offended by my mistaken attempt at humor," Blevins told Bloomberg. Apple did not immediately respond to Insider's request to comment. Dudley Moore in "Arthur" in the scene Blevins claims he was referencing.Warner Bros.While some are saying the move is draconian given the exec was quoting a movie, three experts told Insider they believe Apple did the right thing by swiftly pursuing an investigation, and were unanimous that executives should avoid crass remarks.Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert and founder of the Protocol School of Texas, told Insider it is "never appropriate" to make such a comment, even if it's a play on a movie quote. "We all know the old adage 'loose lips sink ships,'" she said. "It's never appropriate to make a condescending comment. Even if it's a riff off a movie, it's still not appropriate — it's offensive, it's dismissive, and it's demeaning. And even when you are repeating something somebody else says, it still can potentially, and most often does, offend someone." She said while high ranking executives should be especially vigilant about such verbal slips, all employees should be mindful of their comments in professional and personal settings. "We should always think before we open our mouth - that pertains to all of us," she said. "It's common courtesy and common sense. We pay the consequences when we open our mouth without thinking."Michael Elkins, founder and partner at Fort Lauderdale-based law firm MLE Law, told Insider he believes Apple "did the right thing" and launching an investigation was "100% the right move." "They did exactly what any company should do," Elkins said. "Investigating potential claims or general employment issues is not 'conservative,' it's smart. Too many times employers don't investigate, and the failure to investigate results in considerable exposure."He said business leaders are expected to act with decorum, which means thinking twice before making or repeating offensive statements, noting Blevins' departure also could be indicative of underlying issues. "While you hate to see an employee lose their job over a sarcastic video, Blevins has to know better," he said. "Sarcasm doesn't always translate to the masses. He has to be aware of his position and role in literally the most recognized company in the world."He continued: "When you have that type of position, you give up the freedom to say and do what you want when you want. That may be harsh, but it is the reality." Lauren Winans, CEO of Next Level Benefits, an HR consulting firm, echoed Elkins, and told Insider she believes Apple "absolutely handled this the right way.""Anything short of this outcome would have been criticized as not doing enough," Winans told Insider. "After comments like this, particularly when they've gone viral, it will be virtually impossible to maintain respect and credibility as a leader.  Very few employees would have felt comfortable continuing to report to and work with a leader who is reckless with their words, even if the comments were a failed attempt at humor."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

For the third quarter, the S&P 500 gave up 6%, while the Nasdaq lost nearly 5%, and the Dow sank more than 7%. Spencer Platt/Getty US stocks fell Friday, closing out steep losses for the week, month, and third quarter. The Fed's preferred inflation gauge increased 4.9% in August from a year ago, up from 4.7% in July. For the third quarter, the S&P 500 gave up 6%, while the Nasdaq lost nearly 5%, and the Dow sank more than 7%. US stocks fell Friday as fresh inflation data pointed to more hawkish monetary policy, closing out steep losses for the week, month, and third quarter.The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge — the core personal consumption expenditures price index — increased 4.9% in August from a year ago, up from 4.7% in July and above forecasts. Markets have been selling off as central bankers reinforce their intent to keep policy tight until inflation cools sufficiently, while soaring bond yields have heightened turmoil across global markets, most recently in the UK.For the week, the S&P 500 and Dow lost 3%, and the Nasdaq dipped 0.3%. For the month of September, the S&P 500 and the Dow plunged more than 9%, and the Nasdaq tumbled 10%. For the third quarter, the S&P 500 gave up 6%, while the Nasdaq lost nearly 5%, and the Dow sank more than 7%. Here's where US indexes stood as the market closed at 4 p.m. ET on Friday: S&P 500: 3,585.65, down 1.51% Dow Jones Industrial Average: 28,725.51, down 1.71% (500.10 points)Nasdaq Composite: 10,575.62, down 1.51% Here's what else is going on today: A Chinese regulator told several investment banks, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs, to avoid publishing politically sensitive research ahead of the Communist Party's National Congress summit next month, according to the Wall Street Journal.Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel dismissed warnings of a "lost decade" in the stock market, predicting annualized returns of 6% net of inflation.Nike stock tumbled as much as 14% after the athletic gear giant reported an inventory spike and warned margins will be squeezed. The pound fell further against the dollar as emergency talks in the UK over new budget and tax cut proposals failed to calm markets.Long-time bull Ed Yardeni warned that aggressive Fed moves to sharply raise interest rates could crush asset prices further and spark a deep recession. In commodities, bonds, and crypto:Oil prices slipped, with West Texas Intermediate down 2% to $79.64 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, inched 0.7% lower to $87.90 a barrel.Gold ticked up 0.1% to $1,670.50 per ounce.The 10-year yield climbed 4.7 basis points to 3.794%.Bitcoin rose 1.6% to $19,712.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Ginni Thomas told the panel investigating the January 6 attack on the US Capitol that her husband is "uninterested in politics," CBS reported. Drew Angerer/Getty Images Ginni Thomas told January 6 investigators on Thursday that her husband was "unaware" of her texts with Mark Meadows. She blamed the committee for leaking the texts, calling the 2020 election a "Heist," to the news media. She said her husband learned of her texts after the leak while in the hospital, according to CBS. Virginia "Ginni" Thomas, the wife of Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, told the House panel investigating the January 6 insurrection that her husband didn't know she was texting former President Donald Trump's White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows about the 2020 presidential election."I know he was completely unaware of my texts with Mark Meadows until this committee leaked them to the press while he was in a hospital bed fighting an infection," Thomas said in an opening statement to the committee, according to CBS.The committee leading the probe into the attack on the US Capitol by Trump supporters, hoping to overturn the election, interviewed Ginni Thomas, a conservative activist, on Thursday after The Washington Post reported in March about her text messages with Meadows.Biden already had been declared president-elect on November 10 when Thomas texted Meadows: "Help This Great President stand firm, Mark!!!...You are the leader, with him, who is standing for America's constitutional governance at the precipice. The majority knows Biden and the Left is attempting the greatest Heist of our History."Thomas also emailed Arizona lawmakers days after the 2020 election, urging them to "do your constitutional duty" and appoint "a clean slate of Electors" for the state, the Post reported.During her voluntary meeting with the committee, she reiterated that she believes the election was stolen, according to CNN. She also described her husband as "uninterested in politics" and said she doesn't discuss her "day-to-day work" or who she is "calling, emailing, texting or meeting," CBS reported.She told the committee, according to CBS, that she didn't talk to her husband about legal challenges to the 2020 election, "as I was not involved with those challenges in any way." They do not speak about pending Supreme Court cases as "an iron clad rule," CBS reported, quoting a a source familiar with her appearance before the committee.In January, Clarence Thomas was the only Supreme Court justice to dissent when the High Court rejected Trump's bid to block the release of some presidential records to the January 6 committee.The committee postponed a hearing scheduled for September 28 because of Hurricane Ian in Florida and it has not released a new date.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Need some gifts ideas for the women in your life? No matter her style or your budget, we have you covered with 56 gifts for her. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Cider; East Olivia; AmazonWhen it comes to choosing her perfect gift, we're all wanting to go beyond the usual. Sure, you could never go wrong with flowers and a box of chocolates — it's the thought that counts, after all. But while there are countless gifts to choose from, we wanted to narrow down some unique ideas for every woman in your life, like a weather-proof jacket for outdoor enthusiasts and a makeup upgrade for part-time beauty gurus. Consider this your master guide for finding a gift she'll adore (and use again and again).The 57 best gifts for her in 2022A pair of TikTok-famous pillow slidesSally Kaplan/InsiderEQUICK Cloud Slides, available at Amazon, $16.99The TikTok hype may have died down since the popular "pillow slides" trend was at its peak, but these ultra-cushy sandals are still a great gift idea (especially if you're shopping last minute). They're available on Amazon in 10 colors and they cost less than $20. You can read our full review of the sandals here.A unique and luxurious robePrintfreshBagheera Robe, available at Printfresh, $158I know, I know, the joke is that women always get a robe, but Printfresh's robes actually feel unique, special, and luxurious. The prints range from whimsical to ornate and all of the robes are available in sizes small to 6X, making it easy to find a good fit for any body. The fabric is light and soft; perfect for lounging around.A necklace to honor her inner goddessAweGoddess Necklaces, available at Awe, from $87.99A jewelry brand beloved by celebrities, Awe is most well known for its goddess-inspired necklaces. You'll find necklaces honoring Greek, Norse, Celtic, and real-life "goddesses" like Joan of Arc, Hariett Tubman, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Each makes a stunning and thoughtful gift. Not sure of her inner goddess? Awe has a quiz to help you find out. A reusable eye mask from a buzzy brandAndrea Bossi/InsiderSkin Forever Eye Mask, available at Dieux, $25Dieux is the cool new beauty editor-founded skincare brand she's probably been coveting ever since it launched. These reusable eye mask patches are a brilliant gift idea because they'll help her get more out of her skincare products without you having to figure out what kinds of formulas she needs. She can add her own serum or under-eye cream to the patches and adhere them to her skin to improve absorption, then rinse and reuse day after day. Just make sure she doesn't have a silicon allergy before you purchase these.A bottle of quick-drying nail polishUltaEssie Expressie Nail Polish, available at Ulta, Amazon, and Target, from $8.17Anyone who paints their nails knows the frustration of waiting for the polish to dry and inevitably smudging it anyway. She'll never have that problem again with a gift of a few Essie Expressive colors. The polish dries in under five minutes — I've painted my nails moments before leaving the house and had a flawless finish.A set of bespoke non-alcoholic spiritsSeedlipSeedlip Non-Alcoholic Spirits Set, available at Amazon and Seedlip, $89Seedlip makes non-alcoholic spirits that can be mixed into mocktails or even added to real cocktails. This set comes with three bottles that each have a different flavor profile (herbal, citrus, and spiced), allowing her to explore her tastes and preferences. We even spoke with bartenders about their favorite non-alcoholic spirits and Seedlip was one of the most popular recommendations.A bag to rep their favorite childhood dollAmerican GirlAmerican Girl x Stoney Clover collection, available at American Girl, from $59If they grew up with American Girl dolls, bring back some of the magic with these pouches from Stoney Clover that rep their favorite OG American Girl. Whether they're a Samantha or a Molly, you'll find a pouch that honors each doll's signature print. They make great makeup or accessory storage, and are sure to surprise and delight your giftee. If American Girl wasn't really their thing, Stoney Clover also has collabs with Star Wars and Disney.A pair of classic pearl earringsMejuriOrganic Pearl Hoops, available at Mejuri, $78If jewelry is her thing, you can't go wrong with a cute pair of pearl drop earrings. They're easy to dress up or down, always on-trend, and the gold vermeil won't turn her ears green.A cozy fleece made from sustainable fabricPatagoniaPatagonia Los Gatos Fleece 1/4-Zip, available at Patagonia, Backcountry, and Dick's Sporting Goods, from $35.96Sometimes the most thoughtful gift is one that aligns with her values. If she cares about sustainability, look no further than Patagonia. The Los Gatos fleece is a classic, cozy sweater that's great for days on the trail or just lounging around and running errands.A sampler of the internet's favorite olive oilBrightlandMini Essentials Olive Oil and Vinegar Set, available at Brightland, $70Brightland's beautifully packaged olive oil was practically made for gift-giving, which is why the brand launched these thoughtful sets that give recipients the chance to try their most popular products. If she loves to cook or entertain, we can't recommend this gift enough. We've tested Brightland's olive oils before and found them to be best when drizzled as a finishing oil or served straight up with bread.A bouquet of whimsical forever floralsEast OliviaForever Florals, available at East Olivia, from $60Flowers are a classic gift, but these colorful bouquets of dried blooms from East Olivia last year after year — a gift that keeps giving. We named East Olivia the best flower delivery service for dried bouquets in our buying guide, and our testing bouquet is still going strong two years in. Each arrangement comes with its own matching vase.A set of self-watering globesAmazonKiKiHeim Plant Watering Globes (2-pack), available at Amazon, $17.99Does she have a green thumb, or at least wish she did? These self-watering glass globes are a fun addition to her indoor or outdoor garden that will make watering her plants less of a chore. All she needs to do is fill the globes when the water is running low, and they'll take care of dispensing water into the soil as hydration is needed.A beautiful leather toteCuyanaTall Easy Tote, available at Cuyana, $248A good tote bag that will last you a lifetime is a gift in and of itself. Cuyana designs all of its bags to remain timeless and usable for decades to come, and this tote bag is a perfect example. It has just one small internal pocket and the rest is just a big open abyss, which means it's usable as a work bag but also as a gym or travel bag where she may need to shove an endless amount of things in there Mary Poppins style. You can also opt for Cuyana's The System line of totes, which is slightly more customizable by allowing you to add inserts and straps for personalized internal organization.A colorful keyboardAmazonLogitech POP Keys Mechanical Wireless Keyboard, available at Amazon, Best Buy, and Logitech, from $89.67It's hard to find a great keyboard that is also attractive, but Logitech's POP series manages both. Currently available in three colors, this keyboard will add some personality to her workspace, and since it's mechanical, each keystroke will give a satisfying "clack." She can also customize the keys to automatically type her favorite emoji, and there's a matching mouse available.An Apple Airtag for finding all her thingsLisa Eadicicco/InsiderApple AirTag, available at Amazon, Target, and Apple, from $28.99If your giftee is always looking for their wallet or keys, an Airtag can cut down on the time they spend hunting for their things this year. Each tag is equipped with location tracking so they can quickly check the status on their items from a phone or computer. If your giftee is an avid traveler, they also come in handy for tracking luggage.A dupe for Princess Di's famous sweaterCiderCount Sheep Stripe Sweater, available at Cider, $36Princess Diana made Rowing Blazers' Black Sheep Sweater famous. If your giftee is an anglophile, they'll delight in this inexpensive dupe for Di's pricey jumper. If sheep aren't quite their style, Cider makes a number of other whimsical and inexpensive sweaters. You can check out our review of Cider here.An emergency bracelet for all their outdoor adventuresLauren Savoie/InsiderAtomic Bear Paracord Bracelet (2 Pack), available at Amazon, $10.99For the person who loves to hike or camp, this paracord survival bracelet makes a great add-on gift. It's just $11 for a pack of two, and each bracelet comes with a fire starter, compass, whistle, and 12 feet of paracord, so she'll feel secure knowing she has the tools to stay safe in case of an outdoor emergency. If you're curious about how they work, one of our editors breaks it down in a review of the bracelets here.Subtly colorful wine glassesAnthropologieWaterfall Stemless Wine Glasses (4-pack), available at Anthropologie, $56Wine aficionados may snub stemless glasses, but we still love this set from Anthropologie. The design is subtle enough to fit every table setting, with sheer color at the bottom and a gold rim on top. And if she's looking to upgrade her entire glassware collection, we found 18 other sets that are as striking as they are functional.A bong that doubles as a piece of decorSummerlandChongo Bong, available at Summerland, $250If their goal is to get high, you can get them any old bong. But if their goal is to get high with a bong that doubles as an artistic statement, you get them Summerland's Chongo bong. This glazed ceramic water pipe is made by hand, with no two being exactly the same. It packs a generous volume of smoke and hits really well, and pretty enough to be a flower case if need be.A 24-pack of sheet masksAmazonDERMAL Sheet Mask (24-pack), available at Amazon, $14.99For anyone who could use a little more "me time," this extra large pack of Korean face masks will buy them hours worth of relaxation. Gift the entire pack to one person, or split it up to stuff multiple stockings. If you want to go even bigger, a 39-pack is available for just a few dollars more.A set of packing cubes for this year's travelsAwayThe Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 4), available at Away, $45A set of these cubes makes packing for any trip more manageable. The cubes compress items so she can cram more into her suitcase, and they keep everything organized so she doesn't have to unpack her whole bag to find that one shirt. While they may seem like a simple accessory, our reporter says they've completely changed the way she travels.A jigsaw puzzle that does a magic trick when you complete itLauren Savoie/InsiderThe Mystic Maze by Magic Puzzle Company, available at Amazon, $19.99Who doesn't love a good jigsaw puzzle? This one features a whimsical scene, uniquely-shaped pieces, and a surprise ending — when you complete the puzzle, you open a final set of instructions that transforms the scene. We won't spoil the ending, but if you want to learn more, we reviewed the puzzle here.The lite version of the all-popular Nintendo SwitchAmazonNintendo Switch Lite, available at Amazon, Target and Walmart, from $199If your girl is into gaming on the down low, a Nintendo Switch Lite is a great place to start. Portable, handheld, and compatible with all physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, this console is a gateway to cozy evenings playing "Animal Crossing" or energetic "Super Smash Brothers" matches.An upgrade to her daily makeup essentialsGlossierThe Make Up Set, available at Glossier, $44 Say hello to Boy Brow, Cloud Paint, and Lash Slick: Her new go-to makeup essentials designed to groom and gloss. This bare minimum makeup set by Gen Z-approved Glossier boasts easy-to-wear makeup essentials that aims to channel her inner beauty.A personalized lip balmAmazonWinky Lux Rainbow Balm, available at Amazon, Target and Ulta, $18 Winky Lux has truly outdone itself with this unique PH-inspired lip stain. This balm reflects her personal version of a universally flattering cherry pink shade and refreshing pineapple flavor. Bonus points: This fun gloss ditches parabens for nourishing, cruelty-free Vitamin E and jojoba oil.A pair of timeless floral earringsUncommon GoodsBirth Flower Earrings, available at Uncommon Goods, $38Beyond the usual birthstone adornments, each pair of these handmade, symbolic birth month flower earrings carries a unique meaning of their own. Specially crafted from a silver-plated pewter setting, lacquer and a real petal, stem, and leaf forever preserved by a coat resin, these earrings can be dressed up or down and will probably never be taken off.A lingerie subscriptionAdore MeAdore Me subscription, available at AdoreMe, $19.95–$59.95 per set Whether she's looking for comfortable day wear or sexy date night sets, this home try-on lingerie box is personalized to her unique style. As the #1 lingerie box on the market, AdoreMe's Elite Box includes 4-7 personalized styles in inclusive sizes. She can keep what she loves and return the rest — no stress required!This single-serve blenderAmazonNutribullet Single Serve Blender, available at Amazon, Target and Walmart, from $62For fitness gurus and smoothie fanatics alike, this sleek blender is the perfect addition to her kitchen-workout routine. The 600-watt motor and refined nutrient extraction blades make sure that every blend is packed with as much protein as possible with the least amount of effort, making her trip to the gym that much easier.A box set of a best-selling fantasy romance seriesAmazon"A Court of Thorns and Roses" Box Set, available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million, from $59.99 If she adores everything fantasy and has a affection for (a lot) of romance, this #1 New York Times bestselling fantasy romance series by Sarah J. Maas will be a true page-turner. Invite her to follow the epic journey of Feyre Archeron in a world of High Fae, monsters and magic — with more books on the way!A pretty personalized journalPapierWildflower Notebook, available at Papier, $30 For writers, journalers, and doodlers, this customized notebook is a gateway to grand ideas and limitless inspo. Add a personal touch to the elegant hardback, floral cover by including her pen name, alter ego, or favorite inspirational quote.This multi-functional outdoor jacketREIFjallraven Stina Jacket, available at REI, Amazon and Backcountry, from $139.93If they love nothing more than a solid hike or simply enjoy spending time outdoors, this durable Fjallraven Stina Jacket is perfect for everyday comfort and protection from the elements. Equipped with a fixed hood, an adjustable fit, a two-way storm flap and more, this jacket is sure to be their favorite, hands down.A little box of cute trinketsGreetablGreetabl Custom Gift Box, available at Greetabl, from $15Customize a little box for her full of cute trinkets and sweet messages. Pick the print of the box, what little gifts you'd like to put inside, then fill in your own message and pictures you want to be included. It's a small but sweet gift that works for just about anything.Read our full review here.A set of great makeup bagsLeatherologyLeatherology Clamshell Makeup Bag Set, available at Leatherology, $95Every woman needs a nice bag to hold her makeup and toiletries, whether for traveling or keeping on her dresser. This leather set comes with two sizes, one smaller and one larger, and can even be monogrammed if you want to make this gift for her even more special.A dainty jewelry holderCatbirdCatbird Swan Ring Holder, available at Catbird, $32A jewelry holder is always a good gift idea for any woman who wants to organize their jewelry. This pretty little swan will look great on her nightstand or dresser. It's a small, but beautiful piece of decor, and super practical in that it can hold rings, necklaces, and more.A stylish and comfortable pair of shoesAllbirdsAllbirds Wool Runners, available at Allbirds, $110Popular shoe startup Allbirds is equal parts cool and comfortable. You can't go wrong with any of its styles, but if she's already got a pair of the original Wool Runners, try the Wool Runners Mizzle or Tree Runners, both styles that we love around here at Insider Reviews. Read our full reviews of the Wool Runners, Wool Runner Mizzles, and Tree Runners here.A high-tech water bottle that sanitizes itselfAmazonLARQ PureVis Self-Cleaning Water Bottle, available at Amazon and Williams Sonoma, from $99In addition to keeping drinks cool, the LARQ water bottle offers peace of mind with its award-winning, self-cleaning design. With the press of a button, the cap uses UV-C LED technology to neutralize bacteria in 60 seconds. The bottle also activates itself every two hours to keep water fresh and interior surfaces clean. A succulent that'll spruce up her desk spaceLula's GardenLula's Garden Bliss Garden, available at Lula's Garden, $30If her workspace could use a little pick-me-up, this succulent is just the trick. It comes ready to gift in a bow-topped box and lasts much longer than a bouquet of flowers. Plus, each purchase supports Water.org, which helps provide access to clean, safe water around the world.Virtual cooking classes for the aspiring chefSur la TableSur La Table Online Cooking Classes, available at Sur La Table, starting at $29 per householdGifting a full experience to the women in your life is perhaps one of the best ways to spend time with them. Led by expert chefs, these virtual cooking classes will have her running around the kitchen and having fun all at once. The lessons last for 90 to 120 minutes and cover tons of dishes and beverages.A cold brew coffee maker for her morningsAmazonOXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker, available at Williams Sonoma, $51.95If she always craves cold brew, give her the tools to make it herself from the comfort of her own kitchen. This device is super easy to use and can make a cup that rivals the cold brew from the coffee shop since she can use her favorite grounds.A really good mug she can take camping or into the officeYetiYeti Rambler 14 oz. Mug, available at Yeti and Backcountry, from $30With a vacuum-insulated interior and secure top, this mug works for just about any occasion. Whether she wants to tote her hot oatmeal to the office or enjoy some chili while camping, this is what she'll want to use. A calming weighted blanketCasperCasper Weighted Blanket, available at Casper, from $99Weighted blankets are filled with pounds of microbeads that provide constant pressure. The result is a hug-like sensation that soothes, relieves anxiety and stress, and makes going to bed super comfortable. Cups of healthy food she can take on the goDaily HarvestDaily Harvest 9-Cup Gift Box, available at Daily Harvest, $75If she's always trying to find new ways to prioritize health into her busy schedule, help her out with some Daily Harvest cups. You can prepay for nine cups, which she can redeem and pick out herself. She can choose from smoothies, oat bowls, soups, and other bowls of healthy food that are super easy to take on the go. A piece of cast iron cookware she'll use to make all of her favorite dishesLe CreusetLe Creuset Cast Iron Braiser, available at Le Creuset, Amazon and Wayfair, from $290Unlike most cooking tools, a cast iron pan actually gets better with time. This braiser from Le Creuset is loved by Insider Reviews editors, comes in a bunch of different colors, and is the perfect size for the kinds of one-pot, saucy pasta dishes we make all the time.It's wide enough and deep enough that she won't have to worry about adding too much liquid and having the contents spill over the sides. It's also great for cooking meats and veggies since there's plenty of surface area, so everything has room to get nice and crispy.Read our full review here.A sleek, leather AirPod case with her initialsThe Daily EditedSaffiano AirPod Case, available at The Daily Edited, $40The tech guru in your life will enjoy having a sophisticated home for her AirPods. You can customize everything from the font, text, and font size to the font color, text position, and greeting card. There's an array of neutral colors for the AirPods and AirPods Pro available in either pebbled leather or saffiano leather.The latest Apple AirPodsAmazon3rd Generation Apple AirPods, available at Amazon, Best Buy and Apple, from $169Speaking of AirPods, Apple recently dropped the 3rd generation of its popular wireless earbuds. The latest version includes a more compact design, longer battery life, and spatial audio that delivers a 3D listening experience. Plus, the earbuds will easily and instantly connect to all of her Apple products.A Polaroid camera for instant snapshotsFujifilmFujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera, available at Amazon and Urban Outfitters, from $73.50In a world where most of our pictures stay on our smartphones, having an instant camera makes snapping life's everyday moments a little more exciting. Waiting for pictures to develop is always exciting, but what she'll love even more is actually getting to hold onto them.A small smart speakerGoogleGoogle Home Mini (2nd Generation), available at Walmart, Target and Best Buy, from $43.95This little Google Assistant speaker is loaded with smart features. She can play music, check the weather, and control the rest of her smart home system with just her voice. A Kindle so she can read literally anything, anywhereAmazonAmazon Kindle Paperwhite, available at Amazon and Best Buy, from $139.99While there's no denying that flipping through real, paper pages is a great feeling, an ebook reader is a great option for travelers and commuters (when it's time to do these things again). She can access her entire library of ebooks on this thing, which makes it easy to always dive into a new book. We're partial to Amazon's Kindle Paperwhite with its glare-free display and waterproofing, which allows you to read literally anywhere.Read our full review here.A powerful wireless speakerBest BuySonos One (Gen 2), available at Best Buy, $219.99Sleek and minimal, the Sonos One won't overwhelm or distract from her existing decor. It can play music and podcasts via Bluetooth so there won't be unsightly cords to deal with either.An easy-to-use painting setUncommon GoodsSpringtime Paint-by-Number Kit, available at Uncommon Goods, $35Painting isn't only for those who do art on the regular. This kit is a straightforward gift for any woman, regardless of experience level. Creating her work of art will take between three and five hours, but she'll end up with a frame-worthy masterpiece.A yoga mat for the fitness enthusiastMandukaProLite Yoga Mat, available at Manduka and Backcountry, from $99For the one who doubles as a yogi, this mat has just the right amount of padding, is made of eco-friendly materials, and has a no-slip grip texture. It's a top pick, even earning a spot as the best overall in our guide to the best yoga mats.A year-long MasterClass membership to learn new thingsMasterClassAnnual Membership, available at MasterClass, from $180/yearMasterClass, unlike many competitors, follows a format that feels like a one-sided conversation with your favorite icons rather than a traditional academic setting. It's interesting, and you can go as deep (into reading materials) or shallow (listening to their insight while running errands) as you like to. An Unlimited Membership gives them access to all the site's classes for the year.The site hosts classes taught by well-known celebrities and industry leaders — from Neil deGrasse Tyson teaching Scientific Thinking and Communication to Malcolm Gladwell on Writing, Shonda Rhimes on Writing for Television, and Bob Iger on Business Strategy and Leadership.Read our full review here.A sleek suitcase that'll be her travel go-toParavelParavel Aviator Carry-On, available at Paravel, from $350If she's trying to live a more sustainable life, try this carry-on spinner from Paravel. The hard polycarbonate exterior, interior lining, aluminum handle, and zippers are all made with recycled materials, and the sleek detailing on the body is made with vegan leather. It's a gorgeous and thoughtful gift that she'll love using when it's time to travel again.A cult-favorite candleNordstromDiptyque Baies Candle, available at Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom, from $40Gifting candles is an art and Diptyque is one that works every time. She'll swoon over the chic French aesthetic and the aromatic blend of rose petals and blackcurrant leaves. The brand is even mentioned in our guide to the best candle brands. A luxurious box of trufflesGoldbellyVosges Haut-Chocolat Exotic Truffle Collection - 32 Pieces, available at Goldbelly, $99.95Take her all around the world with this set of truffles. Each flavor is inspired by global flavors, with ones like Dulce de Leche, Balsamico, and Sveta Sofia. It doesn't get any better than a box of chocolates when it comes to gifts for the women in your life. Read our full review of Goldbelly here.A cute and challenging puzzleAnthropologieFull Moon Puzzle, available at Anthropologie, $24.95A puzzle is a fun way to pass the time and putting together this 500-piece one, with its gradient pattern, will definitely be a challenge. The whimsical design will look nice splayed out on any table. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The fourth film in the "After" series is now available to rent or buy online. "After Ever Happy" is also expected to hit Netflix in the coming months. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.Hero Fiennes Tiffin and Josephine Langford in "After Ever Happy."Voltage Pictures "After Ever Happy" is now available to rent ($20) or buy ($25) from digital retailers like Amazon.  The romance movie is based on the fourth book in the "After" series by author Anna Todd.  You can also purchase physical copies of the film on Blu-ray and DVD. "After Ever Happy" is now available to watch at home. You can rent or buy the fourth movie in the "After" film series digitally through streaming retailers like Amazon and Vudu for a starting price of $20. "After Ever Happy" continues the story of lovers Tessa Young and Hardin Scott. The couple find themselves at a crossroads when a shocking revelation about their families comes to light. As the relationship evolves, it becomes clear to Tessa and Hardin that they're no longer the people they were when they first met.Check out the trailer for 'After Ever Happy'Josephine Langford and Hero Fiennes Tiffin reprise their roles as the movie's central love-stricken sweethearts. The two are joined by Carter Jenkins, Arielle Kebbel, Chance Perdomo, Mira Sorvino, Kiana Madeira, Stephen Moyer, and Louise Lombard.  "After Ever Happy" was released in other regions before coming to US theaters for a special two-night screening in early September. Where to watch 'After Ever Happy'"After Every Happy" is now available to watch online through digital retailers like Amazon and Vudu. It costs $20 to rent or $25 to buy the movie in up to 4K quality.After purchasing "After Ever Happy," you'll be able to stream it whenever you want with no restrictions. If renting the film, you get 30 days to start watching and 48 hours to finish it after you press play.Digital retailer apps are available on most connected devices, like smart TVs, smartphones, media players, gaming consoles, and internet browsers. Check the website of the digital service you choose to ensure your device is supported by its app.Is 'After Ever Happy' on Netflix?Netflix has not yet confirmed a streaming release date for "After Ever Happy" but the movie is expected to hit the service at some point in the future. If the new film follows a similar release pattern as the previous entry in the "After" series, "After We Fell," it will likely become available on Netflix in January 2023. You can still watch the first three movies in the "After" series at home on Netflix. But hurry, "After," the first film in the franchise, is leaving Netflix on October 9. Is 'After Ever Happy' available on Blu-ray?You can purchase a physical copy of "After Every Happy" on Blu-ray and DVD from Amazon. However, a 4K Blu-ray is not available, so the only way to watch the film in 4K is to rent or buy a digital version.Is 'After Ever Happy' based on a book?"After Every Happy" is based on the fourth book in the "After" novel series created by author Anna Todd. Each of the movies is based on the corresponding novel of the same name. The fifth book, "Before," does not have a film adaptation yet. "After" began as a story on Wattpad before becoming a novel and movie franchise.What other movies are part of the 'After' series?There are four movies in the "After" franchise as of September 2022."After" "After We Collided""After We Fell""After Ever Happy"The first three "After" films are available to stream on Netflix right now.Will there be a sequel to 'After Ever Happy'?Yes, there will be another movie in the "After" series titled "After Everything." Hero Fiennes Tiffin revealed the news on the franchise's official Instagram page. Since the novel series concludes with a prequel called "Before," the last film will be the only installment not based on the books. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Putin sees this moment as one of "civilizational conflict with the West," a former senior intelligence officer told Insider. Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen on a screen set at Red Square as he addresses a rally and a concert marking the annexation of four regions of Ukraine Russian troops occupy - Lugansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, in central Moscow on September 30, 2022.ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images Putin's annexation of four regions of Ukraine raises the risk of a nuclear weapon being used in the long-term, experts warn. "Russia is committing to an escalation," one Russia expert told Insider.  Putin sees this moment as one of "civilizational conflict with the West," a former senior intelligence officer told Insider. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of four Ukrainian regions into Russia on Friday in a bombastic speech filled with anti-Western rhetoric, nuclear threats, and historical revisionism. He also warned that Russia "will defend our land with all the powers and means at our disposal."Russia watchers and military experts told Insider that these aggressive moves and statements show Putin is "losing" in Ukraine and wants the US and its NATO allies to "back off." They warn that Putin has effectively eliminated the possibility of negotiations and stressed that these annexations raise the risk of nuclear weapons being used in the long-term. Putin sees this moment as one of "civilizational conflict with the West," and he made this clear in his speech, Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former senior intelligence officer who led strategic analysis on Russia for the National Intelligence Council from 2015 to 2018, told Insider. The Russian president is "raising the stakes in so many different ways," said Kendall-Taylor, now the director of the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.During his speech, Putin said that use of nuclear weaponry by the US against Japan during World War II set a "precedent."That Putin went out of his way to make such a point is "extremely unnerving," Kendall-Taylor said, adding that it almost seems as if the Russian leader is "talking himself into it and looking for ways to justify his potential use of a nuclear weapon if he needs to do so at a later date."The risks of Putin employing a nuclear weapon in the immediate future are "still low," she said, but she emphasized that the annexation "increased those risks.""I do worry now that as the Ukrainians reclaim territory that Russia has now annexed and that [Putin] claims as Russian, given that he now is so personally invested in this, that the risk of his use of a tactical nuke on the battlefield in Ukraine has gone up," Kendall-Taylor said.'Committing to an escalation'The Moscow-appointed heads of Kherson region Vladimir Saldo and Zaporizhzhia region Yevgeny Balitsky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donetsk separatist leader Denis Pushilin and Lugansk separatist leader Leonid Pasechnik join hands after signing treaties formally annexing four regions of Ukraine Russian troops occupy, at the Kremlin in Moscow on September 30, 2022.GRIGORY SYSOYEV/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images"Russia is committing to an escalation," Cynthia Hooper, a history professor and Russia expert at the College of the Holy Cross, told Insider. Putin is using the illegal annexations of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts to reframe the war for Russian citizens, Hooper said, adding that "now he and his advisors can tell a story, going forward, of how the Kremlin wants peace but Ukraine and its US supporters are insisting on war and attacking Mother Russia.""This is scary. It is a false narrative, constructed by a person who absolutely knows his actions will prompt further conflict. It is a strategy designed in expectation of military escalation," Hooper said. The pressing issue for Putin at the moment is that he's "been losing," Jeffrey Edmonds, a CNA Russia expert and former CIA military analyst, told Insider, and the "annexation, the mobilization — these are all measures he's trying to take to fix the problem."The Ukraine war has been disastrous for the Russian military so far. Strategically, military experts say that Russia has essentially already been defeated. Putin launched the war with the goal of subjugating the whole of Ukraine. But Russia failed to take Kyiv and was effectively forced to turn its attention to the eastern Donbas region — a far less ambitious objective.Russian forces are estimated to have suffered as many as 80,000 casualties, if not more, since the war began, and they've struggled with myriad equipment issues.Meanwhile, Ukraine has in recent weeks managed to recapture a significant chunk of territory as part of a blistering counteroffensive. These losses are widely believed to be the reason behind Putin's decision last week to announced a military mobilization plan, calling up tens of thousands of reservists to help address Russia's manpower problems. There have been a number of signs that the mobilization is highly unpopular, with thousands of Russian men fleeing the country amid nationwide protests and even instances of violence. Putin realizes that Russia is "really on a negative trajectory at this point," Edmonds said. "The counteroffensive and the fact that he wasn't able to take these territories like he thought, that was a big turning point for him and the Russian population in which he really felt like he needs to escalate — or at least rhetorically escalate and warn of nuclear weapons."Putin knows the US and NATO do not want to go to war with Russia and is trying to send a message that if they keep providing Ukraine with weapons and security assistance, then that's "exactly what we'll have, with all the nuclear trappings that go with it," Edmonds said, "That's really where the rhetoric comes from. He's always used nuclear rhetoric, but it it is picking up."Indeed, the mobilization and annexations come at a desperate moment for Putin. In formally annexing the four Ukrainian regions — a move that came after referendums decried as a sham by leaders across the globe — Putin is vying to hold on to what little progress Russian forces have made. But as Ukraine's counteroffensive continues, Russia may find it difficult to hold on to the territory it now claims as its own and vows to defend. Putin announced the annexations "even as Ukrainian forces encircled Russian troops in the key city of Lyman, Luhansk Oblast, immediately demonstrating that Russia will struggle to hold the territory it claims to have annexed," according to a Friday report from the Institute for the Study of War, which has provided timely battlefield updates on the Ukraine conflict. "Putin likely intends annexation to freeze the war along the current frontlines and allow time for Russian mobilization to reconstitute Russian forces," the report added. 'There's not a negotiated settlement to this'A Ukrainian serviceman shoots at a Russian drone with an assault rifle from a trench at the front line east of Kharkiv, March 31, 2022.FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty ImagesThe annexation of Ukraine's territory, which came eight years after Russia annexed Crimea, also greatly diminishes the possibility of any negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv. "The ceremony today was presented, on Russian television and to a domestic Russian audience, as a Russian victory. Putin said himself that now that these four regions have been, in his words, reunited with Russia, he is prepared to negotiate for peace — but then in the same breath, he added that any peace deal would have to respect these new territorial acquisitions and that their status was not up for future negotiation," Hooper said. Ukraine has been clear that it will not accept any peace deal that involves ceding territory to Russia."Russia has been and remains an aggressor illegally occupying parts of Ukrainian land. Ukraine has every right to liberate its territories and will keep liberating them whatever Russia has to say," Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet earlier this month. Along these lines, analysts say that Putin has helped ensure that the Ukraine war won't end any time soon. The annexations solidify for "the Ukrainians that they have to defeat the Russians in Ukraine," Edmonds said, "There's not a negotiated settlement to this.""I don't think there's room for negotiation for quite some time because the Ukrainians have been winning and the Russians just demand Ukrainian surrender. Why would you surrender when you're winning?" Edmonds added.And if Russia continues to lose ground, particularly in territories in now claims as its own yet does not fully occupy, this could reduce the threshold for further escalation and possibly even the use of a nuclear weapon. "In some ways the mobilization itself lowered the probability of nuclear use in the near-term," Edmonds said, explaining that Putin announced the draft to help address the issues Russian forces have been facing and that he wants to see how it all plays out. "Now, let's say in some scenario, it doesn't fix the problem. The Russian military collapses over the winter, and he starts losing big — then I think the chances for non-strategic nuclear use go up. But I think right now he's really trying to step up the rhetoric to get the US and NATO to back off," Edmonds added. Similarly, Kendall-Taylor said that the "unfortunate reality" is that the better the Ukrainians do on the battlefield, the higher the risk of Russia using a tactical nuclear weapon. "The stakes are higher for Putin," Kendall-Taylor said, because mobilization and annexation were "quite clearly his decisions."Putin will give mobilization a "little bit of time to play out and to see how effective it can be in turning the tide, or at least stemming Ukrainian advances," Kendall-Taylor said, but the use of a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine is "directly tied to Russia's fate on the battlefield."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Hundreds of texts between Elon Musk and big names in media and finance were released on Thursday as a part of the discovery process for Twitter's lawsuit. Experts say Musk's teflon-like ability to evade repercussions is due to a complex interplay of exceptionalism, a fierce cult-like fandom, and a culture of "billionaire worship."Gotham/Getty Images Hundreds of Elon Musk's texts could work against him in his court battle with Twitter, experts say. The texts were released Thursday as a part of the pretrial discovery process for Twitter's lawsuit. The messages appear to show Musk was aware of issues with bots ahead of offering to buy the company. A trove of private text messages released Thursday between Elon Musk and big names in media and finance could pose a problem for the billionaire as he heads into a court battle with Twitter, several industry watchers told Insider."It's not a good look and likely puts Musk in a weaker legal stance," Wedbush Securities tech analyst Dan Ives said. "This adds more agita to the Musk camp."The billionaire is set to square off with Twitter in a five-day trial beginning on October 17. The social media company is attempting to force Musk to follow through on his $44 billion purchase offer after he announced plans to back out in July.The hundreds of texts between Musk and some of Silicon Valley's most powerful players offer fresh insight into Musk's plans for Twitter. The texts also highlight several of Twitter's primary arguments against Musk — pointing to a "weakness" in the billionaire's case, said Matthew Schettenhelm, senior litigation analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence.Up until recently, Musk's legal team has centered its argument on claims the company intentionally misled Musk and investors as to the number of active users on the platform.But Musk's private texts appear to tell a story that is "in tension with his lead argument," Schettenhelm told Insider. In a message to Twitter Chairman Bret Taylor on April 9 — the day Musk told the board of his plans to buy Twitter — the billionaire said it would be "hard" to fix the social company and address issues with scam accounts without taking it private."Purging fake users will make the numbers look terrible, so restructuring should be done as a private company," he texted Taylor, according to the cache of documents released Thursday.Erik Gordon, a professor at the University of Michigan's Ross Business School, said Musk "won't win in court with a claim that he was misled by the number of fake users."Twitter has also argued that Musk might steal its internal data and create a competing company. The billionaire's private texts seem to indicate he was indeed bouncing around plans for creating another social media platform at the same time he was shoring up investors to buy Twitter. In texts to his brother Kimbal from April, Musk shared his idea for a blockchain-based social media platform.Ann Lipton, a business law professor at Tulane University Law School, said Musk's text about developing a competing platform could also play into Twitter's hands."To the extent Musk is armed with confidential internal Twitter data that he could use to harm the company in the future – perhaps by establishing a competitor – that might weigh in favor of granting Twitter specific performance" and forcing him to follow through on the deal, Lipton said.While the texts show that at one point Musk appeared to be serious about buying Twitter, the messages also show the billionaire was slow to communicate his plans with Taylor and Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal.Jasmine Enberg, an analyst at research firm Insider Intelligence, said the texts seem to illustrate Musk realized that "transforming Twitter was a bigger undertaking than he initially thought." Insider Intelligence is part of Insider, Inc., Insider's parent company.Still, Gerard Filitti, senior counsel at The Lawfare Project, an international non-profit legal think tank and litigation fund based in New York City, said it's difficult to understand the true sway of the texts without relevant depositions to fill in the gaps."It does not appear that any of them alone is explosive in content," Filitti said. "As with all evidence these messages will be used to tell a story and they will be shaped to whichever side is telling that story."Have a tip to share? Email the reporter from a non-work email at gkay@insider.comRead the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Two people wearing black masks and dressed in black clothing were captured on surveillance footage vandalizing the building, police said. A woman holds a protest sign as she stands in front of a vandalized Russian Consulate on September 30, 2022 in New York City.Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images The Russian consulate in New York was vandalized with red spray paint early Friday, police said. The NYPD is investigating the vandalism as a possible bias incident, said a spokesman. The incident came just hours before Putin signed decrees to annex four Ukrainian regions. The Russian consulate in New York City was vandalized with red spray paint early Friday in a possible bias incident, a spokesman for the New York Police Department told Insider. Authorities received a 911 call about the incident at around 1:30 a.m. on Friday and discovered that the facade of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York on Manhattan's Upper East Side had been completely doused with red paint, the police spokesman said. Two people wearing black masks, dressed in black clothing, and holding a backpack were captured on surveillance footage vandalizing the East 91st Street building, according to the spokesman. No arrests have yet been made.The NYPD is investigating the vandalism as a possible bias incident, the spokesman said.The Russian consulate could not immediately be reached for comment by Insider. The incident came just hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees to annex four Ukrainian regions amid his seven-month war with Ukraine.In a speech on Friday, Putin said that the regions were now part of Russia. Ukraine and Western nations have rejected the move by Putin. "The United States condemns Russia's fraudulent attempt today to annex sovereign Ukrainian territory," President Joe Biden said in a statement Friday as he announced new sanctions against Russia.Biden added, "Make no mistake: these actions have no legitimacy. The United States will always honor Ukraine's internationally recognized borders."Last week, Putin again escalated his war with Ukraine when he announced plans to partially mobilize hundreds of thousands of reservists to beef up Moscow's forces in the war.The Russian leader threatened the use of nuclear weapons as he said in a televised address to the nation that mobilization would begin immediately. Putin's announcement of a partial mobilization of troops came as Russia has suffered recent disastrous defeats on the battlefield in Ukraine.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

"A fixed price cap on gas can only work if we answer the question of what happens if not enough gas comes to Europe," Germany's economy minister said. Flags of European Union member countries.Shutterstock.com The EU will try to implement a "price corridor" as talks of a price cap on natural gas ended without an agreement. Just 15 of 27 nations approved the price cap, but the bloc needs unanimous approval to pass the measure. Opponents say that the price cap could prevent some nations from getting any gas at all.  The European Union announced it will try to implement a "price corridor" to rein in soaring energy costs, after talks to cap natural gas prices ended without an agreement.In a meeting on Friday, the bloc scrambled to approve profit levies on energy companies, which will tax profits and redistribute them to households to help cover the soaring cost of energy. It also approved a mandatory 5% cut on electricity demand during peak hours.But just 15 nations in the 27-country bloc approved the proposal to cap gas prices, Reuters reported, and the EU needs unanimous approval for the measure to pass."We will … try to negotiate a price corridor, not a fixed cap, that allows us to bring down the costs for our consumers," EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson said at a press hearing on Friday, though she did not give details about the range of prices being considered.European households have been hit with a spike in energy bills since Russia slashed gas flows to the continent this summer. Most recently, an apparent act of sabotage on the Nord Stream pipeline caused gas prices to surge another 11%, and European electricity prices are now more than 1000% above their levels a year ago. But some countries are against a price cap on natural gas – which is largely used to generate electricity – because it won't allow countries to compete against each other in the market, meaning some could have difficulty getting supplies at all."A fixed price cap on gas can only work if we answer the question of what happens if not enough gas comes to Europe … The only answer I hear is that then the amount would be divided up. I do not think that is politically possible," German economy minister Robert Habeck said, who opposed the measure.Variations of the price cap proposal were also considered, such as limiting the price cap to Russian gas, or only to gas used to generate electricity, but ended inconclusively. More pressure will be exerted on European leaders to take action as winter draws closer, especially as gas supplies are set to potentially tighten further into 2023.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The spread of the conspiracy theory from Russian networks, through US far-right influencers, is emblematic of their close ties. Fox News host Tucker Carlson.Fox News Tucker Carlson pushed a Russian conspiracy theory suggesting the US blew up the Nord Stream pipeline.  The claim was then recycled by Russian state TV, and other far-right influencers.  Kremlin and US far-right propaganda often mirror each other.  Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Wednesday seized on the news that that the Nord Stream pipelines, which were built to channel gas from Russia to Western Europe, appeared to have been sabotaged. Officials in Germany and other EU nations said the undersea pipeline — built by a consortium of European companies and Russia's state-run gas giant Gazprom — appeared to have been deliberately damaged. Western officials pointed to Russia as the likely culprit. Their predominant theory is that the Kremlin was signaling that this vital line carrying energy to Europe is vulnerable to attack — a means to warn the EU over its support for Ukraine. But Carlson had a different view. "If you are Vladimir Putin, you'd have to be a suicidal moron to blow up your own energy pipeline," he said.He pointed to remarks, by President Joe Biden from February, where he opposed activation of the pipeline.Biden had said if Putin invades, "there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2, we will bring an end to it." Those remarks came as the US sought to tighten economic pressure on Russia before the war started. Nord Stream 2 is not in service. Distorting the president's remarks and ignoring that context, Carlson said they could be construed to mean: "We will blow it up."Within hours, the claim was being promoted by far-right influencers in the US, and pushed by the network of Russian state media networks, despite a lack of credible evidence that US warships or operatives had taken part.Russian lawmakers on Wednesday called for Biden to address the allegations at the UN. The case is another example of the lightning-fast reciprocity between far-right influencers in the US and Europe, and the Kremlin's propaganda machine. Matt Gertz, a researcher with Media Matters, which monitors right-wing media, told Insider that Carlson's rhetoric and the Kremlin's propaganda have long mirrored one another. "Carlson's coverage of the war in Ukraine has consistently aligned with that of Russia's government. He is part of a segment of the American right that is blithely uninterested in the suffering of Ukrainians, credulous of Vladimir Putin's stated motivations, and generally more interested in denouncing the US government than the Russian one," he told Insider. Fox News did not respond to Insider's request for comment. 'Wish fulfillment'Defense and security expert Michael Clarke, a professor at the University of Exeter, told Insider that the clip of Biden speaking in February was "neither here nor there" as a form of evidence that the US masterminded the attack. "What Tucker Carlson says is completely at variance with all the known factors," he said.There is no publicly available evidence proving Russia was behind the attack. But Russian warships and submarines were spotted in the area and have the capability, via divers or mini subs, needed to place and detonate what's estimated to be hundreds of pounds of explosives to create pipeline breaks of this size. Clarke added: "America would have far, far more to lose by doing something so stupid as this. The only government for whom it would make any sense would be the Russian government."Carlson's take on the issue is merely "wish fulfillment," he said. Isolationist, "America First" commentators like Carlson oppose US involvement in foreign conflicts, and have long harbored an admiration for Putin's Christian nationalist Russia, say experts.  Russia has been keen to exploit the admiration, tailoring conspiracy theories designed to appeal to the Western far-right.Gertz, from Media Matters, pointed to a Russian government document obtained by Mother Jones in March telling state media outlets "it is essential to use as much as possible fragments of" Carlson's show because he "sharply criticizes the actions of the United States."Since then, Carlson's attacks on US and western policy in Ukraine have been a weekly staple on Russian TV networks, and are praised by pro-Kremlin Russian pundits who say they show ebbing support for the war in the US.And they may be right. One recent poll found that a majority of Americans want the war to come to a negotiated end.Danish Defence CommandHow the Nord Stream claim spread The journey taken by the Nord Stream pipeline Biden conspiracy theory is emblematic of the way pro-Russian propaganda travels. A Wednesday tweet by Polish EU parliamentarian Radek Sidorski, which has since been deleted, triggered intense scrutiny from Russian state media and diplomats. It included a picture of the ruptured pipeline, with the caption: "Thank you, USA."Sidorski's follow-up tweets appeared to attempt to clarify that the original tweet was a criticism of US support for the pipeline being built in the first place, but it was too late. Russia's UN representative Dmitry Polyansky instantly amplified it, saying it made it "crystal clear who stands behind this terrorist-style targeting of civilian infrastructure."—Dmitry Polyanskiy (@Dpol_un) September 27, 2022Sidorski's spokesperson declined to comment or to clarify the lawmaker's meaning to Insider.Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia's foreign ministry, demanded that the EU answer to the tweet, per Russian state media agency TASS.The claim was then picked up by Carlson, who combined it with the footage of Biden in February. This was then shared by US far-right influencers including Turning Point USA's Charlie Kirk, before being recycled by Russian state media, claiming its traction in the US gave it another layer of credibility.In a particularly absurd laundering of the speculation, Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti then wrote an article compiling credulous and largely anonymous reader comments on UK conservative news outlet The Daily Mail. "Daily Mail readers accuse US of attacking Nord Stream," wrote the outlet. The Washington Post noted that clips of Carlson's show were on continual rotation on Russia's main TV news networks Wednesday.  —Julia Davis (@JuliaDavisNews) September 29, 2022As the war enters its seventh month, one of the key questions is whether the Western alliance, on which Ukraine's military and financial support depends, will hold. A strategy to split the West The Kremlin and elements of the US far-right share the broader goal of undermining Western support for Ukraine, which has so far amounted to an estimated $15 billion. The rhetorical attacks have the additional advantage of forcing the US to respond; State Department spokesman Ned Price called the claims "preposterous.And the claims about Nord Stream could not come at a moment of higher tension between Russia and the West. Europe faces a painful winter as it attempts to wean itself off the supply of Russian energy, of which the Nord Stream pipelines were both a potent symbol and a flagship piece of infrastructure.The West's economic sanctions of Russia have caused fuel inflation to spike in Europe, which has already led to protests in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, this week. The US is less dependent on Russian energy, but the Republican Party, whose "America First" wing remains powerful, is increasingly forecast to regain control of the House of Representatives in the November mid-terms.Key members of the party have signaled they may seek to place obstacles in front of future multi-billion military aid packages to Ukraine.It is these factions whose profile the Kremlin is likely seeking to boost, as it steps up its propaganda war and seizes on Western commentators to bolster its campaign. Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Olive Garden has relied on pasta promotion to attract customers during previous sales slumps. This year's iteration is nearly 30% more expensive. Irene Jiang / Business Insider Olive Garden is bringing back the Never Ending Pasta Bowl for a limited time this fall. It will cost $13.99, up from $10.99 last time with extra charges for protein. Olive Garden has relied on pasta promotion to attract customers during previous sales slumps. Olive Garden is bringing its famous Never Ending Pasta Bowl promotion. The casual dining chain first announced the news on TikTok.The pasta deal will be more expensive this time around, at $13.99 for unlimited pasta, plus $4.99 for additional proteins, including meatballs, sausage, or chicken for a total of about $19. The last time Olive Garden introduced the deal, it cost just $10.99.Olive Garden brings back the promotion periodically, where for a set price customers can get unlimited servings of pasta, along with breadsticks and salad. When sales are low, the chain has historically relied on the Never Ending Pasta deal to keep things going. In 2019, Olive Garden brought back the promotion as sales were dipping, and ended up with a relatively small 1.5% increase in sales. The restaurant chain is seeing declining sales among lower-income consumers, which could be an impetus to bring back Never Ending Pasta. CEO of parent company Darden Restaurants Ricardo Cardenas told investors in September that consumers making less than $50,000 per year were "feeling a little bit worse," and had less discretionary income to spend on dining out. At the time Cardenas wouldn't discuss the pasta promotion specifically, but he did say that any deals Olive Garden promoted would be based on emphasizing the brand and "be simple to execute and not be at a deep discount." When Cardenas took over in 2021, he acknowledged that Never Ending Pasta had a "negative impact" on bottom lines in the past. The pasta promotion was historically good at bringing customers into the restaurant, but less so at creating big checks and profitable margins for Olive Garden. This time around, Olive Garden is focusing on profitable sales growth and getting a healthy return on their investment in this promotion.Never Ending Pasta will be available from October 3 to November 20, with four pasta options and five sauces.Do you have a story to share about a retail or restaurant chain? Email this reporter at mmeisenzahl@businessinsider.com.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

In his petition, Perry Greene wrote that he and the congresswoman had been in a "bona-fide state of separation" before he filed the papers in Georgia. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.Joe Raedle/Getty Images Marjorie Taylor Greene's husband has filed a petition for divorce. Perry Greene filed his divorce petition on Wednesday in Georgia's Floyd County. Perry Greene's divorce petition indicated that their marriage was "irretrievably broken." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's husband, Perry Greene, filed for divorce Wednesday.According to court documents seen by Insider, Perry Greene and the conservative congresswoman have been married for just over 27 years. In his petition, Perry Greene wrote that he and the congresswoman had been in a "bona-fide state of separation" before he filed the papers in Georgia's Floyd County.He added that their marriage was "irretrievably broken."He also asked that the divorce be filed under seal, saying "the record will contain sensitive personal and financial information, the public disclosure of which would negatively impact the parties' privacy interests."Marjorie Taylor Greene, according to court filings, acknowledged receipt of the divorce petition Wednesday.When contacted for comment, the congresswoman's representatives told Insider the divorce was a "private and personal matter.""Marriage is a wonderful thing and I'm a firm believer in it," the congresswoman said in a statement. "Our society is formed by a husband and wife creating a family to nurture and protect. Together, Perry and I formed our family and raised three great kids. He gave me the best job title you can ever earn: Mom. I'll always be grateful for how great of a dad he is to our children."Perry Greene told Insider the congresswoman was his "best friend for the last 29 years" and an "amazing mom.""Our family is our most important thing we have done," he said. "As we go on different paths we will continue to focus on our three incredible kids and their future endeavors and our friendship."Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

The average starting wage for Amazon warehouse workers and delivery drivers will go from $18 to $19, Amazon announced. An Amazon delivery worker pulls a delivery cart full of packages.Brendan McDermid/Reuters Amazon announced Wednesday it's upping pay for warehouse workers and drivers by roughly $1 per hour. Insider reported earlier Wednesday Amazon was planning pay increases. Amazon has faced organized worker protests and unionization battles this year. Amazon announced Wednesday it is increasing the average starting pay for its warehouse workers and drivers from $18 per hour to $19 per hour, starting in October.Insider's Katherine Long reported Amazon was planning broad pay raises of between $0.50 and $1 on Wednesday before Amazon's announcement.Amazon said in its press statement it will spend almost $1 billion on the pay changes over the next year.Amazon also announced it is changing a program it calls Anytime Pay, which allows workers to access up to 70% of their pay at any point during the month.Whereas previously workers picked times once or twice a month to get paid, Amazon says they'll now be able to access Anytime Pay "as often as they like."Amazon did not say specifically why it had chosen now to up pay for its warehouse workers and drivers."Continuing to invest in pay, providing easy access to earned wages at any time during the month, and offering great benefits and career advancement opportunities are all part of our long-term efforts to be the best employer in the world," Senior Vice President of Worldwide Operations John Felton said in a statement.Some Amazon workers have been pressuring Amazon to improve pay and benefits this year. Workers at an Amazon air freight hub walked off the job in August in protest over pay and working conditions, and the company is facing a new union battle at a warehouse in Albany.This year saw the creation of the first US Amazon warehouse workers' union at a facility in Staten Island, New York.Amazon warehouse workers in the UK protested in August after being awarded a pay rise of 35p (38 cents).Analysis from Cornell University found American workers are increasingly turning to industrial action this year compared to 2021, in part driven by soaring inflation.Amazon did not immediately respond when contacted by Insider to ask whether it would extend the pay raises to workers outside of the US.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»

Hurricane Ian meant that some of the patients who were on ventilators had to be evacuated at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a dangerous Category 4 hurricane on September 28, 2022.Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images A doctor at a hospital in Florida told the Associated Press that Hurricane Ian blew its roof off. The destruction forced staff to evacuate their sickest patients, some of whom were on ventilators.  The doctor, who stayed overnight, told AP that patients have been moved to other floors. Hurricane Ian flooded a Florida hospital's lower floor and partially tore its roof off, forcing staff to evacuate its sickest patients, the Associated Press reported.Ian slammed into Florida's south-western coast as a Category 4 storm on Wednesday afternoon, bringing with it heavy rain and wind speeds of up to 155 mph, the BBC reported.Birgit Bodine, who works at HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital in Port Charlotte, told the AP that Hurricane Ian flooded the hospital's first-floor emergency room and caused the roof of its fourth-floor intensive care unit to partially blow off. The medium-sized hospital has four floors in total, AP reported. The damage forced staff to evacuate the hospital's sickest patients from the fourth floor to the two floors that were not impacted, Bodine told AP. Some of the patients were on ventilators, she added.Bodine, who spent the night at the hospital to be with the patients, told AP that staff used towels and plastic bins to try to clean up the mess on the first floor. "For us, as much as everything is terrible and we're exhausted ... as long as our patients do OK and nobody ends up dying or having a bad outcome, that's what matters," Bodine told AP.Hurricane Ian has left more than 2 million people in Florida without power, The Guardian reported.On Thursday morning, Hurricane Ian downgraded to a tropical storm, according to the National Hurricane Center. But local officials have repeatedly urged Floridians to be careful, adding that it will continue to cause heavy rain and flooding, the BBC reported.It is forecast to move northeast across the state by late Thursday and progress into Georgia or South Carolina on Friday.Read the original article on Business Insider.....»»