announcement

On her first day in office, Mayor Karen Bass declared a state of emergency on homelessness.

The declaration allowed the city to cut through red tape, including through no-bid contracts, and to start Inside Safe, Bass’ signature program focused on moving homeless people off the streets and into interim housing.

On Tuesday, nearly three years after she took the helm, and with homelessness trending down two years in a row for the first time in recent years, the mayor announced that she will lift the state of emergency on Nov. 18.

“We have begun a real shift in our city’s decades-long trend of rising homelessness,” Bass said in a memorandum to the City Council.

Still, the mayor said, there is much work to do.

“The crisis remains, and so does our urgency,” she said.

The mayor’s announcement followed months of City Council pushback on the lengthy duration of the state of emergency, which the council had initially approved.

Some council members argued that the state of emergency allowed the mayor’s office to operate out of public view and that contracts and leases should once again be presented before them with public testimony and a vote.

Councilmember Tim McOsker has been arguing for months that it was time to return to business as usual.

“Emergency powers are designed to allow the government to suspend rules and respond rapidly when the situation demands it, but at some point those powers must conclude,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

McOsker said the move will allow the council to “formalize” some of the programs started during the emergency, while incorporating more transparency.

Council members had been concerned that the state of emergency would end without first codifying Executive Directive 1, which expedites approvals for homeless shelters as well as for developments that are 100% affordable and was issued by Bass shortly after she took office.

On Oct. 28, the council voted for the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would enshrine the executive directive into law.

The mayor’s announcement follows positive reports about the state of homelessness in the city.

As of September, the mayor’s Inside Safe program had moved more than 5,000 people into interim housing since its inception at the end of 2022. Of those people, more than 1,243 have moved into permanent housing, while another 1,636 remained in interim housing.

This year, the number of homeless people living in shelters or on the streets of the city dropped 3.4%, according to the annual count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The number of unsheltered homeless people in the city dropped by an even steeper margin of 7.9%.

The count, however, has its detractors. A study by Rand found that the annual survey missed nearly a third of homeless people in Hollywood, Venice and Skid Row — primarily those sleeping without tents or vehicles.

In June, a federal judge decided not to put Los Angeles’ homelessness programs into receivership, while saying that the city had failed to meet some of the terms of a settlement agreement with the nonprofit LA Alliance for Human Rights.

Councilmember Nithya Raman, who chairs the City Council’s Housing and Homelessness Committee, said the end of the emergency does not mean the crisis is over.

“It only means that we must build fiscally sustainable systems that can respond effectively,” she said. “By transitioning from emergency measures to long-term, institutional frameworks, we’re ensuring consistent, accountable support for people experiencing homelessness.”

Times staff writer David Zahniser contributed to this report.

Ryananair cancelled more fares last week, having already slashed certain Spanish routes. It announced that it’s Germany capacity will be reduced by 800,000 seats this winter, with 24 routes across nine high-cost German airports including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen cut.

Jet2 and Ryanair are axing a combined 1.2 million airline seats this winter, leading to fears that travellers may face significant disruption.

The budget airlines have both announced that they’re cutting back on certain routes.

In September, Jet2 said it would have to cut 200,000 seats, from 5.8m to 5.6m, over the winter season because of “a less certain consumer environment” – this is despite viral success of its advertising campaing featuring Jess Glynn. The seat cut brings Jet2 to 5.6 million fares for the upcoming winter season, although this will still be 9% higher than a year earlier.

Ryanair cancelled more fares last week, having already slashed certain Spanish routes. It announced that it’s Germany capacity will be reduced by 800,000 seats this winter, with 24 routes across nine high-cost German airports including Berlin, Hamburg, and Memmingen cut. As a result, Ryanair’s overall capacity in Germany will fall below winter 2024 levels.

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Among the airports set to be impacted by the 1.2 million airline seat cull are Santiago, Tenerife North, Vitoria, Zaragoza, Asturias, Jerez, Vigo and 36 connections between regional Spain and the Canary Islands.

France has also been hit. Ryanair has dropped capacity at every French airport they operate with four airports essentially being wiped off their network map: Strasbourg, Bergerac, Paris-Vatry and Brive. While others, such as Béziers, have lost over half of their capacity season-on-season.

In light of this, Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, is warning Brits to consider one key thing ahead of the busy holiday season – travel insurance.

“With fewer scheduled flights and limited seat availability, airlines will have much less flexibility to rebook passengers when there are delays or cancellations. As a result, more Brits may need to rely on their travel insurance to cover unexpected costs and disruptions,” she said.

“Flight cancellations are also likely to push seat prices higher due to reduced availability. That’s why having the right travel insurance in place is more important than ever – helping you avoid steep, last-minute expenses and giving you peace of mind from the moment you book.”

According to internal data from MoneySuperMarket, winter travel insurance uptake decreases by a 49%, with purchases dropping significantly during the winter months compared to summer, with only 16.53% of total insurance sales occurring in winter months, compared to 32.38% in summer.

Alicia added: “There are plenty of scenarios during the winter months that can increase the chances of needing to make a travel insurance claim. From weather-related cancellations and seasonal illnesses to overbooked accommodation during peak periods, the risks are higher than usual.

“That’s why it’s always best to secure the right travel insurance as soon as your holiday is confirmed. It gives you protection from the moment you book and helps avoid costly surprises later—so you can enjoy your winter break with confidence and peace of mind.”

As California voters receive mail ballots for the November special election, which could upend the state’s congressional boundaries and determine control of the House, billionaire hedge-fund founder Tom Steyer said Thursday he will spend $12 million to back Democrats’ efforts to redraw districts to boost their party’s ranks in the legislative body.

The ballot measure was proposed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California Democrats after President Trump urged Texas leaders to redraw their congressional districts before next year’s midterm election. Buttressing GOP numbers in Congress could help Trump continue enacting his agenda during his final two years in office.

“We must stop Trump’s election-rigging power grab,” Steyer said in a statement. “The defining fight through Nov. 4 is passing Proposition 50. In order to compete and win, Democrats can’t keep playing by the same old rules. This is how we fight back, and stick it to Trump.”

Steyer’s announcement makes him the biggest funder of pro-Proposition 50 efforts, surpassing billionaire financier George Soros, who has contributed $10 million to the effort.

Steyer founded a hedge fund whose investments included massive fossil fuel projects, but after he learned of the environmental consequences of these financial decisions, he divested and has worked to fight climate change. Steyer has spent hundreds of millions of dollars supporting Democratic candidates and causes and more than $300 million on his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign.

Steyer plans to launch a scathing ad Thursday night that imagines Trump watching election returns on Nov. 4 and furiously throwing fast food at a television when he sees Proposition 50 succeeding.

“Why did you do this to Trump?” the president asks. The ad then shows a fictional TV anchor saying that the ballot measure’s success makes it more likely that Trump will be investigated for corruption and that the records of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein will be released. “I hate California,” Trump responds.

The advertisement is scheduled to start airing Thursday night during “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The late-night show was in the spotlight after it was briefly suspended by Walt Disney Co.-owned ABC last month under pressure from the Trump administration because of a comment Kimmel made about the slaying of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The esoteric process of redistricting typically occurs once every decade after the U.S. Census to account for population shifts. The maps, historically drawn in smoke-filled backrooms, protected incumbents and created bizarrely shaped districts, such as the “ribbon of shame” along the California coast.

In recent decades, good-government advocates have fought to create districts that are logical and geographically compact and do not disenfranchise minority voters. At the forefront of the effort, California voters passed a 2010 ballot measure to create an independent commission to draw the state’s congressional boundaries.

But this year, Trump and his allies urged leaders of GOP-led states to redraw their congressional districts to boost Republicans’ prospects in next year’s midterm election. The House is closely divided, and retaining Republican control is crucial to Trump’s ability to enact his agenda.

California Democrats, led by Newson, responded in kind. The state Legislature voted in August to call a special election in November to decide on redrawn districts that could give their party five more seats in the state’s 52-member congressional delegation, the largest in the nation.

Supporters of Proposition 50 have vastly outraised the committees opposing the measure. Steyer’s announcement came one day after Charles Munger Jr., the largest donor to the opposition, spoke out publicly for the first time about why he had contributed $32 million to the effort.

“I’m fighting for the ordinary voter to have an effective say in their own government,” Munger told reporters. “I don’t want Californians ignored by the national government because all the districts are fortresses for one party or the other.”

A longtime opponent of gerrymandering, the bow-tie-wearing Palo Alto physicist bankrolled the 2010 ballot measure that created the independent commission to draw California’s congressional districts.

Munger, the son of a billionaire who was the right-hand man of investor Warren Buffett, declined to comment about whether he planned to give additional funds.

“I neither confirm nor deny rumors that involve the tactics of the campaign,” Munger told reporters. “Talk to me after the election is over.”

Video shows emergency service crews celebrating the announcement of a ceasefire deal with chants and sirens. The U.S.-brokered agreement aims to end the two-year Gaza conflict, but residents reported ongoing Israeli attacks ahead of the formal start of the ceasefire.

On October 6, 2025, TruWealth Advisors, LLC disclosed in an SEC filing that it sold all 450,162 shares of Synovus Financial (SNV 0.77%), an estimated $23.30 million trade based on quarterly average pricing.

What happened

TruWealth Advisors, LLC reported a complete sale of its Synovus Financial holdings in its quarterly Form 13F, published October 6, 2025 (SEC filing). The fund sold 450,162 shares, with the transaction value estimated at $23.30 million. The position, previously 1.3% of fund AUM, was fully liquidated, and no shares remain as of the filing.

What else to know

The fund sold out of Synovus Financial.

Top holdings after the filing:

• NYSEMKT:FBND: $124.17 million (6.3% of AUM)
• NYSEMKT:VTI: $110.40 million (5.6% of AUM)
• NYSEMKT:PYLD: $103.49 million (5.2% of AUM)
• NYSEMKT:JAAA: $103.49 million (5.2% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:BSCS: $90.20 million (4.6% of AUM)

As of Oct. 3, 2025, Synovus Financial shares were priced at $47.83, marking a 10.7% one-year gain and underperforming the S&P 500 by 7.8 percentage points.

Company overview

Company snapshot

Synovous Financial:

• Offers commercial and retail banking products, including treasury management, asset management, loans, deposit accounts, and investment services.
• Operates as a regional bank holding company based in Columbus, Georgia.
• Served individuals, small businesses, and corporate clients across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
• Leverages a diversified portfolio of banking and financial management services to address the needs of both retail and commercial clients in the southeastern United States.

Foolish take

While it may seem alarming to Synovus Financial shareholders to see TruWealth liquidating its position in the stock, the sale may not be an indictment of the bank’s operations.

Rather, Synovus plans to merge with Pinnacle Financial Partners (NASDAQ: PNFP) in a deal that should close in the first quarter of 2026.

The all-stock deal will have an exchange rate of .5237, implying a transaction value of $48.44 per Synovus share, based on Pinnacle’s current share price of around $92.

With Synovus already trading very close to this figure, TruWealth may not have seen enough upside in holding until next year. Or it simply may not have liked the look of the combined company.

For the bank itself, the new-look Pinnacle Financial Partners will not only become the fourth-largest regional bank in the Southeast, but also offer the best ten-year earnings growth rates among its peers in the area.

With the combined company set to have the best employee satisfaction, the highest customer net promoter score, and top-tier efficiency ratios compared to its peers, the new stock should be on banking-savvy investors’ radars.

Glossary

13F reportable assets: Securities holdings that institutional investment managers must disclose quarterly to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 13F.

AUM (Assets under management): The total market value of assets a fund or investment manager oversees on behalf of clients.

Fund liquidation: The process of selling all holdings in a particular investment, resulting in a zero balance for that position.

Dividend yield: Annual dividend income expressed as a percentage of the investment’s current price.

Regional bank holding company: A company that owns and controls banks operating primarily within a specific geographic region.

Treasury management: Banking services that help businesses manage cash flow, payments, and financial risk.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Form 13F: A quarterly report filed by institutional investment managers to disclose their equity holdings to the SEC.

Stake: The amount or percentage of ownership an investor or fund holds in a particular company.

Asset management: Professional management of investments such as stocks, bonds, and other assets for clients.

The first big customer for The Trade Desk‘s (TTD 1.33%) TV operating system (OS) is finally here. The ad-buying platform announced on Wednesday that it will co-develop a custom version of its Ventura TV OS with DirecTV, pairing DirecTV’s consumer interface with Ventura’s ad-tech plumbing and app store. The announcement arrives nearly a year after Ventura was introduced, giving investors their first look at how the company plans to bring its TV platform to market.

For readers newer to the story, The Trade Desk operates a software platform that helps advertisers buy and measure digital ads across the internet. The company has been pushing deeper into connected TV (CTV) for years. Ventura is the boldest step yet — a TV operating system meant to give manufacturers and content companies an alternative to platforms that also own content or a streaming service.

Image source: Getty Images.

What Ventura is and why DirecTV matters

Ventura is pitched as a neutral operating system for smart TVs and other screens. The company said in its announcement of Ventura that it is designed to provide a “much cleaner supply chain streaming TV advertising, minimizing supply chain hops and costs — ensuring maximum ROI for every advertising dollar and optimized yield for publishers.” In other words, The Trade Desk believes it will support a supply chain that lets advertisers measure performance more precisely and ultimately optimize spending better.

Importantly, Ventura is not tied to a house streaming service, which the company argues reduces conflicts of interest and keeps it a more unbiased partner for publishers, TV makers, and retailers. This is a pointed contrast with incumbents like Roku or Amazon‘s Fire TV, which operate platforms while also owning major ad-supported channels and inventory.

DirecTV gives Ventura an on-ramp that consumers recognize. The partners plan to integrate DirecTV’s familiar interface — including access to MyFree DirecTV (its free ad-supported TV service), optional genre packs, and premium bundles — into a Ventura build that any third-party TV manufacturer, retailer, hotel, or venue could deploy.

In other words, an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) can ship a TV that boots into DirecTV’s experience, but the advertising marketplace and measurement behind the scenes will run on Ventura. As Matthew Henick, senior vice president of Ventura TV OS, put it, “TV manufacturers deserve more choice in how they build their businesses,” adding that the goal is a “more transparent and equitable ecosystem” for advertisers and publishers.

Financially, The Trade Desk enters this next phase during a time when investors are dubious about how sustainable its high growth rate is. Second-quarter revenue grew 19% year over year to $694 million, and customer retention stayed above 95% while adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) margin was an impressive 39%. But this growth rate was down from Q1, and management expects even lower growth in Q3. While tough comparisons to year-ago quarters (due primarily to political advertising spending last year) are weighing on results, some investors worry that increasing competition is also to blame.

A catalyst — and a potential distraction

A credible distribution partner could help The Trade Desk push Ventura into living rooms quickly. If OEMs adopt this DirecTV-skinned version, Ventura may improve ad transparency, streamline supply paths, and potentially lower take rates in CTV — outcomes that could make its core ad-buying platform more attractive as its marketers benefit from better economics when buying Ventura OS inventory.

But investors should be cautious about extrapolating too much from a single partnership. Building and supporting a TV OS is expensive and operationally messy. The business model relies on lining up multiple constituents (OEMs, publishers, retailers, and distribution partners) and then demonstrating that stakeholders can earn more money on Ventura than on incumbent platforms. That process takes time. It is also possible the effort will distract management from the day-to-day of strengthening Kokai, its artificial intelligence (AI)-forward ad-buying platform.

Additionally, The Trade Desk’s valuation arguably already prices in success with both its core business and in new ventures. Even after a tough stretch for the stock, shares trade at close to 10 times sales — a premium that implies steady execution and continued share gains across CTV and the open internet. If Ventura ramps slowly, or if macroeconomic headwinds suppress large brands’ ad budgets (as The Trade Desk management warned of in its last earnings call), that premium may be hard to defend. And competition isn’t standing still: Platform owners with their own channels can bundle distribution, data, and ad inventory in ways Ventura will need to match, with clear economic benefits for partners.

None of this diminishes the strategic logic. If Ventura delivers an OS that reduces friction for viewers and advertisers while improving monetization for content owners, this could lead to a cleaner and more efficient supply chain for CTV, ultimately benefiting The Trade Desk’s core platform and making it more valuable over time. The DirecTV tie-up is an important first step toward testing that thesis in the wild.

Gogglebox pals Danielle and Daniella are firm favourites on the Channel 4 show

Gogglebox stars Danielle and Daniella have been supported by fans after the pair issued a major announcement.

The best pals first joined the long-running Channel 4 show back in 2022 – and it’s fair to say it didn’t take them long to become a hit with the programme’s loyal viewers.

Over the years, Danielle and Daniella – who live in Leeds – have had fans in stitches thanks to their hilarious one-liners and comical takes on the telly highlights.

What’s more, the pair have returned for new series too, which kicked off last month, along with co-stars Pete and Sophie Sandiford in Blackpool and Giles Wood and Mary Killen in Wiltshire.

Away from the show, Danielle and Daniella regularly keep their fans updated on their everyday lives on their shared Instagram account. And recently, the pair made a big announcement.

Taking to the platform, Danielle and Daniella shared a slew of snaps from their time on the show, as they celebrated three years of being on Gogglebox. In the caption, they wrote: “Meanwhile in Leeds, Daniella & Danielle are celebrating 3 years of professional sofa surveillance on @c4gogglebox.

“That’s 3 years of snacks, sass, and pure cut eye, kiss teet and belly laughs. 2 @officiantas later (we’re taking that as Olympic podium wins, medals and ting). They say “time flies when you’re having fun”. Big up @channel4@studiolambert for making us family.”

Fans rushed to the comments to share their delight and send their congratulations to the pair. One person wrote: “3 years already congratulations I couldn’t be any more prouder.”

Another added: “Congratulations to both of you.” The pair’s Gogglebox co-star Ellie Warner also wrote: “Happy 3 years ladies.”

Much to the delight of fans, Danielle and Daniella have returned for the new Gogglebox series – which started earlier this year. However, it is looking a little different, as it was announced in July that beloved stars Roisin Kelly and Joe Kyle would not be returning.

The couple became a part of Gogglebox history as the first Scottish pair to join the programme in February 2022. Announcing their departure from the Channel 4 show, Roisin took to TikTok to share the unfortunate update.

They wrote: “After three and a half years of sitting on the sofa Channel 4 have decided it’s time for Joe and I to stretch our legs and have not asked us back for season 26.”

Gogglebox continues every Friday at 9pm on Channel 4.

When you see the name Social Security in the news, there’s often a negative context. For example, earlier this year, Social Security was in the news a lot when the program’s Trustees released an update about the program’s finances.

That update wasn’t great, as it looped people into the fact that Social Security may be looking at severe benefit cuts in less than a decade’s time, based on current projections.

Image source: Getty Images.

On Oct. 15, Social Security is likely to be all over the news again. Only this time, it’s not necessarily for a bad reason.

Oct. 15 is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) is expected to announce a number of key changes to the program. It pays to tune in — whether you’re receiving monthly benefits from the program or not.

A COLA will finally be revealed

For months, there’s been speculation about Social Security’s upcoming cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Many seniors are hoping that 2026’s raise will be more generous than the 2.5% COLA they received at the start of 2025, and there’s some good news in that regard.

Initial estimates are calling for a 2.7% Social Security increase in 2026, which is clearly a notch higher than 2.5%. If inflation picks up in September, as well, Social Security recipients could see an even larger COLA in the new year.

An uptick in inflation isn’t necessarily a good thing. However, the silver lining is that it could drive 2026’s COLA higher.

Other key changes should come to light

An official 2026 COLA announcement may be the main event on Oct. 16, but the SSA will be sharing many key updates that day. For one, workers will want to stay tuned to see what 2026’s wage cap looks like.

In 2025, workers will pay Social Security taxes on up to $176,100 of income. But that number is likely to rise in the new year, a change that higher earners will need to gear up for.

The SSA should also share a new earnings-test limit. That limit applies to people who work while collecting Social Security before reaching full retirement age.

In addition, the SSA will announce how much in earnings it takes to get a single Social Security work credit. You must accumulate at least 40 work credits in your lifetime to be eligible for Social Security benefits in retirement, based on your personal earnings record. The maximum number of credits you can receive per year is four.

Right now, it takes $1,810 in earnings to get a work credit. However, just as the wage cap is expected to increase, so, too, is the value of a work credit.

Be sure to tune in

Clearly, Oct. 15 is an important day for Social Security, whether you’re getting benefits or not. It’s essential to pay attention to all of the changes happening in 2026 so you know what to expect from Social Security in 2026. That way, if any of those changes impact you negatively, such as having to pay taxes on more of your income, you’ll have time to make a game plan.

It had operated from Stansted Airport and Liverpool Airport

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidance after Play Airlines (Iceland), an airline serving Stansted and Liverpool airports, abruptly ceased all operations.

The CAA confirmed that all flights operated by Play Airlines have now been cancelled, advising passengers: “Therefore, please do not go to the airport as flights will not be operating. Play Airlines customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements if required.”

Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said on Monday evening: “It’s always unfortunate when an airline ceases operations, and we understand that Play Airlines’ decision will be unsettling for its employees and customers. UK customers seeking the latest information are advised to visit the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.”

In a statement, Play Airlines announced: “Fly PLAY hf. has ceased operations and all flights have been cancelled. We kindly advise you to check flights with other airlines. Some carriers may offer special ‘rescue fares’ considering the circumstances.”

The airline further advised passengers who purchased their ticket with a payment card to contact their card issuer regarding a refund, while those who booked a ticket as part of a package through a travel agency in the EEA should reach out to their travel agent for assistance.

The airline added: “Some rights may also apply under EU Air Passenger regulations. In case of bankruptcy, claims should be directed to the appointed administrator.”

Encouraging passengers to seek advice from www.icetra.is and www.kefairport.com, it said: “We are deeply sorry for the disruption this causes and thank you for your understanding.”

President Donald Trump has urged pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol, pointing to an unproven claim that links the painkiller to autism.

Speaking from the Oval Office with Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, Trump claimed that acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol – also known as paracetamol in most parts of the world –  was “no good” and should only be used in pregnancy when there’s a high fever.

He then outlined steps his administration would take to restrict the use of the drug during pregnancy, in comments laced with unproven – and, in some cases, false – claims.

Here is what he said, and what the facts say, about the drug, autism and whether Cuba, as Trump claimed at one point, does not have autism.

What did Trump announce?

Trump opened the event by calling autism a “horrible, horrible crisis”.

“The meteoric rise in autism is among the most alarming public health developments in history. There’s never been anything like this,” Trump said, even though experts point out that the data on autism only captures increased diagnoses – not necessarily a rise in the incidence of autism itself.

Trump then laid out his administration’s plans to tackle the “crisis”.

“First, effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of a – well, let’s see how we say that acetaminophen – is that OK? Which is basically commonly known as Tylenol during pregnancy, can be associated with a very increased risk of autism,” he said.

He went on to warn that Tylenol use during pregnancy should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

“So taking Tylenol is not good. All right. I’ll say it. It’s not good. For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary. That’s, for instance, in cases of extremely high fever, that you feel you can’t tough it out. You can’t do it. I guess there’s that.”

Trump then shifted to his broader concerns about vaccines, arguing against combination shots – like the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella – even though they have been proven to be safe in multiple rounds of research.

He also questioned giving newborns the hepatitis B vaccine.

“Hepatitis B is sexually transmitted. There’s no reason to give a baby that’s almost just born, hepatitis B. So I would say, wait till the baby is 12 years old and formed and take hepatitis B.”

Finally, Trump repeated a claim that countries without Tylenol, like Cuba, have little or no autism – framing it as evidence.

“I mean, there’s a rumour, and I don’t know if it’s so or not, that Cuba, they don’t have Tylenol because they don’t have the money for Tylenol. And they have virtually no autism, OK. Tell me about that one.”

President Donald J. Trump, @SecKennedy, @DrOzCMS, @NIHDirector_Jay, & @DrMakaryFDA announce the Autism Action Plan.

Make America Healthy Again. pic.twitter.com/1inEvIecYU

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 22, 2025

As with Trump’s other claims at the event, his assertion about Cuba doesn’t stand up to scrutiny – as we’ll get to in a bit.

But first …

What is autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that’s experienced by people in many different ways. In the United States, it’s recognised as a form of neurodivergence and disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism can shape how someone communicates, learns, and interacts with the world, often in ways that are simply different from most people.

Children diagnosed with autism can also have difficulties with social, emotional and communication skills. This can develop into traits that can affect interaction with others and difficulty in learning.

What causes autism?

Autism has been linked to a complex mix of genetic and developmental factors, and it looks different for every individual. Scientists have identified hundreds of genes that can play a role, either passed down from parents or appearing as new mutations during early brain development.

According to the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, certain environmental influences may increase autism risk, including:

• Advanced parental age
• Prenatal exposure to air pollution or certain pesticides
• Maternal obesity, diabetes or immune system disorders
• Extreme prematurity or very low birth weight
• Birth complications leading to periods of oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain.

Is autism on the rise in the US?

At first look, that’s what the numbers would suggest.

Figures from the CDC show that in 2022, 1 in 31 eight-year-old children were identified with autism in the US, up from 1 in 149 in 2000.

According to the CDC, the condition is also about three times more common in boys than in girls.

Globally, estimates vary. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2021 that about 1 in 127 people worldwide were living with autism. Similarly, a 2022 review of 71 studies found an average prevalence of about 1 percent.

These numbers have been cited by some, like supporters of US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, to argue that the US faces a particularly acute challenge with autism, and have been used to justify crackdowns on drugs like Tylenol.

But experts warn that the data might not necessarily agree with these assertions and the measures that the Trump administration is taking.

Why are the numbers going up?

First, say experts, comparing autism rates across countries is problematic because of differences in diagnostic practices, awareness and access to healthcare – all of which affect how prevalence is measured and reported.

The increased numbers in the US, they point out, only demonstrate a sharp rise in diagnoses – not necessarily a rise in the incidence of autism itself.

According to experts, there are two main factors behind the rise in autism diagnoses. First, the definition of autism has broadened as scientists have recognised its wide spectrum of traits and symptoms. This has led to updated diagnostic criteria and better screening tools.

At the same time, growing awareness has meant that more parents are seeking evaluations.

What about acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers.

For more than a decade, researchers have studied whether acetaminophen use during pregnancy is linked to developmental disorders. Findings have been mixed: Some studies reported associations with autism, while a 2025 Mount Sinai review suggested evidence for broader neurodevelopmental risks.

But association is not the same as causation. The largest and most rigorous study to date, published in 2024, found no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, ADHD, or other learning or developmental disorders. Experts note that the best-quality studies so far show no evidence of harm from acetaminophen.

According to the Autism Science Foundation, claims of a connection remain “limited, conflicting, and inconsistent”.

“The big reveal about autism was a total bust full of misinformation,” Arthur L Caplan, an American ethicist and professor of bioethics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told Al Jazeera.

“There is no data to show Tylenol causes autism and lots of data to show that fever in pregnant women harms the fetus,” he added.

To be sure, even without a Tylenol-autism link, most doctors “will probably tell pregnant women they should always be careful about medication”, Catherine Lord, a professor of psychiatry at UCLA who specialises in autism, told Al Jazeera.

But those doctors will likely also caution women not to avoid taking medicines when they have a fever during pregnancy, she said. “They also need to realise that having a high fever or being in pain is not good for a growing baby, either, so they should consult their doctor,” she added.

Have there been other claims about what causes autism?

Over the years, autism has been wrongly linked to many supposed causes. The most notorious was the false vaccine-autism link from a 1998 study, now fully debunked. That study claimed an association between the MMR vaccine – the same one that Trump targeted on Monday – and autism. The Lancet, the highly respected British journal that published that study, retracted it 12 years later, in 2010.

Other debated factors include prenatal medications or antidepressants, environmental toxins, and diet, but the evidence is weak or inconsistent. Earlier, the discredited “refrigerator mother” theory blamed parents who were perceived to lack adequate emotional warmth with their children for higher risks of autism.

And finally, is it true, as Trump claims, that autism does not exist in Cuba?

It’s untrue – and if anything, Cuba undercuts Trump’s argument.

Cuba officially recognises autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are multiple specialised schools and paediatric clinics that provide diagnosis and therapy for children with autism.

In Cuba, acetaminophen is generally known as paracetamol and is sold in government pharmacies. In other words, it is very much available and used as in other parts of the world.

According to a 2022 study, Cuba had an autism incidence of about 2 to 4 per 10,000 children in some settings. While research on autism diagnoses in Cuba is much more limited than in the US, the data from the 2022 study shows a far lower rate of recognised cases than in the US – despite the presence of acetaminophen.

Sept. 22 (UPI) — President Donald Trump likely will announce Monday that use of Tylenol in pregnancy causes autism, according to media reports.

Trump told reporters Sunday night that he believed Tylenol was “a very big factor” in autism risk, despite a recent study finding that taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy was not tied to autism spectrum disorder.

When asked to confirm reports that he planned to tie Tylenol to increased risk of autism, Trump said, “We’re going to see tomorrow. We’re going to do it tomorrow, but I think it’s a very big factor.”

An announcement is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Tylenol maker Kenvue disputes the tie to ASD.

“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” Kenvue said in a statement. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”

“The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism,” the statement said.

Trump also criticized vaccines.

“Vaccines are very interesting,” Trump told reporters. “They can be great, but when you put the wrong stuff in them, and, you know, children get these massive vaccines, like you’d give to a horse, like you’d give to a horse. And I’ve said for a long time, I mean, this is no secret.”

Autism diagnoses in the United States have increased significantly since 2000. By 2020, the U.S. autism rate in 8-year-olds was 1 in 36, or 2.77%, up from 0.66% in 2000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Research spanning decades hasn’t found firm answers on what contributes to autism, but many scientists believe genetics and environmental influences play a role. Kennedy has argued the country has an “autism epidemic” fueled by “environmental toxins.”

WASHINGTON — President Trump said early Thursday that he plans to designate antifa as a “major terrorist organization.”

Antifa, short for “anti-fascists,” is an umbrella term for far-left-leaning militant groups and is not a singular entity. They consist of groups that resist fascists and neo-Nazis, especially at demonstrations.

It’s unclear how the administration would label what is effectively a decentralized movement as a terrorist organization, and the White House on Wednesday did not immediately offer more details.

Trump, who is on a state visit to the United Kingdom, made the announcement in a social media post shortly before 1:30 a.m. Thursday local time. He called antifa a “SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER.”

He also said he will be “strongly recommending” that funders of antifa be investigated.

Antifa is a domestic entity and, as such, is not a candidate for inclusion on the State Department’s list of foreign terror organizations. Dozens of groups, including extremist organizations like Islamic State and Al Qaeda, are included on that list. The designation matters in part because it enables the Justice Department to prosecute those who give material support to entities on that list even if that support does not result in violence.

There is no domestic equivalent to that list in part because of broad 1st Amendment protections enjoyed by organizations operating within the United States. And despite periodic calls, particularly after mass shootings by white supremacists, to establish a domestic terrorism law, no singular statute now exists.

In an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump said he would pursue a domestic terrorism designation for antifa if such a move had the support of Atty. Gen. Pam Bondi and others in his Cabinet.

“It’s something I would do, yeah,” Trump said. ”I would do that 100%. Antifa is terrible.”

Wednesday night, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) praised Trump’s announcement, saying: “Antifa seized upon a movement of legitimate grievances to promote violence and anarchy, working against justice for all. The President is right to recognize the destructive role of Antifa by designating them domestic terrorists.”

In July 2019, Cassidy and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced a resolution in the Senate to condemn the violent acts of antifa and to designate the group a domestic terror organization.

In 2020, in the midst of the George Floyd protests, Trump also raised the idea of designating antifa as a terror organization.

Trump’s previous FBI director, Christopher Wray, said in testimony that year that antifa is an ideology, not an organization, lacking the hierarchical structure that would usually allow it to be designated as a terror group by the federal government.

Kim writes for the Associated Press.

Good Morning Britain has seen a string of changes recently, and one star has now made an announcement that has sparked concern among viewers.

It appears that some Good Morning Britain viewers are concerned that a familiar face might be departing the programme, amid the sweeping shake-ups at ITV.

The popular breakfast show, which recently witnessed presenter Susanna Reid praising an ITV legend live on air, revealed plans to extend their broadcast by an additional 30 minutes starting January 2026.

Additionally, the programme will be produced by ITV News at ITN from their London headquarters and created by a team operating within ITV News at ITN.

Nevertheless, it seems one Good Morning Britain presenter has strong ties to ITN, having initially joined the organisation back in 1999 before returning to their studios this weekend to present ITV news bulletins.

Charlotte Hawkins, who regularly hosts Good Morning Britain, posted on social media on Saturday, sharing a snap of her old ITN security pass alongside a more current photograph, reports Wales Online.

She wrote: “Do not adjust your sets.. a guest appearance from me presenting the @itvnews this weekend! I was first here at ITN back in 1999, working on ITN Radio, and then this security pass is from when I worked on the ITV News Channel.

“A lot has changed over the years.. including the hair! Next update is just after 10pm see you then.”

Yet her appearance sparked confusion amongst some viewers, with one person wondering what this means for her Good Morning Britain future, following a series of budget cuts.

One fan commented: “You will be there all the time soon when GMB becomes part of ITN.”

One fan queried: “Wow this is amazing Charlotte watched u this afternoon u were superb. Will we see u do more weekends in future occasionally.”

Former Good Morning Britain director Erron Gordon commented: “A much more palatable time of day for a change. Love to see this!!”

To which Charlotte responded: “Yes, bit of a change to having an early alarm!! Thanks Erron xx.”

On X, one viewer asked: “Are you leaving @gmb for @itvnews??? Was a nice surprise when I put the news on.”

Another viewer remarked: “It was lovely to see you on the early evening news, Charlotte. I thought I’d missed a career change!”

While another person noted: “It could confuse some people, imagine going for a nap, waking up and seeing you on you would think how long was I sleep.”

Good Morning Britain is available to watch on ITVX.

Apple (AAPL -3.17%) shares dipped slightly on Tuesday as the tech giant unveiled its latest iPhones. The company behind the world’s most popular premium smartphone now has fresh hardware headed to stores later this month. Investors will be watching early demand closely, but one detail from the event deserves special attention: pricing. Apple raised the starting price of the iPhone 17 Pro to $1,099 in the U.S., $100 above last year’s Pro entry point.

Apple’s iPhone business has already regained momentum. In the quarter ending Jun. 28, Apple posted record fiscal third-quarter revenue, with double-digit growth in iPhone and an all-time high in services. Management also highlighted growth across every geographic segment and said the installed base of active devices hit a new high. Those are the right conditions heading into a price-supported product cycle.

Image source: Getty Images.

Recent results point to a healthier iPhone backdrop

Apple‘s fiscal third quarter showed the core engine is running well again. Total revenue rose to $94.0 billion, up 10% year over year, while iPhone revenue climbed 13% to $44.6 billion from $39.3 billion a year ago. Services revenue reached $27.4 billion, also a record for the June quarter. All of this pushed earnings per share for the quarter up 12% year over year. This mix shows iPhone still doing the heavy lifting while services keeps compounding on a larger base.

Apple CEO Tim Cook captured the tone in the company’s fiscal third-quarter release in late July: “Today Apple is proud to report a June quarter revenue record with double-digit growth in iPhone, Mac and services and growth around the world, in every geographic segment.” That comment, paired with an all-time-high installed base noted by the CFO, underscores the company’s momentum as new models arrive later this month.

Apple stock’s valuation reflects high expectations. As of Tuesday’s close, the stock traded around the mid-30s on a trailing price-to-earnings basis and sported a market cap near $3.5 trillion. Premium valuation multiples require sustained growth, so whether the iPhone lineup can support another leg higher matters for returns from here.

A Pro price bump and a new Air could lift iPhone revenue

The most consequential change this fall may be simple: Apple lifted the iPhone 17 Pro’s starting price to $1,099 from $999 for last year’s 16 Pro. Even before any unit growth, that change can nudge average selling prices higher, especially if Pro models continue to draw enthusiasts who want the iPhone models with the best cameras and performance. Apple also doubled the entry storage on 17 Pro to 256GB, which supports the higher entry price while still benefiting revenue recognition.

Additionally, Apple introduced iPhone Air — the thinnest iPhone yet — with a polished titanium frame and new Ceramic Shield 2 front and back that Apple says is more scratch- and crack-resistant than prior models. Priced below the Pro line at $999, Air offers a sleeker and tougher design that should appeal to mainstream upgraders who have waited. Together with iPhone 17, this broadens the ladder for buyers and may support both units and richer configurations. Preorders begin Friday, with availability next week.

These product dynamics line up with the fundamentals Apple reported in late July: iPhone is growing again, services is setting records, and the installed base is larger than ever. A higher Pro entry price, a compelling non-Pro option in Air, and the usual mix of trade-in and carrier promotions could translate into higher iPhone revenue in fiscal 2026, potentially in the double digits, if Apple sustains healthy Pro demand and nudges more mainstream buyers to upgrade. The risks are clear, including price sensitivity at the high end, macro softness in key regions, and intense competition. But Apple’s scale, brand strength, and rapidly growing services business help cushion those pressures.

In short, Apple just made its most popular premium phones more valuable — and more expensive — while adding a new, tougher design at a slightly lower price point than Pro. If that combination drives strong Pro mix and steady upgrades, it can lift average selling prices and total iPhone revenue next year. With services already at record levels and the installed base expanding, that is a reasonable path for the stock to maintain a premium valuation over time, allowing the stock price to grow with earnings growth.

Gogglebox star Pete Sandiford’s wife Paige has shared a sweet family update on social media, which has been inundated with comments from fans

Gogglebox favourite Pete Sandiford’s wife has thrilled fans after sharing a touching family update.

The telly personality first appeared on the long-running Channel 4 programme back in 2027 for series 10 alongside sister Sophie – and they quickly became viewer favourites.

Throughout the years, Pete and Sophie – who currently reside in Blackpool – have left audiences in hysterics with their sharp wit and hilarious commentary on television’s biggest moments.

Beyond the small screen, Pete is happily married to wife Paige, who works as an emergency services call handler. The couple are proud parents to two youngsters, Jimmy and Eva.

This week, Paige – who wed Pete in 2021 – posted an adorable Instagram update featuring professional photographs of their family of four. The images showed Pete and Paige alongside their children striking poses on the seaside, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Paige wrote: “Capturing memories with my lovely family. If only it was like this all the time. Thank you for taking the sweetest photos @rebeccaclarephotography.”

Her followers were quick to shower praise on the heartwarming post. One fan commented: “Beautiful pictures beautiful family.” Another added: “Lovely photos, they’re both getting so big now!” A third penned: “So beautiful [crying emoji].”

Pete also chipped in with: “Life’s a beach and then you marry one so I heard.”

In 2021, Pete and Paige said their vows and welcomed their first child, a son named Jimmy, into the world.

Fast forward to December 2022, during an episode of Gogglebox, Pete shared the heartwarming news that they were expecting their second child, who was born in June 2023.

On Gogglebox, Pete introduced his newborn daughter to viewers, cradling her as he called out to his sister in another room: “Sophie, did I tell you Eva’s full name? She’s going to be Eva Sylvie Sandiford.”

His sister, clearly overjoyed, responded with a heartfelt: “I love it!”.

Gogglebox series 26 airs on Friday at 9pm on Channel 4

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announced their engagement more than a week ago, and the excitement has yet to wear off for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end.

On this week’s episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce described to his brother, Jason, how it feels to introduce the pop music superstar as his fiancée.

“I still get giddy,” Kelce said. “I love it. It’s exciting times.”

The brothers opened the show with Kelce’s first public comments on his upcoming nuptials since he and Swift made the announcement on Aug. 26 with a joint Instagram post. That post has received more than 36 million likes and has been reposted more than any other Instagram post, passing the 1-million mark in its first six hours.

“I appreciate everybody that reached out and sent something, and all the posts, and all the excitement that’s been going on,” Kelce said. “It’s been really fun telling everybody who I’m going to be spending the rest of my life with.”

Just days after the announcement, the couple attended a college football game between Cincinnati (the Kelce brothers’ alma mater) and Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs’ home field. While much of the public was thrilled to see Swift’s massive engagement ring out and about for the first time, Kelce said it was another first that made the occasion special to him.

“Actually, it was my first time introducing Taylor as my fiancée to a few of my teammates,” Kelce said. “So, yeah, it was pretty cool.”

Kelce provided no insight into any wedding plans, though, telling his brother at one point, “We’re gonna see how it all shakes out.”

Both the groom and bride would seem to have plenty on their plates in upcoming months, with the Chiefs starting the 2025 season Friday against the Chargers in São Paulo, Brazil, and Swift releasing a new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Oct. 3.

Former Australian Football League (AFL) player Mitch Brown has shared a heartwarming message to fans after coming out.

On 27 August, the athlete revealed to The Daily Aus that he was bisexual, becoming the first openly queer man in the league’s 129-year history.

Brown – who played 94 matches for West Coast between 2007 and 2016 – said he had a “feeling of peace, but more importantly, comfort and confidence” with his decision to open up about his sexuality.

According to TDA, the 36-year-old initiated the conversation with a DM over Instagram, writing: “Hey [writer] Sam [Koslowski], I played in the AFL for 10 years for the West Coast Eagles, and I’m a bisexual man.”

Brown said his time in the AFL never afforded him “an opportunity to speak openly or explore your feelings in a safe way,” describing the culture as one of “hyper-masculinity” where “countless” homophobic comments were heard on the pitch.

“When I was growing up at school, the word ‘gay’ was thrown around constantly,” he said. “For a man in Australia, [it was seen as] probably the weakest thing you could be.”

He also urged the AFL to foster a “sense of change” with more “positive male role models,” adding: “My advice to the AFL would be, let’s celebrate the players who may not be the most successful, but are the most important in our community.”

Since opening up about his sexuality, Brown has been embraced and celebrated by fans, rugby organisations such as the Gold Coast Suns, and the LGBTQIA+ community for his bravery.

After a few days of silence, Brown took to Instagram on 31 August to express his gratitude for the support and to reflect on his coming out journey.

“It has been a few days since I shared my story, and I’ve had space to let it all sink in. Before it went live, there was a part of me that was worried about the homophobia or potential backlash I might receive,” he wrote.

“What happened instead was that the story was met with an overwhelming positive response, for which I am so grateful. With that, I’d like to share a few thoughts.”

Brown went on to express his gratitude to his partner Lou for her “love, strength, and resilience”; his ex, Shae, and their two children; and the TDA team for their care and professionalism.

“I have been overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and solidarity that have poured in from people across Australia and around the world,” he continued.

“Every message, every story shared, every word of support has meant more to me than I can say. I will carry that gratitude with me always.”

Brown also gave flowers to the LGBTQIA+ athletes and advocates who came before him – including Jason Ball, Ian Roberts, Isaac Humphries, Josh Cavallo, and Danielle Laidley – praising them for helping “make sport and society more inclusive.”

The Aussie talent then brought attention to the women’s division of the AFL, lauding the organisation for its longstanding history of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment in sport.

“The players are role models not only for young women, but for every young Australian who is searching for a place where they can belong,” he wrote.

“I encourage everyone to go and watch an AFLW game – you’ll see what the future of our game can and should look like.”

Towards the end of his statement, Brown expressed his hope that young people, especially queer young Australians, will benefit from his coming out – before issuing a call to action to the AFL.

“It’s time for the AFL and the clubs to commit to genuine change, embedding inclusion not just in words, but in culture, policies, and everyday actions,” he said.

“If we can make our game a place where everyone belongs, the ripple effect on Australian society will be profound. I look forward to joining the movement that started long before me, to create a safer, more inclusive sport, and society for everyone.”

You can read Brown’s complete statement below.

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s administration will announce on Tuesday that U.S. Space Command will be located in Alabama, reversing a Biden-era decision to keep it at its temporary headquarters in Colorado, according to a person familiar with the announcement.

Trump is expected to speak Tuesday afternoon, and he will give the new location, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity to confirm the plans ahead of the official announcement. A Pentagon website set up to livestream the remarks described the event as a “U.S. Space Command HQ Announcement.”

“The president will be making an exciting announcement related to the Department of Defense,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Space Command’s functions include conducting operations like enabling satellite-based navigation and troop communication and providing warning of missile launches.

Alabama and Colorado have long battled to claim Space Command because it has significant implications for the local economy. The site also has been a political prize, with elected officials from both Alabama and Colorado asserting their state is the better location.

Huntsville, Alabama, nicknamed Rocket City, has long been home to the Army’s Redstone Arsenal and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. The Army’s Space and Missile Defense Command is also located in Huntsville, which drew its nickname because of its role in building the first rockets for the U.S. space program.

The announcement caps a four-year back-and-forth on the location of Space Command.

The Air Force in 2021 identified Army Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville as the preferred location for the new U.S. Space Command. The city was picked after site visits to six states that compared factors such as infrastructure capacity, community support and costs to the Defense Department.

Then-President Joe Biden in 2023 announced Space Command would be permanently located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which had been serving as its temporary headquarters. Biden’s Democratic administration said that keeping the command in Colorado Springs would avoid a disruption in readiness.

A review by the Defense Department inspector general was inconclusive and could not determine why Colorado was chosen over Alabama. Trump, a Republican who enjoys deep support in Alabama, had long been expected to move Space Command back to Alabama.

Kim and Chandler write for the Associated Press.

It didn’t turn out to be a “Cruel Summer” for singer Taylor Swift: she and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, in a continuation of their ongoing “Love Story,” have officially told each other, “You Belong With Me.”

The pop icon, self-made billionaire, and self-described “Anti-Hero” announced her engagement to Kelce in an Instagram post on Tuesday. Sure enough, where there used to be a “Blank Space” on Swift’s ring finger, she was now “Bejeweled” with a large engagement ring (and we hope she doesn’t accidentally “Shake It Off”).

Swift surely knew “All Too Well” that the announcement would make “Sparks Fly” among her legion of fans (to them I say, “You Need to Calm Down”), but even in her “Wildest Dreams,” she probably never expected the news to affect the stock market.

But it did. Here’s how.

Image source: Getty Images.

Look what you made me do…to the market

In the immediate wake of the announcement, as fans were still trying to identify the exact cut of the diamond in Swift’s ring (it was a “cushion cut,” for those who are interested), there was a brief, otherwise-unexplained 1% pop in the stock price of Signet Jewelers Limited (SIG -2.54%), one of the few publicly traded jewelry companies.

As the afternoon wore on, Signet’s shares climbed higher in a rally continued through Wednesday and into Thursday’s premarket trading, when Signet’s stock briefly hit $95/share, up nearly 10% over the pre-“pop star pop” price. The Swift Effect was even more pronounced for Brilliant Earth Group (BRLT 8.55%), which soared from $2.17/share at 12:50 PM on Tuesday to close at $2.82/share, a 30% gain.

Even luxury brands only partially exposed to the jewelry market rose in the wake of the announcement: Movado Group (MOV 2.47%), which is primarily a watchmaker but does sell other jewelry items, and LVMH (LVMHF -1.43%), which owns Tiffany & Co., were both up more than 4% over their pre-engagement price at Thursday’s close.

Today was a fairytale

It’s not the first time that Taylor Swift’s legions of fans — known as “Swifties” — have collectively influenced the financial world. In July 2023, the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book credited Swift’s “Eras” tour as being responsible for the strongest month of hotel revenue in Philadelphia since the pandemic. This mirrored reports from Cincinnati and Chicago, among many other cities, that credited the “Eras” tour for record hotel revenues.

So how did this happen? There was likely a noticeable spike in internet searches for various types of wedding rings in the wake of Swift’s announcement as eager fans tried to identify the exact ring in question (and possibly score one for themselves). That activity may have triggered certain traders’ algorithms to buy jewelry stocks…or perhaps there are just plenty of Swifties among the ranks of hedge fund managers.

The money question is, could this one-time pop in interest translate into a meaningful increase in jewelry sales, or lasting gains for these jewelry stocks?

Is it over now?

Unfortunately, it looks like the rally may already be fizzling. Although Signet Jewelers closed on Thursday at $89.86/share, which is 3.6% above its pre-engagement price, it had fallen significantly from its post-engagement high of $95. Brilliant Earth Group also closed lower on Thursday at $2.69/share, though that was also well above its pre-engagement price.

Getting engaged is a much bigger commitment than buying an album or attending a concert (although the cost of some resold “Eras” tour tickets could have funded an entire wedding and then some). Sure, it might be fun to dream about getting a ring like Taylor Swift, or to shop for one online, but even if you idolize Swift, will her engagement really prompt legions of uncommitted Swifties to propose? (Don’t get me wrong: I know the intensity of Swift’s fandom is strong…but that strong?)

Meanwhile, all of the aforementioned jewelry and jewelry-adjacent companies have significantly lagged the S&P 500 over the past five years: some by a little (Signet is trailing on a total return basis by about 35 percentage points) to a lot (Brilliant Earth is “Down Bad,” by a jaw-dropping 130 percentage points).

I’d classify those returns as not just in the “Red,” but redder than “Bad Blood,” and it’ll take more than a one-time surge of interest from Swifties to make me say anything besides “I Knew You Were Trouble” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Together.”

That said, whichever jeweler can be the first to mass-produce a Taylor Swift-inspired cushion-cut engagement ring will almost certainly have a hit on their hands.

Gogglebox fan favourite Georgia Bell has had fans sending their support after she shared an emotional announcement online

A cherished Gogglebox favourite has received overwhelming support from devoted viewers following her heartfelt family revelation.

Georgia Bell initially appeared on the Channel 4 programme in 2018 alongside best mate Abbie Lynn. It’s safe to say the pair quickly won over audiences with their infectious charm.

Throughout the years, Georgia and Abbie – who reside in Durham – have left viewers in hysterics with their brilliant quips and amusing commentary on television’s finest moments.

Beyond the programme, hairdresser Georgia is a devoted mother to two boys, Hugh – who arrived in July 2022 – and Ralphie – who was born in November 2024 – with partner Josh Newby, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Recently, Georgia expressed her melancholy in a touching family revelation. Posting to her Instagram account, the Channel 4 personality shared multiple photographs of baby Ralphie.

In her message, she disclosed to followers: “Maternity leave comes to an end tomorrow. An absolute rollercoaster it’s been, transitioning to a family of 5 welcoming our little Ralphie into the world.

“I feel like l’ve learnt so much more to motherhood this time round and I couldn’t feel any luckier to have our perfect little family.

“There’s been so many highs, absolute chaos, laughs, tears, tantrums and most importantly unconditional love.”

Delivering a relationship update, Georgia continued: “Even having more time with Hugh has been so special we have two happy and healthy boys and that’s all I could ever wish for. Onto the next chapter.”

Supporters quickly filled the comments section with messages of encouragement for Georgia. One fan penned: “It will be difficult you got this you have a beautiful family love watching your stories.xx.”

Another chimed in: “All the best in your new chapter, it will be worth it as you have an evening of family time together, with new conversations and new routines. You will be fine.”

Her Gogglebox colleague Abbie also expressed her admiration, stating: “Extremely proud of you Ge! You are the bestest mama to the most beautiful boys!”.

Gogglebox series 26 is scheduled to begin on Friday, September 5th, 2025, on Channel 4.