Desmond Milligan

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand 's government announced new military spending Thursday of 2.7 billion New Zealand dollars ($1.6 billion) to replace aging aircraft, with senior officials who unveiled the package citing rapidly growing global tensions and a deteriorating security environment. The purchase of military planes and helicopters was the first procurement announced in a government plan, disclosed April, to double defense spending from 1% to 2% of GDP in the next decade. New Zealand's military spending has trailed that of its larger partners in the Five Eyes intelligence sharing group of countries — which includes the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia — and the bolstered budget reflects a shift in how the remote island nation is responding to strategic competition between major powers in the Pacific Ocean. The procurement includes five MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to replace the existing maritime fleet and two Airbus A321XLR aircraft, allowing the retirement of Boeing 757s that are more than 30 years old and were already secondhand when purchased. The helicopters accounted for more than NZ $2 billion of the spending, officials said. Defense Minister Judith Collins said her government would “move at pace” to procure the helicopters directly through the United States' foreign military sales program instead of going to a wider tender. Cabinet ministers were expected to consider the final business case in 2026, she told reporters in Wellington on Thursday. It would take “a few years” to acquire the helicopters, Collins added, because buying new meant New Zealand would need to “wait in line.” She denied the choice to buy from the United States was an attempt to rectify the trade imbalance that has seen New Zealand goods targeted for an adjusted 15% levy when arriving in the U.S. under the Trump administration's global tariffs plan. The aging Boeing aircraft have frequently broken down while transporting New Zealand prime ministers abroad in recent years and now can only be flown short distances. The episodes are among an awkward string of incidents that have highlighted the rundown state of the country’s military hardware and persistent difficulties in maintaining it due to recruitment shortfalls. View the full article

A better way of translating your WordPress site directly from the front-end, with full support for WooCommerce, complex themes and site builders. A WordPress translation plugin that's easy to use for a change. TranslatePress Add-Ons: TranslatePress - SEO Pack Add-on 1.1.9 | TranslatePress - Extra Languages Add-on 1.0.1 | TranslatePress - Language by GET parameter Add-on v1.0.3 Demo: https://translatepress.com/ https://www116.zippyshare.com/v/jWATPtRx/file.html http://ul.to/3od3qzfb https://novafile.com/lrtsok2wf314 https://nippyshare.com/v/cfe44c https://www.mirrored.to/files/LCZVZMHC/translatepresspack-201.rar_links https://mirrorace.org/m/12kqd https://krakenfiles.com/view/9jq3E8XsfK/file.html https://hxfile.co/ed5q5bkvfz3q https://www.fireload.com/7ef19fa7bdc0c591/translatepresspack-201.rar https://dropbay.net/Thq/translatepresspack-201.rar https://dropapk.to/kdw0th4hszyo/translatepresspack-201.rar http://dl.free.fr/lcrH9wLJU https://ddownload.com/5f74m6if57el/translatepresspack-201.rar https://bayfiles.com/PbG1j0xfua https://anonfiles.com/Z3G6j3xauf https://1fichier.com/?pspolecbk4yjsumu4b9n View the full article

Easily setup a stunning coming soon page, capture leads & limit access to your website while under construction. Demo: https://www.seedprod.com/ https://www99.zippyshare.com/v/2BG8hg4v/file.html http://ul.to/cgdfev7v https://novafile.com/htava8xssf5g https://nippyshare.com/v/0a67ba https://www.mirrored.to/files/OM1GMCSQ/seedprodcomingsoon-640.rar_links https://mirrorace.org/m/12kqa https://krakenfiles.com/view/Z197lez3L7/file.html https://hxfile.co/i0lwj7pjhev1 https://www.fireload.com/0dd1533e11dd2c63/seedprodcomingsoon-640.rar https://dropbay.net/Tho/seedprodcomingsoon-640.rar https://dropapk.to/hoh3bayks3zk/seedprodcomingsoon-640.rar http://dl.free.fr/kUlCsUhQ2 https://ddownload.com/nqzspc46mqk2/seedprodcomingsoon-640.rar https://bayfiles.com/jcGej0x5u2 https://anonfiles.com/n5G5j1xau2 https://1fichier.com/?iwc0jjolwd4pca929lu9 View the full article

Manage your Facebook Pixel with just a few clicks, like thousands of other on-line business owners. Demo: http://www.pixelyoursite.com/facebook-pixel-plugin https://www74.zippyshare.com/v/rHuDGlfF/file.html http://ul.to/qc0hiqz4 https://novafile.com/2fvkxdnxrdp2 https://nippyshare.com/v/360a67 https://www.mirrored.to/files/FRZDIWFW/pixelyoursitepro-832.rar_links https://mirrorace.org/m/12kq8 https://krakenfiles.com/view/F8X9BUaVhj/file.html https://hxfile.co/sj5wwbgknivr https://www.fireload.com/0bd904a4fdc9d37d/pixelyoursitepro-832.rar https://dropbay.net/Thn/pixelyoursitepro-832.rar https://dropapk.to/slcms7dprz6p/pixelyoursitepro-832.rar http://dl.free.fr/iWTqCXfBn https://ddownload.com/zt6o8ikjs3xx/pixelyoursitepro-832.rar https://bayfiles.com/X1F1jcx7uf https://anonfiles.com/ZaF7j5x5u6 https://1fichier.com/?np86vxritu2yzstlg8im View the full article

External Variations is a WooCommerce plugin which lets you use variable product features for your external/affiliate products. Which means, you can add a variable product to your WooCommerce shop and then set a different URL for each variation. Demo: https://codecanyon.net/item/external-variations-woocommerce-plugin/29807398 https://www85.zippyshare.com/v/7UfXsn0b/file.html http://ul.to/g2ix4czo https://ulozto.net/file/DiWblYVqJ6HO/externalvariations-102-rar https://www.sendspace.com/file/155dta https://novafile.com/f3b6eimgijja https://nippyshare.com/v/411cc9 https://www.mirrored.to/files/0S8ZMQKU/externalvariations-102.rar_links https://mirrorace.org/m/3JtoQ https://hxfile.co/4h0set4i9v2j https://www.fireload.com/ff5e9f70955a6fc5/externalvariations-102.rar https://dropapk.to/zt42zpzov3q2 http://dl.free.fr/nWcVRPa35 https://ddownload.com/hkfa9tuo4pnw https://bayfiles.com/48V1p3Y1tf https://anonfiles.com/qdW9pbYct4 https://1fichier.com/?sdue1sw9mzxoghmsmqto View the full article

科技一日千里，將軍澳日出康城領都管理處早前向住戶派發問卷，查詢轉用「禮賓機器人」方案，認為可提升保安服務水平及具成本效益。根據資料顯示，目前領都共有12個崗位聘用保安員，每年成本為396.9萬元，而新方案建議減少五個崗位、即40%，保留七個崗位有保安員，另加配搭10部禮賓機器人，每年可節省103.2萬元。 惟部份住戶似乎不接受機器人，指出大廈經常發生爆水管及電梯故障等突發事件，認為現階段的機器人技術難以妥善應對；也有住戶反映現有保安公司的表現未如理想，反對再續約3年。 日出康城領都計劃採用禮賓機器人取代保安員，正向住戶派發問卷了解取向。（資料圖片）日出康城領都管理團隊稱，改用機器人更具成本效益。（資料圖片）隨着人工智能及機械人的科技漸趨成熟，近年有不少研究報告預告未來多個工種將受到衝擊，大廈保安崗位首受衝擊，將軍澳居屋英明苑曾一度試行「智慧屋苑管理」，最終大廈立案法團接獲住戶的意見後，在7月24日宣告決定擱置，管理處重新安排夜班保安員在各座當值，僅試行一周。 領都擬採用禮賓機器人取代保安員　稱更具成本效益不過相隔不足一個月，日出康城領都正上演同類型事件。領都客務處近日向住戶派發問卷，提出聘用「禮賓機器人」方案，認為相信能提升保安服務水平之餘，亦更具成本效益。住戶須在9月17日之前提交開卷。 機器人租賃成本62萬　料每年可節省103萬根據問卷內容顯示，目前領都共聘用12個崗位有保安員，每年成本為396.9萬元，而新方案建議保留7個崗位有保安員，減少40%，另配搭10部禮賓機器人，每年成本縮減至293.7萬元，當中62.2萬元為機器人租賃成本。換言之，相比目前安排，每年可節省103.2萬元。 日出康城領都客務處近日向住戶派發問卷，提出聘用「禮賓機器人」方案，住戶須在9月17日之前提交開卷。（網上圖片）有領都住戶表示，現時保安公司整體表現未如理想，不支持再續約3年。（資料圖片）反對住戶：機器人難以妥善應對突發事件贊戶住戶：現時保安公司表現未如理想惟部份住戶似乎不太接受機器人方案，紛紛在領都的WhatsApp群組表達反對意見。例如有住戶指出，保安工作本質上屬於高度互動的「對人服務」，加上大廈經常發生爆水管及電梯故障等突發事件，認為現階段的機器人技術難以妥善應對。 不過有住戶反映，現時保安公司整體表現未如理想，服務質素未達預期，以目前香港經濟趨勢而言，薪金水平將持續下調，3年後的合約標價未必顯著上升，因此不支持與保安公司再續約3年。此外也有多名住戶留言調侃︰ 真人都唔出嚟，更何況AI（哭笑不得表情）領都住戶有急事我直踩Control Room喇，仲同個AI慢慢嗲咩……領都住戶保安公司國民警衛將清盤遣散2000人　警前高層任董事　多國企股東網絡保安事故按年增67%　有騙徒扮受害人開苦主群組「二次詐騙」好市民獎｜女保安與物管經理智擒非禮犯　互相補位跟蹤助破案 View the full article

水晶宮中場核心伊比爾治伊斯（Eberechi Eze）的轉會動向，在一夜之間形勢急劇變化。原本幾乎確定將轉投熱刺，但阿仙奴在前鋒夏維斯（Kai Havertz）受傷後，突然加速行動，以迅雷不及掩耳之勢推動這筆6000萬鎊（約6.3億港元）、另加最多800萬鎊附加條款的交易，震撼整個北倫敦。 英國《BBC》報道，熱刺與水晶宮經過十日談判後已接近達成協議，準備好在周三（20日）迎接這位27歲英格蘭國腳加盟，熱刺高層相信交易已十拿九穩，部分方案甚至涉及以李察利臣（Richarlison）加現金的方式完成。怎料，阿仙奴得悉夏維斯膝傷可能長時間缺陣後，立即放棄原先考慮在租借市場物色的低成本方案，轉而全力出擊，直接送上6000萬鎊加800萬鎊附加條款的報價，將伊斯硬生生從死敵手中搶走。 夏維斯（左）的受傷令阿仙奴決心完成交易。（資料圖片/Getty Images）對於伊斯本人而言，阿仙奴的邀請更具吸引力，因為他少年時期曾效力兵工廠青訓，雖在13歲被放棄，當時因此「哭了一整個星期」，卻一直對球會懷有感情。消息人士透露，一旦阿仙奴正式提出邀請，他「只有一個選擇」。 伊斯上季在各項賽事攻入14球，並在足總盃決賽一箭定江山，助水晶宮奪得隊史首座大賽冠軍。他的加盟只待官方宣布，一旦落實勢為阿仙奴前場增添創造力與爆發力，亦讓死敵熱刺受到沉重打擊。 伊比爾治伊斯去季在水晶宮光芒四射。（資料圖片/Getty Images）水晶宮將在明天（22日）出戰歐協聯附加賽，主帥加士拿（Oliver Glasner）在賽前記者會強調暫時仍會倚重伊斯：「很多人或許感到意外，他在對車路士時依然正選，明天的歐協聯附加賽也會繼續上陣。只要他還在水晶宮，他就是球隊的一份子，必須全情投入。」他更補充，伊斯和隊友馬克古希（Marc Guehi）即使身陷轉會傳聞，也從未表現出半點敷衍：「他們訓練態度專業，對更衣室氣氛有正面影響。如果有一天離開，他們也會以百分百為球會付出的姿態離去。」 兩大傳奇舒利亞連尼加點評英超4個新9號　利物浦新兵獲一致讚賞英超︱列斯聯爭議12碼挫愛華頓　莫耶斯不忿：球證有很多差勁判決英超｜阿仙奴新中鋒約基利斯數據慘淡　網民：撥頭髮多過踢波英超｜曼聯遭角球戰術攻陷惹爭議　阿莫林：我們下次都要照做英超速評｜曼聯新兵對辦舊將回勇　「又」輸一場卻看到了希望 View the full article

美國副總統萬斯（JD Vance）周三（20日）表示，歐洲國家必須承擔烏克蘭安全保障的「主要責任」。 萬斯接受霍士新聞採訪時稱，美國可以在必要時提供幫助，但總統特朗普（Donald Trump，又譯川普）的立場是，歐洲應在相關安排中發揮主導作用，「無論最終形式如何，歐洲都必須承擔大部份負擔」。 圖為2025年7月1日，美國參議院審議「大而美」法案，副總統萬斯（JD Vance）現身位於華盛頓特區的國會大樓。（Reuters）《政治報》同日引述消息人士透露，美國防部最高政策官員曾對一小部份盟友表示，美國計劃在對烏克蘭的安全保障中發揮最小作用。 報道引述消息稱，美國國防部次長柯伯吉（Elbridge Colby）周二晚在會議上回答歐洲軍事領導人的提問，當時英國、法國、德國和芬蘭的國防部門負責人敦促美方披露其將提供哪些兵力和空中力量來幫助烏克蘭維持與俄羅斯的和平協議，柯伯吉回答稱，美國計劃在對烏克蘭的安全保障中發揮最小作用。 拉夫羅夫：若無俄羅斯參與　烏克蘭安全談判是「死路一條」英法等歐洲多國據報已準備好向烏克蘭派兵　提供軍事訓練和增援北約軍事領袖20日會議　討論烏克蘭局勢與安全安排如何給烏克蘭安全保障　特朗普：美國不會派兵　德法英有意派部隊 View the full article

BMW Rolls Out Tempting 2025 2 Series Lease Offers for August originally appeared on Autoblog. A solid deal on BMW’s entry-level coupe and sedanThe BMW 2 Series has long been the gateway into the brand’s performance lineup, delivering driving fun in a smaller, more approachable package. Since its debut, the 2 Series has built a reputation for sharp handling, clean styling, and a more engaging feel than rivals in the entry-luxury space. Offered as both a classic rear-wheel-drive coupe and a sleek, front-drive-based Gran Coupe, it gives buyers two distinct takes on affordable BMW performance. Now, with fresh lease offers this August, BMW is making the 2 Series lineup more appealing for shoppers who want luxury and performance without stretching into the brand’s higher-priced models. August lease offers sweeten the dealShoppers can lease a 2025 BMW 230i Coupe for $559 per month for 36 months with $3,899 due at signing. Stepping up to all-wheel drive, the 2025 BMW 230i xDrive Coupe is available for $579 per month for 36 months with $4,229 due at signing. BMW 2 Series CoupeBMWFor those who prefer four doors, the 2026 BMW 228 Gran Coupe comes in at $379 per month for 39 months with $4,349 due at signing, while the 2025 BMW 228 xDrive Gran Coupe leases for $399 per month for 39 months with $4,249 due at signing. All four deals also include up to $1,000 in loyalty credit for qualified buyers, making them even more attractive for current BMW owners looking to stay in the family. The 2 Series remains a driver’s carBMW designed the 2 Series Coupe for purists, with a classic long-hood, short-deck profile and rear-wheel-drive dynamics. The 230i packs a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough to push it from 0–60 mph in about 5.5 seconds—strong performance for its size. BMW 2 Series CoupeBMWMeanwhile, the Gran Coupe offers a different flavor. Built on a front-drive-based platform (with available xDrive all-wheel drive), it prioritizes everyday usability while still wearing the BMW badge. The interior includes a driver-focused layout, standard digital displays, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For buyers who want a more accessible way into BMW ownership—especially those who need rear doors—the Gran Coupe fits the bill. Why the 2 Series still makes sense in 2025The small luxury segment has become crowded, with rivals like the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz CLA, and Acura Integra all vying for attention. But the 2 Series Coupe continues to stand out for its rear-drive layout, refined suspension tuning, and signature BMW steering feel. The Gran Coupe, meanwhile, competes head-on with the CLA and A3, offering a balance of design, tech, and driving dynamics. BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeBMWAdd in BMW’s extensive dealer network, strong residual values, and these August lease specials, and the 2 Series lineup looks especially competitive. Final thoughtsBMW’s 2 Series remains one of the most compelling entry points into luxury performance. Whether you want the purist-friendly 230i Coupe or the stylish and practical Gran Coupe, this month’s lease deals make it easier to slide behind the wheel. For shoppers considering a small luxury car, August could be the right time to see how the 2 Series stacks up. *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. BMW Rolls Out Tempting 2025 2 Series Lease Offers for August first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. This ‘Sturdy and Well-Built’ Overhead Garage Storage Rack Is 33% Off at Amazon originally appeared on Autoblog. If your garage is already bursting at the seams, the thought of cramming yet another item into it might not sound like such a good idea. But you can regain control of this crowded space by trusting Amazon to provide a high-quality storage solution at an affordable price. The Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage Rack, which typically retails for $195, is currently on sale for just $131 at Amazon. It’s a heavy-duty metal rack capable of holding up to 600 pounds, and it’s a great choice for those looking to get their garages back into good order. Shoppers say it’s an “amazing” storage system that offers “ample space to organize various items.” Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage Rack, $131 (was $195) at AmazonConstructed out of durable steel, this black overhead storage rack is 96 inches long and 48 inches wide, and it can hang anywhere from 22 to 40 inches from your garage’s ceiling. This delivers up to 105 cubic feet of storage space. It’s also held together with thicker than usual M8 screws to ensure the rack is extra secure once it’s installed. This should provide peace of mind, especially if you plan to park your vehicle underneath it. “I am very happy with this storage rack,” one reviewer wrote. “The quality of the steel is excellent and it went together very easily.” “The unit feels very strong,” another reviewer wrote. “I have full totes of holiday decor and camping gear on mine and have no concerns about if it will last.” Related: Walmart’s ‘Very Bright’ LED Garage Lights Are Now 68% Off “I can finally see my garage floor again!” a third reviewer wrote. “It’s fantastic. It has plenty of storage space.” The rack has been such a huge hit among shoppers that many have reported buying a second one right after installing their first. “The best shelf for storage!” one wrote. “Holds a ton of weight, isn’t too hard to install — will be buying another.” The Fleximounts Overhead Garage Storage Rack is 33% off at Amazon. Make your garage more organized by investing in one to eliminate clutter. This ‘Sturdy and Well-Built’ Overhead Garage Storage Rack Is 33% Off at Amazon first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

1962 Chevrolet Corvette For Sale With Just 637 Miles Since Restoration originally appeared on Autoblog. One of the quintessential CorvettesIf you're reading this, chances are you're well familiar with the previous generations of the ever-so-famous Corvette sports car. Chevrolet's flagship pavement punisher has been around since the C1 came out in 1953, a generation that went through several redesigns before giving up the throne to the C2. If you've been after a C1 Corvette of your own, but wanted one that looked as original as possible, boy, do I have the treat for you. This particular 1962 Chevrolet Corvette is for sale right now on Exotic Car Trader, and you can check it out by clicking here. I've seen my fair share of Corvettes on ill-fitting chrome wheels the size of Jupiter's rings, but this 1962 C1 keeps it clean and mean. 1962 marked the last year that a Corvette would have a trunk until 1998 and the last year for exposed headlights until 2005. Notable changes for this model year included a new black grill with a chrome surround and chrome rocker panel moldings. 14,531 units were produced with an MSRP of $4,038, equivalent to around $43,019 in today's money. 1962 Chevrolet CorvetteExotic Car TraderWith only 637 miles on the clock since its frame-off restoration, this C1 is finished in a single-tone Tuxedo Black over a matching black leather interior. That oughta make for a good time in the summer sun. This one includes the factory hardtop, as well as a soft top, in case lugging around the hard top on a summer cruise is too much of a hassle. The steel wheels are finished in a matching shade of black, with chrome center caps providing a break from the black while matching the various chrome finishes on the car, such as the bumpers and side trim. Thinking about selling your car?Get a value estimate and list it online with Exotic Car Trader. Click here to learn more. The interior sports AOK bucket seats alongside the original clock, signal-seeking radio, dash-mounted rearview mirror, and beautifully tactile knobs, buttons, and sliders. Special mentions have to go to the classic arc-shaped Corvette cluster and the gorgeous green backlit analog gauges that let you keep a close eye on the car's vitals. Not to mention that they easily trump any digital display in a modern car. Under the hood is a 327 cu in V8 like the one that would have come from the factory, although the listing doesn't mention if it's the original engine or not. It has, however, been fitted with modern Edelbrock ProFlo sequential fuel injection and a COPS camshaft. All of that is mated to a Borg Warner T10 4-speed manual gearbox with a 2.20 low gear ratio. If all of that is a bunch of gobbledygook, then to put it mildly, this thing can boogie. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Exotic Car Trader View the 2 images of this gallery on the original article Final thoughtsNow, sure, this may not be the fastest, 1000+ hp ZR1 Corvette or whatever, but do you really need to go fast when you look this good? Then there's the argument of "how often are you going to use all of that ludicrous power?" The C1 Corvette is America's sports car at its purest level, before it tried to beat the Ferraris and Lamborghinis around the track. With a $94,996 asking price, it's by no means a cheap car, but it's a reasonable one considering the history you're wielding. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette For Sale With Just 637 Miles Since Restoration first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2025, where it first appeared. View the full article

(The Center Square) — Hybrid vehicles are gaining momentum in the California market, surpassing electric vehicles in the market share in the second quarter of this year. California New Car Dealers Association released its Q2 2025 California Auto Outlook Report in July, analyzing new vehicle registration trends for the first half of the year. The report showed electric vehicle registrations are declining whereas hybrid vehicle registrations are increasing. Electric vehicles experienced an 18.3% drop in registrations compared to the first half of 2024, according to a news release from the association. Electric vehicle share in the state also fell to 18.2% this quarter, down from 20.8% in the last quarter. Electric vehicles had a lower share in both quarters compared to its 22% share in 2024. Hybrid vehicles, on the other hand, were reported to take up 20.3% of the share in the state this quarter, an increase from 17.9% in the last quarter. Hybrid vehicle registrations have also increased by 54% since the beginning of this year, now accounting for 19.2% of the year-to-date market share. Electric vehicles still account for more than hybrid vehicles in the year-to-date market share with 19.5%. California New Car Dealers Association told The Center Square that the decline in electric vehicle registrations can be due to state policies such as California’s Advanced Clean Cars II regulation. This regulation required 100% of sales of new cars and light trucks to be electric vehicles by 2035 and was set to take effect in 2026. But Congress this year used the Congressional Review Act to invalidate the waiver that allows California to set more stringent emission standards that the federal government California sued the Trump administration for what state Attorney General Rob Bonta called the unlawful use of the review act. To meet the 2035 ban, manufacturers would have to sell 35% of the sales market as electric vehicles, a difficult achievement given this quarter's numbers. The state saw an increase in the overall vehicle registrations for the first half of the year, but inflation, tariffs and consumer caution are believed to affect the upward momentum the state has been seeing. The association told The Center Square it can’t give a prediction on how the sales will look like for electric, hybrid and other vehicles in the second half of the year, but it believes it is likely the state will see an impact in its sale of vehicles. California New Car Dealers Association did not say whether hybrid vehicles are expected to continue passing electric vehicles in sales during the second half of 2025. But the organization said there are many factors that make electric vehicles the unfavorable choice for buyers and sellers. One factor is price. Electric vehicles are commonly known to cost more than hybrids. For example, new Tesla models range from $42,490 to $89,990, according to carfax.com. That's compared to a 2026 Toyota Prius starting at $28,550, according to toyota.com. View the full article

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Despite a flurry of speculation from both sides of the political aisle, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe hasn’t signaled whether or not he’ll call a special session of the legislature to redraw congressional maps. Missouri has a total of eight seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. For more than a decade, the makeup has been six Republican districts and two Democrat districts–Kansas City and St. Louis. “Our goal, if we move forward and there’s no decision to move forward … is to make sure Missouri’s values are reflected in Washington, D.C.,” Kehoe said at a press conference Tuesday announcing Catherine Hanaway as the next Missouri attorney general. “And I’ve said many times that I think our current speaker (Mike Johnson) does a very good job of matching the values of Missourians.” The move to redraw Missouri’s districts comes after calls from President Trump to have legislatures redistrict in order to give Republicans extra seats in the House. Investigation ongoing after police shoot, kill Bel-Ridge man Texas has led the charge to remap its congressional districts, with as many as five Democrat districts redrawn to give Republicans a chance to win against incumbent Democrats. “I anticipate that as soon as Texas gets a map passed our governor is going to call an extraordinary session,” said State Rep. Ashley Aune, the leader of the Democrats in the Missouri House. Without committing either way, Kehoe said he believes it’s important to keep Johnson as speaker. Aune said she is hopeful Governor Kehoe won’t call one, but she believes he’s likely to call a special session to redraw congressional districts. “If we look at how Missourians voted in 2024, 58 percent of Missourians voted for Donald Trump,” said Aune, a state representative from Platte County. “But a 7-to-1 map proposes that 87% of our state would be represented by Republicans.” Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. View the full article

The Texas state House passed a new set of GOP-friendly congressional lines on Wednesday, putting the party one step closer toward adopting a new map that sparked a redistricting arms race across the country. The lower chamber approved the new maps on party lines, 88-52, in the first of two key votes. Republicans cleared the final passage of the map in the House with a 88-52 vote. The bill’s passage marks a key victory for Republicans, who were called into a second special session by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) after efforts to pass their House map stalled during their first 30-day session when Democrats fled the state in protest. The state Senate will next need to pass the map before it heads to Abbott’s desk for his signature. “PASSED THE HOUSE,” wrote the Texas House Republican Caucus on X. “The Big Beautiful Map will ADD 5 GOP districts to our congressional delegation – A HUGE WIN for the conservative movement in Texas!” The Wednesday session, which began at 11 am E.T., became an hours-long standoff between Republicans, who fiercely defended their right to add more GOP-favored seats, and Democrats, who used the session to stall passage of the bill and protest how it would break up communities of color. The session at times grew heated and even personal. “Question, would you believe it would be a great process to include the public in a way that they could see what’s going on, or do we want to do the things in the cloak of darkness here?” asked state Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins. “Well, you’ve been gone on the cloak of darkness for 18 days,” retorted state Rep. Todd Hunter (R), who introduced the House GOP bill. Democrats also sought to add several amendments to the bill, which would have eliminated the bill. Another amendment that recognized section 2 of the Voting Rights Act while a separate proposed that the House map could only be put into effective once Attorney General Pam Bondi released the Epstein files. All of those were rejected, however. Republicans faced pressure from the White House earlier this year to do mid-decade redistricting as the party braces for a challenging political environment next year. The president’s party traditionally faces headwinds during midterm cycles. President Trump on Tuesday urged Texas Republicans to move swiftly and pass the new congressional lines. Republicans currently hold 25 House seats in the Lone Star State, while Democrats hold 12, with one seat vacant after the late Rep. Sylvester Turner (D-Texas) died in March. The new map would give the GOP the opportunity to increase their congressional delegation to 30. Redistricting, which was not initially included on Abbott’s call for a special session, was later added. Republicans sought to quickly pass a new map during their first special session, but Democrats fled the state to block the GOP from having a quorum — or the minimum number of lawmakers needed in order to do business. Texas Democrats rallied in California, New York, Illinois and Massachusetts, drawing national attention over the issue and drawing criticism from Republicans who argued Democrats were being hypocritical about gerrymandering given several of those states also have gerrymandered maps. The redistricting battle prompted California to move forward with introducing their own set of gerrymandered congressional lines in an effort to neutralize expected gains out of Texas with their anticipated new map. A number of red and blue states could also see new House maps, including Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and New York. Earlier this week, Democrats returned to Texas during the second special session, where the passage of a new House map was all but inevitable. Democratic-aligned and civil rights groups are already getting ready to challenge Texas’s maps, while Republicans are seeking to stop California from passing a new House map through a ballot initiative in November. Democratic-aligned and civil rights groups are already getting ready to challenge Texas’s maps. Texas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder signaled that the state party was getting ready to fight the maps, too. “This was a deliberate violation of the Voting Rights Act, aimed at diluting the voices of minority voters across the state,” Scudder said in a statement following passage of the bill. “This cracking of majority-minority districts is disgraceful, and it’s all to help Donald Trump avoid accountability for his actions. This fight is far from over. We, and the American people, will see this map in court.” Meanwhile, Republicans are seeking to stop California from passing a new House map through a ballot initiative in November. Updated at 7:57 p.m. EDT Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

Former President Obama endorsed California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) redistricting plan in California on Wednesday, calling it a smart and measured approach. “Over the long term, we shouldn’t have political gerrymandering in America, just a fair fight between Republicans and Democrats based on who’s got better ideas,” Obama wrote in a post on the social platform X. “But since Texas is taking direction from a partisan White House and gerrymandering in the middle of a decade to try and maintain the House despite their unpopular policies, I have tremendous respect for how Governor Newsom has approached this,” he continued. “He’s put forward a smart, measured approach in California, designed to address a very particular problem at a very particular moment in time.” Obama’s public statement comes after he praised Newsom’s plan in front of a crowd at a Martha’s Vineyard, Mass., fundraiser on Tuesday. “We’re only going to do it if and when Texas and/or other Republican states begin to pull these maneuvers. Otherwise, this doesn’t go into effect,” the former president said. Newsom, who is considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, hit back at Republican redistricting efforts in Texas earlier this month when he called on California lawmakers to come up with ways to skirt the state’s redistricting regulations and produce maps more favorable to Democrats to even the playing field. The California governor announced plans earlier this month to hold a special election in November for voters to approve a ballot measure that would permit Democrats to pass a new House map ahead of the 2026 midterms in the predominantly blue state. On Tuesday, California Republicans sued the state in an attempt to block the state Legislature from considering legislation that would allow Newsom to go ahead with a special election. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. View the full article

水晶宮中場核心伊比爾治伊斯（Eberechi Eze）的轉會動向，在一夜之間形勢急劇變化。原本幾乎確定將轉投熱刺，但阿仙奴在前鋒夏維斯（Kai Havertz）受傷後，突然加速行動，以迅雷不及掩耳之勢推動這筆6000萬鎊（約6.3億港元）的交易，震撼整個北倫敦。 英國《BBC》報道，熱刺與水晶宮經過十日談判後已接近達成協議，準備好在周三（20日）迎接這位27歲英格蘭國腳加盟，熱刺高層相信交易已十拿九穩，部分方案甚至涉及以李察利臣（Richarlison）加現金的方式完成。怎料，阿仙奴得悉夏維斯膝傷可能長時間缺陣後，立即放棄原先考慮在租借市場物色的低成本方案，轉而全力出擊，直接送上6000萬鎊加800萬鎊附加條款的報價，將伊斯硬生生從死敵手中搶走。 對於伊斯本人而言，阿仙奴的邀請更具吸引力，因為他少年時期曾效力兵工廠青訓，雖在13歲被放棄，當時因此「哭了一整個星期」，卻一直對球會懷有感情。消息人士透露，一旦阿仙奴正式提出邀請，他「只有一個選擇」。 伊斯上季在各項賽事攻入14球，並在足總盃決賽一箭定江山，助水晶宮奪得隊史首座大賽冠軍。他的加盟只待官方宣布，一旦落實勢為阿仙奴前場增添創造力與爆發力，亦讓死敵熱刺受到沉重打擊。 水晶宮將在明天（22日）出戰歐協聯附加賽，主帥加士拿（Oliver Glasner）在賽前記者會強調暫時仍會倚重伊斯：「很多人或許感到意外，他在對車路士時依然正選，明天的歐協聯附加賽也會繼續上陣。只要他還在水晶宮，他就是球隊的一份子，必須全情投入。」他更補充，伊斯和隊友馬克古希（Marc Guehi）即使身陷轉會傳聞，也從未表現出半點敷衍：「他們訓練態度專業，對更衣室氣氛有正面影響。如果有一天離開，他們也會以百分百為球會付出的姿態離去。」 兩大傳奇舒利亞連尼加點評英超4個新9號　利物浦新兵獲一致讚賞英超︱列斯聯爭議12碼挫愛華頓　莫耶斯不忿：球證有很多差勁判決英超｜阿仙奴新中鋒約基利斯數據慘淡　網民：撥頭髮多過踢波英超｜曼聯遭角球戰術攻陷惹爭議　阿莫林：我們下次都要照做英超速評｜曼聯新兵對辦舊將回勇　「又」輸一場卻看到了希望 View the full article

1995年亞洲小姐冠軍、現年51歲的楊恭如美貌出眾，更有「最美亞姐」之稱。雖然楊恭如已經淡出幕前多年，但仍不時在社交平台分享日常生活。近年定居上海的楊恭如，與媽媽感情極好，不時帶媽媽周圍去旅行，早前她就與媽媽一起搭高鐵，她寫道：「只要出去旅遊眼睛都是放光的~忘記用高清拍了，湊合看吧，哈哈哈。」 楊恭如擁有四分一美國血統，1995年從加拿大回港參加亞洲小姐，以大熱姿態奪冠入行。（影片截圖）楊恭如在《我和殭屍有個約會》系列中飾演王珍珍，角色令人印象深刻。（影片截圖）古裝look。（微博@楊恭如官方影迷會）楊恭如已經淡出幕前多年。（微博@楊恭如Kristy）楊恭如已經淡出幕前多年。（微博@楊恭如Kristy）楊恭如出席活動。（視覺中國）片中所見，以一頭清爽短髮示人的楊恭如，戴上口罩，但素顏出鏡的她眉毛十分淡，黑眼圈明顯，難掩憔悴。有網民留言：「你這樣，大馬路上真認不出來了。」楊恭如隨即回覆：「根本不想被認出來，這樣才自在！」亦有人留言大讚楊恭如樸素貼地，一如以往靚女！ 楊恭如搭高鐵。（影片截圖）素顏。（影片截圖）大方回應。（網上截圖）美顏Filter。（影片截圖）白到反光。（影片截圖）楊恭如短髮look好清爽。（影片截圖）楊恭如短髮look好清爽。（影片截圖）楊恭如短髮look好清爽。（影片截圖）楊恭如在1995年奪得亞姐冠軍後風頭一時無兩，翌年就登上大銀幕，在電影處女作《甜蜜蜜》中與黎明飾演夫妻，更獲提名金像獎最佳新演員，她亦曾參演多部古裝劇，無論是《風雲之雄霸天下》中的孔慈，還是《雪花神劍》中的梅絳雪，她的外形及演技都大獲好評，更有「古典美人」的稱號。不過2002年楊恭如被爆介入前上海首富周正毅的婚姻，更被男方太太毛玉萍當眾掌摑，轟動娛圈，而楊恭如自此形象插水，事業大受打擊。楊恭如多年後談及此事，承認被男方花言巧語欺騙下，才介入對方的婚姻：「佢當初冇講有老婆，後來我發現係第三者，覺得好受傷。」 楊恭如在1995年奪得亞姐冠軍。（微博@楊恭如Kristy）楊恭如的電影處女作是獲獎無數的《甜蜜蜜》，為她的演員生涯作一個好開始。（微博@楊恭如Kristy）楊恭如在《風雲之雄霸天下》中飾演的孔慈十分經典。（影片截圖）楊恭如在《風雲之雄霸天下》中飾演的孔慈十分經典。（《風雲雄霸天下》劇照）楊恭如，《雪花神劍》梅絳雪。楊恭如。（微博@楊恭如Kristy） View the full article

A judge has rebuked President Trump in his Jeffrey Epstein controversy, denying a DOJ request to release the grand jury transcripts. The judge saying the Trump administration is the "logical party" to disclose to the files. NYU law professor Melissa Murray joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber to discuss. (Subscribe to Ari’s YouTube now: http://youtube.com/arimelber) View the full article

At the intersection of Church and State Street in Salem, Oregon, USA. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday issued a partial ruling in favor of the Medford-based nonprofit Youth 71Five Ministries. (Getty Images) An Oregon Department of Education policy aiming to prevent grant awardees for youth support services from discriminating on the basis of religion can only regulate activity tied to the state’s funding, a federal judge ruled. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday issued a partial ruling in favor of the Medford-based nonprofit Youth 71Five Ministries, which describes itself as providing “many opportunities for loving, caring, Christ-following adults to engage in the lives of lost and hurting kids.” The Rogue Valley Christian youth-mentoring program in March 2024 sued the state’s education department, alleging an abrupt change in policy for a service provider that has received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding since 2017. Monday’s 42-page decision says the overall anti-discrimination policy can stand because it is neutral in its application across religious identities, but the opinion orders the U.S. District Court of Oregon to stop the education department from “enforcement of the rule as to initiatives that do not receive grant funding from the division.” “Though the rule is likely a permissible restriction on expressive association within the limited public forum of the program, that does not justify the separate burden it imposes on 71Five as a whole,” wrote Appellate Judge Anthony Johnstone, who was nominated to the Court by President Joe Biden. He was joined in his decision by Appellate Judge Morgan Christen, chosen by President Barack Obama in 2011. Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, a Bill Clinton appointee, concurred but did not join the majority. Liz Merah, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Education, said officials are still reviewing the decision and considering next steps. She did not have additional comments. Since 2017, Youth 71Five Ministries has received funding through biennial grants from Oregon’s Youth Community Investment Grants program. The initiative aims to serve youth aged 6 to 19 who are vulnerable to disengagement from school or behavior that leads to criminal activity and mental or physical harm. Youth 71Five Ministries has offered several services for marginalized youth in Jackson County, including programs such as mentoring and vocational training, according to 2022 and 2023 community health reports. Origin of challenged policyThe education department’s Youth Development Division in 2022, meanwhile, issued a rule that ordered recipients of the division’s grants to “not discriminate in its employment practices, vendor selection, subcontracting or service delivery” with regards to several protected categories, among them religion. The agency argued that this policy furthered its “commitment to equitable access, equal opportunity and inclusion.” “The division does not deny funding to all organizations that express a religious viewpoint: it awarded grants to support 71Five’s religious programming for five years and continues to fund at least four other faith-based grantees,” reads the opinion. “Nor does the division treat those organizations differently based on their religious messages.” But when it came time to fund the Medford nonprofit, an anonymous complaint raised concerns about the organization’s policy of hiring only those committed to the Christian faith. The development division yanked more than $400,000 in funding for Youth 71 Five for the 2023-25 budget cycle in October 2023, prompting a March 2024 lawsuit alleging violations of religious freedom. The Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian legal advocacy group, backed the nonprofit’s case. “We are currently reviewing the ruling and will continue to defend the fundamental right of religious organizations to hire individuals who share their faith,” said Jeremiah Galus, senior counsel for the group, in a statement. “Being religious should never disqualify an organization from a program to help those in need.” Monday’s decision averts any monetary damages the state could have owed the nonprofit on the grounds of qualified immunity, with the opinion noting that lawyers for the youth-mentoring program failed to demonstrate how their rights to free expression of religion were clearly violated. During the original lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Clarke rejected plaintiff’s request for a broader preliminary injunction seeking to restore access to the grant funding for the youth-focused nonprofit. The new opinion leaves a path open for the education department to revise the policy that sparked the lawsuit. The court granted Youth 71Five Ministries a preliminary injunction that will prevent Oregon from enforcing its policy against initiatives that aren’t funded by the division. “The rule’s application to division-funded initiatives is likely a permissible burden on 71Five’s expressive association,” the decision reads. “But applying the rule to initiatives that receive no grant funding likely violates 71Five’s right of expressive association. Denying a preliminary injunction as to those initiatives was an abuse of discretion.” Youth 71Five Ministries has long served Oregon’s southern Rogue Valley communities, originally having been founded in 1964. It was originally named Rogue Valley Youth for Christ, but changed its title in 2018 as a reference to Psalm 71:5, a Bible verse about having faith since youth. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE View the full article

The mother of a 6-year-old Texas boy who hasn't been seen since 2022 has been arrested on a capital murder charge, the FBI said Wednesday. Cindy Rodriguez Singh is accused of killing her 6-year-old son, Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez, FBI Director Kash Patel said on X. Singh, who had been on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, is charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and capital murder of a person under 10 years old, Patel said. Police in Everman, Texas, near Fort Worth, said that on March 20, 2023, the Texas Department of Family Services asked them to conduct a welfare check. At that time, Singh “provided what we now know as misinformation that Noel was staying with family in Mexico,” then-Police Chief Craig Spencer said. On March 22 of that year, Singh, her husband and six children flew to India, but Noel wasn’t with them, police said. Singh had told investigators that the boy was with his biological father in Mexico, but police determined that wasn’t the case, Spencer said. Other stories included that the child had been sold, which police disproved, as well, he said. Also raising suspicions in what was then a missing persons case was a newly poured concrete porch where the family had been staying. Police concluded that the boy was most likely dead, and in October 2023 Singh was charged with a state count of capital murder. Noel Rodriguez-Alvarez. (Everman Emergency Services via Facebook)The U.S. District Court in Tarrant County, where Everman is, also issued an arrest warrant on a federal count of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, the FBI said. Patel didn’t say in his announcement how Singh was arrested or where, but he noted that after Singh went to India, she never returned to the United States. He thanked law enforcement partners in India and the FBI in New York and Dallas. Online federal court records didn’t list any attorney for Singh on Wednesday. Noel's body hasn’t been found. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com View the full article

米ホワイトハウスで開かれたイベントで話すトランプ大統領＝2025年8月14日、AP 　トランプ米大統領は20日、米連邦準備制度理事会（FRB）のクック理事に辞任するよう求めた。トランプ氏に近い連邦住宅金融局（FHFA）トップによる「クック氏が自らの住宅ローン申請で不正を働いた疑惑がある」との主張を根拠にしているが、真偽は不明だ。利下げに慎重なクック氏を退任に追い込み、自らに忠実な人物でFRB理事の多数派を形成しようとしている可能性もある。 　トランプ氏は20日、自らのソーシャルメディアに「クック氏はすぐに辞任しなければならない」と投稿した。FHFAが住宅ローン不正疑惑でクック氏を捜査するよう司法省に求めたとする米メディアの報道を投稿に添えた。 Advertisement 　FHFAトップのビル・パルト局長は同日、司法省にクック氏の捜査を求めた書簡をX（ツイッター）で公開した。パルト氏は第2次トランプ政権で局長に指名された人物。トランプ氏の利下げ圧力に屈しないFRBのパウエル議長に対し、トランプ氏と足並みをそろえて辞任を求める発言を繰り返している。 　米メディアによると、クック氏は「脅しで職を辞するつもりはない。FRBメンバーとして、私の財務経歴に関するあらゆる質問に誠実に対応する」との声明を出した。 　クック氏はバイデン前大統領の指名を受け2022年5月にFRB理事に就任した。黒人女性で、理事就任前はミシガン州立大学教授を務めていた。トランプ政権の大規模関税に伴う物価上昇（インフレ）再燃を懸念するパウエル氏の判断を支持し、今年1月以降の連邦公開市場委員会（FOMC）で利下げ見送りの判断に賛成を続けている。 　FRBの理事7人（議長、副議長含む）のうち、トランプ氏が1次政権時代に指名したボウマン副議長とウォラー理事の2人は利下げを支持している。8月上旬には、利下げ見送りに賛成してきたクグラー理事が理由を明かさず任期満了前に退任し、トランプ氏に近い大統領経済諮問委員会（CEA）のスティーブン・ミラン委員長が後任となる見通し。仮にクック氏が退任し、トランプ氏に近い人物がさらに送り込まれれば、FRB理事7人のうち4人が利下げ支持派となる公算が大きい。 　FOMCでは、7人のFRB理事と5人の地区連銀総裁の投票で金融政策を決めている。【ワシントン大久保渉】 View the full article

【沖縄尚学－仙台育英】延長タイブレーク十一回裏仙台育英2死三塁、吉川陽大選手を内野ゴロとし喜ぶ沖縄尚学の末吉良丞投手＝阪神甲子園球場で2025年8月17日、平川義之撮影 　最速150キロの快速球に曲がり幅の大きいスライダー。 　ピンチでも動じることなく、強気の姿勢で相手打者に立ち向かう。 　第107回全国高校野球選手権で21日の準決勝に進んだ沖縄尚学。チーム初の夏4強の原動力となっているのがエース左腕・末吉良丞（りょうすけ）投手（2年）だ。 　そんな大会屈指の好投手の両親は、口をそろえて言う。 　「強気なのは野球の時だけですよ」 一般受験で入学 　沖縄県浦添市出身の末吉投手が野球を始めたのは、小学2年の頃だった。 　「小学校のグラウンドで学童野球をやっているのを見て、楽しそうだなと思ったらしく、勝手に体験に参加していました」と母伊織さん（38）。 　父良次さん（38）は「自分は野球はやっていなかったし… View the full article

米連邦公開市場委員会（FOMC）の後に記者会見する米連邦準備制度理事会（FRB）のパウエル議長＝米ワシントンで7月30日 　米連邦準備制度理事会（FRB）は20日、5会合連続で金利据え置きを決めた7月の連邦公開市場委員会（FOMC）の議事要旨を公表した。トランプ米政権の大規模関税を巡り、物価上昇（インフレ）と雇用悪化の両方のリスクが指摘されたが、過半数の参加者はインフレ再燃リスクの方が雇用悪化懸念より大きいと指摘していた。 　議事要旨によると、参加者は、FRBに課された二つの使命である「物価安定」と「雇用最大化」の両方で先行きリスクがあると指摘。参加者の過半数が「二つのリスクでは、インフレリスクの方が大きい」とする一方、複数が「両リスクはほぼ均衡している」とみなし、数人が「雇用下振れリスクの方が顕著」との考えを示した。 Advertisement 　参加者は「インフレ率は依然としてやや高い水準にある」との認識で一致。「最近の経済指標で、関税の影響がより明確になってきている」とインフレ再燃への警戒が示される一方、「関税がインフレに持続的な影響を与える可能性は低い」との見方もあった。 　7月会合では賛成多数で金利据え置きを決める一方で、副議長と理事の計2人が利下げを求め反対票を投じた。米メディアによると、FRBの複数の理事が政策決定に反対するのは1993年以来約32年ぶりで、追加利下げを巡るFRB内の見解は割れている。 　直近の経済指標では、インフレと雇用悪化のリスクがともに高まっている。FRBがインフレ抑制を優先し9月会合でも利下げを見送れば、経済の失速懸念から雇用情勢がさらに悪化する恐れもあり、難しい判断を迫られている。 　トランプ氏は「関税でインフレは起きない」と断言し、FRBのパウエル議長を公然と罵倒し早期の利下げを要求している。これに対しパウエル氏は、経済指標に基づいて利下げが妥当かどうかを判断する考えを示している。 　パウエル氏は22日、米西部ワイオミング州ジャクソンホールの経済シンポジウムで講演する。昨年の講演は、パウエル氏が4年半ぶりの利下げを事実上宣言する舞台になった。市場では「次回9月会合での利下げを、パウエル氏がジャクソンホールで示唆する可能性がある」（米銀アナリスト）と注目が集まっている。【ワシントン大久保渉】 View the full article

2024年末に開かれた中国内陸部・湖南省のイオンモールでの音楽イベント＝中国湖南省・長沙市で（イオンモール長沙星沙提供） 　中国経済を支える個人消費をけん引する都市はどこか？　これまでは上海市や北京市など海に近い大都市が「常識」だったが、近年異変が生じつつある。中国社会の構造変化が背景にあり、日本企業もこれまでの中国戦略の練り直しを迫られている。 イオンが内陸部に積極出店するワケ 　中国内陸部、湖南省の省都・長沙市。郊外にある地下鉄の終点駅を出ると、日本でも見慣れた広大な駐車場を備えたショッピングモールが現れた。2024年9月に市内1号店としてオープンした「永旺夢楽城（イオンモール）長沙星沙」だ。 　記者が訪れたのは平日午前だが、店内は子供連れや若いカップルなどでにぎわっていた。同店の責任者である菅原基治・総経理は「中国の消費者はライフスタイルを重視する傾向に変わってきている。店内でゆったり過ごしてもらう体験型のサービスを重視している」と話す。 　中国の消費は急速な経済成長を背景に、高級品やブランド志向が強かったが、近年は景気失速に伴う所得の伸び悩みなどもあり節約志向が定着。買い物よりも体験を重視する「コト消費」も注目されている。 　このため、同店では館内に74カ所の休憩スペースを設けて「過ごしやすさ」を重視した。アトラクション施設を充実させ、入居テナントもスポーツやアウトドア用品店などが目立つ。屋外ステージで若者向けの音楽イベントなども開催しており、来店客数は当初計画よりも2割増、売上額も1割増と好調を維持。イオンは年内にも市内2号店を開業する予定だ。 中国社会の構造変化 　イオンが内陸への積極出店を進めるのは「将来のファミリー層となる若者の人口が増えており、さらなる成長が期待できる」（菅原さん）ためだ。 　24年末の人口は、北京市や上海市が前年より減少したのに対し、長沙市は10・3万人増えた。このほか、安徽省省都の合肥市（14・9万人増）や、四川省省都の成都市（7・1万人増）など内陸部の大都市の人口増が目立つが、若年層の流入が多いとみられている。 　なぜ移住が進むのか。ポイントは「コスパ」だ。 　中国の不動産不… View the full article

By Jonathan Stempel (Reuters) -Elon Musk was ordered on Wednesday by a federal judge to face a lawsuit by voters accusing the world's richest person of defrauding them into signing a petition to support the U.S. Constitution for a chance to win his $1 million-a-day giveaway. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin, Texas said Jacqueline McAferty plausibly alleged in her proposed class action that Musk and his political action committee America PAC wrongly induced her to provide personal identifying information as part of the giveaway, late in the 2024 election campaign. Lawyers for Musk and America PAC did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Musk founded America PAC to support Republican Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential run. McAferty, an Arizona resident, said Musk and America PAC induced voters in seven battleground states to sign his petition by promising that $1 million recipients would be chosen randomly, as in a lottery, though the voters had no real chance to collect. She said voters who signed were also required to provide names, addresses, email addresses and phone numbers. In seeking a dismissal, Musk listed several "red flags" as proof he had not run an illegal lottery. He said these included statements that the $1 million recipients were "selected to earn" the money and expected to become America PAC spokespeople, defeating the idea that the payment was a "prize." But the judge cited other statements suggesting the defendants were "awarding" the $1 million, and the money could be "won." "It is plausible that plaintiff justifiably relied on those statements to believe that defendants were objectively offering her the chance to enter a random lottery--even if that is not what they subjectively intended to do," Pitman wrote. The judge was appointed to the bench by President Barack Obama in 2014. Musk had also rejected the suggestion that petition signers suffered harm by providing contact information. Pitman said an expert in political data brokerage could testify what that information was worth for voters in battleground states. The lawsuit was filed on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024. A day earlier, a Philadelphia judge refused to end Musk's giveaway, saying that city's top prosecutor failed to show it was an illegal lottery. Musk is a Texas resident, and his electric car company Tesla is based in Austin. The case is McAferty v Musk et al, U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas, No. 24-01346. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Diane Craft) View the full article