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Two reports released Monday provide a mixed but compelling outlook on the wave of book removals and challenges as the annual Banned Books Week begins for schools, stores and libraries nationwide. The ALA attributed the decline in book challenges in the first eight months of 2024, in part, to the work of anti-censorship activists and “success in courts” against laws that restrict book access. “But, you know, the First Amendment protects the rights of minors as well.”While the ALA’s report shows signs of book challenges abating, objections to certain titles still persist. Like the ALA, PEN said a large portion of the books targeted have racial or LGBTQ themes. It is supported by the ALA, PEN, the Authors Guild, the National Book Foundation and more than a dozen other organizations.

Persons: “, ” Deborah Caldwell, Stone, ” Caldwell, Toni Morrison’s “, Maia Kobabe’s, George M, shouldn’t, abating, Judy Blume, Margaret Atwood, ”, Kasey Meehan Organizations: American Library Association, PEN, Intellectual, Labor, ALA, “, NBC, New College of Florida, Utah State Board of Education, Read, Book Foundation Locations: PEN America, Florida and Iowa, United States, Nassau County , Florida, Utah, Florida

The largest single-contributor donations went to MAGA Inc., the super PAC backing Trump, with Wisconsin roofing billionaire Diane Hendricks, a prolific GOP megadonor, giving $10 million to the group. On the Democratic side, tech entrepreneurs were the biggest donors to FF PAC, also known as Future Forward, a super PAC backing Harris’ presidential bid. Moskovitz donated $3 million to FF PAC, while Hastings, Jeff Lawson and Erica Lawson each gave $1 million. Super PACs like FF PAC and MAGA Inc. are havens for prolific political megadonors like Hendricks, Lutnick and Hastings because, unlike campaigns and their affiliated committees, super PACs don’t have limits on how much individuals can donate. Yass and Uihlein are both major GOP megadonors who have given to Club for Growth and other conservative groups for multiple election cycles.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Diane Hendricks, Howard Lutnick, Cantor Fitzgerald, Paul Singer, Annette Caldwell Simmons, Harold Simmons, Warren Stephens, Harris, Leon Neal, Dustin Moskovitz, Reed Hastings, Twilio, Jeff Lawson, Erica, Moskovitz, Erica Lawson, Hastings, Joe Biden, Hendricks, Jeff Yass, Richard Uihlein, Amos Hostetter Jr Organizations: Democrats, Republicans, Federal, MAGA Inc, PAC, Trump, GOP, Elliott Management, Stephens Inc, Democratic, FF PAC, Facebook, Netflix, Growth, Susquehanna International Group, for Growth, House, Congress, Continental Cablevision Locations: Wisconsin, Hastings, Lutnick, Yass, Uihlein

Learn moreI tried on similar pairs of straight-leg jeans at Abercrombie, J. The pair from Abercrombie fit nicely along my waist, but they were a bit too baggy in the legs. I loved the jeans I tried on at Madewell and ended up buying a pair. I tried on similar straight-leg jeans from the three contenders to compare each style based on the fit, fabric, variety of sizing options, and price. I was surprised by my favorite, but I took home a pair of jeans I'll be wearing regularly for the fall season and beyond.

Persons: J, Abercrombie, —, they're, I've Organizations: Business, Abercrombie, Service Locations: Madewell

☆ How to make the Fed rate cut work for you
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

In its August survey of car shoppers, a majority (64%) said a Fed rate cut likely would affect the timing of their purchase. But here’s the thing: Car loan rates are pretty high — the average is 7.1% for new cars and 11.3% for used cars, according to Edmunds. If you do buy a home this year and are considering buying down points to reduce your mortgage rate, crunch some numbers first, Diodato advised. That’s because you will pay thousands of dollars to buy down your mortgage rate now, and then thousands more in fees to refinance. What to do if you’re not near retirement: Reconsider how much money you’re keeping in cash or cash-equivalent investments.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Powell, “, ”, Greg McBride, McBride, Chris Diodato, Jessica Caldwell, ” McBride, Caldwell, We’re, Diodato, you’ll, won’t, Kathy Jones, Jones Organizations: CNN, Federal Reserve, Bankrate.com, Fed, Treasury, FDIC, Schwab Center, Financial Research, AAA, Bond Locations: Edmunds, Schwab.com

☆ The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by a half point. Here's what that means for your wallet
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they'll be taking the stairs coming down," he said. That makes paying down high-cost credit card debt a top priority since "interest rates won't fall fast enough to bail you out of a tight situation," McBride said. "Many Americans have been holding off on making vehicle purchases in the hopes that prices and interest rates would come down, or that incentives would make a return," Caldwell said. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won't be immediately affected by a rate cut. Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, he said.

Persons: Spencer Platt, APRs, McBride, they'll, Jacob Channel, Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds, Caldwell, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Getty, Treasury, Auto, Fed Locations: New York City, Edmunds

☆ Estheticians share 5 red flags to look out for when getting a facial
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-16 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Business Insider asked estheticians about the red flags to watch out for when getting a facial. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! After all, you want to select someone knowledgeable who will help your skin look and feel its best. Here are five red flags to look out for when getting a facial, according to estheticians. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: estheticians, — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Here's why the stock market is throwing a tantrum about new inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-11 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Core inflation rose unexpectedly, dashing hopes for a bigger rate cut from the Fed. US indexes slumped on Wednesday, with the Dow dropping as much as 600 basis points in the early morning as traders took a mixed-bag of inflation data. That's the lowest headline inflation rate recorded since early 2021. On the other hand, cutting interest rates by just 25 basis points means higher for longer interest rates. "Today's inflation data cemented in a 25 basis point cut next week 50 basis points in out the window," she added.

Persons: —, Julian Howard, Gina Bolvin, Preston Caldwell, Chris Zacarelli Organizations: Fed, Traders, Service, Dow, of Labor Statistics, GAM Investments, Bolvin Wealth Management, Labor Department, Morningstar, Independent

☆ It's a good time to get a deal on an EV as they sit around on dealer lots
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-24 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This has helped cut the average price paid in July for a new EV to $58,619, which is 1% lower year-over-year, according to Edmunds. That's actually $4,366 cheaper than the average price paid in July for a new plug-in hybrid. Demand for hybrids is growing among a more practical group of green car shoppers who aren't ready to make the switch to a fully electric car. The average price paid for an EV still outpaces the average price paid for any new car by about $10,000. Car companies are leaning into this loophole with attractive EV leasing deals.

Persons: —, That's, Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds, Caldwell Organizations: Service, Business, Cox Automotive, EVs, Hyundai, Dealers Locations: Edmunds, That's

☆ I tried on T-shirts at Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. There was one clear winner when it came to value and quality.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-10 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried on similar T-shirts from Old Navy, Gap, and Banana Republic. The Old Navy top would be fine for casual wear, but I wouldn't wear it if I was looking to impress. My favorite T-shirt was the option from Gap, which could easily be dressed up or down. Go to newsletter preferences Thanks for signing up! download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

Persons: — Organizations: Navy, Banana Republic, The Old Navy, Service, Business Locations: Banana

☆ Fears grow Fed is too late to cut rates as bets increase for a half-point easing at next meeting
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"A 50 basis point Fed cut in September is clearly justified as the labor market is now showing clear signs of softening," said Yung-Yu Ma, chief investment officer at BMO Wealth Management. The firm, which has long been saying the Fed will need to cut aggressively this year, expects another 50 basis point cut in November by a 25 basis point cut move in December. A basis point is 0.01 percentage point. The S & P 500 lost more than 2.5% and Treasury yields plummeted, sending the policy-sensitive 2-year note down more than a quarter percentage point to 3.91%. "It's very possible the Fed alters its inter-meeting communications on the balance of risks to remove all doubt [of] a September rate cut."

Persons: Yung, Yu Ma, David Donabedian, Preston Caldwell, David Rosenberg, Jerome Powell, Jamie Cox Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Labor Statistics, BMO Wealth Management, Wall, Citigroup, CIBC Private Wealth, Morningstar, Rosenberg Research, Harris Financial

☆ These homeowners are ‘hacking’ their pools and lawns to earn extra cash
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-29 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Now, newer offerings allow homeowners to rent out portions of their homes on an even shorter-term basis, often by the hour. One of these platforms is Swimply, an online marketplace for private pool rentals that launched in 2020, just as the pandemic halted travel and more people looked to get their kicks locally. Peer-to-peer rental marketplaces of all kinds have popped up: RentMyCourt (private tennis and pickleball court rentals), SniffSpot (backyard rentals for dogs), CurbFlip (driveway and parking space rentals) and Vanly (driveway and shower rentals for people traveling in camper vans or RVs). Younger homebuyers are keenly aware of the opportunity to offset their expenses with extra cash. While the extra income is a focus for many homeowners, some participating in this budding industry say they’ve found something unexpected: community.

Persons: Alexis Hammond, ” Hammond, Hammond, she’s, it’s, Kellie Finch, Michael Kukuk, Kukuk, “, ” Swimply, ” Derek Callow, homebuyers, Peerspace, Rony Chammas, they’ve, Leslie Garabedian's, Stevie, Eddie, Leslie Garabedian Leslie Garabedian, West, ”, Garabedian, ” Garabedian Organizations: CNN, Baltimore, Baltimore Ravens, SniffSpot Locations: Peerspace, Houston, West Caldwell , New Jersey

☆ After trying on dresses at J. Crew and Abercrombie, I get why the latter's having an amazing comeback right now
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried on similar dresses at J. Crew and Abercrombie to see which version offered the best value. Crew dress, but the sizing was way off. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: Abercrombie, — Organizations: Service, Business

It can transform from helicopter to airplane in seconds, providing a vital role for the US military by ferrying troops in and out of combat zones. But the V-22 Osprey has also caused the deaths of 62 service members. A crash in Japan last year grounded the entire fleet. We compared accident data for the Osprey with that of its closest rivals to see whether it really deserves its "widow-maker" reputation.

Locations: Japan

☆ I tried on linen shorts at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. The priciest ones were amazing, but I found a similar pair for way less.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried on similar pairs of linen shorts at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. The pair from Old Navy was the cheapest but felt a bit tough against my skin. The Banana Republic shorts were my favorite, but the pair from Gap provided the best value. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . That's why I've made it my mission to invest in neutral, versatile clothing pieces this summer — starting with a pair of linen shorts.

Persons: —, it's, I've Organizations: Navy, Banana Republic, Service, Business Locations: ,, Banana, cardigan

☆ GM reports best U.S. quarterly sales since 2020
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-02 | by ( Michael Wayland | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Detroit automaker on Tuesday reported sales of 696,086 for the second quarter, up 0.6% from a year earlier and its highest quarterly units sold since the fourth quarter of 2020. Still, EVs made up only 3.2% of its total second-quarter sales. Sales of GM's full-size pickup trucks were roughly 229,000 during the second quarter, up about 6% from a year earlier and the best quarterly sales since 2021. GM's second-quarter sales are expected to slightly outpace the overall industry. Kia, which reports sales on a monthly basis, reported a 6.5% decrease in its June sales.

Persons: EVs, Edmunds, CDK, Jessica Caldwell, Caldwell Organizations: DETROIT —, Motors, Detroit, Auto, Cox Automotive, CDK, GM, Asbury Automotive Group, AutoNation Inc, Inc, Lithia Motors Inc, Sonic Automotive Inc, Automotive News, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia Locations: Lincolnwood , Illinois, DETROIT, North America

☆ Vinnie Viola delivers on promise as Florida Panthers win first-ever Stanley Cup
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Taylor Craig | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

As Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov skated around the ice with the Stanley Cup — it marked a dramatic turning point for a long-suffering franchise and fan base. "The team had struggled with attendance, certainly a lack of winning," Florida Panthers President and CEO Matt Caldwell told CNBC's "Last Call" on Friday. Upon purchasing the last-place Panthers, Viola made his intensions clear at his first official team press conference in 2013. "My family and I are honored to take the helm of the Florida Panthers organization with the No. 1 goal of putting a winning team on the ice year after year and bringing a Stanley Cup to our incredible fans here in South Florida," Viola said.

Persons: Aleksander Barkov, Barkov, —, Vinnie Viola, Matt Caldwell, CNBC's, Vinnie …, Viola Organizations: Florida Panthers, Stanley, Virtu, Panthers Locations: South Florida

☆ Opinion | The E.U. Is Revealing Its True Identity. Europeans Don’t Like It.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-23 | by ( Christopher Caldwell | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In European Parliament elections this month, voters in most of the European Union’s 27 countries rallied to parties that hold the union in contempt. Analysts have leaped to the conclusion that the European Union must have done something wrong. In Germany, where a hard-right party anchored in the formerly Communist East got more votes than any of the three governing parties, voters cited highhanded energy policies. But the European Union’s governing machinery in Brussels is never where voters’ hearts and hopes are. The union is looking more and more like one of those 19th- and 20th-century projects to universalize the un-universalizable, like Esperanto.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron Organizations: European Union, Communist Locations: France, Germany, Communist East, Brussels, Esperanto

☆ I tried on similar dresses at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. The most expensive one was the most disappointing.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried on similar linen-blend dresses at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap . I liked the fit of the Gap dress but thought the Old Navy version provided the best value. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementI've always been a fan of feminine fashion, and dresses are a staple in my wardrobe. I visited Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy — all owned and operated by parent company Gap Inc. — to try on similar linen-blend dresses and find the best overall value.

Persons: — Organizations: Old Navy, Navy, Service, Gap Inc, Business Locations: Republic, Old, Banana Republic

☆ A couple got shocked messages from friends asking if they were moving. Nope, a scammer had put their home on Zillow.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-16 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

In this sluggish real estate market, it might seem like a dream — that is, if you're actually looking to sell. In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Internet Crime Complaint Center saw more than 880,000 complaints about internet scams totaling $12.5 billion in losses. AdvertisementReal estate scams are an especially popular internet crime. In Caldwell's case, too, a scammer told prospective buyers to contact "Mandi" in Las Vegas and send $245 to the seller's mother. Advertisement"I'm kind of stuck here," Bertram told the Kansas City Star.

Persons: —, Lauren Bertram, we're, Bertram, Burns, McDonnell, Jordan Pandy, Galen Caldwell, It's Organizations: Service, Kansas City, Business, Kansas City Star, Mandi, Federal Bureau of, FBI, BEC, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Seattle, CBS News Locations: Las Vegas, Mandi

☆ Florida Panthers CEO Matt Caldwell talks the team's turnaround story
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-14 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFlorida Panthers CEO Matt Caldwell talks the team's turnaround storyHosted by Brian Sullivan, “Last Call” is a fast-paced, entertaining business show that explores the intersection of money, culture and policy. Tune in Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC.

Persons: Matt Caldwell, Brian Sullivan, “ Organizations: Florida, CNBC

☆ 'Clear path to a soft landing': Here's what Wall Street sees for Fed rate cuts after May inflation came in cool
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Investors cheered a soft May inflation report, which could pave the way for Fed easing this year. Rate cuts in September are "overwhelmingly likely," one economist said. AdvertisementSome Wall Street analysts predict the Fed's first cut could come as soon as July, though most see a rate cut in September as the most likely scenario. "But rate cuts starting by September should now be cemented as overwhelmingly likely." Investors are waiting for Fed Chair Jerome Powell to speak later Wednesday afternoon, which should give markets more guidance on the path of rate cuts.

Persons: —, Skyler Weinand, Regan Capital, Preston Caldwell, Morningstar's, Ryan Severino, BGO, Jerome Powell, Weinand, David Russell Organizations: Service, of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Fed

☆ CPI report: Inflation slowed in May, hinting at welcome relief for consumers
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Falling gas prices kept inflation in check following a 0.3% gain in April. “Adding to the good inflation news, core services inflation (excludes energy services) printed its mildest monthly increase since September 2021,” Kathy Bostjancic, Nationwide’s chief economist, wrote in a note issued Wednesday. On an annual basis, shelter inflation slowed a tenth of a percentage point to 5.4%, which is its lowest rate since April 2022. Still, those costs continue to run hot for consumers, with transportation services prices up 10.5% from a year ago and car insurance up 20.3%. Soft CPI boosts chances for Fed cutsThe CPI, which tracks average change in prices for a basket of goods and services common to consumers, is the most widely cited inflation metric.

Persons: ” Philip T, Powell, They’re, ” Kathy Bostjancic, Indiana University’s Powell, it’s, ” Sean Snaith, ” Preston Caldwell, Tool, “, ” Scott Anderson Organizations: CNN, Inflation, Federal, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, Indiana Business Research Center, Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Federal Reserve, CPI, Transportation, University of Central, Soft, Fed, Morningstar, BMO Bank Locations: “, Indiana, University of Central Florida

☆ I tried on similar tops at Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. I'm done assuming big names with the highest prices have the best products.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-12 | by ( Chloe Caldwell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I tried on similar linen-blend tank tops at Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap. Of all the shirts I tried on, the one from Gap was my favorite. However, I thought the top from Old Navy provided the best value. AdvertisementAlthough I now prefer buying clothes from thrift stores and locally owned boutiques, I used to love shopping at mall staples like Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap. Most recently, the company welcomed a former Mattel executive as its new CEO and designer Zac Posen as creative director of Gap Inc. and chief creative officer of Old Navy.

Persons: —, Zac Posen Organizations: Banana, Old Navy, Service, Gap Inc, Mattel, Business Locations: Banana Republic, Old, Republic

☆ Walmart and Target are slashing prices. What does that mean for inflation?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

That doesn’t mean the battle against inflation is won. Walmart saw first-quarter sales at stores open at least a year climb 3.8% from the prior year, in part thanks to its ability to keep prices low even as inflation remains sticky. “Our combination of everyday low prices plus a large number of rollbacks is resonating” with consumers, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said on a call with analysts. Investors will get more inflation data next week from the Personal Consumption Expenditures index for April. Without that discount, the combined fine would have topped £88 million ($112 million).

Persons: Doug McMillon, Price, we’re, ”, Preston Caldwell, Scarlett Johansson, Will Scarlett Johansson, OpenAI, Johansson, OpenAI’s, Sam Altman, Brian Fung, OpenAI didn’t, Anna Cooban, “ Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Walmart, Ikea, Aldi, Morningstar Research Services, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Investors, Citi, Citigroup, Financial Conduct Authority, Bank of England’s Prudential, Authority, CNN Locations: New York, United States

☆ Auto incentives are back — but high interest rates weaken deals for buyers
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Simonskafar | E+ | Getty ImagesIncentives are coming back to the auto market, but high interest rates are weakening those deals for car shoppers. In today's market, consumers are more likely to see it as "free money," she said, especially as auto loan rates stay high. watch nowWhen you roll that into your new car loan, it increases your payment. Search for available incentives: Car shoppers will have to a do lot more shopping and research to find available incentives, Caldwell said. Know your credit score: While shoppers might come across 0% financing offers, those deals are often reserved for buyers with excellent credit.

Persons: Jessica Caldwell, Trump, Brian Moody, Kelley, Edmunds, Caldwell, That's, that's, Moody Organizations: Getty, Finance, Biden Locations: Edmunds

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