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☆ Go long Hilton and Walmart: HSBC's stock strategy for playing the divided U.S. consumer
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Hakyung Kim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Strong consumer demand has helped the U.S. economy weather the Federal Reserve's rate hikes, avoiding a hard landing where growth and employment turn lower. The high-end consumer Inui estimates the net worth of high-end consumers is actually accelerating to a high-single-digit rate. "As a result, discount retailers are facing high shrinkage, restaurants are becoming increasingly promotional to boost traffic and retailers with strong value propositions are gaining share." HSBC called McDonald's one of the stocks that offers "a strong value proposition" to consumers tightening their belts. Another retailer HSBC named was Target , which has an "expect more, pay less" strategy emphasizing private labels to boost sales.

Persons: HSBC's, Nicole Inui, Hilton, Marriott, Inui, Innui, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: HSBC, Viking Holdings, Worldwide Holdings, Marriott International, Royal, Motors Locations: U.S, Americas, Royal Caribbean

☆ Passengers got into an argument so heated about switching seats that their Ryanair flight had to turn back after just a few minutes
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-09 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Ryanair flight turned around soon after takeoff after an argument escalated. One passenger told The Sun that a man had asked to switch seats to sit with his family. AdvertisementA Ryanair flight had to turn around after an argument broke out soon after takeoff. "We were only in the air for 36 minutes before we had to do an unexpected landing," an unnamed passenger told The Sun. AdvertisementAnother passenger fell ill during the flight, a Ryanair spokesperson said in a statement shared with Business Insider.

Persons: — Organizations: Ryanair, Sun, Service, Business, The Sun, Federal Aviation Administration Locations: London, Agadir, Morocco, Marrakesh

Mass tourism troubles hit fever pitch in Barcelona on Saturday as protesters threw items and sprayed travelers with water guns and canned drinks, while shouting "tourists go home." In 2023, hotel occupancy rates neared 80% in July and August, as the city of 1.6 million people swelled to accommodate more than 4 million visitors, according to the Barcelona City Council. Paco Freire | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesBut the delicate dance between locals and visitors had spiraled long before that. Two tourists on bicycles being stopped in front of a demonstration against mass tourism in Barcelona on July 6, 2024. Paco Freire | Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

Persons: overtourism, Paco Freire, Jaume Collboni, Collboni Organizations: Barcelona City, Associated Press, Barcelona City Council, Barcelona Cruise Port, Getty Locations: Barcelona, Barceloneta, Spain, France

☆ I'm an American mom living in Denmark. Here families take a long summer vacation, and I'm still getting used to that.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Brooke Black | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I'm an American living in Denmark, and for the first time I am having to play by the cultural and legal rules of Danish summer vacation. When your child starts attending public school, schools close down during the summer period. In Denmark, enjoying a long summer vacation isn't just a perk — it's a right under the Danish Holiday Act, called Ferieloven. The Holiday Act says that employees should ideally inform their employers about their leave plans three months in advance for the main holiday period. AdvertisementNow that I'm a working parent in Denmark, I'm very grateful for getting to experience a new way of spending the summer holidays together with family.

Persons: I'm, I've, it's, Danes Organizations: Service, Danish Locations: Denmark, Danish, Wisconsin

☆ The 10 under-the-radar places a luxury travel planner is recommending to her clients this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Leila Najafi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I'm a luxury travel planner, and these are destinations I think will be popular this year. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . I'm a luxury travel advisor, and I book five-star hotels and luxury vacations around the world for wealthy and high-profile clients. My clients always ask me about under-the-radar luxury destinations that feel exclusive and are not overly crowded by tourists. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Europe, Sardinia, Corsica, Costa Navarino, Japan, Ticino, Switzerland

No credit card benefits (or points) are worth it if you can't pay your balance in full. Although a lot of the media around credit card benefits focuses primarily on using points, there are many other perks that aren't as well-known and can save users thousands of dollars. Please note that I don't recommend using credit cards this way if you don't pay off the full balance each month. Read our Marriott Bonvoy Business credit card review and our IHG One Rewards Premier credit card review. DiscountsMost major companies offer discounts through credit card linked offers, and they're often on items you're already using or buying.

Persons: Chase, I've, they're, Wells, Taryn Williams, Taryn, Instagram Read Organizations: Marriott, Card, Marriott Bonvoy, Insurance, American Express, Paramount, TSA, U.S, Popular, Chase Travel, Capital, University of Pennsylvania Locations: Latin America, Antarctica, America, India, Southern California

☆ 'No one is picking up the phone': Joe Biden's fundraising confronts new hurdles after debate
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

U.S. President Joe Biden boards Air Force One at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware, U.S., June 20, 2024. Amanda Andrade-rhoades | ReutersPresident Joe Biden's fundraising operation started showing cracks in its once formidable armor, almost 10 days after his disastrous presidential debate performance. Some of Biden's campaign bundlers have stopped making calls to potential donors since the June 27 debate, according to people familiar with the matter. "No one is picking up the phone," said a well-connected Democratic fundraiser, who raises money for Biden and the Democratic Party. watch nowA Biden campaign spokesman did not return a request for comment.

Persons: Joe Biden, Amanda Andrade, Joe Biden's, bundlers, Biden, aren't, I'm, John Morgan, Morgan, reassurances, Nathan Howard, It's, Stewart Bainum Jr, Bainum, Sandy Bainum, Donald Trump, Trump, Ed Rendell, Rendell, Lisa Kabnick, Troutman Pepper, Kabnick, Jen O'Malley Dillon, Wes Moore, Disney, Abigail Disney, Joe Organizations: Air Force, Dover Air Force Base, rhoades, Democratic, Biden, Democratic Party, U.S, Reuters, Choice, CNBC, Fund, Democratic National Committee, Commission, Senate, Trump, Bloomberg, Former Pennsylvania, FEC, Maryland Locations: Dover , Delaware, U.S, Harrisburg , Pennsylvania, Maryland, Arizona , Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, In Michigan, Wisconsin, Philadelphia

☆ Hotels and offices are using an AI tool that scans what they throw in the trash to reduce their food waste and cut costs
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-07 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Hotels are reducing how much food they waste at their breakfast buffets by installing AI-powered cameras above their kitchen trash cans. Of this, nearly 30% was wasted in the food service sector. Food loss in the supply chain and food waste generate almost five times the total greenhouse gas emissions from the aviation sector, per the UNEP. Reducing food waste can boost a company's eco credentials — and cut costs. Winnow's clients include hotels, cruise lines, universities, and food service companies that provide professional catering services.

Persons: they're, Marc Zornes, Winnow, Zornes, Hilton, Sebastian Nohse, Hilton EMEA's, didn't, Nohse, Paul Fairhead Organizations: Service, Business, Chefs, United Nations Environmental, UNEP, Guckenheimer, United Arab Emirates Locations: East

☆ A New York City Airbnb host was shut down under the short-term rental law. He's now renting his basement illegally on Facebook and making crucial income after he was laid off.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-07 | by ( Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

But they're knowingly violating New York City's new law banning most short-term rentals. To comply with the law, they would need to open up their personal living room and kitchen to their Airbnb guests. Less than a year into enforcement of the near-ban, it's not clear whether New York City is achieving this goal, but it has made hotel rooms more expensive. AdvertisementCrucial income after a layoffAfter the city rejected his application, Paul says he was "pissed off" and decided to find other ways to rent the basement out to short-term guests. AdvertisementHave you been impacted by New York City's short-term rental regulations?

Persons: Paul, they're, helpfully, Airbnbs, he's, He's, OSE, fining, —, Airbnb, wouldn't Organizations: Service, Business, York, Queens, New York, city's, Special Enforcement, Facebook Locations: Astoria , Queens, Astoria, Asia, Europe, New York City, Irvine , California, New York, New

☆ Beryl moves into the Gulf of Mexico after battering Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, takes aim at Texas
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Beryl moved into the the Gulf of Mexico Friday and took aim at the south Texas coast after battering Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Texas officials issued disaster declarations and urge coastal residents to prepare as the storm headed their way. The storm's center Friday afternoon was in the Gulf just off Mexico, about 615 miles (995 kilometers) southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas. Some Texas counties have already issued voluntary evacuation orders in low-lying areas, and Texas officials urged coastal residents to prepare. Beryl spread destruction in Jamaica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados this week.

Persons: Beryl, Tulum, Gov, Dan Patrick, Patrick, Nim Kidd, Storm Alberto, Vincent, Laura Velázquez, Beryl hadn't, Balcaza, Lara Marsters, Andrew Holness, Hurricane Beryl, St Elizabeth, Baga Organizations: U.S, National Hurricane Center, Texas, Storm Locations: Mexico, Texas, Yucatan Peninsula . Texas, Corpus Christi , Texas, Gulf, Rio Grande, Corpus Christi, Northeastern Mexico, Jamaica, St, Grenadines, Barbados, Grenada, Venezuela, Boise , Idaho, Yucatan

☆ This Italian vacation hotspot is turning tourists away as it runs out of water
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Barbie Latza Nadeau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —Set atop a hill on the Italian island of Sicily, Agrigento is a heritage tourist’s paradise. Sicily began enforcing water restrictions in February when the region declared a state of emergency amid a relentless drought. Tourists at the Temple of Concordia, an ancient Greek archeological site outside of Agrigento in southern Sicily, Italy. Sicily’s regional president, Renato Schifani, said the island’s losses — between crops, empty reservoirs and dying livestock — have already topped €1 billion. “The consortium used to guarantee water rotation every five or six days,” he said, referring to a farmers representative group.

Persons: Leisa Tyler, LightRocket, “, ” Giovanni Lopez, Diana Santanchè, Summers, Marco Maccarrone, ”, Maccarrone, Fabrizio Villa, Nicola Farruggio, Francesco Picarella, ” Picarella, Luca Cammarata, He’s, Alberto Pizzoli, ANBI, Renato Schifani, CNN’s Antonia Mortensen Organizations: CNN, of, Sicilian, Italian National Institute for Environmental Protection, Research, Getty, Sicily’s Hotel Federation, Agrigento’s Hotel Federation, of Culture, Water Resources Locations: Sicily, Agrigento, Italy, Rome, Syracuse, Pergusa, Italian, Caltanissetta, Mount Etna, AFP

☆ The ‘fearless young activists’ thrown in jail for climate campaigns in Cambodia
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Heather Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“We demand that our friends in Mother Nature Cambodia, and all political prisoners, be released immediately,” said Fridays for Future, the youth-led global climate strike movement founded by Thunberg, in a statement. “Like what we are seeing with dictators in other countries, Cambodia is becoming more repressed,” said Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spaniard who co-founded Mother Nature Cambodia over a decade ago, alongside local Cambodian activists. Environmental activists stage a mock funeral procession in the streets of Phnom Penh. Video footage showed activists Mother Nature Cambodia activists Ly Chandaravuth, Long Kunthea, Thun Ratha, Phuon Keoraksmey and Yim Leanghy surrounded by dozens of armed police officers and dragged away into waiting cars, bound for prisons across the country. “This week, a new generation of Cambodian activists was born – one that did not exist back in 2012,” he said.

Persons: Greta Thunberg, ”, Thunberg, Mu Sochua, “, ” “, ” Mu Sochua, Chantha Lach, Hun Sen –, Hun Manet, Hun Sen, Alejandro Gonzalez, Davidson, Pen Bona, Ole von Uexkuell, Magnus Lejhall, Gonzalez, Valeria Mongelli, –, Ly Chandaravuth, Long, Phuon Keoraksmey, Yim, Pilorge, lèse, Thameen Al, Kheetan Organizations: CNN, Nature Cambodia, Reuters, United States Agency for International Development, USAID, Nature, TT, Agency, AFP, Getty, Facebook, Court, Cambodian League, Promotion, Human, Journalists, ” United Nations Human Rights Locations: Cambodia, Nature, Reuters Cambodia, Nature Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodian, Sweden, Stockholm, Sihanoukville, Thun

☆ Why you’re seeing lots of teens at work this summer — but still so many empty lifeguard chairs
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-06 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —Your kid’s summer camp is likely fully staffed. The shift is a refreshing change after the pandemic drove many teens away from working during their summer breaks. “Now I’m seeing parents pushing their kids to work again,” said Pritikin, who employs around 350 staff members each summer. Ten years ago, high school-aged camp staff made around $1,000 for an entire summer. Lifeguards prepare for the opening of the Astoria Pool in the New York City borough of Queens on June 27, 2024.

Persons: They’re, ”, Paul Harrington, That’s, it’s, Eric Brotherson, “, Brotherson, he’s, Andy Pritikin, Pritikin, weren't, Frank Burkhauser, Harrington, ” Andrew Challenger, Joshua A . Bickel, Eric Adams, Spencer Platt, Gregg McQueen, We’ll, ” McQueen, Adams, Tom Gill, ” Gill Organizations: New, New York CNN, Rhode Island College, Glenwood, Colorado Rockies, Liberty, Challenger, YMCA Camp Kern, American Lifeguard Association . New, New York City, CNN, United States Lifesaving Association, “ Lifeguard Locations: New York, Glenwood, Glenwood Springs , Colorado, rollercoasters, Liberty Lake, Bordentown, Mansfield Township , New Jersey, Oregonia , Ohio, American Lifeguard Association . New York City, New York City, Queens

☆ I've traveled to 20 countries in 2 years. I found the most stunning coast in one of the least-visited countries.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Marielle Descalsota | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Last month, I traveled to Timor-Leste, a country located in the South Pacific. It's also the 14th least-visited country in the world and the least-visited in Asia, according to a January report from CEOWorld magazine. Some 81,000 tourists visited Timor-Leste in 2023 — putting it just ahead of Chad and Sierra Leone, per the report. Marielle DescalsotaOnly a handful of airlines fly to Dili, the capital, where the only international airport in Timor-Leste is located. As I grew up in Singapore and can speak some Indonesian, when locals didn't speak English, that was my fallback language.

Persons: —, I've, France —, It's, Fernando, Hilton, nasi goreng —, 9Milhas, Gloria, Jesus Christ —, Marielle Organizations: Service, Leste, South Pacific, Business, National Statistics Directorate Timor, YouTube, Google, Timor Plaza, Apartments, East Timor Centavo, US Department of State, Burger, Coffee, Cristo Locations: Maldives, France, Timor, South, Bahamas, Asia, Chad, Sierra Leone, Dili, Bali, Indonesia, Darwin, Australia, Dili's, sightsee, East Timor, Indonesian, Singapore, Marielle, Cristo Rei, It's, Angola

☆ Indian wedding industry: Elephants, Michelin stars and Mughal jewels make it a $130 billion business
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Sujit Jaiswal/AFP/Getty ImagesThe Indian wedding industry has boomed since the country emerged from the pandemic. “And this is irrespective of the economic classes.”At about $15,000, the average Indian wedding costs more than three times the average annual household income. Indian weddings are often spread across several days, with an average guest list of 326, compared with 115 in the United States, according to The Knot Worldwide. Rihanna, couture and emeraldsThe average luxury Indian wedding can cost anywhere between $200,000 and $400,000, according to Jefferies. No luxury Indian wedding is complete without lavish meals, which at times involves flying in Michelin star chefs and the finest of ingredients from across the world.

Persons: Anant Ambani, Mukesh Ambani, Radhika Merchant, Mukesh Ambani’s, Tim Chi, Nita, Anant, Sujit Jaiswal, it’s, Jefferies, ” Jefferies, Nasir Kachroo, ”, Sima Taparia, Aditya Motwane, Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, “, you’ve, Ambani’s, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Rihanna, Motwane, —, Stringer, Knight Frank, Tina Tharwani, Nita Ambani, Olivier Polet, Tharwani, Virat, Vanessa Almeida, Almeida, videographers, Katy Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Rafiq Maqbool, Narendra Modi, ” Modi Organizations: New, New Delhi CNN, Silicon, CNN, Getty, Netflix, Motwane Entertainment, Shaadi, Michelin, Backstreet Boys Locations: New Delhi, Radhika Merchant . India, India, Mumbai, AFP, South Asia, Jammu, Kashmir, United States, Indian, Jamnagar, Monte Carlo, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Florence, Indian Italian, Tuscany, Goa, Italian, Genoa

☆ Taylor Swift is doing 8 Eras shows in London. Mini-residencies could be her smartest business decision yet.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-05 | by ( Madeline Berg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. The Eras Tour was always set to be immensely profitable for Swift, but she's set to make even more money thanks to one key business move. Swift is set to play eight nights in London and six in cities like Toronto — and she's skipping nearby cities that she's hit on past tours like Ottawa. Advertisement"It significantly reduces the overhead of a tour," Nathan Hubbard, the former CEO of Ticketmaster who founded the management firm Firebird, told Business Insider.

Persons: —, Taylor Swift's, Swift, Nathan Hubbard, Harry Styles, Hubbard, That's, she's, Taylor Organizations: Service, Wembley, European Central Bank, Barclays, Business, Swift, Ticketmaster, Firebird, Garden, Kia Forum, Las, Pitchfork, Institute Locations: Europe, London, Toronto, Ottawa, Los Angeles, San Diego, New, Covid, Las Vegas, Scotland, Minneapolis

☆ Shohei Ohtani: How one man has brought a new wave of Japanese tourists to LA
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Natasha Chen | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

And with 12 new Japanese sponsors, Japanese-language stadium tours and new Japanese menu items, the Dodgers are making the most of the Ohtani effect. A mural showing Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani is painted on the side of the Miyako Hotel in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. “He’s just a phenomenal individual, right?” said Judy Clow, who brought her brother from Japan to a Japanese-language tour at Dodger Stadium. My gosh!”Shohei Ohtani warms up before a preseason game against the Los Angeles Angels at Dodger Stadium on March 24, 2024. Some of the six new Japanese-language tour guides at Dodger Stadium actually worked at Angels Stadium previously, serving the same fans.

Persons: There’s, Takayo Hizume, CNN it’s, Shohei, Robyn Beck, ’, Hizume, Ohtani, Los Angeles –, Akira Yuhara, ” Yuhara, swindling, “ He’s, ”, Judy Clow, Harry, Christine Gerriets, ” Gerriets, Kay Ponak, Norma Galeana, CNN Mihana Hayashi, takoyaki, Hayashi, Nanoha, “, giveaways, Stan Kasten, ” Kasten, Kasten, Robert Vargas, Vin Scully, ” Vargas, “ Ohtani, Adam Burke, Hiroko Hinata, Natasha Chen, CNN Yuhara, Miyako, Don Tahara, Shania Baweja, Jason Kravarik Organizations: Los Angeles CNN, Dodgers, Ohtani’s, CNN, Angeles Dodgers, Getty, Dodger, Los Angeles Angels, Angels, Daiso, Toyo, Far, Los, Los Angeles Tourism, LA Tourism, Ohtani's Dodgers, Far Bar Locations: Japan, Los Angeles, California, Pacific, Miyako, Little Tokyo, AFP, –, South Korea, Southern California, LA, Anaheim, guacamole, Nagoya, Asian, Japanese

☆ I loved my first visit to Switzerland — but my trip would've been better if I hadn't made these 5 mistakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I think I would've been better off in a cheap hotel room, which likely would've had a better bed and no kitchen area, which I didn't need. Using Google Maps to locate bus stopsThis sneaky bus stop was in an underground pass beneath a building. I would walk to the exact spot where Google Maps said the bus stop was and see no signs or benches. I'd wander around looking for the bus stop while watching several buses drive past me without stopping. AdvertisementEach time, I had to ask a local or two where the bus stop was.

Persons: —, Moritz, Morgan McFall, Johnsen, I'd, would've, Airbnb Organizations: Service, Business, Google, SBB Locations: Switzerland, Zurich, Swiss, Europe, Sion, France, St, Johnsen Switzerland

☆ Tourists can be a turnoff for wealthy travelers in hotspots like Tulum and Mykonos. Here are 4 places that are still an oasis for the ultra-rich.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewDuring the summer months, if you're not on vacation yourself, it feels nearly impossible to avoid seeing pictures or videos of everyone else's trips to popular hotspots. But while both destinations still attract several million tourists yearly, some ultra-rich vacationers seek more exclusive locations away from the hoi polloi. Its casinos, luxury shopping, and excess of yachts make it "a playground for the ultra-rich," according to West. Courtesy of Fraser YachtsFive-star hotels have attractive amenities, but luxury yachts unlock another level of privacy and mobility for those rich enough to own or charter one.

Persons: —, Alexa West —, Aman, Kylie Jenner, Justin Bieber, Valentin Luthiger Andermatt, Knight Frank, Mark Cavendish Organizations: Service, United Nations World Tourism Organization, Business, Aman Resorts, Aman Resorts Aman Resorts, Monaco Monaco, Monaco, Wall Street, Yachts, Fraser Yachts Locations: japan, Italy, Tourism, US's Utah, Aman Resorts Aman, Its Utah, Utah, Switzerland, Monaco, Mykonos, St, Tropez, Sardinia, Carinthia

☆ Jesse Owens’ achievements at 1936 Olympics were ‘thumb in the eye’ to Adolf Hitler, says US athlete’s grandson
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Ben Morse | Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Owens’ grandson Stuart Owen Rankin describes the track and field great’s actions as a “thumb in the eye” to Hitler. Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images‘A bond, a brotherhood, a connection’Another enduring memory from the 1936 Games was Owens’ connection with the German long-jumper Luz Long. Owens and Long were seen as the two favorites to compete for the gold medal in the long jump at the Berlin Games. According to Rankin, Owens said Long offered him advice on how to not overstep, which was an issue the US athlete was having in the long jump qualifying competition. DHM/ullstein bild/Getty Images)StridesAfter the Berlin Games, widespread, institutionalized racism and segregation in the US meant Owens’ achievements weren’t fully appreciated when he returned home.

Persons: Jesse Owens, Adolf Hitler, White, Owens, Owens ’, Stuart Owen Rankin, Hitler, “, ” Rankin, CNN’s Don Riddell, ” Jesse Owens, Luz Long, Long, Rankin, ” Owens, Juergen, Shutterstock Rankin, ” Long, scrolled, Julia Long, Long’s, ”, Julia, weren’t, AP Owens, Gerald Ford, George H.W, Bush Organizations: CNN, Olympics, Nazi, Fox, Berlin Games, American, Games, AP, White Locations: Berlin –, Nazi Germany, Berlin, White, American, Munich, York, United States, America

☆ The pool party’s over as Americans ease up on backyard upgrades
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-04 | by ( Davis Giangiulio | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Americans will be splashing around this summer in the backyard pools they've already got, but not splashing out as much on new ones. Swimming pool installations were part of the home improvement frenzy that swept the country during the pandemic as Americans were stuck at home. Pool Corp., a national pool equipment distributor with a roughly $11 billion market valuation, said last week it expects new pool construction to fall by 15% to 20% this year. But businesses that rely on Americans' appetite for home upgrades are still adjusting to leaner times — including pool builders. In Arizona, Ast said, "the lines get blurred a little bit between luxury and need in the middle of the desert."

Persons: Skip Ast, wasn't, Scott Payne, Payne Organizations: Pool Corp, Shasta, Airlines, Analytics, Ast, Corp Locations: Phoenix, Hatfield , Pennsylvania, Shasta, Arizona

With New York's congestion pricing plan indefinitely delayed, traffic into Manhattan this summer is set to be gridlocked as usual. But travelers staying in some of the city's top luxury hotels can avoid the highways altogether. Announced Tuesday, Marriott International Luxury Group is providing free helicopter transfers from John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport from July 1 to Sept. 2. The transfers can reduce transportation time from the airports into Manhattan to as little as five minutes, the company said. The flights, operated by the urban air mobility company Blade, are available for guests staying at least two nights in one of the six Manhattan hotels:The St. Regis New York JW Marriott Essex House New York W New York - Union Square The New York EDITION The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad The Luxury Collection Hotel Manhattan MidtownHelicopter transfers land at one of two helipads in Manhattan: Blade Lounge East on East 34th Street or the newer Blade Lounge West on West 30th Street, where a car service waits to drive guests to their hotels.

Persons: John F Organizations: Marriott, Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, Regis New, Regis New York JW Marriott, Regis New York JW Marriott Essex House, Union, The, Carlton New, Helicopter, East, West Locations: Manhattan, St, Regis, Regis New York, Regis New York JW Marriott Essex, York, Carlton New York

☆ How Britain Changed Over 14 Years of Conservative Rule
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Josh Holder | Ademola Bello | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +14 min

How Britain Changed Over 14 Years of Conservative RuleSince Britain’s Conservative Party took power 14 years ago, most things have not gone the way it planned. The Economy Has StagnatedAverage productivity growth has declined since 2010…0.0% 0.5% 1.0% 2.0% 2010 2015 2017 2019 2024 Source: Office for National Statistics. 2010 2015 2017 2019 2024 Source: N.H.S. 50% 60% 70% 80% 2010 2015 2017 2019 2024 Source: N.H.S. 2010 2015 2017 2019 2024 Source: Trussell Trust … and thousands more people are sleeping on the streets than in 2010.

Persons: Conservatives ’, England …, Boris Johnson, —, Hong Kongers, Rishi Sunak Organizations: Conservative, Britain’s Conservative Party, Conservatives, Local, gov, Conservative Party, European Union, National Health Service, National Statistics, Institute for Public Policy Research, Public Services, Labour, Commons, Department, Loans Company, Higher Education Statistics, YouGov Locations: Britain, Thursday’s, Germany, United States, London, Ukraine, England, Rwanda, United Kingdom

☆ America’s Divided Summer Economy Is Coming to an Airport or Hotel Near You
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Jeanna Smialek | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The travel industry is in the midst of another hot summer as Americans hit the road and make for the airport to take advantage of slightly cheaper flights and gas. But the 2024 vacation outlook isn’t all sunny: Like the rest of the American consumer experience this year, it is sharply divided. Many richer consumers — always the lifeblood of the travel industry — are feeling good this year as a strong stock market and rising home values boost their wealth. The gulf between higher- and lower-income consumers has been widening for years, but it is expected to show up especially clearly in travel this summer. Budget hotel chains, by contrast, are expected to report a pullback.

Organizations: Foods, Walmart, Budget

☆ Where did all the lifeguards go?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-03 | by ( Kelli María Korducki | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

My girlfriends, a year or two older, were most interested in catching the eye of the male lifeguards. The swim disparities also influenced the scope of a lifeguard's job. While the lack of qualified lifeguards may partly stem from this problem, getting more lifeguards on stands could turn things around. As we enter our fourth year without enough lifeguards, it's hard to imagine them retaking the podium as the cultural idol of American summer. When more cities prioritize safe water access for the masses — and pay lifeguards accordingly — the mighty lifeguard just may rise again.

Persons: Marco Polo, I'd, fawning, Wyatt Werneth, Werneth, —, Jessi Adler, Adler, hasn't, lifeguarding, Jason Russell, it's, Russell, Jeff Wiltse, Wiltse, KENA BETANCUR, Suburbanites Organizations: American Lifeguard Association, Getty, Lyndon, Johnson, SUNY Empire State, World, Association, American, of Public Health, New, Civil Rights Movement, Employers Locations: Milwaukee, America, Southern California, Michigan, Central Texas, Canada, New York City, Chicago, Denver, Baltimore, San Antonio

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