Latest news with #Nike-branded
Daily Mail
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
AOC's brother is forced to deny link to huge fentanyl trafficking crime
The brother of New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was forced to publicly shut down a circulating rumor claiming he was at the center of a fentanyl trafficking scheme. Gabriel Ocasio-Cortez, 32, took to TikTok to respond to a video spreading a bizarre claim - that AOC's brother, wrongly named as 'Matthew' in the allegation, had been arrested on Lake Superior after US Coast Guards caught him in possession of $1.2 million worth of fentanyl. As the actual brother of the Democrat Congresswoman, Gabriel quickly squashed the viral lie, duetting the creator's post with a pointed caption that read: 'don't make me sue'. 'I'm the brother,' Gabriel said in his TikTok. 'My name's not Matthew. I have no idea why they're posting this.' 'I work with the homeless,' he added. 'I have nothing to do with this story, which isn't real. Please find something better to do with your time.' On Tuesday, the creator in question had posted a video to the popular app, appearing in front of what seemed to be a screenshot of a recent news article. 'AOC's brother has just been charged with trafficking fentanyl,' the creator confidently stated in the since-deleted video, all while pointing at the 'news source' behind her. The fake news quickly spread across a variety of social media platforms - including Facebook, Instagram Threads and Twitter - with the TikTok video alone garnering more than 50,000 likes before its removal. The creator's so-called 'source' was an article from the Dunning-Kruger Times - the very website where the rumor first began circulating. She pointed to the article's first three paragraphs during the video - almost as if to bolster her credibility - where the tone and content of the reporting was clearly visible to viewers. 'Awkward,' the first sentence of the article read. 'A Nike racing boat carrying AOC's brother Matthew was also carrying $1.2 million worth of fentanyl when the US Coast Guard boarded it on Lake Superior.' '"We had credible information of a drug buy," said Vice Admiral Joe Barron, "We had no idea there would be a high-profile person on board,"' the article continued. 'Matthew Ocasio-Cortez was booked into the federal holding facility in Green Bay on charges of criminal conspiracy and trafficking a class 1 controlled substance.' The cited Dunning-Kruger Times website, along with the America's Line of Defense Facebook page - which also shared the story - are both part of a network of internet outlets that describe themselves as satire in nature. In the article, the author - identified as Flagg Eagleton - elaborated on the claim, clearly spinning a detailed account of the entirely fictional drug bust that allegedly took place on the waters of Lake Superior last week. 'What they found, in addition to an alarming amount of oat milk and Patagonia vests, was $1.2 million worth of fentanyl, stored in air-tight Nike-branded containers and labeled "Performance Powder,"' the story read. The author went on to claim that the Congresswoman's brother was taken into custody without incident, and upon arriving to the federal holding facility, supposedly 'asked for oat milk with his vegan gruel and demanded a cruelty-free mattress'. Nevertheless, a closer look at the article would likely reveal the outlet's satirical nature, especially through the over-the-top tone of parody and the exaggerated lines lightly mentioning 'government sources'. 'According to court documents that may or may not exist outside of this article, Matthew's defense claims the drugs were planted,' one paragraph stated. 'He thought the containers were filled with "eco-friendly soap flakes", and that the whole incident was "probably just the work of the white supremacists trying to discredit a powerful Latinx family."' Even further, the author claimed that 'Matthew' was facing up to 20 years in prison after the bust, 'or a spot on The View, depending how the plea deal goes'. To conclude the article, the author wrote: 'God Bless America'. On the website's 'About Us' page, the outlet claims to be part of a 'network of parody, satire and tomfoolery, or as Snopes called it before they lost their war on satire: Junk News'. 'Everything on this website is fiction,' the page stated. 'It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real.' 'If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined.' The page also went as far as to include a definition of the word satire for those who 'complain and decide satire is synonymous with comedy'. 'Satire: The use of humor, irony, exaggeration OR ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues,' the definition read. Despite the website's blatantly satirical style, the lack of coverage from any credible outlets, and the simple fact that AOC's brother is named Gabriel - not Matthew - many readers still took the rumor at face value, interpreting it as the honest truth. The viral firestorm prompted Gabriel to share a follow-up video to his TikTok account later that day, where he addressed the dangers of spreading false rumors online. 'The thing that I want people to really understand where I'm coming from is that, even if, let's just say, one million people play into that - let's just say that even one percent of them actually believe it - that's 10,000 people,' Gabriel said in the video. He then reduced the percentage to 0.05 percent, explaining that, at the end of the day, it still amounts to 5,000 people who believe the false rumor - and that's all it takes. 'That's all it takes to start to get somebody that's a little bit radicalized, somebody that's willing to pick up their guns and go do something - and it wouldn't be the first time somebody has tried,' he said. 'That's the society that we're in,' he added. 'So things like this are just more serious than ever - and you can't slander people.'
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nike Stock: Experts Argue Pros and Cons of ‘Buying the Dip' Amid Trump Tariff Drama
Nike Inc. (NKE) has found itself caught in the crosshairs of ongoing tariff updates, particularly following the latest round of reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. These tariffs, implemented on April 3, 2025, have heightened tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners, prompting some analysts to caution against investing in stocks that the economic fallout might impact. For You: Find Out: For companies like Nike, which relies heavily on overseas manufacturing, the question arises: Is it a good time to buy Nike stock while it's down, or should investors wait for more clarity on the future of trade relations? In the latest chapter of the trade war, President Donald Trump introduced tariffs on a range of goods imported from foreign markets, including items produced by U.S. companies abroad, then paused them again, with the exception of imports from China. These tariffs, which are aimed at challenging perceived unfair trade practices, are expected to have wide-ranging effects on companies like Nike, which sources a significant portion of its products from Asia, including China and Vietnam. According to an SEC filing, the clothing manufacturer sources 28% of its Nike-branded products from Vietnam, 16% from China and 15% from Cambodia. Like many multinational retailers, Nike has been forced to confront a complex situation where rising import costs could eventually trickle down to consumers. Nike's stock price has faced some volatility since the announcement of these tariffs, with a noticeable dip in the days following the news. Nike stock dropped as low as $53.27 on April 8, marking its lowest closing price since 2017. Since the beginning of the year, shares have decreased in value by over 25%. This has led to a familiar debate among investors: Is now the time to 'buy the dip,' capitalizing on the lower stock price, or should they wait for clearer signals about the future of global trade policies? Consider This: To answer this question, experts are weighing in on both historical trends and current sentiments surrounding the stock. On the one hand, Nike has a strong brand and global footprint that can help it adapt to rising costs. Many experts argue that the company's ability to innovate, coupled with its deep ties to consumer markets, will allow it to absorb some of the additional financial pressures without drastically affecting its profitability. On the other hand, the uncertainty surrounding the U.S.-China trade relationship and the broader global economic environment makes predicting Nike's next steps more challenging. Some analysts caution that the Trump administration's tariffs, which target a wide range of goods, could have a more significant impact on Nike's profit margins than in previous years. Additionally, there is the risk that further geopolitical instability could erode investor confidence in the retail sector as a whole, making it a riskier proposition to bet on stocks like Nike in the short term. Given the circumstances, some financial experts believe this dip presents an opportunity for investors to enter the market at a lower price, especially if they have a long-term investment horizon. These analysts point to Nike's strong fundamentals, including its brand equity, global distribution network and growing digital sales as reasons to remain optimistic. Karl Farmer, vice president and portfolio manager at Rockland Trust, said, 'If the investment time horizon is a few years, then yes, buy the dip. Nike (NKE) had many challenges to work on during 2025, even before tariffs entered the discussion. With the ever-shifting magnitude and potential duration of the overseas tariffs, it might be possible that a short-term bounce can be had, should this new setback be settled quickly.' Before the tariff announcement, analyst Randal Konik told MorningStar that Nike was a top pick and that the new chief executive Elliott Hill would drive a surge in profitability, increasing Nike's share of the market over the next few years. Farmer added, 'The new CEO has decades of experience with the company and is redirecting focus on the core sports brand, as well as repairing wholesaler relationships that were damaged recently with the direct-to-consumer initiatives.' These changes coupled with other market conditions could prove challenging, however. Farmer said, 'The economic headwinds are real and consumers might balk at new purchases while steps are being taken to reinvigorate the brand.' Many argue that the tariff situation is far from resolved, and continued uncertainty could result in further volatility for Nike's stock price. Additionally, if tariffs lead to higher consumer prices or lower demand for Nike products in key markets, the company's growth prospects could be dampened. For these reasons, some analysts recommend waiting for more clarity on the situation before making any major moves. Farmer said any decision you make should be with a future lens. 'As we move through the next few years, NKE should be able to return to above $3 and closer to $4 per share of earnings power and will command a better than market multiple for being the biggest powerhouse in its industry with a pristine balance sheet, as well. 'This is not a 2025 fix, but patient investors may be well-rewarded at these price levels,' he said. Bernadette Joy, a money coach and personal finance expert, said investors should exercise caution. She told CNET, 'Buying the dip instead of focusing on building cash savings for emergencies or paying off unnecessary debt is one of the biggest mistakes I see people make during economic downturns'. As with any investment decision, timing is crucial when it comes to buying stocks in volatile times. Nike's performance in the wake of the latest Trump tariffs has sparked renewed interest from both bullish and cautious investors. While the company has shown resilience in the past, ongoing uncertainty in global trade, tariffs and the impact on profit margins adds an element of risk to the equation. For those considering whether now is the right time to buy stocks on the cheap, it ultimately comes down to individual risk tolerance and investment strategy. Investors who believe in the long-term potential of Nike may view the current dip as an opportunity to capitalize on a temporary market reaction. However, those concerned about the ongoing trade disruptions and their impact on Nike's operations may prefer to hold off until the economic and political environment becomes clearer. Only time will tell how the latest round of tariffs will shape the future of Nike and the broader retail sector. Editor's note on political coverage: GOBankingRates is nonpartisan and strives to cover all aspects of the economy objectively and present balanced reports on politically focused finance stories. You can find more coverage of this topic on More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban: Trump's Tariffs Will Affect This Class of People the Most4 Affordable Car Brands You Won't Regret Buying in 2025How To Get the Most Value From Your Costco Membership in 20257 Tax Loopholes the Rich Use To Pay Less and Build More Wealth This article originally appeared on Nike Stock: Experts Argue Pros and Cons of 'Buying the Dip' Amid Trump Tariff Drama Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Why Nike Stock Plummeted 15% Earlier This Week -- but Is Now Rebounding
Shares of Nike (NYSE: NKE), the world's most popular shoe and apparel brand, dropped 15% earlier this week but have recovered some of these losses as of noon ET on Friday, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Now down 9% across the week, Nike initially declined on Thursday after the president's tariffs targeted three countries responsible for the majority of the company's manufacturing. Here's what happened earlier this week and why Nike's shares have rallied somewhat today. Vietnam, Indonesia, and China received tariffs of 46%, 32%, and 34% from the United States on Wednesday, sending Nike's stock into a tailspin on Thursday morning when the markets opened. Since these three countries manufacture 95% of Nike-branded footwear, it is easy to understand the market's initial reaction to the news. Stifel analyst Jim Duffy estimated that these higher costs could result in $1.69 worth of damage to Nike's earnings per share. However, the market has taken a slightly more optimistic stance on Nike today after Vietnam stated it wanted to make a deal with the United States to get its tariffs back down to 0%. Responsible for 50% of Nike's footwear and 28% of its apparel, plants in Vietnam account for the bulk of the company's manufacturing -- which would make this potential deal a sigh of relief for investors. While Nike stock will continue to face volatility as the market waits for this potential Vietnam deal and further fallout from the new tariffs, the stock now trades at its lowest price-to-sales ratio since 2009. Nike could be an interesting stock for risk-tolerant value investors to monitor as it remains the most influential footwear and apparel brand in the world, especially among Gen Z shoppers. Before you buy stock in Nike, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Nike wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $623,941!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 781% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 156% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of April 1, 2025 Josh Kohn-Lindquist has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Nike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Nike Stock Plummeted 15% Earlier This Week -- but Is Now Rebounding was originally published by The Motley Fool Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Apple defends Watch bands amid lawsuit over 'toxic' design fail
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. It's not often that Apple responds to criticism. Even in cases like its disastrous AI news alerts, it preferred to quickly and quietly roll out an update. But the Cupertino tech giant has come out with a public statement in response to fears about the safety of Apple Watch bands triggered by a scathing report and a class action lawsuit. The company insists that all Apple Watch bands are safe to use but notes that it is working to phase out the use of PFAs, the forever chemicals at the centre of the controversy. The lawsuit lodged at California's Northern District Court singles out three Apple Watch bands that are made with fluoroelastomer: the standard sport band along with the Sport band on Nike-branded models and the Ocean band. It cites a study published in December 2024 that found that these along with some watch bands from Google, Samsung, Fitbit, OnePlus, Garmin and others contain high levels of PFAs that can be absorbed through the skin. The discovery should perhaps not be surprising. PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are found in everything from Teflon-coated frying pans to cosmetics, insulation products, firefighting foam and some nylon and Gore-Tex clothing. But these synthetic chemicals have become a major environmental concern because of how long they take to break down. Residues are now widely present in waterways and even in rain and drinking water. They can build up in human and animal bodies and have been associated with some kinds of cancer. Apple announced a plan to phase out PFAs in 2022 but says it will take time to find alternatives. In the meantime, it released a toxicological report on the safety of all Apple products. The company told our sister site Tom's Guide: "Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our own testing, we also work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the materials used in our products, including Apple Watch bands."
