Latest news with #Yes
New York Post
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Martha Stewart takes aim at Meghan Markle and her lifestyle brand: ‘I hope she knows what she's talking about'
The queen of shade is back, and she's taking no prisoners. Martha Stewart has made a not-so-subtle dig at aspiring lifestyle guru Meghan Markle following the launch of her As Ever brand. The original lifestyle extraordinaire, 83, didn't mince words when asked about the Duchess of Sussex's foray into the world of hosting — saying she truly hopes the 'Suits' alum 'knows what she's talking about.' Advertisement 6 Martha Stewart has made a not-so-subtle dig at aspiring lifestyle guru Meghan Markle following the launch of her As Ever brand. Instagram/@marthastewart48 'Meghan, I don't really know very well. I hope she knows what she's talking about,' Stewart told Yahoo Lifestyle earlier this week. 'Authenticity, to me, is everything, and to be authentic and knowledgeable about your subject matter is extremely important.' Advertisement And while the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia founder appeared to reserve praise for Markle, she had a totally different thing to say about fellow lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow. 'Gwyneth has been very successful; she created quite an interesting body of businesses,' she said of the Goop founder. 'She's admired. She won an Oscar for heaven's sake as an actress. She's pretty powerful,' she said, adding that her career as an entrepreneur is 'very successful.' 6 Markle's apparent rebrand as a domestic goddess was earlier this year branded 'inauthentic' by several royal experts. aseverofficial/Instagram Advertisement 6 The Duchess of Sussex, 43, launched her lifestyle brand, As Ever, in March. As ever Still, Stewart is not stopping anyone from venturing into the world of home and hospitality, saying she wishes them all 'good luck.' Markle's apparent rebrand as a domestic goddess was earlier this year branded 'inauthentic' by several royal experts, who compared come-up to that of Stewart. Following the release of her Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan,' the former actress was weighed up against the likes of Stewart and Nigella Lawson, 65, both of whom have built strong brands from their lifestyle-focused business ventures. Advertisement 6 The original lifestyle extraordinaire, 83, didn't mince words when asked about the Duchess of Sussex's foray into the world of hosting. marthastewart48/Instagram 6 Also in March, the former actress released a Netflix series titled 'With Love, Meghan.' Netflix In a New York Times article in January, the outlet noted that Markle's lifestyle-guru plan is reminiscent to that of the pair, both of whom overcame public scrutiny and achieved 'profitable' results. When asked if she's seen the former working royal's project, Stewart said in April that he hadn't gotten round to watching the show yet. 'Has it started?' Stewart asked in the 'Access Hollywood' sit-down, while promoting NBC's cooking competition show 'Yes, Chef.' Follow The Post's royal family live blog for the latest pics, news, exclusive details and more 'I'll watch an episode and see how she does,' she concluded, before noting that she 'is curious.' Earlier this month, official figures showed that project failed to rank among Netflix's top 300 most-watched titles between January and June 2025. Advertisement The Post confirmed that Markle's eight-part series ranked 383rd with just 5.3 million views since its March 4 debut — unprecedented numbers for a Netflix original that has been renewed. 6 And while Stewart appeared to reserve praise for Markle, she had only complimentary to say about fellow lifestyle guru Gwyneth Paltrow. Getty Images for goop The series has since been bashed by critics and earned lower viewership numbers than her and her husband's 2022 series 'Harry & Meghan' — with IMDB giving it just 3.2 out of 10. While Netflix still plans to release the second season of the cooking show, it will be the last — given that Markle and Prince Harry's $100 million deal with the streamer has reached a dead end.
Daily Record
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
John Swinney independence plan branded 'high risk' by former Yes campaign chief
EXCLUSIVE: A former senior figure in the 2014 independence campaign said any future referendum could only succeed on a cross-party basis. John Swinney's plan to achieve a second referendum on Scottish independence has been branded "high risk" by a former Yes campaign chief. The First Minister used his regular Daily Record column this week to announce his party must win an outright majority of MSPs at next year's Holyrood election if they are to force the UK Government to agree to another vote on the constitution. The SNP would need to return 65 MSPs to meet the target set by Swinney - but current polling suggests the party could end up with fewer than 60. A recent survey by Ipsos also found independence did not make a list of the top 10 issues facing Scotland. Dennis Canavan, who chaired the Yes campaign advisory board during the 2014 referendum campaign, said the current state of the parties made it "difficult to see any straightforward route map to independence". He insisted that any successful campaign to end the Union "must be on a cross-party basis". The former Labour MP told the Record: "John Swinney's plan is a high risk strategy because the electoral system for the Scottish Parliament makes it very difficult for any party to win an over-all majority. In the six previous elections to the Scottish Parliament, there has been only one which produced an over-all majority and that was in 2011 when the SNP won 69 out of 129 seats. "It is important to remember that support for independence is significantly greater than support for the SNP. Recent opinion polls indicate that support for independence is around 50 per cent - whereas support for the SNP is around 30 per cent. A successful independence campaign must therefore be on a cross-party basis and also reach out to people who are not members of any party." Canavan continued: "If the SNP were to agree on some form of electoral pact whereby the SNP contested only the 73 constituency seats and left other pro-independence candidates to contest the 56 regional seats, then that would be more likely to produce a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament. However, such an electoral pact seems unlikely because there is too much inter-party rivalry and, in some cases, downright hostility. "It is difficult to see any straightforward route map to independence but, if next year's elections to the Scottish Parliament do produce a pro-independence majority of any kind, then a motion calling for Scottish independence could be passed by the Scottish Parliament. That of itself would not lead to independence but it would strengthen the democratic case and increase pressure to let the people decide." Green MSP Lorna Slater yesterday accused the SNP of playing an "old tune" when it came to independence. She said: "This is an old tune that the SNP have been playing. There are several pro-independence parties in the Scottish Parliament. "John Swinney, I think, is being a little disingenuous. We had a successful pro-independence majority with the Bute House Agreement that the SNP decided to end." Swinney said in his Record column: "For us to achieve that independence, the first step is to secure a legal referendum recognised by all. In 2011 we secured that reliable and dependable route when the SNP achieved a majority of seats at Holyrood. "That is the only mechanism that has been proven to deliver such a vote - so that is what we need to deliver again. "That is why I have submitted a motion to the SNP conference proposing that we work to deliver a majority of SNP MSPs in the Scottish Parliament to secure that referendum on Independence."
The National
a day ago
- Politics
- The National
4 Scottish Green leadership candidates set out their campaign pitches
Here, Dominic Ashmole, Ross Greer, Lorna Slater and Gillian Mackay set out their campaign pitches. We are living through the collapse of climate, nature, and the foundations of society. My candidacy challenges the [[Scottish Greens]] to speak more plainly about the dangerous times ahead, and to demand emergency-scale action — at Holyrood and across civic life. The party has the rare advantage of two co-leaders. Let's use that well. While my colleague leads in Parliament, I would focus on the wider movement — working with the public, civic society, and our excellent Green councillors to accelerate and scale up the change we so urgently need. We have a problem with hope. Everyone craves it — and voters demand it. But 'hope' has also become a smokescreen for delay. A marketing strategy used by the powerful to deny the scale of the emergency, sell imaginary solutions, and protect their control. We must learn to spot the difference between genuine hope and 'hopium'. READ MORE: Scottish Labour silent on support for Sandie Peggie after racist jokes 2.5°C of heating is now likely by 2040. Four degrees before 2100 is increasingly probable. Scientists warn we'll soon cross multiple "tipping points" that endanger continued life on Earth. The suffering ahead is unimaginable. Food and water systems will fail. Billions of people — and other species — face unliveable futures. If the Greens — as scientific and social realists — cannot call out this disaster, then who will? What's our role, beyond modest policy gains, if not to demand a proportionate and credible response? We're rightly proud of Green successes, both national and local. But the brutal truth is: the crisis demands more — and faster. Rather than selling hope, we should be sounding the alarm and mobilising society for resilience, adaptation, and transformation. Let's lead a grassroots emergency response. Let's empower a politics equal to this moment. Let's prepare for the worst, strive for the best — and protect what we love. Ross Greer MSP One legacy of the 2014 Yes campaign was the sense of hope that Scotland could be a fairer, greener country. Our movement convinced people of this country's potential. That hope faded fast in recent years though. Brexit, Trump, Tory governments and a Labour government which acts like a Tory government have drained the hope from our politics. The Scottish Greens can bring that hope back. But to do that, we must become a far more effective campaigning movement. That's why I'm standing to be our co-leader. As a campaigner, organiser and MSP, I have consistently delivered meaningful change for the Scottish Greens and for the people of Scotland. Working with anti-poverty campaigners, I expanded free school meals to more young people and cancelled millions of pounds in school meal debt. I co-ordinated our record-breaking 2021 election campaign. And I've fought alongside the people of Balloch to protect our natural heritage at Loch Lomond from the corporate greed of Flamingo Land. We have the radical ideas that Scotland needs. But to strengthen our party and movement, we must improve how we organise. Climate justice requires social and economic justice. That means being brave enough to confront the super-rich, the big polluters and Westminster. I want to bring my track record of fighting winning campaigns to the co-leader role and help elect record numbers of Green MSPs and councillors in 2026 and 2027. Our party needs a clear strategy. A focus on tackling the climate and cost-of-living emergencies means easily explained proposals like expanding free bus travel and stronger rent controls. Clearer messaging and simpler party structures will make it easier for members to campaign for these policies. Scottish Greens are at our best when we're delivering the transformational change that people and planet desperately need. That will be my top priority." Gillian Mackay MSP At a time when politics is dominated by ego and inaction, we need bold, progressive leadership, especially from women with strong voices. From Safe Access Zones, to pushing for a ban on disposable vapes, securing free to air football and helping to re-instate school buses in North Lanarkshire, I've consistently delivered on causes I champion, securing real change. Growing up in Grangemouth and living in Falkirk, I understand the challenges facing working people. I believe that my voice will resonate with people who live and work not only in our cities, but in post-industrial, rural and industrial towns the length and breadth of Scotland. As a disabled woman and new mum, I know first-hand the struggles families face. That's why I'll champion a four-day week, better parental pay, and universal basic income, policies that will transform lives. I'm proud to stand with marginalised communities and will always be an ally for those underrepresented in politics. As Greens, we must lead with courage, with our members at the heart of our movement. We are the only party willing act and tackle the root causes of inequality and injustice. It's time for fresh leadership. Lorna Slater MSP The next co-leaders of our party will be debating the future of Scotland in televised debates with parties of the far-right. As the only remaining women leader of a Scottish political party, I want to be on that platform, confidently and clearly taking on these men and their harmful ideas. I can reframe the debate from being about hate, to being about hope for a genuinely better future, in an independent Scotland. I am re-standing for the role of co-leader to bring my years of experience of countering the anti-immigrant, anti-trans and climate denial, to the debates ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections, and support the Scottish Greens to win the largest numbers of MSPs and Councillors ever. It has been my privilege to represent the [[Scottish Greens]] in our Parliament since 2021. As one of the first Green government ministers in the UK, I delivered a national upgrade to recycling infrastructure, and the transformative Nature Restoration Fund. It was my work in government that ensured that every organisation in receipt of Scottish Government grants, has to pay the living wage, increasing the wages of thousands of workers. My experience as a minister makes me especially effective, because I know exactly how to press ministers on their decisions and to follow up when the Government drops a commitment. In the next term of parliament I intend to press the [[Scottish Government]] to action on cost of living, housing, climate and LGBT+ issues. I will continue work to reform council tax and give councils more powers, including those to raise funds. The Scottish Greens are in transition from being a small, yet effective party, to being a major force in Scottish politics. We can build on our successes and build the Scotland that we want to see.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Israel's Bezeq Telecom raises 2025 profit amid regulatory shaekeup on fibre costs
By Steven Scheer JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Bezeq Israel Telecom on Wednesday raised its 2025 profit outlook after Israel's telecoms regulator announced plans to cut wholesale fibre optic costs and ease Bezeq's obligation to provide internet services over fibre to key competitors. Israel's largest telecoms group revised its adjusted net profit estimate for 2025 to 1.45 billion shekels ($432 million), up from 1.32 billion shekels projected in May. It also increased its forecast for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to 3.85 billion shekels from the previous guidance of 3.75 billion. Bezeq said the increase stemmed from a higher valuation of its Internet and television unit Yes following a Tuesday announcement by the Communications Ministry aimed at reducing internet costs. The company said the "significant accounting gain" for the fair value of Yes would be recognised in the third quarter of 2025. Bezeq earned 1.27 billion shekels in 2024 and is expected to issue second-quarter earnings next week. The telecoms operator said it was on track to complete the rollout of its fibre-optic network, reaching 2.9 million homes this year, up from 2.7 million in May. At that time, the company had 885,000 fibre subscribers and its chairman, Tomer Raved, told Reuters that Bezeq would soon reach 1 million. The Communications Ministry plans to cut fibre Internet wholesale costs by more than 30% to boost competition and lower household internet prices, especially for fibre-based services. While Bezeq will still be required to provide its network to rivals, including Partner Communications and Cellcom until 2027, in 2028, this obligation will largely end. One exception is cable company Hot, owned by Altice, which has older infrastructure. Elad Makdasi, the ministry's director general, said the move would transform the telecoms market by incentivising independent infrastructure deployment and ensuring long-term competition "which will promote innovation, quality service, and attractive pricing for years to come."
CNA
2 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Israel's Bezeq Telecom raises 2025 profit amid regulatory shaekeup on fibre costs
JERUSALEM :Bezeq Israel Telecom on Wednesday raised its 2025 profit outlook after Israel's telecoms regulator announced plans to cut wholesale fibre optic costs and ease Bezeq's obligation to provide internet services over fibre to key competitors. Israel's largest telecoms group revised its adjusted net profit estimate for 2025 to 1.45 billion shekels ($432 million), up from 1.32 billion shekels projected in May. It also increased its forecast for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to 3.85 billion shekels from the previous guidance of 3.75 billion. Bezeq said the increase stemmed from a higher valuation of its Internet and television unit Yes following a Tuesday announcement by the Communications Ministry aimed at reducing internet costs. The company said the "significant accounting gain" for the fair value of Yes would be recognised in the third quarter of 2025. Bezeq earned 1.27 billion shekels in 2024 and is expected to issue second-quarter earnings next week. The telecoms operator said it was on track to complete the rollout of its fibre-optic network, reaching 2.9 million homes this year, up from 2.7 million in May. At that time, the company had 885,000 fibre subscribers and its chairman, Tomer Raved, told Reuters that Bezeq would soon reach 1 million. The Communications Ministry plans to cut fibre Internet wholesale costs by more than 30 per cent to boost competition and lower household internet prices, especially for fibre-based services. While Bezeq will still be required to provide its network to rivals, including Partner Communications and Cellcom until 2027, in 2028, this obligation will largely end. One exception is cable company Hot, owned by Altice, which has older infrastructure. Elad Makdasi, the ministry's director general, said the move would transform the telecoms market by incentivising independent infrastructure deployment and ensuring long-term competition "which will promote innovation, quality service, and attractive pricing for years to come."
