Latest news with #Centro
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Families are ordered to 'take cover now' amid tornado warning
The stark warning about the threat of a tornado concerns Washington DC, and the surrounding areas, such as the state of Pennsylvania and its large cities like Philadelphia The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning and flash flood alert for parts of the US - including Washington DC - and residents have been urged to take cover immediately and avoid travel. Forecasters have issued a stark warning, predicting storms set to strike with damaging winds and flash flooding, expected to sweep eastward across eastern states and territories including Washington. The alert extends to possible tornadoes, particularly to the west of Delmarva near the I-95 corridor, where the atmosphere is primed for trouble. Residents in Washington DC, Arlington, and Alexandria, Virginia need to brace themselves as a flash flood warning is in play as well. Weather experts are raising the alarm, as heavy storms threaten to unload torrential rainfall causing flash floods, especially in areas that are typically prone due to being low-lying or having poor drainage. Motorists are urged to steer clear of submerged roads and seek elevated ground without delay should the situation deteriorate, reports the Mirror US. In their latest alert, the National Weather Service has declared a TORNADO WARNING for the area until 7:00 PM EDT. They are advising immediate safety measures, stating: "Take shelter now in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Check media." They further stressed the urgency with the directive: "TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris." In a grim reminder of nature's force, flash floods in Texas previously claimed at least 104 lives. A poignant candlelight vigil was held in San Antonio, Texas, on Monday night to remember the victims of the devastating flash floods that swept through the state over the Fourth of July weekend. The disaster took the lives of more than 100 people, including numerous children attending summer camps along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Heartbroken families and community members gathered in silence, honouring those lost in what has become one of the most lethal weather events in Texas in recent years. "We stand in solidarity with our neighbours across Texas, especially in times of tragedy and loss," Centro stated on Instagram. "Unity isn't just for times of celebration; it's essential during times of hardship." The destruction caused by the flash floods along the Guadalupe River, just outside San Antonio, has sparked a large-scale search operation, as questions arise about the authorities' readiness and response time. Friday's heavy rainfall dumped a month's worth of rain in just a few hours, overwhelming the region and taking over 100 lives. Many of the victims were children from nearby summer camps. With further rain predicted for Monday, officials have warned that the flood risk remains perilously high in already saturated areas of central Texas. Emergency teams continue to search for the missing, while communities prepare for the potential of additional flooding. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and keep an eye on updates as the situation unfolds. Keep alert for more updates as the storms continue to evolve.
Axios
30-06-2025
- Business
- Axios
How Taco Bell's Crunchwrap Supreme helped Centro grow
Centro Restaurant Group is taking a "Live Más" approach to its spin on Taco Bell's Crunchwrap, with fresh plans for its first brick-and-mortar outpost focused on the fan favorite. The big picture: Taco Bell's top-selling menu item, which the chain debuted 20 years ago last week, has become an "unlikely muse" — and a moneymaker — for chefs across the country, the New York Times reports. The local angle: The success of Centro's own playful take on the layered hand-held tortilla wraps inspired owners to create Hippo Pockets, a stand-alone ghost kitchen and pop-up dedicated to serving the "flying saucers of crunch." What's new: The Hippo Pockets brand, first launched in 2023, will get its first storefront next week, with a 17-seat restaurant at the 48th and Chicago spot formerly occupied by Herbie Butcher's Fried Chicken opening July 9. Later this year, they'll debut another pop-up location inside U.S. Bank Stadium for the Vikings season, owner Jami Olson told Axios. What they're saying:"It's nostalgia," Olson said of the item's popularity and staying power. "They're just good, they're substantial, they're comforting." What to expect: The Crunchwrap-style items on the Centro and Hippo Pockets menus, which Olson says are about 2.5 times the size of those sold at Taco Bell, go beyond traditional combos like ground beef and cheese. Popular flavors include Cool Ranch Chicken Crunch ($13.50) and the Pickle Pocket (about $14), a "Minnesota Sushi"-inspired combo of pickles, cream cheese, ham and Pik-Nik shoestring potato chips. The Hippo Pockets ghost kitchen has a Nutella and graham cracker dessert wrap and plans to sell breakfast and kids' versions when the brick-and-mortar launches next week. The back story: Centro's first experiment with selling a Crunchwrap-style item — a 2019 Taco Bell-themed pop-up at a brewery down the block from its original Northeast Minneapolis location — was a smashing success. "We sold out of food in like 20 minutes," Olson recalled. Yes, but: Olson said a "very nice" cease-and-desist letter from Taco Bell over their use of the chain's logo prompted them to pump the brakes. About a year later, as the restaurant looked for ways to attract more take-out customers during the pandemic, Olson decided to bring the Taco Bell-inspired items back via a weekly pop-up (without the logo). "It was hugely successful," Olson recalled. "Mondays were absolutely insane." What happened: Sales of the "Munchwrap," later dubbed the "Centro Crunch," were so strong that they added it to the menu permanently.
The National
11-06-2025
- Sport
- The National
What Ecuadorian media said about Celtic target after display vs Brazil
Angulo got the nod for the World Cup qualifier and very much impressed in a gutsy team display. He played until the 89th minute as his nation held out to secure a point. Read more: Centro hailed his 'dream debut': "Nilson Angulo burst onto the international scene with a dream debut: starting against Brazil in the South American Qualifiers. "His performance in the draw against the five-time world champions did not go unnoticed. With precise dribbling and innate ability in one-on-one situations, the Anderlecht striker showed he is ready to make the big leap." El Futbolero Ecuador dished out similar praise: "Nilson Angulo played a key role in Ecuador's attack, forming part of a system that sought to create danger on the wings and take advantage of the speed of its wingers. "During his time on the pitch, he attempted to break through on his own flank and link up with his teammates, finding space in the Brazilian defence." Celtic have had an initial bid for the 21-year-old rejected, according to Angulo played 39 times for Anderlecht last season, scoring two goals and assisting three across all competitions. He joined the Belgian outfit in 2022 from LDU Quito in his homeland.
Fashion United
05-06-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
From volume to value: Bangladesh's garment strategy amid trade turmoil
Bangladesh's garment industry seeks to shed its low-cost, large quantity image as it aims to capture higher-value business. At Best of Bangladesh, a fair and conference in the heart of Amsterdam, manufacturers and government officials advertised the world's second largest garment producer's transition, hoping to gain more business amid global trade turmoil. Beyond basics It looked like a typical sourcing fair at first glance: Exhibitors waited for buyers in small booths separated by white walls that were lined with garments. Yet, the exhibition floor wasn't hectic. Soft, jazzy music created a lounge feeling amidst the old-world allure of the historic red-brick walls of Amsterdam's former stock exchange. The choice of the elegant venue for 'Best of Bangladesh' at the beginning of April and the talks held at the event sought to convey a feeling of progress. Bangladesh, traditionally focused on basic apparel like knits, shirts, and denim, is currently aiming to level up its textile industry and expand beyond these simpler garments. A textbook example of these ambitions is Centro Ltd, which had its stand right at the entrance to the exhibition. The apparel manufacturer, based in the capital city of Dhaka, was founded in 2006 and started with knitwear and later wovens before expanding its offering to outerwear, activewear and footwear, Sohel Samim, head of design and product development at Centro, said in an interview. The newer categories represent roughly 12 percent of the offering, according to Centro. Bangladesh's textile industry wants to portray the country at its best. Credits: FashionUnited The company generates 70 percent of its 220-million-dollar revenue from Europe, selling ten million garments per month to fashion companies such as River Island, Primark and Peek & Cloppenburg. Centro has sourcing offices in Hong Kong and the UK, operates three factories with 3,000 workers in Bangladesh and sources from 50 partner factories. In Amsterdam, the focus is to showcase newer product categories such as wool coats, leather jackets and sneakers. Centro further highlights that 70 percent of its sourced fabrics are either sustainably produced or recycled, bearing certifications such as Global Organic Textile Standard or Recycled 100. 'Our main aim is to show our strength, not only Centro's, but our Bangladeshi strength,' said Samim, who considers Centro as one of the leading apparel companies from its home country. 'We are representing the Best of Bangladesh.' 100 billion dollar goal The garment sector remains a cornerstone of the South-East Asian country's economy, with exports of 38,5 billion US dollars in 2024 accounting for more than 80 percent of the country's overall exports, data by Bangladesh's Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) shows. The industry organisation even announced a goal some years ago to more than double its exports to 100 billion US dollars by 2030. Bangladesh has a long-standing tradition of producing cotton garments, but manufacturing apparel from man-made fibers, such as activewear and outerwear, could help the country achieve its ambitious export targets, said Abdullah Hil Rakib, managing director of Dhaka-based Team Group, during a panel discussion. Garment companies also need to improve their environmental and social governance while tackling inefficiencies with data-driven decision making, for example on the production floor and in their management systems, he added. 'Chapter One was about volume, chapter Two is about value,' said Rakib about ways to increase the country's competitiveness as Bangladesh is facing a graduation from its status as 'Least Developed Country' by the United Nations on 24 November 2026. The country enjoys a favorable tariff regime under its current classification, such as duty-free and quota-free access to the EU which will likely end in 2029 after a transition period of three years. Trade turmoil Bangladesh's garment industry has profited from rising production costs in China over the past decade as clothing brands looked for lower-priced alternatives. Many garment industry executives believe that the country might benefit from a likely continuation of trade tensions between China and the US. US President Donald Trump has escalated the trade conflict with China by increasing tariffs on imports from China to the US to 145 percent before reducing them to 30 percent in May. While the reductions will be in place for at least 90 days while negotiations take place, it remains to be seen how the relationship between the two countries will develop as Trump seeks to reduce its trade deficit with China. 'There's hundreds of billions of dollars of business that will have to move out of China,' Pallak Seth, executive vice chairman of PDS Limited said in an interview before the reduction of US-China tariffs in May. The Mumbai-listed sourcing and trading company generates a revenue of more than 1.2 billion dollars by supplying apparel and other consumer products to about 300 retailers and brands worldwide. PDS sources from major apparel manufacturing destinations across the world with 40 percent of volumes coming from Bangladesh. The company's second biggest sourcing market is China but business there is bound for Europe more so than the US, according to Seth. While some of the business from China might move to Central America or Africa, the South Asian country with 'a large capacity and ability to expand fast is Bangladesh', Seth added. 'Bangladesh will be a net beneficiary, not only for apparel, but for general merchandise, home, electronics, pharmaceuticals and many other things.' PDS will continue to invest in Bangladesh, with Seth estimating that the company could source as much as 2.5 billion dollars in goods from the region in the next five years. Looking to Europe The relatively young country is also still in its own trade talks with the US after increased tariffs of 37 percent were put on hold during a 90-day negotiation period. As a sign of goodwill, interim head of government Muhammed Yunus had already pledged to increase imports of products such as soybeans or cotton from the US to Bangladesh. The initial impact of raised tariffs could be felt immediately in the textile sector as some Bangladeshi manufacturers reported halts on orders requested by US buyers. Dhaka-based garment supplier Knit Asia Ltd temporarily halted production on behalf of clients after the announcement of additional US tariffs, said its director Amer Salim in an interview. Now, after the suspension of tariffs, manufacturers are rushing to finish orders destined for the US within the three-month window as uncertainties over the outcome of the negotiations between the two countries remain, he added. The surprise tariffs have also prompted some apparel manufacturers to look for ways to increase their business in Europe. 'I think everyone is de-risking. Everyone's seen that [the US] is not a reliable partner, to be honest,' said Seth, adding that even US focused companies are now looking to increase their share of the European market. The continent has traditionally been their most important export destination. About half of Bangladesh's garments are exported to the European Union and 11.6 percent to the UK, while the US accounted for 18 percent, as figures by trade organization BGMEA show. Most of the woven factories in Bangladesh, producing items like shirts, or jackets, have more customers from North America while manufacturers of knits, such as t-shirts or flat-knit sweaters, generally have more European customers, said Salim. His company generates 40 percent of its revenue from the US but now he is looking to expand in Europe due to risks related to the US market. The big picture Bangladesh's textile sector's future is intertwined with global dynamics, particularly its ability to draw foreign investment during its current political changes. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus is leading an interim government after his long-term predecessor Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country amid protests in August. The transformation of Bangladesh is advertised right at the entrance. Credits: FashionUnited The interim government is now using their temporary mandate to push for political and economical reforms before calling for elections, for which no date has yet been set. The government has to boost the flailing economy and improve infrastructure as high inflation and persistent income inequality lead to discontent and unrest in the population. 'We have a generational moonshot to change Bangladesh for the better,' Ashik Chowdhury said in Amsterdam, describing the ambitions of an interim government 'made of technocrats and geeks'. The banker turned government official, has been heading Bangladesh's Investment Development Authority and the Economic Zones Authority for six months. Chowdhury admitted that Bangladesh is not yet a perfect place to do business and that the government tries to improve the investment climate before calling for elections. 'The ambition is to convert Bangladesh into a global manufacturing hub' like a mini China, connecting West and East, he added. Attracting foreign investment is essential for fulfilling these goals. The government intends to attract such investment through initiatives like green channels, designed as a one-stop-service within the government to help businesses. Another goal is triple port capacity within five years, according to Chowdhury. He also promoted his country as young and dynamic, in line with the message of the event, in front of an audience which also included investors, Dutch government officials and NGO workers. The country's manufacturing industry is still facing transportation bottlenecks and power outages. Rising energy prices worldwide contributed to spiraling inflation and have put a strain on power supply amid slowing economic growth over the past years. Upskilling Foreign investment is also welcomed in the garment sector to create a more complete supply chain. Bangladeshi garment manufacturers are still importing ingredients like certain yarns and fabrics from countries such as China. Investments introducing technology and expertise, such as for producing these ingredients, would allow apparel producers to "offer much better things," said Salim in an interview. His company Knit Asia Ltd works with brands such as Ralph Lauren or Gymshark and generates close to half a billion of US dollars in revenue. The company, which currently employs 23,000 people at its 13 units in Bangladesh, has also heavily invested in newer machinery in the past decade. Previously, producing 10,000 sweaters required 3,000 workers, of which 2,000 operated the manual knitting machines, said Salim. With increasing automation, only 1,100 workers are currently needed to produce the same amount. Despite some remaining simple, manual jobs, the latest machinery doesn't only require less but higher-qualified employees who might even need academic credentials. Salim offers employees continuing education and recruits talent at universities in order to be prepared for the coming digital transformation. 'You need to attract new skills,' he said. 'Things that I cannot do, maybe a talented young kid can do, which I can't even think of right now. So I need to have him or her in my pool.' The technological transition that is already underway also highlights the need for the upskilling of the country's garment industry which is employing more than 4.5 million workers. Workers are losing their jobs because of automation but there are only a few initiatives for workers to get training, said Kalpona Akter, founder of the Bangladesh Centre for Worker Solidarity. They also lack understanding of the industry transition that is happening to realize which greener or sector-specific jobs they could move to and need to be included to participate in the transition, she added during a panel. Due diligence points 'Bangladesh's unique selling point cannot be to produce large quantities at low prices,' said Alexander Kohnstamm, executive director of Fair Wear Foundation during a panel. 'Skilling up your workers and equipping your factories through higher margin business, that is really what needs to be done.' More than 12 years after the collapse of the Rana Plaza building, killing at least 1138 people, NGOs such as Fair Wear agree that working conditions have generally improved in Bangladesh's garment sector. NGOs, textile bosses from Bangladesh and a sustainability manager from Bestseller talk about upskilling and workers' rights. Credits: FashionUnited Almost 90 percent of all the safety hazards identified have been remediated, but there is still a lot that needs to be done in the remaining 10 percent, according to Joris Oldenziel, the executive director of the International Accord. During a panel discussion, he noted that only 60 percent of the 1,600 factories under the Accord have a completely operational certified fire alarm and protection system. The Amsterdam-based organisation is the successor of the Bangladesh Accord, which was set up in 2013 by apparel brands, unions and manufacturers to improve working conditions in the immediate aftermath of the Rana Plaza tragedy. Health and safety conditions have improved significantly over the years but not the wages, said Paul Roeland, an activist from the Clean Clothes Campaign in an interview. The NGO is still supporting demands for a minimum wage of 23.000 Taka (188.42 US dollars) as the last adjustment of the minimum wage wasn't sufficient given the inflation last year. People still have to work overtime, some as much as 80 hours, to sustain themselves, Roeland added. He further demanded that dialogue with workers needs to be included in the minimum wage settings. Workers should also receive better guarantees for freedom of association, said the activist. Another increasing area of concern is the impact of climate change on workers who have become more prone to suffering from floods blocking their way to the work place or the impact of heat stress at work and in the home, added Akter. Next generation The legacy of Rana Plaza and stricter legislation about sustainability and human rights violations in the supply chain have prompted fashion companies to keep a closer eye on their suppliers. Frequent compliance audits have helped to improve working conditions and raise consciousness for more sustainable production methods. However, factories complain about the rise of repetitive audits in a short period of time which put a strain on human and financial resources. 'There is no sharing of audit results or recognition of other independent programmes that emerge shortly thereafter, as such factories that work with multiple buyers and data undergo multiple audits, each pretty much the same as the other,' said Sohel Sadat, chairman of garment maker Shin Shin Group during a panel. He estimated that his company spends more than 100,000 dollars on audits, certifications and traceability. While there is acknowledgement from brands and NGOs that the overlap of audits should be reduced, no single solution is in sight yet. Facing stricter future sustainable legislation, especially as part of the Green Deal by the EU, the question remains who will foot the bill for a greener future. 'Here we need financial support, policy support and of course our own commitments,' Abdullah Hil Rakib, managing director of Team Group said. Many also hope that attracting higher-margin business will provide more room to pay workers better and to be more responsible to the environment. Therefore, the garment industry also needs to shed its current image. 'We're kind of stuck in this loop where the consumers, the retailers, the buyers are so used to getting inexpensive things from Bangladesh,' said Mustafain Munir, the director of Cyclo Fibers based in Dhaka. 'People should stop having that negative association that because it's made in Bangladesh, it's made with forced labour or bad environmental practices.' 'The practices were not good before,' admits the second-generation textile entrepreneur. But progress has been made in terms of safety, health and the environment, especially in the last ten years. His company in particular is one that is making people rethink their image of garments from Bangladesh. Back in 2009, even before circularity became a buzzword in the fashion industry, he and his father had the foresight to buy a bankrupt Spanish company and to bring its mechanical recycling machine to Bangladesh. After years of research, Cyclo Fibers has achieved a breakthrough, developing an in-house process to manufacture recycled fibers at a lower cost than virgin fibers. Hardly anyone in the fashion industry is currently able to do so. From this perspective, Cyclo offers a pioneering example of the possibilities of the local industry. 'So everything is better, at the same price,' said Munir. 'It's a tough challenge but we're doing it.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New food bank opens in Cornelius to ‘help keep bellies full' amid rising costs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The rising costs of food and housing have hit Oregon families hard. In 2024, the Oregon Food Bank tracked , a 31% increase from previous years. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are facing another blow as U.S. House Republicans consider cutting more than $200 billion from the program over the next decade. Former Trail Blazer Antonio Harvey launches new training program for local athletes 'No one in our country should go hungry,' says Rep Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.). 'Cuts to SNAP would be devastating here in Oregon. I met with the Oregon Food Bank and other advocates to say this is not the time to cut food assistance for needy families.' Given these circumstances, the Centro Mercado food pantry opened Friday in Cornelius, Ore. Centro Cultural built the pantry, which delivered food through other ways for many years. But now, they have packed the pantry with fresh foods, dry goods and dairy items – all available for free to those in need. 'The Central Mercado serves over 25,000 people every year,' said Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Centro's Chief Strategy Officer. 'We distribute over 600,000 pounds of food and that's thanks to amazing partners,' According to Centro, a bulk of their inventory comes from the Oregon Food Bank. In addition, grocery stores donate half a million pounds of food to their organization every year. The rest comes from local farms. Scam alert: Clackamas County warns public against fake tax payment emails 'One of the biggest threats our organization faces, especially for operating a site like this, is the loss of federal funding,' Gonzalez added. A huge chunk of their funding comes from a USDA grant that is about to expire and the will be applying for more money in the next six months. But if the federal government denies their request, Gonzalez says Centro won't be able to accept as much food and will be forced to reduce services. 'I can only appeal to our federal leaders, please help keep bellies full, please take care of families, especially in these times that we're in,' he stressed. To find out more information on how to volunteer with or donate to Centro Cultural, visit here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
