Latest news with #Sofia
Reuters
4 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
Bulgaria sets price controls as euro transition nears
SOFIA, July 30 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's parliament on Wednesday passed legislation introducing year-long price controls from August 8, a part of its technical transition process before adopting the euro currency in January. The move comes after European Union finance ministers set the conversation rate of the Bulgarian lev to the euro this month, the final step for Bulgaria to become the 21st member of the euro zone. Last month EU finance ministers gave formal support to the Bulgaria joining the euro after positive assessments of the country's readiness from the European Commission and the European Central Bank. The law includes a grace period lasting until October 8 during which businesses are expected to begin dual labelling of prices and issue receipts showing amounts in both lev and euros, parliament's website said. The legislation will enable the government to implement temporary countermeasures in case that the prices of basic staples and services rise sharply. Sanctions for traders found to manipulate the prices unfairly will range from 2,556 euros ($2,930) to 511,290 euros ($586,245), and large retailers will be required to post the final sale prices of all basic staples and services on their websites daily under the law. Bulgaria has been striving to switch from the lev to the euro since it joined the European Union in 2007. But many Bulgarians have lost their initial enthusiasm, with 50% now sceptical about the euro and fearing the currency switch will drive up prices. Croatia was the last EU member country that joined the grouping at the start of 2023, and the accession of Bulgaria in 2026 will leave only six of the 27 EU countries outside it: Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Denmark. ($1 = 0.8721 euros)
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘America's Got Talent 20' recap: Simon declares ‘one of the craziest days' of auditions
America's Got Talent Season 20 continued Tuesday night with the eighth two-hour edition of its auditions episodes. This week features gym bros throwing weights over Mel B and Sofia Vergara's heads, a 13-year-old that defies gravity, a rapping comedian, a truly "unreal" Golden Buzzer moment from Howie Mandel, and a declaration from Simon Cowell that this set of auditions makes "one of the craziest days" in a long time. This season's competition follows the same format that AGT fans are used to. In the auditions phase, an act needs at least three "yes" votes from the judges to advance. If a judge or Terry Crews believes an act is exceptional they can hit the Golden Buzzer to award them an automatic bid to the final rounds. More from Gold Derby 'Big Brother 27' spoilers: Lauren's HOH reign goes from bad to worse after Veto meeting 'Big Brother 27' spoilers: Here's who wins the Week 3 Veto competition during Lauren's yawn-inducing HOH reign Read on for our "Auditions 8" recap of the contestants who performed on America's Got Talent Season 20, Episode 8, which aired July 29 at 8 p.m. on NBC. Darien Johnson & Scott MathisonAct: Stunt fitnessVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Sofia, SimonMel's comments: "What you do is proper fit and hot."Sofia's comments: "This is very interesting ... it looks really hard."Howie's comments: "I think it's entertaining, it's a strength act, it's an agility act ... you checked a lot of boxes."Simon's comments: "It was surprising and very, very difficult." Sunny SaucedaAct: BandVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Sofia, MelHowie's comments: "I don't get it. It'd be fun in a bar. It didn't do it for me, but I didn't know what I was watching. Silas Luke JonesAct: GuitaristHometown: AlaskaVotes Yes/No: Yes — Sofia, Mel, Howie, SimonSofia's comments: "What an audition. That was insane and so surprising. You became a rock star in front of our eyes."Howie's comments: "You're kind of like an Alaska techno-Hendrix."Mel's comments: "You're one of a kind, you really are."Simon's comments: "You're a very nice guy, very humble, and then you turn into that. ... That's what I love about the show — moments like that." UnrealAct: Dance crewHometown: IndiaBuzzers: Howie's Golden BuzzerSimon's comments: "Slightly speechless if I'm being honest with you. I just thought it was so creative, brilliant, scary. I can tell how much work you must have put into this ... that's what I call the business."Sofia's comments: "Perfect audition. Your personalities, the effort you put into your clothing ... it was one of the best shows we've seen this season."Howie's comments: "We've seen dance moves, we've seen contortions, but to put it all together and to show us something in a way we've never seen before. ... You deserve everything. You deserve to be taken all the way!" Evelyn ErranteAct: SingerHometown: PhoenixVotes Yes/No: No — Howie; yes — Mel, Sofia, SimonSofia's comments: "You are perfect for what you want to do."Howie's comments: "What you want to do is not something I really respond to."Mel's comments: "You can sing like that at 13, by the time you get to 18 your voice is gonna be amazing. I've done Broadway twice and it's so hard work. ... It wasn't perfect and you've got a lot of work to do, but I'm gonna say yes."Simon's comments: "You've got so much ambition, we should encourage someone like that on this show." Tej, Ibhan & LarsAct: VarietyHometown: Brooklyn, Yes/No: Yes — Mel, Simon, Howie; No — SofiaBuzzers: Red X - Howie, Sofia, MelSofia's comments: "That was disgusting."Mel's comments: "It was too long. ... You made me belly laugh so I'm gonna say yes."Simon's comments: "It was inventive, it was silly, but it kind of worked ... people are gonna like them."Howie's comments: "I didn't love this, but the fact that you said there's a human piñata — that's what I wanna see so you can take back my X." The Jet BoysAct: Boy bandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Mel, Sofia, Simon; no — HowieHowie's comments: "You guys put on an amazing show and you're amazing dancers ... once you started singing? I think you guys are amazing dancers. They're not good singers."Mel's comments: "Your energy you could just feel it coming off the stage ... I was not expecting any of that. It was brilliant."Sofia's comments: "It was surprising because I thought you guys were just gonna dance."Simon's comments: "I'm glad that you actually sung for us. You've got so much potential ... it was very difficult to hear if one of you has a really good lead vocal. I'm slightly on the fence." Dewayne JacksonAct: Stand-up comedianHometown: Stockton, Yes/No: Yes — Simon, Sofia, Howie, MelHowie's comments: "You are amazing. You are memorable. You are likable. You are real."Simon's comments: "That was one of the best auditions we've had today, genuinely. Partly because you're just naturally funny."Mel's comments: "You made me belly laugh all the way." Brandon RaffoAct: JugglerVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Simon, SofiaHowie's comments: "That's faster than I've ever seen."Mel's comments: "You're the first person ever to make juggling hot."Simon's comments: "You might be the fastest juggler in the world." Rich and CarleneAct: Competitive eatingVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Mel, Sofia, SimonBuzzers: Red X — MelSimon's comments: "I don't know what we're judging — that's the problem."Mel's comments: "It looked quite savage, I didn't really get it."Sofia's comments: "It's difficult to decide if this is really an AGT act." Chris TurnerAct: Rapping comedianHometown: Manchester, EnglandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Sofia, Simon, Mel, HowieSofia's comments: "That was one of the most fun things we've had all day."Howie's comments: "I'm fascinated by what you just did and I think the audience was."Mel's comments: "For you to be so articulate and creative, that is such a talent."Simon's comments: "It was so clever ... it was original and that's what we love on this show." Ksenia AngelAct: SingerBuzzers: Red X — Simon, Mel, SofiaSimon's comments: "I will pay not to [sing with you]." Campus University CascadesAct: Stunt fightingHometown:Votes Yes/No: Yes — SimonSimon's comments: "This is one of the craziest days — that's a good thing — we've had for a long time. However, I love this act." Andy Wigman YuAct: Quick-changeVotes Yes/No: No — Sofia, Mel, SimonBuzzers: Red X — MelSimon's comments: "Who has anything to say? Nope." Alexa MoralesAct: Singer-songwriterHometown: OaklandVotes Yes/No: No — Howie, Simon, Sofia, MelBuzzers: Red X — Simon, Mel, Howie, SofiaSimon's comments: "Werefoxes can't sing." Goldie HenAct: Comedic hula-hoopingHometown: New EnglandVotes Yes/No: Yes — Howie, Mel, Simon; no — SofiaHowie's comments: "You do have a talent, the question is what goes beyond this."Simon's comments: "I loved it. Seriously. It was like one of those crazy nightmares when you drank tequila and you can't stop it." SIGN UP for Gold Derby's free newsletter with latest predictions Best of Gold Derby From 'Housewives' overload to the 'shadiest queens' alliance: The dish on 'The Traitors' Season 4 lineup The 25 best 'Survivor' villains of the past 25 years 'Survivor' winners list: All seasons Click here to read the full article. Solve the daily Crossword
Business Wire
a day ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Storage Post Celebrates Smooth Acquisition of Three Iconic Sofia Storage Locations
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Storage Post Self Storage recently increased its presence in the Big Apple with the acquisition of three long-standing Sofia Storage locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn. These pre-established facilities—situated in some of New York City's most sought-after neighborhoods—are more than strategic additions to Storage Post's portfolio; they represent a proud continuation of a family-built legacy that helped shape the self-storage industry in New York City. "These properties aren't just in great locations—they have great stories," said Steven Gruver, Storage Post. Share The newly acquired facilities are: Storage Post Upper West Side, 475 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY Storage Post Prospect Heights, 491 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY Storage Post Washington Heights, 4396 Broadway, New York, NY These high-demand locations are considered rare finds—unicorn assets in a densely populated, development-constrained market. They offer Storage Post the opportunity to serve thousands of new customers in communities where trust and reputation are everything. 'We're grateful for the strong collaboration from both commercial real estate brokers and debt providers, whose efforts helped ensure a smooth and efficient transaction for all parties involved,' said Jack Giannola, Director of Acquisitions at Storage Post. 'And most importantly, we're thankful to the Sofia family—Tom, Leonard, John and Amy Sofia—whose transparency, professionalism, and pride in their properties made this one of the most seamless and meaningful acquisitions we've completed.' A Family Legacy That Helped Launch an Industry Long before self-storage became the institutional asset class it is today, the Sofia family was already helping New Yorkers solve urban space challenges. With roots dating back to the early-20th century, Sofia Storage is widely regarded as one of the earliest true self-storage operators in Manhattan. The Sofia name became synonymous with reliable service, community presence, and deeply personal customer care. The family's Amsterdam Avenue facility, now Storage Post Upper West Side, is historically significant. It's a designated landmark and a neighborhood fixture. Photographs spanning generations depict a business built by hand, maintained with pride, and trusted by thousands. 'These properties aren't just in great locations—they have great stories,' said Steven Gruver, Storage Post. 'From hand-painted signs and freight elevators to decades of customer loyalty and legends of items stored at its locations, the Sofia portfolio represents the heart and soul of what self-storage should be. We're proud to carry that legacy forward.' With this acquisition, Storage Post has integrated Sofia locations into its operations. Enhancements to technology, tenant access, and amenities are currently being introduced thoughtfully to preserve the unique character of the properties while offering a modern customer experience. This move deepens Storage Post's commitment to adding several more locations through existing property acquisitions over the next year, including expansions in New York City similar to the three Sofia storage locations that have strong local roots and stories worth preserving. For more information about Storage Post and its locations, visit About Storage Post Self Storage Storage Post is a leading self-storage company that is transforming the storage industry. The company focuses on delivering high-quality products, operational excellence, providing positive customer service, and generating increased returns for investors. Storage Post has locations along the East Coast, throughout the South, and in the Midwest, and is rapidly expanding through self-storage acquisitions and development. For more information on Storage Post, visit
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
Shocking moment Ryanair passenger sobs and hits door after being stopped from boarding
This is the shocking moment a female Ryanair passenger was left sobbing on her knees after being banned from boarding her flight. The tearful woman was left hitting a door in an emotional outburst as airport staff reportedly told her that her hand luggage was too big. Chaos unfolded at Sofia Airport in Bulgaria when the woman was left screaming, sobbing and venting her frustration over Ryanair's strict baggage policy. A packed flight was due to board a bus to their plane when the female passenger was stopped in the queue. Nikolay Stefanov, a witness to the shocking ordeal, said the woman was told she had to pay for extra baggage because her luggage didn't fit in the holdall. The woman refused to pay as she explained her bag could in fact fit. Footage shows her trying to force her bag into the luggage rack by slamming it in. The bag does eventually fit but the staff still refuse to let her board. She then breaks down in tears as she pleads with a member of the border police and takes a video of the bag which is now wedged inside the rack. Dozens of the passengers were seen watching on from behind a glass door which was all that separated them from the weeping woman. Determined to board, she then starts to bang on the door and ask for help as Mr Stefanov films the sad ordeal. More staff quickly surround the woman as her begging grows louder. At one point she even drops to her knees before placing her hand on the door as tears roll down her face. Mr Stefanov said the whole situation 'escalated quickly'. 'She was pleading with us not to leave, but we were threatened that the entire flight would be cancelled if we didn't get on the bus, so passengers became frightened and left,' he said. Mr Stefanov said many onlookers were also shocked by how the staff treated her with next to no compassion. It has also been claimed that another passenger stood behind the woman in line was removed from the flight. A Ryanair staff member allegedly said that they couldn't let him on because 'reopening the gate risked the woman trying to get on the bus'. The viral footage soon caught the eye of Bulgaria's parliament. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Grozdan Karadjov has reportedly ordered an inspection of the airport's security cameras. Mr Karadjov is even said to have described the behaviour of employees in the video as 'outrageous', reports. He has assured people that the main ground operator will be found and given the 'highest fine' and a verbal warning. In response, Goldair Handling Bulgaria insisted their employees acted 'professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger'. The handling company released a statement to BNT News that read: 'All rules regarding passengers' baggage, its permissible size and the fees payable for baggage are determined solely, entirely and unilaterally by the airlines. 'Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is solely obliged to monitor compliance with these rules by the airlines. 'This also applies to hand luggage, as Goldair Handling Bulgaria OOD is obliged to monitor the dimensions of this baggage and collect excess baggage fees. '[Staff] acted professionally and without any physical contact with the passenger.' It comes as Ryanair's CEO is considering increasing bonuses paid to staff for spotting oversized luggage. The budget airline currently pays staff approximately €1.50 (AU$2.66) for stopping passengers with oversized bags from boarding the aircraft. Currently, staff bonuses for doing this are capped at €80 (AU$143) a month. Passengers who are unlucky enough to get caught out by the airline's staff are charged a fee of up to €75 (AU$134) for bringing luggage that is larger than they paid for while booking their journey.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Spanish royals gush about team's 'impressive generation of footballers' as they join Prince William and daughter Charlotte, 10, for highly-anticipated UEFA final in Switzerland
The Spanish royals came out to support their nation's football team - as they arrived for a very highly-anticipated UEFA final in Switzerland this evening. Princess Leonor, 19, and Sofia, 18 - daughters of the country's King Felipe and Queen Letizia - were proud as ever of their woman's football team as they made their way to St Jakob-Park in Basel, where their squad will be facing off the Lionesses tonight. The Prince of Wales - along with ten-year-old Princess Charlotte - too were present at the momentous occasion. Speaking to RTVE, the two sisters praised the players on the pitch and wished them luck. 'It's an impressive generation of footballers,' Infanta Sofia said, adding that she wanted to recreate the magic of Spain's victory against England at Stadium Australia in Sydney two years ago - a match she attended with her mother. Elsewhere, Leonor praised the team for being inspired with 'energy and confidence'. The eldest of Felipe's daughters was smart of the occasion in a sophisticated blue blazer, styling her blonde tresses in relaxed waves. Meanwhile her younger sister repped Spain's signature colour with a scarlet scarf won over an elegant beige trench. She styled her chestnut locks in a sleek, straightened look. In a social media post shared ahead of tonight's match, Prince William had said: 'Good luck to the Lionesses tomorrow. 'The nation is so proud you are through to the final, after some stunning comebacks! We are all cheering you on!' His daughter Charlotte was snapped this afternoon standing close to her father in a sweet blue polka dot dress. The Royal Family also kicked off well-wishes this morning with a post that read 'Let's go girls!!' as fans all over the nation decked out windows with England flags. William was joined by Leonor, and was pictured chatting to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin as the royals stood side by side. The prince and Mr Ceferin could be seen smiling together as they looked on into the distance ahead of the big match. It comes as the boyfriend of England star Ella Toone backed the Lionesses today ahead of their big game tonight where the squad will seek 'redemption' in the Women's Euro Final. Joe Bunney uploaded a post to social media today which he captioned 'Big day ahead. Redemption time. Come on girls' in reference to the team's nailbiting loss to Spain in the 2023 World Cup Final. England's women now have the opportunity to seek their revenge as they play the country tonight. Supporters watching the match in Basel, Switzerland were also pictured kitted out head-to-toe in red and white. In a post uploaded to X this morning the Royal Family shared a clip of guardsmen performing the iconic England anthem 'It's coming home' outside Buckingham Palace. The accompanying caption read: 'Let's go girls!! Wishing the very best of luck to the Lionesses in the Women's Euro Final this evening.' Downing Street also shared in the football fever as it decked outs its railing with bunting and displayed the flag of St George in its windows. Number 10 said: 'Good luck today, Lionesses. Let's bring it home.' Speaking to MailOnline at Wembley, where fans have gathered to show their support ahead of watching a livestream of the match, supporters told of their 'excitement' insisting 'we're going to win'. Sophie McCusker, who was joined by her three friends outside the stadium said: 'We've come from Liphook, which is a small village, and are huge football fans. This is the biggest game of the ear. We're so excited. In contrast, Katie Fuller and Charlotte Brown, both 25, said they hadn't any predictions for the score and 'don't want to put any energy into it' and they 'didn't want it to go wrong'. Charlotte said: 'We were just out in Switzerland to watch the Norway game - it was wild. There were loads of English fans there. Some men as well, so it is happening. Men are coming. The atmosphere is gonna be insane. 'The atmosphere is going to be electric in there, we've been to the games at Wembley before so this is definitely the place to be.' Father and daughter John, 60, and Emma, 25, were also out enjoying the pre-match buzz. Emma said: 'We're local so we come to BoxPark all the time, the atmosphere in there is electric.' Her father, John, added: 'It's very different from the men's, much more friendly. It's better, more enjoyable. No drinks being thrown about or drugs, people are just there for a good time. It should be taken more seriously, hopefully if we win tonight it will all change.' The pair said they predicted a 2-1 win to England hoping the team score early and 'Spain won't be hogging the ball like in the man's games'.
