Latest news with #Weil
Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Retail Emerges as Most Distressed Sector in Europe, Report Says
(Bloomberg) -- Retail is now the most distressed sector in Europe, overtaking industrials and real estate companies, according to Weil, Gotshal & Manges' latest measure of corporate distress in the region. Retail and consumer goods companies are suffering from weak discretionary spending, margin compression and tightening credit conditions, the report said, pushing distress to the highest level since the global financial crisis in 2009. The deterioration has been rapid, with retail jumping two spots among sectors in Weil's European Distress Index since the firm last published the report in April. Read: European Retail Distress Hits Decade High Amid Consumer Gloom 'The sector has experienced a steep rise in distress over the past quarter,' the report said. 'Ongoing uncertainty around tariffs has also impacted supply chains and negatively affected retailers exporting to the US.' Retailers are not alone. Corporate distress across Europe climbed to its highest level in nine months in May, while seven of ten industry groups have experienced worse conditions compared with the previous quarter, according to Weil's report. Among countries, Germany remains the most distressed market, the report said. Companies are suffering amid a challenging macroeconomic environment in Europe, exacerbated by geopolitical uncertainty, trade tensions, conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and volatile financial markets, the report said. The total level of distress in Weil's index has climbed in seven of the past nine months. The report defines distress as uncertainty about the fundamental value of financial assets, volatility and increase in perceived risk. Common characteristics of corporate distress range from pressure on liquidity, reduced profitability, rising insolvency risk, falling valuations and reduced return on investment. 'This deepening retail distress has become a bellwether for a wider trend: corporate distress across Europe has accelerated more sharply than anticipated at the start of the year,' the report said. (Adds detail on monthly distress rising in fifth paragraph.) More stories like this are available on
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Vet issues urgent warning to dog owners over public drinking bowls
It might be tempting to let your thirsty pet take a sip from communal water bowls - but a vet nurse cautions that these bowls could be exposing them to serious harm It might be getting hot outside, but an expert has warned against letting your pet dog drink from communal water bowls for a major reason. Communal bowls are commonly found outside of homes, outside of shops, or in parks frequented by dogs, and allow multiple dogs to drink out of them whenever they get thirsty. They are a dog friendly concept that many pet owners appreciate when out and about with their four-legged friends. But, it does have some concerning downsides. Jade the Vet Nurse came onto TikTok to share the dangers of communal water bowls. She told viewers: 'Whilst these bowls are put out with good intentions, they can often be a source of contamination. They can risk spreading infectious diseases through multiple dogs drinking out of them. 'I don't recommend that anyone let their dog drink out of these communal bowls, nor do I recommend you actually put them outside of your houses or shops or at the dog park.' She continued: 'The thing with these bowls is that you don't know how long the water has been sat there. You don't know if it's fresh, if it's stagnant. You don't know the last time the bowl was cleaned or what it was cleaned with.' She also added that you don't know what other animals may have been drinking out of it. While these bowls are intended for dogs, they can also be accessed by pests like rats and foxes. The reason why this is concerning is that the water can contain harmful germs. Jade warned that these bowls can spread dangerous parasites like roundworm, tapeworm, giardia and lungworm. She explains that major reason for this is that water bowls are likely to attract slugs, who go 'all around the edge of those bowls', and which are known to transmit infections like lungworm. Even worse, they can also spread deadly and infectious diseases like leptospirosis – otherwise known as Weil's disease – kennel cough and canine papilloma virus. She warned that communal bowls can also act as a kind of "reservoir" for bacteria, allowing for them to grow. This includes salmonella and E. Coli, which can make your dog very sick. Of course, this doesn't mean you have to let your dog go thirsty when out walking. Instead, Jade recommends: 'Take a travel bowl and bottle of water and just stop occasionally to give your dog a drink.' Dog-owners were quick to share their own tips in the comment section. 'You can buy a bottle with a drinking dish attached to it and they aren't expensive,' one wrote. Another added: 'Everyone saying their dog drinks from puddles and toilets, my dog only drinks freshly poured water. He never drinks from left over water in the bowl!'
The Hill
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Supreme Court to consider if forcibly shaven inmate can seek damages
The Supreme Court took up Monday a case on whether a former Louisiana inmate can receive damages from prison officials for forcibly shaving his dreadlocks despite his Rastafari beliefs. A lower court 'emphatically' condemned Damon Landor's treatment but said the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) provided no pathway for him to sue the officials for damages in their individual capacities. Backed by the Trump administration, Landor hopes the Supreme Court will rule the other way, allowing him and other inmates to get compensation when their religious liberty rights are violated. The case is set to be considered during the Supreme Court's next annual term. Oral arguments are likely to be set during the late fall or winter, with a decision expected by next summer. It follows a unanimous 8-0 decision the court issued in 2020 finding that RLUIPA's sister statute, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 (RFRA), allows for damages suits. But RFRA only applies to the federal government. RLUIPA applies to state officials, and it is specifically aimed at protecting religious rights in land regulations and prisons. The statute only allows substantial burdens on someone's religious exercise if the government demonstrates it furthers a compelling governmental interest, and its action is the least restrictive means to do so. 'The denial of a damages remedy to vindicate RLUIPA's substantive protections would undermine that important purpose. And the circumstances precluding relief here are not unique,' Solicitor General D. John Sauer wrote in court filings. Landor's attorneys at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Casey Denson Law agreed, saying the widespread implications merit the court's review. 'More than one million people are incarcerated in state prisons and local jails. Under the prevailing rule in the circuit courts, those individuals are deprived of a key remedy crucial to obtaining meaningful relief,' the petition reads. The Republican-controlled Louisiana attorney general's office, however, takes the opposite view. In court papers, the state acknowledged Landor's story is 'antithetical to religious freedom and fair treatment of state prisoners' and insisted it has changed its prison grooming policy to ensure it doesn't happen again. But the state believes RLIUPA doesn't provide the damages pathway that Landor seeks, stressing that RLIUPA relies on a different part of the Constitution than the other statute. 'Serious consequences would flow from Petitioner's view, if adopted,' the state wrote. 'For example, the current staffing shortage in state prisons would only grow worse if current staff and potential job applicants learned that they would be personally liable for money damages.' The Supreme Court meanwhile declined to take up a second, near-identical case arising from a devout Hindu who was wrongfully convicted of sexual abuse. Sanjay Tripathy, whose lawyers also represent Landor, said New York officials violated his religious rights when assigning him to a counseling program for sex offenders. The program requires participants to accept responsibility, but since Tripathy is innocent of those charges, he said the program violated the core Hindu tenet against lying. The court appears to be holding Tripathy's case until it can decide Landor's appeal, as requested by their attorneys.
Politico
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Politico
Democrats' Hollywood bash
Good morning and happy Friday. State Democrats are descending on Hollywood (the Broward County version) this weekend for their annual 'Leadership Blue' meeting and fundraiser. It all takes place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino — the same spot where Gov. RON DESANTIS and the Republican Party of Florida often hold events. Not everyone in the party was happy to turn to a host who's given so generously to the GOP. But off to the electric guitar-shaped venue they'll go. NORA VIÑAS, the state party's new communications director, said more than 1,000 Democrats are attending, and that they can expect musical performances on top of the regular program of training and panels. The Florida Democratic Party will also preview their 2025 game plan, which they said involves a 'multimillion-dollar investment to hire local organizers, expand vote-by-mail, register new Democrats and recruit candidates.' The bash kicks off this afternoon with a welcome reception and a live podcast taping with Gen Zers SAM SCHWARTZ, an advocate against gun violence, and AARON PARNAS, a lawyer and TikTok political commentator. This particular part of the program showcases Democrats' own efforts to focus on platforms Republicans successfully used for outreach in 2024. Florida Democrats have struggled in recent cycles. They've fallen behind by 1.3 million active voter registrations, hold no statewide positions and are battling a GOP supermajority in the Legislature. But Viñas said they're feeling encouraged by their overperformance in the pair of special elections from April. 'Democrats showed up and it mattered,' she said. (To be clear: Despite the overperformance, Republicans won both seats.) This weekend, party leaders are hoping to take some lessons from Gov. ANDY BESHEAR of Kentucky, one of the gala's speakers, who knows a little something about winning in a red state as a Democrat. Incidentally, he's also someone who's considering running for president in 2028. Also speaking is Democratic Sen. CORY BOOKER of New Jersey, who caught nationwide attention when he gave a 25-hour, five-minute speech on the Senate floor in protest of the Trump administration. A karaoke after party will follow the VIP reception. Two candidates to watch this weekend are the Democrats who've already announced they're running statewide: former Rep. DAVID JOLLY and teacher JOSH WEIL (more on him below). The two are far apart on the political spectrum; Jolly was once a Republican and Weil is an unapologetic progressive. Still, they've already done events together as they geared up to run. 'We have to build back into every corner of the state and be a party for every Floridian,' Weil said when asked how he felt about the state of the party ahead of the weekend's events. 'And I think [Florida Democratic Party chair NIKKI FRIED] is the right person for the job, and I think she has a great message.' But others heading into town are feeling decidedly more … well, blue. 'No amount of cheerleading on Saturday will overcome the 1.3 million voter registration lead the GOP has in the state,' said one party organizer, granted anonymity to speak candidly. Playbook will be on the ground Saturday reporting on the happenings. Reach out to say hello at kleonard@ WHERE'S RON? Gov. DeSantis held a press conference this morning at Tampa International Airport, after greeting a flight arriving from Israel. Fox News has more: '1,500 Jewish Americans evacuated from Israel as DeSantis sponsors rescue flights to Tampa.' ... DATELINE TALLAHASSEE ... FLORIDA RIVER RESTORATION — 'A Republican state senator who represents north central Florida is already asking Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto millions approved by the Legislature to begin the eventual restoration of the Ocklawaha River,' reports POLITICO's Gary Fineout. 'Christina Johnson, a spokesperson for state Sen. Tom Leek (R-Ormond Beach), confirmed Wednesday that Leek has been communicating with DeSantis' office to 'express his objections against this project, including asking for a veto.' 'In a move that would have been unthinkable a few years ago, the new state budget includes $6.25 million to draw up a plan to remove a section of a dam that now blocks the Ocklawaha River, a tributary of the St. Johns River with a rich history. At one point in time, steamboats would traverse the river and take visitors to Silver Springs.' THREE NEW UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS, FINALLY — 'State university leaders granted final approval Wednesday to three new presidents with connections to the DeSantis administration: former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez at Florida International University, Marva Johnson at Florida A&M University and Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. as the University of West Florida's interim leader,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'The confirmation votes from the Board of Governors came without heavy deliberations, even as alumni opposition swells surrounding Johnson's hire and contract, which required special legislation to remedy. These approvals marked a sharp contrast with the state board rejecting former University of Michigan president Santa Ono earlier this month as the University of Florida's prospective president after grilling him for three hours.' SPEAKING OF PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES — 'The Board of Governors, which oversees the state's university system, voted Wednesday to allow Florida public universities to increase a fee out-of-state students pay,' reports Danielle Prieur of Central Florida Public Media. 'Out-of-state students in Florida don't just pay higher tuition, but also a special fee. It's the first time in over a decade these fees are being increased. With the Board of Governors vote, Florida's public universities will be allowed to increase that fee up to 10 percent this fall, and up to 15 percent by the fall of 2026.' RESHUFFLING MILLIONS TOWARD COLLEGE ATHLETICS — 'State leaders opened a new revenue stream Wednesday for Florida universities to reshuffle millions of dollars toward athletics in response to the landmark House v. NCAA settlement,' reports POLITICO's Andrew Atterbury. 'An emergency rule approved by the university system Board of Governors allows schools to use up to $22.5 million generated by auxiliaries like housing and bookstores for paying student athletes as part of the landscape-altering, revenue-sharing model about to reshape college sports. The policy is meant to be a short-term bridge for Florida universities to get ahead of the anticipated July 1 start date and stay competitive with high-powered rivals.' CONSERVATION FUNDS SEE BIG CUT — 'Despite the vast display of bipartisan support for Florida's wild places, lawmakers on Monday night approved budget cuts to the state's flagship conservation land acquisition program that helps grow and create new state parks,' reports Max Chesnes of the Tampa Bay Times. 'The Florida Forever program is slated to receive $18 million in the upcoming budget year, compared to at least $100 million in funding every year since 2021, according to state documents. The land-buying money falls well short of the additional $100 million DeSantis recommended for the new budget.' — 'Not just a swamp: Everglades worth $31.5 billion to local economy each year, study finds,' by Denise Hruby of the Miami Herald. BIG PRIORITY ULTIMATELY IGNORED THIS SESSION — 'Florida's legislative leaders ushered in this year's session vowing to investigate insurance company profits and holding the industry accountable if it wasn't paying claims,' reports Lawrence Mower of the Tampa Bay Times. 'A House committee held rare hearings to grill the state's current and former insurance regulators. Republicans and regulators proposed several pro-consumer bills. But 105 days later, it didn't amount to much.' One insurer recently asked for a big hike: 'Trusted Resource Underwriters Exchange, which goes by the acronym TRUE, asked state regulators at a June 17 rate hearing to allow the insurer to jack rates up by 31 percent for its multiperil homeowners' insurance for tens of thousands of policyholders when they renew this year,' reports Anne Geggis of the Palm Beach Post. JOB TRAINING CASH INFLUX — 'Five state colleges in Central Florida will receive nearly $10 million after Gov. Ron DeSantis recently handed out grants allowing them to expand career and technical training programs,' reports Gray Rohrer of USA Today Network — Florida. 'The money will go to Eastern Florida State College, Indian River State College, Polk State College, Valencia College and Seminole State College.' — 'How Florida's attempt to let teens sleep longer fell apart,' by Ted Alcorn and Patricia Mazzei of The New York Times. IN DEPTH LOOK AT LIVE LOCAL ACT — Many officials in Florida 'contend there are loopholes in the Live Local Act that enable developers to take advantage of the property-tax breaks and more flexible zoning rules that are part of the legislation — without doing enough to help low-to-moderate-income Floridians find a truly affordable place to live,' report Dave Berman Laura Layden of USA Today Network — Florida. AG PITCH — 'Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier wants to set up an immigration detention center in the Florida Everglades he is calling 'Alligator Alcatraz,'' reports Skyler Swisher of the Orlando Sentinel. 'Uthmeier touted his proposal for a 1,000-bed facility as 'the one-stop shop to carry out President Trump's mass deportation agenda.' It would be positioned on a 'virtually abandoned' airstrip surrounded by wetlands, he said.' — '16 indicted for illegal reentry after sweeping Florida immigration crackdown,' reports Ana Goñi-Lessan of USA Today Network — Florida. — 'Florida contractor cuts nursing care for 100 medically fragile children,' reports Christopher O'Donnell of the Tampa Bay Times. PENINSULA AND BEYOND — 'South Florida Jews face changing plans as they try to leave Israel for U.S.,' by David Lyons of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. ...HURRICANE HOLE... NEVER THE SAME — 'Panama City [Florida] and Paradise stand as vivid examples of an emerging cycle in this era of more-extreme weather in America: Communities struck by disasters often grow richer and more exclusive,' report of Arian Campo-Flores, Cameron McWhirter and Paul Overberg of The Wall Street Journal. '... Poor residents have a tougher time navigating bureaucratic procedures for disaster aid and weathering job losses. Renters often get evicted from damaged properties and face spiraling rents as the supply of units shrinks. Low-income homeowners frequently struggle to pay for repairs that must comply with stricter building codes and to buy sufficient insurance coverage.' CAMPAIGN MODE ICYMI: WEIL CHALLENGING MOODY — Florida Democrat JOSH WEIL, the once little-known progressive teacher who stunned the political world in March by raising nearly $14 million for a failed congressional special election bid, is now running to become the Sunshine State's next senator. Weil is the first major Democratic candidate to file for the 2026 Senate race to challenge incumbent Sen. ASHLEY MOODY. 'I'll be everywhere,' Weil said of his planned campaign tour across the state, which kicked off Wednesday at a veterans' center in conservative Clay County. DATELINE D.C. IMPLICATIONS FOR FLORIDA'S LAW — 'The Supreme Court has upheld a Tennessee law that bans gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors,' reports POLITICO's Josh Gerstein. 'In a 6-3 ruling Wednesday, the court's conservative majority rejected a challenge from transgender adolescents and their families who argued that the ban violates the Constitution's guarantee of equal protection.' — 'Rick Scott, Byron Donalds, Greg Steube demand more transparency in next UF President pick,' reports Gabrielle Russon of Florida Politics. — 'The price you pay for an Obamacare plan could surge next year in Florida,' reports Daniel Chang of the Orlando Sentinel. — 'Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' would kick nearly 8K rural Floridians off Medicaid,' reports Brandon Girod of the Pensacola News Journal. TRANSITION TIME — Blake Nolan has been promoted to be chief of staff for Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). — 'Former Middle District of Florida U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg has joined GrayRobinson as a shareholder in its Litigation practice,' per Florida Politics. — 'Matt Newton is rejoining Shumaker as a Partner in its Real Estate, Construction & Development Service Line,' per Florida Politics. ODDS, ENDS AND FLORIDA MEN — 'Better the second time around: South Florida celebrates Panthers' Stanley Cup encore victory,' by Ben Crandell and Rafael Olmeda of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. BIRTHDAYS: Brad Howard of the Corcoran Street Group … Ed Miyagishima … (Saturday) state Rep. Linda Chaney … former state Rep. Chuck Clemons … former Rep. Jim Bacchus … (Sunday) Florida Supreme Court Justice Charles Canady … state House Speaker Daniel Perez ... Drew Weatherford, partner at Weatherford Capital and Florida State University trustee.
18-06-2025
- Politics
Josh Weil announces 2026 Senate run to challenge Ashley Moody in Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Democrat Josh Weil, who raised millions of dollars for an unsuccessful U.S. House campaign in Florida, said Wednesday that he will run for the U.S. Senate in 2026. If he were to become the Democratic nominee, Weil would challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody. She is a former state attorney general who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to fill the seat vacated when Marco Rubio was named secretary of state. Weil said in a news release that he's running to make the state more affordable, especially for working people and the elderly. He also pledged to safeguard Social Security, health care and education. 'I'm running because Floridians are suffering,' Weil said. 'People can't afford to live here anymore. Rent, health care, gas, home insurance — everything is more expensive than ever and politicians are making it worse." The Moody campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. She has been collecting endorsements from prominent Republicans, dozens of sheriffs and others. Weil, a public school teacher and administrator in the Orlando area, gained national attention when he raised about $15 million from small donors — according to his news release — for a U.S. House special election against Republican Randy Fine, who raised far less but nevertheless won the 6th District seat in April. Whoever wins the 2026 Senate race will finish the final two years of Rubio's term, then could run for reelection in 2028. It's unclear yet who else might enter the race. "I'm running for U.S. Senate because Floridians deserve more than survival. They deserve a fighter who won't sell out, won't back down and will fight for the future their hard work has earned,' Weil said.
