Bell Potter has been running the rule over the retail sector this month and has picked out a number of its key picks. Two ASX dividend shares that get the thumbs up from the broker are listed below. Here's why it thinks these could be top buys for income investors: ( ) This footwear retailer could be an ASX dividend share to buy according to Bell Potter. It likes the company due to its dominance of the local market, which could become even stronger if it rolls out the Sports Direct brand across Australia. It said: Accent Group commands a dominant ~30% market share in the $3b Australian footwear retailing market, in addition to a broader opportunity given the expansion into the athleisure market via its own brands. We continue to view AX1 as a key pick in our retail sector coverage given their scale as Australia's market leader, growth adjacencies in both footwear/apparel from exclusive partnerships & TAF channel conversion and growing vertical brand strategy led by Nude Lucy. We also view the strategic investment by Frasers Group (FRAS) in AX1 (~15%) and the recent board appointment as a step forward to unlocking the sizable store roll-out opportunity of FRAS's core Sports Direct banner in Australia. 13.7 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 15.6 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on its current share price of $2.53, this would mean of 5.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Bell Potter has a buy rating and $2.75 price target on Accent's shares. ( ) Another ASX dividend share that is a key pick for Bell Potter is Premier Investments. It is positive on the company due to its proposed demerger and the positive outlook for its highly profitable Smiggle and Peter Alexander brands. The broker feels that things are so positive that these businesses deserve a re-rating. It explains: In addition to Premier Investments' market share of ~6% in the apparel vertical and ~15% in the stationary space in Australia, the Smiggle brand is also a large player in the UK market. As the Smiggle brand looks to grow its presence in the Middle East & Indonesia via a low-risk wholesale model and Peter Alexander into the UK, we think the two brands have a long runway ahead. With the divestment of the non-core Apparel Brands to Myer (MYR) in an all-script deal expected to be completed in January 2025, we see PMV retaining the higher margin Smiggle and Peter Alexander earnings base post-demerger. We view the highly profitable retail business with domestic:offshore exposure of 70:30 (BPe) growing at ~13% (BPe, FY26e), ~26% stake in Breville Group (BRG), together with property assets valued at cost and a strong cash balance (~$327m, BPe), as worthy of a re-rate in the multiple. Bell Potter is forecasting fully franked dividends per share of 111.7 cents in FY 2025 and then 122.6 cents in FY 2026. Based on the current Premier Investments share price, this equates to dividend yields of 3.1% and 3.4%, respectively. The broker has a buy rating and $38.00 price target on its shares.Mohamed Salah sets title mission as Liverpool start 2025 as Premier League leaders | Sporting News
This offseason free agent class has been deep with bullpen arms. One of the biggest names, former Yankees closer Clay Holmes, has already s igned a three-year , $38 million contract to defect to the New York Mets. But some big names still remain on the market, headed by All-Star lefty closer Tanner Scott, who divided the season between the Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres, and whose 32.7 percent swing and miss rate put him in the 92nd percentile among all Major League pitchers. The free agent relief class also includes a future Hall of Famer in Kenley Jansen, who in the first year of his two-year stint with the Boston Red Sox became one of only eight relievers ever to top the 400-save mark. His total of 447 places him fourth all time. But hidden among the big names is one sleeper free agent who is reportedly being looked at by a variety of teams including the New York Yankees, who according to an analysis by Jeff Dahdah of Last Word on Sports will likely be looking to add depth to the middle of their bullpen. By signing 34-year-old former St. Louis Cardinals reliever Andrew Kittredge, whose numbers compare well to some of the better-known relievers in baseball, the Yankees or any number of other teams — including the Boston Red Sox, who continue to have a pressing need for bullpen upgrades — would expand the capacity of their bullpens, and do it economically. According to Dahdah, comparable relievers in last season's free agent class signed for contracts in the $8 million range, which should be roughly what Kittredege can expect, after earning $2.63 million from the Cardinals last season. SpoTrac projects Kittredge's market value at $5.5 million on a one-year contract. Kittredge posted an All-Star season for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021, when he recorded a 1.88 ERA and struck out 77 in 71 2/3 innings. More MLB: AL Contenders Waiting to Hear Back from Roki Sasaki Kittredge's numbers from 2024 compare favorably to Jansen's in several key categories. Because Kittredge was not used as a closer, his lone save doesn't match up to Jansen's 27. But his Wins Above Replacement figure of 1.5 was slightly better than Jansen's 1.3, and his ERA of 2.8 was significantly lower than Jansen's 3.29. Kittredge was also more durable, throwing 70 2/3 innings in 74 games. Jansen appeared in only 54, throwing 54 2/3 innings. His walk rate was better, too — seven percent to Jansen's 9.2. As the market for so-called second-tier relievers starts to take shape, Kittredge can be expected to land with a contender such as the Yankees, though as Dahdah noted, the eight-year veteran is likely to entertain numerous suitors as he decides on his 2025 destination. More MLB: Red Sox Urged To Trade For $108 Million Ace If They Miss On Roki Sasaki
Trump's Return and the Decline of Legacy Media: 'They Are Overseeing a Sinking Ship'365 Retail Markets Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Hires
Q: I recently heard someone talking about a crested cactus and am intrigued. What are they, and how do you look after them? A: These unusual specimens are a great addition to any indoor cactus collection. The term doesn’t refer to a specific variety, but rather a mutation (or type of damage to the growth points) that can occur to many varieties of cacti and succulents, explains Justin Hancock of Costa Farms. Kiersten Rankel , an expert from plant-care app Greg, says this mutation is called ‘fasciation’, and causes the plant's growing tip to fan out, creating a wavy, fan-like shape instead of the usual cylindrical or rounded growth. ‘Because it’s a difference in growth habit, most crested cacti don’t require different or specialized conditions than the species they came from,’ Justin says. But if you need some general guidelines, the tips below will help. Provide the right growing environment A potted Myrtillocactus geometrizans cristata In general, provide bright light (the more light, the better), and average household relative humidity levels, advises Justin. ‘They prefer a stable temperature of 65-85°F, and should be kept safe from freezing temperatures,’ Kiersten adds. ‘A sunny windowsill is ideal.’ This highly-rated Bluetooth thermometer and humidity monitor from Govee at Amazon will help you keep the surroundings optimal. Add to your collection with this striking six-inch plant, shipped as a bare root from small business Succulent Addiction. Other crested varieties are available, too. Justin Hancock is a Costa Farms horticulturist with over 25 years in the industry. A plant enthusiast and educator, he has a degree in horticultural science and has worked in garden centers and botanical gardens, as a garden designer, and in garden publishing (including at Better Homes and Gardens ). He has experience gardening across the country, from Minnesota to Oregon to Miami. Justin is also co-host of the Costa Farms podcast Plant Rx . Kiersten Rankel is a certified Louisiana Master Naturalist and regularly volunteers with local community gardens and nonprofits to help restore critical ecosystems along the Gulf Coast. She earned her master's degree from Tulane University in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology after her undergraduate degree in Environmental Biology, also from Tulane. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and tending to her 150+ houseplants and vegetable garden. Avoid overwatering A closer look at the Mammilaria cristata cactus Knowing how to water a cactus is key if you want these plants to thrive. ‘Cacti tend to be low-water plants, depending on the species, so you may want to water once every 10 to 20 days or so, depending on your conditions,’ says Justin. 'In brighter spots and if you fertilize, your plant will grow a little faster and want a bit more water than the same plant would if it were in lower light levels and not fertilized.' He recommends inserting a wooden toothpick into a drainage hole of the pot, which will help monitor moisture levels. ‘Leave it there for a few seconds then slowly pull it out. If it’s clean, then your cactus is probably a little dry and could benefit from watering. If there’s enough moisture in the soil that bits of soil adhere to the toothpick, then it’s probably moist enough.’ Repot when rootbound Generally, crested cacti won't need regular repotting It’s generally a good idea to repot houseplants when they become rootbound. ‘Because cacti tend to have relatively small root systems, you may find it takes several years for the cactus to need repotting,’ says Justin. When repotting your cactus , Justin suggests gently wrapping it in a towel or wearing thick leather gloves to protect your hands from the spines. Transfer it to a larger pot (‘it’s best to go one pot size up, so if your cactus is in a two-inch-diameter pot, go to a three-inch-diameter pot’), filled with a potting mix suitable for succulents and cacti. ‘The best time to repot is in spring, at the start of the growing season,’ adds Kiersten. ‘Allow the plant to acclimate for a few days before watering again.’ ‘There don’t tend to be too many challenges specific to growing crested cacti varieties indoors – they’re generally the same challenges as other indoor cacti,’ says Justin. ‘Watch for pests – particularly mealybugs (which can appear like small, white, cottony bits on the plant), which can be treated with an insecticidal soap or insecticide.’ Overwatering is a common concern for indoor cacti, he adds, as is too little light. According to Justin, many different cacti and succulents have crested forms. These include Cereus spegazzinii f. cristata , Echeveria pulvinata f. cristata , Euphorbia lactea f. cristata , Myrtillocactus geometrizans f. cristata , and Pachycereus marginatus f. cristata. One common example is the brain cactus, Mammillaria elongata f. cristata , Justin adds. It grows in a unique shape often compared to a human brain, he says, but the regular form ( Mammillaria elongata ) looks more traditional, with finger-like growth. Looking for more advice on indoor cacti? Our guide on how to grow cacti from cuttings will help you expand your collection for free.
Building a strong economy requires building strong communities first
Donald Trump has yet to move back into the White House and already fissures are opening in his coalition, amid squabbling between Elon Musk and his Silicon Valley "tech bros" and his hardcore Republican backers. At the heart of the internecine sniping is Trump's central election issue -- immigration -- and the H1-B visas that allow companies to bring foreigners with specific qualifications to the United States. The permits are widely used in Silicon Valley, and Musk -- who himself came to the United States from South Africa on an H1-B -- is a fervent advocate. The world's richest man, who bankrolled Trump's election campaign and has become a close advisor, posted on X Thursday that welcoming elite engineering talent from abroad was "essential for America to keep winning." Vivek Ramaswamy, appointed by Trump as Musk's co-chair on a new advisory board on government efficiency, suggested that companies prefer foreign workers because they lack an "American culture," which he said venerates mediocrity. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers," he posted, warning that, without a change in attitude, "we'll have our asses handed to us by China." Skepticism over the benefits of immigration is a hallmark of Trump's "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) movement and the billionaires' remarks angered immigration hawks who accused them of ignoring US achievements in technological innovation. Incoming White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller posted a 2020 speech in which Trump marveled at the American "culture" that had "harnessed electricity, split the atom, and gave the world the telephone and the Internet." The post appeared calculated to remind critics that Trump won November's election on a platform of getting tough on immigration and boosting American manufacturing. But it was Michael Faraday, an English scientist, who discovered that an electric current could be produced by passing a magnet through a copper wire and Ernest Rutherford, a New Zealander, who first split the atom. And Alexander Graham Bell may have died a US citizen but he was a British subject in Canada when he invented the telephone. Trump voiced opposition to H1-B visas during his successful first run for the White House in 2016, calling them "unfair for our workers" while acknowledging that he used foreign labor in his own businesses. The Republican placed restrictions on the system when he took office, but the curbs were lifted by President Joe Biden. Trump is known for enjoying the gladiatorial spectacle when conflict breaks out in his inner circle. He has been conspicuously silent during the hostilities that Politico characterized as "Musk vs MAGA." Many MAGA figures have been agitating for a complete closure of America's borders while the problem of illegal entries is tackled, and hoping for a steer from Trump that would reassure them that he remains firm in his "America First" stance. For some long-time loyalists, Silicon Valley has already inserted itself too deeply into MAGA politics. "We welcomed the tech bros when they came running our way to avoid the 3rd grade teacher picking their kid's gender -- and the obvious Biden/Harris economic decline," said Matt Gaetz, the scandal-hit congressman forced to withdraw after being nominated by Trump to run the Justice Department. "We did not ask them to engineer an immigration policy." When Musk almost single-handedly blew up a deal painstakingly hammered out between Democrats and Republicans to set the 2025 federal budget, Democrats used "President Musk" to mock Trump, who is famously sensitive about being upstaged. It remains to be seen whether these cracks can be smoothed out or if they are a portent of further strife, but critics point to the chaos in Trump's first term as a potential indicator. "Looking forward to the inevitable divorce between President Trump and Big Tech," said far-right conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer, a MAGA figure with so much influence that she had a seat on Trump's plane during the campaign. "We have to protect President Trump from the technocrats." Loomer has subsequently complained of censorship after she was stripped of her paying subscribers on X, which is owned by Musk. "Full censorship of my account simply because I called out H1B visas," she posted. "This is anti-American behavior by tech oligarchs. What happened to free speech?" rle/ft/sms
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s attorney general has ordered police to open an investigation into Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife on suspicion of harassing political opponents and a witness in the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. The Israeli Justice Ministry made the announcement in a terse message late Thursday, saying the investigation would focus on the findings of a recent report by the “Uvda” investigative program into Sara Netanyahu. The program uncovered a trove of WhatsApp messages in which Mrs. Netanyahu appears to instruct a former aide to organize protests against political opponents and to intimidate Hadas Klein, a key witness in the trial. The announcement did not mention Mrs. Netanyahu by name, and the Justice Ministry declined further comment. But in a video released earlier Thursday, Netanyahu listed what he said were the many kind and charitable acts by his wife and blasted the Uvda report as “lies.” “My opponents on the left and in the media found a new-old target. They mercilessly attack my wife, Sara,” he said. He called the program ”false propaganda, nasty propaganda that brings up lies from the darkness.” RELATED COVERAGE Middle East latest: WHO chief says he was at Yemen airport as Israeli bombs fell nearby ‘The Bibi Files,’ with leaked Netanyahu footage, can’t be seen in Israel. Israelis are finding ways Netanyahu is testifying in his corruption trial. He has been dogged by scandal for years It was the latest in a long line of legal troubles for the Netanyahus — highlighted by the prime minister’s ongoing corruption trial . The pair have also had a rocky relationship with the Israeli media. Netanyahu is charged with fraud, breach of trust and accepting bribes in a series of cases alleging he exchanged favors with powerful media moguls and wealthy associates. Netanyahu denies the charges and says he is the victim of a “witch hunt” by overzealous prosecutors, police and the media. The report obtained correspondence between Sara Netanyahu and Hanni Bleiweiss, a former aide to the prime minister who died of cancer last year. The messages indicated that Sara Netanyahu encouraged police to crack down violently on anti-government protesters and ordered Bleiweiss to organize protests against her husband’s critics. She also told Bleiweiss to get activists in Netanyahu’s Likud party to publish attacks on Klein. Klein is an aide to billionaire Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan and has testified in the corruption case about her role in delivering tens of thousands of dollars worth of champagne, cigars and gifts to Netanyahu for her boss. According to the report, Sara Netanyahu mistreated Bleiweiss, prompting her to share the messages with a reporter shortly before her death. Sara Netanyahu has been accused of abusive behavior toward her personal staff before. This, together with accusations of excessive spending and using public money for her own extravagant personal tastes, has earned her an image as being out of touch with everyday Israelis. In 2019, she was fined for misusing state funds. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees police and has repeatedly said Attorney General Gali Baharav Miara should be fired over a series of grievances against her, said the latest announcement was another reason for her to be dismissed. “Someone who politically persecutes government ministers and their families cannot continue to serve as the attorney general,” he said. And Justice Minister Yariv Levin, another Netanyahu ally and critic of Baharav Miara, accused her of focusing on “television gossip.” “Selective enforcement is a crime!” he said in a statement. ___ AP correspondents Eleanor H. Reich in New York and Isaac Scharf in Jerusalem contributed reporting.
Some quotations from Jimmy Carter: We have a tendency to exalt ourselves and to dwell on the weaknesses and mistakes of others. I have come to realize that in every person there is something fine and pure and noble, along with a desire for self-fulfillment. Political and religious leaders must attempt to provide a society within which these human attributes can be nurtured and enhanced. — from 1975 book “Why Not the Best?” Our government can express the highest common ideals of human beings — if we demand of government true standards of excellence. At this Bicentennial time of introspection and concern, we must demand such standards. — “Why Not the Best?” I am a Southerner and an American, I am a farmer, an engineer, a father and husband, a Christian, a politician and former governor, a planner, a businessman, a nuclear physicist, a naval officer, a canoeist, and among other things a lover of Bob Dylan’s songs and Dylan Thomas’s poetry. — “Why Not the Best?” Christ said, “I tell you that anyone who looks on a woman with lust has in his heart already committed adultery.” I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times. This is something that God recognizes I will do — and I have done it — and God forgives me for it. But that doesn’t mean that I condemn someone who not only looks on a woman with lust but who leaves his wife and shacks up with somebody out of wedlock. — Interview, November 1976 Playboy. This inauguration ceremony marks a new beginning, a new dedication within our Government, and a new spirit among us all. A President may sense and proclaim that new spirit, but only a people can provide it. — Inaugural address, January 1977. It’s clear that the true problems of our nation are much deeper — deeper than gasoline lines or energy shortages, deeper even than inflation and recession. ... All the legislation in the world can’t fix what’s wrong with America. ... It is a crisis of confidence. — So-called “malaise” speech, July 1979. But we know that democracy is always an unfinished creation. Each generation must renew its foundations. Each generation must rediscover the meaning of this hallowed vision in the light of its own modern challenges. For this generation, ours, life is nuclear survival; liberty is human rights; the pursuit of happiness is a planet whose resources are devoted to the physical and spiritual nourishment of its inhabitants. — Farewell Address, January 1981. We appreciate the past. We are grateful for the present and we’re looking forward to the future with great anticipation and commitment. — October 1986, at the dedication of the Carter Presidential Library and Museum. War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn to live together in peace by killing each other’s children. — December 2002, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech. Fundamentalists have become increasingly influential in both religion and government, and have managed to change the nuances and subtleties of historic debate into black-and-white rigidities and the personal derogation of those who dare to disagree. ... The influence of these various trends poses a threat to many of our nation’s historic customs and moral commitments, both in government and in houses of worship. — From 2005 book “Our Endangered Values.” I think that this breakthrough by Barack Obama has been remarkable. When he made his speech (on race) a few months ago in Philadelphia, I wept. I sat in front of the television and cried, because I saw that as the most enlightening and transforming analysis of racism and a potential end of it that I ever saw in my life. — August 2008, commenting on then-Sen. Barack Obama’s candidacy. I think it’s based on racism. There is an inherent feeling among many in this country that an African-American should not be president. ... No matter who he is or how much we disagree with his policies, the president should be treated with respect. — September 2009, reacting to Rep. Joe Wilson’s shout of “You lie!” during a speech to Congress by President Barack Obama. I’m still determined to outlive the last guinea worm. — 2010, on The Carter Center’s work to eradicate guinea worm disease. You know how much I raised to run against Gerald Ford? Zero. You know how much I raised to run against Ronald Reagan? Zero. You know how much will be raised this year by all presidential, Senate and House campaigns? $6 billion. That’s 6,000 millions. — September 2012, reacting to the 2010 “Citizens United” U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting unlimited third-party political spending. I have become convinced that the most serious and unaddressed worldwide challenge is the deprivation and abuse of women and girls, largely caused by a false interpretation of carefully selected religious texts and a growing tolerance of violence and warfare, unfortunately following the example set during my lifetime by the United States. — From 2014 book “A Call to Action.” I don’t think there’s any doubt now that the NSA or other agencies monitor or record almost every telephone call made in the United States, including cellphones, and I presume email as well. We’ve gone a long way down the road of violating Americans’ basic civil rights, as far as privacy is concerned. — March 2014, commenting on U.S. intelligence monitoring after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks We accept self-congratulations about the wonderful 50th anniversary – which is wonderful – but we feel like Lyndon Johnson did it and we don’t have to do anything anymore. — April 2014, commenting on racial inequality during a celebration of the Civil Rights Act’s 40th anniversary. I had a very challenging question at Emory (University) the other night: “How would you describe the United States of America today in one word?” And I didn’t know what to say for a few moments, but I finally said, “Searching.” I think the country in which we live is still searching for what it ought to be, and what it can be, and I’m not sure we’re making much progress right at this moment. — October 2014 during a celebration of his 90th birthday. The life we have now is the best of all. We have an expanding and harmonious family, a rich life in our church and the Plains community, and a diversity of projects at The Carter Center that is adventurous and exciting. Rosalynn and I have visited more than 145 countries, and both of us are as active as we have ever been. We are blessed with good health and look to the future with eagerness and confidence, but are prepared for inevitable adversity when it comes. — From 2015 book, “A Full Life.”Union Minister for Hotels and Tourism Dr Thet Thet Khine received Mr David Liu, Chairperson of the Exploring Myanmar Culture and Tourism Organization based in Yangon, Myanmar, yesterday morning at the Union Minister’s guest hall. The discussion centred on strengthening Myanmar-China tourism promotion efforts. Key points included enhancing collaboration between government and private sectors from both nations, increasing awareness of Myanmar’s tourist destinations among Chinese travellers through Chinese social media platforms, and encouraging Chinese investors to engage in Myanmar’s hotel and tourism sectors. They also explored inviting Chinese tourists via maritime cruise ships, organizing cruise trips, and advancing tourism promotion initiatives. The Union Minister and Mr David Liu discussed cooperative opportunities with the Exploring Myanmar Culture and Tourism Organization to attract more Chinese visitors. At the meeting, Mr David Liu received a formal certificate recognizing him as a representative of Myanmar-China tourism promotion. — MNA/KZL
