Global luxury sales plateau amid self-inflicted creativity crisis and rising prices, study finds
MILAN (AP) — Global sales of luxury handbags, shoes and clothing, which surged after the pandemic, are set to stall this year due to a creativity crisis and price hikes targeting the biggest spenders. Bain consultancy released a new study in Milan on Tuesday predicting that after a slight drop in the first quarter, global luxury sales will plateau in 2024. The market is hit by political uncertainty in a U.S. presidential election year and economic uncertainty in China, sparking a “luxury blaming” phenomenon. But Bain partner Claudia D’Arpizio said some of the slowdown is “self-inflicted.”
Apple discontinues buy now, pay later service just one year after launch
NEW YORK (AP) — Just a year after it first launched in the U.S., Apple is dropping its buy now, pay later service, Apple Pay Later, and turning to companies like Affirm and Klarna that already dominate the industry. It’s an admission from a company known for creating hit products that building a financial-services business from scratch, as Apple has done for years, is difficult and competitive. Apple Pay Later launched with fanfare in March 2023 as a way for iPhone users to split up to $1,000 in purchases into four equal installments with no fees or interest.
Singer Justin Timberlake was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Long Island, New York.
NEW YORK (AP) — Justin Timberlake was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving in Long Island, New York. Authorities said Timberlake was arraigned in Sag Harbor on the eastern end of Long Island and released Tuesday morning. He was charged with one count of drunk driving and his next court appearance is scheduled for July 26, according to a statement from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Timberlake’s lawyer and representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press.
Bob Schur, only American runner to win Olympic 5000m, dies at 86
Bob Schur, the only American long-distance runner to win an Olympic gold medal in the 5,000 meters, has died. He was 86 years old. His death on Sunday was announced by Miami University in Ohio. Schur was a star track and field athlete at the university and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 1973. The cause of death was not disclosed. Schur predicted a gold medal heading into the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and he made good on that promise. On a rainy day in Japan, he ran the final lap in an astounding 54.8 seconds to win. Schur led his teammate Billy Mills to a gold medal victory in the 10,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics.
Glowing monolith appears in Nevada desert: latest example of rapidly disappearing structures
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A strange monolith has been discovered jutting out from a remote mountaintop near Las Vegas. The discovery comes years after a similar structure appeared in Utah and suddenly vanished after 10 days. Now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says it’s investigating whether the latest monolith is still there, after a Las Vegas police search and rescue team apparently found the shiny cube over the weekend in a corner of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge’s acting manager says people shouldn’t try to look for the monolith because an influx of visitors could disturb the fragile ecosystem.
Anouk Aimé, French star known for ‘A Man and a Woman’ and ‘La Dolce Vita’, dies aged 92
PARIS (AP) — Anouk Aimé, the French star who shone as a dark-eyed beauty in classic films such as Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” and Claude Lelouch’s “A Man and a Woman,” has died. She was 92. A representative for Aimé said in a text message that she died Tuesday morning “surrounded by her loved ones.” Born in Paris to actors, Aimé worked with a host of great directors, including Federico Fellini, Bernardo Bertolucci and Robert Altman. In 1967, she won a Golden Globe for her role as a widow in a complicated romance in “A Man and a Woman,” co-starring legendary French director Jean-Louis Trintignant.
Actor Ian McKellan, 85, is in “good spirits” and is expected to recover after falling from a stage in London.
LONDON (AP) — Veteran actor Ian McKellan was hospitalized Monday after falling during a fight scene in a play on a London stage but is expected to make a full recovery. Producers say the 85-year-old actor, known for playing Gandalf in “The Lord of the Rings,” is in good spirits after the fall. McKellan fell while playing John Falstaff in “Player Kings” at the Noel Coward Theatre. A BBC reporter who was onstage said the actor cried out in pain after the fall. The theater was evacuated and the play was canceled.
Stellantis recalls around 1.2 million vehicles to fix software flaw that disables rear cameras
DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis is recalling about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S. and Canada to fix a software glitch that could disable rearview cameras. The recall includes 2022 and 2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer SUVs. Also affected are 2022 and 2023 Ram ProMaster vans, 2022 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab and Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups. Additionally, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, Jeep Grand Cherokee L SUVs and 2021 and 2022 Dodge Durango SUVs are also affected. Owners will see a request to approve the update on their screen.
Ralph Lauren chose basic blue jeans for the U.S. Olympic team’s uniforms at the opening ceremony
NEW YORK (AP) — When Team USA walks with athletes from around the world in the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, they’ll be wearing sleek blue blazers and blue jeans from Ralph Lauren. Just your average, everyday denim blue jeans. When the brand unveiled Team USA’s uniforms on Tuesday, it called the combination “unexpected” yet classic. For the closing ceremony, the team will wear sharp white moto-style denim jeans and matching jackets designed in, yes, patriotic red, white and blue. At a media preview on Monday, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer David Lauren told The Associated Press that nothing is more American than blue jeans.
Police say a Secret Service agent was threatened with a gun and robbed during President Biden’s visit to Los Angeles.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A U.S. Secret Service agent was threatened with a gun and robbed during a Los Angeles visit to raise funds for President Joe Biden, according to authorities. The agent was robbed Saturday night in a residential area of Tustin while on his way home from work, authorities said. The agent was not injured. Police said the agent fired his gun during the confrontation. The Secret Service said it was unclear if anyone was shot. Police said Monday that the suspect has not been found. Police found some of the agent’s stolen belongings in the area. Police reported seeing a silver Infiniti FX35 leaving the scene.
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