expect

Reporting from Sacramento — The defeat of a ballot measure that would have allowed for the expansion of rent control across California has buoyed landlords and left tenants pinning their hopes on the state’s new governor for relief.

Proposition 10 failed resoundingly with nearly 62% of voters rejecting the initiative as of results tallied Wednesday. The initiative would have repealed the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which bans cities and counties from implementing more aggressive forms of rent control. The result means those prohibitions remain in place.

Landlord groups, which funded a nearly $80-million opposition campaign that outraised supporters 3 to 1, said voters made their opinions clear.

“When a measure loses by double digits, that’s such a strong message,” said Debra Carlton, senior vice president at the California Apartment Assn. “Certainly, any changes to rent control or Costa-Hawkins in general will be a heavy lift after this.”

Voters reject Proposition 10, halting effort to expand rent control across the state »

Supporters of expanding rent control, however, said the campaign pushed tenant concerns to the forefront of the state’s housing debate. They’re also taking solace in a pledge from Democratic Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom, who has said that he will try to strike a deal on new rent control policies upon taking office. Newsom opposed Proposition 10, saying that he preferred amending Costa-Hawkins rather than repealing it.

“What we’re seeing now is that families and seniors are being evicted, facing economic eviction right now,” said Jennifer Martinez, director of strategy for the nonprofit PICO California, a backer of Proposition 10. “That doesn’t seem to be slowing down. It seems to be growing to many more regions of the state. We need relief now.”

Martinez called the prospect of Newsom’s involvement “exciting and important.”

Voters from all parts of California opposed Proposition 10. The initiative was losing in all but one of the state’s 58 counties as of Wednesday, with only San Franciscans giving it majority support. Similarly, municipal efforts to implement some rent controls in Santa Cruz and National City, a small community south of San Diego, also appeared headed for defeat by large margins.

Tenant groups responded to Tuesday’s loss by protesting at the Santa Monica offices of Blackstone, the private equity firm that owns thousands of apartments in the state and was a major donor to the campaign against Proposition 10. At the rally, activists called on Newsom to address skyrocketing rents. Supporters also said they were open to tenant protections that were narrower than those proposed by the initiative.

Costa-Hawkins, which passed 23 years ago, prohibits local governments from implementing rent control on single-family homes, condominiums and apartments built after 1995 or earlier in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other cities with longstanding rent stabilization rules. It also gives landlords the right to charge rents at the market rate once a tenant in a rent-controlled unit moves out.

Proposition 10 would have repealed Costa-Hawkins entirely, leaving local governments to implement new rent stabilization rules at their discretion. In January, a legislative committee defeated a bill that also would have done away with Costa-Hawkins.

The failures show that lawmakers and advocates should take a different approach, said Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Alameda), a coauthor of the failed rent control bill.

“When you’ve tried something twice and it didn’t pass, you’ve gotta look at other alternatives, too,” Bonta said. “You can’t have blinders on.”

Bonta said he’s hoping his colleagues would consider legislation to counter rent gouging, limit conversions of rent-controlled apartments to for-sale condominiums and amend Costa-Hawkins rather than repealing it.

But the resounding defeat of Proposition 10 might add to the landlord lobby’s already strong position.

During debate over the legislation to repeal Costa-Hawkins, Carlton told lawmakers that her group was willing to consider changes that would allow cities and counties to place rent control rules on more recently built apartments. In an interview Wednesday, Carlton said Tuesday’s result made it less likely landlord groups would agree to such amendments.

“If I were to take the pulse at the moment I’d say they’d be less inclined,” she said. “That would be the logical conclusion.”

It’s unclear what Newsom plans to do. The governor-elect did not speak publicly to reporters on Wednesday, but previously told the Sacramento Bee that he expected to deal with rent control right away.

“I will take responsibility to address the issue if [Proposition 10] does get defeated,” Newsom said.

Adding tenant protections could be part of a larger package of new housing legislation and policies that Newsom is expected to propose in the coming year. He made addressing the state’s housing affordability problems a key campaign promise. Principally, Newsom has called for the construction of 3.5 million new homes by 2025, a level of production never seen in California — at least since the state building industry began keeping statistics in the 1950s.

Some supporters of Proposition 10 have been critical of Newsom’s positions on tenant issues. A top official at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that spent $23.2 million on the pro-Proposition 10 campaign described Newsom last week as “bought and paid for by the landlords and the Realtor lobby and the developer lobby.” But Michael Weinstein, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s president, said late Tuesday that he wanted to work with the new governor before deciding whether to put another rent control initiative on the 2020 ballot.

No matter what happens at the Capitol, there will be another major rent control debate in the state in the coming years. Residents in Sacramento, California’s sixth-largest city, have qualified an initiative for the 2020 ballot that would implement rent stabilization on older apartments. Michelle Pariset, an initiative proponent who works on statewide housing issues for the nonprofit law firm Public Advocates, said she hoped a local rent control battle in the shadow of the Capitol would spur legislators to act.

“When you try to do something progressive you lose a lot of the time,” Pariset said. “But you keep fighting.”

Coverage of California politics »

[email protected]

@dillonliam

Nearly two dozen world leaders are descending in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur for a three-day summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) from Sunday to Tuesday, and multiple other meetings on the sidelines.

This will be the 47th summit of the ASEAN.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is ASEAN, and who’s attending the summit?

ASEAN is made up of 10 members – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Together, they have a population of 678 million people and a gross domestic product of $3.9 trillion, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative.

This year, ASEAN will induct its 11th member, East Timor. The country gained independence from Indonesia in 2002 and is home to 1.4 million people.

The summit will bring together leaders from every country in the bloc except for Myanmar’s acting president, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.

The ASEAN summit is accompanied annually by the East Asia Summit, a gathering of leaders of the ASEAN nations, the US, China, India, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

This year, US President Donald Trump, Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, newly appointed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will be attending.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak will represent Moscow while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part virtually.

Beyond the leaders of ASEAN and the East Asia Summit nations, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be in Kuala Lumpur too.

The heads of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labour Organization and the International Federation of Association Football, better known as FIFA, will also attend some sessions, according to Bernama, Malaysia’s state news agency.

What events will take place during the summit?

Apart from the ASEAN summit and the East Asia Summit, ASEAN will also hold separate conclaves with leaders of key powers in Kuala Lumpur.

There’s also a peace deal to be signed on Sunday when Cambodia and Thailand ink a pact to end a deadly border dispute. The ceremony will be presided over by Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, according to Bernama.

The long-running border conflict rekindled in July when dozens of people were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced along the border. A ceasefire was reached after five days with the help of Malaysia, China and the US.

Despite the high-profile nature of the event, some critics have questioned whether the deal will be more of a photo-op for Trump than a lasting resolution. Ceasefire violations have continued since July while the original issue around border demarcation has also not been resolved, according to Mu Sochua, a former Cambodian opposition leader and president of the Khmer Movement for Democracy.

She told Al Jazeera the threat of tariffs from Trump helped bring Thailand and Cambodia to the negotiating table in a move that was effective in the short term but also controversial. “Critics in both countries say it amounted to economic blackmail – trading peace for trade benefits rather than addressing justice, sovereignty or local needs,” she said.

What will be discussed at the summit? 

The ASEAN summit will discuss pressing issues like US tariffs and access to rare earth minerals, which are essential to high-tech manufacturing and whose production is dominated by China.

Trump launched his “Liberation Day Tariffs” in April against most US trading partners in a bid to lower the US trade deficit. After much negotiation, US tariffs for most ASEAN countries range from 10 to 20 percent while Brunei’s tariff rate is 25 percent. Tariffs for Laos and Myanmar are both 40 percent.

In response to Trump’s tariffs, China has tightened export restrictions on rare earths, a move that has been felt around the world.

Marco Foster, ASEAN director at the professional services firm Dezan Shira & Associates, told Al Jazeera that most attendees will be vying for a chance to speak to Trump about tariffs. “Pretty much everyone is going to be going after him or trying to get in the room with him or his people to talk about their deal,” he said. “Everyone will want to have a sideline meeting with Trump.”

Attendees are also expected to discuss pressing issues like Myanmar’s civil war and the proliferation of scam centres in Southeast Asia, which have earned criminal networks tens of billions of dollars.

Why is Myanmar skipping the summit? 

Myanmar’s acting president will not attend the ASEAN summit, and Myanmar will not take the helm from Malaysia as next year’s ASEAN chair because it has been embroiled in a civil war since 2021. Instead, the role will fall to the Philippines.

In 2021, ASEAN issued a Five-Point Consensus, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Myanmar and humanitarian assistance while creating a special ASEAN envoy to help mediate the conflict. Four years later, critics said it has had little impact on the crisis.

Charles Santiago, co-chairman of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, told Al Jazeera that he expected Myanmar and the fallout from the civil war to be discussed at the summit.

“Myanmar has become a destabilising factor, both [in terms of] security and social cohesion in the other parts of Southeast Asia,” he said. The civil war has facilitated the spread of the flow of drugs and weapons while creating a refugee crisis, he added.

Still, Santiago said he did not expect much to come from the ASEAN summit. “This will be a major photo opportunity for everybody,” he said, but “nothing much will happen” in terms of policy.

What are ASEAN’s limitations?

ASEAN has sometimes been criticised for lacking an enforcement mechanism to force members to abide by its rulings. This makes it different from other regional blocs like the European Union, whose members must abide by EU laws and rulings.

It’s a criticism that has been heard recently around issues like Myanmar as well as the Cambodian-Thai border conflict.

Foster said this feature is a legacy of ASEAN’s unique history. The organisation was founded in 1967 after a major wave of decolonisation around the world. Its structure reflects the norms of the era, he said.

“Because of the narrative that ASEAN was born out of independence, it will never lead to an ASEAN that will limit [member states’] independence by accepting rules from a body that is above the state,” Foster said. “The nation state will always be the number one in ASEAN.”

Beauty fans, do you need to stock up your make-up bag?

The Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday sale is your moment to snap up those cult favourites for less.

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In previous years, the brand has run up to 30% off across selected makeup deals, skincare deals and bundles — with savings on icons like Pillow Talk lipstick, Hollywood Flawless Filter and Charlotte’s Magic Cream — so similar deals are likely on the cards for 2025.

We’ll be updating this guide all month with the most significant price drops, bundle steals and limited-time codes, so you can move fast when the best offers hit.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 lands on Friday, November 28 — pop it in your calendar if you’re planning a pre-Christmas haul.

It’s the day after Thanksgiving in the US, which is why retailers ramp up offers across the long Black Friday weekend.

If you’re eyeing Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday drops, that timeline usually means early-bird bundles and sitewide codes ahead of the big day.

We’ll keep this page updated throughout November with the standout offers as they appear, so you can move fast and nail your wishlist in time for December.

There’s also more meaning behind Black Friday than just sales and savings, and our explainer covers everything you need to know.

Live deals on Charlotte Tilbury

• Charlotte’s Magic Cream & Setting Spray Duo, £94.35 (was £111) – buy here
• Charlotte’s Award-Winning Complexion Trio, £60.90 (was £87) – buy here
• The Airbrush Bronzing Kit, £68.85 (was £81) – buy here
• The Pillow Talk Eye & Blush Duo, £68.85 (was £81) – buy here
• Bronzed, Blushing Beauty Kit, £67.20 (was £84) – buy here
• Flawless, Poreless Skin Secrets, £62.40 (was £78) – buy here
• Beautiful Skin Complexion Kit, £53.60 (was £67) – buy here
• Pillow Talk Collagen Lip Bath Kit, £41.65 (was £49) – buy here
• Charlotte’s Magic Hydration Revival Duo, £23.20 (was £29) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Love Effect Lipstick – Love Talk, £23.20 (was £29) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Fire Rose Luxury Palette, £36.80 (was £46) at Cult Beauty – buy here
• Lip Cheat Bad Romance, £17.60 (was £22) at Cult Beauty – buy here

Is Charlotte Tilbury taking part in Black Friday this year?

Charlotte Tilbury has some of the best Black Friday deals in beauty, and all signs point to the brand taking part again in 2025.

In recent events, Charlotte Tilbury has run up to 30% off across selected edits and bundles, plus tiered “the more you shop, the more you save” offers on its own site.

It’s also worth checking major stockists, as many mirror or add their own discounts alongside the brand’s offers. You can also check out our pick of the best Charlotte Tilbury dupes, if you’re feeling extra-thrifty.

We’ll update this page as soon as the first deals drop so you can compare bundles and bag the best prices.

Here are some of the best sites to buy the brand’s products:

What deals to expect from Charlotte Tilbury’s Black Friday sale 2025?

In 2024, we also saw limited-time kits up to 40% off, as well as the buzzed-about mystery boxes, which tended to sell out quickly.

Deals typically build across Cyber Weekend, with fresh offers landing over the long weekend — 2024’s sale went live on Black Friday and kept momentum with limited-time picks that sold fast.

If you’re chasing hero products, past discounts have included Magic Cream, Beautiful Skin Foundation, Airbrush Bronzer and Exaggereyes Volume Mascara, so keep those on your watchlist.

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Charlotte Tilbury taking part?

Cyber Monday 2025 falls on Monday, December 1, making it the online finale to the Black Friday weekend and a prime time to snag any beauty buys you missed the first time around.

Expect a fresh wave of online-only offers and flash deals to land on the day, often with slightly lower discounts than Black Friday but solid savings on bestsellers and bundles all the same.

As for Charlotte Tilbury, the brand typically maintains momentum going into Cyber Monday, so we’re expecting more edits, bundle drops, and sitewide codes to carry through the Monday rush.

Keep an eye on CharlotteTilbury.com as well as major stockists, as retailers often mirror the brand’s promos or throw in their own perks like freebies or extra cashback.

Our advice? If you see a good price on your wishlist items, pounce—sell-outs are common once the weekend wraps.

How much does Charlotte Tilbury’s shipping cost?

Standard delivery is free when you spend £49 or more, and it’s also free for Silver and Rose Gold Loyalty Members.

If your basket is under £49, Standard costs £2.95 and usually arrives in 2–5 working days.

Express delivery is free on orders over £185 and for Rose Gold Loyalty Members; otherwise it’s £5.95.

Order by 10:30pm Monday–Friday for next‑day delivery; placed after 10:30pm or over the weekend, it’ll arrive in 1–2 working days.

You can add gift wrapping from £1.95 (free on orders over £150).

For the full list of options, including click and collect, head to the Charlotte Tilbury shipping page.

Delivery promos often appear around Black Friday, so it’s worth checking during November.

As ever, prices and timeframes can change—double‑check at checkout before you buy.

Does Charlotte Tilbury offer any other discounts?

Yes! Beyond the big Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday rush, there are a few year-round ways to save.

Keep an eye out for gift-with-purchase promos: recent offers have included a FREE Unreal makeup bag when you buy three products, automatically added at checkout while stocks last.

The brand also runs rotating freebies (think surprise full-size treats when you hit a spend threshold), plus you can choose two complimentary samples with every order to test new formulas before you commit. 

Charlotte Tilbury’s site regularly features promo codes, curated kits and ‘magical savings’ edits with built‑in discounts, so it’s worth checking the offers hub before you check out.

Students and key workers can often access partner discounts via platforms like UNiDAYS and Health Service Discounts—availability can vary—while makeup artists can apply to the Pro Program for exclusive pro-only pricing and perks.

Tip: sign up for emails and app alerts ahead of November—delivery perks, early-bird bundles and limited-time codes tend to land around Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday.

Is Charlotte Tilbury cruelty-free?

Yes, Charlotte Tilbury is officially cruelty‑free.

The brand has the Leaping Bunny seal of approval by Cruelty Free International, a certification it announced in 2021 and continues to hold.

Leaping Bunny is the globally recognised “gold standard” for cruelty‑free beauty, meaning brands must meet strict, supply‑chain‑wide criteria and agree to ongoing independent checks to keep their status.

You’ll also spot the Leaping Bunny logo across Charlotte Tilbury’s communications and packaging as a quick reassurance while you shop.

For the latest wording direct from the brand, Charlotte Tilbury’s help centre confirms its Leaping Bunny approval and cruelty‑free position..

Who is Charlotte Tilbury?

Charlotte Tilbury is the British makeup artist turned beauty entrepreneur behind the eponymous brand.

She’s an MBE and the founder, chair and chief creative officer of Charlotte Tilbury Beauty, which she launched in 2013 after years of shaping red‑carpet and runway looks.

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Charlotte Tilbury sits at a premium price point, but the payoff is there on the brand’s biggest hitters.

Our writers highly rate the textures, flattering shades, and long-wear finishes.

Sun Shopping writer, Maisie Bovingdon, put the Pillow Talk Plumpgasm lip gloss to the test and shared: “The formula is not tacky or sticky, but silky smooth like a nourishing lip oil should be, but the best part and a non-negotiable for me is the product doesn’t slip.”

While our writer, Harriet Flook, tried the Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Foundation Stick and loved it so much, she now “won’t use anything else.”

It’s the same story with icons like Hollywood Flawless Filter, Airbrush powders and setting spray, and Charlotte’s Magic Cream—once they’re in your kit, they’re hard to swap out.

The brand also has a cult following, including beauty influencers, pros, and celebrities such as Kate Moss, Gigi Hadid, and Jourdan Dunn.

That said, it’s still worth matching formulas to your skin type and testing shades where you can—minis, samples and curated kits help you dial in the right fit.

If you’re value-minded, keep an eye on bundle edits, loyalty perks and, of course, Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday, when you’ll often see sitewide codes or set savings that make the splurge smarter.

What are Charlotte Tilbury’s most popular products?

Charlotte Tilbury’s icons are the ones shoppers talk about for a reason.

Charlotte’s Magic Cream is the glow-boosting moisturiser makeup artists reach for to prep and plump skin before foundation.

Hollywood Flawless Filter is the radiance hero you can wear alone or mix with base for that soft-focus sheen fans love.

Pillow Talk stays the brand’s most famous pink‑nude across lipstick and liner, with Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude, another everyday liner favourite.

For a smooth, airbrushed finish that lasts, the Airbrush Flawless Finish powder and Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray are repeat buys.

If you’re building an easy soft‑glam eye, the Luxury Palette quads are always a safe bet.

Keep these on your radar for Charlotte Tilbury Black Friday—they’re the first to fly.

CHEATING doesn’t necessarily happen on obvious apps like WhatsApp or Snapchat – as I pretty brutally found out.

In fact, red flags on your partner’s phone could be staring you right in the face without you even realising. But luckily, I know just the places to look – and most of them will surprise you.

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And not all apps are necessarily hiding messages either – some point towards secret spending or unknown locations a love rat has been visiting.

Obviously I’m not advising you to go digging around on your other half’s phone.

Your first port of call should always be to speak with your partner about any concerns.

In my case, I had already done this still spotted countless big signs that something was wrong, which is when I heard about dating apps you can disguise.

One night I noticed an extra calculator app on my ex’s iPhone (pretty telling because who really needs an extra calculator beyond the pre-installed one?).

As I feared, when I tapped the app it wasn’t a calculator at all, but a dating app – filled with countless messages with streams of other men, and not to mention the dreaded d**k pics too.

A determined cheater isn’t going to leave evidence on chat apps like WhatsApp or Instagram (texts can be easily deleted too), so here are some of the less obvious apps which might hide their dirty little secrets.

#1 Notes app

The humble Notes app on iPhone and Android may seem like the last place you expect to find cheating.

Surely that’s just where people jot down the odd password or their shopping list, right?

Well, not quite – little do most people realise, it can actually be used to secretly communicate with others.

You can share Notes with other people and both collaborate on them, meaning cheaters can essentially use it to write back and forth without arousing suspicion.

“Yes, this happened to one of my best friends. Her boyfriend’s Notes app was open on his laptop and that’s how she found out,” one person explained on TikTok.

#2 Storage apps

Apps which store your pics and videos can be used to secretly message too, though it’s a lot more hassle.

However, storage apps are a great place to keep incriminating photos out of sight.

This is another problem I’ve been stung with by my ex, who kept a hidden stash of photos he’d got from secret flings on there.

Photos stored in the cloud are kept in a data centre, so you can easily log out and keep them away from being visible in normal photo gallery apps.

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#3 Mapping apps

Mapping and navigation apps could also hold clues of cheating.

Whether you use Google Maps or Waze to drive around, all the places you’ve got directions too will be stored in the app.

Unknown places which are visited a lot could be a red flag.

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#4 Wallet apps

Similar to mapping and navigation apps, the wallet apps on your phone may have signs your partner is up to no good.

Whether you’re using Apple Pay or Google Pay, you can see previous transactions – unlike standard banking apps that are heavily locked down.

This may reveal a fancy dinner out you weren’t aware of or even a big spend in a jewellery shop.

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Seventeen days. That’s how much longer Social Security beneficiaries must wait to find out how big their “raise” will be in 2026.

The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) countdown is about to kick into overdrive. But you don’t have to sit on pins and needles in anticipation of the official COLA announcement on Oct. 15, 2025, to have a pretty good feel for what the increase will be.

Image source: Getty Images.

The best COLA prediction right now

If you want to know how big of a Social Security benefit increase to expect, probably the best place to turn is The Senior Citizens League (TSCL). This nonprofit organization has advocated for seniors since 1992, initially as part of The Retired Enlisted Association and then as an independent entity beginning in 1994.

TSCL developed a sophisticated statistical model that projects the next Social Security COLA. This model is updated monthly. It incorporates inflation and unemployment data, as well as the interest rates set by the Federal Reserve.

Earlier this month, TSCL announced its final prediction for the 2026 Social Security COLA. The organization projects an increase of 2.7%, a little higher than the 2.5% COLA given in 2025. It’s also slightly above the average benefit adjustment over the last 20 years of 2.6%.

How much additional money will this COLA give retirees? It depends on your current benefit amount, of course. However, the average increase will be $54 per month if TSCL’s model is right.

What could change by Oct. 15?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) already has most of the data it needs to calculate next year’s COLA. It will receive the last piece on Oct. 15 when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases its inflation numbers for September.

SSA doesn’t use the most widely followed inflation metric in the BLS report, the Consumer Price Index. Instead, the agency bases the annual Social Security COLA on a different statistic — the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). As its name indicates, this index measures how much prices have increased for blue-collar workers in urban areas.

The COLA is calculated by determining the percentage increase (if any) between the CPI-W for the third quarter of the current year and the CPI-W in the third quarter of the previous year. SSA only needs to plug in the CPI-W for September to crunch the numbers.

Could the actual 2026 COLA that will be announced on Oct. 15 differ from the 2.7% predicted by TSCL? Absolutely. Inflation could be higher in September than anticipated, perhaps due to the impact of tariffs making their way through the U.S. economy. On the other hand, the effects of tariffs could be more muted than TSCL’s model projects, resulting in a lower COLA. Either way, TSCL’s projected number will probably be close to the actual 2026 COLA.

One “gotcha”

Retirees shouldn’t count on having an additional 2.7%, give or take a couple of percentage points, reach their bank accounts, though. There’s one “gotcha” that will likely reduce how much extra money you’ll receive.

Most retirees ages 65 and older have their Medicare premiums automatically deducted from their monthly Social Security benefit payments. Unfortunately, your Medicare Part B premiums will almost certainly be much higher than the expected 2.7% Social Security increase.

The Medicare Trustees project that Part B premiums will rise by 11.6%. This translates to an extra expense of $21.50, enough to wipe out much of the average retiree COLA of $54. The annual Medicare Part B deductible will also likely jump by $31 to $288 next year.

The countdown is on for finding out the exact amounts for the 2026 Medicare Part B premiums and deductibles, too. While the numbers will probably be announced in October, retirees might not learn how their pocketbooks will be impacted as soon as they learn what their Social Security COLA will be.

DREAMING of upgrading your home gym? Don’t miss out on this year’s best treadmill Black Friday deals.

Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a brand and style to suit your fitness goals among the Black Friday bargains.

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Whether you’re buying your first treadmill or upgrading to a high-tech model, Black Friday is the perfect time to snag a fantastic deal.

To help you navigate the November sale, we’ve covered everything you need to know about this year’s best Black Friday treadmill deals.

From important dates and unmissable deals to delivery fees and additional discounts, read on to find out more.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28.

The sale follows the Thanksgiving celebrations in the US, where the event first started.

The best Black Friday deals usually hit on the day itself, with prices steadily dropping throughout November.

Want to learn more about the biggest shopping bonanza of the year? Our ‘Why is Black Friday called Black Friday?‘ explainer covers everything you need to know.

What treadmill deals to expect during Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 is expected to offer some seriously impressive savings across a wide range of brands and models.

To get the most out of the sale, figure out which type of treadmill you need and do some research.

You’ll want to consider factors such as budget, space and storage, speed settings, incline options, and noise level.

It’s always best to shop around, so make sure you check out the places below for the best Black Friday deals:

What was in the treadmill Black Friday sale last year?

Black Friday 2024 saw major discounts on home treadmills.

The savings included:

• Reebok FR20z Floatride Treadmill with Connected Fitness, £529 (was £749) from Argos – buy here
• Echelon Stride-6 Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill, £972 (was £1,599) from Echelon – buy here
• Toputure 2-in-1 Home Folding Treadmill with Dual LED Screen, £322.99 (was £399.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Mobvoi Home Treadmill SE 3-in-1, £197.19 (was £289.99) from Amazon – buy here
• Reebok GT40 S Treadmill, £549.99 (was £799.99) from Sports Direct – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and are treadmill retailers taking part?

Cyber Monday falls on December 1, 2025.

It’s normally the final day to get your hands on incredible discounts, as it comes straight after Black Friday.

Unlike Black Friday, Cyber Monday was traditionally geared toward online shoppers, with some retailers adding extra discounts for web purchasers.

However, over the last few years, it has become an extension of Black Friday, with retailers extending deals both online and in-store.

It’s well worth keeping an eye out for any last-minute price cuts, as it’s the final chance to score treadmill savings before the festive season (although retailers will sometimes extend the sale).

For this year’s best Cyber Monday deals, make sure to check out our Cyber Monday hub.

How much does treadmill shipping cost?

Delivery costs will vary depending on the retailer, distance, weight, and size of the treadmill.

If free shipping isn’t available, treadmill delivery costs generally range from around £25 to £100 or more.

Additional fees may apply for installation or upstairs delivery.

Do treadmill retailers offer any other discounts?

Yes, retailers like Amazon, Argos, Very, and John Lewis offer treadmill promotions, limited-time deals, and new customer discounts throughout the year.

You can also search for monthly offers and seasonal sales at retailers like NordicTrack, Decathlon, WalkingPad, Echelon, and Sports Direct.

Which retailers had the best Black Friday treadmill deals in 2024?

All the big fitness brands usually take part in the Black Friday sales action, as well as retailers like Argos, WalkingPad, and Decathlon.

This means you can pick up a bargain on treadmills by the likes of NordicTrack, Echelon, Reebok, and more.

Because of the sheer range of choices, it’s hard to give a definitive answer for which retailer had the ‘best’ deal.

There were bargains to be found in several places and on different brands and models of treadmills – so this year, it’s well worth shopping around to compare prices.

Make sure you check out the following places for deals:

What are the best treadmills you can buy?

Not sure which treadmill is right for you?

When it comes to the best treadmills to use in the comfort of your own home, there are plenty of great options out there, depending on your needs and budget.

If you’re prepared to make a serious investment, NordicTrack’s Commercial X22i will keep you motivated and quite literally on track with its trainer-led iFIT workouts and 22″ smart HD touchscreen.

ProForm’s Carbon TLX is equally as immersive, with interactive training sessions through cities, trails, and studio classes to help keep you stimulated.

If you’re on a budget, though, fear not – there are plenty of options for those looking to shell out a bit less.

We’ve listed a couple of budget-friendly options below, so make sure to check them out.

How much do treadmills cost?

You can pick up a cheap, foldable treadmill for around £100 if you’re budget-conscious.

If you spend around £300, you’ll get more choice of design and features, like a smartphone connection.

On average, the majority of treadmills fetch around £400 – a reasonable amount that will get you all the gadgets and gizmos, a foldable and compact design, and still help you on your fitness journey without breaking the bank.

High-end treadmills are around £500-£3,000, with a huge choice of designs, brands, sizes, and features within that range.

It really depends on what you need from your treadmill, how often you’ll use it, how much space you have, and whether it’s worth making that bigger investment.

How much is a Peloton treadmill?

A Peloton treadmill starts at £3,345.

There is also a £39 monthly fee for membership and access to the Peloton app and classes.

Shoppers who purchase a Peloton treadmill will also receive free delivery and installation to a room of their choice.

Peloton also offers several deals to help shoppers save.

For example, you’ll save £55 when you purchase the Tread Ultimate Set, which includes dumbbells in four different weights, a workout mat, and a water bottle.

Finance options are also available to take the sting out of paying the total sum in one fell swoop.

What is the best foldable treadmill to buy?

According to our best home treadmills UK 2025 guide, one of the best foldable options on the market is the Stride-6s Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill from Echelon.

It features a 10” Class HD Touchscreen, Bluetooth audio connectivity, adjustable speed and incline levels ranging up to 12.4 MPH and 12.5, and, best of all, it folds away easily.

There are plenty of foldable treadmills available from various online retailers, so be sure to shop around.

Is Black Friday a good time to buy a treadmill?

Yes, Black Friday is a fantastic time to invest in a treadmill, especially if you’re hoping to score significant savings on premium models.

Major retailers like Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis stock several models to suit all fitness needs and budgets, and during Black Friday, many of them are heavily discounted.

Whether you’re searching for a foldable treadmill to maximise storage or a machine that features a smart display to monitor your progress, there are plenty of options up for grabs in the Black Friday sales.

We’ve listed several retailers worth checking out above, so make sure to take a look at the deals and discounts they’re offering this November.

What is the best treadmill on a budget?

For those on the hunt for a budget-friendly treadmill, Amazon has an array of offers you won’t want to miss.

One standout saving is on the Walking Pad Treadmill with 5% Incline, which has been discounted from £119.99 to just £99.99.

The major retailer is also treating bargain hunters to an incredible price drop on the Treadmill Walking Pad Running Machine, which has been slashed by a staggering 75%.

It’s now scanning at the checkout for just £149.99, down from £599.99.

Both machines effectively boost your workouts, fold down when not needed, and are ideal choices for at-home fitness routines.

IF you’re eyeing up a wardrobe refresh, we’re predicting that the Paul Smith Black Friday 2025 sale will be one of the hottest tickets in town.

The iconic British label is known for its sharp tailoring, bold prints, and those unmistakable signature stripes — and this November, we’re expecting some seriously tempting deals to land.

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Paul Smith Black Friday deals

Paul Smith’s Black Friday event has become a must-watch for fashion fans, and with the brand keeping its cards close to its chest, anticipation is building.

Stay tuned as we break down everything you need to know about Paul Smith’s best Black Friday deals UK — from when the sales will kick off, to which pieces are worth snapping up before they’re gone.

If you want designer style without the designer price tag, this is one sale you’ll want on your radar.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Mark your calendars – this year, Black Friday falls on Friday, November 28.

Savvy shoppers will want to start saving now – the big day will be here before you know it!

Remember to shop smart and compare prices across different stores.

Paul Smith gear can often be nabbed at ASOS, Flannels, and House of Fraser – all of which typically slash prices during Black Friday.

Our top tip? Check all these retailers before hitting the checkout button to ensure you’re getting the absolute best deal possible.

Of course, there’s more to Black Friday than just bagging bargains – but who doesn’t love designer threads at high street prices?

For those who want to learn more, you can also check out our guide to the meaning of the Black Friday name.

Is Paul Smith taking part in Black Friday this year?

The luxury British brand is keeping its plans for Black Friday 2025 close to its chest.

But based on previous years, bargain-hunting fashionistas can almost certainly look forward to snagging some designer Paul Smith deals during November’s shopping extravaganza.

While no official announcement has dropped yet, savvy shoppers should bookmark the Paul Smith website now and sign up for their newsletter to be first in line when those stylish discounts land.

Don’t forget to check other retailers too!

ASOS, Flannels, and House of Fraser all stock Paul Smith gear and typically slash prices during Black Friday – giving you even more chances to bag signature stripes and luxury threads for less.

We’ll be updating this page with all the hottest Paul Smith deals and discounts as soon as they drop, so keep checking back if you’re eyeing up something special.

What deals to expect in the Paul Smith’s Black Friday sale 2025?

Last year, the luxury British brand slashed prices by a massive 30% off selected products on its official website.

In previous years, fashion enthusiasts could purchase gorgeous gear using an exclusive discount code that applied to everything – men’s wear, women’s wear, kids’ wear, homeware, and all those must-have accessories.

While the discounts might not be as dramatic as some high street retailers – let’s face it, Paul Smith is proper posh – even a 30% saving on designer threads is nothing to sniff at!

Savvy shoppers should hit the Black Friday sales early rather than waiting for Cyber Monday – the best bits always get snapped up quickly, and nobody wants to miss out on those iconic stripes.

We’ll be updating this guide with all the latest bargains as soon as they drop, so keep your eyes peeled if you’re after some designer gear that won’t cost a fortune this November.

What was in Paul Smith’s sale last year?

Fashion fans were treated to some MASSIVE discounts in the 2024 Paul Smith Black Friday sales.

The official Paul Smith website slashed prices with a whopping 30% off selected items across the board.

Shoppers could bag serious bargains using an exclusive Black Friday code, which unlocked discounts on everything from sharp suits to signature striped accessories.

Smith goodies were also available at major retailers, including ASOS, Flannels, and House of Fraser, with many offering exclusive Black Friday deals on the British designer’s collection.

When is Cyber Monday 2025, and is Paul Smith taking part?

If you’re already wondering when Cyber Monday 2025 is? It falls on Monday, December 1.

The luxury British brand hasn’t officially confirmed whether it’ll be joining the Cyber Monday action yet, but if Paul Smith offers Black Friday deals, you can bet they’ll still be offering discounts when Monday rolls around.

As mentioned earlier, Black Friday (November 28) is typically when brands launch their biggest discounts, which continue across the weekend until midnight on Cyber Monday.

If you spot that signature striped scarf or sharp suit with a decent discount on Black Friday, don’t hang about hoping for bigger savings on Cyber Monday – the best bits always get snapped up fast!

Remember that Paul Smith gear is also stocked at ASOS, Flannels, and House of Fraser – all worth checking for exclusive deals that might offer better prices than the official site.

Watch this space for all the latest Cyber Monday deal updates from Paul Smith right here in our guide.

How much does Paul Smith’s shipping cost?

Paul Smith offers free click and collect options when you buy directly from their website.

Want your items as soon as possible? No problem!

You can select either DPD Express Delivery or DHL Express Delivery options for an additional fee of £5.

DPD Express Delivery guarantees your parcel will arrive within 1–2 days – perfect for impatient fashion lovers, while the DHL Express Delivery option ensures your items will be delivered to your door within 1–3 days.

Just a heads up – the Paul Smith website does warn: “During sale and busy periods, some services will not be available in the checkout and orders will be shipped in minimal packaging.”

They also add: “If you’ve shopped in one of our sales, please allow an additional three working days for dispatch.”

So don’t panic if your Black Friday bargains take a little longer to arrive!

Remember, if you’re purchasing Paul Smith items from other stockists, such as ASOS or House of Fraser, the delivery options and costs may differ – always check before you check out.

Does Paul Smith offer any other discounts?

The British fashion house has a handy price match policy that works on items sold cheaper by official stockists.

The fancy fashion brand states: “The price match guarantee only applies to full-price items, inclusive of sales tax, and includes seasonal reductions and/or any special promotions.

“Products must be the exact style, material, colour, size and be available to purchase on both websites. Our online prices include VAT but exclude delivery charges and any other services.”

Want to know exactly how it works? You can read the full details of the Paul Smith price match policy on their website.

Searching for more discounts? New shoppers can also sign up to the Paul Smith newsletter – perfect for getting cheeky discounts on designer purchases you’ve been eyeing up!

Where to shop for Paul Smith Black Friday 2025 deals?

From the Paul Smith website to leading fashion retailers, there are plenty of places to search for potential Paul Smith Black Friday deals.

Below is a rundown of some of the most popular high street and online retailers to browse when the sales start.

Are Paul Smith clothes true to size?

Yes, Paul Smith’s clothes are generally true to size.

The brand offers an extensive suit fit guide and jeans fit guide online to help shoppers, along with shoe fitting advice.

You can also make use of the brand’s in-store personal shopping services to ensure you find the perfect fit.

Though if you are dissatisfied, you can return your order.

What is PS by Paul Smith?

PS is a second Paul Smith collection, including apparel, denim, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, which has a more youthful feel.

This second line still uses the confident bold colours, unique prints, and sharp tailoring you’d expect from Paul Smith.

PS Paul Smith is also stocked on ASOS, as well as other retailers, and is considered a slightly more affordable range from the luxury brand.

BLACK Friday 2025 vacuum cleaner deals are just around the corner, and we’ll be hunting down the strongest offers as they drop. 

Expect price cuts on heavy hitters like Dyson, Shark, and iRobot, plus handy bundles that include extra tools or accessories.

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If your current vacuum stalls on thick carpet or the battery gives up mid‑clean, November is your chance to upgrade for less.

We’ll focus on the specs that matter in real homes, including suction power, battery life, filtration and anti-hair wrap tech, then highlight the real bargains so you know when to buy.

We’ll keep this guide updated with live prices, early offers, and standout picks leading up to and throughout November, and we’ll flag the moment a deal reaches its lowest point.

For more ways to save, bookmark our best Black Friday deals UK hub and compare top models in our best vacuum cleaner guide.

When is Black Friday 2025?

Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28, the day after the US Thanksgiving (the fourth Thursday).

For UK timings and tips, visit our Black Friday hub. And, if you’re curious about the origin of the name Black Friday, check out our guide.

Expect early Black Friday vacuum cleaner deals and broader Black Friday vacuum sales through November, with the steepest price drops often saved for the day.

Shortlist targets now so you can pounce when prices move.

What retailers are taking part in Black Friday this year?

Expect wall-to-wall Black Friday vacuum deals from Amazon, Currys, Argos, John Lewis, and AO, as well as direct offers from Dyson, Shark, and Miele.

We are expecting exceptional Black Friday promotions on vacuum cleaners, exciting deals on Dyson vacuums, competitive offers on Shark vacuum cleaners, and smart deals on vacuum bags, filters, and bundles, as well as much more.

Since stock for premium selections tends to sell out quickly, set alerts and be prepared to check out swiftly.

What vacuum cleaner deals can we expect in the Black Friday 2025 sale?

Retailers are lining up cordless vacuum deals, Black Friday robot vacuum deals and sharp handheld vacuum deals across November.

Watch for exclusive Dyson Black Friday vacuum deals and brand-direct Shark drops, plus retailer bundles with extra heads and pet tools.

Narrow your shortlist and compare specs now. Need help? Explore our cordless picks and the top robot vacuums.

What vacuum cleaner deals went live on Black Friday 2024?

Last year, Dyson and Shark led the way with some of the deepest discounts, while robot models surged thanks to the introduction of mapping and self-emptying features, which received significant price cuts.

Cordless sticks were the hot ticket, and bundles with pet tools sold out first.

Expect similar patterns in 2025: quick sellouts on hero models, competitive price matching, and fresh waves of stock arriving over the weekend.

Plan for fast decisions on top specs and colours.

When is Cyber Monday 2025, and are vacuum cleaner retailers taking part?

Cyber Monday 2025 falls on December 1.

It’s the finale to the weekend, often with new promos or deeper cuts rather than just leftovers.

You can follow our deals stream at our Cyber Monday hub, and expect second-chance drops on things like Dyson Black Friday vacuum deals, Black Friday Shark vacuum deals and Miele vacuum deals across major retailers and brand sites.

How much does vacuum cleaner shipping cost?

Most big retailers offer free standard delivery once you cross a low threshold (which vacuums usually do).

Expect optional upgrades—such as next-day, weekend, or timed slots—for an extra fee, typically a small add-on.

Click & Collect can be the cheapest, fastest route if the stock’s local.

Members (e.g., Prime) often receive faster delivery as a standard feature.

Always compare the total price, including delivery, rather than just the product price.

When will the Black Friday vacuum cleaner deals start in 2025?

Early birds will see Black Friday vacuum deals in late October, with larger waves of deals through November.

Amazon, Argos, John Lewis, AO, and Currys typically ramp up their Black Friday vacuum cleaner promotions the week of Black Friday, then refresh them for Cyber Monday.

Hero models sell out within hours. If you spot a target price on Dyson or Shark early, grab it—waiting for an extra fiver off is how you miss it.

What vacuum cleaner should I buy?

Match the machine to your home.

Pets and carpets? Prioritise strong suction, anti-hair-wrap tech and motorised pet tools.

Big spaces? Consider battery life, swappable batteries, and larger bins.

Time-poor? Consider robots with reliable mapping.

On a budget or in small flats? Lightweight sticks or handheld vacuum deals shine.

What is the best cordless vacuum cleaner?

“Best” depends on the floor type, pets, and runtime needs.

Expect strong cordless vacuum deals on Shark and Dyson products during the event, as well as value contenders that undercut the competition on bundles and spare batteries.

Track attachments you’ll actually use—crevice, mini-motorised pet tools, soft rollers—so you’re comparing like-for-like across retailers.

What is the cheapest vacuum cleaner?

For the lowest prices, consider solid-value ranges from big-box retailers, watch outlet sections, and certified refurbished items from brand sites, such as Amazon Renewed or eBay Refurbished (opens in a new tab)” href=”https://go.skimresources.com/?id=34784X1028065&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.co.uk%2Fb%2Fbn_7117653182″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noreferrer noopener”>eBay Refurbished.

Entry-level sticks and compact cylinders often dip further during sales events like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, and even premium brands occasionally offer sharp bundle promotions.

Set alerts, check warranty terms on refurbished items, and be flexible with colour to score the best price.

Which is the best robot vacuum cleaner to buy?

For most busy homes, I’d recommend the iRobot Roomba i5+: self-emptying, smart mapping technology, combined vacuuming and mopping capabilities, easy setup, and a stylish design.

After a cheaper workhorse? The Eufy Robovac G30 delivers powerful suction, whisper-quiet operation, and impressive battery stamina.

If you want the best shot at a flagship Dyson/Shark at a record price, Black Friday typically wins on big‑ticket discounts and stock breadth across retailers.

Find your favourite brand’s Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory

BLACK FRIDAY has long been the moment to score serious savings on Apple’s handsets, and this year looks no different.

The timing is especially sharp; Apple’s latest iPhone launch has nudged prices down across the range, and we’re already seeing early iPhone 16 Black Friday deals.

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The timing is especially sharp; Apple’s latest iPhone launch nudges prices down.

For anyone eyeing an upgrade, this is a smart window to start watching the sales.

Retailers tend to slash prices on premium tech throughout November, and while Apple rarely leads with markdowns, there are tried-and-true places to find them.

The recent flagship release adds an extra twist: older models are dropping in price at the same time seasonal Black Friday promotions begin.

That combination makes the iPhone 16 a particularly attractive buy.

If you’d rather explore the very latest hardware, my Apple iPhone 17 where to buy guide has everything you need to know.

But if you’re hoping to save on the 16, we’ll be tracking the best Black Friday deals on the iPhone 16 right here, so it’s worth keeping this page bookmarked.

Below, you’ll find the early deals we’ve spotted, plus a look back at last year’s discounts.

When is Black Friday 2025?

November 28, 2025, is the date to know, but you can expect deals to land earlier in the month, with the best reserved for the big day.

The sale always falls on the day after Thanksgiving, as per the American tradition.

But while it may have begun over in the States, Black Friday has now snowballed into one of the biggest events across the world.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out our guide to the meaning behind Black Friday.

Is Apple taking part in Black Friday this year?

Apple doesn’t tend to discount its tech, and the brand doesn’t join in Black Friday shenanigans.

So third-party retailers are your best bet, and often where you’ll find the biggest discounts on Apple products during the sale period.

The likes of Argos, Amazon, John Lewis, and Currys will almost certainly have offers to jump on, as well as mobile phone network providers.

We’ll handle the hard work for you by updating this page with the best discounts as soon as they drop.

So, keep checking back to snap up a bargain.

What to expect from Apple’s Black Friday sale 2025

This Black Friday, we’re expecting to see some deals on the iPhone 16, although the discounts may not be major.

If you’re shopping with big savings in mind and aren’t fussed about having the absolute latest features, it’s a smart idea to search for deals on older models like the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro.

The iPhone 15 will continue to be supported by Apple until at least 2028.

What was in Apple’s sale last year?

In 2024, the former flagship in November was the Apple iPhone 15, and we spotted several deals worth jumping on.

Here are a few of our favourite offers from last year:

iPhone 15

• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £678 (was £699) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £679 (was £699) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, £678 (was £799) from Very – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 100GB, £38/month from Sky – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 150GB, £50/month (£25 upfront) from Three – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 100GB 500GB, £36.99/month (£9 upfront) from Mobiles.co.uk – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15, 25GB 60GB, £39.55/month (£20 upfront) from GiffGaff – buy here

iPhone 15 Plus

• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £899) from Very – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £793.61) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £799) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 128GB, £779 (was £799) from AO – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 100GB, £42/month from Sky – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 150GB, £58.75/month (£35 upfront) from Three – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Plus, 25GB 60GB, £43.92/month (£25 upfront) from GiffGaff – buy here

iPhone 15 Pro

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 512GB, £1,149 (was £1,219) from Amazon –buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 150GB, £63.25/month (£35 upfront) from Three – buy here

iPhone 15 Pro Max

• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, £1,049 (was £1,119) from Amazon – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 256GB, £1,049 (was £1,099) from John Lewis – buy here
• Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, 150GB, £71.13/month (£55 upfront) from Three – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Apple taking part?

This year, Cyber Monday takes place on Monday, December 1.

Back when Black Friday was a bigger brick-and-mortar event, Cyber Monday was reserved as an exclusive online-only event.

These days, things have moved on, and the day is more of an extension to the month-long event, with pretty similar deals across the board.

That’s not to say there are no surprises, but where iPhones are concerned, the deals will only last as long as the stock does, so with hot ticket items like this, it pays to snag them early.

While Apple doesn’t typically offer direct discounts on its products during Cyber Monday, plenty of other retailers do.

We’ve listed several UK retailers below, so make sure to check them out.

How much does Apple’s shipping cost?

Apple offers free standard shipping for all online orders in the UK.

That said, if you’re shopping for a bargain, you likely won’t be shopping there.

So, the shipping costs will vary from retailer to retailer.

To avoid any surprises, check your chosen retailer’s shipping costs before checking out.

Does Apple offer any other discounts?

If you are shopping with Apple directly, there are a few types of discounts offered.

First, there are discounts for students, teachers, and educational staff, which are available through Apple’s education store.

This typically includes savings on Macs, iPads, and accessories, along with discounts on AppleCare and Apple Music subscriptions.

There’s also a trade-in programme that allows you to trade in eligible devices for credit toward a new purchase or an Apple Store Gift Card.

Plus, you can check out the certified refurbished products page, which features discounted items that have been tested and come with a full warranty, often making them a cost-effective option.

For more information on refurbished devices, visit our refurbished tech guide.

Which retailers have the best Black Friday iPhone 16 deals in the UK?

As Apple is one of the most well-known brands worldwide, many major UK network providers and retailers will be selling the smartphone.

If you want to land the best deals, check out the sites listed below.

Visit our tech Black Friday deals hub to shop more of the best discounts from the top brands.

Find your favourite brand’s Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory

Ryanair often charges extra for additional services

Parents flying with Ryanair can expect to be hit with an additional charge when it comes to booking flights. The budget airline, known for its no-frills approach, adds extra fees onto bookings for baggage, and for selecting seats.

However if you’re willing to be allocated a seat by Ryanair, and you’re fine with only taking a small bag on board, you don’t have to pay anything other than a basic fare. Unless you’re travelling with children under 12, that is.

As per Ryanair’s terms and conditions, at least one adult must buy a seat – with this costing up to 10 euros per journey. Then, up to four children will be seated by the adult at no extra cost, and must sit within the same row.

READ MORE: Ryanair hits back at claims it’s ‘lying’ about reason for cancelling Spain flightsREAD MORE: Plane passengers spot man talking to people on Ryanair flight – then realise who he is

Elsewhere easyJet says people travelling with children do not need to pay for seats, although they are advised in this case to check in as soon as possible. Guidance on its website adds: “Whilst our seating system will always try to seat families together, seats are allocated on a first come first served basis so the earlier you check in the more likely you are to be seated together.

“If you leave it to the last minute it’s possible that there may not be enough seats left for us to seat your family next to each other. We’ll still make sure each child under 12 is seated close to an adult on your booking. However we may only be able to arrange this at the airport or on board, which can cause delays for you and other passengers, and not everyone may be seated together.”

Jet2holidays says: “As a family friendly airline we will always endeavour to seat children & infants under the age of 12 next to their accompanying adults. If this is not possible for any reason, we will ensure children are seated as close as possible, and no more than one row away.

“We would encourage you to pre-book your seats advance to ensure you reserve the seats you want for your travelling party.”

THE Virgin Media Black Friday deals have become a headline act of the sales season.

With broadband, SIMs and bundles regularly dropping to some of their lowest prices of the year.

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Virgin Media Black Friday deals

So locking in a package in November sale often means cheaper phone and broadband prices that stick well beyond the sales rush.

Last year, shoppers walked away with three months of free service on broadband and TV bundles, plus extras like an O2 SIM and even a Disney+ subscription thrown in.

That kind of added value is what makes Virgin Media hard to ignore, and we’re expecting 2025 to bring more of the same.

So if faster internet, lower bills, or an all-in-one package is on your list, Black Friday is the moment to strike.

Read on for the best Black Friday deals and how to make sure you’re getting a bargain that really pays off.

When is Black Friday 2025?

This year, the annual Black Friday event will take place on November 28.

It follows Thanksgiving in the US, where the sale began.

Black Friday originated in the States several decades ago, before growing in popularity here in the UK.

Visit our ‘When is Black Friday?’ explainer to find out more.

Is Virgin taking part in Black Friday this year?

Yes, Virgin Media will be taking part in Black Friday 2025.

The sales event is a fantastic time to shop Virgin Media’s phone, TV, or broadband deals, as you’ll save a sizeable amount on a long-lasting product.

You can also treat yourself or your family to fun bonuses like extra TV channels or super-fast broadband.

The latter could be incredibly helpful if you work from home.

What to expect from Virgin’s Black Friday sale 2025

We’re expecting to see big savings on mobile phone deals, as well as broadband deals and TV bundles.

That makes Black Friday a great opportunity to upgrade or treat yourself to some new gadgets or super-fast broadband.

Like many retailers, Virgin releases some of its Black Friday deals ahead of the big day, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any early offers.

What was in Virgin’s sale last year?

Last year, we saw a range of discounts from Virgin Media, including broadband and bundle deals.

Here are some of the highlights from the 2024 sale:

Broadband

• M250 fibre broadband, home phone and O2 SIM, £29.99p/m from 4th month – buy here
• M350 fibre broadband, home phone and O2 SIM, £35.99p/m from 4th month – buy here
• M500 fibre broadband, home phone and O2 SIM, £41.99p/m from 4th month – buy here
• Gig1 fibre broadband, home phone and O2 SIM, £29.99p/m from 4th month – buy here

TV & broadband bundles

• Bigger Combo Bundle: 190+ channels, ultrafast fibre broadband, weekend calls, £39.99p/m from 4th month – buy here
• Bigger Combo Bundle Volt: 190+ channels, ultrafast fibre broadband, weekend calls, £49.99 from 4th month – buy here
• Bigger Movie Combo Bundle: 200+ channels, ultrafast fibre broadband, weekend calls, £60.99p/m from 4th month – buy here
• Bigger Movie Combo Bundle & O2 Sim: 200+ channels, ultrafast fibre broadband, weekend calls, £70.99p/m after 4th month – buy here
• Bigger Sports HD Combo Bundle & O2 Sim: 195+ channels, weekend calls, £69.99p/m after 4th month – buy here
• Biggest Combo: 210+ channels, weekend calls, £79.99p/m after 4th month – buy here
• Mega Volt Bundle: 230+ channels, anytime calls, unlimited 10GB O2 SIM, £84.99p/m after 4th month – buy here

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Virgin taking part?

This year, Cyber Monday falls on December 1.

According to the provider: ”Cyber Monday, 1 December 2025, the first Monday after the Black Friday weekend, could be your last chance to grab a Virgin Media Black Friday broadband deal.”

Looking to save on more than broadband and phone packages?

Check out our best Cyber Monday deals page for more unmissable offers.

How much does Virgin’s shipping cost?

Virgin’s shipping costs vary depending on the service and the product you select.

Some Virgin services offer free shipping, while others have standard delivery charges.

Head to the Virgin Media website to find out more.

Does Virgin offer any other discounts?

If you’re looking to save big ahead of Black Friday, it’s worth checking out the retailer’s offers page.

There you’ll find a selection of deals for new and existing customers.

Has Virgin Media merged with O2?

In June 2021, Virgin Media and O2 joined forces to create one of the UK’s largest telecoms providers.

In January 2023, Virgin Media announced that its customers would be moving to O2 phone plans by the end of the year.

The merger means you can find the fastest, widely available broadband in the same place as O2’s great mobile services.

If you’re already a Virgin Media customer, you’ll stay contracted to the company, but O2 will now provide your services.

So, you can enjoy reliable WiFi and broadband speed boosts from Virgin Media and special perks via Priority with O2.

If you’re new to both O2 and Virgin Media, it’s well worth having a look at their combined Volt contracts.

Can I get Virgin Media?

Black Friday is the best time of year to switch to Virgin Media, thanks to the big discounts that come with the mega sale.

However, whether or not you can get Virgin Media’s broadband depends on the area and type of building you live in.

Unfortunately, it’s not suitable for all households just yet – but there is an easy way to find out.

If you visit the Virgin Media broadband page, you can enter your postcode to check if the service is available in your area.

Virgin Media will also advise you on the broadband speed you could expect to receive at your address.

You can then browse the various deals on offer, including brilliant bundle bargains.

That includes combining Virgin Media broadband with phone and/or TV deals, like the Mega Volt bundles.

Does Virgin Experience Days do Black Friday?

Yes, Virgin Experience Days offers Black Friday deals.

The company provides you, or a loved one, with the chance to try something incredible; whether it’s driving a sports car, snorkelling, or enjoying the view from the Shard.

In previous years, shoppers were treated to impressive savings on spa breaks, including a deluxe one-night stay at a local Crowne Plaza.

Bargain hunters have also enjoyed discounts on afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason and deals on a Thames lunch cruise; there’s a day out for everyone.

There’s already a Black Friday page that you can bookmark, and we’re once again hoping to spot several discounts on days out.

Don’t forget to check back on Cyber Monday too – Virgin Experience Day discounts typically continue through the weekend.

Virgin Experience Days deals

Does Virgin Atlantic have a Black Friday sale?

Virgin Atlantic is the company’s premier airline, flying customers around the world.

You can travel to Europe, North America, the Caribbean, and more.

However, we all know that airline tickets can be expensive, especially if you’re travelling to a far-flung destination, so any kind of discount is hugely welcome.

Luckily for jet-setters, we’re expecting Black Friday deals from Virgin Atlantic in 2025.

In the past, the company has offered several incredible deals, with up to £200 off flights to the Caribbean.

Fingers crossed we get the same this year so that you can save on your dream holiday!

Virgin Atlantic deals

Great Britain is set to roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump this week, honouring the president of the United States with something no other American leader has ever received: a second state visit.

Trump is set to arrive in London late on Tuesday for a visit that coincides with tough trade negotiations between the US and many of its key trading partners, including the United Kingdom. During his stay, both countries plan to announce several deals on technology and civil nuclear energy, and British leaders hope to finalise an agreement on metal tariffs.

Trump and his wife, Melania, will be treated to royal pageantry throughout their two-day stay, including a ceremonial welcome from King Charles at Windsor Castle. The British government is confident that royal soft power will appeal to Trump’s sense of flamboyance.

Before setting off on Tuesday, Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with his friend, King Charles III, whom he described as an “elegant gentleman”.

The president said being welcomed for a second state visit was a first, and noted how it was planned for Windsor Castle, rather than Buckingham Palace.

“I don’t want to say one is better than the other, but they say Windsor Castle is the ultimate,” the president added, noting that much of his trip will be focused on trade.

The state visit will include a glittering banquet and a procession in a horse-drawn carriage. For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes Trump’s visit will offer a measure of distraction from simmering speculation about his leadership amid plummeting approval ratings and high-profile resignations.

Lord Mandelson’s recent sacking as UK ambassador to the US, following new revelations concerning his friendship with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has already cast a diplomatic pall over Trump’s visit. The president’s own links to Epstein have also generated plenty of headlines in recent weeks.

When and where

Trump will officially be welcomed to the UK on Tuesday evening by US Ambassador Warren Stephens, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Viscount Hood, the king’s lord-in-waiting. On Wednesday morning, the royal activities will begin, with a formal greeting by the king and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William and Princess Catherine, at Windsor Castle. Later that day, he will enjoy a royal salute at the castle and a flypast from the Red Arrows and the carriage procession.

The president will then be treated to lunch with the extended royal family before laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St George’s Chapel.

On Wednesday night, Trump will be the guest of honour at a formal state banquet at the castle.

The president will bid farewell to the royals on Thursday morning before he meets Starmer.

Trade tops agenda

Starmer will host Trump at Chequers, his country residence, on Thursday to discuss various matters, including security in Ukraine. Starmer’s ultimate aim, however, is to ensure that Trump makes good on his promise to lower tariffs on steel and aluminium.

The UK was the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement with the Trump administration in May. Under that deal, the US planned to reduce tariffs on aluminium and steel from 25 percent to zero, but that has not happened yet.

“When it comes to steel, we will make sure that we have an announcement as soon as possible,” Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC on Sunday. Other ministers have expressed optimism that a deal on base metals can be secured during Trump’s visit.

The two countries are also expected to sign a multibillion-dollar deal to develop small nuclear projects, which could, in some cases, help to power new artificial intelligence data centres. On Monday, Starmer announced a joint US-UK project to build a fleet of small modular reactors.

“The UK-US relationship is the strongest in the world,” a representative from Starmer’s office told reporters. “This week, we are delivering a step change in that relationship.”

Investment deals?

A major talking point will be a new potential technology partnership, involving enhanced US investment in the UK and greater British cooperation with Silicon Valley on AI and quantum computing.

That had been Lord Mandelson’s priority and something he described in his outgoing letter to embassy staff last week as his “personal pride and joy” that he claimed would “help write the next chapter of the special relationship” between the US and the UK. Mandelson’s permanent replacement has yet to be named, but James Roscoe is serving as interim ambassador to the US.

Nvidia, OpenAI and Google are expected to announce investment deals as part of the partnership, according to the Reuters news agency. Meanwhile, the British government recently secured 1.25 billion pounds ($1.7bn) in private investment pledges from PayPal and Bank of America.

Elsewhere, private equity firm Blackstone plans to invest 100 billion pounds ($136bn) into British assets over the next decade, with a focus on physical infrastructure. The investment will be part of a previously announced $500bn package of investment into Europe.

Why is this trip significant?

This is Trump’s second visit to the UK in the last two months, following his trip to Scotland in July, but this week marks his second state visit, which no other US president has ever enjoyed. In 2019, Trump was hosted for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

The timing is not ideal. Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US on September 11, after emails were published that revealed he urged Epstein to fight for early release from prison in 2008.

Trump’s friendship with Epstein has also exposed him to damaging scrutiny, including from his support base. Democrats in the House of Representatives recently released a birthday letter he allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003, which Trump has denied writing.

For his part, Starmer hopes the pomp of a state visit will offer cover for his own domestic challenges, including criticism about him proscribing the Palestine Action group as a “terror organisation”.

Following missteps on welfare reform, a slapdash cabinet reshuffle and poor economic growth, several lawmakers are increasingly questioning Starmer’s judgement, especially with Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK party surging ahead in the polls.

Starmer’s main goal will be to champion any wins secured during Trump’s visit.

But the president’s stay will also face challenges as local protests are expected in opposition to Trump’s stay at Windsor Castle.

The prime minister will also try to convince Trump that Russia’s incursion of 20 drones into Polish airspace last Wednesday was not an accident, as Trump has suggested.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski rejected that theory on September 12 during a news conference in Kyiv. “We don’t believe in 20 mistakes at the same time,” he said.

Finally, Starmer’s spokesperson said there would also be announcements on deepening cultural ties, including promoting basketball in the UK and developing partnerships between heritage and art institutions.

MULBERRY’S premium leather handbags will never go out of style, and you don’t need to spend the big bucks to get your hands on one.

The Mulberry Black Friday sale is the perfect opportunity to score a discount on the item on your wishlist – here’s everything we know about the mega-sale.

Mulberry sale

The British luxury brand is known and loved for its timeless leather accessories that are loved by celebrities, including Mulberry’s iconic Bayswater Bag.

For Black Friday 2025, we’re anticipating huge deals on Mulberry must-haves, including discounts from other retailers that stock the luxury label.

John Lewis, House of Fraser, and Selfridges are just three retailers worth checking out when the highly-anticipated sales event arrives.

Read on to find out more, including how to secure marked-down Mulberry items on Cyber Monday, and how to bag additional fashion deals.

When is Black Friday 2025?

When is Black Friday? This year, it lands on 28 November 2025.

The mega-sale traditionally takes place the day after the US Thanksgiving (which falls on the last Thursday of November), and it has become a global shopping event known for its dramatic discounts.

Black Friday has become just as popular in the UK as in the US in recent years, and brands and retailers often kick off their sales ahead of the main event.

UK shoppers can expect many retailers — both online and in-store — to launch their Black Friday deals early, with some sales kicking off from the beginning of November.

Wondering what the meaning behind Black Friday is? Check out our explainer.

Is Mulberry taking part in Black Friday this year?

Mulberry has participated in Black Friday in the past, so it’s highly likely that the retailer will return with more discounts this year.

In previous years, shoppers have enjoyed huge savings on bags, purses, holdalls, and other accessories.

Shopping directly from Mulberry’s website is usually where you’ll find the best offers and discounts.

While the Mulberry is yet to officially announce the details of its Black Friday sale, we’re expecting the brand to follow a similar suit to previous years.

To keep up-to-date with information on the Mulberry Black Friday sale, bookmark this page, as we’ll be updating it with all the sale news as it comes in.

What to expect from Mulberry’s Black Friday sale 2025

Shoppers can expect to save on some of the brand’s most popular styles which include the Alexa, Lily, and Darley.

The brand is best known for its Bayswater bag, and even the iconic arm candy has been previously slashed in the Mulberry Black Friday sale.

Plus, other retailers taking part in the Black Friday sale could also include Mulberry items, so keep an eye out for offers at John Lewis, Farfetch, Selfridges, and House of Fraser.

Shoppers will need to be quick when the sale does drop though, as big discounts on the most popular styles are likely to sell out fast.

What was in the Mulberry Black Friday Sale last year?

In 2024, Mulberry’s Black Friday sale featured a range of discounts on some of its most sought-after items.

Here are just a few of our favourite finds from last year’s Black Friday sale:

Mulberry

More Mulberry deals

When is Cyber Monday 2025 and is Mulberry taking part?

When is Cyber Monday? This year, it will take place on 1 December.

Most brands and retailers continue their Black Friday sales through until Cyber Monday, serving as a final chance to make a big saving.

It’s possible that further reductions will be made on items for Cyber Monday, but it’s not always the case.

However, if there’s a particular item you have your eye on, waiting until Cyber Monday to snap it up means you could risk it selling out.

While Mulberry hasn’t confirmed its plans for Cyber Monday 2025, it’s likely that the discounts will continue throughout the Cyber weekend.

How much does Mulberry’s shipping cost?

If you’re planning to shop online during Mulberry’s Black Friday sale, it’s good to know about its shipping policies.

Mulberry offers free standard shipping on all UK orders, which will take between to and five business days to arrive.

The brand is also currently offering complimentary shipping on new arrivals, although it’s unlikely that these pieces will be reduced in the sale.

Mulberry also provides faster delivery options at an additional cost, including express delivery (1-2 working days) and same-day delivery (if ordered before 3pm).

Express Delivery is priced at £6.95, while Same Day and Saturday Delivery will cost £12.

As it’s the most popular shopping event of the year, it’s worth considering that Black Friday is likely to impact shipping times.

Does Mulberry offer any other discounts?

While Black Friday offers the biggest discounts of the year, Mulberry does have other ways to save.

The brand usually runs sales in the summer and winter, with discounts on selected items.

Plus, Mulberry has been known to occasionally provide promotions through its newsletter.

If you want to shop on a budget outside of Mulberry’s Black Friday sale, it’s worth checking out the brand’s Pre-Loved section or Buy Back option online.

Other retailers stocking Mulberry may also slash the prices of selected items throughout the year, so it’s worth checking various stockists before making a purchase to get the best deal.

Mulberry sale

Find your favourite brand’s Black Friday deals in our A-Z directory

In just a little under one week, Nvidia (NVDA 1.65%) will report its earnings for Q2 2025.

For the most part, analysts are optimistic about the report, due out after the close of trading on Aug. 27. Consensus forecasts have the semiconductor company growing earnings 48.5% year over year, to $1.01 per share, as insatiable demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips drives a near-53% rise in revenue to almost $46 billion.

That’s a lot of money Nvidia will be raking in for a single quarter. This is one of the primary reasons why a staggering 58 analysts polled by S&P Global Market Intelligence give Nvidia stock either a “buy” or an “outperform,” or an equivalent rating — versus only one single analyst who says “sell.”

Image source: Getty Images.

One reason why two analysts are worried about Nvidia

And yet, not everything’s unicorns and rainbows for Nvidia stock. As the final countdown to earnings day begins, two separate Wall Street analysts chimed in Wednesday morning to raise reservations about Nvidia stock and the challenges that lie ahead for it.

First up was Deutsche Bank, where analyst Ross Seymore set a price target of $155 that implies the stock could fall 12% over the next 12 months. Ordinarily, the prospect of a 12% near-term loss in a stock would inspire an analyst to recommend selling that stock. But perhaps fearing to deviate too far from the herd on this popular AI stock, Seymore only reiterated a “hold” rating on Nvidia. (Seymore is still one of only a half-dozen analysts with neutral ratings on Nvidia).

No matter. Whether any one analyst thinks Nvidia is a “buy” or just a “hold” probably shouldn’t concern us as much as why he rates the stock as he does. And in Seymore’s case, the answer couldn’t be clearer:

Writing on StreetInsider.com on Wednesday, Seymore warns that U.S. trade restrictions on semiconductor exports to China will cost Nvidia about $8 billion in “foregone” revenue in Q2. True, a resumption of shipments upon receiving export licenses from the Trump administration should help rectify this situation by Q3. But there’s a cost to that solution — specifically, the Trump Administration’s requirement that, to obtain export licenses, Nvidia must fork over 15% of any revenue it generates in China to the IRS.

With China accounting for roughly $17 billion of Nvidia’s revenue over the last 12 months, that could amount to a $2.6 billion drag on Nvidia’s profits over the next 12 months.

KeyBanc chimes in

Investment bank KeyBanc shares Deutsche Bank’s concerns about Nvidia and China. On the one hand, KeyBanc anticipates Nvidia could book $2 billion to $3 billion in revenue from selling H20 and B40 chips in China next quarter. On the other hand, the banker believes this revenue is unreliable and dependent upon the receipt of export licenses from Washington.

For this reason, KeyBanc warns Nvidia may “exclude direct revenue from China” when giving revenue guidance next week, potentially creating a kind of guidance miss that could send Nvidia shares lower.

KeyBanc also cites the “potential 15% tax on AI exports” from the U.S. side as a risk, and adds that “pressure from the [Chinese] government for its AI providers to use domestic AI chips” could dampen Nvidia’s China revenues even further — adding a third risk that Deutsche didn’t mention!

Finally, some good news

Now, I hope I haven’t painted too bleak a picture for you here. Fact is, despite his reservations, Deutsche analyst Seymore still expects Nvidia to report a “typical” earnings beat next week, exceeding the company’s $45 billion revenue forecast by about $2 billion. Blackwell revenue is ramping, says Seymore, more than doubling sequentially between Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, to $24 billion.

With the prospect of an imminent earnings beat, it makes sense that Seymore would hesitate to recommend selling Nvidia stock — even if he does feel it’s a bit overpriced.

Furthermore, KeyBanc agrees that Blackwell production is ramping, and a new Blackwell Ultra (B300) chip is on the way, potentially boosting revenue even more in Q3. For these and other reasons, KeyBanc not only still rates Nvidia stock “overweight” (i.e., buy). KeyBanc actually raised its price target on the stock to $215 on Wednesday.

So, is Nvidia stock a buy or not?

That’s the real question, isn’t it? Wall Street’s confident Nvidia will “beat” on Q2 next week. It’s just worried that Nvidia will “miss” on guidance for Q3. Longer-term, though, is Nvidia stock a buy or isn’t it?

Here’s how I look at it, and I’ll keep this really simple:

Valued at 4.28 trillion dollars, earning nearly $77 billion in annual profit, and backing that up with roughly $72 billion in annual free cash flow, Nvidia stock costs about 55 times trailing earnings and about 59 times free cash flow. For Nvidia stock to be a clear-cut buy, I’d want to see the stock growing earnings at least 50% annually over the next five years.

The best that Wall Street analysts expect Nvidia to do, however, is 30% annual growth — even with nine out of 10 analysts polled saying Nvidia stock is a buy.

The math here isn’t hard. Nvidia stock is not a buy at this price — but it might be if it sells off after earnings.

ONE in three Brits expect to become an unpaid carer – within the next decade on average – but almost half admit they wouldn’t know where to turn for support when the time comes.

A poll, of 2,000 adults, found 62 per cent worry they will have to provide increasing levels of care for elderly parents, or loved ones, as their health declines.

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Yet 46 per cent remain unaware of the services available for those who can no longer leave their homes.

And only 39 per cent are confident that they’ll know where to ask for help.

The research was commissioned by Specsavers Home Visits, as part of its Most Valuable Portrait campaign, which celebrates the unseen role of unpaid carers through a portrait by acclaimed artist Colin Davidson.

Featuring carer Jaycee Le Bouche, the portrait aims to spotlight carers’ selflessness and dedication, and has been symbolically ‘valued’ at £184 billion – the same amount as the invisible care system in the UK – by auction house Roseberys.

Chris Smith, director of Specsavers Home Visits, said: “When a loved one becomes ill, it can turn your life on its head – both practically and emotionally.

“Many people become carers overnight, with no training and little idea where to turn, which can be overwhelming, especially while juggling work and a personal life in tandem.”

The study also revealed two thirds (67 per cent) feel unpaid carers do not receive the recognition or support they deserve – even though their contribution is worth an estimated £184 billion a year to the UK economy, according to Carers UK.

Despite this significant number, almost half (47 per cent) underestimate the contribution of unpaid carers by billions.

When asked what they associated most with being an unpaid carer, 68 per cent pointed to cooking, cleaning and other household tasks.

A further 67 per cent said helping with washing, dressing and mobility is a key responsibility, while 62 per cent believe managing medical appointments – including eye tests and hearing checks – plays a major part.

The research also revealed two in three regularly think about whether they may one day need care themselves.

And 43 per cent said a major life event would be the trigger to begin such conversations with loved ones.

A third (34 per cent) would feel more comfortable discussing future care if they knew what options were available, according to the survey, conducted via OnePoll.

While 29 per cent would be more open if they had a clearer understanding of the financial impact of not planning ahead.

Chris Smith added: “Unpaid carers shouldn’t have to do it alone.

“That’s why we’re doing our bit through our Home Visits service – delivering essential eye and ear care at home to help ease the load and support both carers and those they look after.”

AUSTIN, Texas — Both parties expected Republicans to win an early round Wednesday in a growing national redistricting battle by pushing a congressional map creating five new potential GOP seats past its biggest obstacle in the Texas Legislature.

The Republican-controlled Texas House planned to vote on a redistricting plan that resulted from prodding by President Trump, eager to stave off a midterm defeat that would deprive his party of control of the House of Representatives. Texas Democratic lawmakers delayed a vote for 15 days by leaving the state in protest, depriving the House of enough members to do business.

Some Democrats returned Monday, only to be assigned round-the-clock police escorts to ensure their attendance at Wednesday’s session. Seven who refused were confined to the House floor, where they protested on a livestream Tuesday night, led by Rep. Nicole Collier, who represents a minority-majority district in Fort Worth. Her staff removed a pillow, blanket and bag of personal effects early Wednesday.

As lawmakers trickled into the chamber, several Democrats gave Collier a hug, said “Thank you,” and took photos with her. In a social media post Tuesday night, Collier put a call from 2024 Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on her cellphone’s speaker. Harris told Collier that, “We are all in that room with you.”

“We are making a difference,” she said after the call. “People are watching and they are ready to hold this government accountable.”

House approval of the map would send it to the Senate for a vote as early as Thursday. Passage there also is expected, and not enough Democrats walked out previously to prevent the chamber from working. Democrats said they’re preparing to challenge the new map in court.

Furious national Democrats have vowed payback for the Texas map, with California’s legislature poised to approve new maps adding more Democratic-friendly seats later this week. The map would still need to be approved by that state’s voters in November.

Normally, states redraw maps once a decade with new census figures. But Trump is lobbying other conservative-controlled states like Indiana and Missouri to also try to squeeze new GOP-friendly seats out of their maps as his party prepares for a difficult midterm election next year.

Democrats are energized by the fight in Texas

As House session was about to begin, about two dozen demonstrators supporting Democrats sang “Fighting for Democracy, we shall not be moved” outside the chamber. GOP House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced that the public gallery will be cleared if there are disruptions. The public gallery was mostly empty as the session was gaveled in.

But the 100 members required to do business were present. About 200 people have gathered in the Capitol’s rotunda for a rally supporting Democrats, holding signs saying “End Gerrymandering — Save Democracy,” “Defend the Constitution” and “Fascism is here.”

Texas Democrats spent the day before the vote continuing to draw attention to the extraordinary lengths the Republicans who run the legislature were going to ensure it takes place.

Collier started it when she refused to sign what Democrats called the “permission slip” required by Burrows to leave the House chamber, a half-page form allowing Department of Public Safety troopers to follow them. Collier spent Monday night and Tuesday on the House floor, where she set up a livestream while her Democratic colleagues outside had plainclothes officers following them to their offices and homes.

Dallas-area Rep. Linda Garcia said she drove three hours home from Austin with an officer following her. When she went grocery shopping, he went down every aisle with her, pretending to shop, she said. As she spoke to The Associated Press by phone, two unmarked cars with officers inside were parked outside her home.

“It’s a weird feeling,” she said. “The only way to explain the entire process is: It’s like I’m in a movie.”

Dallas-area Rep. Cassandra Garcia Hernandez joined the protest inside the House chamber and called it a “slumber party for democracy,” and she said Democrats were holding strategy sessions on the floor.

“We are not criminals,” Houston Rep. Penny Morales Shaw said before also joining Collier.

Collier said having officers shadow her was an attack on her dignity and an attempt to control her movements.

Republican leader says Collier ‘is well within her rights’

Burrows brushed off Collier’s protest, saying he was focused on important issues, such as providing property tax relief and responding to last month’s deadly floods. His statement Tuesday morning did not mention redistricting, and his office did not immediately respond to other Democrats joining Collier.

“Rep. Collier’s choice to stay and not sign the permission slip is well within her rights under the House Rules,” Burrows said.

Under those rules, until Wednesday’s vote, the chamber’s doors were locked, and no member could leave “without the written permission of the speaker.”

Republicans issued civil arrest warrants to bring the Democrats back after they left the state Aug. 3, and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott asked the state Supreme Court to oust Rep. Gene Wu of Houston — the House minority leader — and several other Democrats from office. The lawmakers also face a fine of $500 for every day they were absent.

Democrats outside the Capitol reported different levels of monitoring and some said the officers watching them were friendly. But Austin Rep. Sheryl Cole said in a social media post that when she went on her morning walk Tuesday, the officer following her lost her on the trail, got angry and threatened to arrest her.

Garcia said the officer who tailed her home also came in the grocery store when she went shopping with her 9-year-old son.

“I would imagine that this is the way it feels when you’re potentially shoplifting and someone is assessing whether you’re going to steal,” she said.

Vertuno and Riccardi write for the Associated Press. Riccardi reported from Denver. John Hanna in Topeka, Kan., and Sara Cline in Baton Rouge, La., contributed to this report.

More than 35 years after murdering their parents in a volley of shotgun blasts, brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez are the closest to freedom since they were arrested and sentenced to life in prison.

The siblings — who infamously gunned down their mother and father in 1989 at the family’s Beverly Hills home — will go before a California parole board this week.

In recent years, the brothers have become a cause celebre amid mounting evidence that the slayings followed years of sexual abuse by their father.

A Los Angeles County judge agreed to resentence them earlier this year over the objections of L.A.’s top prosecutor.

Now, if the parole board finds they have been rehabilitated, the brothers could soon be sent home to reunite with the family members who have spent years fighting for their release.

But just because the brothers were resentenced doesn’t mean the parole process will be smooth sailing.

When are the hearings? Can I watch?

The brothers will each have individual hearings. Erik, 54, will go before the board at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. The hearing for Lyle, 57, will take place at approximately the same time on Friday. Each hearing is expected to last between two and three hours, and the board will likely make a decision immediately, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Parole board hearings take place over video conference. The brothers will appear from a room in the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office and the brothers’ parole attorney, Heidi Rummel, will also appear remotely.

While parole hearings are a matter of public record, CDCR does not live stream the events. A Times reporter will watch the hearing live in Sacramento and publish the results immediately after.

How does a parole board hearing work? Who gets to speak?

The bulk of a parole board hearing involves the commissioners questioning the person who is seeking release from prison. But other parties play a role as well.

Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman, or a prosecutor from his office, will be able to argue against release.

The district attorney’s office filed a 75-page “statement of view” with the parole board which details what prosecutors describe as the brothers’ “shifting stories” about the night of the murders. Such details include their attempts to arrange for an alibi and the fact that they “convincingly and repeatedly” lied to investigators and relatives that the killings must have been a mafia hit.

Hochman and his prosecutors have also attacked the idea that the brothers killed in self-defense. Despite the abuse allegations against their father, prosecutors say there is no evidence that Jose or Kitty planned to kill the brothers on the night of the murders.

Normally, the family of the victim in a case would also be able to speak against release if they so chose. However, the vast majority of Kitty and Jose Menendez’s living relatives want the brothers set free and formed a coalition to advocate for Erik and Lyle years ago. Several of them intend to speak and others have submitted letters in support of the brothers, according to Laziza Lambert, a family spokeswoman.

Milton Anderson, Kitty Menendez’s brother, was opposed to Erik and Lyle’s release but he died earlier this year. His attorney, R.J. Dreiling, said he does not have standing to take part in the hearings and it was unclear what, if any, record will be made of Anderson’s objections.

Why are the brothers eligible for parole? What factors will the parole board consider?

The brothers won their resentencing hearing in May. Former Dist. Atty. George Gascón sought to have the brothers resentenced to 50-years-to-life in prison last year, and L.A. County Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic agreed because Hochman’s prosecutors could not prove that Erik and Lyle posed an unreasonable risk to the public.

Since the brothers were under the age of 26 at the time of the murders, the reduced sentence made them eligible for parole under California’s youthful offender law.

The parole board must consider a wide array of factors, according to CDCR, including an applicant’s criminal history, level of self-control at the time of crime, their behavior while in prison and personal growth over that time, their post-release plans and the facts of the crime itself.

“The parole board must give great weight to the youth of the brothers at the time of the crime, and ultimately decide if they pose an unreasonable risk to public safety,” said Dmitry Gorin, a former Los Angeles County prosecutor.

While Gorin said there is a “strong case” for the brothers to receive parole, he also noted it is rare for the board to grant freedom to convicted killers, especially in a case with the level of brutality seen in the Menendez slayings. The fact that the brothers admitted to wrongdoing in the killings in open court earlier this year might aid them, according to Gorin.

The brothers could face blistering opposition from Hochman and his prosecutors, who sought to revisit the bloody crime scene time and time again during Erik and Lyle’s resentencing hearing.

“We have consistently opposed their release because they have not demonstrated full insight into their crimes or shown that they have been fully rehabilitated, and therefore continue to pose a risk to society,” the district attorney’s office said in a statement. “We will evaluate our final position based on the evidence presented at the hearing.”

The parole board can also consider any violations of CDCR rules in the brothers’ files, and some recent alleged slip-ups by Erik and Lyle have raised the eyebrows of legal experts.

“They have serious rule violations, including fights, including not coming in from the yards when they were told to. That doesn’t sound that bad, but it can be, depends on what they were doing in the yard,” said Nancy Tetrault, who successfully represented Leslie Van Houten, a devout follower of Charles Manson, before the parole board in 2023.

Tetrault also noted that the brothers have been caught with cell phones behind bars, a violation of prison rules that could be problematic for the parole board.

“It’s a very serious rule violation,” she said. “Why? Because that is the connection to criminality outside of prison.”

Both Gorin and Terault said it is unlikely that the board would render different decisions each day. Given they are accused of the same crime, the results of Erik’s hearing on Thursday will likely forecast what happens to Lyle 24 hours later.

What happens after the decision?

If the parole board grants release for one or both brothers, Gov. Gavin Newsom will have the right to review or reject the decision within 120 days. While Newsom hasn’t publicly commented on the case — and has separately considered granting the brothers’ clemency — his track record on high-profile parole cases doesn’t bode well for the brothers.

When the parole board granted release for Sirhan Sirhan — the man convicted of assassinating Robert F. Kennedy in downtown Los Angeles — Newsom overruled them. The governor also overruled the parole board multiple times when they sought to release Van Houten, though his decision was eventually thrown out by a California appeals court.

Newsom declined through a spokeswoman to comment before the hearing on whether he believed the brothers should be released.

If the board denies the brothers, a new hearing can be set anytime within the next three to 15 years. Applicants can petition for a new hearing earlier than that if they argue the circumstances of their case have changed.

“For example, if they completed, you know, an intense class on inside or something like that, and they think that they deserve to be heard within a year,” Tetrault said.

Newsom could also refer the decision to the entire state parole board for a second opinion, as he did in the case of convicted killer Stephanie Lazarus, a former LAPD detective.

The brothers would still have other paths to freedom even without parole. Newsom could still grant them clemency, and a motion for a new trial is still working its way through the legal system.

Ruaridh Connellan/Expectation/BBC

What is the documentary about?

Ross Halfin

What will we see during the film?

What do the BBC and film-makers say?

PA Media

Where can I watch it and what time is it on?

US President Donald Trump is meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, but the White House is signalling that major agreements are unlikely. Trump gives the talks a 25 percent chance of failure, while European Union leaders and the Ukranian leader worry he could concede too much.