If it’s autumn, it must be bloody mary season | Hannah Crosbie on drinks

Tesco has announced that it expects a price war leading up to Christmas due to ongoing pressure on household budgets. Despite this, the retailer has managed to increase its full-year profit expectations by £100 million, largely by attracting customers with summer price cuts. This situation is significant as it highlights the competitive landscape in retail and the impact of economic pressures on consumer spending, which could influence shopping habits during the holiday season.

Marks & Spencer has announced that for the first time in five years, employees will be required to work on Boxing Day as part of a cost-cutting strategy. This decision has been met with backlash from staff, who feel it undermines the holiday spirit and is a significant change to their working conditions. The move affects all workers, who must cover at least one of the days following Christmas, leading to disappointment and frustration among employees. This shift not only impacts the morale of the workforce but also raises questions about the retailer's commitment to employee welfare during the festive season.

Costco is adjusting its Christmas offerings in response to shifting consumer spending habits. The retailer has decided to reduce its Christmas display while expanding the presentation of other products. This change reflects the current economic climate where consumers are being more selective about their purchases, making it crucial for retailers like Costco to adapt to these trends.

Paloma Shemirani's tragic death highlights the dangers of rejecting conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, she chose to forgo chemotherapy, influenced by her mother's anti-chemo beliefs. This situation raises critical questions about the impact of personal beliefs on health decisions and the importance of seeking professional medical advice.

In a significant development, the Gaza aid flotilla faced interception by Israeli forces, yet one vessel, the Mikeno, reportedly managed to breach the maritime blockade and reached Palestinian territorial waters. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the international efforts to deliver aid to Gaza, raising questions about humanitarian access and the implications for Israeli-Palestinian relations.

Former President Trump is set to meet with Russ Vought, a key figure behind Project 2025, to discuss potential cuts to federal agencies as the government enters its second day of shutdown. This meeting highlights the ongoing political maneuvering surrounding the shutdown and the implications it has for federal operations and services. Understanding these discussions is crucial as they could shape future government policies and funding, particularly in light of the current economic climate.

Israel's interception of a Gaza flotilla, which included prominent activist Greta Thunberg, has sparked international criticism from countries like South Africa and Turkey. While Israel assures that those on board are safe, the incident raises significant concerns about freedom of movement and the ongoing tensions in the region. This situation highlights the complexities of international relations and the impact of activism on global issues.

A tragic attack occurred at a synagogue in Manchester during Yom Kippur, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The police responded swiftly, shooting the suspect who was involved in the violent incident that included both stabbings and a car being driven into the crowd. This event has shocked the community and prompted strong reactions, including condemnation from the Prime Minister, highlighting the ongoing concerns about safety and violence against places of worship.

Brussels is taking a bold step by proposing a €140 billion reparations loan, which would be funded by profits from frozen Russian assets. This initiative aims to bolster the EU's weapons industry while providing much-needed support for Ukraine. By leveraging these frozen funds, the EU is not only addressing the ongoing conflict but also strengthening its defense capabilities. This move highlights the bloc's commitment to security and solidarity in the face of geopolitical challenges.