Converse apologizes and pulls ad that critics said evoked racist imagery 21. September 2026 (14:03) Sneaker company removes social media ad after backlash from critics who said it resembled KKK imageryThe sneaker company Converse has removed a social media ad that sparked outrage among critics who viewed it as evoking the Ku Klux Klan and lynching.The Instagram ad photo showed K-pop singer Karina wearing a skirt and holding a pair of Chuck 70 X sneakers. Critics lashed out online, saying that a white triangular image created by lighting on the skirt resembled a KKK hood – and that the way she held the sneakers made them look like the dangling feet of a lynching victim. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Fears over interest rate rise and jobs send UK consumer confidence to three-year low 21. September 2026 (14:00) Blow to John Healey before budget as UK households face ‘notable strain’ on their financesBusiness live – latest updatesFears of a steep rise in mortgage payments and increasing job insecurity have sent UK consumer confidence tumbling to a three-month low, according to a leading survey.In a blow to John Healey before next month’s budget, the S&P Global consumer sentiment index dropped to 42.7 in September from 42.9 in August, indicating “a notable strain on financial confidence across UK households”. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
