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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Gratifying as it was for Sean McDermott to catch up with his family and get some rest during Buffalo’s bye week, the Bills coach on Wednesday found comfort returning to his weekly routine and familiar wardrobe — a gray T-shirt and sweatpants. “When I’m not wearing those, I go to my closet and I don’t know what to wear. I’m kind of like not myself,” he said before pulling up his hoodie for emphasis to reveal the gray shirt he had on underneath. “So I was telling some of the guys this morning, ‘It’s good to be back.’” Though there remain challenges ahead, these are upbeat times in Buffalo . The Bills (9-2) are off to their best start since 1992. They remain in contention for the AFC’s top seed by entering their break following a 30-21 win over Kansas City (10-1). And Buffalo is in position to clinch its fifth straight AFC East title as early as Sunday. To do so, the Bills would need Miami to lose to Green Bay on Thursday night, and Buffalo to win its game over San Francisco (5-6) on Sunday night. Buffalo has won six straight since back-to-back losses at Baltimore and Houston, and scored 30 or more points in each of its past five outings. Refreshed as McDermott sounded and appeared, it didn’t take long for him to revert to his game-at-a-time script when assessing what’s on the line this weekend. “We’re mostly focused on our level of play this week against a good football team,” he said. McDermott shed little light on the status of Buffalo’s lengthy list of injured players. There’s no timetable yet on Matt Milano being activated off injured reserve, even though the starting linebacker practiced fully for the first time since tearing his left biceps during a training camp practice in mid-August. Milano has actually missed nearly 14 months since sustaining a season-ending injury to his right leg in Week 5 last season. Milano revealed little during a brief interview following practice. “I feel all right. Getting back into it with the team,” said Milano, who no longer wore a red non-contact jersey in practice. Meantime, rookie receiver Keon Coleman, who has missed two games with a right wrist injury, and starting right tackle Spencer Brown, who missed one game with an ankle injury, were limited in practice. Tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) was Buffalo's only player not practicing. The Bills also opened the three-week window for backup rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist) and backup offensive lineman Tylan Grable (groin) to return. McDermott has another positive going for him revolving around the bye week. The Bills are 8-0 coming out of their break since McDermott took over as coach in 2017. “I don’t really have the, hey, this is exactly what we do formula,” McDermott said on whether he’s changed his bye week approach. “It’s more of us really just getting back to what we do, getting back to basics.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflSecurities and Exchange Commission Chair Gary Gensler, who was aggressive in his oversight of cryptocurrencies and other financial markets, will step down from his post on Jan. 20. Gensler pushed changes that he said protected investors, but the industry and many Republicans bristled at what they saw as overreach. President-elect Donald Trump had promised during his campaign that he would remove Gensler. But Gensler on Thursday announced that he would be stepping down from his post on the day that Trump is inaugurated. Bitcoin has jumped 40% since Trump’s victory. It hit new highs Thursday and was nearing $100,000. Bitcoin moved notably higher still after Gensler's resignation was announced. Gensler's stance on the rise of cryptocurrencies was captured during a speech he gave during the first year of his chairmanship in 2021 where he described the market as “the Wild West.” “This asset class is rife with fraud, scams, and abuse in certain applications,” he said in a speech at the Aspen Security Forum. “There’s a great deal of hype and spin about how crypto assets work. In many cases, investors aren’t able to get rigorous, balanced, and complete information.” Under Gensler, the SEC brought actions against players in the crypto industry for fraud , wash trading and other violations, including as recently as last month when the commission brought fraud charges against three companies purporting to be market makers, along with nine individuals for trying to manipulate various crypto markets. Yet access to cryptocurrencies became more widespread under Gensler. In January, the SEC approved exchange-traded funds that track the spot price of bitcoin. With such ETFs, investors could get easier access to bitcoin without the huge overlays required to buy it directly. Gensler, however, acknowledged the SEC had denied earlier, similar applications for such ETFs, including Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, among the first to eventually be approved by the SEC. “Circumstances, however, have changed,” Gensler said, pointing to a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia that said the SEC failed to adequately explain its reasoning in rejecting Grayscale’s proposal. Story continues below video Even there, Gensler made sure not to endorse the merits of bitcoin. He pointed to how ETFs that hold precious metals are tracking prices of things that have “consumer and industrial users, while in contrast bitcoin is primarily a speculative, volatile asset that’s also used for illicit activity including ransomware, money laundering, sanction evasion, and terrorist financing.” Gensler was tested early in his tenure with the rise of the meme stock phenomenon that shocked the financial system in early 2021. Earlier this year, the SEC under Gensler pushed Wall Street to speed up how long it takes for trades of stocks to settle, one of the areas where the commission’s staff recommended changes following the reckoning created by GameStop , one of the first meme stocks. In the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, hordes of smaller-pocketed and novice investors suddenly piled into the stock of the struggling video-game retailer. During the height of the frenzy, several brokerages barred customers from buying GameStop after the clearinghouse that settles their trades demanded more cash to cover the increased risk created by its highly volatile price. In May 2024, new rules meant broker-dealers have to fully settle their trades within one business day of the trade date, down from the previous two. Critics of the SEC under Gensler have called many of the agency's proposals overly burdensome. The investment industry, for example, is pushing against a proposal to force some advisers and companies disclose more about their environmental, social and governance practices, otherwise known as ESG. Critics say the proposal is overly complex and increases the risk of investor confusion, while imposing unnecessary burdens and costs on funds. On Thursday, Gensler stood by the SEC's track record under his direction. “The staff and the Commission are deeply mission-driven, focused on protecting investors, facilitating capital formation, and ensuring that the markets work for investors and issuers alike," Gensler said in prepared remarks. “The staff comprises true public servants." Gensler previously served as Chair of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, leading the Obama Administration’s reform of the $400 trillion swaps market. He also was senior advisor to U.S. Senator Paul Sarbanes in writing the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (2002) and was undersecretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance and assistant secretary of the Treasury from 1997-2001.Wednesday, December 18, 2024 VINCI Airports is set to transform the 2024-2025 winter season at Grenoble Alpes Isère and Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc airports into an unforgettable travel experience. With enhanced services, a wider selection of destinations, and exciting new routes, these two Alpine gateways are ready to welcome winter visitors with open arms. Grenoble Alpes Isère Airport kicked off the season with the arrival of its first commercial flight on Tuesday, December 3. The easyJet service from London Gatwick marked the official start of the winter season, which promises to be packed with travel opportunities. This winter, the airport will offer a total of 20 destinations, including bustling hubs like London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Dublin, Warsaw, and Vilnius. With flights operated by seven scheduled airlines, alongside charter flights from operators across the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Bulgaria, and the Channel Islands, the variety of options is bound to suit a wide range of travelers. A key highlight this season is the introduction of a weekly flight to Jersey, operated by Blue Islands. Starting on December 21, 2024, and running through to February 15, 2025, this new route offers a direct link to the Channel Islands every Saturday, perfect for those seeking a quick getaway. Furthermore, the airport’s popular routes from easyJet to Manchester and multiple London airports, British Airways to London Gatwick and Heathrow, Ryanair to Birmingham, and WizzAir to Vilnius and Warsaw are set to continue, offering plenty of flexibility for winter vacationers. Meanwhile, Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport, which launched its winter operations on Saturday, December 14, 2024, is also poised for a bustling season. With 12 destinations on offer, the airport provides additional options for travelers eager to explore the Alps or head to one of Europe’s premier winter destinations. Through expanded offerings and upgraded services, VINCI Airports ensures that both Grenoble Alpes Isère and Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc airports are ready to serve as key travel hubs for winter adventurers, bringing visitors closer to the mountains, ski resorts, and picturesque Alpine landscapes that define this stunning region. Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc Airport officially began its winter operations on Saturday, December 14, 2024. This season, the airport offers flights to 12 destinations, including key cities like Edinburgh and London Gatwick. A highlight for this winter is the addition of Cardiff, Wales, which will be served by TUI Fly every Saturday, offering even more options for travelers heading to and from the region.
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It seems as if consumers can buy just about anything from Amazon . Now, you can add cars to that list. Can Amazon Autos become a go-to destination for car buyers, providing Amazon with a competitive edge in an area where Walmart has yet to establish a strong presence? While Walmart does sell and even buy cars through its Carsaver partnership, the company still relies on third parties to handle the bulk of the transaction process. This leaves an opportunity for Amazon to take a more direct approach, leveraging its vast ecosystem and tech-driven conveniences to elevate the car-buying experience. In an interview with PYMNTS, Michael Zakkour , Founder and Chief Strategist at 5 New Digital , explained that Amazon is trying to live up to its reputation as “The Everything Store” by creating Amazon Autos. “Amazon is banking on consumers’ familiarity and trust in the Amazon platform and seeing all of its features, like reviews and star ratings, applied to the car-buying process,” Zakkour noted. “It was strategically wise for Amazon to start with an exclusive partnership with Hyundai . This partnership gives Amazon a chance to learn about the auto industry, collect reams of data and better formulate how to disrupt the category and make online buying a significant purchase channel for cars.” Unlike Walmart’s Carsaver platform, which primarily serves as a middleman for car sales and does not provide the same end-to-end experience, Amazon’s direct entry into the market gives it an opportunity to redefine the online car-buying journey. Walmart’s approach involves facilitating sales through a third party, but Amazon’s ecosystem will integrate car-buying into its core platform, offering everything from purchasing and financing to delivery with the added benefits of Prime perks and Alexa integration. While the number of “100% pure, sight-unseen online car purchases is growing, they still pale in comparison to dealership sales,” he added. “ CarMax , Carvana and Vroom have made solid progress in the used car and B2B car sales spaces, while still not finding a mass audience for new car sales. I expect Amazon to deploy their usual playbook when entering a new category. That said, Amazon still has a lot of challenge to overcome, much as they found out with their purchase of Whole Foods and the rollout of Amazon Fresh stores in grocery.” Amazon’s entry into the used car market leverages its financial strength, advanced technology, and ecosystem synergies to gain a competitive edge over weaker rivals like Carvana and Vroom, Zakkour noted. By undercutting prices, simplifying the purchasing and delivery process and bundling cars with Prime perks and Alexa integrations, Amazon can offer unmatched convenience and value. Additionally, its strong brand reputation for customer service and reliability positions it to attract hesitant online car buyers and dominate the market. But, Zakkour added, “many buyers still prefer test drives and in-person experiences before purchasing a car. Amazon must address this with test-drive partnerships or similar solutions.” “Trusting an entirely online process for such a high-ticket purchase may take time. Cars are unlike books or electronics. They require specialized logistics for delivery, inspection, and registration. Managing returns or exchanges adds to this complexity.” With the brand power Amazon commands, it can challenge traditional auto sales and provide a more streamlined experience than what Walmart’s Carsaver platform offers. Combining consumer trust with technological innovation could give Amazon an edge in attracting a broader audience to its car-buying service, Zakkour added, setting it apart from Walmart’s current indirect approach. But Amazon will face competition on two fronts, Zakkour explained, adding, “Carvana and Vroom, though weaker financially, have existing infrastructure for online car sales. Automakers and dealerships invest heavily in improving their online capabilities. Amazon has disrupted and remade entire consumer product and service categories before, and I give them a fighter’s chance to do it again in online auto sales.” Meanwhile, consumer confidence could be a big advantage for Amazon, according to Arias Websterberry , CEO of WebsterBerry Marketing . “Amazon already has millions of users who associate the brand with convenience and reliability,” he explained to PYMNTS. “With the Amazon app, it’s incredibly easy to find competitive pricing, which gives them a strong edge in building consumer confidence as they expand into this new industry and offering.” Amazon’s logistics and delivery expertise, Websterberry added, is one of its biggest strengths. “They’ve completely revolutionized the global logistics system and are unmatched in getting products directly to consumers,” he said. “I’m really curious to see how they’ll streamline the delivery process for something as large and complex as a car. It will be fascinating to see how Amazon integrates this offering with their other services, like Prime and Alexa. Imagine scheduling a test drive through the Amazon app or even asking Alexa to remind you about car maintenance — it’s those kinds of integrations that could set them apart.” Amazon’s scale and “deep pockets give it clear advantages as it moves into online auto sales,” according to Nelson Pereira , Managing Partner, Transportation & Mobility at digital consultancy Publicis Sapient . “But cars aren’t like gadgets. A lot of buyers still want to kick the tires — literally — take a test drive, and yes, even negotiate in person. Add in trade-ins, after-sales service and warranty support, and it’s clear Amazon will have some gaps to fill.” This move will push the industry forward by better connecting with digital-first consumers, Pereira added, “but it won’t replace what exists today. For OEMs, the real opportunity is finding the right balance — offering the seamlessness, digital-first experience consumers expect while preserving the trust and touchpoints that make the car-buying journey unique. That’s where the future is headed.” Here’s a look at other notable developments from Amazon and Walmart in the past week: Amazon Highlights Amazon Revamps Packaging for Sustainability : Amazon is enhancing its packaging for devices like Echo , Kindle , and Fire TV to improve sustainability and recyclability. The company redesigned its packaging to include 30% more recycled fiber, reduced ink usage by 60%, and removed plastic bags in favor of water-based coatings and paper wraps. The changes are part of Amazon’s plan to reduce its environmental impact, including lowering packaging weight and eliminating plastic air pillows in deliveries. Amazon seeks to make its packaging easier to recycle, improve product accessibility with tactile QR codes, and meet its climate goals by decarbonizing its transportation network. Amazon Expands Delivery Network to Remote Areas of Mexico: Amazon’s logistics network in Mexico enables reliable delivery even to remote areas like Baja California Sur , a region with limited road access and dispersed communities. The process begins with products being shipped from fulfillment centers to a port , where they are ferried across the Gulf of California before being delivered by third-party carriers using various transport methods. This efficient system has allowed Amazon to expand its reach from 16 cities in 2015 to over 400 cities today, enhancing economic and social integration in underserved regions. Amazon Expands Delivery Network to Remote Areas of Mexico Walmart Highlights Walmart’s Fintech One to Raise $300 Million, Expand Services: Walmart’s FinTech arm, One , is set to raise $300 million through Ribbit Capital in 2025, with plans to relaunch its credit card offering after parting ways with Capital One . This funding will support the company’s expanding financial services portfolio, which now includes checking accounts, buy now, pay later (BNPL), and upcoming pay-by-bank features. With a customer base of 255 million, including many underbanked individuals, Walmart is leveraging its vast consumer data to offer integrated banking and payment solutions, creating opportunities for cross-selling and strengthening customer loyalty. Walmart Tests Body Cameras for Employees: Walmart launched a pilot program in some U.S. stores, equipping employees with body cameras to enhance worker safety and deter conflict. The cameras, which have been used widely in law enforcement, are being tested to help address escalating interactions with customers, particularly during the busy holiday season. While similar technologies have been used by smaller retailers for theft prevention, Walmart’s focus is on protecting employees rather than loss prevention. Signs notifying shoppers of the cameras’ presence have been spotted in some locations and company officials plan to evaluate the program before making any long-term decisions.
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