Mattel has created a new Barbie doll inspired by singer and actress Miley Cyrus. The doll features Cyrus’s look from her “Golden Burning Sun” music video and includes accessories like sunglasses, a microphone, and a motorbike.
Key Facts
The Barbie doll is part of Mattel’s collectible Barbie Signature series.
It is based on Miley Cyrus’s outfit in the “Golden Burning Sun” music video from “Something Beautiful: The Film.”
The doll comes with accessories including sunglasses and a microphone.
The doll also features a motorbike as part of its design.
Mattel’s Nathan Baynard said the doll honors Miley Cyrus as a trailblazing woman who inspires others.
Miley Cyrus was involved in designing the doll and focused on detailed and authentic representation.
Fans have reacted positively on social media, expressing excitement about the doll’s release.
The doll is now available at major retailers.
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The Australian government is proposing new rules to better control accounting, auditing, and consulting firms after a scandal at KPMG, where partners shared secret client information and mistreated a whistleblower. The plans include stricter ethical duties and possible changes in how these firms operate to restore public trust.
Key Facts
KPMG partners leaked private information from clients like Lendlease and Optus.
This information was used by colleagues bidding for audit contracts at companies such as Westpac, Dexus, and Telstra.
The government released an options paper with ideas to improve regulation of large consulting firms.
Possible actions include enforcing quality management, ethical obligations, and separating different business areas within firms.
They may also limit the number of partners, impose new governance rules, and require regular checks or rotating audit contracts.
The assistant treasurer, Daniel Mulino, emphasized the need to restore trust and ensure firms act fairly and honestly.
Separately, independent MP Nicolette Boele supports creating a national childhood education commission to better manage supply and safety in childcare services.
Boele called for a clear timeline on government decisions about childcare subsidies following a pricing review by Deloitte.
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Opening a $30,000 certificate of deposit (CD) account in July can earn a fixed interest rate, often above 4%, depending on the account term. CDs offer predictable returns, protect the initial money invested, and are insured up to $250,000, but withdrawing money early may cause penalties.
Key Facts
CD interest rates are fixed and typically over 4% in July 2024, varying by term length.
Interest earnings range from about $292 for 3 months to over $15,700 for 10 years on a $30,000 deposit.
CDs protect the principal amount and are insured up to $250,000 by the government.
Early withdrawal from a CD leads to penalties that can reduce or eliminate earned interest.
Traditional savings accounts currently offer very low interest rates (around 0.38%), making them less profitable.
High-yield savings and money market accounts offer competitive rates without locking in money like CDs.
Savers should choose the account that best fits their timeline and financial goals.
Avoid keeping large amounts in traditional savings accounts due to low returns.
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Andy Burnham will need to find an extra £4.7 billion to fund Keir Starmer’s new £298 billion defence investment plan. The plan aims to improve the UK’s military over the next four years but leaves a funding gap and requires budget cuts in other government areas.
Key Facts
The new defence investment plan (DIP) costs £298 billion over four years.
There is a £4.7 billion funding gap that needs to be covered.
Defence spending will slightly increase, reaching nearly £80 billion by 2030.
The plan includes buying 12 F-35A fighter jets and investing £47 billion in new nuclear submarines.
£5 billion will be spent more on drones, including air, land, sea, and underwater types.
Some military equipment, like 34 Wildcat helicopters, will be retired early.
Funding will partly come from efficiency savings and budget cuts, including a 10% cut in Ministry of Defence civil servants.
Cuts to other government projects, like roads and energy, will help cover the costs but have caused some opposition in government.
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The UK government may try to stop the $110 billion deal where Paramount Skydance plans to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. This potential challenge is part of the government's review of big company mergers.
Key Facts
Paramount Skydance wants to buy Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion.
The UK government is likely to challenge this takeover.
The government reviews large mergers to protect competition and consumers.
The deal involves two major media and entertainment companies.
No final decision has been announced yet by the UK authorities.
The takeover is one of the largest in the media industry.
Other news in the article includes updates on French inflation, Spain’s immigration, and global economic topics.
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Many Americans face rising debt due to higher prices and borrowing costs. Debt relief companies can help reduce what people owe, but it's important to choose a trustworthy company that follows legal rules and clearly explains options and fees.
Key Facts
Inflation and rising prices have made managing debt harder for many households.
About 44% of borrowers say they might hire a company to help settle their debts.
A safe debt relief company will not ask for fees before settling debts, following federal law.
Typical fees for debt relief services range from 15% to 25% of the debt enrolled and are charged only after a settlement.
Good companies explain all debt relief options, including alternatives like consolidation loans or credit counseling.
A trustworthy company will tell you if your debt is manageable without their program.
Customers should check reviews and the company’s history before enrolling to ensure it is reputable.
Many people feel anxious about money, highlighting the need for reliable financial help.
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Japan's Nippon Steel bought U.S. Steel just over a year ago and promised to invest $11 billion by 2028. So far, Nippon has invested less than $200 million but plans more spending. The deal faced initial opposition by the U.S. government over national security, but Nippon included special rights for the U.S. to influence decisions.
Key Facts
Nippon Steel acquired U.S. Steel and pledged an $11 billion investment by the end of 2028.
By March, Nippon had invested under $200 million and expects to reach $580 million by August.
Most of the remaining $7.8 billion investment details have not been shared yet.
The Biden administration initially blocked the deal due to national security concerns, but the deal was approved after adding a “golden share” for U.S. government control.
Nippon has kept U.S. Steel’s union workers and expects the company to make over $600 million in profits by 2026.
Steel tariffs from President Trump have helped U.S. Steel and similar companies.
Nippon Steel’s financial pressure has increased, with ratings agencies lowering their outlook due to higher debt from the purchase.
Some union members stay skeptical about Nippon’s promises until they see actual investment results.
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A survey found that money issues cause stress and harm friendships, especially among Gen Z in the U.S. Many young adults report lending money to friends and not getting fully repaid, which leads to tension and sometimes ends relationships.
Key Facts
55% of Gen Z have lent money to friends and not been fully repaid, causing relationship problems.
69% of Gen Z say money repayment problems affected a relationship, higher than other age groups.
Younger adults often rely on one person paying upfront for group expenses, expecting to be repaid later.
47% of Gen Z have gone into debt to cover shared costs, while 85% sometimes borrow money for these expenses.
Nearly half of Gen Z who owe money say they owe more than $1,000.
Gen Z tends to spend more on group events or trips, with about 40% spending over $2,500 per person.
Technology makes sending money instant and easy, but this can lead to less careful thinking about loans among Gen Z.
Financial stress in friendships can lead to avoidance and emotional strain when money is not repaid on time.
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A $100,000 deposit in a high-yield savings account can earn about 4.1% interest annually, offering a safer and steady return compared to stock market investing. Over 18 months, this could yield roughly $6,200 in interest, though rates can change depending on economic conditions.
Key Facts
High-yield savings accounts currently offer interest rates around 4.1%.
A $100,000 deposit could earn about $1,000 in 3 months and $6,200 in 18 months at this rate.
Interest rates on these accounts can go up or down based on market and inflation changes.
Unlike stock market investments, the principal amount in savings accounts is protected and not subject to loss.
Stock market returns average around 10% historically but can be unpredictable and risky.
High-yield savings accounts usually have fewer restrictions on accessing funds.
Online banks often offer better interest rates on savings accounts than traditional banks with physical branches.
Savers should compare options online to find the best high-yield savings rates available.
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When a person dies, their unpaid debts do not disappear. Debt collectors can file claims against the deceased person's estate and ask the estate's representative or certain related individuals about the debt, but they cannot demand payment from most family members unless they are legally responsible.
Key Facts
Debts usually become the responsibility of the deceased person’s estate, not surviving relatives.
Creditors have a limited time during probate (the legal process of handling the estate) to file claims for repayment.
Estates pay debts after covering high-priority expenses like funeral costs and taxes, and debts are paid in a specific order defined by state laws.
Debt collectors can contact the estate’s executor, administrator, or other authorized people about the debt.
Federal law restricts debt collectors from harassing family members or wrongly saying who owes the debt.
People responsible for debt repayment may include co-signers, joint account holders, surviving spouses (depending on state law), or others with a legal obligation.
Family members who are not legally responsible, such as adult children or siblings, usually do not have to pay the deceased’s debts from their own money.
Creditors can keep trying to collect debts from the estate if there are enough assets available.
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The U.S. Department of Justice and several states have reached a settlement with three major egg producers accused of working together to raise egg prices unfairly. The companies will provide 53 million eggs to food banks and pay $3.3 million to the states as part of the agreement, which aims to keep egg prices fair for consumers.
Key Facts
The Justice Department and more than a dozen states investigated Cal-Maine Food, Versova/Centrum, and Hickman's Egg Ranch for alleged price-fixing.
The companies were accused of coordinating to artificially inflate daily egg price quotes from June 2022 to March 2025.
Daily price quotes from Urner Barry influence what retailers pay for eggs across the U.S.
The companies will provide 53 million eggs to food banks and pay $3.3 million to the states involved.
Cal-Maine denied any wrongdoing and called the allegations baseless.
Versova said the investigation ended without any finding of wrongdoing.
The settlement must be approved by a court before taking effect.
Egg prices have been volatile due to factors like bird flu outbreaks and the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The FDA has approved Zyn nicotine pouches to be advertised as less harmful than cigarettes. This decision covers 10 flavors of Zyn products that have been sold in the U.S. since January 2025.
Key Facts
The FDA permits Zyn nicotine pouches to be marketed as less harmful than traditional cigarettes.
The approval applies to 10 different flavors of Zyn nicotine pouches.
Zyn products have been legally sold in the United States since January 2025.
Nicotine pouches are smokeless tobacco alternatives that deliver nicotine without burning tobacco.
This is the first time the FDA has authorized such a health claim for nicotine pouches.
The decision allows companies to provide consumers with information about reduced health risks compared to smoking.
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Credit card debt forgiveness programs can help eligible borrowers reduce the amount they owe over several years. Starting such a program this July may be a good idea due to high interest rates and the chance to better manage other financial needs.
Key Facts
Debt forgiveness means settling credit card debt for less than the full amount owed.
You might qualify if you owe more than $7,500 and have financial hardship.
These programs usually take 2 to 4 years to complete.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to lower interest rates soon, so credit card rates may stay high.
Joining a forgiveness program means you stop paying credit card companies directly and save money for a lump-sum offer.
This approach can help you focus on other financial needs like living expenses.
High inflation and expected steady borrowing costs make debt forgiveness more appealing now.
Starting the program in July could lead to quicker financial relief over time.
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Two very different movies, Citizen Vigilante and Supergirl, have attracted attention in recent weeks. Citizen Vigilante gained popularity online using social media and digital releases, while Supergirl had a traditional, expensive worldwide theater release.
Key Facts
Citizen Vigilante is a low-budget vigilante thriller directed by Uwe Boll.
Supergirl is a $170 million DC superhero blockbuster.
Citizen Vigilante became popular online through social media and video-on-demand platforms.
Elon Musk helped boost Citizen Vigilante by offering it free for 48 hours on X (formerly Twitter).
Supergirl was released worldwide in theaters by Warner Bros. and DC Studios before digital release.
Film expert Scott Mendelson says online buzz does not always mean a movie is financially successful.
The key way to measure a movie’s success is by money earned, mainly from box office sales and revenue.
Hollywood is moving back to theater releases because streaming alone has not replaced traditional business models.
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A man named Anthony won $3.3 million playing a slot machine at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport. The win happened on a $10 bet on the Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Red Hot 7s Slots machine.
Key Facts
The jackpot was won on Sunday in the C Gates area of the airport.
Anthony was identified as the winner by the slot machine company International Game Technology (IGT).
Gambling winnings over $5,000 have an automatic 24% federal tax withheld.
Nevada does not tax lottery winnings or personal income.
This is not the first big win at this airport; a $1.8 million jackpot was won in May 2025 and a $348,507.71 jackpot was won in September.
The slot machine game played was Wheel of Fortune Gold Spin Triple Red Hot 7s Slots.
The bet size for the jackpot was $10.
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The UK’s defence investment plan aims to increase spending by £15 billion over four years but relies heavily on cooperation with the United States. Critics argue the plan focuses more on building equipment connected to US military strategies rather than strengthening UK homeland defence or independent capabilities.
Key Facts
The defence plan proposes nearly £300 billion in spending over four years.
This amount is £15 billion higher than the previous year’s budget.
Less than £10 billion is allocated for UK homeland defence, including cyber and missile protection.
About £100 billion is planned for nuclear submarines, aircraft, and other major military equipment linked to US alliances.
Former defence secretary John Healey resigned due to funding concerns about the plan.
Some experts suggest funding defence through borrowing, like Germany, instead of cutting other public budgets.
Andy Burnham, likely to become prime minister soon, supports the plan but wants more focus on building UK’s own defence industry.
The article highlights worries about relying too much on US military power under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
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A new study by the Mortgage Bankers Association warns that the U.S. could have too many homes in less than 10 years if construction continues at a high rate while demand slows. Factors like an aging population, lower birth rates, and less immigration may reduce the need for new homes, possibly causing prices to fall.
Key Facts
The U.S. currently faces a housing shortage estimated between 1.5 and 10 million homes, depending on the source.
Some regions, such as the Northeast and Midwest, still experience housing shortages, while others, like the South and West, have plenty of homes available.
States like Florida and Texas built many new homes following population increases during the pandemic.
Vacancy rates have risen, rent growth has slowed, and the number of homes for sale has increased, especially in Sun Belt markets.
Population changes—including aging Baby Boomers, lower fertility rates, smaller young adult groups, and reduced immigration—are expected to slow household formation.
If homebuilding stays high, the supply of homes could grow faster than demand by 2035.
More homes for sale could lower prices, making it easier for buyers to afford homes.
Homeowners might see the value of their homes drop, reducing the equity they gained in recent years.
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People are placing millions of dollars in bets on prediction markets about whether Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce will get married soon and where the wedding might happen. New York is the top guess for the wedding location, and speculation is growing as equipment is spotted at Madison Square Garden, where an event permit has been filed.
Key Facts
More than $2 million has been bet on the possible wedding location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Prediction markets, which let people bet on future events, have seen over $4.5 million in wagers related to this wedding.
New York City leads as the most likely wedding location, with an event permit filed for Madison Square Garden on July 3.
Equipment labeled "Garden Party" was seen being brought into Madison Square Garden, adding to wedding rumors.
Popular guesses for groomsmen include Travis Kelce’s brother Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Swift’s childhood best friend, Abigail Anderson Berard, is the leading pick for bridesmaid.
Kalshi, the company running these bets, has seen $600 million in entertainment-related trades this year, double from last year.
The number of female traders on Kalshi has doubled in the past year, possibly due to events like this wedding attracting more interest.
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Many Americans who do not own homes cannot afford a typical starter home, which costs about $200,000. Income levels are often too low to cover the cost, especially in expensive states like California, making it hard for people to buy their first home and build wealth.
Key Facts
Only 38% of non-homeowner households in the U.S. can afford a typical starter home.
Starter homes are smaller and may need repairs but help people start building home equity.
In 242 U.S. cities, starter homes now cost at least $1 million, tripling since 2020.
A non-homeowner needs to earn about $62,000 per year to afford a starter home, but median income is only $55,000, creating a $7,000 gap.
In California, the gap is much bigger: median income is $72,900 while needing over $140,000 to afford a starter home.
Rhode Island is the least affordable state for starter homes, with only 16.5% able to afford them.
Southern states like Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, and Alabama have the highest affordability rates for starter homes, over 50%.
Many people may need extra jobs or sacrifices to bridge the income gap to buy a starter home.
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Passengers on the river cruise ship Skyla were stranded in Budapest for two days due to air conditioning failure during a heatwave. The cruise operator, Tui, apologized, canceled the cruise, arranged flights home, and offered full refunds plus compensation.
Key Facts
The Skyla cruise ship's air conditioning broke down while docked in Budapest during temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
About 146 passengers were affected, including many elderly travelers.
Passengers were moved to hotels but had to find their own food during the delay.
Tui acknowledged the problem and is working with engineers to fix the air conditioning.
The cruise was canceled, and Tui will give full refunds and a £100 voucher to passengers.
Complaints showed this was not the first time the Skyla had air conditioning issues.
Passengers praised the crew for providing plenty of water during the heat.
The disruption happened during a European heatwave, with temperatures in Budapest forecast to reach 39°C (102°F).
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