The confidence of U.S. small business owners increased in July compared to June, according to a recent report. However, their uncertainty about economic conditions also went up during the same time.
Key Facts
The U.S. small business optimism index rose by over two points from June to July.
The uncertainty index for small businesses also increased in July.
The data comes from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
The report reflects how small business owners feel about the economy and future conditions.
Both optimism and uncertainty rising shows mixed feelings among small businesses about the economic situation.
The information was discussed by CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger.
This report highlights trends in the health and outlook of small businesses in the U.S.
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Debt collectors may stop contacting you for several reasons, even if you still owe money. This can happen when your debt is sold to another collector, the legal time to sue expires, you dispute the debt, the debt is seen as uncollectible, or your income is protected by law.
Key Facts
Debt collectors may stop calls if your debt is transferred or sold to another company.
Each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long collectors can sue for unpaid debt, usually 3 to 6 years.
If you dispute the debt in writing, collectors must pause collection attempts until they verify the debt.
If efforts to collect fail repeatedly and you have no assets to take, collectors may write off the debt internally.
Certain incomes like Social Security and disability payments are protected by law from being taken by collectors.
Silence from debt collectors does not mean your debt is gone or forgiven.
Collection activity might resume if circumstances change or if another collector takes over.
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A 4% interest rate is still generally considered good for high-yield savings accounts today. However, some banks, especially online ones, offer slightly higher rates, and rates may rise further if the Federal Reserve increases interest rates again later this year.
Key Facts
High-yield savings accounts typically offer variable interest rates that can change with market conditions.
Many banks currently offer around 4% interest on these accounts, which is still seen as a good rate.
Online banks often provide higher rates than traditional banks because they have lower costs.
Some banks offer rates slightly higher than 4%, around 4.10% to 4.15%, which can add more interest over time.
The Federal Reserve might raise interest rates later this year, potentially increasing savings account rates.
Certificate of deposit (CD) rates vary by term; for example, 1-year CDs offer about 4.40%, and 3-month CDs offer less than 4%.
CD rates are fixed, so they don’t change if interest rates rise later, unlike savings account rates.
Choosing the highest available rate now helps savers make more money and be ready for future increases.
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The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) kept interest rates steady at 4.35% but warned it may raise rates again if inflation stays high. The RBA hopes it won’t need to hike rates further but wants to keep the possibility open to influence the economy.
Key Facts
The RBA held interest rates at 4.35% in a unanimous decision.
The last rate increase was about three months ago, in May.
Inflation is expected to return to the RBA’s 2.5% target in about one year.
Global oil price shocks may affect inflation for the next 1-2 years.
The economy is slowing down as expected after earlier rate hikes.
The housing market downturn is happening but is not the main reason for rate decisions.
RBA Governor Michele Bullock said they may raise rates again if needed, keeping the threat alive.
Financial markets increased the chance of another rate hike from 53% to 67% after the announcement and press conference.
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Airlines have made new rule changes that could affect passengers who are planning to travel. These changes may influence costs and travel experiences during the busy summer season.
Key Facts
Airlines have updated some of their rules for travelers.
These changes are important to know before booking or flying.
The rules may lead to different fees or costs for passengers.
The changes come as summer travel is still ongoing.
Knowing these updates can help travelers avoid unexpected expenses.
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The new changes to historic preservation rules could put many old and important sites at risk across the country. These changes may affect more than just well-known monuments, impacting local historic places in every state.
Key Facts
The government is planning major changes to historic preservation rules.
These changes could weaken protections for historic sites.
Impact will be nationwide, affecting communities in every state.
Both famous monuments and smaller historic places could be at risk.
The goal of the new rules is to change how sites are preserved and protected.
Critics warn these changes may lead to more demolitions or alterations of historic locations.
Supporters say the changes may make preservation processes faster or simpler.
The full effects on communities and heritage are still uncertain.
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Sales of existing homes in the U.S. dropped 1.7% in July compared to June, mainly because home prices are at record highs and mortgage rates have climbed to levels not seen in over a year. The median price for a home rose to $434,100, while mortgage rates reached 6.69%, making it harder for buyers to afford homes.
Key Facts
Existing home sales fell to an annual rate of 4.06 million units in July, down 1.7% from June.
July sales were slightly higher than economists predicted and up 0.7% from last year.
The median sales price for U.S. homes in July was $434,100, a 2% increase over last year.
The average 30-year mortgage rate rose to 6.69%, the highest since about one year ago.
Home sales have remained near a 4 million annual pace for three years, below the 5.2 million historic average.
There were 1.54 million homes for sale at the end of July, which is below pre-pandemic levels of about 2 million.
The current home supply represents 4.6 months at the current sales speed; a balanced market usually requires 5 to 6 months.
First-time buyers made up 29% of sales in July, less than the usual 40% historically.
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France has banned most unsolicited telemarketing phone calls to protect consumers from unwanted sales calls. Companies can only call people if there is an existing contract or if they have the person's permission in advance.
Key Facts
The ban applies to telemarketing calls from all business sectors in France.
Calls are allowed only if related to an existing contract or with prior consent from the customer.
A French consumer group called this change a big step to protect people’s peace and privacy.
Some business groups and Moroccan officials worry the ban could cause job losses, especially in call centers.
Companies must get written consent and keep proof to legally make marketing calls.
A report showed 97% of French people dislike telemarketing calls, with many receiving calls weekly or daily.
Other European countries like Germany, Austria, and Italy also have strict rules on telemarketing calls.
In the UK, most telemarketing calls are allowed unless people have opted out or are on a no-call list.
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CBS Mornings is offering special discounts on various products to help improve daily life. Customers can visit cbsdeals.com to find and buy these items and support CBS, which earns a commission on sales.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings features exclusive discounts on selected products.
The products are aimed at improving everyday lifestyle.
Customers can shop for these deals at cbsdeals.com.
CBS earns commissions from purchases made through this website.
The deals are promoted through CBS News and its app.
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UK property is currently taxed through council tax, stamp duty, and capital gains tax. Andy Burnham is considering reforming these property taxes to help pay for social care and defense, potentially replacing current taxes with a single annual tax based on property or land value.
Key Facts
UK property taxes include council tax, stamp duty land tax, and capital gains tax.
Council tax is based on 1991 property values and varies widely across regions.
Stamp duty charges higher taxes on more expensive home sales and exempts many cheaper sales.
Roughly 10% of main home owners own second homes, which face stamp duty and capital gains tax.
UK raises more money from property taxes than any other OECD country.
Burnham's plan may scrap stamp duty and overhaul council tax into one annual land or property tax.
Revaluing all homes for this new tax would be complex but could be helped by artificial intelligence.
A land value tax might encourage faster use of property by taxing land rather than buildings, reducing land banking.
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Inglewood, California, has over 100 digital billboards that generate city revenue but have sparked controversy among residents and venue operators. The city’s partnership with WOW Media has brought in more than $30 million, but some stadium owners and residents oppose the billboards due to safety, aesthetics, and legal concerns. A court ruled mostly in favor of the city’s agreement, but legal and political battles continue.
Key Facts
Inglewood has more than 100 digital billboards mostly along major roads and medians.
Residents complain the billboards cause light pollution, distraction, and change the community’s appearance.
The city partnered with WOW Media to manage these billboards and provide transportation info kiosks.
Mayor James Butts says the program has generated over $30 million to fund local services like pre-K and park repairs.
Some stadium operators sued to cancel the WOW deal, claiming it bypassed required competitive bidding; most of their claims were rejected by a judge.
WOW’s technology was ruled exempt from competitive bidding laws.
The conflict has expanded to ballot measures seeking to limit digital billboards and impose taxes on event parking and tickets.
Residents say it is hard to participate in city council meetings about the issue because they are held during work hours.
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Inglewood, California, has many digital billboards that have sparked a conflict over advertising money, city control, and safety concerns. The city earns millions from a deal with WOW Media, but stadium owners and some residents want changes, leading to lawsuits and ballot measure fights.
Key Facts
Inglewood has many digital billboards placed along roads and near entertainment venues.
Some residents feel the billboards cause light pollution, distraction, and are unsafe for drivers.
The city made a deal with WOW Media for advertising kiosks, earning over $30 million used for public programs and city repairs.
Stadium operators, including SoFi Stadium, sued the city claiming the WOW deal broke competitive bidding laws.
A judge mostly ruled in favor of WOW Media, allowing them to keep the exclusive deal.
Stadium owners are now trying to change billboard rules through ballot measures.
WOW Media supports proposals to cap stadium parking fees and add a tax on event tickets.
Some residents say it is hard to participate in city meetings, which are held during work hours.
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A high-yield savings account can earn about $2,370 to $2,460 in interest over one year on a $60,000 deposit, with interest rates around 3.95% to 4.10%. This offers much higher returns than a traditional savings account, which currently pays about 0.38%, or roughly $228 on the same amount.
Key Facts
High-yield savings accounts offer interest rates between 3.95% and 4.10%.
A $60,000 deposit can earn approximately $2,370 to $2,460 in one year with these rates.
Interest rates on high-yield accounts can change over time because they are variable.
Traditional savings accounts have much lower rates, around 0.38%.
A $60,000 deposit in a traditional savings account would earn about $228 in one year.
High-yield savings accounts allow easy access to money without penalties.
Certificates of Deposit (CDs) have higher fixed rates but require locking in money and penalize early withdrawals.
High-yield savings accounts combine higher returns with flexibility, unlike CDs.
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Taylor Farms has recalled over a dozen products containing fresh jalapeño peppers due to possible salmonella contamination. The recall affects items distributed in 26 U.S. states and follows a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico, supplied by Coast Citrus Distributors.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms recalled products containing jalapeños because of a salmonella risk.
The recall was prompted after Coast Citrus Distributors voluntarily recalled fresh jalapeños.
Affected products include salsa, guacamole, and others sold at Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and Trader Joe’s.
The recalled products were distributed to 26 states, including Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois.
Taylor Farms has stopped buying from the jalapeño grower linked to the outbreak and uses alternative suppliers now.
The “Best If Used By” dates on recalled products go up to August 16, 2026.
Health officials traced a salmonella outbreak making 345 people sick across 27 states to jalapeños from Sinaloa, Mexico.
Chipotle and QDOBA removed the affected jalapeños from their restaurants as a precaution and no longer consider there to be a risk.
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The Powerball lottery jackpot has reached $975 million after 43 drawings without a winner, starting in early May. This large prize has attracted significant public attention as the lottery continues.
Key Facts
The Powerball jackpot is currently $975 million.
There have been 43 consecutive drawings without a jackpot winner.
The streak without a winner dates back to early May.
Powerball is a popular lottery game in the United States.
Large jackpots often lead to increased ticket sales.
The jackpot amount can grow when no one wins in a drawing.
Bigger jackpots can result in more public interest and media coverage.
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Monterey Car Week, a multi-day automotive event in California, has grown from a post-World War II car race into a series of over 30 events that generate $130 million annually for Monterey County. Key gatherings like McCall’s Motorworks Revival and The Quail attract diverse audiences, including new groups, blending car culture with social and culinary experiences.
Key Facts
Monterey Car Week started as a car race in the Del Monte Forest after World War II.
The event now includes over 30 individual gatherings over several days.
It brings $130 million a year to the local Monterey County economy.
Gordon McCall, a lifelong Monterey resident, helped create two major events: McCall’s Motorworks Revival and The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering.
McCall’s original party at Monterey Jet Center grew from a small gathering to 3,000 people before being sold and renamed Motorlux in 2021.
The Quail event focuses on people and socializing more than just the cars, featuring fine dining and music.
One evening event, Eve on the Green, combines Michelin-starred food and a concert celebrating Route 66’s 100th birthday.
The event has attracted new audiences but also raised concerns about the impact of free events and influencer activities.
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A new report shows that Florida and Texas have the most popular ZIP codes for people moving across states in early 2026. Inlet Beach, Florida, is the top destination by moves per capita, while other affordable areas in both states are also attracting many newcomers.
Key Facts
The report analyzed over 5 million moves from January to May 2026.
Inlet Beach, FL, had 106.1 moves per capita, making it the most popular ZIP code for movers.
Other top Florida ZIP codes include Port Saint Lucie, Bradenton, and San Antonio.
Texas ZIP codes Crandall, Lavon, and Maxwell are also among the top ten destinations.
Inlet Beach attracts retirees and second-home buyers and has a median home price around $700,000.
Port Saint Lucie, Bradenton, and San Antonio offer more affordable housing options ranging from about $265,000 to $400,000.
Crandall and Lavon, Texas, provide affordable alternatives near Dallas-Fort Worth, with median home prices under $350,000.
These popular moving areas have shifted from previously popular cities like Austin and Miami due to rising home prices.
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The Senate passed a bill that could change the design of nickels and modify how people use cash for payments. These changes aim to update physical money and possibly affect everyday cash transactions.
Key Facts
The Senate approved a new bill related to U.S. nickels and cash payments.
The bill includes suggestions to change the design of nickels.
It may also influence how people pay with cash in daily life.
Changes could affect the way coins are produced or used.
The goal is to update some aspects of physical currency and payment methods.
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The article explains that if flexible work arrangements become common, employers can better judge employees based on their actual work and cooperation. This could reduce bias against people who work remotely for family reasons.
Key Facts
Flexible work means employees can choose when and where to work.
Employers would focus on results and teamwork rather than physical presence.
Bias against remote workers with family duties could decrease.
Better flexibility helps identify who adds value to the company.
It encourages fairer opportunities for all employees.
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