Ford is planning to launch a new affordable crossover vehicle priced around $25,000, expected in 2029. This car will come with hybrid and regular engine options and will be made at Ford’s plant in Mexico. Ford is also working on other new models including a low-priced electric truck and a four-door Mustang.
Key Facts
Ford’s new entry-level crossover will cost about $25,000 and arrive in 2029.
The crossover will have both hybrid (combined gas and electric) and traditional engine options.
Production will take place at Ford’s Hermosillo plant in Mexico.
Ford recently revealed an affordable electric truck called the Fathom, priced under $30,000.
The electric vehicle platform for the Fathom will be used to make four more electric Ford models.
Ford also showed a four-door Mustang priced below $40,000, which is much cheaper than similar models like the Porsche Panamera.
The average price of new vehicles is rising, with few options available under $30,000 currently.
Ford did not officially comment on these future vehicle plans when contacted.
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The United States’ Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), an emergency supply of oil, has dropped below 300 million barrels for the first time since the early 1980s. The latest data from the Energy Department shows the reserve now holds about 298.7 million barrels.
Key Facts
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a stockpile of oil kept for emergencies.
As of the latest report, the SPR holds 298.7 million barrels of oil.
This is the first time the reserve has fallen below 300 million barrels since the early 1980s.
The reserve was originally filled during the 1980s as a safety measure for oil shortages.
The Energy Department released the data showing the current reserve level.
The decline reflects recent uses or sales from the reserve.
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The article argues that industrial hemp should be developed as a material for manufacturing, not just as a crop. It says investing in hemp processing and manufacturing in the U.S. can create jobs, reduce reliance on imports, and build stronger supply chains.
Key Facts
Industrial hemp is more than a crop; it is a raw material for many products.
Hemp can be used in construction, textiles, packaging, paper, and composites.
The bipartisan Biobased Materials Investment and Production Act aims to support plant-based materials with tax incentives.
Turning raw materials into finished products creates economic strength and skilled jobs.
The U.S. currently risks losing industrial hemp manufacturing opportunities to other countries.
Building manufacturing and processing facilities is important for economic and strategic reasons.
Hemp products can reduce dependence on petroleum-based materials.
Investment in engineering, research, workforce development, and entrepreneurship is needed to grow the hemp manufacturing sector.
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Taylor Farms has recalled products containing jalapeños due to a large Salmonella outbreak linked to Coast Citrus Distributors. This recall comes amid an ongoing Cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms' iceberg lettuce, affecting many states and causing numerous illnesses.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products such as diced jalapeños, dips, salsas, pico de gallo, guacamole, salads, burritos, and sandwiches on August 9.
The recalled jalapeños came from Coast Citrus Distributors and were sold in 26 states through major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Target.
The Salmonella outbreak linked to these jalapeños has sickened at least 345 people across 27 states, with 36 hospitalized and no deaths reported.
Illnesses began around June 19, and many affected people had eaten at Mexican-style restaurants such as Chipotle and Qdoba.
Chipotle and Qdoba stopped using jalapeños from Coast Citrus in late July.
Coast Citrus Distributors sourced the peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, and sold them to various food distributors and restaurants.
Taylor Farms is also involved in a large Cyclospora outbreak from its iceberg lettuce, with over 22,700 cases reported this year and two deaths.
Taylor Farms has faced criticism for its handling of the Cyclospora outbreak and its communication with regulators and the public.
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A viral video shows a Shake Shack kiosk at Salt Lake City Airport increasing the price of shakes after a customer selects a 0 percent tip option. Shake Shack said this price change is not company policy and is investigating with the airport operator HMSHost. The cause of the price change is unclear and may relate to other factors like scheduled price updates or airport-specific pricing.
Key Facts
A customer ordered three shakes at Shake Shack for $5.99 each on a kiosk screen.
After selecting no tip, the kiosk showed a message about a pricing update.
The shakes’ price then increased to $6.49 each, a 50-cent rise per shake.
The video sparked debate that Shake Shack punishes customers who don’t tip.
Shake Shack said this price increase is not company policy.
The airport location is run by HMSHost under a license agreement, not directly by Shake Shack.
The cause of the price change could be a pricing update, time-specific promotion ending, or airport-specific pricing rules.
Shake Shack is investigating the issue with HMSHost to clarify what happened.
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Oil prices have risen sharply because the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Iran wants the US to stop military threats, lift sanctions, and pay compensation before reopening the waterway, causing worry about future fuel prices.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is still closed, causing oil prices to increase.
Brent crude oil price rose 3.3% to $84.64 per barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate crude price rose 3.1% to $80.63 per barrel.
Iran has asked the US to end military threats, lift sanctions, and provide compensation to reopen the strait.
US gasoline prices dropped slightly last week to an average of $4.00 per gallon.
Experts warn that fuel prices may rise again if the strait closure continues.
Shares of major oil companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, BP, Shell, and ConocoPhillips increased in US markets.
The situation affects both oil prices and stock market activity related to energy companies.
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Many Americans carry large amounts of debt, including high-interest credit card debt. While creditors sometimes forgive debt without being asked, this usually happens only in special cases, and borrowers should not rely on automatic forgiveness to manage their repayments.
Key Facts
Total U.S. household debt reached about $18.8 trillion by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Credit card debt alone was around $1.25 trillion during that time.
About 4.8% of household debt was delinquent, meaning payments were overdue.
Creditors may forgive debt if the amount is too small to collect or if the borrower likely cannot pay.
Debt forgiveness can also occur through legal processes like bankruptcy, but this is not the same as voluntary forgiveness by the creditor.
A "charge-off" is an accounting action that does not mean the debt is forgiven; collection efforts can continue afterward.
Creditors may sell delinquent debt to collection agencies or debt buyers to recover money owed.
Negotiating a debt settlement lets borrowers possibly reduce what they owe, but this approach suits specific situations and requires active effort.
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Global payment systems face problems with speed, cost, and complexity, especially in cross-border transactions. Stablecoins, a type of digital money tied to stable assets, are being studied as a way to make payments faster, cheaper, and more flexible.
Key Facts
Cross-border payments often involve many middlemen, causing delays and higher costs.
These delays and costs reduce liquidity and slow down international trade.
Payment fees are a large part of business expenses, sometimes costing large retailers hundreds of millions yearly.
Traditional payment methods are slow and inflexible, often delaying payments for weeks or months in trade finance.
Policymakers in countries like Australia are discussing the need to update payment systems.
Stablecoins can enable faster transfers (minutes instead of days), lower fees, and programmable payments that respond automatically to conditions.
Experts say stablecoins could change business economics by cutting transaction costs drastically.
Proper regulation will be important for stablecoins to be widely adopted.
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Taylor Farms is recalling about 20 fresh products containing jalapeno peppers due to a salmonella outbreak. The recall affects products sold in 26 US states and follows a recent recall of lettuce linked to a parasite outbreak.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms makes roughly 40% of all salad kits sold in the US.
The recall includes items like dips, sandwiches, pico de gallo salsa, guacamole, burritos, and sliced jalapenos.
The jalapenos came from a grower in Sinaloa, Mexico, which has been removed from Taylor Farms’ suppliers.
There have been no reported illnesses linked directly to these recalled jalapeno products.
Salmonella can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food.
Taylor Farms also recalled iceberg lettuce after a cyclospora parasite outbreak infected over 22,000 people in the US.
The cyclospora outbreak has spread to 45 states and caused at least two deaths in Michigan.
Taylor Farms supplies products to major retailers like Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Costco, and restaurant chains such as Taco Bell and McDonald’s.
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House prices in Australia are falling more than expected, which may reduce the chance of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) raising interest rates again soon. The RBA is watching how this slowdown in the housing market affects the economy and inflation.
Key Facts
Australian home prices have dropped more than the RBA expected after recent interest rate increases.
The RBA’s governor, Michele Bullock, said the housing market slowdown was partly due to policy changes like property tax adjustments.
Falling house prices may reduce spending by homeowners because they feel less wealthy and fewer people are moving house.
Less moving also means lower demand for things people buy when they change homes, like furniture and appliances.
The housing slowdown may reduce new house construction but government efforts to increase housing supply may soften this effect.
Economists say the current high interest rate of 4.35% is already limiting the housing market.
Some experts believe the RBA might still raise rates again to control inflation, despite the slower housing market.
Mortgage holders might benefit from fewer interest rate increases even if house prices decline somewhat.
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The 2026 Subaru Outback has a new design that looks more like an SUV than a traditional wagon. It offers a bigger, improved interior with more space and better technology, including a faster infotainment system and upgraded features for comfort and convenience.
Key Facts
Subaru created the Outback in 1995 as a raised Legacy wagon for families with off-road style.
The 2026 model changes from the classic wagon shape to a taller, boxier SUV look.
All versions come with standard all-wheel drive for better handling in bad weather and rough roads.
The “Wilderness” trim has higher ground clearance and special tires for rugged terrain.
Interior space is bigger with more legroom and shoulder room, especially in the back seats.
The new interior features a cleaner dashboard with physical climate controls (knobs and buttons).
Technology includes a 12.1-inch touchscreen, faster infotainment, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and multiple USB ports.
Higher trims offer extras like a powerful 12-speaker sound system and a hands-free highway driving system.
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Paying off a collection debt does not automatically remove it from your credit report. A paid collection can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, but its status will change to show a zero balance, which may improve your credit score depending on the scoring model used.
Key Facts
Collection accounts can remain on credit reports for up to seven years from the original missed payment date.
Paying a collection debt changes its status to “paid” but does not erase it from the credit report.
Newer credit scores (like FICO 9 and 10, VantageScore 3.0 and 4.0) usually ignore paid collections, while older models may still count them.
Medical collection debts paid or under $500 are excluded from credit reports by major credit bureaus.
Late payments on the original account that led to the collection can continue to affect credit reports separately.
It may take one to two months for credit bureaus to update the status of a paid collection.
If the credit report still shows a balance after payment, consumers can dispute the error with credit bureaus.
Broader debt relief strategies, like debt settlement, may be needed if multiple debts are unpaid or near collections.
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The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) found that many car insurers are raising premiums faster than inflation and are not clearly explaining these price changes to customers. ASIC advises car owners to question insurers about steep price increases and request better deals, as some customers have successfully secured lower premiums by doing so.
Key Facts
ASIC reviewed eight car insurers and found poor explanations for why premiums changed or how they were calculated.
Car insurance premiums increased by 8% in the 2025 financial year, much faster than inflation.
Consumer group Choice reported premiums rose 3.1% in the first four months of 2026 alone.
Comprehensive car insurance now costs about $2,460 on average, up $111 from the previous year.
One in three customers who called their insurer before renewal received a lower premium without changing their policy.
Some insurers charge 10% to 20% less if customers pay annually rather than in installments but do not clearly advertise this saving.
Rising costs for car repairs and parts have increased claim costs by 47% since 2020.
More than half of complaints about general insurance to ASIC relate to motor vehicle products, mostly about premiums.
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SpaceX plans to build a large rocket launch site on Louisiana’s vulnerable Pecan Island coast, aiming to increase its rocket launches, including the Starship vehicle. The proposal has caused concern among locals and environmentalists due to the risk it poses to the fragile ecosystem and migratory bird habitats.
Key Facts
SpaceX aims to develop a rocket launch site on 130,000 acres in Louisiana’s Vermilion parish, including an 18-mile stretch of Pecan Island.
The land was obtained through a legal agreement involving ExxonMobil, which was previously sued for causing land loss and pollution.
SpaceX plans to increase the number of Starship rocket launches and explore building AI data centers in space.
Local residents and environmentalists worry the launch site will harm critical habitat for migratory birds, including many waterfowl species.
Critics are concerned about the weakening of environmental laws, such as the Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act, in order to approve the project.
Some locals see potential benefits from new jobs and investments SpaceX could bring.
Pecan Island is losing land rapidly due to rising seas and land sinking, making its ecosystem and community fragile.
Neither SpaceX nor Louisiana’s governor has officially confirmed the rocket site plans yet.
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"Loud budgeting" is the practice of openly talking about financial limits and refusing to spend money on things you cannot afford. Although many young people call it a new trend, small business owners have been using this approach for many years by openly complaining about costs and sticking to strict budgets to manage their finances.
Key Facts
Loud budgeting means honestly saying you cannot afford certain expenses instead of pretending otherwise.
A survey found that 42% of Generation Z people support loud budgeting.
It involves being open about money struggles and blaming the economy or other factors for financial limits.
Small business owners have long used loud budgeting to push back against price increases and keep costs down.
This approach contrasts with traditional business advice that encourages confidence, risk-taking, and positivity.
Many businesses that use loud budgeting actually have enough money but choose to spend carefully.
Loud budgeting can help people and businesses control expenses and avoid financial risks.
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Several types of salsa, dips, and guacamole sold at major stores in 26 states have been recalled because they may contain salmonella bacteria. These products were available at stores like Kroger, Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart.
Key Facts
The recalled items include salsa, dips, guacamole, and similar products.
These products were sold in 26 states across the United States.
Major retailers involved are Kroger, Target, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walmart.
The recall is due to concerns about contamination with salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Salmonella infection symptoms can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever.
Customers who bought these products are advised to check the recall notice and avoid eating the affected items.
The recall aims to prevent people from getting sick after consuming the products.
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Taylor Farms has voluntarily recalled its products that contain jalapeños because of concerns about salmonella contamination. This action follows a previous illness outbreak linked to the company’s lettuce. The recall aims to protect consumers from possible food poisoning.
Key Facts
Taylor Farms recalled products containing jalapeños.
The recall was voluntary, meaning the company chose to do it on its own.
The recall is due to worries about salmonella, a bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Taylor Farms was earlier connected to an illness outbreak caused by cyclosporiasis linked to its lettuce.
Salmonella can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
The company’s recall is a safety measure to prevent more people from getting sick.
The news was reported by Adriana Diaz on CBS News.
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A group of investors including Jeff Bezos is close to buying a 30% share of Liverpool Football Club for about £1.35 billion. The deal involves several wealthy participants and is expected to be finalized within a month.
Key Facts
The investors are led by Amit Bhatia, related to billionaire Lakshmi Mittal.
Eduardo Saverin, co-founder of Facebook, is part of the group.
Jeff Bezos will get ownership shares but will not manage the club day-to-day.
This is Bezos' first investment in a football team.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has owned Liverpool since 2010 and sold 3% to another firm in 2023.
FSG has overseen Liverpool winning two Premier League titles.
Recent changes at Liverpool include a new head coach and key player transfers.
Amazon, founded by Bezos, has been involved in sports broadcasting but no longer holds UK Premier League rights.
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Peter Ruis, the managing director of British retailer John Lewis, has resigned after less than three years in the role. He will be replaced by Will Kernan as the company faces difficult trading conditions caused by rising inflation and global conflicts affecting costs and shoppers.
Key Facts
Peter Ruis is leaving John Lewis to pursue new projects and will stay until 6 September.
Will Kernan, a board member since 2023, will take over as managing director in mid-September.
John Lewis is dealing with “really tough” trading conditions due to inflation and higher oil prices linked to the US-Israeli and Iran conflict.
The company previously paid its 69,000 employees an annual bonus for the first time in four years after profits rose.
Ruis had been investing in modernizing John Lewis stores after closing 16 locations during the pandemic.
Kernan has experience as CEO of retailers River Island, The White Company, and Wiggle and appreciates John Lewis’s employee-ownership model.
John Lewis aims to grow both in physical stores and online despite current economic challenges.
Separately, the Co-op Group’s chair Debbie White stepped down after two years, with Moni Mannings appointed interim chair.
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The article discusses how wind, solar, and battery industries rely heavily on government subsidies to stay financially stable. These industries spend a lot of money on political campaigns that may give misleading information to maintain their support.
Key Facts
Wind, solar, and backup battery industries depend on large government subsidies.
Without these subsidies, these industries would struggle or fail.
These industries invest significant money in political campaigns.
The campaigns may contain misleading information.
The goal of these campaigns is to keep receiving subsidies.
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