President Donald Trump’s company, Truth Social, is selling fast access to his social media posts to Wall Street traders. This service, called Truth API, could help traders make profits by getting early information on Trump’s policy announcements, but it also raises concerns about fairness and insider trading.
Key Facts
Truth Social will offer a paid service starting Saturday for quick access to President Trump’s posts.
This service targets high frequency traders who trade stocks and currencies very quickly.
Trump’s posts often include policy news on issues like tariffs, war, and central bank decisions.
Early access to these posts could allow traders to make big profits by acting before others.
Some experts warn this could be unethical or illegal if used to trade on insider information.
Trump Media & Technology, the parent company, defends the service as a free market product.
The service uses direct internet connections for faster delivery than typical news feeds.
Artificial intelligence technology helps traders understand the market impact of Trump’s posts.
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Tesla's CEO Elon Musk denied reports that Tesla might leave China, saying such talks never happened. Tesla’s business in China is important, with big sales and a factory that helps serve Asian and European markets.
Key Facts
Elon Musk called reports of Tesla leaving China "absurdly fake news."
Tesla is the only Musk company with a presence in China.
China is Tesla’s second-largest market and made up 17% of its revenue from April to June.
Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory opened in 2019 and was the first fully foreign-owned car factory in China.
The Shanghai factory helps Tesla lower production costs and avoid import tariffs.
Tesla ships cars from Shanghai to markets in Asia and Europe.
Tesla also invested about $200 million in a Shanghai plant making large batteries for storing electricity.
These batteries help utilities manage energy demand and grow Tesla’s business beyond cars.
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Many people who book places to stay through websites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Vrbo are having trouble getting refunds when their accommodations are not as promised. These websites say the contract is between the guest and the property owner, so the websites do not take responsibility for refunds or compensation.
Key Facts
Jane Ripley booked an apartment on Booking.com but was given a poor-quality property and had to pay extra for a different place.
Booking.com’s terms say the booking contract is directly between the guest and the host, not the website.
Similar rules apply for Airbnb and Vrbo, which say they are not part of the contract between guest and host.
This means these platforms often do not have to help guests get refunds when problems happen.
If you book a package deal, different laws apply that protect the traveler and require compensation.
Travelers who had issues reported slow or no refund responses from hosts and Booking.com.
Consumer experts say this legal area is unclear but courts may challenge company claims of no responsibility.
Some travelers face extra charges, bad rental conditions, and difficulty getting their money back.
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Several companies across the United States have announced plans to lay off workers in August, according to public WARN notices. These layoffs affect various industries, including retail, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare, as businesses face uncertainty and slower job market growth.
Key Facts
WARN notices require employers with 100+ workers to warn at least 60 days before large layoffs or plant closures.
Companies planning layoffs in August include Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, Levi Strauss & Co, NBCUniversal, and General Dynamics.
Walmart plans to lay off workers at multiple California locations, with the largest group affecting 88 people in San Bruno.
Layoffs often target specific offices or units, not entire companies, and notices can change or be canceled.
Experts say layoffs reflect business uncertainty and a shift toward fewer new hires and firings.
The federal WARN Act helps workers prepare by giving advance notice of job losses.
Upcoming federal employment reports will clarify the overall health of the job market.
Despite layoffs, the labor market has stayed fairly steady but uneven across sectors.
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This week, Wall Street focuses on earnings reports from major U.S. companies like McDonald’s, SpaceX, and Marriott International. Investors are also watching key U.S. jobs data, including the monthly employment report for July, to understand the economy and inflation.
Key Facts
Clorox and Marriott International will report earnings on Monday.
SpaceX will release its earnings on Tuesday; its stock has seen big ups and downs since going public in June.
McDonald’s earnings report is also due on Tuesday.
Expedia Group will report earnings on Wednesday.
More than half of S&P 500 companies have reported strong profit growth this year.
The U.S. will release job openings data for June on Tuesday.
The monthly U.S. employment report for July will come out on Friday, a key economic indicator.
Job growth is slowing, which concerns investors and the Federal Reserve, especially as they consider interest rate changes.
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Marks & Spencer (M&S) has started selling Ann Summers crotchless underwear on its website as part of a new strategy to offer more brand choices and attract younger customers. The move is seen as an extension of M&S’s long history in underwear sales, which now includes a wider variety of styles and brands.
Key Facts
M&S is selling Ann Summers bras, chemises, and crotchless knickers on its website.
This is part of M&S’s “brands at M&S” strategy to add third-party brands alongside their own products.
M&S has offered many underwear styles over the years, including full briefs, thongs, period knickers, and stoma-friendly options.
Under-30 customers now make up one-third of M&S underwear sales, double from 2023.
Ann Summers is known as a brand with a sexier image, which helps M&S target younger shoppers.
The underwear range on the M&S site also includes other brands like Pour Moi and Calvin Klein.
M&S has sold underwear since the 1920s and has followed fashion trends such as lace and hip-hugger styles.
Experts say M&S has always offered both practical basics and more fashionable, sexy lingerie.
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Separation anxiety in dogs causes distress when they are left alone and can lead to behaviors like barking, pacing, and accidents in the home. Treatment varies and may involve training, calming aids, routines, or medication, with veterinary help recommended if the dog’s life or home is affected.
Key Facts
Separation anxiety can cause panting, drooling, loud noises, pacing, destruction, self-harm, and indoor bathroom accidents.
Owners should contact a vet if these behaviors harm the dog’s well-being or damage the home.
Treatment usually combines several methods including training, calming products, special diets, routines, and sometimes medication.
Some dogs find comfort in objects with their owner’s scent, but this does not work for all dogs.
A dog named Snow found unexpected comfort lying near a mannequin left in the house when her owner was away.
The mannequin may serve as a substitute attachment figure, even though it does not move or smell like a human.
This is an unusual example and not a common or guaranteed treatment for separation anxiety.
Each dog may need a personalized approach to managing separation anxiety.
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UK MPs and regional mayors have suggested changing failing water companies into not-for-profit cooperatives managed by local people, as an alternative to nationalisation. They believe this could offer public control without increasing government debt, and want to first try this approach with Thames Water, which is close to financial collapse.
Key Facts
Some MPs and mayors propose turning water companies into mutual, not-for-profit cooperatives.
This would keep water services public but avoid adding to government debt.
Thames Water faces financial collapse and may enter temporary government control if a rescue deal fails.
The rescue deal could forgive Thames Water’s fines and environmental responsibilities.
If companies fail under new rules, they could be placed in a special administration regime (SAR) and then become cooperatives.
Executive pay limits, stricter monitoring, and dividend bans unless performance targets are met would be enforced.
A "bail-in" would require shareholders and creditors to bear failure costs instead of taxpayers.
The Prime Minister is exploring options for public control but has no plans for immediate nationalisation.
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Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party has received large amounts of money from a group of connected donors, including a £5 million gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne. Investigations have revealed secret donations, loans, and financial transactions involving senior party figures, leading to police questioning and reports to the National Crime Agency.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage accepted a £5 million gift from billionaire donor Christopher Harborne.
Reform UK received secret donations and a loan from donors linked to senior party members.
The Metropolitan Police have interviewed two people under caution related to the party’s finances.
Bank staff reported suspicious financial transactions involving Reform UK to the National Crime Agency.
George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster living in Montenegro, transferred over $2 million to his mother, who then donated large sums to Reform UK.
Cottrell is connected to Farage, Harborne, and Richard Tice, Farage’s deputy, and has lent money to Tice.
Reform UK’s leadership believes the party’s funding network is crucial to its chance of forming the next government.
Farage has responded to questions with legal threats and claims of a conspiracy without providing clear answers.
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Experts warn that the trend of eating more protein, called "proteinmaxxing," is increasing the demand and price of whey protein, a main ingredient in infant formula. This rise in whey protein costs is causing infant formula prices to go up, making it harder for families to afford baby formula.
Key Facts
Whey protein, important for infant formula, has become more popular due to health advice and weight-loss drugs that help preserve muscle.
The price of whey protein concentrate 80 nearly doubled from €11,733 to €25,875 per metric tonne between July 2025 and now.
Infant formula uses whey protein to resemble human breast milk and make it easier for babies to digest.
The average price of baby formula in the UK rose 4.8% in the past year, reaching £12.11 for a 750g box.
Rising whey protein costs are pushing formula makers to increase prices or change ingredients.
Some manufacturers now use more demineralised whey powder 90 (D90), which is more expensive but helps keep the right protein balance.
Experts and a public health charity warn that higher formula prices can harm families who may try unsafe feeding methods.
A government price or profit cap on infant formula is suggested to protect families and prevent very high company profits.
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A top official from the European Central Bank (ECB) said climate change and nature loss are increasing risks to the global economy and financial stability. The ECB is working to better understand how damage to natural systems could hurt banks and the wider financial system.
Key Facts
Frank Elderson, an ECB executive board member, called climate and nature crises a major economic risk.
Ecosystem services are natural processes like water supply and food production that support human life and the economy.
Wildfires in Europe, worsened by heat, are causing heavy economic damage.
The ECB is increasing its monitoring of financial risks tied to environmental damage.
The bank will publish research on how ecosystem damage could lead to credit losses in eurozone banks.
Elderson helped form the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS), a group pushing central banks to manage climate risks.
The US, under President Trump, left the NGFS last year, leaving Europe as a leader on this issue.
European banks widely agree that climate and nature risks are important and need to be addressed.
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Petrol prices in Australia are expected to rise above $2 per litre after a temporary fuel tax discount ends on August 3. The government confirmed it will not extend the discount, which helped lower prices during recent global oil price spikes caused by renewed conflicts involving Iran and the US.
Key Facts
The fuel excise discount was cut from 32 cents to 16 cents per litre in July and will end completely on August 3.
Ending the discount will add about 16 cents per litre to wholesale fuel prices, increasing the cost of a full 55-litre petrol tank by roughly $8.80.
Petrol prices have already risen above 190 cents per litre in all Australian capital cities, with some above 200 cents, and diesel prices are also increasing sharply.
Rising global oil prices, due to conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and the US, have pushed Brent crude oil prices from around US$70 to nearly US$90 per barrel.
Analysts warn oil could reach US$100 per barrel if the conflict continues, potentially driving petrol prices even higher.
The fuel excise discount helped keep inflation lower and supported household spending during economic weakness.
The government assures there are ample fuel supplies, with about 40+ days of fuel stocks and over 3 billion litres being shipped to Australia in the coming weeks.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen advised against panic buying and emphasized that fuel orders are secure through October.
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Amazon announced it received about $600 million in refunds after a court ruled some tariffs set by President Trump were illegal. The company said it plans to give some of this money back to its customers.
Key Facts
Amazon got around $600 million in refunds from tariffs imposed during President Trump’s administration.
These tariffs were challenged in court and many were found to be illegal by the Supreme Court.
The U.S. government began refunding money collected from these tariffs after the court ruling.
Amazon promises to return part of these tariff refunds to its customers.
The tariffs were originally meant to tax certain imported goods.
This decision affects how much companies and consumers pay for some products.
The refunds come after a legal process that confirmed the tariffs should not have been charged.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was seen with a note indicating a plan for the US to buy $5 billion to $10 billion in Japanese yen. There were signs the US Treasury might intervene to support the yen as its value rose against the dollar on the same day.
Key Facts
The note saying “Buy Japanese Yen (JPY) $5-10 bil” was seen during a cabinet meeting at Camp David.
The note was visible to Reuters, who took a photo at 11:33 am local time.
The US Treasury had reportedly informed banks about a possible intervention in the yen market earlier that day.
Japanese officials acted to strengthen the yen before the US Treasury’s possible involvement.
The yen strengthened significantly against the dollar in late trading, with the dollar falling about 0.8% against the yen near 5 pm ET.
The US Treasury has not intervened in the yen market since 2011.
There was no immediate comment from the Treasury on the note or any intervention action.
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Adani’s coal mining operation in Queensland earned almost $1 billion in revenue last year but recorded a loss due to high expenses and so paid no company tax. Despite promises that the Carmichael project would contribute billions in taxes and royalties, it has never paid corporate tax since opening in 2021, though it did pay royalties to the government.
Key Facts
Adani’s Carmichael coal mine made $963.5 million in revenue in the year ending March 31.
The company reported a $340.6 million loss after large production and related expenses.
Because of the loss, Adani paid no corporate tax on the Queensland coal mining operation.
Adani paid $58 million in royalties to the government, which are fees for extracting state-owned minerals.
The Carmichael coal project opened in 2021 and has not paid corporate tax since then.
Adani donated $600,000 to the Liberal National party before the 2024 state election using a federal tax loophole.
Adani’s related export terminal business earned $356.6 million but also reported a loss and paid no company tax.
The mining project employs more than 1,400 people and complies with Australian tax and accounting rules.
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The British girl band FLO released their second album, Therapy at the Club, after spending six months working on it and becoming more involved in all parts of the creation process. They have grown their fan base with millions of monthly Spotify listeners and TikTok followers, won awards, and gained recognition in the US with performances and podcast appearances.
Key Facts
FLO is a British girl band made up of Stella Quaresma, Jorja Douglas, and Renée Downer.
They first became popular in 2022 with the song "Cardboard Box."
FLO won Best R&B/Soul Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards.
They have over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 1.2 million followers on TikTok.
Their second album, Therapy at the Club, shows more creative control by the group than their first album.
The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, healing, and friendship.
FLO blended R&B with pop music on the new album, working with Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen.
Their debut album, Access All Areas, was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2026 Grammys.
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Major oil companies in the U.S. are making large profits because the ongoing war involving Iran is causing energy prices to rise. The conflict is limiting the global supply of oil and gas, which makes fuel more expensive.
Key Facts
The war involving Iran has disrupted global energy supplies.
Oil prices have increased due to the conflict.
America's largest oil companies are reporting big profits.
Higher energy prices are linked to limited supply caused by the war.
The situation is affecting markets worldwide.
The report included analysis from a CBS News business contributor.
The event highlights how international conflicts impact the energy market.
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Puerto Rico’s government approved a $2 billion luxury development called Esencia in Cabo Rojo, which includes hotels, residences, golf courses, and other facilities. Environmental groups oppose the project, saying it threatens natural resources and wildlife, while developers say most of the land will be conserved and the project will use renewable energy.
Key Facts
The Esencia project will cover 2,000 acres in southwestern Puerto Rico.
It will feature 500 luxury hotel rooms, 1,200 private homes, two golf courses, a school (K-12), and a 24/7 medical center.
More than 75% of the land will be set aside for green space and conservation, including wetlands and mangroves.
The development plans to use only renewable energy and have its own water and power systems.
Hotel brands Mandarin Oriental and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts are involved in the project.
Environmentalists criticize the approval process for lacking public hearings and transparency.
The project is expected to create over 17,000 jobs.
Sales are planned to begin later this year, with residents and guests arriving starting in late 2029.
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Small arts organizations in cities and rural areas are struggling financially. While large theaters and museums get more attention, smaller groups play a key role in serving their local communities.
Key Facts
Larger theaters, venues, and museums usually get more public and media focus.
Smaller arts groups are closely connected to their local communities.
These smaller organizations face economic challenges and financial pressure.
Financial problems put the survival of many community-based arts groups at risk.
The report is part of a series exploring how art relates to democracy.
The series aims to show the importance of art in society and community life.
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Some states are planning to change the "sell-by" dates on food packages. Experts say changing these labels could help people waste less food and save money.
Key Facts
States want to update "sell-by" dates on grocery items.
"Sell-by" dates tell stores when to remove products from shelves, not when food goes bad.
Changing labels could make it clearer when food is still good to eat.
Clearer dates could reduce food thrown away unnecessarily.
Less food waste can help people save money on groceries.
Experts discussed these changes and their potential benefits.
The effort aims to improve how food freshness is communicated to consumers.
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