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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Business News

Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Sanex shower gel ad banned over racial stereotype

Sanex shower gel ad banned over racial stereotype

August 19, 2025
A TV ad for Sanex shower gel was banned for showing a racial stereotype where black skin appeared cracked and dry, and white skin looked smooth. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received complaints that the ad suggested white skin was better and banned it from airing again in that form.

Key Facts:

  • The Sanex ad showed dark-skinned models with skin issues and a white model without problems.
  • The ASA upheld complaints that the ad could suggest white skin is superior to black skin.
  • Colgate-Palmolive, which owns Sanex, claimed the ad intended to show a "before and after" effect for its product.
  • The ad was aired on TV in June and is now banned by the ASA.
  • Clearcast, responsible for TV ad approvals, did not find the ad perpetuated negative racial stereotypes.
  • Sanex stated the ad aimed to show how their product helps different skin types.
  • The ASA warned Colgate-Palmolive to avoid causing racial offense in the future.

Source Information

BBC Business
The climate and market factors driving beef prices to record highs

The climate and market factors driving beef prices to record highs

August 19, 2025
Beef prices have reached the highest levels ever, affecting many households. Economic and climate-related issues are contributing to this rise in prices.

Key Facts:

  • Beef prices are at record highs.
  • Many families are experiencing financial strain due to these increased costs.
  • Economic factors are playing a role in driving up beef prices.
  • Climate issues are also impacting beef production and prices.
  • An economics correspondent, Paul Solman, is examining these causes.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump administration vying to own a big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2 billion bet on company

Trump administration vying to own a big stake in Intel after SoftBank’s $2 billion bet on company

August 19, 2025
The Trump administration is seeking to obtain a 10% stake in Intel, a major chip manufacturer, by converting federal grants into Intel stock. This move would make the U.S. government one of Intel's largest shareholders, following SoftBank's recent investment in the company. The administration's interest in Intel is part of a broader effort to increase U.S. chip production.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. government wants to acquire a 10% stake in Intel.
  • This stake would be obtained by converting federal grants into stock.
  • The deal is part of efforts to enhance U.S. chip manufacturing.
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed the negotiations.
  • SoftBank plans to invest $2 billion for a 2% stake in Intel.
  • Intel's stock rose after SoftBank and the U.S. government's interest became public.
  • The Trump administration seeks to boost U.S. technology self-sufficiency.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
US wants equity stake in Intel for cash grants given under Biden

US wants equity stake in Intel for cash grants given under Biden

August 19, 2025
The US government is considering taking an equity stake in Intel in return for cash grants given previously. The aim is to help stabilize Intel, a major US chipmaker, which has faced financial difficulties. The proposed investment does not involve controlling the company.

Key Facts:

  • The US government plans to convert past grants into equity stakes in Intel.
  • Commerce Secretary Lutnick and Treasury Secretary Bessent have discussed this plan in public statements.
  • The potential stake could be around 10% according to reports, although details are not finalized.
  • The aim is to stabilize Intel's financial situation and boost domestic chip production.
  • The equity stake would be "non-voting," meaning it won't give the government control over Intel's decisions.
  • Intel has been struggling with financial losses and competition from other tech companies.
  • The chipmaker plans to cut its workforce significantly by the end of the year.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Chili's has staged a remarkable revival in sales

August 19, 2025
Chili's, a restaurant chain, has seen its sales increase significantly for five quarters in a row. The company is experiencing a major recovery in its business performance.

Key Facts:

  • Chili's is a casual dining restaurant chain that is 50 years old.
  • The company has experienced five consecutive quarters of sales growth, with increases in the double digits.
  • This growth indicates a significant revival for the brand.
  • The focus of the report was a discussion between NPR's Mary Louise Kelly and Slate's Dan Kois.
  • The discussion aimed to understand the reasons behind Chili's improved sales performance.

Source Information

NPR Business
The clock is ticking on deciphering the job market slowdown

The clock is ticking on deciphering the job market slowdown

August 19, 2025
U.S. job growth slowed down during the summer, but the reasons are unclear. Policymakers are trying to understand if this slowdown is due to fewer people entering the workforce or if employers are hesitant to hire.

Key Facts:

  • Job growth in the summer reduced significantly according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • The exact reason for the slowdown is still uncertain and is important for future policy decisions.
  • If the slowdown is due to fewer people working, it could be linked to immigration policies.
  • If employers are hiring less, it might mean the economy needs more action, like adjusting interest rates.
  • Immigration flows data are not easily available, especially for those with unclear legal status.
  • Factors such as immigration changes and the retirement of the baby boomer generation impact job numbers.
  • During 2023-2024, unemployment went up while job creation also increased, partly due to immigration.
  • The Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium will discuss these labor market changes focusing on demographics and policy.

Source Information

Axios
ONS delays release of sales data over quality concerns

ONS delays release of sales data over quality concerns

August 19, 2025
The UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS) has postponed the release of monthly retail sales data by two weeks due to concerns about data quality. This delay has led to questions about the reliability of ONS data, which is important for government and economic policy decisions. The ONS has faced recent criticism for data issues and is working to improve its processes.

Key Facts:

  • The ONS delayed the release of retail sales data by two weeks to check data quality.
  • This data is important for understanding consumer spending and the economy's performance.
  • The delay affects economic decisions, including interest rate settings by the Bank of England.
  • The delay comes amid criticism of ONS data reliability, particularly in job market figures.
  • A review found "deep seated" issues within the ONS, affecting its reputation and decision-making.
  • A recent error in inflation data was due to incorrect road tax information from another department.
  • The chair of the UK Statistics Authority, overseeing the ONS, recently resigned for new leadership.
  • The UK government prioritizes economic growth and relies on accurate ONS data for policy decisions.

Source Information

BBC Business

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Trump admin pours cold water on its hot Intel deal

Trump admin pours cold water on its hot Intel deal

August 19, 2025
The Trump administration plans to buy a 10% stake in Intel to support the struggling U.S. chipmaker. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that while the government wants to stabilize Intel, it does not plan to force other companies to purchase Intel products.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. government plans to buy a 10% share in Intel.
  • Japan's SoftBank has invested $2 billion in Intel.
  • The government might use CHIPS Act loans to acquire the stake.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed talks about the equity stake.
  • Bessent said the government will not force companies to buy from Intel.
  • There is a consideration to potentially split Intel, making its foundry private.

Source Information

Axios
Home Depot keeps quiet on immigration raids outside its doors

Home Depot keeps quiet on immigration raids outside its doors

August 19, 2025
Immigration agents are conducting raids targeting day laborers near Home Depot locations, and the company has not actively commented on the incidents. Home Depot states that it follows all laws but is not involved in the planning or notification of these enforcement activities. The raids have led to concerns and critiques from advocates for day laborers, as well as incidents such as a fatality during a raid.

Key Facts:

  • Immigration agents arrested day laborers outside a Home Depot in Los Angeles.
  • Home Depot has not publicly addressed the raids during its earnings calls or responded to inquiries about a related fatality.
  • The company stated it instructs employees to report suspected immigration activities and not get involved for safety reasons.
  • Home Depot is not informed about or involved in planning immigration raids, according to both the company and the Department of Homeland Security.
  • Day laborers often gather near Home Depot locations looking for work, as contractors frequently hire them for their services.

Source Information

NPR Home
New home construction rebounds in July but future plans stall

New home construction rebounds in July but future plans stall

August 19, 2025
In July, U.S. builders began constructing new homes at the fastest pace in five months, mainly driven by multifamily housing projects. However, the number of permits issued for future home construction dropped to the lowest level since 2020. This indicates that while current building activity increased, there is uncertainty about future housing projects.

Key Facts:

  • New home construction in the U.S. increased by over 5% in July.
  • The construction rate reached an annualized pace of 1.4 million homes.
  • Multifamily housing saw a 10% increase in starts, contributing to overall growth.
  • Single-family home construction rose by approximately 2%.
  • Building permits for future construction fell by almost 3% in July, reaching an annualized rate of 1.35 million.
  • Current building permits are about 6% lower than the same time last year.
  • High interest rates and rising material costs are making builders cautious.
  • The housing sector has negatively impacted broader economic growth recently.

Source Information

Axios
Las Vegas tourism is slumping. Some blame Trump’s tariffs and immigration crackdown

Las Vegas tourism is slumping. Some blame Trump’s tariffs and immigration crackdown

August 19, 2025
Tourism in Las Vegas is down, with fewer visitors from abroad, especially from Canada and Mexico. Some people think U.S. government policies on tariffs and immigration might be part of the reason for the decrease in tourists.

Key Facts:

  • Las Vegas had about 3.1 million visitors in June, which is an 11% decrease from the same time last year.
  • There are 13% fewer international visitors than last year, leading to a 15% drop in hotel occupancy.
  • Tourism from Canada and Mexico, two major sources of visitors to Las Vegas, has significantly decreased.
  • Union leader Ted Pappageorge described the drop in visitors as a "Trump slump," tying it to immigration policies.
  • Tourism Economics predicts a 9.4% decline in U.S. international arrivals this year, whereas they previously expected a 9% rise.
  • Canadian airlines report fewer passengers flying to Las Vegas, with declines of up to 62% from certain carriers.
  • Las Vegas was lower on AAA’s list of top travel destinations for Labor Day, ranking last compared to No. 6 last year.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Swatch apologizes for ad showing gesture seen as derogatory and racist

Swatch apologizes for ad showing gesture seen as derogatory and racist

August 19, 2025
Swatch, a Swiss watch company, apologized for an ad campaign's image that offended people in China and other places. The ad featured an Asian male model making a gesture that many see as offensive. Swatch removed the ad materials worldwide and expressed regret on social media platforms.

Key Facts:

  • Swatch apologized for an ad that upset people in China due to a gesture seen as offensive.
  • The company removed all related materials from the campaign worldwide.
  • The offensive gesture involved an Asian male model pulling his eyelids, a gesture widely viewed as derogatory.
  • The apology was posted on social media, including Instagram and China's Weibo.
  • China is an important market for luxury brands like Swatch.
  • Swatch's apology follows a pattern, as other companies have faced backlash in China for cultural insensitivity.
  • The Swiss watch industry faces challenges like new U.S. tariffs and economic slowdowns in key markets like the U.S., Japan, and Hong Kong.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Air Canada to resume flights after pay deal struck with union

Air Canada to resume flights after pay deal struck with union

August 19, 2025
Air Canada will restart flights after reaching a temporary pay agreement with the union representing flight attendants. The agreement, announced by the airline, ended a strike that had disrupted flights and affected many passengers.

Key Facts:

  • Air Canada's flight crew reached a tentative pay deal with the airline, ending a work stoppage.
  • The strike had started on a Saturday, affecting numerous passengers.
  • More than 10,000 Air Canada employees were involved in the walkout.
  • The deal was made with mediator assistance, nine hours into negotiations.
  • An order to resume work was initially rejected by the Canadian Union of Public Employees.
  • The airline aims to restart some flights by Tuesday evening, but full service may take days to resume.
  • Air Canada proposed a 38% pay increase over four years, with 25% in the first year.
  • The union criticized the proposal as inadequate compared to inflation and market value.

Source Information

BBC US
Publishing this week: A James Baldwin bio, the hope of solar, Snow White reimagined

Publishing this week: A James Baldwin bio, the hope of solar, Snow White reimagined

August 19, 2025
The article discusses new books being released this week, including a biography of James Baldwin, a novel about a small town in Mississippi, and a book on climate change focusing on solar power. These publications cover topics like personal relationships, family drama, and environmental issues.

Key Facts:

  • A new biography of James Baldwin by Nicholas Boggs is being released, focusing on Baldwin's personal relationships and societal impact.
  • Baldwin was an influential writer known for his insights on race and American history.
  • "Dominion" is a debut novel by Addie E. Citchens, set in a small town in Mississippi, exploring complex family dynamics.
  • Bill McKibben's latest book discusses climate change, promoting solar power as a hopeful energy solution.
  • McKibben is known for advocating action against man-made climate change since 1989.
  • Other new releases include "The Old Man by the Sea" by Domenico Starnone.

Source Information

NPR News
Air Canada says flights will resume Tuesday night after flight attendants strike ends

Air Canada says flights will resume Tuesday night after flight attendants strike ends

August 19, 2025
Air Canada will start flights again on Tuesday night after reaching an agreement with its flight attendants' union, ending a strike that began over the weekend. The strike affected many travelers during the busy summer travel season. Full regular service may take about a week to restore.

Key Facts:

  • Air Canada and the union for 10,000 flight attendants reached an agreement that ended the strike.
  • The strike began over the weekend and impacted about 130,000 travelers daily.
  • Flight attendants walked off the job after rejecting government-directed arbitration.
  • The agreement guarantees pay for work done on the ground, addressing a major strike issue.
  • CEO Michael Rousseau said it might take 7 to 10 days to restore normal flight schedules.
  • The Canada Industrial Relations Board declared the strike illegal and ordered a return to work.
  • Air Canada operates around 700 flights a day; about 500,000 passengers experienced cancellations.
  • The airline canceled over 2,500 flights since Thursday when operations began suspension before the strike.

Source Information

NPR World
People buying less fast food as grocery prices remain high

People buying less fast food as grocery prices remain high

August 19, 2025
Sorry, the article titled "People buying less fast food as grocery prices remain high" is not available. The page where it was supposed to be found cannot be accessed.

Key Facts:

  • A "404 Error" indicates the web page is missing.
  • The issue might be caused by a wrong URL or a removed page.
  • Readers are advised to check the URL for mistakes.
  • If the issue persists, users can contact the BBC via email.
  • Other unrelated news snippets are available on the same page.

Source Information

BBC Business
Gen Z is facing a job market double-whammy

Gen Z is facing a job market double-whammy

August 19, 2025
New graduates are finding it hard to get jobs because the number of unemployed people new to the workforce has reached its highest level in 37 years. This is happening because companies are being careful about hiring due to economic uncertainties like tariffs and policy issues. Even though the overall unemployment rate is low, many young people without work are struggling to find jobs.

Key Facts:

  • 13.4% of unemployed people in July were new to the workforce, such as recent graduates.
  • This is the highest percentage since 1988 when many Baby Boomers were job hunting.
  • People with jobs are generally keeping them; the unemployment rate is 4.2%.
  • Young people with college degrees, aged 22-27, have a jobless rate similar to rates seen in the 2010s.
  • The unemployment rate for everyone aged 22-27 was 7.4% in the second quarter of the year.
  • 25.2% of unemployed workers have been without a job for 27 weeks or more, the highest since February 2022.
  • Many young job seekers affected by this started college during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Source Information

Axios
Businesses face 'chaos' as EPA aims to repeal its authority over climate pollution

Businesses face 'chaos' as EPA aims to repeal its authority over climate pollution

August 19, 2025
The Trump administration's EPA is trying to repeal its authority to regulate greenhouse gases, which could lead to the removal of all federal climate pollution standards. Many businesses rely on these regulations for stability and predictability in planning long-term investments.

Key Facts:

  • The EPA under the Trump administration plans to repeal its authority to regulate greenhouse gases.
  • This authority comes from the endangerment finding, established under the Clean Air Act since 2009.
  • Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are considered harmful to public health and communities.
  • Repealing the authority would lead to the removal of all federal greenhouse gas standards.
  • Businesses rely on these standards to protect against lawsuits and for planning.
  • Some companies and industry groups, like the American Petroleum Institute, prefer federal regulation of emissions.
  • The EPA argues that Congress never specifically authorized it to regulate climate pollution.
  • Public hearings on the EPA's proposal are planned to discuss the matter.

Source Information

NPR Home
Actors say casting agency owes them thousands

Actors say casting agency owes them thousands

August 19, 2025
Actors in England report not receiving payments for jobs they completed through Lucy Harrison Casting agency. The agency has not paid some actors for months, with claims that owed amounts total in the thousands. The issue involves two companies linked by the same director, with one company in liquidation and the other still operating.

Key Facts:

  • Actors across England claim Lucy Harrison Casting owes them money for completed jobs.
  • Some actors have waited months without payment, with amounts owed in the thousands.
  • Lucy Harrison Casting is associated with two companies: Happy House Productions, now in liquidation, and Happy House Media Limited, which continues to operate.
  • Sharon Stanton and Natalie Neri are among the actors seeking payment, with Neri owed over £1,000.
  • Despite the liquidation, Lucy Harrison Casting's website is still active, now under Happy House Media Limited.
  • The agency claims compliance with UK law and continues to represent actors and models.
  • Some actors have reported the agency to the government's Employment Agency Standards Inspectorate for investigation.
  • The Department for Business and Trade is investigating complaints against the agency to protect consumers and businesses.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Japan chain stops rice ball sales after staff fake expiry dates

Japan chain stops rice ball sales after staff fake expiry dates

August 19, 2025
A Japanese convenience store chain, Ministop, has stopped selling rice balls and some deli items at 1,600 stores. This decision came after it was found that staff at 23 stores faked expiry dates on these food items.

Key Facts:

  • Ministop is a Japanese convenience store chain.
  • The sales suspension affects rice balls (onigiri) and other deli items.
  • 1,600 stores are involved in this sales pause.
  • Staff at 23 stores were found to have faked expiry dates.
  • No health issues have been reported by customers.
  • The affected stores are located in major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
  • Sales were paused since August 9 for rice balls and recently extended to other items for investigation.
  • Ministop has more than 1,800 stores in Japan.

Source Information

BBC World