The U.S. government signed Executive Order 14415 in July 2026 to reduce dependence on foreign sources for critical minerals used in defense and technology. The order aims to secure supply chains by restricting materials from rival countries and encouraging tracing of materials back to their origins. America has many critical materials stored in old electronics, which could help support industrial and military needs.
Key Facts
Executive Order 14415 was signed on July 20, 2026, to protect U.S. supply chains for critical minerals.
The Department of War will restrict waivers for materials sourced from adversary countries starting January 1, 2027.
Defense and aerospace contractors must trace materials and components to their raw sources.
Old electronics in homes and offices contain valuable minerals like copper, gold, and rare earth elements.
China controls about 90 percent of global rare earth refining and most strategic mineral processing.
Beijing’s 2025 export restrictions caused immediate impacts on industries like auto and electronics.
Mining alone cannot meet the demand for critical minerals quickly enough for U.S. needs.
JPMorgan pledged $24 million to support maritime businesses and workforce development related to industrial growth.
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Noma, a famous restaurant in Copenhagen, will reopen on August 5 without its founder and lead chef René Redzepi. Redzepi stepped down after abuse allegations, and the restaurant will now be led by new chefs with a changing menu focused on seasonal ingredients.
Key Facts
Noma is a well-known restaurant that opened in 2003 and has won many international awards.
René Redzepi, the founder and chef, stepped away in March after allegations of abuse and unpaid internships surfaced.
Redzepi is now in a creative director role but not leading the kitchen.
The restaurant lost its three Michelin stars this year because it was closed for much of the year and did not meet guide requirements.
New executive head chef Pablo Soto said the restaurant is almost fully booked until October.
The reopening menu will change every month to focus more on local and seasonal ingredients, following a new "12 seasons" concept.
Noma conducted an internal review to improve workplace conditions and support staff well-being.
Guests will pay about $686 USD for the meal, with an extra $305 for wine pairing.
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The head of Thames Water said the company’s targets to reduce leaks and pollution are not realistic to meet. Thames Water faces criticism and fines for pollution and is debating whether it should be put under temporary government control or accept a rescue plan from its lenders.
Key Facts
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water company, serving 16 million customers.
The company was fined a record £122.7 million last year for breaking sewage pollution rules.
Thames Water processes 4.3 billion litres of wastewater daily and treats it successfully 99.5% of the time.
The company struggles to meet tight targets on water leakage and pollution set by regulators.
Thames Water is deep in debt and could be placed under a special administration regime, a form of temporary government control.
The company’s boss warns that special administration might cost taxpayers more and disrupt investment.
Thames Water’s creditors have proposed a plan to write off about £9 billion of debt to help the company.
Environmental groups and the regulator expect Thames Water to meet legal pollution standards and reduce leaks.
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A growing number of people in the UK are living as property guardians in empty buildings like former care homes to pay lower rent. These guardians help protect the properties from damage but have fewer legal rights and can be asked to leave with little notice.
Key Facts
Property guardians pay 30-50% less rent than typical tenants in exchange for looking after empty buildings.
Guardians often live in unusual spaces such as disused care homes, schools, pubs, or banks.
They hold a "license to occupy," which gives them fewer rights than normal renters, including less protection against eviction.
One guardian, Katrina, pays £580 a month in London, which is about £400 less than average rent in the city.
Buildings can be run down with problems like leaks and damaged walls, but often have unique features like large windows and high ceilings.
The number of property guardians in the UK is estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000, mostly in big cities and aged 20-35.
Guardians live communally and share facilities, leading to both social benefits and occasional conflicts.
Property guardian companies claim to carefully check applicants and quickly remove people who cause problems.
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The U.S. economy grew more slowly in the second quarter of the year. A report from the Commerce Department suggests that the conflict in Iran might be affecting this slowdown. The Federal Reserve chose to keep interest rates the same, even though some officials wanted to raise them.
Key Facts
The U.S. economy slowed down during the second quarter.
The Commerce Department released a report confirming this slowdown.
The ongoing war in Iran may be contributing to weaker economic growth.
The Federal Reserve decided not to change interest rates recently.
Three members of the Federal Reserve preferred to increase interest rates but were outvoted.
Interest rates affect how much it costs to borrow money and influence economic activity.
The news was discussed by Amna Nawaz and Greg Ip from The Wall Street Journal.
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The trade publication Pollstar released a ranking of the top 20 global concert tours. The list shows the average money made per city and the average ticket price for each tour based on data from concert promoters and venue managers.
Key Facts
Chris Brown and Usher topped the list with an average gross of about $7.8 million per city and an average ticket price of $182.88.
Bad Bunny came in second, earning around $7.57 million per city with a ticket price of $131.38.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band had the highest average ticket price at $262.56.
The list includes various artists from different music genres and regions.
Average audience sizes per city vary, with Bad Bunny attracting nearly 58,000 people per show.
Other artists in the top 20 include Iron Maiden, Kenny Chesney, No Doubt, Guns N’ Roses, and Pitbull.
The rankings are based on data provided by concert promoters and venue managers worldwide.
Pollstar offers free upcoming tour information on their website.
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American Airlines changed its refund policy to be stricter. Now, passengers can only get a full refund within 24 hours of booking if their flight is at least one week away.
Key Facts
The 24-hour refund rule now only applies to flights departing at least seven days after booking.
Previously, American Airlines allowed refunds within 24 hours for flights departing at least two days later.
The new policy started on Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to offer refunds within 24 hours only for flights departing at least one week later.
Airlines can offer better policies if they want but are not required to.
American Airlines lets customers hold a ticket for 24 hours without paying.
Other major airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, and United have similar refund policies.
Delta Air Lines has a more flexible policy, allowing refunds within 24 hours regardless of when the flight departs.
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India’s main strawberry farms are in Mahabaleshwar, where 85% of its strawberries grow in cool highlands with good soil. Currently, India imports young strawberry plants from the US and Europe, but local scientists are working to create new types of strawberries that can handle India’s climate.
Key Facts
Most Indian strawberries come from Mahabaleshwar, a mountain region over 1,000 meters high.
Strawberry farming there is difficult because heavy rains can destroy crops.
Farmers buy young plants from overseas because India lacks its own developed strawberry varieties.
Imported plants come from countries like the US, Italy, Spain, and go through government checks before farming.
Strawberry plants in India are grown using modern methods like coco-peat (from coconut husks) and special drip irrigation.
Indian researchers use gamma irradiation to create new strawberry varieties suited to local heat and conditions.
Developing new strawberry plants could take 10 to 15 years.
In the meantime, scientists are helping farmers with improved growing techniques for the Mahabaleshwar area.
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US economic growth slowed to 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in the first quarter. The slowdown is linked to a growing trade deficit, rising petrol prices, and inflation, despite higher business investment and consumer spending.
Key Facts
US GDP grew by 1.5% between April and June 2026, a decline from 2.1% in the first quarter.
The trade deficit widened, reaching $77.6 billion in May, a 42% increase from April.
Exports fell by 3.2% to $317.7 billion, while imports rose by 3.3% to $395.3 billion.
Rising petrol prices increased inflation, hitting $4.48 per gallon in May before falling and then rising again in July.
Business investment in equipment, including semiconductors and telecommunications gear, rose by over 15% in the second quarter.
Increased imports helped fuel investment and consumption, but US production did not keep pace, reducing net exports' contribution to growth.
US trade tensions with countries like Canada, driven by President Trump’s tariff policies, have affected export levels.
Consumers increased spending on items like prescription drugs, vehicles, furniture, restaurants, and hotels, showing some resilience despite economic pressures.
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A U.K. production company and filmmaker are suing Netflix for $105 million because Netflix lost a drive containing an unreleased spy movie starring Nicolas Cage. The filmmakers say the loss harms the movie’s value and chances of being sold, while Netflix says it is not responsible for the loss.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed in California court and seeks $105 million in damages.
The lost movie is called "Fortitude" and took over seven years and $45 million to make.
Nicolas Cage stars as a World War II spy, with actors Ben Kingsley and Ron Perlman also featured.
The movie’s master copy was hand-delivered to Netflix on a drive to be screened for potential purchase.
Netflix was told to delete the files after screening, but later reported the drive was stolen from their office.
The filmmakers say losing the movie hurts its value because it is no longer exclusive or "first to market."
Netflix disputes responsibility, saying the movie was delivered without proper security, but offers to monitor for piracy.
Netflix does not own the rights to the movie.
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The stock market rose sharply on Thursday, with major indexes like the Dow and Nasdaq increasing by over 600 points. Some technology companies led the rise, helping to boost investor confidence.
Key Facts
The Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by more than 600 points.
The Nasdaq stock index also gained over 600 points.
Several technology companies showed strong gains, contributing to the market recovery.
The rally occurred on a Thursday trading session.
The rise helped improve the overall mood among investors on Wall Street.
Yahoo Finance reporter Brooke DiPalma provided analysis on the market movement.
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Many people in American cities are buying small tote bags and branded water bottles as status symbols. These items, often sold at food stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, have become popular despite being small or impractical, because they signal taste or support for certain brands and values.
Key Facts
Small canvas tote bags have become very popular and are seen as status items.
Trader Joe’s launched a mini tote bag priced at $2.99 that quickly sold out.
Some resale prices for these mini totes have reached hundreds or even nearly a thousand dollars.
Trader Joe’s used a marketing strategy called “manufactured scarcity” to increase demand by limiting supply.
Whole Foods partnered with a brand called Fishwife to produce its own small tote bags linked to its image.
The trend of showing support through branded grocery items is being called “Kitchen Couture.”
Branded reusable water bottles like Nalgene have been popular for decades.
These products appeal to consumers as a way to express lifestyle, taste, and ethical values.
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Travel expert Emily Kaufman says it is still possible to book affordable summer trips in August. Many people can find good deals on vacations even later in the summer season.
Key Facts
Emily Kaufman is a travel expert who advises on affordable vacations.
She spoke to ABC News about summer travel options in August.
Booking trips in August can still be affordable for many travelers.
Summer vacation bookings are not only done in advance but can happen late in the season.
Travelers should consider looking for deals on flights and hotels in August.
The article encourages people not to give up on summer travel plans yet.
This advice comes amid a busy travel season for summer vacations.
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Amazon reported strong profits and sales in its second quarter, mainly due to fast growth in its cloud computing unit called AWS. The company plans to spend a lot on artificial intelligence and technology this year but gave a careful forecast for the next quarter.
Key Facts
Amazon’s cloud unit AWS grew sales by 37% in April-June, its fastest growth in 18 quarters.
Amazon’s CEO said AWS, AI, and chip businesses each have run rates over $25 billion.
The company improved delivery speeds, with 40% more items arriving same-day or overnight for Prime members.
Investors watch Amazon’s $200 billion planned spending on AI, robots, chips, and satellites, which is 60% higher than last year.
Other tech companies like Google and Microsoft also showed strong cloud growth but have different spending plans on AI.
Rising shipping and tariff costs due to trade policies and global events may reduce Amazon’s e-commerce profits.
Amazon expanded partnerships with AI companies OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta in April.
Despite cautious sales outlook, Amazon’s stock rose more than 7% after the earnings report.
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Investors bought large amounts of unpaid property tax debts from Ohio counties, allowing them to collect the owed amounts plus up to 18% interest. Some counties sold record high amounts of these debts, which can lead to financial hardship for property owners and even foreclosure in rare cases.
Key Facts
Ohio law allows counties to sell unpaid property tax debts to investors.
Investors pay for these debts and then collect what property owners owe, plus up to 18% interest.
In 2025 and 2026, several Ohio counties like Cuyahoga and Franklin sold record amounts of tax debt certificates.
The system gives investors rights to additional debts if the property falls behind on taxes again.
County treasurers say selling liens helps collect money efficiently and encourages payment.
Some treasurers add protections, like limiting interest or excluding low-income households.
Critics say high interest rates trap property owners in a cycle of debt, risking loss of homes.
Lawmakers are working on bills to stop these sales for homes and farms, supported by mortgage lenders.
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This article explains the differences between Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and high-yield savings accounts as options for saving money in August 2026. CDs have fixed interest rates and lock your money for a set time, while high-yield savings accounts offer flexible access and rates that can change, especially if the Federal Reserve raises rates.
Key Facts
CDs offer a fixed interest rate that stays the same throughout the term, providing predictability.
High-yield savings accounts have variable rates that can increase if the Federal Reserve raises interest rates.
CDs may require you to keep your money locked in for months or years or pay a fee to withdraw early.
High-yield savings accounts allow you to access and move your money freely.
As of August 2026, CD rates are around 4%, which is significantly higher than rates in recent years.
There is about a 60% chance the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates in September 2026.
CDs work well for those who want stable returns, while high-yield savings suits those seeking flexibility and potential rate increases.
Some savers may benefit from having both types of accounts to balance rate security and access to funds.
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Netflix is being sued for $105 million after a hard drive with an unreleased Nicolas Cage war movie was stolen from its Los Angeles office. The filmmakers say the theft and Netflix’s handling have harmed the film’s release and value.
Key Facts
A hard drive containing the film *Fortitude*, a World War II spy thriller starring Nicolas Cage, was stolen from Netflix’s Los Angeles office.
The film has a $45 million budget and had been given to Netflix for internal screening with instructions to delete the copy afterward.
The filmmakers sued Netflix for $105 million, claiming the theft and Netflix’s response damaged the film’s chances of release and awards opportunities.
Netflix denies responsibility for the loss, says it takes security seriously, and has investigated and monitors piracy sites.
The filmmakers say Netflix did not disclose whether police were initially informed and later refused to involve the LAPD after the filmmakers filed a report.
*Fortitude* is set in London and follows British spies during World War II, starring Nicolas Cage, Matthew Goode, Michael Sheen, and Ben Kingsley.
The director is Simon West, known for *Tomb Raider* and *The General’s Daughter*.
Martin Scorsese was once linked to the project but was involved in a separate legal dispute with the original screenwriter, which was settled.
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Mortgage rates for 30-year home loans in the U.S. reached their highest level in a year, averaging 6.66% as of late July. This rise is linked to inflation worries, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and uncertainty over possible interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage rate hit 6.66%, the highest since July 2025.
Inflation concerns and recent Fed decisions influenced mortgage rate increases.
The Federal Reserve recently kept its main interest rate unchanged, but some members voted to raise it.
Inflation remains above the Fed’s target of 2% despite some signs of slowing.
Tensions and conflicts involving Iran and the Middle East are causing oil prices and Treasury yields to rise.
Rising oil and fuel prices from shipping disruptions in the region contribute to inflation fears.
Deutsche Bank predicts the Fed may raise interest rates twice more in 2026.
Stability in the Middle East, especially reopening the Strait of Hormuz, could help lower rates.
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The cost of school supplies and lunch items has increased significantly this year. Families are paying about 7.7% more for supplies like notebooks and scissors, and lunch prices have risen by 11%, making the total back-to-school expenses nearly $4,000 annually.
Key Facts
Prices for common school supplies are up 7.7% on average.
Parents spend around $173.45 on school supplies each year.
Lunch-related items have increased by 11%, contributing to overall higher costs.
Specific items rising sharply include lunch boxes (27% increase) and notebooks (about 20%).
Fruit and snacks like blueberries and bread have also risen, with blueberries up 48%.
Tariffs on imports and the war in Iran have made materials and shipping more expensive.
Many school supplies are imported from countries like Brazil, China, Mexico, and India.
Rising fuel costs increase transport and production expenses for food and supplies.
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The average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage in the U.S. has increased for the fourth week in a row, reaching its highest point in a year. This rise makes borrowing more expensive and slows down home buying.
Key Facts
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 6.58% last week to 6.66%.
This is the highest mortgage rate level seen in a year.
One year ago, the rate was slightly higher at 6.72%.
Higher mortgage rates mean borrowers pay more each month on their home loans.
Increased costs reduce how much buyers can afford when shopping for homes.
Rising rates have contributed to slower home sales in the U.S. this year.
Freddie Mac, a company that tracks mortgage rates, provided this data.
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