The board of easyJet is considering a £5.7 billion cash offer from US private equity firm Apollo, which values the airline at £7.15 per share. This offer has led easyJet’s board to favor Apollo’s bid over an earlier £5.5 billion proposal from another US firm, Castlelake.
Key Facts
easyJet’s board is likely to recommend Apollo’s £5.7 billion all-cash offer to shareholders.
Apollo’s offer values easyJet shares at £7.15 each, higher than Castlelake’s £6.90 per share bid.
easyJet had previously agreed “in principle” to accept Castlelake’s £5.5 billion offer after several increases.
Analysts say Castlelake’s offer undervalued easyJet.
Apollo’s bid allows shareholders to keep their shares if the company is taken private.
Apollo supports easyJet’s current strategy and plans to keep the company intact, without breaking it up.
Apollo values easyJet’s management and employees and wants to retain key staff.
Apollo has until 7 August to make a final offer for the airline.
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Fuel prices vary by more than 11 pence per litre at different petrol stations within a few miles in Hull, UK. Drivers are encouraged to use price comparison tools like the government's Fuel Finder to save money, but some petrol stations do not update prices regularly as required by law.
Key Facts
Petrol prices in Hull differ by over 11p per litre at stations less than three miles apart.
Filling a 50-litre tank can cost around £5.65 more at the most expensive station compared to the cheapest nearby.
The government requires all UK petrol stations to update price changes within 30 minutes since February 2.
Some stations fail to update prices frequently, affecting the accuracy of comparison tools.
Taxi driver Wayne Parsons says even cheaper prices remain very high for those who rely on fuel for work.
Average UK petrol prices are about 19p per litre higher than before the Middle East conflict, despite oil prices returning to normal.
Factors affecting price differences include local competition, location, and how often stations receive fuel deliveries.
The Fuel Finder app aims to help drivers save about £40 yearly by promoting price competition.
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The price of fish and chips has increased in the UK due to rising costs of fish, energy, and other expenses. A regular portion of cod and chips now costs about £12, with much of the price covering expenses like fish, wages, and taxes.
Key Facts
The average price for haddock and chips is just over £10, and cod and chips costs about £11.41.
Jon Long, a fish and chip shop owner in Dorset, charges around £12 for a regular portion of cod and chips.
About £2 of this price goes to government tax (VAT), food costs are about 35% (around £3.50 to £4), and wages make up about 40% (£4).
The remaining £2 covers business reinvestment and income for the owner, not just profit.
Fish prices have risen from £7 per kilo to £16-£17 due to supply issues linked to the war in Ukraine and tariffs on Russian-caught fish.
Over half of the fish coming into the UK used to be Russian caught, but this supply has stopped.
Energy price increases and general cost rises affect both businesses and customers.
Despite challenges, some shop owners are reopening or investing because they believe there is still a future in the fish and chips industry.
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South Korean chip maker SK hynix is raising $26.5 billion through a major stock sale on the US Nasdaq market. The company benefits from growing demand for advanced memory chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and plans to use the funds to expand its chip manufacturing facilities in South Korea.
Key Facts
SK hynix plans to sell about 18 million shares on the Nasdaq to raise $26.5 billion.
The listing is one of the largest stock sales ever and was oversubscribed more than seven times.
SK hynix supplies advanced memory chips to Nvidia, a major AI technology company.
The company’s shares have risen over 220% this year on the Seoul stock exchange.
SK hynix will list via American depositary shares (ADS), with each ADS representing one-tenth of a normal share.
The money raised will help build a new chip fabrication hub near Seoul and an advanced packaging plant in Cheongju.
SK hynix, Samsung, and Micron all recently reached market values above $1 trillion due to AI chip demand.
The AI chip boom is causing shortages and price increases for other memory chips used in consumer electronics.
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A report shows that 24.7 million people traveled to the UK last year to attend live music events, spending a record £11.2 billion. Big artists like Oasis, Coldplay, and Beyoncé attracted many visitors, including a 27% rise in overseas music tourists.
Key Facts
24.7 million music tourists attended UK concerts and festivals in 2025, a 4.8% increase from 2024.
Overseas music tourists grew by 27%, reaching 2.1 million last year.
Major artists who performed only in the UK included Oasis (reunion tour), Coldplay, and Lana Del Rey.
Music tourism spending reached £11.2 billion, up 11% from £10 billion in 2024.
£5.7 billion was spent directly by attendees on tickets, food, travel, and merchandise.
An additional £5.5 billion was spent indirectly, including on concert security and fencing.
London accounted for over 30% of music tourism spending, which rose by 27.4% to £3.4 billion.
Government plans aim to support the music industry by fighting ticket reselling and supporting local venues.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce a new commitment called the City “skills compact” that involves major financial firms retraining their workers in important skills like artificial intelligence (AI). This plan aims to help employees keep up with fast changes in technology and protect jobs in the UK financial sector.
Key Facts
The skills compact includes firms such as Barclays, Lloyds, London Stock Exchange, Nationwide, Fidelity, and Standard Chartered.
Nearly 20 firms will create three-year plans to train UK staff in up to five key skills related to future technology needs.
The firms will report their progress annually to the Treasury and Financial Services Skills Commission.
Each participating firm must have a senior leader overseeing the training program.
The UK financial sector accounts for about 11% of the UK economy and employs 2.5 million people.
AI developments raise concerns about job losses, especially among back office workers.
Research predicts AI could put more than 200,000 banking jobs at risk in Europe by 2030.
The compact focuses on boosting skills to support innovation and competitiveness rather than just avoiding job cuts.
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South Korean chip maker SK Hynix raised $26.5 billion by selling shares in the United States, making it the largest share sale by a foreign company in the US. The shares will start trading on the Nasdaq, giving American investors an easier way to buy into the company, which is a major supplier of memory chips used in AI technology.
Key Facts
SK Hynix sold 177.9 million American depositary shares at $149 each.
This is the largest US share offering by a foreign firm ever.
Shares will begin trading on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
SK Hynix supplies memory chips to Nvidia, a leading AI chip company.
The company’s market value surpassed $1 trillion in South Korea in May.
Its share price in South Korea has more than tripled this year.
The offering was highly popular, with demand over seven times the shares available.
The sale helps SK Hynix access investment from the large US market.
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The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) provide loans to African countries that are cheaper than regular loans but require governments to make economic and governance reforms. These reforms aim to improve financial management and reduce debt risks, but some leaders and critics worry they give too much control to international lenders over local policies.
Key Facts
The World Bank and IMF offer concessional loans, which have lower interest and easier terms than commercial loans.
Borrowing countries must agree to reforms like better tax collection, transparency, and public financial management.
Kenya recently received $750 million from the World Bank with conditions tied to governance, climate, and social protection reforms.
President William Ruto of Kenya criticized loan conditions that demand policy changes unrelated to the loans’ purpose.
Reforms often include sensitive measures such as tax hikes, subsidy cuts, and spending controls.
Critics say such reforms can increase costs for people and pressure struggling households.
Kenya’s 2024 protests partly arose over fiscal reforms linked to international loan conditions.
Experts say countries with fewer financing options face stricter loan conditions, but those with more options can negotiate better terms.
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China has introduced new laws to strengthen its ability to respond to foreign sanctions and export controls. These rules create risks for multinational companies doing business in China because they must navigate conflicting legal demands from China, the US, and the EU.
Key Facts
China passed two new regulations in March and April that allow it to retaliate against foreign firms considered to harm its supply chains or apply sanctions unfairly.
A third law, still a draft, would let Chinese prosecutors sue foreign entities for harming China’s national or social interests.
Companies could face penalties such as fines, visa cancellations, asset freezes, and trade restrictions for violating these Chinese rules.
The regulations create challenges for companies because complying with US or EU sanctions may put them at risk under Chinese countermeasures.
China started these measures after launching its “Unreliable Entities List” in 2020 to counter Western sanctions aimed at China over security and human rights issues.
Experts say the new rules show China’s growing use of regulation to protect its interests and increase complexity for foreign businesses.
China’s government says these laws defend national sovereignty, security, and the rights of Chinese groups.
Foreign firms are now caught between American and Chinese legal demands, complicating global trade decisions.
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A building in midtown Manhattan was recently unstable and faced possible collapse. This situation might make it more difficult and expensive for developers to change office buildings into apartments in the future.
Key Facts
The building in midtown Manhattan was unstable and at risk of collapsing.
The problem has raised concerns about converting office buildings into apartments.
Developers may face more challenges when trying to do these conversions.
Insurance costs for such projects could increase.
Neil Osnato, an expert, discussed these impacts on a CBS News segment.
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An investigation found that Alibaba, a Chinese online retailer, and its U.S. payment company allowed harmful drugs and related products to be sold to customers in the United States for eight years. Employees had warned about problems with following rules, but the company did not stop the sales.
Key Facts
Alibaba is a Chinese online shopping company.
For eight years, unsafe drugs, chemicals, and pill-making machines were sold to U.S. buyers through Alibaba.
The U.S. payment processor linked to Alibaba also played a role in these sales.
Employees raised concerns about not following safety and legal rules.
Despite warnings, the company did not take effective action to stop these dangerous sales.
Public records and an official investigation revealed these facts.
The drugs and products sold posed risks to American consumers.
The case shows challenges in controlling online sales of harmful items across borders.
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Paris Haute Couture Week 2026 showcased handmade fashion collections from famous brands like Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Chanel, and Dior. The event featured exclusive runway shows attended by celebrities such as Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and Gigi Hadid.
Key Facts
Haute couture means custom, handmade clothing that takes hundreds of hours to make.
Only designers invited by the French fashion industry can show collections at Haute Couture Week.
This year’s event lasted four days and included big fashion houses like Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Schiaparelli’s collection was called "The Call of the Void" and featured bold, creative designs.
Balenciaga’s first couture show by Pierpaolo Piccioli honored the brand’s founder and included flowing gowns worn by models like Gigi Hadid.
Jean Paul Gaultier’s new creative lead, Duran Lantink, created a playful collection inspired by Marie Antoinette.
Chanel’s collection focused on fantasy and fairy tales, with detailed floral designs and accessories.
The event attracted many celebrities who watched the shows despite a heatwave in Paris.
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Anthony Hopkins, the 88-year-old actor, has released his first music single called "Bracken Road." His debut album, "Life Is a Dream," with pieces he composed over 60 years, will be released next month by Decca Classics.
Key Facts
Anthony Hopkins signed a record deal with Decca Classics.
His debut single, "Bracken Road," was released recently.
The album, "Life Is a Dream," will come out on August 21.
The music was composed by Hopkins over six decades, starting from his childhood.
Hopkins’ music is performed by conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
Hopkins began playing piano at age four and has composed music since childhood.
"Bracken Road" was composed in 1963 when Hopkins was a young actor.
The album includes pieces inspired by Hopkins' memories from Wales, his hometown, and family.
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A family from Cheshire saved thousands of pounds on holidays by swapping their home with others in different countries. They use a home exchange website to arrange the swaps, allowing them to stay in each other's houses without paying for accommodation.
Key Facts
The Vanderpump family swapped homes twice in two years and plans another trip this summer.
Their five-bedroom house is exchanged for similar homes in Germany and Denmark.
They saved about £2,500 on accommodation and £700 on transport per trip by also swapping cars.
Home exchanging has been around since the 1950s but is growing due to rising travel costs.
The family enjoys experiencing local life by living in residential neighborhoods rather than tourist areas.
Some people worry about strangers using their homes; preparation and clear communication are important.
Users often exchange many messages before agreeing on a swap, and last-minute bookings are rare.
Tips for successful swaps include clear home listings, leaving guides for guests, and checking home insurance.
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The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico ruled that Carliz De La Cruz Hernández’s lawsuit against singer Bad Bunny can continue. She claims her recorded phrase "Bad Bunny, baby" was used in his songs without her permission, and this could lead to royalty payments.
Key Facts
Carliz De La Cruz Hernández sued Bad Bunny over the use of her voice saying "Bad Bunny, baby."
The Supreme Court allowed her lawsuit to move forward, reversing parts of a previous dismissal.
The court did not say she won, but it found enough reason to investigate further.
The phrase was recorded in 2015 during De La Cruz Hernández’s relationship with Bad Bunny.
Some earlier claims about a 2016 song were dismissed as too old, but recent uses remain under dispute.
De La Cruz Hernández accuses Bad Bunny of using her voice without permission or paying her.
Bad Bunny’s team tried to get retroactive rights by offering $2,000, which she rejected.
Experts say if she wins, she could receive ongoing royalties or licensing fees for the use of her voice.
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The former chief financial officer of The Epoch Times pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge for his role in a $67 million money laundering scheme. Prosecutors say the scheme involved laundering fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits and other illegal funds through the media company's bank accounts.
Key Facts
Weidong “Bill” Guan, the ex-CFO of The Epoch Times, admitted guilt in a Manhattan federal court.
The case involves laundering more than $67 million in fraudulently obtained funds, including unemployment benefits.
Guan acknowledged he knew there was a high chance the money was from illegal sources but did not investigate further.
The scheme used cryptocurrency and prepaid debit cards to move stolen money.
Money was transferred through Epoch’s bank accounts and Guan’s personal accounts.
The media company’s revenues increased by about 410% during the scheme.
Prosecutors said Guan lied to banks about the source of increased funds, claiming they were legitimate donations.
The Epoch Times said it will fully cooperate with the investigation and values integrity in its operations.
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The stock market rose after companies that make computer chips for artificial intelligence (AI) recovered from a recent drop in prices. At the same time, oil prices went down, which also helped boost the market.
Key Facts
AI chipmaker stocks went up after falling earlier.
Oil prices decreased on Thursday.
The combination of these changes caused the overall stock market to rise.
The market reaction was reported by CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady.
The report focused on stock market movements and energy prices.
The recovery in AI chip stocks followed a period of heavy selling.
Lower oil prices can reduce costs for businesses and consumers, influencing the stock market positively.
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A company called Onterris was hired to check air quality after a big warehouse fire in Los Angeles in June 2026. The company, previously known as Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH), has a history of controversial testing that some say underestimated health risks after environmental disasters.
Key Facts
A huge fire burned for a week at a large cold storage warehouse owned by Lineage in Los Angeles on June 17, 2026.
Residents worried about smoke and health risks, leading the company to hire Onterris to test air quality.
Onterris reported good air quality with low hazardous gas levels, but independent experts and activists say the testing might be inadequate.
Onterris used to be called CTEH and has worked for oil companies, railroads, and heavy industry for 29 years.
In 2023, after a train derailment in Ohio, CTEH tested air and water but was criticized for missing dangerous chemicals and short testing times.
CTEH has faced similar disputes after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Critics argue the firm has conflicts of interest because it is paid by companies involved in the pollution.
Onterris disputes the criticism and says their testing protects public health.
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Nine U.S. states are in legal disputes with the Trump administration over whether prediction market companies like Kalshi and Polymarket should be regulated by federal authorities or by individual states as gambling operations. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), led under President Donald Trump, claims federal control, while states argue these platforms violate state gambling laws.
Key Facts
Nine states including Kentucky, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New York, New Mexico, Minnesota, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin have taken legal action against Kalshi and Polymarket.
The CFTC argues it has exclusive federal authority to regulate prediction markets under the Commodity Exchange Act.
States contend prediction markets are a form of gambling and should be regulated under state gambling laws.
The legal fight centers on how to classify prediction markets, which allow trading based on event outcomes like elections or sports.
Prediction markets have generated billions of dollars in trading volume and attracted political scrutiny.
Kentucky’s Attorney General accused Kalshi and Polymarket of operating illegal sportsbooks under state law.
A New York federal judge denied Kalshi’s attempt to block state gambling enforcement, a win for state regulators.
The outcome of these cases will influence who controls the fast-growing prediction market industry.
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Allstate Insurance says Broadcom started audits on it after Allstate decided not to renew contracts with Broadcom’s VMware and CA Technologies. Broadcom claims Allstate did not cooperate with required license audits, leading to lawsuits between the companies.
Key Facts
Allstate stopped renewing contracts with VMware and CA Technologies, now owned by Broadcom.
Broadcom sued Allstate for not complying with software license audits.
Allstate argues Broadcom’s audits began only after Allstate ended its business with them.
Allstate says it followed audit rules and removed VMware software as required.
CA Technologies also sued Allstate over copyright and contract issues related to selling an insurance business.
The legal disputes began around 2025 and may continue until at least May 2027.
Other big companies like T-Mobile and Tesco are also moving away from VMware after Broadcom’s takeover.
Broadcom has not publicly commented on the lawsuits.
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