In June, TikTok influencer Kaycee Ogle was asked by a company to promote a skin patch claimed to help with weight management. Experts warn that these patches claiming to mimic GLP-1 hormones are not as effective as prescribed GLP-1 medications and often lack clear ingredient information, making it hard for consumers to know what they are using.
Key Facts
Kaycee Ogle is a TikTok beauty influencer who received a request to promote a weight management skin patch.
The patches are marketed as "GLP-1 Patches," claiming to support appetite control by boosting a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that helps the body feel full.
Real GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are effective but expensive and require injections.
Experts note that supplements using the GLP-1 branding do not work as well as the official medications.
Some supplements may not clearly list their ingredients, adding risk for consumers.
There is a growing interest in products related to weight loss and appetite control, but costs and side effects make some people look for alternative options like supplements.
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Yemen’s Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, announced they will attack ships of companies trading with Israeli ports, irrespective of the companies’ nationalities. This decision is part of their response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, and they have previously disrupted shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis have targeted over 100 ships in this area, using missiles and drones, although there was a brief pause during a temporary ceasefire.
Key Facts
The Houthis are a rebel group in Yemen backed by Iran.
They have announced targeting ships linked to Israeli ports due to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Red Sea, a key shipping route, has seen disruptions from their attacks; it moves about $1 trillion in goods each year.
These new attacks mark a "fourth phase" in their operations against Israel.
They attacked two ships this month, causing deaths and taking hostages.
From November 2023 to December 2024, they targeted over 100 ships with missiles and drones.
A brief ceasefire had previously halted their attacks, but activities resumed afterward.
A U.S. deal with the Houthis in May aimed to stop the attacks, but did not include those believed aligned with Israel.
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New tariffs announced by President Trump are set to start on Friday, July 28, 2025. Ernie Tedeschi from Yale discusses these tariffs and trade agreements on NPR.
Key Facts
Tariffs are taxes on goods coming into a country.
President Trump announced new tariffs that will begin on July 28, 2025.
NPR talked with Ernie Tedeschi, an economics expert from Yale, about the tariffs.
The tariffs are part of trade discussions and deals.
"Trade agreements" are arrangements between countries about how they buy and sell goods to each other.
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Some Caribbean islands offer citizenship to people who buy homes there, attracting interest from people in countries like the United States due to political and social issues. Five islands in the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, provide passports through this Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program that allows visa-free travel to many countries, and these programs do not require giving up one's original citizenship.
Key Facts
Five Caribbean islands offering citizenship through home purchase are Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia.
The minimum investment needed for CBI in these islands starts at $200,000.
Passports from these islands allow travel without a visa to up to 150 countries, including the UK and Europe.
There is no residency requirement to obtain citizenship in Antigua's program.
The majority of CBI applicants are from the United States, driven by an unstable political climate.
Demand for CBI programs has increased by 12% globally since late 2024.
Americans often see these second citizenships as a backup or "insurance policy."
Businesspeople value the travel freedom and perceived security advantages of these passports.
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Tariffs on imported goods will begin on August 1, as announced by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. These tariffs are expected to apply to many countries, with no further delays or grace periods.
Key Facts
Tariffs will start on August 1, according to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Previously, there were delays and reversals on tariffs announced by President Trump.
The expected average tariff rate on imports is over 20%, the highest since 1911.
Lutnick stated that the new tariffs would not cause prices to increase significantly.
The administration predicts that tariffs could bring in $700 billion to $1 trillion yearly, but current revenue is less than $30 billion a month.
Trump will meet with EU officials on Sunday, while U.S. officials have talks with Chinese officials this week.
Negotiations and potential deals with countries like Canada, Mexico, India, and South Korea are still ongoing.
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This week, the U.S. will release important data on the economy, including GDP growth, jobs, and inflation. These reports will influence decisions on interest rates and impact ongoing trade talks, including U.S. tariffs and trade negotiations with Europe, Canada, Mexico, and China.
Key Facts
The U.S. will release GDP, jobs, and inflation data this week.
The GDP report on Wednesday will show if the economy grew in the second quarter.
Jobs data will include information on job vacancies, layoffs, and hiring, leading up to the government payroll report on Friday.
Inflation data, important to the Federal Reserve, will be released Thursday.
The Federal Reserve is not expected to cut interest rates on Wednesday, despite pressure.
A court case on the legality of President Trump's tariffs begins Thursday.
Trade negotiations with China will take place in Stockholm and end on Wednesday.
Other trade discussions with Europe, Canada, and Mexico face a deadline for reaching deals.
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A US tech company called Astronomer used a humorous video with Gwyneth Paltrow to address a recent scandal involving its CEO. The video, which was designed to create public interest in the company, was viewed over 27 million times and aimed to shift focus back to the firm's services in data workflow automation.
Key Facts
Astronomer's CEO and chief people officer resigned after being seen embracing at a Coldplay concert.
Gwyneth Paltrow appeared in a promotional video for Astronomer as a temporary spokesperson.
The video was shared on Astronomer's social media and went viral with over 27 million views.
The video aimed to highlight Astronomer's services in data workflow automation.
PR expert Jordan Greenaway noted that the humor used in the video can help the company manage the scandal effectively.
The focus of the video was not on the quality of Astronomer's product but to create brand recognition.
The scandal centered around personal behavior, allowing Astronomer to use humor as part of its strategy.
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Stocks in the U.S. have reached record highs despite the threat of upcoming tariffs proposed by President Trump. The economy remains stronger than expected, with steady job growth and controlled inflation, prompting investors to remain optimistic. However, not all sectors benefit equally, as some companies and small businesses feel the pressure from potential tariffs.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans for significant tariffs starting August 1.
Stocks like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have recently hit record highs.
The unemployment rate is low at 4.1%, with employers continuing to hire.
Inflation increased to 2.7% in June, but consumer prices have not spiked as feared.
The U.S. economy is expected to grow slower in the second half of the year compared to 2024.
Major companies like Alphabet, Netflix, and AT&T have reported strong profits.
General Motors reported a $1.1 billion profit loss due to tariffs.
Small businesses are expected to be more affected by tariffs than larger companies.
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Women can have very different experiences with uterine fibroids, from severe pain to no symptoms. Many women have these growths, but people do not often talk about them, according to health advocates.
Key Facts
Uterine fibroids are growths that can appear in a woman’s uterus.
These fibroids can cause a range of symptoms, from significant pain to no symptoms at all.
A large number of women are affected by these growths.
Health advocates believe that uterine fibroids are not discussed enough.
Ali Rogin interviewed Sateria Venable, a patient advocate and head of The Fibroid Foundation, to get more information on the topic.
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The U.S. Postal Service celebrated its 250th anniversary on Saturday. Despite its long history and importance, it is currently facing financial challenges, with annual losses close to $10 billion.
Key Facts
The U.S. Postal Service is 250 years old.
It is one of the oldest organizations in the United States.
The Postal Service has played an important role in American history and development.
The agency is facing financial issues, losing nearly $10 billion each year.
Lisa Desjardins discussed these issues with Hansi Lo Wang from NPR.
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The new Postmaster General has connections to FedEx, which causes some rural postal customers and postal workers to worry about possible changes like privatizing or making the postal service smaller.
Key Facts
The Postmaster General is the head of the United States Postal Service (USPS).
The new Postmaster General has past links to FedEx, a private delivery service.
Rural postal customers are concerned about potential changes to their service.
Postal workers also fear the postal service might be privatized or reduced in size.
Privatization means transferring a public service to private companies.
USPS is important for delivering mail, especially in rural areas.
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This summer, U.S. companies are experiencing different impacts from new tariffs. While some car and consumer-focused companies report financial challenges, tech and finance companies are doing well with record stock market highs.
Key Facts
Over 100 large U.S. companies shared their earnings this week.
Tariffs are taxes on imports, and they affect businesses that rely on foreign goods.
Companies like carmakers are facing financial difficulties due to these tariffs.
Tech and finance companies are less affected because they rely less on imports.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new record highs despite these challenges.
President Trump has set a deadline for more tariff decisions by August 1.
Some companies try to manage their business around the uncertainty of tariffs.
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Home prices reached their highest level ever in June, even as fewer houses were sold. High mortgage rates and expensive prices are making it hard for many people to buy homes, especially first-time buyers, while wealthier buyers continue purchasing high-priced homes.
Key Facts
The median home price in June was $435,300, the highest recorded so far.
Home sales fell by 2.7% in June compared to the previous month.
Homes priced over $1 million had the largest increase in sales, up by 14% from the previous year.
All-cash buyers accounted for 29% of home purchases in June.
First-time buyers made up 30% of all home purchases last month.
Mortgage rates are currently around 6.74%, making it tougher for new buyers to afford homes.
Higher mortgage rates prevent people with existing low-rate mortgages from selling their homes unless they have significant home equity.
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Several Christian musicians are now appearing on the Billboard Hot 100 chart at the same time, staying on the list for weeks. This change shows that the Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) industry is growing in the mainstream music scene. Experts discuss how this trend might affect what people listen to and the business behind Christian music.
Key Facts
Christian musicians are charting on the Billboard Hot 100 together for the first time.
Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) became popular in the 1980s and 1990s and mimics mainstream pop in style without controversial content.
Some successful CCM artists include Maverick City Music, Elevation Worship, CeCe Winans, and Dante Bowe.
A style called "Barstool conversion rock" is emerging, blending themes of faith with influences from masculinity and country music.
Megachurches like Hillsong and Bethel influence the CCM format and style, providing resources for smaller churches to emulate their services.
Christian Copyright Licensing International tracks music usage in churches, noting a difference in music choices between predominantly white and Black churches.
The economic opportunity in gospel music may not be as significant as in contemporary worship music, partly due to different practices in music presentation.
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Volkswagen faced a $1.5 billion loss in the first half of the year due to tariffs imposed by the United States. The carmaker is adjusting its profit forecasts and accelerating cost-cutting plans in response. Other global carmakers like General Motors and Stellantis reported similar tariff-related losses.
Key Facts
Volkswagen lost $1.5 billion in the first half of the year due to U.S. tariffs.
The company adjusted its expected operating profit margin to 4-5%, down from 5.5-6.5%.
Volkswagen expects sales this year to be the same as last year, rather than 5% higher as initially forecasted.
CEO Oliver Blume emphasized the need for more aggressive cost-cutting measures.
Other carmakers, like General Motors and Stellantis, also reported significant losses due to tariffs.
A potential trade deal between the U.S. and Europe might reduce tariffs from 25% to 15%.
Volkswagen's operating profit for the quarter ending June 30 was $4.4 billion, a 29% decrease from the previous year.
Sales to the U.S. fell by almost 10%, while global deliveries increased by 1.5%.
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The NPR advice column, Dear Life Kit, addresses questions about handling negative comments in relationships. Experts suggest ways to start positive conversations with friends about body image and how to set boundaries with family members who make hurtful jokes.
Key Facts
Dear Life Kit is an advice column by NPR that answers questions on topics like relationships and social etiquette.
Ronald Young Jr. and Katie Sturino provide advice on dealing with negative body image talk from friends.
They recommend two approaches: questioning the need for the friendship or suggesting positive affirmations together.
Guidance is also given on responding to a family member who makes hurtful jokes related to body image.
In such situations, Young suggests offering support while maintaining personal boundaries to protect self-esteem and well-being.
Sturino advises acknowledging the issue with children and empowering them to avoid uncomfortable situations.
The column emphasizes making choices for personal well-being in challenging social situations.
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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggested the UK government should switch to assessing its finances once a year to avoid frequent policy changes. This recommendation comes as part of the IMF's review of the UK economy, which praised recent reforms while highlighting room for improvement in handling economic shocks.
Key Facts
The IMF suggested the UK assess its finances annually instead of twice a year.
Presently, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) does two forecasts yearly on the economy and public finances.
Changes in economic forecasts led to temporary welfare cuts, which were later reversed.
The IMF recommended allowing more flexibility in financial targets to handle small changes more easily.
The UK government is considering having one annual Budget to improve policy stability.
The UK follows rules that ensure daily costs are covered by taxes, not borrowing, and aim for debt reduction by 2029-30.
The IMF praised the UK's pro-growth reforms and medium-term borrowing plans.
Suggestions were made to reconsider certain financial policies if economic shocks occur, like changing the pension triple lock and means-testing benefits.
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The U.S. dollar has weakened significantly this year despite ongoing trade deals. This drop in value may relate to countries shifting away from using the dollar because of uncertainty in U.S. economic policies. Some experts suggest this trend could affect the overall market and global investing strategies.
Key Facts
The dollar has dropped over 10% in value this year after large declines in the first half of 2023.
Countries may be moving away from using the U.S. dollar due to uncertainty in U.S. financial policies.
The shift from dollar use is called "de-dollarization."
A weaker dollar might affect stock values and lead to higher borrowing costs for companies and people.
There is currently no strong alternative to the dollar for global investors.
A recent decline follows a three-year period where the dollar was strong, known as a "bull run."
Although the dollar is weak now, some think it could rise again due to trade deals and U.S. policy changes.
Financial experts suggest that diversifying investments globally is important due to varying market returns across different regions.
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On Friday, U.S. stocks were near record highs, with both the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average slightly rising. Deckers and Edwards Lifesciences reported strong profits, while Intel faced challenges due to a loss and job cuts. Meanwhile, there's anticipation over trade deals and Federal Reserve decisions on interest rates.
Key Facts
The S&P 500 increased by 0.1%, approaching a record high for the fourth time in five weeks.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average went up by 71 points, or 0.2%, early in the trading day.
Deckers' stock surged by 16.6% after exceeding expected profits, especially from overseas sales.
Edwards Lifesciences rose 8% following a positive quarterly profit report.
Intel's stock dropped 8.8% due to a quarterly loss, leading to job cuts and expense reductions.
President Trump announced trade deals with Japan and the Philippines, while further negotiations are anticipated.
Trump urged the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, though the Fed wants more data first.
U.S. Treasury yields stayed mostly steady, with the 10-year yield slightly decreasing to 4.42%.
International markets saw declines, with decreases in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
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The 1995 movie "Clueless" helped make certain slang phrases popular, influencing language and culture. For the film's 30th anniversary, a glossary was created to highlight the memorable phrases used in the movie, showing its continued impact on today's language.
Key Facts
"Clueless," a movie from 1995, introduced unique slang to a wide audience.
Famous phrases from the movie include "as if!," "totally," and "whatever."
A 30th-anniversary glossary has been created to list these popular terms.
Some of these terms are part of "Valley speak," a dialect linked to wealthy California teens.
The film's writer, Amy Heckerling, studied real teens' speech at Beverly Hills High School.
The glossary includes creative terms like "hymenally challenged" and "Monet."
Not all slang from "Clueless" is still popular; some expressions have faded over time.
Social media now spreads new slang faster than movies and TV shows, changing how language evolves.
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