Girlguiding, a UK organization for girls aged 4 to 18, has redesigned its uniform for the first time in over 30 years to focus on comfort, self-expression, and confidence. The new range includes more flexible rules and modern features, created with input from thousands of girls and women.
Key Facts
The uniform redesign was led by Hemingway Design and took two years to complete.
55,000 girls and women contributed ideas for the new designs.
Girls now only need to wear a top for meetings and activities to be considered “in uniform.”
The new line includes 30 clothing items and 15 accessories that can be customized for events.
A 2023 survey of 2,000 UK girls showed most feel more confident and comfortable when choosing how to dress.
Old uniforms can be recycled into new accessories at free workshops.
Girlguiding has about 300,000 members and 80,000 volunteers.
The organization’s membership rules will change in September 2024 to restrict membership to girls and young women, excluding transgender girls from continuing membership.
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Reform UK's proposal to charge employers an annual fee for hiring workers without a UK passport could increase costs for important services like the NHS, social care, schools, and universities. Experts warn this plan might cause staff shortages and financial problems in these sectors.
Key Facts
Reform UK wants employers to pay a "migrant worker surcharge" for each staff member without a UK passport, including EU nationals with settled status, except Irish passport holders.
The charge would be a higher rate of employer national insurance plus a separate annual fee.
The plan applies across the UK and does not exclude sectors with staff shortages like healthcare and education.
About 20% of NHS England staff are not UK nationals, so the policy could raise NHS costs and affect patient care.
Overseas teachers make up nearly 6% of teachers in England, especially in subjects with few UK candidates like languages and physics.
Universities spend up to 60% of their budgets on staff salaries and could face financial trouble from extra fees.
Experts say such costs could lead to reduced services, risk worker exploitation, and increase pressure on public funds.
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Shares of CXMT, China's largest memory chip maker, rose more than 470% after its debut on the Shanghai Stock Exchange's STAR Market. This increase gave CXMT a market value of about 3.3 trillion yuan ($487.3 billion), making it the most valuable listed company in mainland China.
Key Facts
CXMT is a major producer of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chips used in AI data centers, phones, and computers.
The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
CXMT plans to use most of the money from its initial public offering to increase chip production and research.
The stock surge happened despite a global drop in technology stock prices this month.
The DRAM market is mostly controlled by South Korean firms Samsung and SK Hynix, and U.S. company Micron, which make about 90% of global supply.
SK Hynix recently raised $26.5 billion in a New York share sale, the biggest ever for a foreign company in the U.S.
SK Hynix’s shares opened with a 17% rise on Nasdaq but later lost some gains.
The growth in AI chip demand has increased SK Hynix’s market value to over $1 trillion in South Korea.
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A government report shows that expanding Heathrow Airport with a third runway could cause job losses at other airports and regions in the UK, especially in places like the West Midlands. While Heathrow’s expansion may create jobs there, it might mainly shift jobs from other areas rather than add new ones, raising questions about whether the benefits will be shared across the country.
Key Facts
Expanding Heathrow with a third runway could reduce passenger numbers and jobs at other UK airports, including nearly 10,000 jobs lost in the West Midlands.
Birmingham Airport may lose 7.5 million passengers a year by 2050, leading to around 9,500 fewer jobs locally.
The New Economics Foundation said many jobs created at Heathrow would come from other regions, not new jobs overall.
Government officials claim the expansion will create over 60,000 local jobs and benefit the wider UK economy.
The economic boost from expansion is estimated at up to 0.05% increase in UK GDP per year, which is smaller than hoped.
A review suggests the benefits will mostly go to London and the south-east, not broadly across the UK.
The Department for Transport is consulting MPs for approval to build the third runway.
Heathrow’s chief executive says the economic models used don’t capture all benefits, such as increased trade, and forecasts growth at Birmingham Airport by 2055.
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Electric vehicle (EV) sales in Australia nearly doubled in the first half of 2026 compared to all of 2025, reaching over 103,000 units. Rising fuel prices and government efficiency rules are encouraging more people to buy EVs, which now make up almost a quarter of all new car sales.
Key Facts
Australians bought 103,855 battery electric vehicles from January to June 2026, slightly more than the total sold in 2025.
EVs accounted for 23.4% of new car sales in June 2026, up from 10.3% in June 2025.
Sales of plug-in hybrid vehicles rose to 54,121 in the first half of 2026, exceeding 2025’s total of 53,249.
Fuel prices, especially diesel, have risen significantly due to the Middle East conflict and the end of a government fuel tax cut.
New government rules on vehicle efficiency are supporting the growth of EV sales.
The majority (80%) of EV sales are in small and medium SUV market segments.
Australia’s EV market share is growing but still lags behind European countries like Norway, where EV sales exceed 90%.
Experts say once consumers switch to EVs, they usually do not return to petrol vehicles.
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Shein reported a loss of $99 million in the first quarter due to slower sales after the U.S. removed a duty exemption on small imports. The company faces higher costs and delays partly because of new tariffs and global issues like the Iran war, and it is preparing to launch shares in Hong Kong soon.
Key Facts
Shein lost $99 million in the first quarter of this year, compared to a $395 million profit in the same period last year.
The loss is linked to U.S. President Donald Trump ending a tariff exemption for small packages under $800.
This exemption allowed cheap goods to enter the U.S. without extra taxes, benefiting online shopping sites like Shein.
Shein plans to raise prices in the U.S. to offset some of the tariff costs.
The company also experienced delays and higher costs due to the Iran war affecting some markets.
Shein had 281 million active customers who made over one billion orders in the year ending March 2026.
Shein received approval to list shares on the Hong Kong stock market after failing to list in New York and London.
The U.S. government cited concerns over tariff evasion and illegal drug imports as reasons for ending the tariff exemption.
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The Calgary Stampede is the biggest outdoor rodeo in the world and takes place in Alberta, Canada. Since Alberta has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves globally, the rising oil prices are influencing the event and the local economy.
Key Facts
The Calgary Stampede is the largest outdoor rodeo worldwide.
It is held in Alberta, Canada.
Alberta has the fourth-largest proven oil reserves in the world.
Oil prices have been rising recently.
Higher oil prices affect Alberta's economy.
This economic impact is reflected in the atmosphere of the Calgary Stampede.
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Oil prices dropped after the United States and Iran paused their military attacks in the Persian Gulf for two days. Brent crude oil fell to about $92 per barrel, down from a high of $102 reached last week, as fears of war disruptions eased.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil prices fell 4.9% to $92.02 per barrel following a pause in attacks by the U.S. and Iran.
Oil prices had surged to $102 per barrel last week due to increased fighting and worries about shipping disruptions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route for a fifth of the world’s oil supply and has been affected by the conflict.
Alternative shipping routes are also under attack, such as Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea.
Higher oil prices have contributed to increased gasoline prices in the U.S., currently averaging $4.11 per gallon.
Rising oil costs can raise prices for shipped goods worldwide and slow consumer confidence in the U.S. economy.
The recent oil price rise has increased concerns about inflation and led traders to expect a possible Federal Reserve interest rate hike.
Higher interest rates could cool inflation but may also slow down economic growth by making borrowing more expensive.
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A survey showed that most people in the UK would choose a sure £50,000 over a 50/50 chance to win £1 million. Women were more likely than men to pick the guaranteed amount, and younger people were more willing to take the risk than older people.
Key Facts
73% of 4,600 UK adults chose the guaranteed £50,000 in the survey by YouGov.
21% preferred the 50/50 chance to win £1 million, while 6% were undecided.
82% of women chose the sure £50,000 compared to 63% of men.
Younger people (age 18-24) were more likely (28%) to take the risk than those over 65 (11%).
£50,000 is more than the average annual full-time salary in the UK.
People tend to avoid risk because losing a guaranteed amount feels worse than missing out on a larger prize.
Historically, investing £50,000 around 38 years ago in a global fund could have grown to £1 million today, though past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk preference changes depending on the amount of money involved; smaller amounts often encourage more risk-taking.
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Economists warn that rising oil prices caused by conflict in the Middle East could force the Bank of England to increase interest rates later this year. If oil prices stay above $90 to $100 a barrel, inflation may rise, pushing the central bank to raise rates to control the economy.
Key Facts
Oil prices spiked above $100 a barrel due to renewed fighting in the Middle East but dropped slightly to around $96.
The Bank of England currently holds interest rates at 3.75%, with a decision expected to maintain this level at its upcoming meeting.
Economists say if oil prices remain high, inflation in the UK could increase significantly, leading to higher interest rates.
At $90 a barrel, markets anticipate about one and a half rate increases; at $100, potentially two increases of 0.25%.
Rising gas and oil prices may increase costs for food and transport, pushing inflation higher.
The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted oil shipping channels, contributing to price increases.
The Bank of England's monetary policy committee is cautious but prepared to raise rates if energy prices keep rising.
Higher interest rates would aim to slow inflation but could also act like a tax on economic growth.
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The price of home heating oil in Northern Ireland has increased sharply in the past three weeks, rising by nearly £100 for 500 litres. This rise is linked to increased conflict between the US and Iran, which has affected global oil prices and may keep them high until talks resume.
Key Facts
The cost of 500 litres of home heating oil rose from £346.59 to £445.37 in three weeks, an increase of 29%.
About two-thirds of households in Northern Ireland use home heating oil, the highest in the UK.
Prices previously peaked at £612.37 per 500 litres in April and dropped to £346.59 earlier this month.
The recent price rise followed US military actions against Iran and attacks on oil tankers near a critical shipping route.
Some families are worried about the impact of rising heating oil costs, especially with winter approaching.
Alternative heating options like gas have become similarly expensive for some users.
Experts expect high oil prices to continue until diplomatic talks between the US and Iran restart.
The rising cost is creating financial strain for households and those on fixed incomes.
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Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to avoid raising taxes or borrowing more money to pay for social care reform. She said any funding must come from cutting current spending and protecting people who have saved money for their care.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch wrote a letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham about social care reform.
She wants the reforms funded by reducing current government spending, not by raising taxes or borrowing.
Badenoch insists reforms must be fair to people who have saved money for their own care.
Andy Burnham plans to speak about adult social care and has worked on this issue since 2009.
Past efforts by other leaders, including Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer, have also focused on social care reform.
Sir Ed Davey from the Liberal Democrats supports cross-party cooperation on social care.
Badenoch emphasized concerns about business closures, youth unemployment, and the cost of living worsening with tax increases.
Burnham responded positively to cooperation, expressing willingness to find common ground.
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The movie "The Odyssey," directed by Christopher Nolan, earned $87 million in its second weekend in North American theaters. This is Nolan’s best second weekend ever and helped the film reach nearly $640 million worldwide in ticket sales.
Key Facts
"The Odyssey" made $87 million in its second weekend, a small 30% drop from its first weekend.
This is Christopher Nolan’s highest second weekend earnings, surpassing "The Dark Knight" from 2008.
The film has earned about $639.6 million globally, including $128.3 million from international theaters.
IMAX screenings contributed $48 million to the global total, with special 70 mm IMAX screens earning $5.2 million.
Most IMAX showtimes for "The Odyssey" are sold out through September.
No major new film competition affected the movie’s box office during its second weekend.
Other top films that weekend included Disney’s "Moana" with $10.5 million and "Toy Story 5," which passed $1 billion in total earnings.
The Broadway show recording "Hadestown: The Musical" earned $9.7 million in its opening weekend.
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Global commercial flights set a new daily record on July 23, 2026, with over 153,000 flights tracked worldwide. This happened despite recent declines in passenger demand and challenges like higher travel costs and geopolitical tensions.
Key Facts
July 23, 2026, had 153,359 commercial flights, the highest number tracked in Flightradar24's records.
The record comes even though passenger demand fell 2.2% year over year in May 2026, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Domestic air travel dropped by 3.1%, with the U.S. down 1.9% and China down 6.2% in passenger demand.
Airlines scheduled many flights for the Northern Hemisphere summer to meet peak vacation travel and major events.
The Middle East conflict caused a 28.4% drop in air traffic for carriers in that region, contributing heavily to the overall demand decline.
Outside the Middle East, global passenger demand actually increased slightly by 0.7% year over year.
Airlines continue to operate large flight schedules and adjust prices to encourage travel despite economic pressures.
The July 23 record reflects strong operational activity during a key travel season, though future demand is uncertain.
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This news segment highlights the latest top-selling books on The New York Times bestseller lists for fiction and non-fiction. It provides viewers with current information on popular books.
Key Facts
The article focuses on books listed on The New York Times bestseller lists.
It includes both fiction and non-fiction categories.
The information is presented as part of CBS News coverage.
Viewers can access the details through the CBS News app or website.
The lists reflect the most purchased or popular books at the time.
The date mentioned is July 26 (7/26), indicating the timing of this update.
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A study using data from Denmark found that people taking GLP-1 drugs had 17% fewer long-term sick leaves compared to those not taking these drugs. The research suggests these medications may help reduce extended absences from work.
Key Facts
The study used data collected from Denmark.
GLP-1 drugs are a type of medication often used for diabetes or weight management.
People on GLP-1 medications had 17% fewer long-term sick leaves.
Long-term sick leave means being absent from work for a long time due to illness.
The study shows a link between GLP-1 use and reduced extended absences.
This may indicate benefits of GLP-1 drugs beyond health, possibly improving work attendance.
The research does not specify the exact reasons for fewer sick leaves.
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ITV Studios has asked Leeds City Council for permission to keep filming the TV drama Emmerdale at their village set in Harewood beyond the current limit of next year. The set has been used since 1997 and includes buildings like the Woolpack pub and a farm, showing rural life in Yorkshire.
Key Facts
Emmerdale’s village set is located on a farm site in Harewood, Leeds.
ITV Studios has used this location since 1997 for filming the show.
Current permission to film there expires in June 2027.
The set features a pub, farm buildings, a village hall, café, church, and homes.
More than 260 episodes are filmed there every year, including outdoor and some indoor scenes.
ITV wants permanent permission to keep using the site.
The location is a tourist attraction due to its connection with the show.
If approved, the site must be restored to its original state within six months after use ends.
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Many small businesses are using AI tools to help their employees work faster and make fewer mistakes, rather than to replace jobs. Contrary to some reports, job numbers, especially in small businesses, have been increasing, and owners plan to hire more people despite the use of AI. AI helps workers with tasks like creating sales quotes and answering customer questions, supporting existing staff.
Key Facts
A small business owner spent $10,000 on AI software that listens to sales conversations and creates quotes automatically.
Another company uses AI connected to product manuals so customer service can quickly find answers.
Most small businesses used AI last year for tasks like contract review and writing emails; now they are applying it to real-time work.
The Department of Labor reports a 9% increase in employment since mid-2021.
Payroll companies confirm job growth, especially among small businesses.
Small businesses currently have about 7.6 million job openings, more than before the Covid pandemic.
The U.S. workforce is expected to shrink in the future due to aging and fewer births.
AI is seen as a tool to help workers, not replace them, especially since many jobs require human skill and technology like robots is not ready yet.
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Costco faces a $14 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit from Washington state customers who received marketing emails with misleading time-limited offers. The settlement could pay those customers who got these emails between June 2021 and July 2026.
Key Facts
The lawsuit claims Costco sent emails promoting deals as if they were temporary, even though the deals were later extended.
The case was filed in King County Superior Court in Washington.
Under Washington law, recipients of misleading marketing emails can seek $500 per message, but the total payout comes from a $14 million fund.
The named plaintiff is Michael Aaland, who replaced the original plaintiff Joseph Zydel.
Costco denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid ongoing legal costs and risks.
Eligible claimants must have received emails in Washington from June 2, 2021, to July 7, 2026, and submit their claim by August 24, 2026.
The court has given preliminary approval to the settlement, with a final hearing scheduled for October 2, 2026.
The amount each person receives depends on the number of valid claims minus legal and administrative fees.
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President Donald Trump has imposed new tariffs on imports from over 60 countries, using a law that lets him act without Congress when dealing with unfair trade practices. These tariffs replace previous temporary tariffs and target countries the U.S. says do not enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. Some countries have disagreed with the U.S. claims and the way tariffs were set.
Key Facts
The Trump administration applied tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from more than 60 countries.
The tariffs are justified under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose trade measures without Congress.
These tariffs replace temporary 10% tariffs that recently expired.
The tariffs target countries the U.S. says fail to ban or enforce prohibitions on goods made with forced labor.
The U.S. investigated the countries for four months but shared limited details about the evidence and tariff calculations.
Many affected countries, including those in Europe, protested the tariffs and called the U.S. claims unfair.
The U.S. Trade Representative’s office consulted countries and held public hearings but did not disclose confidential negotiation details.
Experts question the strength of evidence that these countries do not enforce forced labor import bans effectively.
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