More companies are moving away from giving all workers the same pay raises. Instead, they are focusing on giving bigger raises to employees who perform well. In 2027, average pay raises will be around 3.5%, with some industries offering higher increases.
Key Facts
Only 32% of employers plan to give the same raise to all workers in 2027, down from 36% in 2026.
Companies want to use pay budgets more strategically to reward top performers.
The average planned pay raise for 2027 is 3.5%, just slightly higher than in 2026.
Inflation is about 3.5%, so raises may only just keep up with rising prices.
Some industries expect bigger raises, such as aerospace and defense (4.5%) and pharmaceuticals (4%).
Industries like telecommunications plan lower raises, around 2.5%.
The data comes from a Payscale survey of about 1,300 human resources and pay experts.
The trend shows employers shifting resources to reward strong individual performance rather than equal increases for all.
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The article suggests that work productivity should be measured by how well different work setups help people do their jobs, rather than by where they sit. It encourages leaders to focus on what work arrangements create the most value.
Key Facts
Productivity is often linked to where people work, such as in the office or remotely.
The article argues that location is not the best way to measure productivity.
Different types of work require different work environments to be effective.
Leaders should focus on how work arrangements impact the value created by workers.
Changing how productivity is measured can lead to better work outcomes.
The idea is to find the work setup that best supports each kind of task.
This approach can help move away from strict office-based rules toward more flexible work styles.
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Campaigners lost their legal appeal against the UK government’s approval of a £2.2 billion expansion at Gatwick Airport. The expansion will move the emergency runway slightly and allow 100,000 more flights each year, despite concerns about climate impact and local community effects.
Key Facts
The expansion plan includes moving Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 meters north.
The project costs £2.2 billion and aims to increase flights by 100,000 annually.
Campaigners, including Peter Barclay and the group Cagne, argued the government did not properly assess climate impacts.
The Transport Secretary approved the plan in September 2025.
The High Court and Court of Appeal both rejected the campaigners’ legal challenges.
Judges found the government’s decision logical and lawful, without breach of carbon targets.
Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport and a major single-runway airport worldwide.
Gatwick’s CEO said the expansion will create 14,000 jobs and add £1 billion to the economy every year.
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Edelweiss is a rare white flower that grows naturally in the Alps. It has strict growing needs, such as rocky, alkaline soil, full sun, and cold winters, but people can grow it safely in rock gardens in certain regions.
Key Facts
Edelweiss is known as “noble white” in German and grows wild in the Alps.
Young men historically risked their lives to pick edelweiss as a gift, with at least one recorded death from falling.
The flower needs well-drained, rocky or sandy soil that is low in nutrients.
It requires full sunlight and cold winter temperatures to grow well.
Gardeners in climate zones 4-7 with low humidity can try to grow edelweiss successfully.
Seeds need a cold period (stratification) before they will sprout, either outdoors in late fall or pre-chilled indoors.
Starter plants can be planted after the last frost and bloom in their first year.
Once established, the plants need little watering and survive down to -20°F (-29°C).
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Gatwick Airport will build a second runway after a court dismissed challenges to the expansion plans. The new runway, approved by the transport secretary, will allow about 100,000 more flights a year and aims to open by 2030.
Key Facts
Gatwick’s second runway project costs £2.2 billion.
The project was approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September.
The court of appeal rejected local campaigners’ legal challenge against the expansion.
The second runway will be created by repositioning the airport’s emergency runway.
Gatwick currently is one of the busiest airports with a single runway.
The expansion is expected to add about 13 million passengers each year.
The government plans to invest over £219 million in green fuel to reduce flight emissions.
Luton Airport also cleared legal challenges to expand capacity to 32 million passengers by the 2040s, promising job creation and environmental controls.
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A company called Kalshi plans to let people bet on the outcomes of medical drug trials and FDA approval decisions. This includes trials for serious illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. The article shares a personal story about a boy with cancer and discusses concerns about the ethics of betting on life-saving treatments.
Key Facts
Kalshi is launching a pilot program where users can bet on results of drug trials and FDA decisions.
The bets involve serious illnesses, including cancer and Alzheimer’s disease treatments.
Kalshi’s CEO says the market helps share information about drug development that is usually hard to access.
The author’s 12-year-old son has an aggressive tumor and is part of a cancer clinical trial.
Clinical trials can be risky, with uncertain outcomes and difficult side effects.
Some experts worry that betting on medical trials may harm research efforts.
Kalshi currently does not allow bets on treatments involving children.
The author finds the idea of betting against a child’s treatment upsetting and compares it to “death markets.”
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President Trump's tariff policies did not reduce the trade deficit as intended. They also caused problems for U.S. businesses and did not bring in enough money to lower the federal deficit.
Key Facts
President Trump implemented tariffs to try to reduce the trade deficit.
The tariffs did not successfully lower the trade deficit.
U.S. businesses experienced difficulties because of the tariffs.
The tariffs generated some government revenue but not enough to cut the federal deficit significantly.
Critics view the tariff policies as a major failure in economic strategy.
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New York’s governor has ordered a one-year pause on building new large data centers in the state. This move aims to address concerns about water use, energy demands, and impacts on disadvantaged communities but may affect jobs and the state’s role in the growing AI industry.
Key Facts
New York has imposed a moratorium on constructing new large data centers for one year starting July 14.
Data centers create many blue-collar jobs, especially in construction and skilled trades.
The data center industry has grown to contribute about 1.5% of the U.S. GDP, around $500 billion annually as of early 2026.
Governor Hochul’s order cites concerns about water use, energy consumption, and social impacts on disadvantaged communities.
Studies show data centers actually use very little water compared to farming and benefit local water systems by funding improvements.
AI data centers have not increased household electricity bills according to recent research.
New York currently has nearly 12 gigawatts of data center projects pending approval.
Critics argue the moratorium could harm New York’s economy and reduce U.S. competitiveness in AI against countries like China.
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McDonald’s reported strong profits for the second quarter of 2026, with a small increase in sales in the U.S. The company also named Skye Anderson as the new president of McDonald’s USA.
Key Facts
McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales rose by 0.8% in the second quarter, slower than last year’s 2.5% increase.
Global same-store sales increased by 1.3% during the same period.
Factors like high gas prices and consumer worries about the U.S.-Iran conflict have pressured sales.
McDonald’s earned $2.36 billion, or $3.32 per share, for the quarter ending June 30, higher than last year’s $2.25 billion.
Adjusted earnings per share were $3.38, beating analysts’ expected $3.32.
Revenue grew to $7.1 billion but was slightly below Wall Street’s estimate of $7.13 billion.
Skye Anderson was named president of McDonald’s USA.
McDonald’s stock rose 1.7% before the market opened following the announcement.
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McDonald’s reported strong profits for the second quarter of 2025 despite slower sales growth in the U.S. The company named Skye Anderson as the new president of its U.S. operations amid challenges like higher gas prices and cautious consumer spending.
Key Facts
McDonald’s second quarter profit was $2.36 billion, higher than last year’s $2.25 billion.
Earnings per share, excluding one-time items, were $3.38, beating analyst expectations of $3.32.
Total revenue rose to $7.1 billion but was slightly below the predicted $7.13 billion.
Same-store sales in the U.S. increased by 0.8%, down from 2.5% growth a year earlier.
Global same-store sales grew 1.3%.
McDonald’s warned that high gas prices and concerns about the U.S.-Iran conflict might hurt sales.
The company launched a McValue menu with 10 items priced at $3 or less to attract budget-conscious customers.
Skye Anderson was appointed as president of McDonald’s USA, leading to a 1.6% rise in the company’s shares before the market opened.
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Many young Americans from Generation Z want to work in skilled trades like construction, healthcare support, and transportation instead of traditional white-collar jobs. These careers often pay well, sometimes earning as much or more than entry-level office jobs, and usually need less time and money spent on education.
Key Facts
A survey found 60% of Gen Z Americans plan to pursue skilled trades in the coming year.
Skilled trades include jobs like construction supervisors, plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and carpenters.
First-line supervisors in construction earn a median wage of $76,760 per year.
Plumbers and electricians earn around $62,000 per year on average.
Healthcare support roles such as occupational therapy assistants earn about $66,000 annually.
Transportation jobs like truck drivers and mechanics earn between $42,000 and $60,000 per year.
Many skilled trade jobs require certifications or associate degrees, which take less time than a four-year college degree.
Employers in these fields face worker shortages due to retirements and higher demand.
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Many young Americans are starting to doubt that working hard and being ambitious will help them succeed. Experts on the CBS News show explain why this belief can affect both money matters and mental health, and why feeling in control of one’s future is important.
Key Facts
A growing number of young people do not believe hard work leads to success.
Experts on CBS News discuss how this belief can become a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Believing you can influence your future helps with financial success.
This mindset also affects mental health.
The program included a discussion about inheritance, family expectations, and donating money to charity.
The topic was covered on the CBS News show "Money Moves with Jill Schlesinger."
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A new survey shows that most company leaders are paying workers with artificial intelligence (AI) skills more money. These skills are becoming more valuable than traditional business degrees like an MBA.
Key Facts
91% of executives surveyed said they are raising pay for employees who have AI skills.
AI skills include the ability to work with computer programs that can learn and make decisions.
Business degrees like an MBA have traditionally been seen as important for higher pay.
The survey suggests companies now value technical AI skills more than some business qualifications.
This shift reflects growing demand for technology knowledge in the workplace.
Employers want to attract and keep workers who understand AI tools and applications.
The trend shows how job markets change with new technologies.
AI skills are becoming essential in many business fields.
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California has updated its statewide rent cap, allowing rent increases up to 5% plus local inflation, with a maximum of 10%. Other states like Oregon and Washington have also passed statewide laws limiting how much landlords can raise rents each year, as officials try to address housing affordability challenges.
Key Facts
California’s Tenant Protection Act limits annual rent increases to 5% plus local inflation, up to 10%.
In 2026, rent increases in California will generally range from about 8% to 9%, varying by area.
Oregon was the first state to adopt a statewide rent cap in 2019, with limits at 7% plus inflation.
Washington passed its statewide rent stabilization law in 2025, limiting rent hikes to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower.
These three West Coast states are the main examples of statewide rent caps in the U.S.
Many other states still allow local governments to decide on rent controls rather than having statewide rules.
New York City has a large rent-stabilization system covering about 1 million apartments, limiting rent increases and offering tenant protections.
The spread of rent caps reflects ongoing efforts to keep housing affordable amid rising rents and fears of renters being forced out.
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Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has launched a paid service called Truth API. This service gives fast access to posts from top accounts on the Truth Social platform, mainly targeting financial traders who use automated systems to trade stocks very quickly.
Key Facts
Truth API provides access to social media posts in milliseconds from the highest-ranking accounts on Truth Social.
The service is expected to start on August 1 and may cost up to $100,000 a month, though TMTG has not confirmed the price.
It is designed mainly for high-frequency trading firms that use computer algorithms to make quick trades based on new information.
President Donald Trump’s account, with 13 million followers, is likely one of the most influential accounts covered by the service.
The service aims to help TMTG make money, as the company is currently losing money.
Some experts say the service is only useful to firms with advanced and expensive trading systems, not normal investors.
Democratic Senators have raised questions about whether it is legal or ethical for Trump’s family-owned company to profit from his public statements.
Major investment banks and trading firms have not publicly confirmed if they will use the service.
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HSBC reported a large profit of £7.5 billion in the second quarter of 2024, helping push total profits of the UK’s top four banks to £29.2 billion in the first half of the year. Campaigners are calling for a new tax on banks’ high profits to raise money for help with living costs.
Key Facts
HSBC made £7.5 billion in profits between April and June 2024, a 60% increase from last year.
Higher interest rates helped banks earn more by charging more for loans and mortgages.
HSBC plans to increase banker bonuses and resume buying back its own shares.
The top four UK banks (HSBC, NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds) earned £29.2 billion in the first six months of 2024.
Campaign groups want a windfall tax on banks that could raise £19 billion to fund public cost-of-living support.
Proposed tax would target bank revenues over £800 million with a 38% rate, similar to Spain's bank levy.
Supporters say the tax could fund electricity bill VAT cuts, bus fare caps, and business rate cuts for hospitality venues.
Banks caution that their ability to lend money is important for economic growth under the new UK government.
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BP’s profits for April to June reached $5.73 billion, the highest in four years, due to increased oil prices caused by the war in the Middle East. The company plans to sell its North Sea oil business and move away from some clean energy projects to focus on more profitable assets.
Key Facts
BP’s profit more than doubled from $2.35 billion last year to $5.73 billion this quarter.
The rise in oil prices is linked to the war in the Middle East, which disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
Brent crude oil prices averaged $103.85 per barrel this quarter, up from $67.88 last year.
BP plans to sell its North Sea oil business, ending 60 years of operations there.
The company is also selling its U.S. renewable natural gas business, Archaea.
BP’s CEO Meg O’Neill said the company is focusing on assets with the best returns rather than following past or sentimental reasons.
Environmental groups criticized BP for making large profits while energy prices rise globally.
BP has about 14,000 employees in the UK.
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Toyota reported that its net profit almost doubled in the first quarter of the fiscal year, mainly because of strong car sales in the U.S. and India and a weaker Japanese yen. Despite selling slightly fewer cars in the quarter, the company expects higher sales for the full year and aims to increase hybrid and electric vehicle production.
Key Facts
Toyota’s net profit for April-June reached 1.48 trillion yen ($9.4 billion), up from 841 billion yen the previous year.
Quarterly sales rose 10% to 13.5 trillion yen ($85 billion) compared to last year.
The weak yen increased the value of Toyota’s overseas earnings, adding 345 billion yen ($2.2 billion) to operating profit.
Toyota sold 2.39 million vehicles globally in the quarter, slightly fewer than 2.41 million a year ago.
The company expects to sell 9.7 million vehicles in the full fiscal year, higher than last year’s 9.595 million.
Popular models in the U.S. include the Camry sedan and RAV4 SUV; in India, Urban Cruiser and Innova Hycross sold well.
Toyota plans to boost hybrid and hybrid battery production and reduce their costs through 2030.
Production at Toyota’s Tahara plant was halted for five days due to a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Kumamoto, with more production impacts expected until the end of July.
Toyota forecasts a full year profit of 3.25 trillion yen ($20.6 billion), lower than last year’s 3.85 trillion yen ($24 billion), but expects higher annual sales of 54 trillion yen ($342 billion).
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The Australian government plans to make more big tech companies pay for news content through an expanded News Bargaining Incentive (NBI). A major US trade group criticized the move, warning it could worsen trade relations with the US, while Australian experts say the plan does not do enough to support news outlets.
Key Facts
The Australian government wants to expand the NBI to include Microsoft’s LinkedIn and increase charges on tech platforms.
The plan requires tech companies to pay news publishers for using their content, either through deals or a levy.
The US National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), representing companies like Meta, Microsoft, and Google, opposes the expansion.
The NFTC warns the plan adds to negative trends in Australia’s tax and investment environment for US firms.
Former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Rod Sims supports the NBI but says it should raise more money for journalism.
The proposed levy could generate $200 to $250 million for Australian media, similar to an earlier code from five years ago.
Critics say the plan should include artificial intelligence platforms and increase funding beyond the current targets.
Australian media leaders argue the changes weaken the incentive for tech platforms to make fair deals with news companies.
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BP’s profits more than doubled in the second quarter of 2024 due to higher oil and gas prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. BP’s new CEO, Meg O’Neill, plans to review the company’s strategy, including possibly selling its North Sea oil and gas assets.
Key Facts
BP reported $5.73 billion in profits from April to June 2024, more than twice the previous quarter.
The rise in profits was caused by higher oil and gas prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Meg O’Neill, BP’s new CEO, said the company could do more to improve its performance.
BP is considering selling its North Sea oil and gas business after six decades of production.
O’Neill spoke with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham about using domestic oil and gas resources.
Other major oil companies, like Shell and Saudi Aramco, also reported record or near-record profits.
Rising energy prices have increased energy bills for families and businesses worldwide.
President Donald Trump criticized oil companies Chevron and ExxonMobil for making too much profit and suggested they return some to the public.
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