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What heatwaves mean for summer weddings – and how to plan for one

What heatwaves mean for summer weddings – and how to plan for one

August 03, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Many couples in the UK are facing challenges holding weddings during increasingly common heatwaves. This causes extra costs for guests and suppliers who must find ways to keep people and items cool, affecting the wedding industry’s expenses and planning.

Key Facts

  • A UK bride described her wedding day suffering from 30°C heat inside a mostly glass church.
  • Heatwaves are happening more often; half of the years from 2015 to 2024 had temperatures above 35°C, up from one in ten years before.
  • Couples are spending extra money on things like shade tents, ice-cream vans, and fans to help guests deal with heat.
  • Search data shows brides seeking cooling items like fans increased five times since 2019.
  • Wedding venues face high costs for air conditioning and keeping food cool during heatwaves.
  • Because guests drink more water and less alcohol in heat, venues lose expected income from alcohol sales.
  • Popular wedding flowers like peonies and roses have shorter blooming periods due to drought and heat, causing suppliers to buy from more growers and increase delivery costs.
  • Wedding planners advise scheduling weddings outside the hottest months or choosing cooler locations as heatwaves become more common.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories BBC World
‘This quarter was otherworldly’: Palantir earnings surge past expectations

‘This quarter was otherworldly’: Palantir earnings surge past expectations

August 03, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Palantir reported a 93% increase in revenue to $1.94 billion for the second quarter, exceeding Wall Street expectations. The company’s strong financial results led to a 10% rise in its share price, with continued growth forecasted for the coming quarters.

Key Facts

  • Palantir’s revenue grew 93% year over year to $1.94 billion in Q2.
  • This revenue surpassed the $1.8 billion expected by analysts.
  • US government contract revenue climbed 90%, reaching $809 million.
  • Palantir’s CEO, Alex Karp, highlighted a 149% growth in US commercial revenue.
  • The company expects third-quarter revenue between $2.16 billion and $2.164 billion.
  • Full-year revenue guidance was raised to between $8.15 billion and $8.158 billion.
  • Analysts are uncertain if Palantir can keep growing or if AI might replace some of its software functions.
  • Karp emphasized Palantir’s focus on data control, contrasting it with AI firms that rely on massive data ingestion.
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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech
Coinbase vice chair says he's hopeful Senate will pass crypto regulation bill ahead of recess

Coinbase vice chair says he's hopeful Senate will pass crypto regulation bill ahead of recess

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The Coinbase vice chair, Ryan VanGrack, said he hopes the Senate will pass a cryptocurrency regulation bill called the CLARITY Act before they go on recess. The bill, supported by both parties, already passed in the House and would give government agencies more authority to oversee digital assets like cryptocurrencies.

Key Facts

  • The Senate is about to go on recess soon, limiting the time to pass the crypto bill.
  • The bill is called the CLARITY Act.
  • The CLARITY Act has bipartisan support and already passed in the House of Representatives.
  • The bill would allow federal agencies to better monitor and regulate digital assets.
  • Ryan VanGrack is the vice chair of Coinbase, a major cryptocurrency exchange.
  • VanGrack spoke publicly expressing hope the Senate will approve the bill before recess.
  • The bill aims to create clearer rules for cryptocurrency regulation in the U.S.
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CBS News
A developer is asking neighbors to buy in and own part of a north Minneapolis mall

A developer is asking neighbors to buy in and own part of a north Minneapolis mall

August 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A Chicago-based company, Chicago Trend, is buying a strip mall in north Minneapolis and asking local people to invest at least $1,000 to own part of it. The goal is to help the local community gain ownership in commercial property, support neighborhood growth, and fight gentrification by keeping wealth within the area.

Key Facts

  • Chicago Trend is buying the Hawthorn Crossings strip mall in north Minneapolis.
  • They want local residents to invest money and own 49% of the property.
  • The company will keep 51% ownership and plans to lease out the space fully.
  • Investors are invited to put in at least $1,000 each.
  • Chicago Trend expects the investment to triple in value by 2036.
  • The company already owns six shopping centers across the U.S.
  • The project aims to help low- and middle-income residents have a stake in neighborhood development.
  • The McKnight Foundation invested in Chicago Trend and encouraged the company to invest in the Twin Cities area.
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AP News
Map Shows Electricity Costs in Every State as AI Data Centers Surge Prices

Map Shows Electricity Costs in Every State as AI Data Centers Surge Prices

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Electricity prices in many U.S. states have increased partly because of the growing number of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers that use large amounts of power. States like Virginia, Texas, and Georgia are seeing debates about who should pay for the new power plants and grid upgrades needed to support these data centers.

Key Facts

  • AI data centers currently use about 4% of the electricity in the U.S., with demand expected to grow significantly.
  • The rise in electricity costs is influenced by fuel prices, grid upgrades, extreme weather, and the power needs of new AI data centers.
  • Northern Virginia has a large concentration of data centers, known as "Data Center Alley," which requires expensive transmission infrastructure.
  • Texas’s electric grid operator warned about rising demand from AI data centers and other industrial users.
  • Georgia experienced political changes in its utility commission due to disagreements over electricity costs linked to data center growth.
  • Communities in about 40 states have organized opposition to data centers because of concerns over higher electricity bills.
  • Utilities are planning billions of dollars in new power plants and grid updates to handle AI data center needs.
  • There is debate about whether tech companies or regular consumers should pay for the cost of the electricity infrastructure expansion.
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Newsweek
Martha Stewart | 60 Minutes Archive

Martha Stewart | 60 Minutes Archive

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

This article highlights interviews with Martha Stewart, a well-known American businesswoman, conducted by the TV program 60 Minutes over the years. It notes that Stewart sees little difference between herself and her brand, which she described in a 1995 interview. The article also mentions that Martha Stewart is turning 85 years old.

Key Facts

  • Martha Stewart has been interviewed multiple times by 60 Minutes.
  • In 1995, she said her personal identity and her business are closely linked.
  • She explained that the connection between her and her brand can be confusing for her employees.
  • Martha Stewart is a prominent media and business figure in the United States.
  • She recently turned 85 years old.
  • The article references CBS News as the source and platform for the interviews.
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CBS News
Capital One says it closed several Trump accounts 'for anti-money laundering reasons'

Capital One says it closed several Trump accounts 'for anti-money laundering reasons'

August 03, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Capital One closed hundreds of bank accounts linked to President Donald Trump and his businesses in 2021 after a long review by its anti-money laundering team. The bank says the closures were not political but were made to follow laws against money laundering. President Trump and his family say the closures were politically motivated and have sued the bank.

Key Facts

  • Capital One closed approximately 385 bank accounts tied to President Trump and his businesses in 2021.
  • The bank's decision followed months of anti-money laundering analysis and review.
  • Capital One states the closures complied with bank rules and government regulations.
  • President Trump’s family alleges the bank closed the accounts for political reasons following the January 6 Capitol attack.
  • The Trump family filed a lawsuit claiming the account closures were unfair and politically motivated.
  • Capital One granted several extensions to give Trump’s businesses time to find other banking options.
  • Capital One never publicly disclosed the reasons or the process behind closing the accounts until the court filing.
  • President Trump has also sued JPMorgan Chase over similar "debanking" allegations; that case is still pending.
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ABC News
Trump Sells Truth—And Buys Himself a Leash

Trump Sells Truth—And Buys Himself a Leash

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump’s media company, Trump Media, is selling a special feed called Truth API that gives financial firms fast, automatic access to posts from his social media platform, Truth Social. These firms pay for this service to get timely and reliable information that could help them make quick trading decisions based on the President’s posts.

Key Facts

  • Trump Media offers a paid data feed called Truth API with real-time posts from Truth Social.
  • Financial companies use this feed to get automatic, machine-readable access to Trump’s posts.
  • The feed includes exact timestamps, records of edits, deletions, and consistent delivery.
  • Subscribers use the posts to make faster investment decisions in the stock market.
  • The service creates contracts, which require clear and reliable information delivery.
  • This system might encourage Trump Media to maintain order and consistency in the posts.
  • Experts suggest financial incentives may influence how posts are written or presented.
  • The technology aims to turn Trump’s social media messages into a valuable data product.
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Newsweek
FAA certifies Boeing’s new 737 Max 7 jetliner for flight after years of delays

FAA certifies Boeing’s new 737 Max 7 jetliner for flight after years of delays

August 03, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the Boeing 737 Max 7 jetliner for commercial use after nearly ten years since it was first introduced. This approval follows multiple safety updates and inspections due to past problems with Boeing’s Max jetliners, especially after two deadly crashes involving the Max 8 model.

Key Facts

  • The Boeing 737 Max 7 is the smallest model in Boeing’s Max family of jets.
  • The FAA’s approval comes after years of extra testing, design changes, and safety reviews.
  • Two crashes of the larger Max 8 plane killed 346 people in 2018 and 2019, causing stricter safety checks.
  • Boeing had to update flight-control software, improve cockpit alerts, and redesign the engine anti-ice system for safety.
  • The FAA will continue to monitor Boeing’s production and safety practices closely.
  • The 737 Max 7 is mainly meant for short to medium-distance flights.
  • Airlines like Southwest have ordered this model but have yet to receive it.
  • The FAA changed how it certifies Boeing planes after the crashes to improve oversight.
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AP News
U.S. companies work to cut reliance on China for critical minerals used in weapons

U.S. companies work to cut reliance on China for critical minerals used in weapons

August 03, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A U.S. company called Phoenix Tailings is working to produce critical minerals needed for weapons and other high-tech uses, aiming to reduce America's dependence on China. The Pentagon gave the company a $500 million loan to help expand its capacity, but building new factories and mines to meet demand will take several years.

Key Facts

  • Phoenix Tailings uses electricity to extract critical minerals from mining waste and recycled materials.
  • These minerals are important for U.S. weapons like missiles and radar systems.
  • The Pentagon provided Phoenix Tailings a $500 million loan to help grow the business.
  • The U.S. government is requiring military contractors to avoid sourcing minerals from China.
  • Phoenix Tailings plans to build a new, larger factory called the "freedom facility" to produce more minerals.
  • The company currently produces about 200 kilograms of samarium per year but aims for 120 tons by 2028.
  • Samarium and similar minerals are key for making strong magnets used in defense and aerospace.
  • It will take years for the U.S. industry to build enough mines and factories to fully replace Chinese supplies.
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PBS NewsHour
What to watch for in SpaceX's first public earnings report this week

What to watch for in SpaceX's first public earnings report this week

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

SpaceX will release its first public earnings report on Tuesday, showing how the company is performing after its recent initial public offering (IPO). Investors will watch the company’s revenue growth, the progress of its artificial intelligence (AI) business, and the possible impact on its stock price.

Key Facts

  • SpaceX went public with the largest IPO in U.S. history in June.
  • The stock price has fallen from a high of $225.64 to about $110 per share.
  • SpaceX made $18.7 billion in revenue last year but had a net loss of $4.9 billion.
  • Analysts expect $6.9 billion in revenue for the second quarter, mainly from the Starlink satellite internet service.
  • SpaceX’s AI business made $818 million in revenue in early 2026.
  • Investors are watching AI projects like Cursor (a coding startup) and Grok (an AI chatbot).
  • About 911 million SpaceX shares, worth $100 billion, will become available for sale soon, which may affect the stock price.
  • Short sellers have bet against SpaceX, causing some of the stock price decline.
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CBS News
The Rise of ‘Algorithmic Retaliation’ in Employment

The Rise of ‘Algorithmic Retaliation’ in Employment

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Two court cases highlight how companies like Meta may use AI-based systems that assess employee performance in ways that can hide retaliation against workers who report harassment or take leave. These systems might unfairly rate employees who reduce output due to stress or medical reasons, making it harder to prove discrimination or retaliation.

Key Facts

  • Workplace retaliation used to be easier to see, such as denied promotions or forced resignations.
  • Now, retaliation can appear as low performance scores generated by computer systems employees do not fully understand.
  • Kelly Stonelake sued Meta, alleging sexual harassment complaints were ignored and she faced retaliation including being passed over for promotion and laid off.
  • Another lawsuit from Meta employees claims AI-based performance tools unfairly targeted those on medical, parental, or disability leave during layoffs.
  • Meta denies wrongdoing and says human managers made final layoff decisions, not AI.
  • Algorithmic systems can label employees with lower activity due to leave as underperforming, potentially disguising retaliation.
  • Courts are beginning to address how to handle cases where AI-based decisions may perpetuate workplace discrimination.
  • Lawyers advise workers to watch for sudden changes in reviews after complaints, mentions of scoring tools during termination talks, and keep records of complaints and performance evaluations.
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Newsweek
Woman Thrifts Picture Frame—Finds Civil War-Era Relic Hiding Behind Photo

Woman Thrifts Picture Frame—Finds Civil War-Era Relic Hiding Behind Photo

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A woman named Samantha Ramsdell bought a $15 antique picture frame and found a hidden Civil War-era lithograph of George Washington behind the photo inside. The lithograph, made in 1864, could be worth over $500, and she is now researching its history with a local historical society.

Key Facts

  • Samantha Ramsdell bought an antique picture frame in Arundel, Maine for $15.
  • Inside the frame, behind the original photo, she found a hidden lithograph of George Washington from 1864.
  • The lithograph dates back to the U.S. Civil War.
  • Experts and collectors believe the lithograph could be worth more than $500.
  • Ramsdell is keeping the lithograph and hopes its value will increase over time.
  • She contacted a local historical society to learn more about the lithograph’s background.
  • The story highlights how antiques can have hidden historical items and value.
  • Antiques continue to attract buyers for reasons like history, uniqueness, and environmental benefits.
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Newsweek
JPMorgan Chase to invest $750 billion in boosting housing and homebuying

JPMorgan Chase to invest $750 billion in boosting housing and homebuying

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

JPMorgan Chase will invest $750 billion by 2035 to increase housing supply in the U.S., including funding 1 million affordable homes and helping 500,000 people buy houses. The move aims to make housing more accessible as home prices continue to rise.

Key Facts

  • JPMorgan Chase’s $750 billion investment is part of its American Dream Initiative focused on economic mobility.
  • The investment is a 40% increase compared to the bank's housing spending in the last decade.
  • Housing prices have risen for 36 months in a row, with the median price of existing homes reaching $440,660 in June.
  • The bank plans to help 500,000 customers buy homes, including 200,000 first-time buyers.
  • JPMorgan will increase mortgage lending by more than 40% by adding 850 new home-lending advisers.
  • The bank will work with local governments to simplify zoning and building rules to speed up home construction.
  • New loan options will be created for modular and manufactured homes.
  • Most Americans find it harder to achieve financial goals like buying a home than past generations.
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CBS News
Powerball tickets are now selling in the United Kingdom

Powerball tickets are now selling in the United Kingdom

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Powerball lottery tickets are now available for purchase in the United Kingdom. Andria Vidler, CEO of Allwyn UK and The National Lottery, spoke about the start of Powerball sales in the UK.

Key Facts

  • Powerball is a popular lottery game originally from the United States.
  • The tickets can now be bought by people living in the United Kingdom.
  • Andria Vidler is the CEO of Allwyn UK and The National Lottery.
  • She discussed the introduction of Powerball sales on CBS News.
  • This marks the expansion of Powerball into the UK market.
  • The news was shared through CBS News and their app.
  • The move may offer UK players new lottery options alongside existing games.
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CBS News
The message beneath the yen intervention

The message beneath the yen intervention

August 03, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The U.S. and Japanese governments worked together to support the value of the Japanese yen in global currency markets. This joint action aimed to stop rapid falls in the yen without forcing Japan to sell large amounts of U.S. Treasury bonds, which help fund the U.S. government.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Treasury joined Japan in intervening to strengthen the yen, which is unusual.
  • Japan wants to stop the yen from falling because it makes imports like oil and food more expensive.
  • The U.S. used the New York Federal Reserve to buy yen by selling euros.
  • Japan borrowed dollars using a Fed program instead of selling U.S. Treasury bonds directly.
  • This intervention helped prevent large-scale selling of U.S. government debt by Japan.
  • Long-term U.S. Treasury interest rates have risen, reaching highs not seen since 2007.
  • Rising interest rates worldwide reflect the need to finance large government deficits and investments.
  • The intervention aims to reduce financial market stress while maintaining strong U.S.-Japan cooperation.
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Axios
What happens if the Fed holds fewer policy meetings

What happens if the Fed holds fewer policy meetings

August 03, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is considering reducing the number of Fed policy meetings from eight to six each year. This change could lower the workload for staff but might limit how often the Fed can change interest rates in response to economic shifts.

Key Facts

  • Chairman Kevin Warsh is thinking about cutting the Fed’s policy meetings from eight to six annually.
  • The Fed currently holds eight scheduled meetings each year, a practice since the 1980s.
  • Warsh also suggested having two extra meetings focused on broader economic topics.
  • The Fed’s rate-setting committee must meet at least four times a year by law.
  • A new meeting schedule could be decided before the Fed’s September meeting.
  • Fewer meetings would reduce the time staff spend preparing briefings and reports.
  • A smaller meeting schedule might delay Fed actions if the economy changes suddenly, unless emergency meetings are called.
  • This change can be made without needing approval from Congress.
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Axios
How much interest will a $25,000 2-year CD earn if opened this August?

How much interest will a $25,000 2-year CD earn if opened this August?

August 03, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Putting $25,000 into a 2-year certificate of deposit (CD) opened in August could earn between about $2,092 and $2,196 in interest, depending on the bank’s rate. These CDs offer fixed rates around 4.1% to 4.3% APY, which are much higher than the average savings account rate of 0.38%.

Key Facts

  • Inflation has slowed slightly to 3.5% in June from 4.2% in May.
  • The Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates soon until inflation is clearly under control.
  • 2-year CDs currently offer annual percentage yields (APY) from about 4.10% to 4.30%.
  • A $25,000 deposit in a 2-year CD at 4.30% APY would earn approximately $2,196 in interest after two years.
  • The interest earned differs by around $104 between the highest and lowest CD rates offered.
  • The rate on a CD does not change during the term, even if Fed rates move up or down.
  • The average savings account rate is about 0.38% APY, which would earn roughly $190 in interest on $25,000 over two years.
  • High-yield savings accounts offer rates closer to CDs but are variable and can be lowered by banks.
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CBS News
Raising Cane’s to open several new locations in August, with even more on the way

Raising Cane’s to open several new locations in August, with even more on the way

August 03, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Raising Cane’s plans to open several new restaurant locations in August. These new stores will help the company get closer to having 1,000 restaurants across the United States.

Key Facts

  • Raising Cane’s is expanding its number of locations.
  • Several new restaurants will open in August.
  • The company aims to reach nearly 1,000 locations in the U.S.
  • The expansion shows the company’s growth in the fast-food market.
  • Raising Cane’s specializes in chicken finger meals.
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The Hill
Tariff Refunds Split Companies as Consumers Demand Share of $166B

Tariff Refunds Split Companies as Consumers Demand Share of $166B

August 03, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Major American companies are receiving refunds after the Supreme Court struck down many of President Trump’s tariffs in February. Some companies, like Amazon, plan to share those refunds with customers, while others have not made such promises.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court ruled most of President Trump’s tariffs unlawful under a 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
  • Over 330,000 importers paid tariffs on more than 53 million shipments, totaling about $166 billion, much of which is being refunded.
  • Amazon received about $600 million in tariff refunds last quarter and will refund affected customers in certain cases.
  • Apple expects up to $2.2 billion in tariff refunds and said this helped boost its strongest June quarter ever.
  • Ford and General Motors expect rebates of $1.3 billion and $500 million, respectively.
  • Nike is awaiting nearly $1 billion in tariff recoveries this year.
  • Some companies, like Nintendo, argue customers agreed to price increases and should not receive part of the refunds.
  • Experts say not all tariffs paid will be refunded because some importers did not apply or went out of business.
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Newsweek