Mexico's government has accused Adidas of cultural appropriation for a new shoe design, which they claim resembles traditional Indigenous footwear from Oaxaca. Mexican officials seek compensation and are exploring legal actions to protect Indigenous designs. The discussion between Adidas and Mexican authorities is ongoing.
Key Facts
Mexico's government wants compensation from Adidas for a shoe design similar to traditional shoes from Oaxaca.
The shoes were designed by Willy Chavarria, a designer of Mexican heritage.
Officials say the Indigenous community did not approve the design used by Adidas.
Mexico's President and other officials have spoken about protecting Indigenous intellectual property.
The Mexican government is considering legal action and asked Adidas to discuss restitution.
Adidas representatives agreed to meet with authorities from Oaxaca.
Past instances include complaints against brands like Zara and Shein for similar issues.
Handicrafts are essential to Mexico's economy, particularly in states like Oaxaca.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new reform in the civil service internship program in the UK aims to encourage more people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to apply. The program limits applications to these backgrounds to make the civil service more representative. Some students feel excluded by the reform, while others see new opportunities.
Key Facts
The civil service internship program is now only open to students from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
The aim of this reform is to make the civil service more diverse and help the government make better decisions.
Interns are paid and involved in activities like event planning and policy research.
About 200 interns are expected next year, down from 450 last year.
The Fast Stream program, a separate competitive graduate recruitment initiative, will still be open to all.
Eligibility for the internship is based on parents' jobs when the applicant was 14 years old.
Over 540,000 people worked in the UK civil service as of March 2024.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK has seen an increase in complaints about fashion adverts featuring very thin models, reminiscent of the "super skinny" trend from the past. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has recently banned ads from major brands like Zara, Next, and Marks & Spencer over concerns they portray an unhealthy body image. Despite some adverts being criticized, the ASA did not find the models themselves to be unhealthy, highlighting issues like pose and lighting.
Key Facts
Fashion ads from Zara, Next, and Marks & Spencer were banned for showing models who looked "unhealthily thin."
Complaints about these adverts have increased, with more than 20 received in two weeks after a July advertising ban.
The ASA received 61 complaints about models' weight in 2024 but only investigated eight due to lack of grounds.
ASA guidelines advise advertisers against promoting unhealthy body images as aspirational.
Charli Howard, a model and activist, warns of a return to the "heroin chic" trend from the 1990s.
TikTok has blocked searches for "skinnytok" to avoid promoting extreme thinness.
The ASA found that poses, styling, and camera angles contributed to models appearing thinner in ads.
Despite the ban, some brands argue that the model's health was not compromised, pointing to the choice of pose or styling instead.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In July, Canada lost 40,800 jobs, partly due to U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars, which impacted manufacturing jobs. Despite the drop, the unemployment rate remained at 6.9%. The decline in jobs primarily affected young workers, with both the employment rate and youth employment specifically dropping.
Key Facts
Canada lost 40,800 jobs in July, after gaining 83,000 jobs in June.
The overall employment rate fell to 60.7%, according to Statistics Canada.
Youth unemployment rose to 14.6%, the highest since 2010, excluding pandemic years.
U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and cars contributed to a loss of nearly 10,000 manufacturing jobs.
Unemployment stayed steady at 6.9% despite job losses.
Oxford Economics forecasts 140,000 more job losses, potentially raising unemployment to mid-7%.
The Bank of Canada held its key policy rate unchanged but may lower rates if economic conditions weaken.
Average hourly wages for permanent employees rose 3.5% to 37.66 Canadian dollars in July.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Montana cherry growers face uncertainty this season because of increased immigration enforcement. This has created concerns about whether migrant workers will be able to help with the harvest.
Key Facts
Cherry harvesting in Montana already depends on weather and market conditions.
This year, immigration enforcement has made the situation more uncertain.
Growers are unsure if migrant workers can travel across state lines to work.
The uncertainty is affecting the harvest planning for cherry growers.
Cherries are an important crop in Montana, needing manual labor to harvest properly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. is focusing on boosting its mining industry to reduce dependency on foreign raw materials, with bipartisan support. A new nickel processing plant will be built in North Dakota, receiving significant federal funding. The efforts involve various government grants and contracts with companies like Tesla.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is investing tens of billions of dollars to support domestic mining and refineries.
President Biden and President Trump both took steps to strengthen these efforts, including using the Defense Production Act.
A coal site near Beulah, North Dakota, will become a nickel processing plant.
Nickel is important for making electric car batteries and stronger steel.
The U.S. Department of Energy gave $114 million for the Beulah plant, while Tesla contracted 75,000 metric tons of nickel from it.
The Pentagon awarded Talon Metals a $20 million grant for additional mineral exploration in the U.S.
The U.S. and Europe mostly import critical materials, often from China, which controls 75% of these resources globally.
Talon Metals is working on getting approval for its mine in Minnesota, facing some opposition, and aiming to operate by 2029.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Trump administration has decided to replace IRS Commissioner Billy Long less than two months after he started the job. This change follows a series of leadership turnovers at the IRS. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will temporarily take over as acting commissioner.
Key Facts
Billy Long was appointed as IRS Commissioner in mid-June but is now being replaced.
The decision to replace him was announced by a White House spokesman and reported by the New York Times.
No reason was given publicly for Long's replacement.
Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary, will temporarily act as IRS Commissioner.
The IRS has seen several leadership changes recently, with four acting commissioners before Long's confirmation.
Long, a former Congressman and auctioneer, has limited experience in tax administration.
The IRS has been undergoing significant staff reductions and changes, including lay-offs of nearly a third of its auditors.
The agency is involved in implementing new tax laws following a recent GOP budget bill.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
River Island, a fashion retailer, has received court approval to close 33 stores across the UK as part of its restructuring efforts to avoid going bankrupt. The company is making changes due to increasing online shopping and higher costs, including negotiating rent reductions at 71 more locations and cutting 110 head office jobs. This plan is intended to align the company with current customer needs and ensure its future growth.
Key Facts
River Island will close 33 stores in the UK as part of its restructuring plan.
The High Court approved the plan, which aims to prevent the retailer from running out of money.
Rent reductions will be negotiated for 71 additional stores.
About 110 jobs at River Island's head office will be eliminated to save £8.1 million.
The retailer previously closed seven stores due to losses.
River Island plans for a 1% annual growth over the next five years as part of its strategy.
The company faces challenges common to many UK retailers, such as a shift to online shopping.
Rising costs, including higher employer National Insurance Contributions, have impacted the business.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Boar’s Head plant in Virginia, which was shut down due to a deadly listeria outbreak, is set to reopen soon. Although the U.S. Department of Agriculture has lifted the plant’s suspension, recent inspections at Boar’s Head facilities in other states found similar sanitation issues. Despite commitments to improve food safety, concerns about sanitation continue.
Key Facts
Boar’s Head's Jarratt, Virginia plant closed after a listeria outbreak that killed 10 people.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture suspended the plant’s operations in September due to unsanitary conditions.
USDA has now lifted the suspension, saying the plant meets safety guidelines, and Boar’s Head plans to reopen.
Recent inspections found similar sanitation issues at Boar’s Head sites in Arkansas, Indiana, and Virginia.
Problems include unclean equipment, blocked drains, and improper staff hygiene.
Boar’s Head has hired new food safety staff and advisors to address these issues.
The company has posted job openings, including food safety positions, at the Jarratt site.
Boar’s Head previously apologized for the contamination and stated that new safety measures are being implemented.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump signed an order for the Department of Labor to rethink if private credit can be included in retirement plans like 401(k)s. Private credit involves lending to private companies and could offer big returns but also carries high risk. Some financial experts warn that these investments may not be suitable for everyday investors.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order about retirement plans.
The order asks the Department of Labor to review rules about including private credit in retirement savings.
Private credit involves lending money to private companies instead of buying their stock.
It offers high potential returns but also comes with high risks and less transparency.
Big financial firms like Apollo and BlackRock are interested in private credit for retirement accounts.
Some experts advise caution, saying these investments are usually for wealthy individuals due to higher costs and risks.
Many private investments require larger amounts of money to start and have higher fees.
A significant portion of U.S. companies are privately owned, leading some to argue for more options in retirement plans.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Holly and Sam Garner, owners of Hollychocs, are closing their cafe in Devizes, Wiltshire, due to rising prices and higher staffing costs. Despite efforts to adapt, including new menu items and special offers, the financial strain has made it difficult to keep the business open. They plan to remodel their business strategy to focus on online sales and experiences.
Key Facts
Hollychocs is an award-winning artisan chocolate business in Devizes, Wiltshire.
The Beanery Cafe will close in August after two years of operation.
Rising ingredient and staffing costs, including increased National Insurance contributions, have been major challenges.
Chocolate prices in the UK have risen by 17.7% over the past year.
The business tried various strategies, like introducing new menu items, to remain profitable.
The owners are shifting focus to online sales and chocolate experiences to stay viable.
The UK government has announced plans to support small businesses, but the cafe closure occurred before these measures were in place.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. economy is heavily reliant on spending by the wealthy, with middle and lower-income groups spending less. This situation, known as a K-shaped recovery, could harm the labor market, particularly as small businesses face challenges.
Key Facts
The top 20% of earners are responsible for more than half of consumer spending.
Consumer spending is vital as it makes up two-thirds of the U.S. GDP.
Middle and lower-income spending has stalled, aligning with inflation.
Smaller businesses, the largest employers, are facing difficulties.
Large corporations are doing well but do not create as many jobs.
The "wealth effect" helps wealthy consumers spend more, but it benefits only those with stock investments.
A slowdown in spending by the wealthy, possibly due to stock market dips, could impact the economy further.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A scandal in France questions the purity of bottled water brands like Perrier. Companies have allegedly used illegal filtration methods due to water contamination worries. A decision on Perrier's status as "natural mineral water" will come soon.
Key Facts
Perrier and other brands are investigated for using illegal water filtration methods.
The concern stems from contamination linked to climate change and droughts.
"Natural mineral water" should remain unaltered from source to bottle according to EU law.
The issue does not pose a risk to public health, as the filtered water is safe.
Controversy arises over claims that the French government helped cover up the situation.
A senate report accused the government of covering up details about the water scandal.
Nestlé, Perrier's parent company, admitted using unauthorized treatments on its water.
A ruling is awaited on whether Perrier can continue to use the "natural mineral water" label.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Las Vegas is experiencing a decline in tourism. This situation is happening at the same time as worries about the impact of tariffs and rising prices on both American families and visitors from other countries.
Key Facts
Las Vegas has fewer tourists visiting the city.
The decline is linked to concerns about tariffs, which are taxes on imports.
Rising prices are affecting American households.
International travelers are also feeling the impact of these higher costs.
The situation in Las Vegas reflects broader economic challenges in the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
New tariffs introduced by President Trump are generating additional money for the U.S. government. The article discusses how these tariffs fit into the broader tax revenue and highlights the government's spending plans for this money.
Key Facts
President Trump has implemented new tariffs.
These tariffs are bringing in extra revenue for the U.S. government.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods.
The article compares this revenue to the overall tax income of the U.S.
The government has plans for how to spend this additional revenue.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump signed an executive order allowing 401(k) fund managers to invest in private equity as part of retirement plans. This change means that retirement funds could include investments in private companies not publicly traded on the stock exchange.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order on retirement plans.
The order allows 401(k) fund managers to invest in private equity.
Private equity involves investing in private companies, not on the stock exchange.
This could change how retirement funds grow and diversify.
The change affects 401(k) retirement portfolios.
It opens new investment possibilities for retirement fund managers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses several economic updates. Palantir, a tech company, exceeded one billion dollars in revenue for one quarter. Meanwhile, funding for mRNA vaccine research has been reduced, and a climate disaster database has been given renewed support.
Key Facts
Palantir reported over one billion dollars in revenue for a recent quarter.
The company Palantir works in the technology sector.
Funding for research on mRNA vaccines was cut by the health department.
mRNA vaccines are used for fighting diseases like COVID-19.
A database that tracks climate disasters has received new support.
The database is meant to help understand and respond to climate-related events.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shares of Crocs fell nearly 30% after the company warned of declining sales. The company pointed out that U.S. shoppers are being more careful with spending, especially on non-essential items.
Key Facts
Crocs shares dropped nearly 30% after warning of potential lower sales.
Crocs expects its revenue for the three months to the end of August to fall by about 10% from the previous year.
The company's share price reached its lowest point in nearly three years.
High living costs and U.S. trade policies are concerns for Crocs' future business.
The firm will face a $40 million impact in 2025 due to tariffs.
Crocs' customers are spending less and visiting stores less frequently.
The company will continue to reduce discounting, which might further affect sales.
Crocs' revenue in the second quarter grew by 3% to $1.1 billion compared to the same period last year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Actress Gina Carano has settled her lawsuit against Disney and Lucasfilm after being fired from The Mandalorian in 2021. She was dismissed following controversial comments and claimed wrongful termination and discrimination. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Key Facts
Gina Carano, former star of The Mandalorian, settled her lawsuit with Disney and Lucasfilm.
Carano was removed from the show in 2021 due to comments comparing political situations to historical events.
Elon Musk financially supported Carano's lawsuit.
The actress initially sued for $75,000 and wanted to be recast in the series.
Disney's statement post-settlement acknowledged her respect among colleagues.
Carano has a background in mixed martial arts and has made controversial public statements in the past.
The specifics of the settlement agreement have not been revealed publicly.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many people in the UK are booking holidays later, staying closer to home, and opting for shorter trips. This trend helps people save money and fit spontaneous trips into their schedules. Major booking platforms and holiday parks have noticed an increase in last-minute and local bookings.
Key Facts
Many UK holidaymakers are booking trips later and opting for shorter stays closer to home.
Booking.com saw a 28% increase in searches for UK trips for the next six weeks compared to last year.
Airbnb has noted more people choosing short, spontaneous getaways nearby.
Pitchup.com reported that 25% of bookings this year were made with just two days' notice.
Sykes Holiday Cottages observed that the time between booking and travel is down by 8% compared to last year.
The Butlin's holiday park in Skegness saw a 22% rise in bookings over the past two weeks.
Camping equipment sales have surged, with Decathlon selling 60% more family tents than last year.
Travel trends are influenced by people looking to manage their budgets and enjoy good UK weather.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
