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New Spider-Man movie rockets toward historic box office debut

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:23 EDT

Sony and Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: Brand New Day is tracking toward a historic box office run, with industry sources projecting a record opening day, including previews, between $167 million and $173 million across 4,487 theaters.

The single-day estimate surpasses the previous $157.4 million record held by Avengers: Endgame; however, it remains to be seen.

The new Spider-Man movie recently achieved a record $309 million in worldwide media value through its marketing campaign.

Brands flocked to utilize the massive social media following of the film’s stars, Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jon Bernthal, who collectively have over 290 million followers online.

Exxon, Chevron reap profit windfalls as Iran war drives up energy prices

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:19 EDT

Oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron posted much stronger second-quarter profits as higher crude prices, driven by the conflict in Iran, boosted earnings.

Chevron reported net income of $12 billion, a 400% increase from $2.5 billion a year ago, while Exxon earned $14.5 billion, more than double its profit from the same period in 2025.

Chevron also beat Wall Street expectations, helped by record US oil production and strong refining results. CEO Mike Wirth warned that tensions in the Middle East continue to threaten global oil supplies, with disruptions spreading beyond the Strait of Hormuz into the Red Sea.

Exxon’s earnings fell slightly short of analysts’ forecasts because of unpredictable refining margins. CEO Darren Woods said market disruptions made fuel price movements difficult to predict.

Higher oil prices also lifted production and refining profits for both companies. Chevron stock moved up 1% after the Q2 results, while Exxon shares slipped 2% despite reporting strong overall earnings.

US bans new robot imports, blocking Chinese technology

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:08 EDT

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned new imports of foreign-made humanoid robots, citing national security and cybersecurity concerns in a move that mainly targets Chinese manufacturers.

The restrictions include robot dogs and power inverters. The FCC said the rules aim to protect critical US supply chains and will apply only to new versions of these products.

The decision adds to a growing list of US trade and technology restrictions on China, including limits on drones, advanced chips, and AI.

The latest action comes ahead of a planned September meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, raising fresh tensions between the two countries.

China, which controls about 85% of the global humanoid robot market, strongly criticized the ban. Beijing accused Washington of using national security as an excuse for protectionism and warned it would take necessary steps to protect Chinese companies.

Experts argue that while the restrictions may offer US robot makers some protection from cheaper competitors, they are unlikely to derail China’s robotics ambitions, given the strength of its domestic market and expanding global exports.

Hamas says it will disarm only after Israel leaves Gaza

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:43 EDT

President Donald Trump announced that the Board of Peace, which he created and leads, has reached an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official confirmed to the BBC that the group had accepted the plan, with an official statement expected soon. Israel has yet to comment.

Under the agreement, Israeli troops will withdraw from the Gaza Strip as disarmament finishes. It will make way for a new Palestinian government and police force, supported by the International Stabilization Force.

The potential breakthrough in ending the Israel-Gaza war still has several obstacles. Hamas says it will lay down weapons only if Israeli forces exit the region and agree to establish a Palestinian state.

However, Israel’s current government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, continues to oppose the creation and recognition of a Palestinian state.

New York sues Kalshi over alleged ‘illegal gambling’ markets

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:48 EDT

New York has launched a legal battle against prediction market company Kalshi, alleging the platform works like a gambling service without the required state license.

State officials argue that users are placing bets on uncertain events, making the platform subject to New York’s gambling laws.

They claim Kalshi violates laws prohibiting betting on New York college sports and game bets by under-21 users. The lawsuit could affect how the prediction market operates in the state, although it does not seek to shut down the company.

Kalshi strongly disagrees with the claims. The company says it is a federally regulated exchange overseen by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), not a gambling business. It also argues that states cannot regulate products already approved under federal law.

New York Attorney General Letitia James, who filed the lawsuit, said Kalshi is trying “to avoid the legal and financial consequences of New York’s close regulation of gambling.”

New York wants the court to require Kalshi to comply with state gambling rules, pay financial penalties, return profits earned through the platform, and provide restitution to affected users if the state prevails.

FIFA drops plan to sell stake in future World Cup profits

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 16:08:46 EDT

Less than a week after unveiling a controversial proposal to sell a 20% stake in future World Cup profits to private investors, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially scrapped the plan.

The proposal envisioned separating FIFA’s commercial assets, including revenues from the World Cup, broadcasting rights, and hospitality, into a standalone subsidiary, distinct from the organization’s nonprofit operations.

The new entity was valued at $20 billion, with plans to sell a 20% stake for $4.2 billion to a private equity consortium led by Joshua Kushner, brother of President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

However, the initiative triggered severe backlash, culminating in the resignation of Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro.

The resistance peaked when UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, warned it would boycott all FIFA competitions unless the proposal were called off. They stated that “the World Cup is not for sale.”

Despite mounting criticism, Infantino struck a defiant tone. On Friday morning, FIFA released a statement declaring that “nobody is selling” and accusing the media of misrepresenting the proposal.

Momentum against the proposal grew after the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) aligned with the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) in condemning the plan.

They questioned the need for private equity funding after the most profitable World Cup in history.

By Friday evening, Infantino conceded defeat, announcing that FIFA would not move forward with the proposal, pledging to bring all parties back together to rebuild unity across the sport. “Our purpose has always been—and will always be—to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed,” he said.

Spider-Man hits $309M in global marketing

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:35 EDT

Sony’s Spider-Man: Brand New Day is breaking records ahead of its weekend opening, achieving a record $309 million in worldwide media value through its marketing campaign.

The film has achieved the highest media value ever recorded for a Hollywood release, surpassing the previous record of $288 million set by 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home.

Starring Tom Holland and Zendaya, the movie has secured 165 promotional partners. Brands including BMW, Samsung, Asus, Liquid I.V., and Little Caesars even make product-placement appearances in the film.

Major brands have flocked to the project because of the cast’s enormous social media reach. According to RelishMix, Zendaya leads with 216 million followers, followed by Tom Holland with 70 million, and Jon Bernthal with 5.3 million.

AI-focused hedge fund sells majority stake in public holdings to Citadel

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:09 EDT

Situational Awareness, the AI hedge fund founded two years ago by 25-year-old former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner, has sold its entire public equities portfolio to Ken Griffin’s Citadel at a steep discount.

The move came after a sharp tech sell-off earlier this week, when renewed AI jitters sparked a global rout in chip stocks and left the hedge fund scrambling for cash.

The hedge fund’s portfolio had grown to $45 billion by early July. But four of Situational Awareness’s largest holdings—Nebius Group, Sandisk, Micron, and CoreWeave—have each fallen more than 35% this month.

The fresh cash infusion from Citadel may help stabilize the fund.

Situational Awareness also owns a position in Anthropic, though the fund has rejected reports that it is looking to sell the stake.

Anthropic’s expected IPO later this year could add stability to the fund.

UEFA nations push back against FIFA investment plan

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:04 EDT

All 55 countries of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) decided to boycott FIFA competitions if President Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The immediate impact of the decision threatens upcoming events, starting with the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland on 5 September, where 6 of the 24 qualified teams represent UEFA. The boycott could also affect the 2030 World Cup.

What happened?
FIFA unveiled plans this week to create a new $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other major tournaments, while selling up to 20% of the business to outside investors.

The investors could include Joshua Kushner, the brother of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The plan faced immediate pushback, with UEFA accusing FIFA of putting football’s “soul” up for sale.

The opposition signals rapidly eroding confidence in Infantino’s leadership and his most significant challenge since taking office in 2016.

Jersey Mike’s makes its Wall Street debut

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:49 EDT

Jersey Mike’s shares fell about 6% on Thursday after the sandwich chain debuted on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker JMKE.

The stock opened at $21, below its initial public offering (IPO) price of $23 per share.

The company sold 43.5 million shares, raising around $1 billion and reaching a market value of $7.3 billion. Despite the weak first trading day, the IPO ranks among the largest ever for a restaurant company since Krispy Kreme went public in 2021, raising $500 million.

Strong business despite industry slowdown
Jersey Mike’s operates nearly 3,300 restaurants, making it the second-largest sandwich chain in the US after Subway.

In 2024, Blackstone acquired an 80% stake in Jersey Mike’s in a deal reportedly valued at around $8 billion, including debt. After the acquisition, the company appointed former Wingstop chief Charlie Morrison as CEO.

Jersey Mike’s reported $55 million in net income on $724 million in revenue last year, while same-store sales increased 3%.

The company plans to use the IPO proceeds to reduce debt and support expansion. It is preparing to enter the United Kingdom and Ireland and believes it has the potential to grow to 15,000 restaurants worldwide, with roughly half of its locations outside the US.

The IPO market is having a blockbuster year, with $146.1 billion in common stock offerings completed in the first half of 2026.

Cloud unit fuels Amazon rally

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:40 EDT

Amazon shares rose over 9% in after-hours trading on Thursday following strong second-quarter results and increased investments in data centers for cloud computing.

The spending optimism contrasted with market declines among tech peers like Meta and Google parent Alphabet.

Overall revenue grew 20% to $200.6 billion, while net income hit $62.6 billion—fueled by $53.4 billion in nonoperating pretax income from Anthropic investments.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) sales accelerated 37% year-over-year to $42.2 billion, marking its fastest growth in 18 quarters.

The tech giant also raised its full-year capex forecast by $20 billion to $220 billion.

For the third quarter, Amazon projects revenue between $197 billion and $202 billion.

Strong iPhone sales fail to lift Apple

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:34 EDT

Apple reported its fiscal third-quarter performance yesterday. While revenue beat forecasts on strong iPhone and Mac demand, supply challenges and weakness in China and services tempered what could have been a clean win for the company.

The company expects Q4 revenue to grow between 9% and 11%, below Wall Street’s forecast of about 12%.

Apple said ongoing supply shortages, especially for advanced chips from TSMC, continue to limit production.

The iPhone maker also reported softer growth in its services business, mainly due to weaker App Store gaming revenue.

The report failed to win over investors, with shares falling in after-hours trading.

The results marked CEO Tim Cook’s final report to investors before he passes the CEO role to John Ternus on September 1.

US economy slows, but shoppers don’t

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 16:07:21 EDT

The Commerce Department reported that the US economy grew at an annual rate of 1.5% between April and June, down from 2.1% in the first quarter and below economists’ expectations of 1.8%.

Beneath the headline GDP figures, the US economy remained resilient. Excluding government spending and trade, growth came in at a healthy 3.9% annualized rate despite geopolitical uncertainty tied to the war in Iran. Analysts say it’s largely driven by robust consumer demand.

Consumer spending growth jumped to 3.2% from 0.5% in the previous quarter. Experts attribute the strength to a June drop in gasoline prices following a temporary ceasefire in the Iran conflict.

Separate data showed that the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure, fell 0.1% on a seasonally adjusted basis during the month, leaving annual inflation at 3.7%. Both readings met analysts’ expectations.

AI is also having an impact
Corporate spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure is surging, fueling billions of dollars in investment.

But because much of the chips and equipment needed for those projects is brought in from other countries, the resulting spike in imports became a drag on second-quarter growth, even as consumers continued to spend.

Economy remains resilient
The conflict in the Middle East continued to influence the economy by keeping energy prices elevated.

Despite slower growth, the US economy has remained resilient. A stronger job market and steady hiring have supported consumer spending, while the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a fifth consecutive meeting as it continues to monitor inflation closely.

Qualcomm stock falls on Q4 forecast and Apple revenue drop

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:10 EDT

Technology corporation Qualcomm’s shares fell 4% on Wednesday as its fourth-quarter profit forecast fell short of Wall Street’s expectations.

The company also warned that revenue from Apple is expected to decline.

For the third quarter, Qualcomm reported a 4% revenue drop to $9.95 billion, beating expectations of $9.67 billion.

The company forecast fourth-quarter revenue between $9.7 billion and $10.5 billion, with its core chip business expected to generate between $8.4 billion and $9 billion.

However, Qualcomm noted that supply constraints will reduce its component share in the next iPhone launch to well below its original 20% target. To combat rising supply chain costs and restore gross margins, it plans to raise prices starting September 1.

Despite headwinds from smartphones, the San Diego-based firm is pivoting heavily toward AI data centers.

Qualcomm expects non-handset growth to completely replace its Apple-related revenue by fiscal 2027, targeting $5 billion in data-center revenue by then.

DoorDash is betting on drones as its next delivery frontier

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:22 EDT

DoorDash on Wednesday announced the launch of DoorDash Air, its in-house drone delivery program, after obtaining certification from the US Federal Aviation Administration to operate commercial drone delivery services in the US.

The US’ largest delivery company expects to launch the service in the fall.

The company already has drone deliveries via partnerships with Alphabet’s Wing and Flytrex; DoorDash Air aims to make them faster and cheaper.

The company plans to capitalize on its software capabilities by developing the full drone delivery stack and has also been testing other delivery technologies.

The new venture builds on DoorDash’s earlier automation efforts, including Dot, its sidewalk delivery robot launched last year to serve areas such as Fremont, California, and Phoenix.

The expansion comes as the food delivery app reported double-digit revenue growth and higher orders in the first quarter.

According to co-founder Stanley Tang, DoorDash’s software needs to handle real-time coordination among human drivers, sidewalk bots, and drones to select the optimal dispatch method for each delivery automatically.

Analysts note that drone deliveries could significantly slash operating costs and bypass traffic congestion.

Fauci cites Fifth Amendment repeatedly in Senate hearing

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:13 EDT

Former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Dr. Anthony Fauci, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights more than 100 times during a tense Senate hearing Wednesday, repeatedly declining to respond to lawmakers’ questions about handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fauci said he followed his attorney's advice because he feared his testimony could be used to support efforts to prosecute him, despite receiving a presidential pardon in 2025.

Republican Senator Rand Paul announced the committee will vote next week to hold Fauci in contempt. The senior doctor defended his decision by stating Paul’s primary goal was to compel testimony that could lead to his prosecution and put him “behind bars.”

Some of the hearing’s questions were about the virus’s origins and if NIH-funded research in China played a role in it.

Over 150 infectious-disease experts signed a public letter defending Fauci, whose career spanned advising seven US presidents.

Trump announces $22.5B Dulles Airport makeover

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:02 EDT

President Donald Trump unveiled a $22.5 billion plan yesterday to modernize Washington Dulles International Airport, aiming to transform one of the nation’s busiest airports with faster transportation, expanded terminals, and a redesigned passenger experience.

Trump announced the project from the Oval Office alongside Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and United CEO Scott Kirby, after being personally involved in shaping the plans. United handles about 70% of passenger traffic at Dulles.

The redevelopment will preserve Dulles’ iconic sloped-roof main terminal, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, while giving the interior a modern makeover with an open foyer and upgraded airline check-in kiosks.

The project also includes four new concourses, a larger terminal, and parking facilities closer to the main entrance. A new 14-gate concourse for United Airlines passengers is already scheduled to open this fall.

A major highlight of the project is the retirement of Dulles’ mobile lounges, which have carried passengers since the airport opened in 1962. They will be replaced by an expanded underground Aerotrain system and additional moving walkways to speed up travel between terminals.

How the project will be funded
Congress has not appropriated funding for the massive overhaul.

Duffy said the financing would include bond issuance, with support from airlines, and that United would help cover the costs.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will oversee the project, which will be carried out while keeping existing runways in service and minimizing major flight disruptions.

Despite complaints about outdated facilities, Dulles recorded its busiest year in 2025, serving 29 million passengers, a 6.4% increase from the previous year.

Microsoft maintains spending plans while Azure reaches $100B in revenue

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:56 EDT

Microsoft delivered a strong fourth-quarter performance, beating Wall Street expectations and boosting investor confidence in its artificial intelligence strategy.

The company’s shares jumped about 8% in premarket trading after the results.

Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing business topped $100 billion in revenue for the first time in fiscal 2026, with sales rising 41%.

Microsoft’s Intelligent Cloud, Productivity, and Personal Computing divisions all beat revenue estimates. The company also reported $678 billion in remaining contracted business, signaling strong future demand.

The company also kept its capex plans unchanged, reassuring investors amid a surge in AI spending elsewhere.

Meta stock drops as outlook disappoints and cash flow weakens

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:15 EDT

Meta shares dropped about 10% on Wednesday after the company reported second-quarter results showcasing heavy AI investments and a weaker-than-expected revenue forecast.

The market response shows that investors are becoming more cautious about AI investments and want clearer evidence that the spending will generate profits.

Meta’s free cash flow fell to $784 million from $8.55 billion, a 91% drop in Q2 compared to a year prior. The company now expects annual capital spending of $130 billion to $145 billion.

The tech giant is still generating strong profits, but its AI push is driving a sharp increase in spending. The company’s capital expenditures on AI infrastructure, including servers and data centers, rose 83% to $31.08 billion. Meta said those investments are beginning to yield results, with AI enhancements contributing to 27% growth in ad revenue.

Meta expects third-quarter revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion, below Wall Street’s forecast of $63.15 billion.

Daily active users across its apps reached 3.6 billion. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Meta remains focused on expanding its AI business. He revealed that more than 1 million businesses already use Meta’s AI agents each week.

Federal Reserve keeps rates unchanged

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 16:07:01 EDT

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged on Wednesday at 3.5% to 3.75%, signaling that borrowing costs are likely to stay high as inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target.

The vote to leave rates unchanged was split, with three of the Federal Reserve’s 12 rate-setting committee members voting for a quarter-point rate hike. It marked the first time since 2016 that three officials dissented in favor of tighter monetary policy.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh continued to keep markets guessing, offering few clues about the future path of interest rates.

He acknowledged growing public frustration over stubborn inflation but said the central bank cannot bring prices down overnight. He stressed that the Fed will continue to monitor economic data before making its next move.

Investors are increasingly pricing in a September rate hike from the Fed, as some analysts warn that higher oil prices and a pickup in inflation could force the central bank to act.

Although recent inflation figures showed some improvement, rising energy prices linked to renewed fighting between the United States and Iran, along with strong demand driven by artificial intelligence investments, have kept inflationary pressures alive.

The Fed’s decision means consumers are unlikely to see lower borrowing costs anytime soon. Credit card, auto loan and mortgage rates remain elevated, with the average 30-year mortgage rate climbing to 6.76%, its highest level in nearly a year.

What the future holds?|
Warsh has been guarded in his comments about future rate expectations. His limited forward guidance has increased bond-market volatility and clouded the outlook for future rates.

Unlike earlier Fed chairs who often guided markets toward expected rate moves, Warsh prefers broad policy messaging and a more market-led approach. He believes that less Fed commentary encourages bond traders to assess economic conditions independently, offering policymakers additional insight.

Financial markets reacted sharply. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 1,100 points, while long-term Treasury yields rose, reflecting investor concerns that interest rates could remain higher for longer if inflation fails to ease in the coming months.

iPhone maker crosses $5T valuation

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:54 EDT

Apple’s market cap briefly surpassed $5 trillion on Tuesday after its share price hit $342.89, making it the world’s most valuable company. It became only the second publicly traded company to reach the milestone, after Nvidia.

Nvidia first crossed the threshold in October 2025. Its market valuation now stands at $4.78 trillion.

By the close of trading, the iPhone maker’s shares rose 0.72% to $339.33, bringing its market value to $4.98 trillion.

Apple’s stock has gained about 25% so far this year, outperforming the Magnificent 7 tech giants including Nvidia, Meta, Alphabet, and Microsoft.

Analysts note that while other Big Tech firms heavily spend on AI and data center infrastructure, Apple has benefited from avoiding it by relying on Google’s AI for services like Siri.

Apple leases devices now
To further boost consumer demand, Apple also introduced a US device leasing program in partnership with payment provider Klarna. The new Apple Upgrade plan offers monthly payments starting at $17.99 for iPhones, $11.99 for Apple Watches and iPads, and $24.99 for Macs.

LVMH boss hits back at French media piece on his luxury empire

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:30 EDT

The richest person in France, LVMH chief Bernard Arnault, known for maintaining a low profile, took to social media to publish an open letter defending his family and business empire.

Arnault steers the $260 billion luxury empire that owns Louis Vuitton and Dior. He is famously offline, but that changed when he made his first post on X recently, which Elon Musk reposted.

The 77-year-old billionaire published a sharp, sarcastic, three-page open letter criticizing France's leading newspaper, Le Monde, over a series of articles examining his political connections, media ownership, and a potential Succession-style power struggle among his five children.

In the letter, Arnault mocked several claims, denying allegations that LVMH avoids hiring overweight employees and dismissing rumors that visitors with ties to rival Hermes have them confiscated at the company’s headquarters. He also argued that ordinary family interactions were being portrayed as corporate intrigue.

Arnault’s personal communication shift comes alongside his recent appearance on a podcast.

The tactics mirror a broader trend among executive leaders who are bypassing traditional company press releases to engage directly with the public.

Earlier this month, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang joined X and shared a letter supporting open-weight AI models.

Shared Claude chats are visible in Google search

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:25 EDT

Several Claude users’ private conversations using the shared chat and Artifacts feature were exposed after Redditors discovered it is searchable through Google.

The reveal raises fresh concerns about AI privacy and data security.

What happened?
Claude users can share URLs to their projects, allowing anyone with the link to view the conversation.

This feature’s issue came to light over the weekend when Reddit users discovered that typing “site:claude.ai/share” on Google searches displayed shared Claude conversations and Artifacts.

Some of the exposed content reportedly included medical records, internal company documents, and personal information such as children’s names and phone numbers.

Claude maker Anthropic stressed that conversations only appear in search results if users post those links on public forums and social media.

However, by Monday afternoon the searchable results had disappeared from Google, suggesting the issue had been addressed.

Reports claimed that sensitive information, private work notes, and software code had already been visible. One shared conversation also reportedly contained AI-generated explicit content, despite Anthropic’s policy banning sexually explicit material.

Not the first time
The incident echoes similar privacy concerns from last year, when hundreds of Claude chats and around 100,000 publicly shared ChatGPT conversations were reportedly indexed or scraped, highlighting ongoing risks around sharing AI-generated content online.

Air Force One dragged Boeing Q2

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:21 EDT

Boeing reported a wider-than-expected second-quarter loss, heavily impacted by a $280 million hit on its long-delayed Air Force One program, which is still targeted for 2028 delivery.

The aircraft manufacturer reported revenue of $24.56 billion, an 8% increase from a year earlier, beating Wall Street expectations of $24.25 billion. However, Boeing recorded a net loss of $428 million, down from a $612 million loss in the same period last year.

The company's commercial aircraft business continued to recover, with deliveries increasing 14% from a year earlier to 171 planes, driven by higher production of the 737 Max.

Boeing also reported a sharp improvement in cash generation. Free cash flow reached $631 million, far exceeding analysts' expectations of a $177 million cash burn.

The results mark a significant turnaround under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who took charge in 2024.

FIFA plans World Cup stake sale, UEFA furious

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:11 EDT

FIFA has unveiled plans to create a new subsidiary worth $20 billion to manage the World Cup and other major tournaments, while selling up to 20% of the business to outside investors.

The organization expects to raise as much as $4.2 billion but says it will keep full control over football governance, competitions and regulations.

The proposed company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), will oversee commercial and event operations. A group led by Thrive Eternal, an investment vehicle founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, is expected to lead the investor group.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the funds would support infrastructure, coaching, grassroots football, national teams and the women’s game.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from European soccer’s governing body UEFA, which accused FIFA of putting the sport’s “soul” up for sale.

UEFA argued that football should never become a commercial asset for investors and questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the plan.

FIFA said member associations and the FIFA Council will review the proposal before making a final decision.

AI jitters trigger massive global chip stock sell-off

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 16:07:28 EDT

The market’s confidence in AI remains fragile. The Nasdaq-100 briefly entered correction territory after investors rushed to sell chip shares across global markets.

The index erased most of its losses to close down less than 1%, highlighting the market’s sensitivity to even minor changes in AI sentiment.

At the same time, the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index slipped into a bear market after dropping more than 20% from its peak.

The sell-off spread from Asia to the United States, hitting several of the world’s biggest semiconductor companies.

Chipmakers suffered steep losses across the board. Sandisk plunged 14%, while AMD, Arm Holdings, Micron and Seagate each lost more than 8%. Dell Technologies dropped 8.1%, and Intel fell nearly 6%.

The selling began in Asia, where Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, two of the world’s largest AI memory chip makers, plunged more than 15%. Japan’s Kioxia also tumbled 18%, while South Korea’s Kospi index extended its decline to more than 30% from its recent high.

Investor sentiment weakened further after reports claimed that a Chinese state-backed company had started mass-producing domestic chipmaking equipment. However, the company was not identified, and the report has not been independently verified.

Markets are now awaiting earnings from Meta, Microsoft and Amazon, whose massive investments in AI data centers are expected to influence the sector’s direction.

Despite the sharp sell-off, analysts say demand for AI services and cloud computing remains strong, supporting the industry’s long-term growth outlook.

KFC founder’s historic estate hits the auction block

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:51 EDT

The man behind the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is making headlines again.

The former residence of KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders and his wife, Claudia Sanders, will be auctioned today, with speculation that the sale could include the legendary blend of 11 herbs and spices behind the chain’s signature chicken.

The auction marks the end of an era for one of Kentucky’s most famous landmarks.

Rare memorabilia on the auction block
The three-acre property, once KFC’s original headquarters, features the Blackwood Hall mansion and Claudia Sanders Dinner House, a restaurant the couple opened after selling KFC for $2 million in 1964.

The family that bought the estate five decades ago is now selling it.

The auction includes several pieces of Sanders’ personal memorabilia, offering a glimpse into his life beyond the famous white suit. Buyers can bid on his Bible, signature black string tie, pressure cookers, knife kit, awards and even a birthday greeting from former US President Richard Nixon.

One of the biggest highlights is a leather planner from 1964, which is believed to contain handwritten measurements of the 11 herbs and spices. Although many believe it could reveal KFC’s legendary seasoning blend, experts say there is no proof it contains the original secret recipe.

A lasting legacy
Colonel Sanders built his reputation by demanding high standards and refusing to compromise on quality. Even after selling KFC, he continued to criticize the brand whenever he felt the food no longer matched his original vision.

As his personal treasures change hands, the auction serves as a reminder of the entrepreneur whose passion and determination turned a simple fried chicken recipe into one of the world’s most successful restaurant brands.

Iran takes center stage in Netanyahu-Trump talks

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:47 EDT

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be meeting President Donald Trump in Washington on Tuesday, his eighth such visit since Trump returned to office.

The two leaders last met in February, shortly before the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

However, the Middle Eastern nation did not join the recent two-week US strikes on Iran.

Netanyahu’s visit comes as he faces a tough domestic political climate ahead of the October 27 election alongside declining American support for Israel. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani called him a “war criminal” last week. The Israeli leader and Trump had friction during a phone call in June.

During his trip, Netanyahu is also expected to attend the funeral service for the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump asks Supreme Court to back mail-in voting limits before midterms

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:44 EDT

The DOJ petitioned the Supreme Court for an emergency ruling that would allow the administration to move forward with an executive order aimed at limiting mail-in voting.

Trump’s March order directs federal agencies to create a “state citizenship list” and instructs the US Postal Service to deliver mail ballots only to individuals on that list.

Around 23 states and the District of Columbia have sued to block the order, with Democrats warning Trump’s order could be abused and cause chaos.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that mail-in voting is vulnerable to fraud. However, federal data shows that about 30% of all ballots in the 2024 presidential election were cast by mail.

A 2025 Brookings Institution study identified only about four cases of fraud per 10 million mail ballots cast.

The administration wants a quick decision, noting that any changes would need to be implemented by August to impact November’s election.

SCOTUS had ruled in June that late mail-in ballots arriving up to five days after Election Day can be counted if postmarked beforehand.

Tiny followings, big impact: Brands rethink influencer spending

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:40 EDT

Major brands are shifting their marketing strategies and looking at smaller influencers to do business with, ditching the requirement for massive follower counts, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Companies like Target, SoulCycle, American Eagle, and Little Spoon are introducing initiatives that reward creators with as few as 500 followers for posting about their products.

While the payouts are far smaller than those earned by megainfluencers with over 1 million followers, smaller creators often receive $10 gift cards, complimentary products, and commission-based earnings, offering modest rewards for homemakers, momfluencers, and workers with stable day jobs.

Blame the algorithm
The shift reflects a broader change in social media algorithms, where reach is increasingly driven by content quality rather than follower counts. As a result, smaller creators are often generating stronger engagement than influencers with massive audiences.

Growth marketing firm ATTN found microinfluencers (5,000 – 19,999 followers) average a 3.2% engagement rate compared to 1.1% for megainfluencers.

According to research firm Emarketer, 45% of total US influencer marketing budgets will target creators with fewer than 20,000 followers in 2026, up from 19.5% in 2021.

Nearly 20% of spending will go to nanoinfluencers (below 5,000 followers) compared to just 3.1% five years ago.

Creators in the US are expected to generate $21 billion in earnings this year. Despite the industry's growth, 57% of 3,000 full-time creators surveyed in 2025 reported making below a living wage.

Cracker Barrel replaces CEO after logo backlash

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:36 EDT

Cracker Barrel announced that CEO Julie Masino, who took charge in 2023, will step down. Her departure follows the restaurant chain’s controversial logo redesign and menu overhaul.

David Deno, the former CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, will take over as chief executive on August 10. Bloomin owns Outback Steakhouse.

Masino faced heavy criticism after Cracker Barrel introduced a new logo in 2025 that removed the image of founder Dan Evins’ Uncle Herschel sitting in a wicker chair beside a barrel.

Many customers rejected the change, and the company’s market value fell by nearly $100 million. Cracker Barrel later restored its original logo.

Masino will stay on as an adviser until October 9 to help with the leadership transition.

Chipmaker’s blockbuster IPO lifts it to China’s highest market value

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:58 EDT

CXMT, China’s largest memory chipmaker and world’s fourth-largest maker of DRAM, made a spectacular stock market debut on Monday as its shares soared 466% on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The strong performance pushed the company’s market value to about $487 billion, making it the most valuable company listed on mainland China’s stock exchanges.

The company was founded in 2016 and has seen rising demand for its chips, which power AI servers, smartphones, computers and vehicles.

China sees CXMT as a key player in its drive to become more self-reliant in advanced technology despite US-led export restrictions on chipmaking equipment. The company’s revenue jumped more than 700% in the first quarter of 2026, driven by booming AI demand.

Industry experts say CXMT has strong growth potential but still faces challenges in accessing advanced manufacturing tools needed to compete with global leaders like Samsung, SK Hynix and Micron.

Ford hopes Nike sneaker drop strategy will fuel sales

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:07:23 EDT

Ford Motor is investing heavily in its vehicle accessories and customization business, offering performance upgrades and limited-edition models designed to emulate the excitement of Nike shoe drops.

The carmaker aims to earn more from the fast-growing US aftermarket industry, where drivers spend billions on upgrades after buying their vehicles.

Unlike aftermarket parts installed later, these upgrades are covered under Ford’s vehicle warranty and can be included in monthly finance or lease payments.

Industry group SEMA estimates Americans spent $52.9 billion on vehicle accessories and modifications in 2025.

Recently, the auto company introduced a pink Bronco SUV packed with standout features and custom touches. Ford will produce only 1,000 units of the special edition. Costing $13,695 extra, it is the first of several limited-edition models the carmaker aims to market like a Nike sneaker drop, according to its head of customization.

Ford also offers performance packages for the Mustang and F-150, with some upgrades priced as high as $27,000.

Building customer loyalty
Ford says about 46% of its US new-vehicle buyers choose to customize their vehicles, with Bronco, Mustang and F-Series owners leading demand.

The company believes personalized vehicles increase customer loyalty and expects its high-margin software and services business, including customization, to grow 8% annually through the end of the decade.

Dodgers’ owner’s financial empire faces fraud investigation

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:34 EDT

Federal authorities are investigating billionaire Mark Walter’s financial empire after an internal whistleblower complaint led to a broader probe into his business dealings.

The investigation first focused on how Guggenheim Investments, Walter’s asset-management firm, recorded revenue from insurance-related transactions. It later expanded to examine about $16 billion in private credit loans that reportedly passed through a third party before reaching insurance companies owned by Walter.

Walter’s insurers said they found errors in how certain investments were presented after receiving subpoenas. Delaware Life has reclassified $16 billion in investments as affiliated assets.

The Attorney’s Office in Manhattan and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are investigating whether the transactions violated fraud laws. Insurance companies must disclose related-party deals to regulators to avoid conflicts of interest and protect policyholders.

Walter acquired the MLB team Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012 along with partners. His lending business provided major capital for it.

TWG Global denied any wrongdoing, said it is cooperating with investigators, and expressed confidence that the matter will be resolved. Credit rating agencies have also placed Delaware Life under closer review.

AI reality pushes big companies to hire again

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:07 EDT

America’s biggest companies are changing course and hiring more workers as they realize artificial intelligence cannot replace people in several key roles.

After months of slowing recruitment and cutting jobs, several major employers now say they need fresh talent to support business growth and expand AI-related operations.

Companies increase recruitment
Companies including Google parent Alphabet, railroad operator CSX, consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, Snap-on and ServiceNow have announced plans to recruit employees in areas such as AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, engineering and sales.

Rather than launching large hiring sprees, these firms are focusing on skilled workers who can support long-term growth.

Demand drives fresh hiring
Booz Allen Hamilton said it needs to speed up hiring after cutting thousands of jobs last year when federal spending slowed. The company is now seeing strong demand, particularly for national security projects that require security-cleared workers.

Meanwhile, CSX plans to add train and engine staff as freight demand improves, while Snap-on will recruit more employees to expand its business.

People still matter
Experts say many businesses have changed their view on AI. Instead of replacing employees, companies now believe AI works best alongside people.

Human resources platform Lattice said firms are once again hiring entry-level workers because they bring valuable AI skills, fresh ideas and lower hiring costs. While AI continues to reshape workplaces, companies increasingly see human talent as essential for future growth.

Heat dome brings dangerous temperatures across US

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:08 EDT

A massive heatwave is tightening its grip across the United States, with nearly 70 million people facing excessive heat warnings as temperatures soar across southern, central, and midwestern states.

Meteorologists say a powerful heat dome is trapping hot air over large parts of the country, preventing temperatures from dropping and extending the heat into next week. It is the third major heat dome to hit the US in the past month.

Much of the region is forecast to see highs of 95°F to 105°F, with parts of the southwestern desert nearing 120°F.

Extreme heat warnings are in effect in several areas, including western Nebraska, where highs could hit 108°F. Denver may also challenge longstanding records.

The prolonged extreme weather is raising serious health concerns; nights are expected to remain unusually warm, offering little relief. Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with existing medical conditions face the highest risk.

Forecasters also warn that the weather pattern could spark severe thunderstorms, flash floods and large hail across parts of the Great Lakes region.

‘The Odyssey’ continues epic box office journey

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:02 EDT

In just two weekends, Christopher Nolan’s R-rated, three-hour epic, The Odyssey, has crossed $639.6 million globally, earning $284.4 million domestically and $353.2 million internationally.

The film is the first feature-length production filmed entirely with 70mm Imax cameras and optimized for 70mm Imax screens that adheres to the 1.43:1 aspect ratio. Only 25 such venues exist across the country, prompting many cinephiles to travel hundreds of miles to attend screenings.

Other screens, including standard Imax formats, do not display the complete frame and instead cut off parts of the image at the top and bottom.

Milestones
During its first two weekends, the movie generated approximately $140 million in worldwide ticket sales from Imax locations, including theaters without 70mm screens.

Produced at a $250 million budget, the adaptation of Homer’s Greek epic has surpassed Obsession as the year’s top R-rated release.

As the Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Tom Holland-led The Odyssey continues breaking milestones, Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story 5 has officially crossed $1 billion, reaching $1.022 billion worldwide to become the year’s top-grossing film, ahead of Super Mario Galaxy Movie ($1.011 billion) and Michael ($1.01 billion).

Overall, it has been a stellar 2026 for the Hollywood box office.

Ukraine’s Caspian Sea attacks draw Iran into wider conflict

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:50 EDT

Tensions flared between Iran and Ukraine on Sunday after long-range Ukrainian missile strikes hit an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea, leaving one sailor dead and several injured.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the long-range attacks, saying his forces achieved “very strong results” against Iranian-linked military transport targets, including cargo ships and a warship.

The Middle Eastern country said the attacks resulted in the death of one sailor and injuries to others.

The attack has raised concerns that the conflict could widen across the Middle East. Over the weekend, Saudi Arabia said it intercepted two ballistic missiles launched from Yemen, adding to regional tensions.

Meanwhile, the US has paused strikes on Iran after 13 consecutive nights of attacks. President Donald Trump has reportedly halted assaults to allow room for diplomacy and preserve dwindling stockpiles of Patriot anti-missile interceptors.

Despite the pause in airstrikes, Central Command said its naval blockade of Iran remains fully in effect.

Oil prices slide following US-Iran de-escalation

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:29 EDT

Global oil prices fell by more than 5% on Sunday after the United States and Iran paused their recent exchange of strikes, raising hopes that tensions in the Strait of Hormuz may ease.

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, dropped to $91.87 per barrel after climbing above $100 during two weeks of conflict.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said President Donald Trump was giving diplomatic talks more time before deciding on any further military action.

Despite the price drop, analysts warned that the situation is still fragile. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that normally carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas, remains largely disrupted.

Ongoing security risks in the Strait and rising tensions involving Yemen’s Houthis could continue to disrupt global oil supplies.

Higher fuel prices have also pushed US inflation higher. Investors expect the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged for now.

Meanwhile, gold prices climbed as the US paused military action against Iran, easing inflation fears. Lower oil prices and expectations that the Fed may hold interest rates boosted demand for the precious metal.

Industry leaders warn against early curbs on open-weight AI

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 16:07:57 EDT

Jensen Huang posted a letter online, signed by 25 tech giants including Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity, IBM and Dell, urging lawmakers to advocate for open-weight AI models over closed-weight alternatives.

Huang cautioned against “premature restrictions on open models,” stating that it stifles competition and drives AI innovation to other countries.

The number of people signing the letter increased to 50 after the Nvidia CEO published it on X.

Policymakers remain divided over how to regulate open-weight AI models, including those from China, compared with models developed by companies such as OpenAI and Anthropic.

According to the coalition, closed models can still be breached, whereas open models let researchers around the world find weaknesses and build better safeguards.

Open-weight AI models allow users to download, modify, and deploy them locally. By comparison, leading US large language models, including Claude Fable 5 and the GPT-5.6 series, remain closed-weight and proprietary.

Popular Chinese AI systems, including DeepSeek and Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3, are built as open-weight models.

The appeal comes as rising costs and security concerns reshape the AI landscape. Microsoft and Palantir executives say open models enable customers to run AI in their own data centers, cutting costs.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity risks have also come into focus. Earlier this month, Hugging Face reported that it used an open-weight Chinese model to defend against a rogue OpenAI model after Anthropic’s Fable 5 failed to determine whether Hugging Face was the attacker or the target.

After the incident, a bipartisan AI Kill Switch Act was introduced in the House.

The Trump administration is also looking at sanctions targeting Chinese open-weight AI developers over allegedly stealing American IP.

Psychedelic drug LSD could reduce anxiety, shows research

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:27 EDT

The psychoactive drug often associated with the 1960s counterculture movement, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), is being studied as a potential treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

The study, published in JAMA, enrolled 198 adults at 22 US sites and tracked them for 12 weeks. Participants were given an oral LSD formulation called MM120 or a placebo.

Those who received 100–200 microgram doses produced the strongest results, with patients improving by about 5–6 points more than placebo, and benefits lasting up to three months.

Researchers noted that all 40 participants who received the 200-microgram dose experienced perceptual changes, which may play a role in reducing anxiety symptoms.

Experts praised the trial’s findings but stressed caution
LSD’s 8–12-hour long duration makes use challenging, and it must be administered in a clinical setting. Common short-term side effects included hallucinations, visual distortions, nausea, and headaches, but serious adverse effects were rare.

Although the results are promising, researchers say larger Phase 3 clinical trials are needed to confirm the drug's safety and effectiveness before it can be considered for widespread use.

Study shows coffee reduces risk of heart disease, diabetes

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:16 EDT

Coffee lovers rejoice: a new scientific statement from the American Heart Association (AHA), published in Circulation, confirms that consuming up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily is safe for most adults.

After reviewing dozens of studies on coffee, caffeine, and heart health, researchers found that drinking three to five 8-ounce cups of coffee daily is linked to a lower risk of heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.

The researchers also highlighted that coffee contains beneficial compounds beyond caffeine.

Polyphenols, for example, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may explain why decaffeinated coffee is also associated with a lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

However, the study authors caution that adding sugar, syrups, or high-fat creamers can negate these health perks.

They also warned against consuming energy drinks, as their high caffeine content has been linked to irregular heart rhythms and increased blood pressure.

Tech executive’s former partner wins $640M divorce settlement

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:17 EDT

A South Korean court ordered SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to pay his ex-wife, Roh Soh-yeong, 944 billion won ($640 million), in a case dubbed the “divorce of the century” by local media.

Chey leads SK Group, whose chipmaking unit SK Hynix supplies Nvidia. His net worth is estimated at around $5 billion.

Roh is the daughter of former South Korean President Roh Tae-woo.

The settlement is lower than the 1.38 trillion won ($940 million) awarded by the high court last year. The move came after South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled that money allegedly provided by Roh’s late father could not legally be treated as a contribution to SK Group’s growth.

Chey and Roh married in 1988 and have three children. Their marriage broke down after Chey admitted to having a relationship with another woman and fathering a child. He filed for divorce in 2017.

The ruling can still be appealed, meaning the high-profile case may continue.

Magnificent 7 sink $797 billion as investors dump AI stocks

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:13 EDT

Wall Street faced a sharp selloff on Thursday as investors questioned whether Big Tech’s massive investments in artificial intelligence will deliver strong returns.

Rising tensions in Iran, which lifted oil prices and clouded the global economic outlook, added to market pressure.

The Magnificent Seven technology companies lost a combined $797 billion in market value in one day, marking their biggest decline since the tariff-driven market selloff in April 2025. The S&P 500 fell 1.2%, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.9%.

Investor concerns grew after Alphabet raised its 2026 capital spending forecast to $205 billion, far above expectations, even as the company’s AI investments pushed its cash flow into negative territory for the first time as a public company.

Tesla also unsettled markets after CEO Elon Musk said 2026 would be a “massive capex year,” despite the electric vehicle maker reporting profits well below analysts’ estimates.

Tesla shares plunged 15%, their steepest fall since March 2025, while Alphabet dropped 7.1%, its biggest decline since May 2025.

Microsoft, Amazon and Meta also slipped ahead of their upcoming earnings reports. Meanwhile, Apple recorded the smallest decline as investors welcomed its relatively cautious AI spending strategy.

Analysts said Wall Street is becoming less willing to reward aggressive AI investment without clear evidence that the spending will generate meaningful profits, marking a major shift in investor sentiment.

Wall Street faced a sharp selloff on Thursday as investors questioned whether Big Tech’s massive investments in artificial intelligence will deliver strong returns.

Rising tensions in Iran, which lifted oil prices and clouded the global economic outlook, added to market pressure.

Tesla also unsettled markets after CEO Elon Musk said 2026 would be a “massive capex year,” despite the electric vehicle maker reporting profits well below analysts’ estimates.

Tesla shares plunged 15%, their steepest fall since March 2025, while Alphabet dropped 7.1%, its biggest decline since May 2025.

Microsoft, Amazon and Meta also slipped ahead of their upcoming earnings reports. Meanwhile, Apple recorded the smallest decline as investors welcomed its relatively cautious AI spending strategy.

LeBron James signs with Sixers for record 24th season

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:06 EDT

LeBron James has officially joined the Philadelphia 76ers, marking the next chapter in his legendary NBA career.

The 41-year-old announced on social media that he signed a two-year, $8 million deal and called it the final decision of his career.

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer will team up with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and coach Nick Nurse, creating one of the league’s strongest lineups.

James left the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, during which he won the 2020 NBA title and added several historic achievements to his remarkable career.

Paramount pauses Warner deal pending court decision

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:51 EDT

Paramount Skydance has agreed to delay its planned $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery until after a court rules on a lawsuit filed by 12 US states.

The merger will remain on hold until next June at the latest, adding fresh uncertainty to one of the entertainment industry's biggest deals.

The delay could prove costly. Paramount may have to pay Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders up to $1.7 billion in delay fees if the merger is not completed on time. Starting September 30, the company could owe $7 million per day until the deal closes.

The states argue the merger would give the combined company too much control over the film and television industry, potentially leading to higher prices. Paramount said it remains confident and looks forward to defending the merger in court.

Fresh tariffs spark global trade tensions again

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 16:07:20 EDT

The United States has announced new import tariffs on products from 60 trading partners, including the European Union, China, India, Japan and Canada.

The new duties, set at 10% and 12.5%, took effect on Friday after a temporary 10% global tariff expired.

The Trump administration said the levies are meant to pressure countries to do more to block goods made with forced labor from entering global supply chains. Many of the affected nations rejected the accusation, saying they already have measures in place to prevent such trade.

The latest duties replace the 10% global levy introduced in February after the Supreme Court blocked Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs.

The new measures apply to almost all US imports, but several key products remain exempt. Oil, natural gas, fertilizers, aircraft parts, critical minerals, some food items and products already covered by separate national security tariffs will not face the new duties.

The announcement drew mixed reactions worldwide. China called the move unfair and warned against trade wars, while Australia, Brazil and Norway also opposed the tariffs.

The European Union and Britain said the new rates largely align with existing trade agreements, limiting their immediate impact on businesses.

Economists say the tariffs could raise import costs and add to inflation, although financial markets showed only a modest reaction.

Investors remained more focused on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East than on the latest trade measures.

Intel posts fastest growth in nearly 15 years on AI demand

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:07:35 EDT

Intel’s stock rose 4% yesterday after posting strong second-quarter results that showed 25% revenue growth, the fastest since 2011.

The surge was driven by the AI-fueled boom in its data center division, which grew 59% to $6.3 billion.

The chipmaker generated $16.1 billion in revenue, beating the $14.42 billion expected.

So far in 2026, Intel’s stock is up over 170% following an 84% jump last year when the government acquired a 10% stake.

However, its shares have dropped 28% in July.

Amazon bets on gaming through Prime Video

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:07:05 EDT

Amazon is taking another step toward its everything app vision. The company announced yesterday that it will combine its Luna cloud gaming service with Prime Video to offer games to Fire TV users in the US and UK for free.

The integration gives Prime subscribers in both markets free access to video games, which can be played directly through the Prime Video app.

The Luna gaming platform was previously a standalone application that didn’t get much traction. With the integration, Prime Video becomes a unified hub for movies, TV shows, and video games.

A new Games tab will offer blockbuster third-party titles like Hogwarts Legacy, EA Sports FC 26, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, as well as Amazon’s own titles such as Courtroom Chaos and Masters of the Universe: Legends Unite.

It also carries digital board games like Clue and Taboo, a strategic move similar to Netflix’s recent push into party games.

Through the move, Amazon is targeting casual gamers who don’t own PCs or gaming consoles. The strategy signals a change in direction after years of unsuccessful investment in developing original games.

Bezos is also reportedly pushing an AI overhaul of Prime Video.

FDA advisory panel votes to ease peptide restrictions

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 16:07:00 EDT

The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted by a narrow margin to recommend easing restrictions on four popular peptides.

The panel supported allowing compounding pharmacies to make BPC-157, KPV, TB-500 and MOTS-c, but the decision does not mean the products are FDA-approved. The agency will make the final decision after reviewing the recommendation.

Peptides have surged in popularity in the wellness industry, with proponents touting benefits from better sleep to anti-aging.

During Thursday’s meeting, FDA scientists said there is not enough reliable evidence to prove the peptides are safe or effective. They also explained that some peptides do not have a clear chemical definition, making them difficult to evaluate.

Supporters argued that allowing licensed pharmacies to produce the compounds would give people a safer alternative to buying unregulated products online.

Experts warned that approving wider access to peptides without strong scientific evidence could confuse the public and create unnecessary health risks.