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Business news, market updates, and economic developments

Fund boosts support for financial struggles

Fund boosts support for financial struggles

Summary

West Devon Borough Council announced £300,682 in funding to support people facing financial difficulties. The money will create new help services, including financial advice and emergency payments, to assist residents with daily needs and build long-term financial stability.

Key Facts

  • £300,682 was allocated to the Crisis and Resilience Fund to support people with money problems.
  • This new fund replaced the Household Support Fund in April.
  • A Financial Advice and Support Team will be set up in partnership with South Hams District Council.
  • Emergency crisis payments will target low-income households and care leavers in Devon.
  • Residents can apply for help with essentials, and items like electric blankets will be provided later.
  • £20,000 was given to West Devon CVS to connect locals with support services.
  • Homemaker Southwest received £20,590 to offer benefits and debt advice.
  • The council plans to explore community energy schemes and provide free energy advice.
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London startup to trial drug to prevent cancer therapy side-effect ‘cytokine storm’

London startup to trial drug to prevent cancer therapy side-effect ‘cytokine storm’

Summary

A London startup, Poolbeg Pharma, is starting a trial of a new oral drug called POLB 001 to prevent a dangerous side effect, cytokine release syndrome (CRS), in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy. The trial will take place at six NHS hospitals, aiming to make cancer treatment safer and less expensive by allowing care in community hospitals instead of specialized centers.

Key Facts

  • POLB 001 is a pill designed to stop CRS, a side effect where the immune system attacks the body during cancer immunotherapy.
  • CRS affects about 70% of patients receiving certain blood cancer treatments and can be life-threatening.
  • Currently, patients must stay in specialized cancer hospitals for weeks during treatment because CRS is hard to predict.
  • The drug trial will test POLB 001 on 30 patients using Johnson & Johnson’s cancer drug teclistamab at six UK hospitals.
  • POLB 001 was originally developed in Spain to treat chronic inflammation and works by blocking a specific cell signal.
  • Poolbeg Pharma expects to have preliminary trial results by the end of the summer.
  • It is estimated that by 2031, about half a million patients with specific blood cancers will need immunotherapy in the US and major European countries.
  • Poolbeg also plans to trial a weight loss pill later this year and raised £25 million when it went public in 2021.
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Why the US economy keeps defying the odds

Why the US economy keeps defying the odds

Summary

The US economy has kept growing steadily despite global problems like trade disputes and energy price changes. Factors such as strong business investment, higher productivity, and the growth of oil and gas production from fracking have helped the US perform better than many other countries.

Key Facts

  • The US economy has grown at about 2% yearly despite global shocks.
  • President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs pushed US companies to invest more instead of cutting profits.
  • Capital spending in the US is nearly 14% of the country's GDP, showing strong business investment.
  • The US shale oil and gas boom reduced the economy’s dependence on costly energy imports.
  • Europe, by contrast, relies more on long-term energy contracts and banks for business loans, making it less flexible.
  • Cultural differences affect risk-taking, with Americans more willing to take short-term risks for long-term benefits.
  • Europe’s approach to energy and finance has made it more vulnerable to supply disruptions like those from Russia.
  • Inflation in the US has been persistent but hasn’t stopped steady growth or caused a major economic slowdown.
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How Brexit has made Britain poorer – in charts

How Brexit has made Britain poorer – in charts

Summary

Ten years after Britain voted to leave the European Union, the economy is smaller than it would have been otherwise. Trade has become harder, growth has slowed, and families are generally poorer than before the Brexit vote.

Key Facts

  • The immediate economic crash predicted before Brexit did not happen.
  • Other global events like the Covid pandemic and wars have also affected the UK economy.
  • The UK's economy is about 6-8% smaller now than it would have been without Brexit.
  • The British pound dropped sharply after the Brexit vote and has not fully recovered, making imports more expensive.
  • Exports to the EU, the UK’s biggest trading partner, have been negatively affected by new trade barriers.
  • Business investment and productivity growth have stalled since Brexit.
  • The UK is expected to have a 4% loss in national income over the next 15 years due to Brexit-related impacts.
  • Families in the UK are on average thousands of pounds worse off each year because of the slower economic growth.
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Why is the price of gold trending down?

Why is the price of gold trending down?

Summary

The price of gold has dropped in 2024 despite global conflicts because high inflation and rising interest rates make other investments more attractive. The war between the US and Iran has pushed up energy costs and inflation, but strong US interest rates and a strong dollar have pressured gold prices downward.

Key Facts

  • Gold prices fell from $5,303 per troy ounce in late January to $4,235 in May 2024.
  • The US and Israel attacked Iran in February, leading to a prolonged war.
  • Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy prices to rise and inflation to increase.
  • US inflation reached 4.2 percent, the highest in three years.
  • The US job market remains strong, reducing chances that interest rates will be cut soon.
  • Higher interest rates make gold less attractive because gold does not pay interest or dividends.
  • A strong US dollar usually lowers gold prices since gold is priced in dollars.
  • The Federal Reserve may raise interest rates later in 2024, which could keep gold prices under pressure.
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Business owner says his company relies on skilled foreign worker visas

Business owner says his company relies on skilled foreign worker visas

Summary

A federal judge recently canceled a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas that was introduced under President Donald Trump's administration. This fee was meant to reduce foreign workers taking American jobs, but some business owners say they need skilled foreign workers to run their companies.

Key Facts

  • The $100,000 fee applied to new H-1B visas for foreign workers.
  • This fee was created during President Trump’s administration.
  • The purpose was to discourage hiring foreign workers over Americans.
  • A federal judge blocked this high fee from being charged.
  • Some business owners say their companies rely on skilled foreign workers.
  • H-1B visas allow U.S. companies to hire qualified workers from other countries.
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Data Center Petition Passes Major Milestone After Brad Paisley Support

Data Center Petition Passes Major Milestone After Brad Paisley Support

Summary

A petition opposing the construction of a large AI data center near Nashville Zoo has surpassed 400,000 signatures after country singer Brad Paisley urged people to oppose the project. The Nashville Zoo and local residents are concerned about the potential environmental harm, strain on water and electricity, and negative effects on the community and animals.

Key Facts

  • The proposed AI data center would be 69,000 square feet and near Nashville Zoo.
  • Brad Paisley, a Grammy-winning country singer, publicly opposed the project on Instagram.
  • The Nashville Zoo attracted 1.4 million visitors last year and houses over 3,700 animals from more than 350 species.
  • The zoo and community petition warn the data center could harm wildlife, strain infrastructure, and cause environmental damage.
  • The petition highlights concerns about high electricity and water use by data centers and a lack of public impact studies.
  • DC BLOX, an Atlanta-based company, plans to build the data center and currently operates 23 data centers across the U.S.
  • DC BLOX said it respects concerns and will work with local officials and the zoo to try to address issues.
  • Opposition to new data centers is growing nationally due to worries about noise, environment, and health effects.
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UK and Japan set to agree investment deal worth £18bn

UK and Japan set to agree investment deal worth £18bn

Summary

The UK and Japan are about to make an £18 billion investment deal that will create many new jobs. The agreement includes deals on offshore wind projects, nuclear technology, and cooperation between businesses from both countries.

Key Facts

  • The UK and Japan will sign investment deals worth £18 billion.
  • These deals are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs in the UK.
  • More than 10 commercial and government agreements will be signed.
  • A £9 billion deal is planned for offshore wind energy projects.
  • Rolls-Royce will work more closely with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency on new technology.
  • Business leaders from both countries will discuss future economic growth opportunities.
  • The UK aims to help its defense companies get investment from Japan.
  • The visit by Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to the UK happens before the G7 summit next week.
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Ford recalls over 250K Focus models over engine stall risk

Ford recalls over 250K Focus models over engine stall risk

Summary

Ford is recalling over 250,000 Ford Focus cars from 2012 to 2018 because the engine can stall while driving. The problem comes from a part called the canister purge valve that might stick open, and Ford will fix it by updating the car's software for free.

Key Facts

  • The recall covers 255,404 Ford Focus cars made between 2012 and 2018.
  • The issue involves the canister purge valve, which may stick open and cause the engine to stall.
  • An engine stall while driving can increase the chance of a crash or injury.
  • Drivers might see a warning light or get wrong fuel gauge and mileage readings.
  • Ford dealers will update the car’s powertrain software at no cost to the owners.
  • Ford will send letters to owners between July 6 and July 10 to inform them about the recall.
  • Owners can check if their car is affected by calling Ford or visiting a dealer.
  • Vehicle ID numbers involved will be available on the NHTSA website starting July 6.
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One Stop shop worker sacked after trying to tackle suspected shoplifter

One Stop shop worker sacked after trying to tackle suspected shoplifter

Summary

A convenience store worker named Eileen Fox was fired after trying to stop a woman she thought was stealing bacon. The store, One Stop, said safety is their top priority and trains employees to avoid risking themselves during such incidents.

Key Facts

  • Eileen Fox tried to stop a woman she believed was stealing bacon at a One Stop shop in Bootle, Merseyside.
  • Fox said she grabbed the woman's coat sleeve, causing a minor scuffle where the woman bumped into a metal stand.
  • No one was hurt during the incident.
  • Fox was suspended and then dismissed two weeks later on May 11.
  • One Stop said employees are trained not to risk their own safety and that they use extra security and police collaboration to prevent theft.
  • Fox disagreed with One Stop’s description of the event, saying she did not follow the shoplifter but approached her while she was taking items.
  • Other UK retailers like Waitrose and Morrisons have also recently fired staff who intervened in shoplifting incidents, sparking public criticism.
  • The issue highlights ongoing challenges for retailers dealing with theft while balancing employee safety and shoplifting prevention.
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Paramount-Warner 'Not a Done Deal,’ Says California AG—But Can He Stop It?

Paramount-Warner 'Not a Done Deal,’ Says California AG—But Can He Stop It?

Summary

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is investigating the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery, despite the U.S. Department of Justice approving the deal. Bonta can potentially block or delay the merger under state antitrust laws if it harms competition, and his office is reviewing the transaction carefully.

Key Facts

  • The DOJ concluded the merger is unlikely to harm competition or consumers after an eight-month investigation.
  • California’s Attorney General, Rob Bonta, believes the merger is not finalized and remains under state investigation.
  • Bonta has the legal power to block the merger in court or seek changes to the deal if it violates antitrust laws.
  • The merger would combine major media companies, including Paramount Pictures, CBS, HBO, CNN, Warner Bros., and streaming services Paramount+ and Max.
  • Bonta previously led a multistate lawsuit to block another media merger, showing willingness to challenge big media consolidations.
  • The deal is estimated to be worth $111 billion and has raised concerns about reduced competition and fewer consumer choices.
  • California may work with other states for a joint legal challenge against the merger.
  • The DOJ reviewed more than two million documents and found the media industry to be dynamic, lessening concerns about negative effects from the merger.
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WATCH:  Summer's hottest travel trends as travelers look for value trips

WATCH: Summer's hottest travel trends as travelers look for value trips

Summary

Travel expert Melanie Fish talks about the biggest travel trends this summer as many people want to get the best value for their vacations. Travelers are looking for ways to save money while still enjoying their trips.

Key Facts

  • Melanie Fish is the Vice President at Hotels.com and a travel expert.
  • Summer travel trends show travelers want more value in their trips.
  • Vacationers are focusing on saving money.
  • Travelers seek affordable options for accommodations and activities.
  • The information was shared on June 13, 2026.
  • The article highlights changes in traveler habits due to budget concerns.
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Australia is facing a shortage of critical lubricants. How do we stop everything grinding to a halt?

Australia is facing a shortage of critical lubricants. How do we stop everything grinding to a halt?

Summary

Australia is facing a shortage of base oils, a key ingredient in engine lubricants, due to rising prices and supply disruptions linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. This shortage affects many engines, from cars to farming equipment, and may lead to higher costs and delayed maintenance for consumers and industries.

Key Facts

  • Base oils are used to make lubricants like engine oil, which protect and cool engines in vehicles and machines.
  • Prices for base oils in Asia more than doubled from about $760 to $1,790 US dollars per tonne between late February and early June.
  • Some refineries in the Middle East producing base oils have been damaged, reducing supply.
  • The supply of high-quality base oils needed for modern synthetic lubricants is very limited.
  • Australia depends on imports of base oils from countries affected by regional conflicts, including South Korea, Singapore, and Qatar.
  • Higher base oil prices are causing some consumers to delay oil changes, which may hurt engine performance.
  • Farmers and other industries relying on combustion engines face risks if lubricant costs rise or supplies shrink.
  • The Australian Lubricant Association has urged the government to address the base oil shortage with the same urgency as fuel supply issues.
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Washington isn’t broken — it’s transactional

Washington isn’t broken — it’s transactional

Summary

The article explains that the political process in Washington involves careful negotiations where different groups trade support to pass laws. Companies that can work with various economic groups to form partnerships are better prepared to take advantage of new government policies.

Key Facts

  • Washington politics is based on give-and-take between different groups.
  • Successful companies build coalitions involving diverse economic classes.
  • These partnerships help companies influence and benefit from new laws.
  • Understanding how legislative negotiations work can create business opportunities.
  • Policy changes often create chances for companies ready to act.
  • Companies that miss these negotiations may fall behind competitors.
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Map Reveals Top 20 Hottest Housing Markets in May

Map Reveals Top 20 Hottest Housing Markets in May

Summary

Realtor.com ranked Hartford, Connecticut, as the hottest housing market in the U.S. for May based on buyer interest and fast sales. The top 20 hottest markets were all in the Midwest and Northeast regions, where houses sold faster than the national average and attracted more viewers online.

Key Facts

  • Hartford moved up four places from last year and was the hottest market for the first time since February 2025.
  • Homes in Hartford sold in an average of 25 days, almost a month faster than the national average of 28 days.
  • The median home price in Hartford was $475,000, which is lower than prices in Boston ($849,000) and New York ($775,000).
  • Amherst Town–Northampton, Massachusetts, ranked second, with homes spending 19 days on the market.
  • Waterbury–Shelton, Connecticut, ranked third, with a median price of $400,000 and 27 days on the market.
  • The top 20 markets were all in the Midwest and Northeast, with 15 in the Northeast and five in the Midwest.
  • Realtor.com’s ranking looks at how many times listings are viewed and how fast homes sell.
  • New York-Newark-Jersey City showed the biggest improvement, rising 53 places to 136th place nationally.
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Map Shows States Where Retirees Are Ditching Florida For

Map Shows States Where Retirees Are Ditching Florida For

Summary

Many retirees who once moved to Florida are now choosing to live in other states nearby, such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. These states offer more affordable living, favorable taxes, and often milder weather, changing the usual retirement trend.

Key Facts

  • Retirees are moving out of Florida in large numbers, resulting in only a small net increase in Florida’s retiree population.
  • South Carolina is the top destination for retirees leaving Florida, offering coastal access, moderate weather, and lower living costs.
  • North Carolina attracts retirees with its mix of mountain and coastal areas, good healthcare, and reasonable property costs despite having a state income tax.
  • Georgia offers a warm climate, lower property insurance costs, and tax benefits for retirees over 65.
  • Tennessee has no state income tax and is less affected by hurricanes, making it a popular inland choice.
  • Other states like Texas, Arizona, Idaho, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Mississippi also see notable retiree inflows.
  • Rising costs, extreme weather, and lifestyle preferences are key reasons retirees are reconsidering Florida as their final home.
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D.C.'s hottest food spot wants you to feel like you're at a dinner party

D.C.'s hottest food spot wants you to feel like you're at a dinner party

Summary

Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler opened a new restaurant called Rye Bunny in the Adams Morgan area of Washington, D.C. They started this after closing their Michelin-starred restaurant, Tail Up Goat, due to its lease ending. Rye Bunny aims to give guests a dining experience similar to a dinner party.

Key Facts

  • Jon Sybert and Jill Tyler are the owners of Rye Bunny.
  • Rye Bunny is located in the Adams Morgan neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
  • The couple previously ran Tail Up Goat, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
  • Tail Up Goat closed because its lease ended.
  • Rye Bunny offers a dining style that feels like a dinner party.
  • The restaurant has become one of the most popular places in the city.
  • CBS News featured Rye Bunny on "CBS Saturday Morning."
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Metal grill brushes can cause serious injury. Here's how two best friends are changing that.

Metal grill brushes can cause serious injury. Here's how two best friends are changing that.

Summary

More than 13 million metal grill brushes were recalled because tiny wire bristles broke off and caused injuries. Two friends, firefighter Scott Mobley and Anthony Tranchida, developed a new type of grill brush that cleans using steam instead of wires.

Key Facts

  • Over 13 million metal grill brushes were recalled due to injury risks from wire bristles breaking off.
  • The broken bristles could cause serious injuries if swallowed or embedded in food.
  • Scott Mobley, a firefighter, and Anthony Tranchida created a safe, bristle-free grill brush.
  • Their brush cleans grills using steam technology instead of metal wires.
  • The new steam brush offers a safer alternative for grill cleaning.
  • This innovation was featured on CBS Saturday Morning just before Father’s Day.
  • The product is sponsored by Grill Rescue, a company linked to the new brush.
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Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Summary

CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that can help improve daily life. People can visit the website cbsdeals.com to access these deals, and CBS earns a commission when purchases are made through that site.

Key Facts

  • CBS Mornings Deals features exclusive discounts on various everyday items.
  • These deals are available on the website cbsdeals.com.
  • The discounts aim to make daily life easier or better.
  • CBS earns money from commissions on purchases made through its deal site.
  • The deals are promoted during the CBS Mornings show.
  • Shoppers can use any web browser like Chrome or Safari to access the deals.
  • The service is part of CBS News’ offerings to its audience.
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From rockets to brain implants, here’s a look at Elon Musk’s vast empire

From rockets to brain implants, here’s a look at Elon Musk’s vast empire

Summary

Elon Musk leads multiple businesses including SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). SpaceX recently went public with a high market value, while Tesla faces growing competition in electric vehicles but focuses on self-driving tech and robotics.

Key Facts

  • Elon Musk is the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink, and heads xAI, among other roles.
  • SpaceX, founded in 2002, owns Starlink (a satellite internet service) and social platform X.
  • SpaceX went public recently, reaching a market value of about $2.1 trillion, despite operational losses.
  • xAI and X (social platform) lost money last year, with xAI losing $6.4 billion.
  • Tesla lost its spot as the top electric vehicle seller to Chinese company BYD but has rebounded.
  • Tesla focuses on self-driving car services and produces robots and solar energy products.
  • Tesla’s market value is around $1.5 trillion, having joined the trillion-dollar club in 2020.
  • Musk’s companies often set ambitious goals like colonizing Mars and advancing AI, though these rely on new technology and large investments.
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