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WestJet has reached a tentative agreement with its flight attendants to end a strike that caused hundreds of flight cancellations and disrupted travel during a busy holiday weekend. The deal includes recognizing pre-flight work performed by flight attendants and awaits approval from union members.
Key Facts
WestJet is Canada’s second largest airline.
The strike led to 495 flight cancellations and stranded about 250,000 travelers.
The flight attendants’ union is CUPE 8125, representing 4,400 cabin crew members.
The tentative deal would recognize more of the flight attendants’ pre-flight duties and increase pay.
The union president called the deal progress but said previous offers from WestJet were insufficient.
A main issue was how flight attendants are paid for work done before flights take off.
WestJet’s earlier offer included a 13% wage increase in October and further yearly increases.
The deal still needs to be approved by the union members before it becomes final.
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Many well-known writers today earn a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree, showing a shift from the idea of writers as solitary geniuses to trained professionals. MFA programs, especially in the U.S., teach creative writing through workshops where students critique each other's work, but these workshops can be intense and sometimes stressful.
Key Facts
An MFA is a graduate degree in creative arts like writing, usually taking two years to complete.
MFA programs cost from about $10,000 to over $80,000 per year.
The U.S. has more than 250 MFA programs in creative writing.
The Iowa Writers’ Workshop, founded in 1936, was the first MFA writing program and inspired many others.
Workshops involve students sitting in groups to discuss and critique each other’s writing.
The aim is to improve writing by focusing on craft rather than personal feelings.
Some writers find workshops helpful, but others experience tough criticism and social tensions.
Popular culture and novels sometimes portray writing workshops as harsh or elitist places.
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This article shares a no-cook tomato sauce recipe from Meryl Feinstein’s cookbook "Pasta Every Day." The sauce uses fresh tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil, and is designed to be easy for hot summer days when cooking is uncomfortable.
Key Facts
The recipe is called no-cook tomato and basil sauce or pomodoro crudo.
It uses about 2¼ pounds of ripe small tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil.
Tomatoes can be peeled and seeded if preferred, but keeping the skin and seeds is also an option.
The tomatoes, garlic, and basil are mixed and left for at least one hour to let flavors blend.
The sauce is typically served with thin spaghetti or fresh pasta.
Optionally, grated cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano can be added when serving.
The recipe is from Meryl Feinstein, a chef, pasta maker, and author based in Washington, D.C.
The recipe encourages personal variations such as adding onions, olives, or capers to suit taste.
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Ghana’s parliament has approved a law making it illegal to change cocoa farms to other uses without government permission, with punishments up to 20 years in prison. The law aims to protect cocoa farming, which is important to Ghana’s economy, but some farmers say it is unfair because they get little government support.
Key Facts
Ghana’s parliament passed a bill protecting cocoa farms from being converted without approval.
Violators could face up to 20 years in prison and heavy fines for damaging cocoa trees.
The law is not signed yet by President John Mahama.
Cocoa farming is vital for Ghana’s economy, making up about 15% of export revenue.
Some farmers criticized the law, saying they invest a lot but receive limited government help.
Illegal gold mining on cocoa farms also faces harsh penalties under the bill.
Ghana’s government sets fixed prices for cocoa beans to protect farmers from market swings.
Cocoa futures prices surged in 2024 but then dropped significantly as supply grew faster than demand.
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Nissan Motor Corp. reported a profit of 3.8 billion yen ($24 million) in the first quarter of 2026, after losses in previous years. The company credited cost cutting and better sales in the U.S. and Japan but faces challenges in the Middle East and China.
Key Facts
Nissan made a profit of 3.8 billion yen ($24 million) from January to March 2026.
This is a big change from a loss of 115.8 billion yen a year earlier in the same period.
Sales rose by 9.5% to 2.96 trillion yen ($19 billion) in the quarter.
Problems in the Middle East include the war in Iran, which affected exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Competition from Chinese car makers hurt Nissan’s sales in China.
Nissan lowered its full-year sales estimate to 3.15 million vehicles, down from 3.3 million.
An earthquake in Kumamoto, Japan, caused production delays affecting about 5,000 cars.
Tariffs set by President Donald Trump have been reduced from 27.5% to 15%, but are still higher than before.
Nissan expects a full fiscal year profit of 20 billion yen ($127 million) on sales of 13 trillion yen ($83 billion).
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UK manufacturing grew faster in July, marking the fourth month of steady production increases, helped by more orders from home and abroad. However, the sector remains cautious due to rising energy costs and worries about ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Key Facts
UK manufacturers increased production in July at the fastest pace in nearly two years.
The sector has expanded for nine months in a row, with new orders rising for eight consecutive months.
Growth was supported by more orders from countries including the US, Canada, EU, China, India, and South Korea.
Employment growth slowed, showing uncertainty in the labor market despite production gains.
Past disruptions included tariffs introduced by President Trump in 2025 and a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover last autumn.
Higher oil and gas prices due to Middle East conflicts are expected to raise production costs.
Experts warn that energy price rises and inflation may reduce demand later in the year.
Some industry leaders welcome government efforts to support training and skills development in manufacturing.
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Nearly eight months after President Trump said U.S. companies would quickly rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry, no new deals with American firms have been finalized. The U.S. Department of Energy is criticized for moving slowly, while there are divisions both within the U.S. government and the oil industry on how to proceed.
Key Facts
President Trump predicted rapid rebuilding of Venezuela's oil industry by U.S. companies in January 2024.
No new petroleum contracts with American companies have been finalized in Venezuela since then.
The U.S. Department of Energy is mainly blamed for the slow progress.
Venezuela has the largest estimated oil reserves in the world.
Venezuela’s oil industry has struggled due to past government mismanagement and nationalization.
U.S. officials disagree on approach: some want fast, strict standards for contracts; others prefer slower, cooperative steps with Venezuela.
The oil industry is split between large companies cautious about Venezuela and smaller, fast-moving independent firms interested in taking risks.
Recent earthquakes and unrest in Venezuela complicate efforts to sign new oil contracts.
Some worry that new deals might involve risky or questionable companies possibly linked to China or corrupt officials.
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The Midwest region of the United States remains the most affordable place to buy a home, according to a Newsweek analysis. While home prices have risen sharply across the country since the pandemic, Midwestern states have seen smaller increases, making homeownership more reachable there compared to expensive coastal areas.
Key Facts
Newsweek analyzed 33,772 U.S. ZIP codes to measure housing affordability using data on home prices, rents, and ownership rates.
The Midwest dominates the list of the 10 states where buying a home is most affordable, with 8 states in the top 10.
Iowa ranks highest with a housing score of 52.0, followed by West Virginia, South Dakota, and Indiana.
Coastal states like California, New York, and Massachusetts have much lower housing scores, indicating less affordable housing.
The affordability in the Midwest is partly because fewer people want to move there due to limited job opportunities, which keeps demand and prices lower.
Home prices nationwide rose about 51% between 2019 and 2025, but the Northeast saw the highest increase at nearly 66%.
Median home prices in Midwestern states like Iowa and Ohio remain below $300,000, compared to over $400,000 in many coastal states.
Although home prices have increased in the Midwest, they started from a much lower base than in expensive coastal areas, making homes still relatively affordable there.
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An analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data found seven employers paying H-1B visa workers median salaries at least 50% higher than the national median for these workers. Top companies include University of Pittsburgh Physicians, Roblox, Citadel Securities, and Netflix, with many high-paying jobs concentrated in technology, finance, and health care sectors.
Key Facts
The median national salary for H-1B visa workers is $130,707, more than twice the overall U.S. median salary of $59,228.
Seven employers pay median H-1B salaries of $198,000 or more, topping the national median by at least 50%.
University of Pittsburgh Physicians leads with a median H-1B salary of $255,725.
Other top payers include Roblox ($245,690), Citadel Securities ($235,000), and Netflix ($226,158).
The data comes from the Department of Labor’s Labor Condition Applications and focuses on employers with at least 500 certified H-1B filings.
Technology and finance companies dominate the high-paying H-1B employer list, including Meta, Apple, Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Salesforce, and more.
The H-1B visa allows U.S. firms to hire foreign professionals in specialized jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree or similar skills.
The Trump administration has proposed changes to the H-1B program, such as a higher fee for some new visas and a salary-based selection system.
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President Donald Trump cancelled planned military strikes on Iran to focus on negotiating a peace deal. This decision caused oil prices to drop sharply and European stock markets to rise.
Key Facts
Brent crude oil price fell about 5% to $83.50 per barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate oil dropped more than $5 to $79.47 per barrel.
Oil prices had jumped over 20% in July due to tensions and attacks near the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump announced talks with Iran would begin to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully and address Iran’s nuclear threat.
European stock markets rose, with the Stoxx 600 index up 0.4%.
Opec+ agreed to increase oil production by about 188,000 barrels per day starting in September.
Attacks on tankers around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait have raised concerns about shipping safety.
Japanese yen reached a three-month high after joint support operations by Tokyo and Washington.
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The Japanese yen reached its highest value in three months against the US dollar after the United States and Japan worked together to support the yen by buying it in the market. This joint effort came after the yen fell to its lowest level in 40 years and follows concerns about Japan’s economic policies and interest rates.
Key Facts
The yen rose to 155 yen per US dollar, its strongest since early May.
The US and Japan carried out a rare joint currency intervention to buy yen.
The yen had fallen to nearly 164 yen per dollar, the weakest level in 40 years.
President Donald Trump said the US helped Japan because the yen was weakening.
The yen weakened partly due to Japan’s lower borrowing costs compared to other countries.
Investors used the yen to borrow money cheaply and buy higher-return US assets, a strategy called “carry trade.”
Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, has pushed for government spending and criticized higher interest rates.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said they may act again and supports higher Japanese interest rates.
Experts say this intervention probably won’t fully stop the yen from weakening.
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AstraZeneca is in talks to buy US drugmaker Bristol Myers Squibb in a deal that would create a nearly $400 billion pharmaceutical company. This merger would make the new company the fourth-largest drugmaker in the world by market value, but there is no certainty the deal will happen.
Key Facts
AstraZeneca is the UK’s biggest drugmaker, valued at nearly £196 billion before talks began.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) is a US-based company known for cancer treatments, worth $133 billion.
The deal would create the world’s fourth-largest pharmaceutical company by market value.
AstraZeneca’s shares dropped more than 7% in London after news of the talks.
AstraZeneca is investing $50 billion in US research and manufacturing by 2030.
BMS posted better-than-expected sales for the second quarter and raised its outlook for 2026.
AstraZeneca’s CEO, Pascal Soriot, previously led the company through growth and avoided a takeover by Pfizer in 2014.
There is no guarantee the deal will be completed despite ongoing discussions.
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President Donald Trump has introduced new tariffs on some countries, claiming to target forced labor. Critics say these tariffs follow old patterns related to trade balances and ignore issues of forced labor within the United States. The European Union has laws against forced labor imports but has not responded strongly to these new U.S. tariffs.
Key Facts
President Trump has changed tariffs frequently, sometimes violating international and U.S. laws.
The current tariffs are said to address forced labor but closely follow previous tariffs based on trade deficits.
The U.S. courts found some earlier tariffs illegal, though new temporary tariffs were still used.
China, a country often linked to forced labor, has mostly been excluded from these new tariffs.
The U.S. itself has issues with forced labor, especially through prison labor allowed under the 13th Amendment.
About 1.4 million U.S. prisoners worked in 2005, with many in manufacturing jobs.
The EU has a law banning goods made with forced labor but has not strongly challenged the U.S. tariffs.
Critics suggest the EU should respond with tariffs targeting U.S. states that use prison labor.
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Asian stock markets showed mixed results as the Japanese yen rose against the U.S. dollar due to intervention by the U.S. and Japan. Oil prices dropped after President Donald Trump said U.S. forces would avoid attacks on Iran, signaling progress toward peace in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Japan acted to support the Japanese yen, which rose to its highest level since late last year.
The dollar weakened to about 155.20 yen from near 164 yen last week.
A weaker yen helps Japanese companies with overseas business but makes imports like oil more expensive.
Japan’s Nikkei index fell by 1.9%, and South Korea’s Kospi index dropped 4.5%.
South Korean tech stocks Samsung and SK Hynix had big gains on Friday but lost value on Monday.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index rose 0.6%, while China’s Shanghai Composite index declined 0.5%.
Oil prices fell by about 5% after President Trump indicated less risk of U.S. military action in the Middle East.
U.S. stock markets ended July higher, with the S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all showing gains last Friday.
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The new Spider-Man movie, Brand New Day, earned $927 million worldwide during its opening weekend, making it the second-biggest global opening ever after Avengers: Endgame. The film also had strong box office results in North America and is seen as a positive sign for Disney and Marvel after some recent movies performed below expectations.
Key Facts
Brand New Day made $927 million in global ticket sales during its first weekend.
It is the second-biggest opening weekend ever, behind Avengers: Endgame’s $1.2 billion in 2019.
The movie earned $335 million in North America, setting a second-best record there.
The film stars Tom Holland and Zendaya as Spider-Man and MJ, continuing the story from a 2021 movie.
This Spider-Man movie is Marvel’s last big film before the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday.
Recent Marvel movies have not earned as much money compared to earlier hits.
The global box office is recovering after the Covid-19 pandemic, with North American ticket sales expected to exceed $10 billion this year.
Other recent hits like Toy Story 5 and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie have each made over $1 billion.
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Japan and the United States worked together last week to stop the Japanese yen from falling to its weakest level in 40 years. This joint effort is the first since 2011 and aims to keep the yen stable and protect the global economy.
Key Facts
Japan and the US intervened together to support the yen, which had dropped to a 40-year low.
This was the first joint action since 2011, when both countries acted after a major earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Both governments said they are ready to intervene jointly again if needed.
The yen has weakened because Japan’s central bank interest rates are much lower than US rates, making the yen less attractive to investors.
The Bank of Japan increased its key interest rate recently to 1%, still lower than the US rate of 3.50%-3.75%.
Japan faces long-term economic challenges like a shrinking working-age population and reliance on imported energy priced in US dollars.
After the intervention announcement, the dollar fell slightly against the yen but then rose again after Japan’s finance ministry statement.
Bank of Japan may have spent nearly $59 billion to buy yen during the intervention, while the US might have spent between $5 and $10 billion.
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A dog rescue group in San Francisco called Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has hired a cat to help see if adoptable dogs can live well with cats. This helps the rescue understand which dogs might do best in homes that already have cats.
Key Facts
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue is located in San Francisco.
The rescue works with senior dogs, meaning older dogs.
They hired a cat to interact with the dogs.
The cat’s role is to help test how friendly dogs are toward cats.
This testing helps find the best matches for dogs and their future homes.
The goal is to increase the chances that adopted dogs will adjust well in new families.
The story was reported by Itay Hod for CBS News.
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Since the Iran war began in late February, fuel theft from UK petrol stations has increased by about 20%, with almost £200,000 worth stolen daily. The rising fuel prices caused by disruptions in oil supply have led to more incidents of people driving off without paying and increased tensions at forecourts.
Key Facts
Fuel theft at UK petrol stations rose by 20% in the five months after the Iran war started on February 28.
The estimated value of stolen fuel increased by 48%, reaching about £194,000 per day.
The volume of stolen fuel grew by 24%, from around 87,000 litres to nearly 109,000 litres daily.
The number of daily fuel theft incidents rose from about 2,400 to 2,872 across the UK.
Rising fuel prices are linked to conflicts in the Middle East disrupting oil supplies.
Petrol stations report more abuse, intimidation, and violence from frustrated customers.
Forecourt Eye will offer crime reporting technology to over 2,000 retailers starting this autumn in partnership with a facial recognition company.
Government officials have said they are monitoring fuel prices closely but found no clear evidence of widespread price gouging.
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Oil prices dropped sharply after President Donald Trump said U.S. forces would delay new strikes against Iran, signaling a possible end to the Middle East conflict. This conflict had blocked shipments through the Persian Gulf, causing oil prices to rise and affecting fuel costs worldwide.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump ordered U.S. forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran.
Fighting in the Middle East has lasted over five months, disrupting oil shipments.
The conflict blocked tanker ships in the Persian Gulf, a key route for oil transport.
U.S. crude oil prices fell 5% to $80.79 per barrel after the announcement.
Brent crude, the global oil price benchmark, also dropped 5% to $83.87 per barrel.
Oil prices had risen over 20% compared to before the conflict started.
High oil prices increased costs for gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel worldwide.
Fuel shortages and rationing occurred in some countries due to the conflict’s impact on supply.
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President Donald Trump said the United States helped support the Japanese yen through joint currency intervention with Japan. This action aimed to strengthen the yen's value and was described as a friendly move benefiting both the U.S. and the global economy.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Japan intervened together to support the Japanese yen for the first time in nearly 30 years.
The intervention involved the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York selling euros to buy yen.
The yen had weakened to its lowest level since 1986, reaching 163.24 yen per dollar.
Higher U.S. interest rates, rising oil prices, and capital outflows contributed to the yen’s decline.
Analysts estimate Japan’s intervention could have been around 6 to 8.45 trillion yen (about $52.8 billion).
President Trump called the intervention a "signal of friendship" between the U.S. and Japan.
The coordinated intervention aimed to help stabilize the global economy.
This was the first major joint currency support effort from the U.S. and Japan since 1998.
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