CD (certificate of deposit) interest rates are currently high compared to historical levels and are expected to stay stable through the summer. Experts say these rates allow savers to lock in good returns now, but future changes will depend on inflation and Federal Reserve decisions.
Key Facts
Current national average CD rates range from about 0.21% to 1.50%, with top rates around 4.10% to 4.15%.
CD accounts let savers lock in interest rates for months or years, unlike typical savings accounts.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has kept rates steady this year and is expected to hold rates at its June 17 meeting.
About 57% of recent CD rate changes were increases, while 43% were cuts.
Future CD rate changes will depend on inflation trends and Federal Reserve policy decisions.
If inflation stays high, the Fed might delay cutting rates or even raise them in 2026, which could keep CD rates stable or higher.
Locking in a CD rate now acts as protection against possible future rate drops.
CD rates vary by bank and by the length of the CD term, so shopping around can help find a better rate.
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Alex and Sondra Posner are the owners of The Dotcakes bakery. They recently shared tips on how to make their popular treats that have become a viral trend.
Key Facts
The Dotcakes bakery is run by Alex and Sondra Posner.
Their bakery has gained attention because of a viral trend around their treats.
The Posners shared secrets and tips for creating perfect dotcakes.
The article focuses on their experience and advice about making these treats.
Dotcakes have become popular enough to attract media coverage.
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Disney is organizing a large celebration called "Disney Celebrates America" for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The event will include special park experiences, live concerts, a 24-hour broadcast across multiple TV and streaming channels, and a primetime special on ABC.
Key Facts
"Disney Celebrates America" is a company-wide event for America’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026.
The celebration includes a live concert in Nashville called "Nashville’s Star-Spangled Bash" with music, fireworks, and a drone show.
Disney parks in Florida and California will have special attractions like "Soarin’ Across America," patriotic decorations, limited-time merchandise, food, and events honoring veterans.
A 24-hour broadcast led by ABC News anchor David Muir will air on July 3-4 across ABC, Disney+, Hulu, National Geographic, and other channels.
A two-hour primetime special named "Disney Celebrates America: The Pursuit of Happiness" will air on June 29, hosted by ABC News personalities at Disney parks.
National Geographic and ABC News will release a list called “Seven Natural Wonders of America” to highlight notable natural sites before July 4.
Ken Potrock, a Disney executive, said the events are intended to honor the nation’s history and inspire people about America’s future.
Walt Disney Co. owns ABC News, which is involved in the broadcast coverage.
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The San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing rapid growth and competition in artificial intelligence (AI) with high pay for skilled workers and many new startups. However, there is concern that AI may cause long-term job loss for many people, especially outside wealthy regions that benefit from AI technology, leading to economic inequality worldwide.
Key Facts
Top AI programmers in the Bay Area receive very large pay packages.
Many startup workers are worried their companies may fail and lead to job loss.
AI could automate many white-collar jobs, especially coding work.
Silicon Valley culture largely supports taxing the rich and progressive ideas.
Most people harmed by AI job losses may live outside the US or in poorer countries.
Countries like South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have strong AI-related industries.
Africa and Latin America face challenges like lack of electricity and low investment for AI infrastructure.
Some countries rich in minerals needed for AI technology could benefit economically.
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California is considering a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ wealth to raise about $100 billion over five years, mainly to support healthcare funding. The proposal faces strong opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom and other political groups, with competing ballot measures also appearing on the November ballot.
Key Facts
The proposed "billionaire tax" would charge a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of billionaires in California.
About 90% of the money raised would be spent on healthcare, which has lost significant federal funding.
The healthcare workers union SEIU-UHW collected enough signatures to put the tax on the November ballot.
Governor Gavin Newsom and most Democratic candidates for California governor oppose the tax.
Billionaire Tom Steyer supports the tax but says it does not go far enough.
A group called Stop the Squeeze, led by a Newsom adviser, argues the tax could harm California’s economy.
Opponents have launched two competing ballot measures to block this tax from passing.
The largest funding against the tax comes from Building a Better California, backed mainly by Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google.
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Meghan Markle’s popularity in the U.S. dropped in early 2026, along with fewer visits to her As Ever online store. Data shows a decrease in how many Americans like her and a decline in U.S. web traffic to her site that sells food and drink products.
Key Facts
Meghan Markle’s U.S. popularity rating fell from +15 in late 2025 to +2 in early 2026.
The YouGov poll included about 1,300 Americans and tracked views on Meghan’s public image.
Visits to her As Ever website were around 108,000 U.S. visits in December 2025 but dropped to 61,500 in April 2026.
The As Ever store offers products like jam, honey, and wine, and currently only ships to the U.S.
Meghan became a lifestyle influencer in 2025 with a Netflix show called With Love, Meghan.
No official sales numbers have been released for her business.
Newsweek used web traffic data and polling to measure the link between her popularity and store interest.
Experts say the drop in store visits and popularity may be connected but more data is needed to confirm any cause.
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Betty Brown, one of the oldest survivors wrongly accused in the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, will receive an OBE (an honor from the UK) at Windsor Castle. The scandal involved faulty IT systems that led to false accusations and prosecutions of hundreds of sub-postmasters across the UK, causing serious personal and financial harm.
Key Facts
Betty Brown was wrongly blamed for theft in 2003 due to errors in the Horizon IT system.
She and her late husband used over £50,000 of their savings to cover losses that never existed.
More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongfully prosecuted because of faulty computer data.
Victims across the UK were forced to pay for alleged losses at their branches.
The UK government has paid over one billion pounds in compensation to those affected.
Betty Brown dedicates her OBE to the memory of all sub-postmasters who suffered or died because of the scandal.
The Horizon IT system errors caused widespread damage to individuals and local post offices.
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Axios CEO Jim VandeHei shares advice for business leaders to take a stronger role in guiding their companies and communities during times of uncertainty. He urges CEOs to be honest with employees, openly discuss AI changes, promote moral values, and support America’s future through inclusive and long-term business practices.
Key Facts
Americans trust their employers more than government, media, or religion, according to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer.
CEOs have a responsibility to provide clear, honest communication about the economy, business challenges, and job impacts.
Leaders should talk plainly about artificial intelligence (AI) and prepare employees for related changes and training.
Strong moral leadership, including honesty and personal responsibility, is important for building trust and functioning institutions.
Companies should reward true skill and fairness, ensuring all employees understand and follow equal rules.
There is concern about declining patriotism and faith in America, which affects businesses and communities.
CEOs are encouraged to engage positively with government and invest in undervalued talent pools.
Businesses should focus on long-term success tied to America’s interests, not just short-term profits.
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Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company known for its AI assistant Claude, has filed a confidential application to sell shares to the public in the United States. The company is valued at almost $965 billion and may start trading on the stock market by the end of 2026 due to growing interest in its AI products.
Key Facts
Anthropic creates AI technology, including an assistant called Claude.
The company submitted a private filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission to go public.
Its valuation is close to $965 billion, nearly one trillion dollars.
Anthropic plans to have its initial public offering (IPO) by the end of 2026.
Growing demand for AI tools is attracting more investor interest for the company.
The confidential filing means details are not yet made public.
Anthropic is part of the expanding AI industry competing globally.
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Anthropic, an AI company, has filed to become a public company just as many customers are starting to worry about the high costs of AI technology. This could cause companies to spend less on Anthropic’s services, which might hurt its income even though Anthropic is growing fast and plans to make a lot of revenue.
Key Facts
Anthropic filed paperwork to go public (IPO) amid growing concern over AI expenses by businesses.
A survey showed 40% of companies saw less than 10% savings from their AI investments.
An investor said some companies are surprised by how much they spend on Anthropic’s AI model Claude.
One CFO reportedly spent $500 million on Claude in a single month by accident.
Anthropic has more business customers than OpenAI as of April.
Anthropic expects nearly $50 billion in yearly revenue and recently had its first profitable quarter.
Some AI leaders warn cheaper or open-source AI models may push companies away from pricier options.
The AI market is still rapidly changing, and new innovations could change leaders quickly.
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Nick Bilton, the new executive producer of "60 Minutes," is facing criticism from senior CBS News staff who question his qualifications and the changes he is making. Longtime employees are concerned that the new leadership is undermining the show's editorial independence and using modernization efforts to take more control.
Key Facts
Nick Bilton was recently appointed executive producer of "60 Minutes."
Senior staff, including correspondent Scott Pelley, have openly criticized Bilton and CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss.
Former executive producer Bill Owens resigned in April 2025, citing worries about journalistic independence.
The show recently parted ways with producer Tanya Simon and correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega.
Alfonsi criticized Weiss in her exit memo for conflicts over a delayed report.
Bilton has no previous broadcast experience but wants to expand the show across more days and platforms.
Dozens of former CBS News staffers wrote a letter to Paramount's chair to support editorial independence at "60 Minutes."
Journalists also opposed Paramount's proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, fearing threats to press freedom.
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Asian stock markets mostly fell on Tuesday as new fighting threatened the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Rising oil prices affected U.S. companies with large fuel costs, while U.S. stock markets reached new record highs the day before.
Key Facts
Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 0.3%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.2%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite indexes rose.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slipped slightly by less than 0.1%.
U.S. stock indexes hit record levels Monday, with the S&P 500 up 0.3% and the Nasdaq up 0.4%.
Rising oil prices hurt airlines like United Airlines and Alaska Air Group, which saw their shares drop.
Brent crude oil prices remained high, near $94 a barrel, well above pre-war levels near $70.
The conflict threatens the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, which could impact global oil supply and inflation.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged attacks recently, with the U.S. bombing Iranian radar after Iran shot down a U.S. drone.
President Donald Trump said Israel and Hezbollah agreed to reduce fighting after his talks with leaders.
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Alphabet, Google’s parent company, plans to sell up to $80 billion in shares to fund large investments in artificial intelligence (AI) technology and infrastructure. This includes a $10 billion share purchase by investment firm Berkshire Hathaway, and the funds will also cover tax-related expenses connected to employee stock.
Key Facts
Alphabet will raise $80 billion by selling new shares.
$40 billion will go toward expanding AI computing infrastructure.
Another $40 billion will cover taxes from employee stock awards.
Berkshire Hathaway is investing $10 billion in this share sale.
Alphabet’s AI system, Gemini, is gaining more users in the AI chatbot market.
The fundraising signals high costs and limited immediate profits in AI development.
Alphabet wants to strengthen its position before other AI companies, like Anthropic, go public.
Alphabet’s move shows strong demand for AI but also the need for massive investment.
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BP has chosen Dame Amanda Blanc to lead the search for its next chair again, despite some investors questioning her role after the last chair left suddenly. The company says the search will be thorough and a group decision by the board.
Key Facts
Amanda Blanc is a senior independent director at BP and CEO of the insurance company Aviva.
Blanc led BP’s last chair search in 2025, which resulted in Albert Manifold becoming chair in October.
Manifold was removed as chair after eight months due to board concerns about his behavior and leadership style.
Some investors have doubts about Blanc leading the new chair search again.
BP’s interim chair Ian Tyler confirmed Blanc would lead the search process requested by the board.
Manifold accused BP of firing him without warning or explanation and denied the claims about his conduct.
BP’s chief executive, Murray Auchincloss, was removed by Manifold during his short tenure; Auchincloss had replaced Bernard Looney, who resigned over undisclosed relationships.
Manifold faced investor opposition at his first meeting as chair after blocking a shareholder environmental proposal.
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China is tightening rules on food delivery apps to regulate "ghost kitchens," which are restaurants listed online but have no physical stores. New rules require apps to verify restaurant licenses and addresses, aiming to improve food safety and stop illegal operations.
Key Facts
"Ghost kitchens" are food vendors on delivery apps without real storefronts.
New rules require food delivery apps to confirm restaurants’ licenses and actual locations.
Vendors must state if they do not offer dine-in service.
Authorities found a cake chain with 380 online locations but no physical stores, using fake licenses.
Investigations revealed 67,000 ghost kitchens on seven major delivery platforms in China.
Delivery platforms and order-transfer sites were accused of working together illegally.
The government fined seven major e-commerce platforms 3.6 billion yuan ($530 million) mainly over ghost deliveries.
Some merchants installed transparent kitchens with live video to assure customers of food safety.
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FIFA has signed a deal with India’s Zee Entertainment to broadcast the World Cup tournaments from 2026 through 2034 in India. The agreement covers 39 FIFA events, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup, and ends a long wait for World Cup broadcast rights in India.
Key Facts
Zee Entertainment secured the broadcast rights for FIFA events in India through 2034.
The deal includes 39 FIFA events such as the World Cup 2026, 2030, and the Women’s World Cup 2027.
FIFA initially sought about $100 million but reduced the asking price to around $60 million.
India’s sports broadcast market is largely dominated by Reliance-Disney’s JioStar.
Most 2026 World Cup matches will air late at night in India due to a 10-12 hour time difference with host countries.
The late match times made broadcasters less interested compared to previous tournaments with more favorable time zones.
Zee’s shares rose around 7% after the deal was announced.
Cricket remains the leading sport in India’s market, with FIFA World Cup drawing a smaller audience in comparison.
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A Cambridge estate agent called Pure Living is looking for Chinese-speaking students to help sell UK homes to buyers in China and Hong Kong using popular Chinese social media. The agent says Cambridge homes are popular with East Asian buyers because of safety, good schools, and proximity to London.
Key Facts
Pure Living has a poster in Mandarin seeking help to market Cambridge homes on WeChat and Xiaohongshu, Chinese social media platforms.
The company targets Chinese and Hong Kong buyers, some using properties for investment or student housing.
A housing development near Cambridge airport is nicknamed "mini-China" because it is popular with buyers from East Asia.
Pure Living was founded in 2019, during mass moves from Hong Kong to the UK amid protests there.
The agent says Cambridge attracts buyers due to low crime, good schools, and closeness to London.
The company claims to check buyers carefully, including money laundering controls.
Local officials worry foreign investment may raise prices and reduce availability for local families.
The agent says higher home prices are more due to building cost increases than overseas buyers.
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Stephen Curry, a famous basketball player, ended his 12-year partnership with Under Armour and signed a new deal with Li-Ning, a large Chinese sportswear company. They will work together on new products and open Curry Brand stores in both the US and China.
Key Facts
Stephen Curry signed with Li-Ning after leaving Under Armour in 2025.
Li-Ning is a major Chinese sportswear brand with 7,000 shops across Asia.
Curry and Li-Ning plan to launch stores in the United States and China.
This is Curry’s first deal with a Chinese brand; he previously worked with Nike and Under Armour.
Other NBA players like Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler also have deals with Li-Ning.
Chinese brands like Li-Ning and Anta are expanding globally and competing with Western companies like Nike and Adidas.
Anta recently bought a majority stake in Puma to help grow its business in China.
Curry aims to grow his brand’s basketball, golf, and other sports products worldwide through this partnership.
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