Edmunds recommends buying used hybrid cars from the 2023 model year to save money on fuel and purchase costs. They highlight five hybrid vehicles that offer good fuel economy, reliable performance, and practical features for everyday use.
Key Facts
Buying a used car is usually cheaper than buying new, especially if the car is only a few years old.
Used hybrids save money on gas because they use less fuel than regular cars.
Edmunds chose the best 3-year-old hybrid cars based on fuel economy, reliability, safety, and daily use.
The 2023 Toyota Prius has a fresh design, good fuel efficiency (up to 57 mpg), and a spacious trunk but a smaller interior.
The 2023 Honda Accord hybrid offers a roomy cabin, good acceleration, and improved fuel economy.
The 2023 Honda CR-V hybrid is a small SUV with comfortable seating and available hybrid power.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid can seat eight people and gets up to 36 mpg combined.
The 2023 Lexus RX hybrid is a luxury SUV with two hybrid engine options, balancing fuel efficiency and performance.
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New home construction in the U.S. dropped for the fourth month in a row in July, hitting the lowest level since November 2022. Rising mortgage rates and high home prices are causing fewer buyers to purchase homes, leading to more unsold houses despite a big shortage of affordable homes.
Key Facts
Single-family housing starts dropped 9.9% in July to 808,000 units per year, the lowest in over three and a half years.
Total new home starts, including apartments, fell 12.4% to 1.239 million units annualized.
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate increased from 5.98% in February to 6.67% in mid-August 2024.
The national median home price in July was $434,100, a 2% increase from the previous year.
Contract signings for existing homes fell 2.3% in July, reaching the lowest point since January.
Existing home sales decreased 1.7% month-to-month in July but rose slightly year-over-year by 0.7%.
Homebuilders face a paradox: the U.S. needs more affordable homes, but there is a growing amount of unsold homes due to reduced demand.
The housing shortage started after the 2008 recession when homebuilding collapsed and has since grown to about 3 million homes short.
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A dog food company called Years has recalled all its fresh meals after some dogs developed an eye condition that can cause pain and sight loss. The company linked the problem to a new ingredient, buckwheat, added to their meals several months ago.
Key Facts
Years recalled all its fresh dog meals because of reports of dogs developing dry eye, a condition that makes eyes sore and can cause blindness if untreated.
The eye condition is called sudden bilateral dry eye, affecting both eyes by reducing tear production.
About 192 customers reported possible eye problems out of around 40,000 customers.
Some dogs responded well to treatment, while others had slower or limited improvement.
The affected dog food had recently added buckwheat, which might be causing the eye issues.
Years runs a subscription service and sells its food in some stores like Pets at Home.
Dog owners created Facebook groups to share information and discuss legal options related to the recall.
The Royal Kennel Club explains symptoms of dry eye include redness, pain, and discharge, and warns untreated cases can lead to blindness.
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A thrift shopper named Stephanie found a dress at a Goodwill Outlet in Saint Paul, Minnesota, priced at just over $10 by weight. After checking the label, she discovered the dress was from the brand Fanciful Doll and worth over $1,000 online. Stephanie plans to resell the dress and highlights the environmental benefits of thrift shopping.
Key Facts
Stephanie found the dress in a clothing bin at Goodwill, where items are sold by weight at $2.59 per pound.
The dress weighed about four pounds, costing her a bit over $10.
The dress is called the Ophelia Epic Romance Gown from the brand Fanciful Doll.
Online, the dress is listed for $1,032.
Stephanie is a vintage clothing reseller and often discovers new brands while thrifting.
She values thrift shopping as a way to save clothes from being thrown away in landfills.
The University of Colorado Boulder says Americans throw away over 13 million tons of clothing annually, causing environmental harm.
Buying secondhand clothes helps reduce waste, pollution, and the need for producing new clothing.
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Target reported increased sales for the second quarter in a row, driven by new products and more customers shopping both in stores and online. The company raised its profit and sales predictions for the year, supported by a $6 billion plan to improve its merchandise and store experience.
Key Facts
Target’s comparable sales rose 3.8% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year.
This follows a 5.6% sales increase in the first quarter, reversing a 3.8% sales drop in 2025.
CEO Michael Fiddelke launched a $6 billion plan to improve sales and the store’s reputation.
Over half of Target’s back-to-school products are new, including fashion and dorm supplies from brands like LoveShack Fancy and Hollister.
Isaac Mizrahi, a fashion designer, joined Target as creative director to help design products and build partnerships.
Target is remodeling more than 100 stores this year, aiming for 130 total remodels.
Digital sales grew by 8.7% due to faster same-day deliveries.
The company sees more customers shopping in stores and online between May and July.
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Amazon plans to expand its drone delivery service to nearly 500 U.S. cities, focusing on delivering small packages weighing up to 5 pounds quickly, sometimes within 30 minutes. This service will mainly operate in suburban areas and aims to compete with other companies like Walmart for fast delivery options.
Key Facts
Amazon’s drone delivery will expand more than six times to cover about 500 U.S. cities.
Drones can carry packages weighing up to 5 pounds.
Deliveries mainly target suburban areas to avoid obstacles like tall buildings and airports.
The service aims to deliver packages in as little as 30 minutes.
Drone delivery is still a small part of Amazon’s overall package delivery business.
Amazon Prime members get free drone delivery on orders over $50; smaller orders and non-members pay a fee.
Challenges for drone delivery include finding safe drop zones, noise concerns, and regulatory approvals.
The service could be especially useful for urgent lightweight items like prescription medicines.
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Hayden Panettiere's memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, returned to its full $30 price at Barnes & Noble shortly after the actor's death due to high demand and low stock. The book, which had been sold at half price during a promotion, has attracted renewed interest and the publisher is considering printing more copies.
Key Facts
The memoir was initially part of a Barnes & Noble Book Haul sale at 50% off, about $15 for a $30 hardcover.
After Panettiere’s death, the book quickly returned to its full price of $30.
Barnes & Noble said the price change was due to strong demand and limited supply, not a general pricing shift.
The retailer is trying to order more copies as most stores have little or no stock left.
The book was published in May by Grand Central Publishing.
It covers Panettiere’s life struggles including addiction, postpartum depression, domestic abuse, and grief.
The memoir became a bestseller and received praise for its honest portrayal of fame and recovery.
Panettiere died at age 36, and the cause of death has not yet been announced.
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A U.S. court heard that Meta, the company behind Instagram and Facebook, purposely made these apps addictive to children. A group of states is asking the court to fine Meta about $200 billion for harming young users.
Key Facts
Meta is the company that owns Instagram and Facebook.
Prosecutors claim Meta made these social media apps addictive for children.
The case is being heard in a U.S. federal court.
The lawsuit compares this situation to the tobacco industry's past harms ("big tobacco moment").
A coalition of U.S. states wants Meta to pay about $200 billion in penalties.
The focus is on protecting children from harmful social media effects.
The case highlights concerns over how social media companies design products.
This is part of a broader push to hold tech companies accountable for user well-being.
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The UK’s consumer watchdog, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), is investigating Trainline, Virgin Atlantic, and RED Driving School for possibly using "drip pricing." This means they may not be showing all mandatory fees in the upfront prices, which could mislead customers. If found guilty, the companies could face fines or be forced to pay compensation.
Key Facts
The CMA is looking into whether these companies hide mandatory fees until later in the booking process.
Trainline was observed adding fees up to £2.79 for train tickets and £1.50 for coach bookings after the initial price.
Virgin Atlantic is being investigated for not including resort fees and local taxes upfront, which can add hundreds of pounds.
RED Driving School may have hidden booking and digital fees that could add more than £7 per lesson.
The CMA has previously fined other driving schools for similar pricing issues affecting over 80,000 customers.
Trainline and Virgin Atlantic said they aim to be clear with customers and will work with the CMA.
The CMA emphasized that customers should see the full price from the start to avoid surprise extra costs.
The investigation responds to concerns about consumer protection during tight household budgets.
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The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating Trainline, Virgin Atlantic, and Red Driving School for showing prices that look cheaper than they really are by not including all the required fees upfront. This practice, called "drip pricing," is illegal because it hides extra costs until late in the buying process.
Key Facts
The CMA is checking if these companies mislead customers by not showing the total price at the start.
"Drip pricing" makes a product seem cheaper by leaving out fees initially.
The CMA’s new powers allow it to investigate and fine companies without going to court.
Trainline said it is working with the CMA and will improve how it shows fees.
Virgin Atlantic said mandatory fees appear during booking and it will cooperate with the investigation.
If found guilty, companies can be fined up to 10% of their global sales and may have to pay customers compensation.
The CMA has fined other companies like StubHub and the AA recently for similar issues.
The UK government is focused on stopping unfair business practices that increase living costs.
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Inflation in the UK rose to 2.9% in July, mainly due to higher energy bills as Ofgem raised its price cap. This increase highlights the challenge for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey to help people handle rising living costs this autumn amid continuing economic pressures.
Key Facts
UK inflation rose from 2.6% in June to 2.9% in July, mostly because energy prices went up.
The Ofgem price cap for household energy bills increased, and another rise is expected in October.
A recent drop in fuel prices, linked to eased tensions in the Middle East, was temporary; fuel prices are rising again.
Burnham’s government cut VAT on electricity bills to ease costs but other price increases may outweigh this help.
Food prices increased by only 1.3% in July but may rise due to summer heat and drought affecting supply chains.
Core inflation, which excludes fuel and food, stayed at 2.6%, indicating no strong wage-driven inflation yet.
Wage growth is slowing, so people may feel the full impact of inflation without stronger pay increases.
The government faces higher borrowing costs due to rising bond yields, which could increase public spending on interest payments.
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Virgin Australia apologized to Shane Hryhorec, a disability advocate, after he was removed from a flight because of issues with storing his wheelchair motor. The airline admitted it mishandled the situation and said it would learn from the experience. Hryhorec, who has quadriplegia and uses a powered wheelchair, has filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
Key Facts
Shane Hryhorec uses a wheelchair with a power assist device called a SmartDrive.
He was removed from a Virgin Australia flight because staff said there was no space to store his wheelchair motor under the seat.
On previous flights, he had been allowed to put the motor in the overhead locker.
Virgin Australia apologized and said the handling of the situation did not meet their standards.
Hryhorec said he felt humiliated and angry about being removed from the flight.
The incident was shared widely on social media, getting millions of views.
Hryhorec filed a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The Australian government plans to set specific disability standards for airlines and airports to reduce travel barriers.
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UK artist David Shrigley will create new artworks inspired by 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings for a solo exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery in London. The show, opening in May 2027, will display Shrigley’s humorous pieces alongside masterpieces by artists like Rembrandt and Pieter Brueghel the Younger.
Key Facts
David Shrigley is a contemporary British artist known for his humor and unique drawing style.
His new exhibition will be held at Dulwich Picture Gallery, London, from May to September 2027.
The exhibition pairs Shrigley’s new works with 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings.
Artists featured alongside Shrigley include Jan Steen, Rembrandt, and Pieter Brueghel the Younger.
The show highlights how artists across centuries have used humor to depict daily life and social behavior.
This is Shrigley’s first UK solo public museum exhibition since 2012.
Dulwich Picture Gallery will also host other major exhibitions in 2027, including showcases of Jacqueline Marval and Anwar Jalal Shemza.
The gallery aims to present playfulness and comedy in historic art through Shrigley’s perspective.
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Unitree, a Chinese company that makes humanoid robots, saw its shares rise by over 600% when it started trading on China’s stock market. The company is growing fast and is backed by big tech firms like Tencent and Alibaba.
Key Facts
Unitree is the world’s biggest maker of humanoid robots and was founded in 2016.
Its shares jumped from 150.8 yuan to as high as 1,100 yuan on the first day of trading.
The company sold over 5,500 robots in the past year.
The market for humanoid robots is expected to grow from $2 billion in 2025 to $300 billion by 2035.
Unitree’s IPO was very popular with Chinese retail investors, especially non-professionals.
Founder and CEO Wang Xingxing owns about 20% of the company, making his wealth worth more than $12 billion on paper after the stock surge.
The US government has banned imports of some foreign-made robots, including ones like Unitree’s, citing national security concerns.
Unitree is supported by major Chinese tech companies such as Tencent and Alibaba.
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The Australian government is set to pass new gambling advertising reforms, limiting ads on TV and banning them on player jerseys and in stadiums. The changes fall short of earlier recommendations for a full ban on gambling ads and inducements but aim to reduce harm, especially for young people and vulnerable groups.
Key Facts
The reforms limit TV gambling ads to three per hour between 5 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Gambling ads will be banned on player jerseys and inside stadiums.
Celebrities and players are banned from promoting gambling products.
A “triple lock” system will control online gambling ads by verifying users are over 18, logged in, and able to opt out.
An “opt-out register” will let Australians choose not to receive gambling ads, but details are not yet clear.
Inducements (special offers to encourage gambling) will be limited only in some situations.
The reforms are based partly on recommendations from the late MP Peta Murphy’s 2023 report, though not all her suggestions are included.
The gambling, sporting, and media industries’ lobbying influenced the scope of the reforms.
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Inflation in the UK increased to 2.9% in the year up to July, mainly due to higher gas prices and an increase in the energy price cap. Energy costs went up after the regulator raised the limit on household gas and electricity bills, making typical annual bills £221 more expensive.
Key Facts
UK inflation rose to 2.9% in the 12 months ending in July 2026.
The increase was mainly caused by higher gas prices and a 13% rise in the energy price cap.
The energy price cap rise happened on 1 July, increasing typical household bills by £221 annually.
Inflation of 2.9% is the highest since March 2026, when it was 3.3%.
Rise in furniture prices and less discounting on clothing also contributed to inflation growth.
Chancellor John Healey said the war in Iran continues to affect prices in the UK economy.
The government reduced VAT on electricity bills and capped bus fares at £2 to ease pressure.
Officials say the UK economy is resilient but challenges remain ahead.
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UK inflation rose to 2.9% in July due to higher energy prices caused by the war involving Iran. This increase adds pressure on British households and the government as it considers ways to help people with living costs.
Key Facts
Inflation in the UK increased from 2.6% in June to 2.9% in July.
The rise in inflation is linked to energy price shocks caused by the war involving Iran.
Energy bills saw the largest summer rise in four years in July.
The Bank of England may raise interest rates soon to control inflation.
The UK job market showed some weakness, including fewer job vacancies and slower private sector pay growth.
The UK economy grew faster than other G7 countries in the first half of 2026.
The government plans to cut VAT on electricity to lower bills by about £45 yearly from October.
The Bank of England warned inflation could reach 4.5% by mid-2027 if the war worsens.
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Shares of Unitree, a leading Chinese humanoid robot maker, jumped as much as 629% during its first day of trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The company raised about 6.1 billion yuan ($904 million) from the sale of shares, showing strong investor interest in China's robotics industry.
Key Facts
Unitree is one of China’s largest makers of humanoid robots.
Its shares started trading on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s STAR market.
The shares were priced at 150.80 yuan ($22.36) each.
On debut, shares rose up to 629% and were still up nearly 500% at midday.
Unitree was founded in 2016 by entrepreneur Wang Xingxing.
Humanoid robot production in China surpasses that of the U.S., with Unitree and AGIBOT shipping over 5,000 robots each last year.
Many humanoid robots are currently used mainly for demonstrations or performances rather than practical applications.
Unitree plans to use its IPO funds for advanced robot research and building its manufacturing facilities.
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The economic development minister in Jersey criticized the minimum wage, saying it harms the economy, which caused strong reactions from local business owners, charities, and politicians. Some want the government to discuss worker pay privately and adjust policies like tax thresholds to support minimum wage workers better.
Key Facts
The minimum wage in Jersey is currently £13.59 per hour.
Economic development minister Deputy Gerald Voisin said the minimum wage is "strangling the economy."
The chief minister disagreed, stating Voisin’s views do not represent the government or States Assembly.
Coffee shop owner Frank De Jesus said the cost of living and doing business is a big issue and that paying above minimum wage is often necessary to keep good staff.
De Jesus called for government ministers to discuss wage issues together instead of making public criticisms that cause problems.
Patrick Lynch, head of a poverty charity, called Voisin’s comments "very sinister" and noted concerns about poverty and modern slavery on the island.
Eliot Lincoln from the chamber of commerce wants a review of the wage system, including more flexibility for different sectors and better tax and benefit policies.
This debate was triggered by a business author’s claim that rising wages have caused business closures, supported by Deputy Voisin during his election campaign.
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The Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast will spend £3 million to repair and update its famous yellow cranes. This work is part of a nearly £100 million investment as the shipyard prepares to assemble three Royal Navy support ships for a major defense contract.
Key Facts
Harland and Wolff plans to spend £3 million refurbishing two large cranes called Samson and Goliath.
The cranes will have their engines and key parts repaired or replaced.
The investment in the shipyard totals almost £100 million.
The shipyard is owned by Navantia, a state-owned Spanish shipbuilder, since January 2025.
Harland and Wolff will be the final assembly site for three Royal Navy Fleet Solid Support ships.
Ship parts are built in Spain and Devon, then shipped to Belfast for assembly.
Blocks for the first ship, called RFA Resurgent, will arrive in Belfast in early 2027.
Navantia has previously invested in expanding the shipyard’s facilities and equipment.
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