Jeff Bezos defended Amazon’s decision to buy and promote a documentary about Melania Trump, calling it a good business choice. He denied being personally involved in the deal or trying to gain favor with President Donald Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Amazon spent $40 million to purchase the Melania Trump documentary.
Melania Trump reportedly earned $28 million from the film.
Amazon also spent about $35 million on marketing the documentary.
Jeff Bezos said he had no personal role in buying or promoting the film.
The movie earned $16.7 million worldwide but did not make back its full budget in theaters.
Amazon claims the film has cultural and historical importance and denies any bribery accusations.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the deal as a possible pay-to-play scheme with the Trump administration.
The documentary was directed by Brett Ratner, who has faced past sexual misconduct allegations.
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When you do not pay your credit card debt for a long time, the creditor may mark the debt as "charged off." This does not erase the debt—you still owe it, and the lender or a new collection agency can try to collect the money. A charge-off damages your credit score and can stay on your credit report for seven years.
Key Facts
A charge-off means the lender writes the debt as a loss in their books but you still owe all the money, including interest and fees.
Your credit score will drop significantly after a charge-off and the mark stays on your credit report for seven years.
Credit card companies often sell charged-off debts to debt collection agencies for less than the full amount.
Debt collectors will try to get you to pay and may contact you by phone or mail.
Creditors or collectors can sue you to recover the debt, and if they win, they can take money from your wages or bank account.
Interest usually keeps building up on the unpaid balance even after a charge-off.
Debt settlement is one common option to handle charged-off debts where you might pay less than the full amount owed.
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Jeff Bezos said he was not involved in Amazon's decision to fund a documentary about Melania Trump. He denied that making this movie was meant to gain favor with President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Amazon agreed to produce a documentary about Melania Trump that will cost $75 million.
Jeff Bezos is the founder of Amazon.
Bezos stated he had no role in approving the Melania Trump documentary.
He said claims that the film was made to gain favor with President Trump are false.
Bezos made these remarks during an interview on CNBC.
The topic arose amid criticism or speculation about Amazon’s decision.
The documentary is described as a multimillion-dollar project by Amazon.
Bezos referred to the claim that the movie was meant to please the Trump administration as a "falsehood."
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Comedian and media owner Byron Allen talks about moving his show "Comics Unleashed" to CBS's late night TV slot. He discusses the changes and plans for the show in this new time period.
Key Facts
Byron Allen is a comedian and a media company owner.
He hosts the TV show "Comics Unleashed."
The show is being moved to a late night time slot on CBS.
Byron Allen appeared on "CBS Mornings" to talk about this change.
The move marks a new phase for the show in its schedule.
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A proposal to raise the wages of foreign workers could affect job opportunities for American workers. Some believe that increasing foreign workers' pay might not help protect jobs for people living in the U.S.
Key Facts
The proposal suggests raising the wages paid to foreign workers.
The change aims to control the impact of foreign workers on the U.S. job market.
Some experts say that inflating wages artificially does not help American workers.
The debate focuses on how foreign worker wages affect Americans' employment.
The proposal is part of ongoing discussions about labor and immigration policies.
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Tech buyout deals worldwide have slowed down sharply in April and May 2026, dropping from billions of dollars each month to much lower totals. This slowdown is connected to uncertainties caused by new AI technologies and tighter credit markets, making it hard for buyers and sellers to agree on prices.
Key Facts
Global tech buyout values were $9.3 billion in April and May 2026 combined, much less than $52.6 billion in March 2026 alone.
From September 2025 to February 2026, the monthly average for global tech buyouts was $43.4 billion.
U.S. tech buyouts also dropped from a $25 billion monthly average (ending March 2026) to $4.4 billion total in April and May 2026.
The arrival of AI tools like Claude and Codex created uncertainty in buying decisions.
Private credit markets have less money available, making deals harder to finance.
Sellers either cannot find buyers or receive offers that are much lower than expected.
Some private equity groups are trying alternative approaches to maintain valuations, like raising new funds or creating convertible preferred shares.
The market is waiting for more data in coming quarters to better understand the impact of AI and inflation on tech investments.
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For many years, companies moved manufacturing to China because it was cheap and fast. Now, Western governments want businesses to reduce their ties with China and bring production closer to home. China has responded with new rules that could make it harder for foreign companies to change their supply chains, saying these rules protect the country’s security.
Key Facts
Western companies have relied on China for low-cost, large-scale manufacturing for decades.
Western governments are encouraging businesses to reduce their dependence on China.
The United States and Europe accuse China of unfair trade rules.
Western countries are implementing policies to strengthen their own industries.
China introduced new regulations that critics say limit foreign firms’ ability to shift production away.
China claims its new rules protect national and economic security.
The West views these efforts as a way to reduce risks from relying too much on China.
China accuses Western countries of using protectionism, which means unfairly limiting trade.
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Companies face tough choices in their technology budgets because they have limited money but many needs. They want to spend on AI and new digital tools, but must also maintain old systems, leading to cuts in some areas.
Key Facts
Many companies increase tech budgets by only 6-7%, but need about 20% more to meet all demands.
AI, data updates, system maintenance, and digital work compete for the same money.
Investing in AI may reduce funding for older systems and less critical projects.
Leaders want clear results from spending, raising pressure to prioritize effectively.
Customers want more from services without paying much more, increasing competition.
Some companies combine software and services to better meet AI-related needs.
Beyond tech upgrades, companies must rethink how work is done and decisions are made.
Simple productivity improvements may not meet high expectations for AI benefits.
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The 2026 World Cup will be held in North America, and many small businesses in the United States are preparing to welcome millions of visitors. They expect increased sales and more customers, even in smaller cities like Kansas City, Missouri.
Key Facts
The 2026 World Cup is taking place in North America.
Over five million visitors are expected to come to the United States for the event.
Small businesses are preparing for more customers and higher sales.
Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the smaller markets hosting matches.
Kansas City will host games featuring teams like Argentina and Algeria.
Businesses hope the World Cup will bring financial benefits to their communities.
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James Murdoch will buy half of Vox Media, including New York magazine, in a deal worth about $300 million through his company Lupa Systems. The deal does not include all Vox properties and aims to focus on long-form journalism and culture-related content.
Key Facts
James Murdoch is buying half of Vox Media for around $300 million.
The purchase includes New York magazine and its online brands like The Cut, Vulture, and Grub Street.
Some Vox properties like Eater, Popsugar, SB Nation, The Dodo, and The Verge are not part of the deal.
The acquisition also includes Vox’s podcast series, which reaches 58% of Americans monthly.
James Murdoch’s company, Lupa Systems, has other media and entertainment investments.
This is Murdoch’s largest media acquisition since a family dispute ended with a $1 billion settlement.
Vox Media’s CEO said the split into two companies will help each succeed and praised the Murdochs’ respect for editorial independence.
Murdoch wants to focus on thoughtful journalism rather than daily news.
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The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) fined a 97-year-old woman $1,650 for filing her tax return late after her husband, who managed their finances, died. After public criticism and intervention by the tax ombudsman, the ATO reversed the fine and apologized.
Key Facts
A 97-year-old woman from Brisbane was fined $1,650 by the ATO for late tax return filing.
Her husband, who handled their financial matters, passed away in mid-2023.
The woman had submitted tax returns on time for most of her life until this incident.
The fine was initially not waived by the ATO, citing her responsibility to manage tax obligations.
Her accountant shared the story on LinkedIn, which drew attention and criticism from industry groups and the tax ombudsman.
The ombudsman said the ATO often fails to consider personal circumstances like bereavement in penalty decisions.
A report found the ATO routinely ignores personal situations when deciding on penalties and interest.
The ATO apologized for the mistake, reversed the fine, and said it is working to improve how it supports taxpayers.
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A group named FairPredicts began a large advertising campaign in Washington, D.C., to criticize the prediction market company Kalshi. Kalshi has also been increasing its own public messages in the area this year.
Key Facts
FairPredicts calls itself a “market integrity watchdog.”
The group launched a six-figure advertising campaign on Wednesday morning in Washington, D.C.
Ads appeared at metro stations and on mobile box trucks.
The campaign targets Kalshi, a company that runs prediction markets.
Kalshi has been increasing its messaging and presence in Washington this year.
Prediction markets are platforms where people can bet on the outcome of future events.
FairPredicts aims to raise concerns about prediction market practices.
Both groups are active in shaping opinions in the Washington, D.C. area.
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CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that could be useful in daily life. Customers can visit the website cbsdeals.com to find these deals and save money.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings Deals shares exclusive discounts on selected items.
These products are meant to be helpful in everyday activities.
Shoppers can visit cbsdeals.com to access the deals.
CBS earns commissions from purchases made through the website.
The deals are promoted during the CBS Mornings show.
The discounts are available for a limited time.
Customers can use different web browsers like Chrome or Safari to shop.
The CBS News app also provides access to the deals.
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A large historic mansion in Brooklyn, built in 1887 for a classmate of President Theodore Roosevelt, is now for sale at $16 million. The home is the broadest single-family townhouse in Brooklyn and has been carefully preserved with original materials and updated systems.
Key Facts
The mansion is located at 842 Carroll Street in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
It was designed by architect C.P.H. Gilbert and built in 1887.
The original owner, George W. Kenyon, was a Harvard classmate of Theodore Roosevelt and an industrialist.
The house has 18 rooms, covers more than 8,000 square feet, and features 10 working fireplaces.
The property has had only four owners since it was built, helping maintain its original character.
Modern updates include new electrical and plumbing systems while keeping historic materials like mahogany and oak.
The Brooklyn real estate market has seen rising home prices, with the median price exceeding $1 million recently.
The U.S. remodeling market is growing, driven by older homes needing updates for better energy use and value.
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Russia’s space program is now placing advertisements on rockets and spacecraft to raise money. This move is part of new laws approved by President Vladimir Putin to help fund space activities amid economic challenges and international sanctions.
Key Facts
Russia’s economy has likely shrunk over the last five years, partly due to the war in Ukraine.
International sanctions have cost Russia about $450 billion since February 2022.
Defense spending in Russia reached about 7% of the government budget, a post-Soviet high.
Since January 1, 2026, Russian rockets have carried ads from companies like PSB Bank and Kofemaniya restaurants.
In 2023, President Putin approved changes allowing advertising on spacecraft owned by the state.
Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, faces losses estimated at $2.5 billion due to Western sanctions.
Space advertising is expected to bring only a few million dollars per year, far less than losses from sanctions.
The number of Russian rocket launches dropped to 17 per year in 2024 and 2025, one of the lowest totals outside the pandemic year 2020.
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Fast-fashion company Shein is rumored to be buying Everlane, a retailer known for focusing on sustainability, for about $100 million. Experts say this deal could change how sustainable fashion is seen and may risk turning real environmental efforts into just a marketing tool.
Key Facts
Shein, a fast-fashion giant, may acquire Everlane, a brand focused on sustainable fashion.
The reported deal price is around $100 million, but this has not been independently confirmed.
Everlane’s majority owner is L Catterton, a private equity firm linked to luxury group LVMH.
Experts warn the acquisition could lead to "greenwashing," where sustainability is used mainly for marketing.
There is concern that Shein might change Everlane’s values or products after the purchase.
The fast-fashion market is expected to grow significantly, from $161.9 billion in 2025 to $387.7 billion in 2034.
Textile production already emits more greenhouse gases than international flights and shipping combined, with emissions likely to rise.
Analysts say this acquisition could be Shein’s attempt to gain sustainability credibility, sometimes called "buying the halo."
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CBS Mornings shared tips to help people avoid spending too much money on vacations during times when prices are rising. The report offers advice to manage travel costs amid concerns about inflation.
Key Facts
The segment is from CBS Mornings.
It focuses on how to avoid paying extra during vacation times.
The advice comes in response to inflation, which means prices are going up.
Kris Van Cleave reports on these tips.
The report is available on the CBS News app and website.
Inflation can make travel and vacation expenses higher than usual.
The tips help people save money while planning trips.
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Mortgage interest rates have risen again in May 2026 after falling below 6% earlier this year. The average rate for a 30-year mortgage is now 6.62%, and refinancing rates are also higher, making it important for borrowers to shop around and consider locking in current rates.
Key Facts
The average 30-year mortgage rate is 6.62% as of May 20, 2026.
The median 15-year mortgage rate is 6.12% as of the same date.
Refinance rates are higher, with a 30-year refinance average of 7.05% and a 15-year refinance median rate of 6.08%.
These rates have increased since March 2026, when 30-year purchase rates were around 6.47%.
Locking in a mortgage rate now can protect borrowers from further rate increases.
Some lenders allow borrowers to reduce their locked rate if rates drop before closing.
Shopping with at least three lenders can help borrowers find better mortgage offers.
The Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut rates soon, which may keep mortgage rates elevated.
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The Portland Trail Blazers have let go of many employees who worked in business roles. This change is part of a reorganization led by the team's new owner, Tom Dundon.
Key Facts
The Portland Trail Blazers are a professional basketball team.
They recently laid off a large number of employees in business-related jobs.
The layoffs are part of a reorganization plan.
The reorganization is directed by the team's new owner, Tom Dundon.
The changes focus on the business side, not the players or coaching staff.
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Over £52 million of public money meant for social housing is at risk after two investment companies linked to Heylo Housing went into administration. The government and housing regulator are working to protect taxpayers' money and keep about 3,500 social homes from moving into the private sector.
Key Facts
Two investment companies run by Heylo Housing, backed by BlackRock, have entered administration.
About £52 million in public funds, granted from 2018 to 2023 for social housing, is now at risk.
The money comes from Homes England, a government agency funding affordable housing projects.
Around 3,500 social homes and their residents are affected but will not lose their homes or payments immediately.
Heylo’s complicated structure means the homes are leased from investment firms, not directly owned by the regulated housing provider.
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has limited powers to intervene because of changes made in 2017.
The situation reveals weaknesses in housing industry rules that allowed public money to go to for-profit companies without enough oversight.
The RSH hopes another social landlord can buy the properties to keep them in the social housing sector.
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