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Business News
Business news, market updates, and economic developments
Walmart will start accepting Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay options at some U.S. stores and Sam's Club locations from Monday. This change allows customers to use contactless payment methods instead of Walmart's own QR code system.
Key Facts
Walmart announced the addition of tap-to-pay options for customers.
This change starts on Monday in some Walmart and Sam's Club stores in the U.S.
Previously, Walmart customers had to use Walmart Pay, which required scanning QR codes.
Tap-to-pay means customers can pay by simply tapping their card or phone on the reader.
Walmart says the goal is to give shoppers more payment choices and make shopping easier.
The announcement was made in a press release on Friday.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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The U.S. housing market has become more favorable for buyers in recent months, especially in certain areas like Miami, Florida, where there are more homes for sale than buyers. This shift is partly due to a large number of condominiums available and higher fees that have reduced demand for condos, giving buyers more power to negotiate prices.
Key Facts
Miami, Florida, has the strongest buyer’s market in the U.S. in ZIP code 33130.
This area has about three times the usual supply of homes, with 15.5 months of supply.
Almost 30% of homes for sale in this area have price cuts.
High homeowners association (HOA) fees, increased after building safety rules from the 2021 Surfside collapse, have decreased condo demand.
Condo supply in Miami-Dade County is 12.3 months, compared to 4.9 months for single-family homes.
Less than 1% of South Florida condo buildings qualify for FHA loans, making financing harder.
Other top buyer’s markets include Port Aransas, Texas, Lahaina, Hawaii, and North Miami Beach, Florida.
Miami’s cost of living has risen sharply, now more expensive than New York and second only to San Francisco in the U.S.
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Neutrogena responded to criticism over how it ended its partnership with actress Hayden Panettiere after she spoke openly about her postpartum depression. The company said it was sorry for making her feel unsupported during a difficult time, following her death at age 36.
Key Facts
Hayden Panettiere was a Neutrogena ambassador for about 10 years starting in 2005.
Panettiere said Neutrogena ended their deal with her after she mentioned postpartum depression during a live interview.
She described being shocked and hurt by the company’s reaction, saying she was not invited back after that.
Neutrogena issued a statement expressing sadness over her death and apologized for not supporting her.
Panettiere struggled with mental health issues, including postpartum depression, which affects some new mothers.
She shared her experiences in a podcast interview and her memoir, revealing challenges in her life and career.
Panettiere died at 36, and her cause of death is still under investigation.
Fans criticized Neutrogena on social media and called for boycotts after the news.
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Canada and the US are trying to finalize a trade deal before a US deadline to avoid new tariffs on Canadian goods. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized the deal and President Donald Trump, urging Canada to hold out for better terms, while other leaders have mixed views about the agreement.
Key Facts
The US set a deadline to finalize the Canada-US trade deal by Friday night to avoid new tariffs.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew criticized President Trump and warned against making too many concessions.
Negotiators are close to a deal that could reduce US tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and automobiles.
Canada may allow more American dairy products into its market as part of the deal.
Some Canadian leaders support restoring US alcohol sales to help reduce US tariffs.
Public opinion in Canada is divided, with many unhappy about possible concessions to the US.
Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer met multiple times to work on the deal.
Local leaders expressed concern about the impact of tariffs and the deal’s benefits for their communities.
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Unemployment benefits are usually protected from being taken by private debt collectors, but the rules can vary depending on the state. While some states protect these benefits fully, others have different rules, especially if the money is in a bank account or if the debt is related to government payments or child support.
Key Facts
Unemployment benefits help people who lose a job but often pay less than a regular paycheck.
Private debt collectors normally cannot directly take unemployment benefits without first suing and winning a court case.
Each state sets its own rules about how unemployment benefits are protected from debt collectors.
If unemployment benefits go into a bank account mixed with other funds, it can be harder to prove which money is protected.
Federal benefits like Social Security have special rules protecting two months of payments in bank accounts, but unemployment benefits do not.
Debts owed to the government, like overpaid unemployment benefits, can sometimes be collected by reducing future benefits.
Child support payments can be taken from unemployment benefits in most cases due to federal laws.
People who face legal action to collect debt should check their state's exemptions and may have little time to challenge bank account freezes.
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CBS Mornings is offering special discounts on various products to help improve daily life. These deals can be found at cbsdeals.com, where CBS earns a commission on purchases made through the site.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings features exclusive discounted products.
The deals are meant to improve everyday lifestyle.
Customers can access these discounts at cbsdeals.com.
CBS earns money through commissions from purchases.
The promotion is part of CBS News content offerings.
The deals are available during the CBS Mornings show.
The article encourages users to visit the website to shop.
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Hannah Benson, a business owner in Chester, England, discovered that windows in an old office space she was renovating had been covered with thick black paint, not just boarded up. She and her team are now working carefully to restore the century-old windows for her new showroom.
Key Facts
Hannah Benson runs Beanstalk Merch, a UK-based company specializing in printed and customizable merchandise.
She is renovating an old office in St Michael's Row Arcade, a building over 100 years old, originally built for the 2nd Duke of Westminster.
The windows in the space had been boarded up and painted black by previous tenants, making restoration harder.
The windows were covered when the building was used as staff facilities like locker rooms for department store workers.
The black paint was carefully removed by hand using a glass paint stripper and cleaning.
Dust from renovations once triggered the fire alarm, but no evacuation was needed.
Benson’s goal is to restore the building’s historic features while creating a welcoming showroom for her business.
Renovations revealed unexpected challenges, showing how old buildings can hide hidden issues.
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Debt collectors can freeze your bank account to collect unpaid debts, but usually only after they sue you and win a court judgment. They find your bank account information through past payments, court processes, or details you might provide during collection efforts.
Key Facts
Debt collectors need a court judgment before they can freeze (levy) your bank account.
They can find your bank by looking at past payments made by electronic transfers, checks, or automatic withdrawals.
Courts can require you to provide information about your finances and bank accounts after a judgment is made.
Debt collectors may gather financial information during their collection process or from your own statements.
A bank levy means your funds are frozen and given to the creditor to cover unpaid debts.
Credit card balances in the U.S. increased by $21 billion in the second quarter of 2024, raising the risk of debt collection actions.
Sharing banking details with collectors can help them identify your accounts, so caution is important.
Debt relief options might help prevent bank account freezes by managing or reducing what you owe.
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President Donald Trump threatened tough economic actions against Iran, calling it an “economic D-Day.” After his announcement, US oil prices rose, and US stock markets experienced their biggest losses in three weeks, while US government debt reached a new record.
Key Facts
President Trump warned of severe economic sanctions on Iran and any country doing business with it.
Iran dismissed Trump’s threats, calling them a distraction from US problems.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, disrupting about 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
US crude oil prices rose to about $86.70 per barrel after Trump’s statement.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 703.84 points (1.32%) on the day following the threat.
The 30-year US Treasury bond yield rose to over 5.25%, near a 20-year high, showing reduced investor confidence.
The US Treasury tried to calm markets by increasing debt buybacks to $4 billion but was unsuccessful.
US government total debt passed $40 trillion recently.
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The bond market is experiencing problems because borrowing costs are going up. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is working to ease worries in the market as these issues continue.
Key Facts
Borrowing costs in the bond market are rising.
This increase is causing concern globally.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is addressing these concerns.
The situation is affecting how investors view bonds.
The bond market plays a key role in government and corporate borrowing.
Higher borrowing costs can lead to more expensive loans for governments and companies.
The market is still adjusting to these changes.
Officials are closely monitoring the bond market situation.
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Waymo, a company owned by Alphabet, has doubled its spending on lobbying the U.S. government to support faster approval for fully autonomous taxi services. This increase is part of a growing competition with Uber, which prefers a gradual introduction of robotaxis alongside human drivers.
Key Facts
Waymo spent over $1 million on lobbying between April and June, more than twice the amount it spent a year earlier.
Waymo’s lobbying expenses are now close to Uber’s and higher than other rivals like Amazon’s Zoox and Tesla.
Waymo wants faster approval for fully driverless taxis, while Uber supports a mixed model with both robotaxis and human drivers.
The two companies’ different approaches have worsened their partnership in cities like Austin and Atlanta.
Both Waymo and Uber face resistance from politicians and labor groups concerned about job losses for human drivers.
Waymo increased its lobbying spending by 93% in the first half of 2026, reaching over $2 million.
Waymo has pushed local governments, including Washington, DC, and New York, to approve autonomous vehicle services.
Uber advocates for hybrid networks where at least 85% of rides in pilot programs include human drivers.
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A 9-month certificate of deposit (CD) can earn more interest than a regular savings account, with rates around 4.00% to 4.40% currently available. A $25,000 deposit in such CDs could earn about $746 to $820 in interest over nine months, but the money is locked in until the term ends.
Key Facts
A CD (certificate of deposit) is a savings product with a fixed interest rate for a set time.
Current 9-month CD rates range from about 4.00% to 4.40% APY (annual percentage yield).
A $25,000 deposit at 4.40% APY could earn about $820 in interest in nine months.
At 4.00%, the same deposit might earn around $746 in interest over nine months.
CDs offer predictable returns since rates stay fixed until the CD term ends.
Early withdrawal from a CD may result in a penalty, reducing flexibility.
High-yield savings accounts offer similar interest rates but allow easier access to funds.
Choosing the highest CD rate can increase earnings by about $74 over nine months on $25,000.
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U.S. homeowners now have a record $34.9 trillion in home equity, according to LendingTree. The highest home equity is found in states like Hawaii and California, while southern states have much lower home equity. Home equity is the part of a home’s value that owners truly own after paying off any mortgage debt.
Key Facts
Total U.S. home equity reached $34.9 trillion as of early 2026.
Hawaii leads with the highest median home equity at $425,000.
California has the second highest median home equity at $350,000.
The top five states for home equity include Massachusetts, Utah, and New Jersey.
Southern states like Louisiana and Alabama have the lowest median home equity, around $130,000 to $150,000.
Rise in home values benefited existing homeowners but made buying homes harder for many new buyers.
Home equity can be used by owners to get loans for home repairs, debt consolidation, or other big expenses.
Home prices per square foot grew much faster in the West (105%) than in the Midwest (63%) over the past decade.
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A campaign called BackBlack is encouraging everyday people to donate to Black-led nonprofits, aiming to increase their funding. Over the past three years, the initiative has raised more than $12 million and is now using social media creators to reach young Black donors.
Key Facts
BackBlack supports underfunded Black-led nonprofits and has raised over $12 million in three years.
The campaign runs in August and uses online donation platforms to focus on Black-led groups.
Last year, more than 130,000 donors gave, mostly donating less than $100 each.
This year, the campaign is working with social media creators to attract Black Gen Z donors.
Research shows most smaller Black-led nonprofits did not receive significant funding increases after 2020’s racial justice attention.
The campaign aims to empower Black communities and shift the view from a lack of resources to abundance.
Founder Floyd Jones highlights the historic tradition of Black communities supporting themselves, like entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker.
The campaign welcomes donors regardless of how much money they have, focusing on collective effort.
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Jamie and Jools Oliver paid themselves £1.7 million in dividends in 2025, which is over 40% less than the previous year. Their company’s profit almost halved to £1.25 million due to costs from restructuring and new projects, although sales stayed about the same.
Key Facts
Jamie Oliver Holdings had sales of £28.4 million in 2025, slightly down by £160,000 from the previous year.
Pre-tax profits dropped from £2.4 million to £1.25 million because of £1.46 million in special costs and expenses for new projects.
The company lost about 20 jobs during a restructuring process.
Restaurant sales increased by 17% to £4.3 million, and franchise restaurant sales grew by 6.5% to £4 million.
Cookery school income rose 48% to £1.6 million, helped by a new school in London’s Oxford Street.
Jamie Oliver re-opened a Jamie’s Italian restaurant in London in 2024 with plans for more locations in the UK and worldwide franchises.
Revenue from royalties, licensing, and endorsements dropped by nearly £2 million to £15.9 million.
Jamie Oliver promoted the Life360 app using short video episodes on social media.
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Airbus has reduced its plans to limit remote work after several strikes by employees in Spain, France, and the UK. Instead of working from the office four days a week, staff can now work from home about two days a week.
Key Facts
Airbus wanted to cut remote work to one day per week starting in September.
Employees previously could work remotely two days a week.
Strikes happened in Spain, France, and the UK over remote work rules and other issues.
About 40% of Airbus workers in Spain joined the strikes.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury wanted more staff back in the office to meet demand and improve teamwork.
Production was not affected by the strikes.
Airbus agreed to a slower transition and kept two remote workdays per week based on employee feedback.
The company aims for more on-site work to improve decision-making and knowledge sharing.
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Chinese courts have begun formal bankruptcy proceedings against Evergrande’s main property development unit and sentenced its founder, Hui Ka Yan, to life in prison for financial crimes. Evergrande, once the world’s most indebted property developer, collapsed under massive debt in 2020, and efforts to resolve its financial problems are expected to take a long time.
Key Facts
A court in Guangzhou accepted a bankruptcy liquidation case against Evergrande’s mainland Chinese property unit.
Hui Ka Yan, Evergrande’s 67-year-old founder, was sentenced to life in prison for financial crimes.
Several others related to Evergrande, including Hui’s sons, received prison sentences up to 18 years.
Evergrande defaulted on about $300 billion in liabilities in 2020.
The company’s collapse was triggered by government regulations limiting borrowing in China’s real estate sector.
The real estate market in China has suffered a downturn, with home prices falling over 20% since 2021.
Hong Kong and mainland China legal systems differ, complicating efforts to recover Evergrande’s assets and pay creditors.
Analysts say the bankruptcy process will be lengthy due to Evergrande’s size and complexity.
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Royal Mail has missed its goals to deliver first and second class mail on time but has improved from last year. The company plans to invest £500 million over five years to meet official delivery targets by May 2027.
Key Facts
Between March and June, Royal Mail delivered 85% of first class mail the next day, below the 90% target.
Second class mail was delivered within three days 91% of the time, under the 95% target.
These numbers are better than the same period last year, when first class was 76% and second class was lower.
Royal Mail is owned by International Distribution Services, which was bought in 2025 by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky.
The company faces fines and an ongoing investigation by the regulator Ofcom for missing delivery targets.
In October last year, Royal Mail was fined a record £21 million for poor service in 2024-25.
Royal Mail admits service delays in some areas have been "totally unacceptable," with some mail delayed for weeks or months.
Chief Operating Officer Jamie Stephenson says progress is being made but more work is needed as part of a £500 million investment plan.
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Tyson Foods is closing two beef plants in Iowa and Utah and selling another in Washington due to a very low supply of cattle, the lowest in 75 years. Despite these closures, experts say beef prices are unlikely to rise sharply because the US has enough processing capacity and demand is the main factor pushing prices up.
Key Facts
Tyson Foods is the largest meatpacking company in the US.
Two Tyson beef plants in Iowa and Utah are closing; a plant in Washington is being sold.
The US cattle supply is at its lowest point in 75 years, caused by drought, rising costs, and fewer ranchers.
Beef prices have increased about 9% over the past year, while pork and chicken prices have fallen.
Tyson reported a 15.9% drop in beef volume and a $138 million operating loss in the last quarter.
The US meatpacking industry has more processing capacity than needed, so beef from closed plants can be processed elsewhere.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warned companies that secretly changing prices based on personal data may break the law. This kind of personalized pricing means different people could see different prices for the same product, raising questions about fairness and transparency.
Key Facts
The FTC says businesses must reveal if a price is personalized and explain why it differs for each customer.
Personalized pricing uses individual data to set unique prices instead of a single posted price for all shoppers.
Traditional pricing gave everyone a common price, which consumers expected to be the same for all.
The FTC cannot fully ban personalized pricing but may act against hidden or misleading pricing under existing law.
Different kinds of pricing include dynamic pricing (based on demand), personalized offers (coupons, promotions), and person-specific pricing (individual price changes).
Political discussions about affordability often focus on overall inflation, but personalized pricing shifts the debate to fairness in how individuals are charged.
Surveys show many voters are concerned about cost of living and how pricing impacts their personal finances.
A Senate subcommittee recently held a hearing on pricing fairness shortly before the FTC’s statement.
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