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What Sky buying ITV could mean for your favourite shows

What Sky buying ITV could mean for your favourite shows

July 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Sky, owned by American company Comcast, is set to buy ITV’s TV and streaming channels, creating a new British media company under American ownership. This deal will not remove ITV’s free-to-air service but could lead to future changes in how content is streamed or bundled.

Key Facts

  • Sky is expected to buy ITV’s TV and streaming channels, including ITVX.
  • Sky is owned by Comcast, an American company.
  • ITV must provide a free-to-air service until at least 2034 by law.
  • Popular ITV shows like Coronation Street and Love Island will continue to air on ITV and ITVX in the short term.
  • ITV Studios, ITV’s production arm, is not included in the sale and will remain separate.
  • A supply deal will likely keep ITV Studios producing shows for ITV after the takeover.
  • Sky might merge its streaming service with ITVX and offer more bundled content in the future.
  • Changes to beloved ITV shows can only happen after the current production agreement ends.
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BBC Top Stories BBC Business
New York's Luxury Housing Market Booms Despite Mamdani's Tax Crackdown

New York's Luxury Housing Market Booms Despite Mamdani's Tax Crackdown

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

New York City’s luxury housing market continues growing despite a new tax on expensive second homes. The tax targets non-primary residences worth over $5 million to help fund housing projects, but sales of high-end properties have actually increased recently.

Key Facts

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani introduced a new tax starting July 1 on second homes valued above $5 million in NYC.
  • The tax aims to raise about $500 million yearly to support housing initiatives.
  • Sales of Manhattan luxury homes over $20 million rose 25% compared to last year.
  • Homes priced between $10 million and $20 million saw a 38.6% increase in activity.
  • Condo sales in the $10-$20 million range went up by 54.5%, and over $20 million condos rose 33.3%.
  • Limited housing supply, especially below $20 million, helped keep prices strong.
  • Some buyers are switching from second homes to buying primary residences.
  • Financial market gains and wealthy buyers’ long-term plans support high-end home purchases despite broader economic concerns.
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Newsweek
Review: Supergirl is not the disaster its low box office suggests

Review: Supergirl is not the disaster its low box office suggests

July 04, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The new Supergirl movie from Warner Bros., part of the DC Universe’s reboot, received mixed reviews and had a weak box office opening. The film tells a simpler story about Kara Zor-El/Supergirl teaming up to save her space dog, with Jason Momoa appearing briefly as a bounty hunter.

Key Facts

  • Supergirl is part of the DC Universe "Gods and Monsters" chapter, following last year’s Superman movie.
  • The script was written by Ana Nogueira, and the film was directed by Craig Gillespie.
  • The story is based on the "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" comic miniseries, inspired by the 1968 Western, True Grit.
  • The movie shows Kara Zor-El as a rebellious young woman who is reluctant to be a superhero.
  • Kara teams up with a young girl, Ruthye, to find an antidote to save her poisoned space dog, Krypto.
  • Jason Momoa appears briefly as the bounty hunter Lobo, a character not in the original comic story.
  • The film struggled at the box office partly because many viewers prefer to watch superhero movies on streaming platforms instead of theaters.
  • The movie received mixed reviews but was described as a decent, entertaining film though not great.
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Ars Technica
USPS unveils Declaration of Independence stamps for America 250

USPS unveils Declaration of Independence stamps for America 250

July 04, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The United States Postal Service introduced a new stamp to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The stamp has a red, white, and blue design with the year 1776 displayed.

Key Facts

  • The USPS released a commemorative stamp for America's 250th anniversary.
  • The stamp honors the Declaration of Independence.
  • It features a vertical design in red, white, and blue colors.
  • The background color of the stamp is deep navy blue.
  • The stamp is sold in sheets of 20.
  • The year "1776" is shown on the stamp.
  • The stamp is called the "Declaration of Independence Forever" stamp.
  • The release was announced on a Saturday.
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The Hill
Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

Exclusive discounts from CBS Mornings Deals

July 04, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on products that may improve daily life. People can visit the website cbsdeals.com to find and buy these discounted items.

Key Facts

  • CBS Mornings Deals features products with exclusive discounts.
  • The deals aim to help improve everyday lifestyle.
  • Shoppers can access these deals at cbsdeals.com.
  • CBS earns commissions from purchases made through the website.
  • The promotion is part of CBS News programming.
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CBS News
Getting a DUI can be especially costly in these states, study shows

Getting a DUI can be especially costly in these states, study shows

July 04, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A new study shows which U.S. states have the highest increase in car insurance costs after a driver is caught driving under the influence (DUI). This information is especially relevant around the Fourth of July, a time when DUI incidents are more common.

Key Facts

  • The study ranks states by how much a DUI raises the average driver’s insurance premiums.
  • Drivers with a DUI pay more for insurance in some states than in others.
  • The timing of the study is linked to the Fourth of July, when DUI cases often rise.
  • Insurance companies increase rates after a DUI because they see these drivers as higher risk.
  • Costs can vary widely depending on state laws and insurance practices.
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The Hill
‘This is a hellhole’: Aramco makes its presence hurt in the shadow of the World Cup

‘This is a hellhole’: Aramco makes its presence hurt in the shadow of the World Cup

July 04, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Aramco, a Saudi Arabian oil company, owns the Motiva oil refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, which is the largest in the U.S. The city of Port Arthur faces serious health and economic challenges, with high poverty and cancer rates linked to pollution from nearby refineries including Aramco’s. Despite Aramco’s major role as a World Cup sponsor, the local community experiences ongoing environmental and health problems.

Key Facts

  • Aramco became the sole owner of the Motiva refinery in 2017.
  • Motiva refinery is one of the largest in the U.S., producing about 654,000 barrels of crude oil daily.
  • Port Arthur, Texas, has around 55,000 residents and is considered the poorest city in Texas.
  • The median household income in Port Arthur is about £27,700, and nearly 30% of people live below the poverty line.
  • Cancer rates in Port Arthur are 40% higher than the Texas average, especially among the predominantly Black community.
  • Childhood asthma in the city is nearly twice the national average.
  • The area experiences harmful emissions such as benzene, methane, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide from nearby oil refineries.
  • Aramco is the exclusive energy sponsor of the 2024 FIFA World Cup, with heavy advertising during the tournament.
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Guardian US
Mayfair casino facing legal action after former waiter says he did not get fair share of tips

Mayfair casino facing legal action after former waiter says he did not get fair share of tips

July 04, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A former waiter at the Metropolitan Mayfair casino has filed a complaint saying he did not receive a fair share of tips and service charges. He claims managers took some of the money, which should mostly go to the staff serving customers, and the casino has not clearly explained how tips and charges are shared out.

Key Facts

  • The Metropolitan Mayfair casino is owned by Metropolitan Casinos group, part of Silver Point Capital.
  • The former waiter worked there for five years before being asked to leave.
  • The casino adds a 12.5% optional service charge on food and drinks.
  • UK law from October 2024 requires all tips and service charges to be fairly and openly shared with staff.
  • The waiter says he and other staff often shared tips with managers, who do not work directly with customers.
  • Payslips do not clearly show how service charges or card tips are divided.
  • The Unite union says workers should control their own tips and opposes managers taking a share.
  • The government issued draft rules that require employers to consult workers about tip sharing policies.
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Guardian World
What America gets right

What America gets right

July 04, 2026 • Axios

Summary

The article highlights that the United States is currently experiencing strong economic growth and innovation, making it one of the best places in the world to start a business and take risks. It emphasizes America's large share of the global economy, its welcoming attitude toward immigrants, and its leadership in technology and business startups.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. produces about 26% of the world’s total economic output (GDP) while having approximately 4.2% of the global population.
  • The U.S. economy is larger than the combined economies of China, Japan, and Germany.
  • U.S. stocks make up 65% of the world’s stock market value, up from 40% ten years ago.
  • America invests 57% of the world’s venture capital (money for new businesses).
  • Nearly half of the top 500 companies in the U.S. were started by immigrants or their children.
  • New business applications have increased from about 3.5 million before COVID-19 to an average of 5.5 million annually since the pandemic.
  • The U.S. leads in innovation and technology, including developments in artificial intelligence (AI).
  • America’s economy rewards people who take risks and learn from failure, supporting a free market system.
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Axios
Money Box

Money Box

July 04, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The UK Parliament is asked to help young adults with learning disabilities access money in their Child Trust Funds because current legal costs are too high. New data shows many newly hired workers are choosing not to join workplace pensions, and delays continue in pension services for civil servants. Changes are also proposed to replace the Lifetime ISA with a new savings product just for first-time homebuyers.

Key Facts

  • Child Trust Funds were started over 15 years ago with government and family contributions.
  • Young adults with learning disabilities face high legal costs to access their Child Trust Funds money.
  • In one year, 500,000 people opted out of workplace pension enrollment before their contributions began.
  • Automatic pension enrollment happens when people start new jobs but some say no to joining.
  • Capita is behind schedule in fixing long pension service delays for civil servants.
  • Plans are being made to replace the Lifetime ISA with a new savings product aimed at first-time homebuyers.
  • The news comes from a Radio 4 Money Box episode aired on 4th July 2026.
  • The program reports on financial issues affecting young adults, pension savers, and homebuyers.
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BBC Business
As auto costs rise, will the US miss the golden age of electric vehicles?

As auto costs rise, will the US miss the golden age of electric vehicles?

July 04, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Slate Auto, a Detroit-based electric vehicle startup backed by Jeff Bezos, launched an affordable pickup truck priced at $24,950. While this price is low for the U.S. market, the dominance of inexpensive, feature-rich Chinese electric vehicles worldwide is challenging the U.S. auto industry's competitiveness in the electric vehicle market.

Key Facts

  • Slate Auto offers a basic electric pickup truck starting at $24,950, which is about half the price of the average new U.S. vehicle.
  • Chinese electric vehicles can cost as little as $10,000 and come with more features than U.S. models like Slate’s truck.
  • About 20% of new cars sold recently in the UK and around 6.4% in the European Union are Chinese-made electric vehicles.
  • Chinese electric vehicles are not allowed to be sold in the U.S. due to trade restrictions.
  • American consumers prefer bigger, feature-packed vehicles, pushing domestic automakers to focus on those models.
  • The Slate pickup has limited features, such as manual windows and no built-in stereo, and an estimated range of 205 miles.
  • Adding optional features to the Slate truck increases its price significantly, similar to budget airlines charging for extras.
  • BYD, a Chinese automaker, produces more electric vehicles than Tesla and plans to become the largest automaker worldwide within five years.
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Guardian US Guardian Tech Guardian Business
Man Buys $1158 StubHub World Cup Tickets–5 Hours Before Match They Vanished

Man Buys $1158 StubHub World Cup Tickets–5 Hours Before Match They Vanished

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Jeremy Wright from Texas bought $1,158 worth of World Cup tickets on StubHub but received an email just hours before the match saying the tickets were no longer available. Despite StubHub’s guarantee to provide valid or replacement tickets or refunds, Jeremy and his wife could not get new tickets and had to request a refund.

Key Facts

  • Jeremy Wright bought two World Cup tickets on StubHub for a game in Dallas.
  • He paid $1,158 and planned the trip with his wife, including an $800 hotel stay.
  • Hours before the match, StubHub emailed him saying the tickets were no longer available.
  • StubHub promises a “FanProtect 100% Guarantee” to provide valid or replacement tickets or refunds.
  • No replacement tickets were offered; available tickets were much more expensive ($2,200-$3,500).
  • Jeremy requested a refund and did not attend the game after driving to Dallas.
  • Other buyers on StubHub have reported similar last-minute ticket cancellations.
  • The sudden cancellations caused frustration due to short notice and costly travel plans.
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Newsweek
British Medical Association could axe up to a third of its staff amid cash crisis

British Medical Association could axe up to a third of its staff amid cash crisis

July 04, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The British Medical Association (BMA) is planning to cut up to one-third of its staff in England to address a large money shortage. This decision comes after doctors accepted a pay increase following many strikes, but the BMA’s finances remain strained, causing worry among employees.

Key Facts

  • The BMA may cut about 200 jobs out of 600 staff in England due to financial difficulties.
  • Despite a record membership of 200,000 doctors, the BMA is losing millions of pounds annually.
  • The BMA has relied on £86.8 million in subsidies from the British Medical Journal since 2008 to stay operational.
  • Most BMA staff belong to the GMB trade union, which claims the BMA did not follow its own rules and tried to stop staff from speaking about the cuts.
  • Staff feel scared and unhappy about the possible job losses, and many have no confidence in BMA’s chief executive Rachel Podolak.
  • The BMA plans to reduce staff in areas like science and ethics boards and cut industrial relations officer roles, which help doctors negotiate with hospitals.
  • Some BMA leaders and members have criticized the cuts, saying they conflict with the union’s goals.
  • The BMA says the changes will help it focus more on campaigning for better pay and workplace issues for doctors.
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Guardian World
Consumer Fight Back

Consumer Fight Back

July 04, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

The program "Consumer Fight Back" looks at several issues affecting consumers, including phone service problems, unexpected car hire costs, sun protection products, and financial pressures on women in the UK. It also explores how music festivals are changing to include family and health-focused activities.

Key Facts

  • A listener named Margaret experienced two months of disruption with her landline phone service.
  • A survey found that 1 in 8 customers paid more for car hire than the original price they were told.
  • The program offers tips to avoid hidden costs when renting cars abroad.
  • Discussions include whether more expensive suncream products offer better protection.
  • Research shows women in British households often absorb financial difficulties when money is tight.
  • Music festivals are attracting crowds not only for music but also for family-friendly and health-oriented experiences.
  • Listeners are invited to share their consumer-related stories by emailing the program team.
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BBC Business
Antique silver collection found in attic sells for £60,000

Antique silver collection found in attic sells for £60,000

July 04, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A family in Edinburgh found over 100 antique silver items in their attic that were sold at auction for nearly £60,000, much higher than the estimated £23,000. The items dated from the early 1700s to the early 1900s and included a variety of silverware and decorative pieces.

Key Facts

  • The antique silver collection was discovered in dusty wooden chests in a family attic in Edinburgh.
  • The collection contained items from the early 1700s to the early 1900s.
  • The auction took place at Elmwood's auctioneers in London.
  • The items sold for £59,761, exceeding the estimated value of £23,000.
  • The most expensive item was a set of Danish vintage cutlery, which sold for £5,200.
  • Other pieces included an Edwardian jewellery box, an Imperial Russian tankard, and a Victorian silver shaving brush.
  • The family had kept the collection hidden for nearly a century and discovered it while clearing their mother’s home.
  • Auction officials noted strong interest due to the collection’s rarity, quality, and the story behind its discovery.
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BBC Top Stories
Architects Share Warning on America’s Centuries-Old Building Approach

Architects Share Warning on America’s Centuries-Old Building Approach

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Some architects warn that the U.S. risks losing its historic buildings because many are demolished instead of preserved or repurposed. They say that saving and updating old buildings can protect the country’s architectural history and culture while supporting sustainability.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2024.
  • Many historic American buildings have been demolished to make way for new developments.
  • Architect Gordon Gill emphasizes keeping and refreshing existing buildings for sustainability.
  • Debates over preserving or demolishing old buildings date back to the late 1700s and 1800s.
  • Some historic buildings, like Mount Vernon, were saved, while others, like John Hancock’s house, were torn down.
  • Adaptive reuse projects, such as converting the Flatiron Building into residences, show growing interest in preservation.
  • Financial reasons often drive the preference to demolish and rebuild rather than retrofit old buildings.
  • The construction industry’s focus on fast growth and new development has fostered a culture of disposable buildings.
  • Experts warn that demolition-first approaches risk losing important parts of America’s historical story.
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Newsweek
Why can’t Britain turn its green revolution into cheap energy? A visual analysis

Why can’t Britain turn its green revolution into cheap energy? A visual analysis

July 04, 2026 • Guardian Business

Summary

Britain aims to get nearly all its electricity from clean sources by 2030, but there are many challenges slowing progress. While more renewable projects have been approved recently, experts say reaching the goal will be difficult and may take longer than expected.

Key Facts

  • The goal is to produce 95% of electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2030.
  • Labour approved renewable energy projects twice as fast as the previous Conservative government in their last two years.
  • Many projects faced long delays, but a new system is speeding up grid connections for renewables.
  • Over 700 renewable projects have been given connection dates before 2030, covering more than half the needed capacity.
  • Experts warn that perfect execution of complex projects is needed to meet the target, which is unlikely given real-world difficulties.
  • Current estimates suggest reaching 83% clean electricity by 2030, possibly reaching 95% by 2035.
  • Gas still provides about 27% of electricity to balance supply when wind or solar power is low.
  • Transitioning to renewable energy will reduce reliance on gas, helping lower carbon emissions and protect consumers from high gas prices.
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Guardian Business
Costco, Home Depot, Publix, Target: Which Stores are Open on July 4?

Costco, Home Depot, Publix, Target: Which Stores are Open on July 4?

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Many stores will be open on July 4, 2026, allowing people to shop for holiday needs like food and party supplies. However, some stores will close early or have different hours, so shoppers should check local schedules before visiting.

Key Facts

  • July 4, 2026, falls on a Saturday, causing some stores to adjust hours for the weekend holiday.
  • Costco warehouses in the U.S. will be closed on Independence Day.
  • Home Depot will be open but most locations will close by 8 p.m.
  • Publix offers special holiday catering options and lists store and pharmacy hours separately.
  • Kroger and H-E-B will have regular store hours, but their pharmacy or clinic hours may vary.
  • Lowe's and Target stores are open, but hours depend on the specific location, so checking ahead is advised.
  • Some store hours are affected by local rules, especially for pharmacies and liquor sections.
  • Wegmans grocery stores generally stay open from 6 a.m. to midnight, but their pharmacies will be closed on July 4.
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Newsweek
England’s Mexico Clash Is Turning Monday Into a Workplace Headache

England’s Mexico Clash Is Turning Monday Into a Workplace Headache

July 04, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

England’s soccer match against Mexico in the FIFA World Cup will start at 1 a.m. in the UK, leading many fans to stay up very late. This could cause problems for work on Monday, as some people might call in sick or arrive late. Employers are discussing how to handle possible absences and whether to allow flexible work arrangements.

Key Facts

  • The England vs. Mexico World Cup match starts at 1 a.m. UK time on Monday.
  • British pubs can stay open until 5 a.m. during the match to accommodate fans.
  • About 27% of fans said they might call in sick or be late after the game.
  • Employers have seen increased holiday requests during England’s earlier matches.
  • Workplace experts say companies are not required to make special rules but may choose to offer flexibility.
  • Planning ahead and allowing flexibility can improve employee morale and reduce absence.
  • Some fans plan to watch the game live despite the early start and expect less sleep before Monday.
  • The scheduling of the match was not changed despite a storm warning in Mexico City.
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Newsweek
Small businesses say they’re having a good summer as Americans travel closer to home

Small businesses say they’re having a good summer as Americans travel closer to home

July 04, 2026 • AP News

Summary

Small businesses in the U.S. are seeing more customers this summer as many Americans choose to travel closer to home. Higher prices for airplane tickets and gas, along with events like the FIFA World Cup and the nation’s 250th birthday, encourage people to spend vacation money locally instead of going abroad.

Key Facts

  • More Americans are taking short trips or day trips near their homes instead of traveling far.
  • Higher airfares and gas prices are making vacations more costly.
  • Big events like the FIFA World Cup and 250th U.S. anniversary celebrations motivate local travel.
  • AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles during late June to early July.
  • The number of people cruising or taking buses and trains is increasing, but driving and flying numbers stay the same.
  • This trend benefits small businesses such as local restaurants, attractions, and Airbnb hosts.
  • Spending more on local travel could help reduce the gap where Americans spend more on foreign travel than international visitors spend in the U.S.
  • Families like the Kains in Baltimore are cutting back on multiple trips to save money.
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AP News