Australia will continue to allow the use of the herbicide paraquat, even though over 70 countries have banned it due to worries it may cause Parkinson’s disease. The Australian regulator, APVMA, decided this after reviewing many studies but did not find clear proof that paraquat causes the disease. However, they will enforce stricter rules to reduce risks to farm workers and wildlife.
Key Facts
Paraquat is banned in more than 70 countries because of health concerns.
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) reviewed paraquat and decided to keep it legal.
APVMA’s review did not find a definite cause-and-effect link between paraquat and Parkinson’s disease.
Stricter limits will be placed on how much paraquat can be used and on safety measures for those applying it.
Paraquat is mainly used in farming grains, sugarcane, cotton, and horticulture in Australia.
Other countries like the European Union and the UK banned paraquat citing safety concerns.
Some internal company documents revealed early concerns about paraquat’s potential harm.
Parkinson’s researchers in Australia disagree with APVMA, saying studies show paraquat increases Parkinson’s risk by about three times.
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Ten years after the UK left the European Union, studies show that Brexit has made the UK economy about 6 to 8 percent smaller than it would have been if the country had stayed in the EU. This economic damage has made people in Britain poorer and caused losses in government tax revenue that funds public services.
Key Facts
Brexit took place on June 23, 2016, after a close public vote.
Experts estimate the UK’s economy is now between 6 and 8 percent smaller than if it had stayed in the EU.
This economic shrinkage means the average UK citizen is up to 8 percent poorer.
Government tax revenue has decreased because of the smaller economy.
Businesses that frequently trade with the EU are performing worse than those that do not.
Increased paperwork and costs have made trading goods like cars and food more difficult.
For example, exporting lamb and beef now requires 26 stamped papers instead of one.
A new UK-EU trade agreement for certain foods is expected in summer 2027 but will come late for many businesses.
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Queensland’s treasurer, David Janetzki, released a budget showing large deficits and rising state debt expected to exceed $200 billion in three years. Despite increased coal royalties and economic growth forecasts, the state faces the risk of a credit rating downgrade but aims for a budget surplus by 2029-30.
Key Facts
Queensland’s state borrowing is expected to top $202 billion by 2028-29.
The government forecasted a $1.9 billion operating deficit in 2028-29 and a modest surplus of $619 million in 2029-30.
Coal royalties are expected to rise from $4.79 billion in 2025-26 to $6.9 billion in 2026-27, helped by a 6% export increase.
The state government predicts a 5.1% increase in revenue over the coming years, mainly from taxes and royalties.
Spending will grow from $100.8 billion in 2025-26 to $111.6 billion in 2029-30.
The government plans to save $500 million by better managing procurement, reducing senior executive positions, and cutting contractor costs.
Queensland government aims to keep the 50 cent fare scheme and prioritizes infrastructure, including $119.2 billion for roads, buses, and rail.
The upcoming Brisbane 2032 Olympics budget remains partly unclear, but the government is confident in staying near the $7.1 billion venue cost estimate.
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A children’s book called "The Weighty Word Book," written over 40 years ago by English professors, became popular again after a video about it went viral on TikTok. Because of this viral attention, the book sold more copies in one week than it had in almost 20 years.
Key Facts
The book is titled "The Weighty Word Book."
It was written by English professors at the University of Colorado.
The book was self-published more than 40 years ago.
A video about the book became popular on TikTok recently.
The viral video caused a sudden increase in sales.
The book sold more in one week than it had in nearly two decades.
The story was shared by CBS News reporter Tony Dokoupil.
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Alan Greenspan, who led the U.S. Federal Reserve for many years, has died at 100 from Parkinson’s complications. He was known as a powerful figure in the economy, guiding the country through long growth but also facing criticism after the financial crisis.
Key Facts
Alan Greenspan was the chairman of the U.S. Federal Reserve.
He died on Monday at the age of 100.
The cause of death was complications from Parkinson’s disease.
Greenspan led the Federal Reserve during a long period of economic growth.
He strongly supported free market policies.
Some people criticized his views after the financial crisis.
Paul Solman reviewed Greenspan’s life and impact in this article.
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General Motors has installed about 50 new robot arms at its main electric vehicle factory in Detroit, while over 1,300 workers remain laid off. The United Auto Workers union is concerned about job losses due to automation and argues GM should bring workers back instead of increasing robots.
Key Facts
GM installed around 50 robot arms made by FANUC at its Factory Zero plant in Detroit.
The robots help attach parts during vehicle assembly.
More than 1,300 GM workers are currently laid off indefinitely, following earlier layoffs.
The United Auto Workers union opposes the increase in automation amid job losses.
Other automakers like Ford, Stellantis, and Hyundai are also increasing robotics in their US factories.
Hyundai plans to use humanoid robots from Boston Dynamics in its Georgia EV plant by 2028.
FANUC, the robot maker, has operated nearly fully automated “dark factories” since 2001.
Chinese companies lead in “dark factory” automation, producing many vehicles with few human operators.
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California drivers have filed a lawsuit against several gas station operators accusing them of using artificial intelligence (AI) to raise gasoline prices. The lawsuit claims the use of AI tools violated state laws designed to prevent price fixing and caused higher gas prices across the state.
Key Facts
Gas stations operated by BP, Circle K, Marathon, 7-Eleven, Walmart, and Albertsons are named in the lawsuit.
The drivers say these companies used AI software from a company called Kalibrate to set higher gas prices.
The lawsuit alleges this use of AI violates California’s Cartwright Act and assembly bill 325, which targets algorithmic price fixing.
Gas prices reportedly increased by as much as 30 cents per gallon in areas where many stations use this AI.
Each additional penny in gas price costs California drivers about $134 million annually.
Gas prices in California average $5.58 per gallon, compared to the national average of $3.93.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Sacramento and seeks damages for drivers overcharged for gas.
Defendants operate more than 1,700 gas stations in California; Kalibrate is also named as a defendant.
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Major soda companies like Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Keurig Dr Pepper will add QR codes on their packaging. Scanning the codes links customers to a website with information about over 140 beverage ingredients and their safety.
Key Facts
The American Beverage Association announced the new QR code initiative on beverage packaging.
QR codes connect consumers to the "Good to Know" website with ingredient definitions and safety details.
Over 140 ingredients used in sodas are explained on the site, including common and less-known ones like Lion's Mane and L-Carnitine.
The website does not show the exact ingredient list for each soda brand; customers still must check the label on the product.
Other participating brands include Celsius, Monster Energy, Polar Beverages, and Red Bull.
The safety information aligns with global food safety agencies, including the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority.
This initiative supports transparency as the government promotes healthier drink choices under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" campaign.
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Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) governments are releasing state budgets with key changes to infrastructure spending and road tolls. Queensland plans a cautious budget focused on infrastructure and avoiding new taxes, while NSW will lower the weekly toll cap from $60 to $50 for one year to help drivers with costs.
Key Facts
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki will present his second budget, budgeting $119.2 billion for infrastructure over four years.
Queensland will spend $55.9 billion on roads and transport upgrades, replacing a planned Gold Coast light rail with a bus project.
Queensland government finances are under pressure, with debt predicted to reach 150% of revenue by 2028.
Queensland officials promise no new or increased taxes and will continue funding a 50-cent public transport fare.
NSW will reduce the weekly toll cap from $60 to $50 for one year starting July 6 to ease costs for drivers.
Nearly 950,000 NSW toll users have received cash back under the current toll cap.
NSW will scrap tolling administration fees from July for drivers without a toll account, as promised before the 2023 election.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said the budget will focus on relief, reform, and financial discipline without introducing free fares like Victoria.
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Gas prices in the U.S. have dropped by more than 13% over the past month, largely due to progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for oil shipping. While prices are expected to continue falling in the short term, experts say the decline will slow down because oil demand remains strong.
Key Facts
The national average price of a gallon of gas is $3.92 as of June 22, 2026, down 62 cents (13.6%) from a month ago.
Gas prices were below $3 per gallon in late February before the conflict involving Iran caused a major oil shock.
The Strait of Hormuz was closed by Iran, affecting about 20% of the world’s oil supply and causing prices to rise.
U.S. and Iranian officials are negotiating in Switzerland to reach an agreement to reopen the strait and allow toll-free commercial shipping for 60 days.
Prices for West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell more than 20% to around $75.50 per barrel since last month.
Some parts of the expected increase in oil supply are already reflected in current gas prices.
Demand for gasoline remains high as countries refill oil reserves and people travel for summer vacations.
Experts predict gas prices will keep falling for a few weeks but the rate of decline will slow over time.
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Polymarket paid social media users to post videos pretending they won large bets on its prediction market, but these bets were fake and made on copycat websites. The company used this marketing strategy to attract users to its mostly unregulated platform, which is technically barred in the US.
Key Facts
Polymarket hired social media creators to film fake bets showing big winnings to promote its service.
These creators used near-identical scripts and simulated trades on copycat sites, not the real platform.
One creator posted winning $100,000 on a fake bet about President Trump saying “McDonald’s,” but the bet never happened.
Polymarket’s main platform is blocked in the US since 2022 after being called an illegal exchange by regulators.
The company offers a limited, regulated US version through a mobile app acquired from a licensed firm.
The fake bet videos got over 140 million views on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram.
Social media creators were paid between $2,000 and $3,000 a month and told not to reveal they were paid by Polymarket.
The Wall Street Journal reviewed thousands of videos and messages showing how Polymarket directed and managed this campaign.
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Brian Kelly, known as the Points Guy, shared tips to help people get the most out of their summer travel. The article focuses on his travel advice for the summer season.
Key Facts
Brian Kelly is called the Points Guy.
He provides a guide for summer travel tips.
The tips aim to maximize the benefits of summer trips.
The advice is intended for travelers planning summer vacations.
The article was shared on June 22, 2026.
The focus is on how to improve travel experiences during summer.
The content is related to travel and leisure.
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The global food system is facing big challenges due to resource limits and climate impacts like drought and heat, which are raising food prices and threatening supply. New technologies and business changes are being explored to create healthier, more natural, and sustainable food production from farming to packaging.
Key Facts
The world population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050, increasing food demand.
Recent events, like a four-month blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, exposed weaknesses in fertilizer supply routes.
Climate problems such as droughts and heat waves are reducing crop yields worldwide.
Many people eat highly processed foods, which studies link to health problems.
Governments can influence food systems through policies like eating guidelines and farming subsidies.
Agricultural technology and ingredient companies are using biotech to improve sustainable food production.
The food supply chain, including agriculture, ingredients, and packaging, is adapting to support human and environmental health.
The report highlights efforts to build a more sustainable and natural food system.
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A person earning $75,000 a year can still buy a home, but the amount they can afford is less than in previous years due to higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and increased expenses like taxes and insurance. Lenders suggest spending no more than 28% of income on housing costs, which limits the loan size for buyers earning this salary.
Key Facts
Mortgage rates are around 6.5%, making borrowing more expensive.
Inflation is at 4.2%, increasing overall household costs.
The 28/36 rule advises spending no more than 28% of gross monthly income on housing and keeping total debt below 36%.
For a $75,000 salary (about $6,250 monthly), housing costs should stay near $1,750 per month.
This $1,750 includes mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and possibly private mortgage insurance (PMI).
At a 6.5% interest rate on a 30-year loan, $1,300 per month for principal and interest equals a loan around $205,000.
With a 10% down payment, buyers can aim for homes priced near $225,000; a 20% down payment raises that to about $255,000, eliminating PMI.
Existing debt like car loans and student loans reduces the mortgage amount a buyer can qualify for.
Improving credit scores, paying down debt, and increasing down payments can help buyers afford more expensive homes.
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California’s high-speed rail project, which has faced many delays and money problems, may include data centers and energy projects along its route to help pay for the rail. The California High-Speed Rail Authority plans to use state land for solar farms, battery storage, and technology infrastructure to create new income before the rail opens.
Key Facts
The rail will connect Los Angeles and San Francisco with trains traveling up to 220 mph.
The project began in 2008 and was supposed to be done by 2020 but is still unfinished.
The Authority’s new plan includes building data centers and renewable energy projects on land along the rail line.
These developments aim to generate money to help fund the rail before it starts operating.
Some local residents worry about problems like water use, pollution, noise, fire risk, and harm to farmland from the data centers.
The CEO of the High-Speed Rail Authority says the project is sharing more information to improve public support.
The rail system would be the first high-speed rail in the Western Hemisphere.
California government candidates have shared different ideas on how to fix or finish the project.
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When a person dies, their unpaid credit card debt is usually paid from their estate, which includes their assets like bank accounts and property. If the estate does not have enough money to cover the debt, creditors may not get paid, but family members are generally not responsible for these debts unless they co-signed or are legally responsible.
Key Facts
After a person's death, credit card debt is usually paid from the deceased’s estate during probate.
The estate includes things the person owned such as money, investments, cars, and homes.
Creditors can file claims against the estate to get the money they are owed.
Debt collectors may contact the estate’s executor or administrator about unpaid debts.
If the estate has enough money, the debts are paid before any inheritance is distributed.
Many estates do not have enough assets to cover all debts, so some debts may go unpaid.
Credit card debt is usually unsecured, meaning it is paid after taxes and secured loans.
Family members are typically not responsible for the deceased person's credit card debt unless they co-signed or are legally obligated.
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Clive Davis, a highly influential music executive, died at age 94 in New York City. Over more than 60 years, he discovered and helped develop many famous artists across multiple music genres, shaping modern popular music.
Key Facts
Clive Davis died peacefully at home from age-related illness.
He started working at Columbia Records in 1960 as a legal assistant and became its president by 1967.
Davis transformed Columbia Records by signing major rock and pop artists like Janis Joplin and Bruce Springsteen.
He was fired from Columbia in 1973 for financial misconduct but later rebuilt his career at Arista Records.
Davis signed and mentored top artists such as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Alicia Keys.
He founded both Arista and J Records and served as chief creative officer at Sony Music Entertainment.
Davis won five Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2013, he revealed in his autobiography that he is bisexual.
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Polymarket is reviewing its marketing practices after a Wall Street Journal report said the company paid online creators to make misleading videos showing large winnings. The report found many videos used fake trades and did not reflect actual user results on the platform. Polymarket says it is auditing its promotional content to ensure it meets legal and company standards.
Key Facts
The Wall Street Journal analyzed over 1,100 TikTok videos and found many showed fake trades on imitation Polymarket sites.
Videos falsely depicted customers winning about $1.9 million, but actual trades showed losses.
Social media creators were paid to make these misleading videos, and marketing contractors helped spread them widely.
One example showed a student winning $100,000 on a bet involving President Trump, but real bets on the platform all lost.
Polymarket states it is the leading prediction market and is conducting a full audit of its ads to meet legal rules.
The company allows bets on events like elections, sports, and weather, but faces prior scrutiny over insider trading allegations.
Regulators banned Polymarket’s U.S. operations in 2022 for operating without registration but later allowed a limited, invite-only U.S. platform.
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have not publicly commented on this latest report.
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Clive Davis, a legendary music industry executive known for discovering and guiding many top artists, has died at age 94. He played a key role in the success of stars like Whitney Houston, Janis Joplin, and Alicia Keys during his long career.
Key Facts
Clive Davis was 94 years old when he passed away in his Manhattan apartment.
He was a lawyer turned music industry executive and a powerful figure in the record business.
Davis helped start or revive the careers of famous musicians such as Janis Joplin, Whitney Houston, Carlos Santana, and Alicia Keys.
He signed Whitney Houston when she was a teenager and guided her to become a top pop star.
Davis remained influential into his 80s, working with artists across many music styles and generations.
He was chief creative officer at Sony Music and previously led the Arista record label.
Earlier in 2024, he was hospitalized for an upper respiratory problem but was released after a few days.
His family described him as a visionary who shaped music culture and mentored many major artists over decades.
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