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Lil Nas X mental health update
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Lil Nas X Says He’s Recovering After Rehab and Bipolar Diagnosis

ab and diagnosis The artist, whose real name is Montero Hill, shared that he spent several months in a rehabilitation program. After that, he returned home to Atlanta to stay…

Missing Star Wars Lego collection sparks legal fight and online theories
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Missing Star Wars Lego collection sparks legal fight and online theories

An 83 year old collector named Ed Mansell has lost track of his valuable Star Wars Lego collection. The set includes rare items such as the Cloud City set, which…

Iran-US Deal: Why Tehran Claims It Emerged Stronger After Agreement
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Black oil like rain reported in Moscow after major drone strike on oil refinery

Residents in parts of Moscow reported unusual black particles falling after a large wave of drone attacks targeted an oil refinery in the city. People described a light drizzle that…

seaweed farming
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Kelp Farmer Suzie Flores Pushes Seaweed Farming in the US After Leaving Manhattan Career

From Manhattan Career to Coastal Suzie Flores once worked in Manhattan in academic publishing. She had a stable office job and a daily commute from Jersey City. Over time, her…

Candy Stores Are Growing in NYC Despite Economic Pressure Why small sweet shops are expanding during tough times New candy shops are appearing across New York City even though many retailers are struggling due to weak consumer confidence and ongoing inflation. While people are cutting back on larger purchases, demand for small treats like candy remains steady. Industry owners say sweets continue to sell because they are affordable and offer quick comfort. Even during financial stress, customers still want small indulgences they can easily justify. A business model that survived the Great Depression One of the strongest examples is Economy Candy on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. It first opened in 1937 during the tail end of the Great Depression and is now known as the city’s oldest candy store. The shop did not start as a candy store. It began as a hat and shoe repair business, with candy sold outside on a small cart to earn extra income. Over time, repairs became less affordable for customers, so the family shifted fully to sweets. That decision helped the business survive, and it is still running today under third generation ownership. Why candy still sells in uncertain times Owner Mitchell Cohen says people still buy candy even when money feels tight. He explains that inflation and uncertainty reduce spending power, but candy remains an easy and low cost purchase. Recent retail data shows overall US sales are still rising, yet consumer sentiment has dropped to record lows. This gap reflects a split between what people feel and what they still spend on. Experts say candy fits into a pattern often called the “lipstick effect.” When budgets shrink, people avoid expensive items but still buy small luxuries that give emotional comfort. New shops are betting on small treats This trend is also attracting new entrepreneurs. Kate Bolger, a former movie producer, is preparing to open The Village Confectionery in Sleepy Hollow, a town near New York City known for its literary history. Bolger believes customers may delay big purchases but will still spend on small treats like candy. She sees it as a simple way for people to enjoy something small without financial strain. A small luxury that stays resilient Even as the wider retail sector faces pressure, candy stores continue to grow in select areas. Their success is linked to low prices, emotional appeal, and steady demand during uncertain economic conditions.
BusinessNews

Candy Stores Are Growing in NYC Despite Economic Pressure

Why small sweet shops are expanding during tough times New candy shops are appearing across New York City even though many retailers are struggling due to weak consumer confidence and…

Deputy Mayor Defends Blocking £25m Palantir Met Police Contract Amid Job Cut Fears Contract decision sparks debate over policing costs and reforms in London London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, Kaya Comer Schwartz, has defended her decision to stop a £25.3 million contract between the Metropolitan Police and US tech company Palantir. The deal was planned for 2026 to 2027 and included an optional extra year. It was intended to improve criminal investigations and support internal reforms within the force. She told the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee that her priority was ensuring public money is spent properly. She said the decision was based on concerns about value for money and accountability. “I make no apologies for making sure we have the right oversight over significant spending,” she said. “We must ensure contracts deliver value for Londoners.” Concerns over procurement and supplier choice The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime raised concerns about how the Met Police handled the procurement process. It said the force engaged seriously with only one supplier during the process. It also noted concerns about the company’s values and ethics, although those issues could not legally determine the final decision. Palantir rejected the criticism. The company said its proposal offered strong value for money and supported ongoing policing needs. It also confirmed it was considering legal action to challenge the decision. Impact on policing and possible job losses Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley warned that the blocked deal could affect staffing plans. He said the force must make budget savings this year and next year, which may lead to difficult decisions affecting public services. He said up to 750 job cuts could be required if funding pressures continue. Those decisions are expected to be finalised in the coming weeks. Conservative Assembly member Susan Hall criticised the decision. She warned it could lead to further cuts in frontline policing and questioned whether the deputy mayor would accept responsibility for the impact. Oversight and unanswered questions During the committee session, Liberal Democrat member Gareth Roberts asked how much detail the deputy mayor had seen about potential cutbacks. Comer Schwartz said she had not yet reviewed a full contingency plan. She added that discussions with the Met were still ongoing. Officials continue to assess how the funding gap will be managed while balancing technology investment, staffing levels, and service delivery across London policing.
BusinessNews

Deputy Mayor Defends Blocking £25m Palantir Met Police Contract Amid Job Cut Fears

Contract decision sparks debate London’s deputy mayor for policing and crime, Kaya Comer Schwartz, has defended her decision to stop a £25.3 million contract between the Metropolitan Police and US…

AI will create more jobs, not replace workers, says Jeff Bezos AI will increase labour demand, Bezos says Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has said artificial intelligence will not replace large numbers of workers. Instead, he believes it will increase demand for human labour and create new types of jobs. Speaking at a tech conference in Paris, Bezos said fears about mass job losses are overstated. He argued that AI will remove limits on what people can do and open up fresh opportunities across industries. He said many people worry that AI will make workers unnecessary. However, he disagrees and believes the world may actually face a shortage of labour as new work emerges. Debate over AI and job security Bezos’ comments come at a time when concerns about AI’s impact on employment are growing. Some political and tech leaders, including former UK prime minister Rishi Sunak, have warned that AI could reduce job prospects, especially for younger workers. The UK’s Trades Union Congress has also raised concerns. It warned that AI could repeat the impact of deindustrialisation, where profits rise but many jobs become less secure or disappear. At the same time, it noted that AI could still bring major benefits if it is developed in a fair way and productivity gains are shared with workers. Bezos highlights physical AI and manufacturing Bezos also spoke about his new AI venture, Prometheus, which focuses on improving physical manufacturing. He said automation in this sector is growing quickly, but still needs human input and oversight. He suggested that AI will not fully replace industrial workers. Instead, it will reshape how production systems work and create demand for new skills. Long term vision for space and the Moon At the same event, Bezos shared his long term vision for space exploration. He described space as limited by supply rather than demand and said access is the main barrier to expansion. He said the Moon could become the first step in building a permanent human presence beyond Earth. Technologies like electrolysis could one day help extract and use lunar resources for fuel and long term missions. “We are going to the Moon to stay, not just to visit,” he said. Blue Origin updates and rocket setback Bezos also discussed his space company Blue Origin. He addressed a recent explosion during a ground test of the New Glenn rocket in Florida. No one was injured, but the incident damaged parts of the launch system. He said the team learned important lessons from the failure and managed to preserve key infrastructure, which will help speed up recovery. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said repairs are already underway. The company expects launches to resume before the end of the year as it competes with SpaceX in the commercial space race.
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AI will create more jobs, not replace workers, says Jeff Bezos

AI will increase labour demand, Bezos says Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has said artificial intelligence will not replace large numbers of workers. Instead, he believes it will increase demand for…

vUS Iran Agreement Explained in Simple Terms Introduction The United States and Iran have agreed on a new memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and reducing tensions. The plan also focuses on reopening key trade routes and building a path toward a final peace deal. Officials say the agreement works on performance rules. Iran will receive benefits only after it follows the required steps. President Donald Trump said the agreement may be signed soon at a formal event in Europe. End of Military Conflict on All Sides The agreement calls for an immediate and permanent stop to military action between the United States, Iran, and their partners. It also includes fighting linked to Lebanon. Both sides agree not to launch attacks or threats in the future. The plan also supports respect for Lebanon’s independence and borders. Officials say continued strikes in the region could break the deal. Both governments aim to prevent further escalation. Respect for Sovereignty and Internal Affairs Both countries agree to avoid interference in each other’s internal politics. This means neither side will support actions that affect the other government from within. The agreement focuses on stability and mutual respect between states. Sixty Day Deadline for Final Deal The agreement sets a maximum period of sixty days to reach a final settlement. Negotiations will begin after the official signing. Leaders may extend the timeline if both sides agree. Officials say the goal is a long term settlement that reduces future conflict and builds trust. United States to End Blockade Measures After signing the agreement, the United States plans to remove restrictions affecting Iranian ports and maritime access. This step aims to improve trade movement and reduce economic pressure during the negotiation period.
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US Iran Agreement Explained in Simple Terms

The United States and Iran have agreed on a new memorandum of understanding aimed at extending the ceasefire and reducing tensions. The plan also focuses on reopening key trade routes…

Why I Sold My Business to My Staff: Inside Softstar Shoes’ Employee Ownership Shift Employee ownership at Softstar Shoes Softstar Shoes in Oregon has moved to employee ownership, giving its 30 workers control of the company. The decision followed a full sale by former owner and chief executive Tricia Salcido, who chose to transfer ownership to her team instead of selling to an outside buyer. Salcido is 56 and beginning to plan for retirement. She now works as chief financial officer for the next few years while the staff run day to day operations. Why the business was sold to employees Salcido said she wanted to protect the company’s future and keep production local in the United States. She believed a corporate buyer would likely cut costs and possibly move parts of the work elsewhere. She explained that the business represents years of personal effort and that many small business owners want to protect what they have built, especially when they care about their employees. Staff involvement has increased Since the transition, employees have become more active in decision making. Salcido says workers now send direct suggestions and ideas on how to improve operations and increase efficiency. She noted that this level of engagement was not common before the ownership change. Staff now feel more responsible for both performance and profits. A growing trend in the US Employee ownership is becoming more common across the United States. A recent study suggests around 600 companies per year are now being sold to their workers. Funding for these deals has also grown strongly, rising to about $865 million in 2025 from $500 million in 2024. Benefits of employee ownership Research suggests employee owned firms often perform well. They tend to be more productive, less likely to lay off staff, and may offer higher wages. Workers also share in both the risks and rewards of the business. A wider retirement wave driving change Many business owners in the US are reaching retirement age. A McKinsey report estimates that around six million small and medium sized business owners, mostly from the baby boomer generation, will retire by 2035. Experts warn this could trigger a major wave of ownership changes. Many owners are now exploring employee ownership because their children are not always interested in taking over the business. What experts are seeing Harvard Business School associate professor Ethan Rouen says he frequently meets owners looking to sell. He notes that employee ownership is becoming an attractive option for those who want to protect their workforce and legacy rather than sell to large corporations or private equity firms.
News

Why I Sold My Business to My Staff: Inside Softstar Shoes’ Employee Ownership Shift

Employee ownership at Softstar Shoes Softstar Shoes in Oregon has moved to employee ownership, giving its 30 workers control of the company. The decision followed a full sale by former…

Donald Trump stopped the planned confirmation hearing for his nominee Jay Clayton. The hearing was set to take place before the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Clayton was expected to begin the approval process to become Director of National Intelligence. That role oversees the country intelligence agencies and advises the president on national security. Reason Behind the Decision Trump said the hearing should not move forward because Congress has not acted on surveillance legislation. He pointed to issues with the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance law, which governs how intelligence agencies collect data from communication companies. He also linked the situation to disagreement over a separate voting bill. He said he would not support the surveillance law unless changes connected to voting rules were included. This move created tension because the two issues are normally handled separately in Congress. Political Reactions Senator Tom Cotton said the hearing was postponed and expressed regret over the delay. He said Clayton is qualified and ready for the role, and he expects the process to continue soon. Senator Mark Warner criticized the decision. He said national security should not depend on social media statements and warned that intelligence decisions should stay separate from political bargaining. What Happens Next Clayton remains the nominee for Director of National Intelligence. The Senate has not set a new date for the hearing. The position oversees 18 intelligence agencies and serves as the main adviser to the president on security matters. The current acting intelligence chief, Bill Pulte, will continue in the role until a permanent leader is confirmed. The previous director, Tulsi Gabbard, is expected to leave office on 30 June.
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Trump Pauses Spy Chief Confirmation Hearing for Jay Clayton After FISA Dispute

Donald Trump stopped the planned confirmation hearing for his nominee Jay Clayton. The hearing was set to take place before the United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. That role…

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