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We learned 5 important things about the economy this week
From inflation, to credit card debt, to who’s actually doing the spending: These are key takeaways from this week in economic news.
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Cuban ties put powerful US union under microscope over alleged communist influence push
Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, is investigating reports that a US union representing about 600,000 members may be helping advance the Cuban government’s interests. The inquiry matters because it raises concerns about possible foreign influence within a major American labour organisation and whether US groups are acting…
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The Taliban has taken a terrible toll on the education of girls — and boys as well
Saturday marks the 5th anniversary of the current Taliban rule in Aghanistan. They’ve had a devastating impact on girls’ education. A lesser told story is their impact on the education of boys.
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Reform by-election candidate criticised for advertising weight loss drugs on social media
The Facebook post is dated back to 2025.
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The Mecca agreement’s message to Washington
A potential nuclear arms race in the volatile Middle East should be a major concern for Washington.
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Vance urges DOJ investigation into hospitals over billing for transgender care
The Trump administration accused dozens of hospitals, clinics and providers on Thursday of fraudulent billing for transgender health procedures and referred them to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for potential prosecution. The effort, led by Vice President Vance, combines two of the Trump administration’s top priorities: cracking down on alleged fraud and restricting gender-affirming care….
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French tax authority admits data heist after crook touts 2M records
France’s tax authority, DGFiP, has confirmed that an intruder accessed its systems in late June and extracted data, after a cybercriminal using the alias ZeroBytes advertised an alleged database of two million taxpayers. The authority says the access was cut off during an audit at the end of June and disputes the attacker’s claim of…
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Burnham warns ‘Britain is a tinderbox’ as he scrambles to respond to wildfires gripping the country
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that Britain is a “tinderbox” as wildfires damage homes and stretch emergency services, announcing a temporary ban on disposable barbecues and urging people not to light open fires. He said the crisis underlines the need to adapt to a changing climate, while promising support for affected residents and fire…
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Electric vehicle sales targets could be cut after pressure from car makers
The government is consulting on potentially reducing the UK’s target for electric vehicles to make up 80% of new car sales by 2030, following pressure from manufacturers. The move matters because it could slow the shift away from petrol and diesel cars, while ministers say greater flexibility is needed to protect jobs and ensure the…
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Bessent teases severe economic action against Iran
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the Trump administration will unveil new measures against Iran next week as it seeks to increase economic pressure on the regime to come back to the negotiating table on a deal to end hostilities and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “Watch this space for more announcements coming next week…