BUSINESS

Dolly Parton, the iconic country music star, passed away at 80, leaving behind a $650 million estate. Her philanthropic efforts suggest her wealth may benefit charitable causes, despite no direct heirs.

Target has publicly apologised and removed a children's Halloween costume after critics said its design evoked racist blackface and minstrel-show imagery. The retailer says it is reviewing how the product was approved.

MacKenzie Scott has donated $130 million to Undue Medical Debt, helping erase over $40 billion in medical debt across the US, highlighting her significant impact on philanthropy and healthcare reform.

Starbucks is laying off 224 employees in Seattle, with 120 declining a relocation to Nashville due to a pay cut. The remaining 104, involved in coffeehouse design, were cut after a leadership change.

Disney's latest cost-cutting move reaches its executive ranks, offering eligible leaders an early-retirement package as the company continues reshaping its organisation.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threatened to cut firms laundering money for Iran out of the US dollar system, but enforcing it against China before the September Trump-Xi summit is the real test.

James Talarico accuses Amazon of prioritising profit over safety after a worker's death, sparking debate over the company's emergency response and workplace conditions.

French President Macron and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince finalise a £5.13bn deal to build three theme parks near Paris, including a Dragon Ball attraction, creating 22,000 jobs and strengthening cultural ties.

OpenAI and Meta are investing in local communities to counteract growing public opposition to AI data centres, as polls show increasing concern over AI's impact on jobs and infrastructure.

Apple has confirmed rare layoffs hitting its Siri and Vision Pro teams as TikTok, Netflix and LinkedIn also slash jobs, pushing 2026 tech cuts past last year's total.

Bilibili's international app offers better video access, real-time 'danmu' comments, and easier sign-ups. Join the platform that's captivating Gen Z and challenging global giants.

Disney revokes medical insurance for US employees' spouses with their own coverage, affecting thousands of families amid rising healthcare costs.

The controversy surrounding an elderly man's $30 find in a Georgia Walmart, the legal implications under state law, and why no charges were filed despite a police appeal.

Meta is embroiled in a legal battle with 29 states over child safety concerns, potentially facing a $1.4T penalty. The case could reshape social media and set a major precedent.

Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could double the economy in 5-7 years, with humanoid robots reaching 100 million units. He envisions work becoming optional in 10-20 years.

Anthropic, an AI start-up, plans a US stock market debut this autumn, potentially raising over $100 billion and valuing the company at up to $2 trillion, surpassing SpaceX's IPO record.

A University of Pennsylvania study finds female breadwinners face a higher risk of separation, especially with children, challenging assumptions about gender roles and highlighting work-family conflict.