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Europe
The Guardian

Stung by Trump, machinists union campaigns for affordability in midterms

Members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers hold a rally on 5 May 2026. Photograph: Ross Olson/IAMAWView image in fullscreenMembers of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers hold a rally on 5 May 2026. Photograph: Ross Olson/IAMAWUS unionsStung by Trump, machinists union campaigns for affordability in midtermsOne of the largest labor unions in the US targets eight battleground states in ‘workers v billionaires’ campaign The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), one of the largest labor unions in the US, has launched a “workers v billionaires” political campaign tour targeting members in eight battleground states and encouraging them to support pro-worker candidates in the midterms. IAM has nearly 700,000 active and retired members in North America, covering workers at corporations that include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, United Airlines and Harley-Davidson. The union is targeting members and voters in Maine, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Illinois. “We made a strategic commitment that we’re going to be the most engaged that we have ever been in the history of our union in working,” said Brian Bryant, international president of IAM. “We’re living in an economy that only favors billionaires and does not favor working people, and it’s time that Congress and this administration realize who they should be looking out for.” Bryant emphasized that several union members, including those with IAM, voted for Trump in 2024 because of promises that he would fix the economy and make things more affordable. Throughout his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed: “When I win, I will immediately bring prices down, starting on day one.” Yet since Trump took office, inflation has increased from 3.0% in January 2025 to 3.4% in August 2026, health insurance costs are soaring due to the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and gas prices are on average $1 a gallon higher due to Trump’s war with Iran. The union will “send a message to this administration that what the status quo is right now is not acceptable, and they’re going to have to stand up and pay attention to working people”, Bryant said. Jason Gayler, president of IAM local 776A in Fort Worth, Texas, said his state “is more purple than what people put out to be”. As Democrats are seeking to flip several seats, polls are showing that races are the most competitive they’ve been in decades. “The price of just the cost of living in north Texas now has absolutely skyrocketed, and it’s starting to really affect a lot of our members, which is motivating them to back candidates that focus primarily on the working class,” Gayler said. He also noted that the machinists recently elected their first rank-and-file member to the Texas senate; Taylor Rehmet, president of the IAM’s Texas state council, won a special election in January, flipping a state senate district that Trump won in 2024 by 17%. Shay Blodgett, an Alaska Airlines worker in Phoenix who is helping to lead IAM’s political program in Arizona, said the union has worked to oppose Republican-led state legislation that would have restricted public sector workers’ ability to organize and supported the Arizona AFL-CIO “labor 2026 blitz” campaign. “We’ve been conducting member-to-member engagement this summer, reaching out, asking members what matters to them,” Blodgett said. “We heard them loud and clear. The No 1 thing was the economy, cost of living, fuel prices, healthcare and food costs.”

Stung by Trump, machinists union campaigns for affordability in midterms
Europe
BBC Business

OpenAI bots meddled with multiple US government agency sites

OpenAI has acknowledged that it alerted "dozens" of global institutions that their websites may have been meddled with by its AI bots acting improperly. AI agents attempted to get information from "governments, universities, public agencies, and other institutions", including the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Census Bureau and Education Department, the company said. The disclosures come days after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that OpenAI agents had breached non-public files on the website of its government-run health care scheme. Since August, public fears have grown over the potentially serious, even life-threatening, impacts of AI tools falling outside of human control. OpenAI said that some of the data was accessed by AI agents, essentially bots that are designed and trained to operate somewhat autonomously, which were working to find "authoritative sources of public information". But the company noted that some of the bots went beyond that and worked to bypass security measures on websites. When attempting to get information from the Census Bureau, for instance, AI agents used tools reserved for software developers to access it, the company said. However, it noted that information that its bots accessed from the SEC, which regulates the US stock market and protects investors, was later published by AI agents on another website. OpenAI says this action was not intended. In other instances that OpenAI disclosed on Friday, its AI agents transferred data when it should not have. Such activity resulted in at least 53 incidents where an OpenAI agent took an image from ChatGPT user activity and transferred it elsewhere. The company said that in each instance of a user image being used and transferred by an AI agent, the user had opted in to allow OpenAI to train models using their data. It added that the leak of user images occurred before it had put in place new safeguards on AI training, and it was working to get all the user images transferred to any third-party removed.

OpenAI bots meddled with multiple US government agency sites
Europe
BBC Business

Will Trump's AI rebrand to 'super intelligence' catch on?

US President Donald Trump says the term artificial intelligence (AI) makes the technology "sound fake" and wants it to be called "super intelligence". "Welcome to the new world of super intelligence - SI," Trump said during a wide-ranging speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. While some people close to the president immediately started to use the term, experts have told the BBC it is unlikely to gain widespread traction in the industry because it is a name typically used to refer to more advanced systems. The announcement is Trump's latest rebranding move after he had the names of Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico changed on US maps and federal communications. "From this point forward, all of United States' documents, and hopefully the world's, will be changed to use the more accurate term 'super' as opposed to 'artificial'. So it's 'super intelligence'," Trump said. In the past week, Trump asked his social media followers to vote on other potential new names for AI including superior intelligence, extreme intelligence and supreme intelligence. After a series of polls on his Truth Social platform, super intelligence came out as the winner. The purpose of renaming AI - and whether it will be adopted by the technology industry - is unclear. AI refers to computer technology that allows machines to do tasks that usually require human thinking. The term is often linked to the author and philosopher Nick Bostrom, who more than a decade ago defined the idea as an "intellect" that is superior to humans in all forms. It is still entirely hypothetical. The rebranding is "misleading", as super intelligence typically refers to a system that has the ability to improve by itself, said digital ethics lecturer Simon Coghlan from The University of Melbourne. "I doubt 'SI' will stick, in part because it exaggerates the current capacities of AI," he said.

Will Trump's AI rebrand to 'super intelligence' catch on?
North America
CNBC Finance

McDonald's is hosting an investor day as its U.S. business struggles. Here are 4 things to expect

McDonald's is expected to share more details about its new strategy to win back diners at its investor day on Wednesday in Chicago. The company unveiled its new global growth plan, called McDonald's > NEXT, in June at its biennial worldwide convention for franchisees. Pillars of the strategy include a new restaurant design, better-tasting food and drinks and consumer-led innovation. But executives have otherwise offered few details, holding back until Wednesday's event. Nearly three years after McDonald's previous investor day, the presentation comes after McDonald's U.S. business disappointed in its most recent quarter. The chain's same-store sales increased just 0.8%, and traffic to its restaurants fell. CEO Chris Kempczinski said that the problems were due to shortcomings in execution, like a mixed implementation of its value offerings, rather than issues with the chain's overall strategy. Skye Anderson, who was tapped as president of McDonald's U.S. business in the wake of the weak quarter, will likely speak on Wednesday. Kempczinski, Anderson and the rest of the McDonald's executive team will have to win over investors, who are increasingly skeptical that the fast-food giant can win over diners in the near term. Over the past 12 months, the stock has fallen 18%, dragging McDonald's market value down to about $175 billion. The S&P 500 has climbed 16% in the same period, as optimism about artificial intelligence has offset concerns about the financial health of consumers. Over the past two years, value has become all-important to restaurants, which are competing over a smaller pool of customers who care about both price and experience. While chains like Taco Bell and Chili's have thrived, McDonald's has struggled recently as its value offerings got lost among its other promotional messages. Plus, its franchisees have pushed back against discounts, which grow sales but eat into operators' profits, especially as high beef prices raise expenses. Only about two-thirds of McDonald's U.S. franchisees implemented its recent "under $3 menu," executives said in August. For its part, McDonald's lets franchisees set their own prices, but the company assesses how operators' menu prices help deliver value. Analysts expect that McDonald's will continue to emphasize value, and franchisees' cooperation will be key to its success. "We expect MCD to use this event to make it clear to franchisees that adherence to pricing recommendations will be a key factor in evaluating agreement renewals," Citi Research analyst Jon Tower wrote in a note to clients with his investor day predictions. Tower also cut his price target for the company to $310 per share from $345 a share, citing investor concerns about franchisees' buy-in for the company's overall strategy. Besides value, McDonald's is also looking to attract diners through menu offerings with elevated taste and quality.

McDonald's is hosting an investor day as its U.S. business struggles. Here are 4 things to expect
Europe
BBC Business

IMF tells advanced economies to 'bring debt down' as borrowing costs rise

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the IMF, issued a warning on debt levels at the UN general assembly meeting in New York City. The world's advanced economies including the UK and US need to cut borrowing and reduce debt levels following weeks of spiralling government interest costs, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned. In an exclusive interview, Kristalina Georgieva said global economic shocks had been "pushing debt levels up like a staircase not to heaven" but that governments had taken "no action to contain that service cost". "[It's] time to take that action," she said, adding that "courage" was needed by politicians to take the necessary steps. The intervention comes as government borrowing costs have surged in response to wars disrupting the supply of oil, which has fuelled inflation. Higher global borrowing costs have hit the UK government in the run-up to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first Budget next month, with speculation building over potential tax and spending policies. The latest figures show borrowing - the difference between tax receipts and government spending - was £18.3bn ($24.4bn) in August, almost a fifth higher than the year before and higher than official forecasts. Meanwhile debt interest for the month was the highest August figure since monthly records began in 1997. Higher borrowing costs have also hit the US, the world's largest economy, which has seen its debt pile surpass $40tn. The amount has doubled within the space of a decade, prompting concerns at home and abroad. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Georgieva said the IMF's message to advanced economies was that while there were economic factors occurring outside the control of governments, they did have command over domestic policies. "There are these two things that must be done: bring debt levels down, put fiscal consolidation as a priority, and make sure that the central banks deliver on their mandate for price stability," she said. "It is impossible to stress strongly enough how critical it is to get the courage to take the steps that are necessary. These are politically tough steps to take, but necessary steps to take." Asked specifically about the UK's higher interest costs compared to other major economies, Georgieva said its position was "not very different" from others.

IMF tells advanced economies to 'bring debt down' as borrowing costs rise
North America
CNBC Finance

Qantas to start selling tickets next year for its New York to Sydney nonstop flight

Qantas Airways plans to start selling seats on its first nonstop between New York and Sydney next August, with flights set to launch in 2028, as the Australian carrier fills out the details for another marathon route with a special Airbus plane. The route will take about 18 hours, which puts it close to what is currently the world's longest flight. The route that has that designation right now, nonstop service on Singapore Airlines from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Singapore, can top 19 hours. But Qantas is set to take the crown next fall when it debuts nonstops between London Heathrow and Sydney that take about 20 hours. Flight times vary based on direction and time of year. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson told CNBC that the new flights come after strong demand for another ultra-long-haul route: its Perth, Australia, to London service, which is more than 17 hours and is flown on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. "What we have been able to learn from that is that there is absolutely a customer who wants this and is prepared to pay a premium for it," she said in an interview in New York, adding that travelers are trying to avoid having to connect in other airports. The Qantas Airbus A350-1000 ULR, which stands for ultra-long range, will be equipped with first class, business class, premium economy and standard economy cabins. Those aircraft have an extra fuel tank for the trip. Singapore Airlines, meanwhile, operates its New York to Singapore flight with only business class and premium economy seats. As part of its ultra-long-haul program, which it calls Project Sunrise, Qantas spent years working with sleep scientists to study jet lag. Hudson said the carrier has looked at ways to minimize the effects of traveling long distances by using things like different lighting schemes so customers can get used to the time zone at their destination. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. Global Business and Financial News, Stock Quotes, and Market Data and Analysis.

Qantas to start selling tickets next year for its New York to Sydney nonstop flight
Europe
BBC Business

Clubs seek legal advice over Man City charges compensation

Premier League clubs are seeking legal advice about compensation after Manchester City were found guilty of the vast majority of 115 breaches of financial rules they had been accused of by the Premier League. Sanctions on the club are yet to be announced, but repercussions could include a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League or a huge fine. BBC Sport has been told that the club will appeal. The news that City had been found guilty was broken by the Athletic,, external which reported that 114 of the 115 counts were upheld. It came 1,327 days after City were charged by the Premier League in February 2023 following a four-year investigation, and 22 months since a hearing by an independent commission concluded. No official announcement has been made by the Premier League, which has declined to comment. BBC Sport has been told the independent panel has ruled, and the majority of the charges have been upheld. Manchester City were accused of a wide-range of rule breaches which centred around claims that they inflated sponsorship revenue from connected companies and made other "off the books" payments to circumvent football's financial rules. The seismic decisions have left a huge number of questions about what will happen next, what City's punishment might be and how the current season will be affected. And one possibility emerging is that rival Premier League sides may take legal action for compensation, claiming they have been impacted by City's actions. A number of sides, prior to Friday's news, had already started seeking advice over whether they would have a case for financial compensation. One source, who held a senior executive position at one Premier League club before moving to another, said they expected clubs to submit individual compensation claims against Manchester City. However, another leading lawyer told the BBC that process could even be centralised by the league.

Clubs seek legal advice over Man City charges compensation
Europe
BBC Business

Could an iced coffee freeze you out of the job market?

The question on the internet's lips this week started life, as many do, in a TikTok video. "Don't waltz into your interview all casual with an iced coffee, it just looks like you didn't have time to finish your coffee beforehand," said US recruiter Caitlin Wehniainen. It's what her Gen Z job candidates are doing, she said, warning it makes it look like the interview is "just a stop on your list of errands for the day". The post has started what Wehniainen calls the Great Iced Coffee Debate of 2026. Some believe turning up with an iced matcha latte in hand is a cardinal sin. They say it's unprofessional, too informal, and a distraction. Others feel this is an overreaction - distracting from how difficult it is to secure a job - or even just get an interview in the first place. In a subsequent LinkedIn post, Wehniainen says she "was never saying that bringing coffee makes someone a bad candidate. Hanad, 28, works for an energy supplier in London. He likes iced coffee but wouldn't bring one to an interview. "A job interview is all about first impressions," he says. "Anything can deter the employer from employing you. "Iced coffee is something a lot of teens drink… it would look immature and too informal." He would never bring along an energy drink for the same reasons. But he says water or a hot coffee would be okay. His colleague Tsvetina, 24, thinks a potential employee shouldn't be judged by what they bring to the interview, nor their dress code.

Could an iced coffee freeze you out of the job market?
Europe
BBC Business

Man City found guilty of breaking financial rules

Manchester City have been found guilty of breaking the majority of the 115 financial rules they were accused of breaching. The Athletic , externalis reporting that the sanctions have not been decided but that the independent panel has reached its decision, finding the club guilty of all but one count. Instead they released a statement saying the "Premier League process remains ongoing with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality". "The club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League board and executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence," it added. BBC Sport has also been told that, in the event of being found guilty, City will appeal against the findings. Other Premier League clubs are believed to have been informed about the independent panel's decision and have sought legal advice as to whether they would have a compensation claim. In February 2023, City were charged with more than 100 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules following a four-year investigation. The club was referred to an independent commission over allegations it breached financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The hearing began in September 2024 behind closed doors and concluded that December after around 12 weeks. The Premier League claimed City breached rules requiring the club to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position". City strongly denied all charges and have said their case is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence". The club won eight trophies in the period covered by the case, including three Premier League titles, three League Cups, one Community Shield and one FA Cup.

Man City found guilty of breaking financial rules