There’s no back-to-normal for CEO pandemic perks

Jack Watkin, 26, dubbed the ‘Kardashian of Cheshire,’ has pleaded guilty to six counts of fraud, conning friends and family, including his father, out of £200,000 under the pretense of investing in Hermes handbags for profit, which never materialized. Instead, he spent the money on a lavish lifestyle, including over £100,000 at luxury hotels, and now faces a prison sentence. Need More Context? 🔎

Fifteen-year-old Lauchlan McCabe is unable to attend his Grade 9 graduation due to leukemia treatment at the IWK Health Centre, but his classmates and family organized a special ceremony to celebrate him. This heartfelt event underscores the support and solidarity of his peers during a challenging time in his life. Need More Context? 🔎

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed Beijing's support for Iran's national sovereignty and security, advocating for a genuine ceasefire and normalization of life for civilians amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, he emphasized collaboration and a UN role in peace efforts, while Araghchi condemned US and Israeli actions as breaches of international law. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang...

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy warned corporate employees that AI will significantly reduce the workforce in the coming years due to efficiency gains, prompting backlash from staff who expressed concerns over job displacement and reliance on AI technology. While Jassy encouraged adaptation to these changes, employees questioned whether leadership would face similar cuts, noting an expansion in senior roles during his tenure. Need More Context? 🔎

The Fourth of July holiday is projected to see a record 72.2 million travelers, with 5.84 million flying domestically and 61.6 million traveling by car, both increases from last year. Despite the surge, domestic airfare is at a four-year low of $260, and summer gas prices are the lowest since 2021. Need More Context? 🔎

The EU is preparing to leverage a "credible threat" of retaliation against US tariffs in ongoing trade negotiations, as warned by Bjoern Seibert, chief of staff to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. With Trump threatening a 50% tariff unless a deal is reached by July 9, EU officials are considering tariffs on €95bn of US goods and other measures, while acknowledging challenges in eliminating existing US tariffs. Need More Context? 🔎