Disney's strong quarter driven by 'Toy Story 5' and the draw of its US theme parks
Disney’s solid third quarter was driven by a $1 billion box office haul from “Toy Story 5” and the draw of its U.S. theme parks that helped to offset continued weakness from international tourism. Disney also announced a global short-form content sharing deal with TikTok on Wednesday. The agreement will bring Disney-focused fan-created content from TikTok to the Disney+ app. Shares climbed more than 3% before the market opened. Disney cautioned earlier this year that its theme parks division would likely see modest growth due in part to declining tourism from abroad. International tourism in the U.S. has waned due to President Donald Trump tariffs, a crackdown on immigrants, and repeated jabs at overseas allies.
France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week
PARIS (AP) — France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week following years of people's complaints. The new law aims to protect consumers from intrusive calls and fraud. It goes into effect on Aug. 11. Previously, people had to opt out of marketing calls. Now companies making illegal calls face hefty fines. Exceptions include calls to existing customers or those who have given explicit consent. Similar measures have been implemented in neighboring Germany. Other countries like the United States and Britain rely on opt-out systems.
US stocks hold near records on hopes of an agreement with Iran
NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks held close to their records on Wall Street, while oil prices were relatively steady. The S&P 500 slipped 0.2% Wednesday from the all-time high it set a day earlier. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.5%, and the Nasdaq composite lost 0.8%. SpaceX sank after increasing its spending on artificial intelligence. The Walt Disney Co. rose after reporting results that beat analysts’ forecasts, helped by “Toy Story 5.” European markets were mixed. Treasury yields slipped in the bond market. The price of Brent crude was little changed at about $79 a barrel.
US suspends avocado inspections in Mexican state of Michoacan due to threat
MEXICO CITY (AP) — The United States says it has suspended all government operations in the Mexican state of Michoacan because of a “threat to U.S. interests." The embassy did not specify the nature of the threat in the announcement Wednesday. However, Michoacan Gov. Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla said the temporary halt to inspections was intended to safeguard workers following recent arrests linked to extortion. The inspections are necessary for avocados to be shipped to the United States and their suspension will disrupt exports. Michoacan is the leading exporter of avocados to the U.S. and has a high level of organized crime activity.
Climate change squeezes Malaysian durian growers as they chase China's booming market
KARAK, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian durian farmers face challenges as climate change impacts their crops. Growers like Stephen Chow struggle with erratic weather and rising costs. In 2021, heavy flooding damaged 100 of Chow's trees and machinery. Persistent rain over the next three years reduced yields. This year, high temperatures and a drier season required more pruning, watering and fertilization. An oversupply of durians in Malaysia has also driven prices down, making him likely to lose money this year. Other farmers are turning to technology to monitor conditions and adapt to climate change. An expert is advising farmers to prepare for the impact of this year's El Nino, which is expected to bring warmer temperature.
Federal judge lets Utah enforce its anti-gambling laws on the prediction market Kalshi
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah can enforce its strict anti-gambling laws on prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket under a federal court ruling. Kalshi had asked a federal judge to prevent the state from enforcing restrictions on the platform. The lawsuit came as Utah was on the verge of enacting legislation intended to undercut prediction market operations. U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby rejected Kalshi’s request to block the Utah restrictions Tuesday. Utah has been on the front lines of a battle between states and the federal government over who regulates the markets. The legal landscape is fragmented, with courts blocking restrictions in several states and allowing them in others.
This African city thought cable cars could fix its traffic gridlock. It was wrong
ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar (AP) — Madagascar's capital hoped to solve its traffic gridlock with a cable car system that carried commuters above it. But the cables now hang useless in what might be an expensive mistake. The $173 million system in Antananarivo was unveiled in 2024 and opened to the public in 2025 as a pet project of the president who was later ousted in a coup. Officials said it could ease pressure in one of Africa's many fast-growing cities. But ordinary commuters have avoided it over cost and other concerns. It shows the complications of upgrading strained transport systems in a continent that has the fastest urbanization rates.
Rising temperatures could keep more flights from taking off on time
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Clear blue skies don’t always mean smooth flying. Extreme heat also can disrupt flights and travel plans. American Airlines recently offered compensation to customers who voluntarily gave up their seats after temperatures reached 114 degrees Fahrenheit in Las Vegas. Aviation experts say air becomes thinner when it's extremely hot, and that makes it harder for airplanes to take off safely. An AP analysis found Phoenix and Las Vegas are experiencing more days with temperatures reaching at least 110 degrees than they did decades ago. Heat-related challenges also can affect airports with shorter runways or at higher elevations when the weather isn't that severe. Researchers say human-caused climate change could make such disruptions more common.
Crews remove the granite seal on the White House helipad, signaling potential project delays
WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction crews have taken apart the massive granite seal for the new White House helipad, signaling potential delays. Photos by The Associated Press on Wednesday show workers using a jackhammer on the helipad, which no longer has the dark gray trim of a presidential seal. It’s unclear why the seal was removed. President Donald Trump’s administration says improvements are ongoing to meet White House needs. The president has said the helipad is necessary because new, more powerful Marine One helicopters damage the South Lawn grass. The helipad is part of a long list of renovations, including a new ballroom and changes to the Rose Garden and Oval Office.
Iran and the US say a Strait of Hormuz deal is close, but one or both would have to back down
CAIRO (AP) — Iran and Oman have moved closer to an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal to reopen the critical waterway could be announced soon. The strait's closure has driven up global fuel prices. Regional officials tell the AP that Iranian and Omani negotiators have finalized a draft deal to reopen the strait, pending approval from Iran’s supreme leader. Meanwhile, new tensions have emerged in Lebanon as the Israeli military issued the first evacuation warning in weeks for some residents in the south.
