No beer: Iconic baseball stadium faces worker strike

Germany's unemployment numbers ticked up in June, but not as much as analysts had feared. While more people were out of work compared to the previous month, the rise was smaller than predicted—a silver lining in an otherwise sluggish economic climate.

Editor’s Note: Unemployment is always a touchy subject, but this slight miss on forecasts suggests Germany’s job market might be holding up better than expected. It’s not exactly cause for celebration, but it could signal some resilience in Europe’s largest economy, especially with all the global uncertainty right now.

The UK’s parental leave and pay policies are under review after campaigners argued the current system has been neglected for too long. Advocates say improving support for new parents is an obvious win—calling it a "no-brainer"—but it’s unclear what changes might come next.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about bureaucracy—it’s about how families balance work and childcare in those critical early months. If the system gets an upgrade, it could ease financial stress for parents and even boost workforce retention. But if the review drags or delivers weak reforms, critics will likely call it a missed opportunity. Either way, it’s a sign this long-ignored issue is finally getting attention.

France's manufacturing sector took another hit in June, according to the final Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data. The numbers show a continued slowdown, meaning factories are producing less, demand is slipping, and the overall health of the sector is looking shaky. It’s not a sudden collapse, but the trend isn’t encouraging—this marks another month of decline in an already struggling industry.

Editor’s Note: Manufacturing is a key indicator of economic health, and when it weakens, it often signals broader trouble—like lower consumer demand or global trade slowdowns. For France, this adds pressure as Europe’s economy tries to regain momentum. If factories keep cutting back, it could mean fewer jobs, weaker growth, and tougher times ahead. Not great news for workers, investors, or policymakers trying to steer clear of a recession.

After a rough patch that saw German home prices tumble, they’ve now climbed for two quarters in a row—a sign the market might finally be stabilizing. It’s not a full rebound yet, but buyers and sellers are cautiously optimistic after a long downturn.

Editor’s Note: For anyone watching Germany’s housing market, this is a glimmer of hope. Prices had been sinking fast, spooking investors and homeowners alike. Two straight quarters of growth suggests the worst could be over, though it’s too early to call it a full recovery. If the trend holds, it could mean more confidence—and maybe even more activity—in a market that’s been stuck in limbo.

Tesla is seeing a sharp drop in new car registrations across Nordic countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark—markets where it once dominated. While the company hasn’t given an official reason, industry watchers point to growing competition from other EV brands, potential buyer fatigue with Tesla’s aging lineup, and even recent controversies around CEO Elon Musk.

Editor’s Note: Tesla’s slowdown in the Nordics is a big deal because these countries have been early adopters of EVs and were once strongholds for the brand. If even eco-conscious markets are cooling on Tesla, it could signal bigger challenges ahead—like losing ground to rivals or needing fresh models to reignite demand. For investors and EV shoppers, it’s a sign the electric car race is heating up, and Tesla might not have the same lead it once did.