World War II veteran Charles Cram, who witnessed the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima, is recognized at Disneyland’s Flag Retreat as family looks on. (Disney Experiences)
New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro outlined a new growth strategy for the entertainment giant as the company announced its quarterly results, which includes a focus on investing in content as well as technology.
D’Amaro, who succeeded former Disney CEO Bob Iger in mid-March, said in a letter to shareholders that Disney’s long-term strategy will revolve around three pillars including investing in intellectual property and creativity, reaching and engaging more consumers around the world, and using advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to power storytelling and increase monetization.
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Disney has been undergoing a costly investment in streaming, as well as content, technology and marketing for the platforms and programs that are on them. D’Amaro said that AI and other technology will be used to boost efficiencies across the company.
“We view advanced technologies, including AI, as a meaningful long-term opportunity. We see opportunities for AI to play a role across five areas of our business: content creation and production, monetization, workforce productivity, guest and consumer experiences and enterprise operations,” D’Amaro wrote.
Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro outlined the growth strategy for the entertainment giant in a letter to shareholders. (Aurore Marechal/Getty Images)
“At the same time, we are committed to implementing AI in a way that keeps human creativity at the center of everything we do and respects creators and the value of our intellectual property,” he explained, noting that the company won’t proceed with a planned investment in OpenAI after it shut down its Sora platform. D’Amaro added that Disney continues to explore opportunities to work with OpenAI and other firms.
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D’Amaro noted that revenue growth in its subscription video on demand category, which includes streaming platforms, reached double-digits for the first time in the latest quarter. He said the gains were driven by last year’s rate adjustments and volume growth through international wholesale agreements, and Disney is now targeting at least 10% growth for the full year.
“There is no single initiative that will fully optimize our streaming business on its own. Rather, we believe the compounding benefits of many incremental improvements over time will increase engagement and improve retention,” D’Amaro wrote.
Disney launched Verts on Disney+ in March to boost discoverability and drive more interaction among platform users, which D’Amaro said is an ongoing effort that may lead to variability in results between quarters but has the company “encouraged by the momentum we see.”
Disney is continuing to invest in streaming platforms. (AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
He added that ESPN is early in the process of monetizing its direct-to-consumer offerings, and that the sports network is viewed as a “meaningful opportunity over time as we expand both the content offering and the consumer proposition for the ESPN Unlimited plan.”
The shareholder letter cited “Zootopia 2” as an example of intellectual property that generates value across distribution platforms.
D’Amaro said the movie generated $1.9 billion in global box office, while the franchise passed 1 billion hours streamed on the Disney+ streaming service and is driving engagement at theme parks, cruise ships and retail.
White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to break down soaring markets, falling oil prices, U.S.-Iran progress, and a strong economy driven by tax policy, investment and consumer spending.
PayPal is reportedly weighing cuts of up to 20% of its workforce as the payments giant ramps up cost-cutting efforts under new leadership.
The potential layoffs come as PayPal faces mounting pressure on profitability despite continued revenue growth.
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FOX Business reached out to PayPal for comment.
Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal reported that the company could cut as much as one-fifth of its staff as part of a broader restructuring push.
New CEO Enrique Lores, who took over in March, is pushing to streamline operations and cut costs, including through greater use of artificial intelligence, Reuters reported.
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PayPal said those efforts are expected to generate roughly $1.5 billion in savings over the next two to three years, which it plans to reinvest into growth.
A PayPal sign is seen at its headquarters on Jan. 30, 2024, in San Jose, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The company has been grappling with intensifying competition from Big Tech and newer players such as Klarna and Stripe, while growth has cooled following a pandemic-era surge in digital payments, according to Reuters.
PayPal said it is working to “simplify” its organization and improve efficiency, with disclosures pointing to workforce reductions as part of broader restructuring efforts.
Burger King fast food hamburger restaurant in Miami, Fla.
Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images
Restaurant Brands International on Wednesday reported better-than-expected earnings and revenue, fueled by another quarter of strong international growth and a successful turnaround at Burger King U.S.
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But there are some potential challenges ahead for the company, like high beef costs that will likely stay that way longer than Restaurant Brands originally anticipated and weakening consumer sentiment as a result of the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.
Shares of the company fell roughly 5% in morning trading.
Here’s what the company reported compared with what Wall Street was expecting, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:
Earnings per share: 86 cents adjusted vs. 82 cents expected
Revenue: $2.26 billion vs. $2.24 billion expected
Restaurant Brands reported first-quarter net income attributable to common shareholders of $338 million, or 97 cents per share, up from $159 million, or 49 cents per share, a year earlier.
Excluding nonrecurring expenses and other items, the restaurant company earned 86 cents per share.
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Revenuerose 7% to $2.26 billion.
Restaurant Brands’ same-store sales increased 3.2% in the quarter, driven by strong growth at Burger King’s U.S. locations and the company’s international restaurants.
Outside of the U.S. and Canada, Restaurant Brands’ international business saw same-store sales jump 5.7%, beating the estimates of 5.1% growth projected by Wall Street analysts surveyed by StreetAccount. International Burger King restaurants, which represents the bulk of the segment, saw same-store sales increase 5.4%.
Burger King reported same-store sales growth of 5.8%, topping StreetAccount estimates of a 3.5% increase. The chain’s U.S. business has been renovating its restaurants, upgrading its Whopper ingredients and offering consistent value items.
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“There are notable successes in the industry right now, and that includes Burger King, and they’re putting up great numbers,” Restaurant Brands Chair Patrick Doyle said on the call. “And there are others in the industry where things are clearly getting worse and they are losing market share.”
Tim Hortons’ same-store sales ticked up 1.6%, below StreetAccount estimates of 2.5% growth. Restaurant Brands CEO Josh Kobza said snowstorms in January and consumers’ broader economic concerns weighed on sales for the Canadian coffee chain, although it still outperformed the broader coffee category in Canada.
Popeyes was the laggard of the portfolio again for the quarter. The fried chicken chain reported same-store sales declines of 6.5%, a steeper decrease than the 1.5% slide forecast by Wall Street and its biggest quarterly drop in years.
Faced with stiffer competition and more value-conscious consumers, Popeyes is trying to revive sales by focusing on its operations and core menu items. The chain’s same-store sales should start growing again by the second half of the year, Kobza told analysts on the conference call.
Developer argues site meets ‘grey belt’ criteria and cause only minor harm
Belinda Ryan and Local Democracy Reporter
16:00, 06 May 2026
Bellway Homes wants to build up to 70 homes on land west of Wilmslow Road at Alderley Edge(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Plans have been submitted for up to 70 homes on green belt land at Alderley Edge.
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Bellway Homes wants to build the dwellings on 3.18 hectares of pastoral agricultural land west of Wilmslow Road.
Access to the development would be via a priority T-junction from Wilmslow Road.
A design and access statement, submitted with the outline application, states: “The scheme demonstrates the future ability to include detached, semi-detached and mews style two to five-bed dwellings, up to 2.5 storeys in height with associated car parking and landscaping.”
The proposals include 45 per cent affordable housing, about 0.92 hectares of landscaping, public open space and ecological areas and ‘significant’ area of public open space across the site, according to the planning statement.
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The planning statement, submitted by Savills on behalf of the applicant, says the proposed development is in a sustainable location within walking and cycling distance of key services and facilities, as well as active travel and public transport options.
It also argues the site meets grey belt criteria and so would not be inappropriate development in the green belt.
“The scheme would result in the delivery of up to 70 homes at a time when the council cannot demonstrate a requisite level of housing land supply for the five-year period,” says the planning statement.
“The proposals also deliver 45 per cent affordable homes.
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“Other moderate and minor benefits are associated with economic impacts, provision of new publicly accessible open space, and biodiversity net gain.”
The application site for up to 70 homes on land west of Wilmslow Road at Alderley Edge(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
It acknowledges ‘minor harm’ in terms of localised landscape and visual impact, and contravention to the out-of-date open countryside policy.
But it says ‘these limited harms do not outweigh the significant benefits’.
The planning document concludes: “The site represents a much-needed residential development in a sustainable location which has been designed to be in keeping with the character of surrounding area and land uses.”
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The application, number 26/1143/OUT, can be viewed on the planning portal on Cheshire East Council’s website.
The last date for submitting comments is May 27.
To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.
LONDON — Catherine, Princess of Wales, will travel to northern Italy next week for a two-day solo working visit, marking her first official overseas royal engagement since undergoing cancer treatment and signaling another major milestone in her steady return to public duties.
Princess of Wales Heads to Italy: Kate’s First Overseas Trip Since Cancer Treatment AFP
Kensington Palace announced Wednesday that the 44-year-old future queen will visit Reggio Emilia on May 13 and 14 to explore the city’s world-renowned approach to early childhood education and development. The trip aligns with her lifelong passion for supporting young children and expands the international reach of The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.
This will be Catherine’s first overseas royal trip since accompanying Prince William to Boston in December 2022. She has not undertaken extended foreign engagements in more than three years, following her cancer diagnosis announced in March 2024.
A Passion Project Goes Global
The Reggio Emilia approach, developed in the Italian city after World War II, emphasizes child-led learning, creativity, strong relationships and environments where “nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development,” according to palace statements. Catherine is expected to meet educators, parents, children and local leaders during the visit.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said the princess is “very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand” the innovative methods. The trip represents a “significant next step” in taking her early years work onto the global stage.
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Catherine launched The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021 to highlight the critical importance of the first five years of life. She has described it as her life’s work, driven by research showing that positive early experiences shape lifelong outcomes in health, education and emotional well-being.
Cancer Battle and Gradual Return
Catherine revealed in March 2024 that she had undergone major abdominal surgery in January of that year, followed by preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer. She stepped back from public duties during treatment but shared emotional updates, including a powerful video message in March 2024 and confirmation in January 2025 that she was in remission.
Her return to royal life has been carefully paced. She rejoined family appearances at Trooping the Colour in June 2025, attended Wimbledon, and gradually increased her workload throughout 2025 and early 2026. Recent engagements in London showed her in good spirits as she prepared for the Italy trip.
The solo nature of the Italy visit underscores her growing confidence in resuming a fuller schedule while managing energy levels post-treatment. Palace aides have emphasized that her health remains the priority, with all travel and activities planned accordingly.
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Significance for the Royal Family
The announcement comes at a time when the monarchy is navigating multiple transitions. King Charles III continues his own cancer treatment and recovery, while Prince William balances increased responsibilities with support for his wife. The couple’s three children — Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 11, and Prince Louis, 8 — are expected to remain in the UK during the short trip.
Royal watchers see the Italy visit as symbolic of Catherine’s resilience and commitment to her patronages. It also highlights Britain’s soft power through cultural and educational diplomacy, building on longstanding ties with Italy.
Fans and well-wishers reacted with joy online, praising Catherine’s dedication. Many noted the personal significance of her returning to international duties after a challenging period. “This is wonderful news — Kate is an inspiration,” one social media user commented.
Looking Ahead
Details of the itinerary remain limited, but the two-day program is expected to include site visits to early childhood centers, discussions with experts and opportunities to observe classroom practices. No formal state elements are planned, keeping the focus on her charitable work.
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The trip follows Catherine’s recent domestic engagements and comes ahead of a busy summer schedule that may include more high-profile appearances with the family. It also sets the stage for potential future joint overseas tours with Prince William.
Catherine’s openness about her health journey has resonated widely, raising awareness about cancer and encouraging others facing similar battles. Her emphasis on early childhood remains a consistent thread, even as she balances recovery with royal responsibilities.
As the Princess of Wales prepares for her journey to Reggio Emilia, the visit promises not only to advance her signature cause but also to showcase her strength and optimism after a deeply personal health challenge. For a woman who has become one of the most admired figures in the royal family, this return to the international stage feels like a hopeful new chapter.
Italy, with its rich history and pioneering educational philosophy, provides a fitting backdrop for Catherine’s first post-treatment overseas mission. As she steps onto foreign soil once more, the world will be watching a princess who has faced adversity with grace and emerged more committed than ever to making a difference for the youngest members of society.
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