Daily English Article — July 17, 2026

United Airlines reported second-quarter results that surpassed Wall Street expectations, though soaring fuel costs continue to weigh heavily on the carrier's financial outlook. The airline's revenue climbed 16% year-over-year to $17.67 billion, and total unit revenue grew 12.1%, marking the strongest such growth since early 2023. Despite the positive top-line figures, net income fell more than 17% to $805 million, or $2.46 per share, as rising operating expenses offset much of the revenue gain.

The most significant headwind facing United is the dramatic increase in jet fuel prices, which have surged 34% in July alone amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Jet fuel is an airline's second-largest cost after labor, and United estimates that higher fuel prices could add nearly $6 billion to its total expenses this year compared with expectations at the start of 2026. Second-quarter fuel costs alone rose 84% from the prior year, reaching $2.3 billion.

United forecast third-quarter adjusted earnings per share of between $2.50 and $3.50, falling short of analysts' estimates of $3.60. For the full year, the airline projects adjusted earnings per share of $9 to $11, the upper end of the $7 to $11 range it had previously forecast in April. The company noted that since the beginning of July, volatile fuel prices have already impacted third-quarter adjusted earnings by $1.12 per share.

To manage the fuel cost burden, United said it plans to pass on up to 90% of higher costs to passengers this quarter and all of it in the fourth quarter. Rival Delta Air Lines has announced a similar strategy. Despite higher fares, both airlines report that passenger demand has remained robust. United also warned that it could further reduce capacity plans for the year if fuel costs remain elevated.

CEO Scott Kirby emphasized that the broader economy remains strong, describing United as a reliable real-time economic indicator given its wide passenger base. He noted that fares are rising not solely due to fuel but also because of increased costs in maintenance, labor, and airport fees. Premium, corporate, and basic economy ticket revenues all improved in the quarter, alongside gains in both domestic and international unit revenues.

Love and Deepspace, the sci-fi fantasy otome game developed by Chinese studio Papergames, has become a global phenomenon since its release, surpassing 80 million downloads worldwide and generating over one billion dollars in revenue through its gacha mechanics. The game, which centers on romantic storylines with a cast of male characters, built a massive player base before many in the wider gaming press had even encountered it. Its immaculately produced content and emotionally engaging narratives have cultivated an intensely loyal community.

In recent months, the game has attracted heightened scrutiny following a controversy surrounding the cancellation of a new werewolf love interest named Valko. The character was pulled before his in-game debut for multiple reasons, including concerns raised by Chinese authorities that promotional material appeared to glorify breaking and entering. The incident sparked widespread debate within and beyond the Love and Deepspace community, drawing new attention to the game's handling of sensitive issues and its approach to its diverse fan base.

The controversy brought renewed focus to a separate incident reported by GameSpot journalist Jessica Cogswell. While covering the game's second anniversary event in New York City in January, Cogswell was reportedly asked by PR staff, accompanied by a representative from publisher Infold, to exclude footage of male attendees from her coverage. The stated reason was concern that such footage might create the perception that the game endorses or embraces same-sex relationships.

Cogswell declined to comply with the request, noting that while the event's attendees were overwhelmingly female, a smaller percentage of men were also present. She says event staff appeared sympathetic and seemed aware that asking a journalist to restrict her coverage in this way was inappropriate. Following the exchange, Cogswell observed that her PR handlers began following her more closely for the remainder of the event, while other press members were not subjected to the same level of supervision.

Since Infold took over public relations duties internally earlier this year, Cogswell says she has received far fewer coverage opportunities and less outreach from the company, though she is uncertain whether this is directly connected to the New York incident. The author of the piece, himself a gay man, expressed shock at the company's reported conduct. He acknowledged some nuance given Papergames' Chinese origins and the regulatory environment in which it operates, but argued the situation nonetheless raises legitimate concerns about inclusivity and press freedom.