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Showing posts from 2026

Funding approved to reduce cold deaths

Citizens Advice's Warm and Well scheme in North Yorkshire will receive the money over three years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WeI2HXK

Bill Gates pulls out of India's AI summit over Epstein files controversy

The Gates Foundation said the decision was made to "ensure the focus remains on the summit's key priorities". from BBC News https://ift.tt/cRekIqU

Key social issues identified in charity report

Each year, Citizens Advice selects social policy areas for analysis based on its clients' issues. from BBC News https://ift.tt/0m7lQsg

Bill Gates pulls out of India's AI summit over Epstein files controversy

The Gates Foundation said the decision was made to "ensure the focus remains on the summit's key priorities". from BBC News https://ift.tt/Q6jbuPi

Uncertainty for UK firms after US tariff ruling, experts say

UK firms are left in limbo after a court overrules many US tariffs but Donald Trump says he will reintroduce them from BBC News https://ift.tt/9ZPGmS2

UK agrees drone defence plan with four EU allies

The scheme will seek to take inspiration from Ukraine's drone manufacturing programme. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lfM0GSZ

New Year's sport supplement buying adds to January retail sales surge

Continuing strong sales from online jewellers after a recent spike in gold prices also helped drive the increase. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Nd5YrQx

Etsy sells second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2bn

The "pre-loved" fashion firm has been sold by Etsy just five years after it bought the firm. from BBC News https://ift.tt/EQlmYdR

Microsoft error sees confidential emails exposed to AI tool Copilot

The company says it has addressed the issue and it "did not provide anyone access to information they weren't already authorised to see". from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lg0ybQd

Reeves fixated on 'dysfunctional' borrowing rules, says IFS

The think tank suggests the chancellor's fiscal rules need to shift the focus from one key figure. from BBC News https://ift.tt/dgXpo5k

Defence giant BAE hails record sales as workers remain on strike

Defence company BAE has increased payouts to investors after its sales increased but staff in Lancashire have walked out over stalled pay talks from BBC News https://ift.tt/VYAblXf

Why youth unemployment is rising

Unemployment in the UK rose to its highest rate in nearly five years at the end of 2025 from BBC News https://ift.tt/kl7XhcV

Hyatt Hotels chairman steps down over Jeffrey Epstein ties

Billionaire Thomas Pritzker said he had exercised "terrible judgement" in keeping contact with Epstein. from BBC News https://ift.tt/WzwJIoG

Trump eyes Venezuela visit – but obstacles to his oil plan remain

The US president wants American energy firms to start extracting the crude but they are reluctant. from BBC News https://ift.tt/trSEJwH

Six of Sarah Ferguson's companies winding down

The move follows further revelations over her friendship with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. from BBC News https://ift.tt/H0jX2TU

Could Manchester be a model for the UK to kickstart growth?

With an annual growth rate of 3.1%, Manchester's economy has performed twice as well as that of the UK as a whole. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BcAwHZo

Get a grip: Robotics firms struggle to develop hands

Developing a durable and affordable hand is one of the biggest challenges in robotics. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LJW4lBp

Amazon's Ring ends deal with surveillance firm after backlash

A Super Bowl advert had sparked new scrutiny of the smart doorbell company's privacy practices. from BBC News https://ift.tt/olafHdX

The £10 tricks I used to make my rented room into a home

Talented tenants share decor hacks that won't cost you a fortune - or your deposit. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cvV7dU0

Last chance for pensioners to get free air fryers

The council has handed out 15,000 free air fryers help people with the cost of living. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GsipJkH

The Bottom Line

Why do private landlords attract so much criticism – and how fair is it? from BBC News https://ift.tt/AQxk5I9

The US economy is growing - so where are all the jobs?

As hiring rates and job openings drop, some worry a tough job market could be here to stay. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PRZdA4D

Taylor Swift asks US government to block 'Swift Home' trademark

Her team argued that a bedding firm's designs showed similarities to her trademarked signature. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PkNxvyz

Civil service pension backlog 'overwhelmed' Capita, boss says

Thousands of retiring civil servants have been left without pension payments causing hardship for some. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tEzOAUd

'Tens of thousands' affected by law firm collapse

The Solicitors Regulation Authority say an investigation into PM Law's collapse is ongoing. from BBC News https://ift.tt/AeRgSlq

Why food fraud persists, even with improving tech

Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods. from BBC News https://ift.tt/zKSupUV

Apple and Google agree to change app stores after 'effective duopoly' claim

The UK's markets regulator says the proposed commitments "will boost the UK's app economy". from BBC News https://ift.tt/10u58v3

The shadowy world of abandoned oil tankers

A growing number of tankers and other commercial vessels are being ditched by their owners. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rYv3HoR

Voluntary student loan repayments rise in England

Campaigners have criticised the terms of loans that were issued in England and still exist in Wales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GPtNJFc

Can robots ever be graceful?

Firms are working to make the motors that drive robots more efficient and cheaper. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lz5Kjbk

Epstein emails: So-called 'shady financier' was Andrew's 'trusted money man'

Andrew seemed keen for Epstein to do business with David Rowland, but Epstein was wary, emails suggest. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TQapVxv

Average house price tops £300,000 for first time, says Halifax

Halifax describes the figure as a "milestone", but potentially daunting for first-time buyers. from BBC News https://ift.tt/r501l4n

City volunteers seek drivers for meal deliveries

Friends of Di's Kitchen provides hundreds of meals each week in Wolverhampton. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SIDpcE0

Amazon shares fall as it joins Big Tech AI spending spree

Major firms collectively announce $650bn worth of investment in AI this week, rattling investors. from BBC News https://ift.tt/D19lWUi

Uber ordered to pay $8.5m over claim driver raped passenger

The verdict is expected to influence the outcome of thousands of other cases against the ride hailing firm. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BrvCNYh

Why Target is under fire over Minnesota ICE raids

Workers are writing letters, staging strikes and in some cases resigning over how bosses are handling the immigration crackdown. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IqaHfM5

Walmart becomes first retailer to hit $1tn market value

The milestone reflects the US retail giant's booming e-commerce business and investors' embrace of its AI investments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vq0cUTg

The Chinese planemaker taking on Boeing and Airbus

Comac's passenger jet is attracting customers in South East Asia where demand for affordable aircraft is growing. from BBC News https://ift.tt/StqEkVm

EU has 'open mind' on UK customs union debate, says commissioner

Valdis Dombrovskis says the EU is willing to engage with Britain amid mounting global uncertainty. from BBC News https://ift.tt/aRuK0E1

Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers

Chief executive Brian Niccol explains why he thinks AI will help the coffee giant regain its buzz. from BBC News https://ift.tt/mtMz1b9

Asda has lost its mojo and has a big fight to get it back

The industry data suggests that despite Asda embarking on a turnaround, it has been losing ground to rivals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/eEHzml5

Plan ahead and dress wisely: How to minimise add-on costs when you fly

Don't get swept into paying for extras you don't need. from BBC News https://ift.tt/vTDRp2c

School pantries mean 'food on table' for families

Food pantries are run by schools in North Yorkshire in a bid to help parents, and tackle food waste. from BBC News https://ift.tt/cCxaw0W

US Commerce Secretary Lutnick planned Epstein island visit, emails show

The emails show Lutnick and his family planned a trip to Little Saint James, a private island Epstein purchased in 1998. from BBC News https://ift.tt/3TUNisu

Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua among UK's top taxpayers

The former One Direction member-turned-solo artist appears on the Sunday Times list for the first time. from BBC News https://ift.tt/itYFrPd

Rare earths and data centres: India pushes local industry as global tensions rise

India's budget focuses on infrastructure and defence spending and tax breaks for data-centre investments. from BBC News https://ift.tt/lOmheNo

'We hope it's not the end': Firm behind Prince George's baby shoes warns it may close

The Leicester-based family firm of 73 years said it has been hit by "prices going up, but demand going down". from BBC News https://ift.tt/pe5Edtk

Trump says 'very dangerous' for UK to do business with China as Starmer lands in Shanghai

The US president's comments come as Sir Keir Starmer arrives in Shanghai on the third day of his visit to China. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K09j8Rb

Millions to get £150 off energy bills for further five years

The government has confirmed the discount for six million low-income households will continue for the rest of the decade. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C9NnYK3

AI boom will produce victors and carnage, tech boss warns

Cisco chief executive Chuck Robbins compares AI to the dotcom bubble of the early 2000s. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZIofJaY

Vulnerable missing out on benefits due to online tool

Benefits calculators can leave some people confused and in a dire financial state, say campaigners. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YgXftDs

Vulnerable missing out on benefits due to online tool

Benefits calculators can leave some people confused and in a dire financial state, say campaigners. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YgXftDs

Watch: Why Trump is hitting the road to rally Americans

The BBC's White House correspondent Bernd Debusmann explains why the president is refocusing his attention on the US economy. from BBC News https://ift.tt/IZsEcAC

NI to become first in the UK to introduce graduated driving licences

The new rules will be introduced in October and are described as the most significant reform of driver licensing for 70 years. from BBC News https://ift.tt/iU6mZEB

Tanker crash captain denies falling asleep

Vladimir Motin denies gross negligence manslaughter after a crew member died in the North Sea crash. from BBC News https://ift.tt/gXkvMI2

Over 700,000 graduates out of work and claiming benefits, analysis suggests

The government says it has commissioned a review into "what's holding the younger generation back". from BBC News https://ift.tt/TNyu6Ad

Tesla fined for repeatedly failing to help UK police over driving offences

The British arm of Tesla has faced multiple court proceedings linked to allegations of road traffic offences. from BBC News https://ift.tt/JQigl3s

Food project to 'sneak' kidney beans into diets

It is an addition to Hearth Earth's surplus curry offer, which it serves in five locations across Oxford. from BBC News https://ift.tt/FXaI9sq

What does a new US TikTok deal mean for users?

While TikTok's future in the US has been secured, questions remain about exactly what changes US users will see. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LoJ4Pkx

Retired civil servants left in pension limbo

Civil service pension scheme failed to pay some pensions and lump sums after transferring to a new administrator. from BBC News https://ift.tt/TwENa3X

'Incredible' response for kids clothes swap shop

Since launching, the scheme in Eynsham has supported 240 families in Oxfordshire. from BBC News https://ift.tt/O26KgAY

Are things going to get better for your finances?

As Sir Keir Starmer makes the cost of living a government priority, we unpack the impact on family finances. from BBC News https://ift.tt/l3oF62n

The rollercoaster years that led to the US-TikTok deal

It is a challenge for TikTok's parent company ByteDance as well as global ambitions for other Chinese tech companies. from BBC News https://ift.tt/er3MCpv

How Slovakia became the world's number one carmaker

The European country is the biggest autos manufacturer relative to the size of its population. from BBC News https://ift.tt/e1A8gkn

Ryanair boss thanks Elon Musk for 'boost' in ticket sales after online row

Musk and Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary have called each other "idiots" in recent days, but the airline executive says it's helping lift sales from BBC News https://ift.tt/rROQdZp

Driving test cheating soars as candidates turn to Bluetooth headsets and impersonators

Experts blamed persistently long waits for practical tests while the DVSA blamed better detection. from BBC News https://ift.tt/RLPrtf6

The Bottom Line

Lessons learned from a dotcom entrepreneur on the boom and bust of his company, boo.com. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ZN70aiW

The Bottom Line

Lessons learned from a dotcom entrepreneur on the boom and bust of his company, boo.com. from BBC News https://ift.tt/nQgOfCx

'Credit-score company encouraged me to borrow again when I was nearly debt-free'

A woman who had nearly paid off a £10,000 debt was sent emails suggesting she could apply for new credit cards. from BBC News https://ift.tt/YUHriTB

Crossing Continents

The Netherlands is experiencing a housing crisis. Could ten new cities be the answer? from BBC News https://ift.tt/FTgjYGI

'Europe won't be blackmailed,' Danish PM says in wake of Trump Greenland threats

The US president threatens to impose tariffs on countries that oppose his plans to take over the territory. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Vx3qipa

Will tech trump tradition at bakers and biscuit makers?

Introducing robots and automation to the food industry involves extra hurdles. from BBC News https://ift.tt/K6pQsow

'They are essential': How smoke detectors are evolving

AI trained to recognise fire is among the latest developments in fire alarm tech. from BBC News https://ift.tt/byRnAFV

Cafe offers free breakfasts for vulnerable people

Hummingbird Cafe wants to support people who may not be able to afford a hot meal. from BBC News https://ift.tt/D7wrj4l

'We're in survival mode': The milk price crisis draining dairy farms

Adam and Lucy Johnstone have seen the money they receive for their milk tumble over the last three months. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Kzt05ji

Government to give cash payouts to people in financial crisis

The replacement to the Household Support Fund aims to help people facing sudden difficulties. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Lspf83g

'We don't need a sticking plaster', say pub owners

More than 40 hospitality firms have come together to campaign against tax increases. from BBC News https://ift.tt/tSYPO1D

Reeves vows rail plan will go ahead, despite cynicism

The scheme will be delivered in phases, starting with upgrades to lines between Leeds, York, Bradford and Sheffield. from BBC News https://ift.tt/Sl4y3Nz

China announces record $1tn trade surplus despite Trump tariffs

Beijing reported the largest-ever trade surplus at $1.19tn as China diversified its trade. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C97Higc

Trump briefed on military and covert options for Iran, sources say

The US president also imposes a 25% tariff on countries that "do business" with Tehran, while Iran's foreign minister says his country is "ready for war". from BBC News https://ift.tt/KmvQNjh

Businesses call to be included in any pub rates backtrack

Shops, pharmacies and music venues want any climbdown on business rates for pubs to apply to them too. from BBC News https://ift.tt/sD9j8CE

Trump announces 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran

Trump says the new levy is "effective immediately" as anti-government protests in Iran enter a third week. from BBC News https://ift.tt/KmvQNjh

Heineken boss steps down as beer sales slow

The move to low and no-alcohol has led to falling sales at the brewing giant. from BBC News https://ift.tt/ous1GPL

Trump plan to cap credit card costs hits bank shares

The US president has called for interest rates on credit cards to be capped at 10% for one year. from BBC News https://ift.tt/LOlZE9Q

Musk says X outcry is 'excuse for censorship'

The government is urging Ofcom to use all its powers – up to and including an effective ban – against X. from BBC News https://ift.tt/e3yNJtY

Why luxury carmakers are now building glitzy skyscrapers

Bugatti is the latest auto firm to construct an opulent apartment building for the super rich. from BBC News https://ift.tt/UKedcuH

Excel: The software that's hard to quit

Companies are trying to wean staff off Excel spreadsheets to centralise control of their data. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1XZNGQ7

'I had no electricity for six months': American families struggle with soaring energy prices

Rising electricity costs have emerged as a key cost-of-living concern, pushing families further into debt. from BBC News https://ift.tt/79fXzuM

The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse

There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right? from BBC News https://ift.tt/IwcnJ2o

Weight loss jabs affecting Greggs, boss says

The Greggs boss says there is "no doubt" weight loss jabs have led it to having a healthier menu. from BBC News https://ift.tt/anyp962

Ofcom urged to use 'banning' powers over X AI deepfakes

It follows an ongoing backlash against the use of X's AI Grok to digitally remove clothing from images. from BBC News https://ift.tt/C8YquHg

How tariff disruption will continue reshaping the global economy in 2026

Trump's import levies are still changing the patterns of international trade. from BBC News https://ift.tt/k7Hjw8W

Warner Bros urges shareholders to reject 'inferior' Paramount offer

The Warner Bros board said it remained unanimous in recommending the deal with Netflix instead. from BBC News https://ift.tt/5Xd7o4x

Trump backs ban on institutional investor home purchases

Wall Street investors have bought thousands of homes to rent out, a practice that has sparked concerns about affordability. from BBC News https://ift.tt/GzF2hlw

Drivers over 70 to face eye tests every three years

The move is part of the government's new road safety strategy, which plans to reform driving laws in Britain. from BBC News https://ift.tt/PSwoHp3

Electric car discounts are unsustainable, says industry group

The SMMT warned of a growing gap between consumer demand and the government's ambitions for EVs. from BBC News https://ift.tt/BLdpEQg

The French university where spies go for training

Sciences Po Saint-Germain near Paris trains current French secret agents and potential new recruits. from BBC News https://ift.tt/rlTsdM3

Dreading going back to work? How to ease the post-Christmas return

Career coaches and leaders share practical advice for managing anxiety and overload after the break. from BBC News https://ift.tt/4PR6fOE

Woman felt 'dehumanised' after Musk's Grok AI used to digitally remove her clothes

The BBC has seen several examples of it undressing women and putting them in sexual situations without their consent. from BBC News https://ift.tt/OhHx98g

China's BYD overtakes Tesla as world's top EV seller

It marks the first time the Chinese firm has outpaced its American rival for annual sales. from BBC News https://ift.tt/pw36vSh

The Inquiry

How did live music evolve into a billion-dollar business for global stars? from BBC News https://ift.tt/gLMSCiZ

Third of Londoners suffer 'hygiene poverty'

"No-one should miss out on opportunities because they can't afford soap or period products," says charity In Kind Direct. from BBC News https://ift.tt/y0FrfqC

Price increase on school meals will 'acutely' affect children in poverty

The cost of a school dinner for primary and special school pupils will go up by 50p from £2.60 to £3.10. from BBC News https://ift.tt/SRU3O5C

Will we see signs of economic growth in 2026?

Foodbank use and the fortunes of the hospitality trade will show if things are getting better or worse. from BBC News https://ift.tt/1lxeFWB

'People are choosing between feeding their pets or themselves'

Two pet food banks speak about helping pet owners struggling to feed their animals. from BBC News https://ift.tt/oWlsSO9

How the defence sector is battling a skills crisis

Attracting younger workers into the defence industry can be challenging. from BBC News https://ift.tt/f1j5Obp

US stock market ends 2025 on a high note after volatile year

It's been a roller coaster year for the stock market, but the S&P 500 is set to end 2025 up about 17%, the third straight year of double-digit gains. from BBC News https://ift.tt/X6JBPEe