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Showing posts from April, 2026

Chippies sell catfish as 'traditional fish supper'

A BBC investigation finds chip shop owners passing off cheaper species as "traditional fish and chips".

China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation

The zero-tariff regime gives China's soft power a boost, but may lead to uneven gains, say analysts.

Will AI lead to more accurate opinion polls?

It's cheaper and faster to collect people's opinions using AI, but will it make polls more accurate?

'There were letters I didn't want to open': Rise in unpaid debt court cases

The number of county court judgements rose by 17.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to last, data suggests.

'There were letters I didn't want to open': Rise in unpaid debt court cases

The number of county court judgements rose by 17.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to last, data suggests.

Oil price hits highest since 2022 after report Trump to be briefed on new Iran options

Axios reported that US Central Command has prepared a plan for a wave of "short and powerful" strikes on Iran.

Premier Inn owner to cut 3,800 jobs in savings plan

Whitbread says it will also remodel its 197 hotel restaurants as part of a five-year savings plan.

What the Renters' Rights Act means for tenants and landlords

The biggest shake up of renting rules in England for 30 years affects millions of people.

Faisal Islam: The wide field of uncertainties facing the UK

The Bank tries to manage expectations over what outcomes are plausible if the Middle East conflict lasts several months.

Bank of England says rates could rise as Iran war fuels inflation

The Bank of England voted to hold interest rates at 3.75% as it monitors the knock-on effects of the Middle East conflict.

Meta in row after workers who say they saw smart glasses users having sex lose jobs

Meta and its subcontractor disagree over why over 1000 Kenya-based workers were made redundant.

'We will kill you and burn your house': Council staff under attack from High Street gangs

Dozens of Trading Standards officers describe intimidation from criminals running mini-marts and vape shops.

The kelp producer who wants to get Americans eating seaweed

Marine farmer Suzie Flores also hopes the crop can revitalise the US's small fishing towns.

Why has the UAE left Opec - and why does this matter?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quitting oil cartel Opec after nearly 60 years of membership.

What do shoppers think about the future of their high street?

Freshney Place is being renovated to include a new food hall and five-screen cinema.

My tenant owes £15,000 in rent, but I can't get them out of the property

Landlords tell BBC News why they fear new laws could make it harder to remove problematic tenants.

I had £20,000 stolen and had to fight a 13-month fraud reporting rule to get it back

Sarah has now got her money back but there are calls to reform the deadline for reporting scams to banks.

Why Spotify has no button to filter out AI music

Music streamer Deezer allows users to filter out AI music, so why does Spotify not offer the same?

Why Elon Musk and Sam Altman are fighting over OpenAI

Musk, who co-founded the company that created ChatGPT with Altman, wants more than $130bn in damages.

How climate change threatens the economic backbone of the Pacific

Tuna populations around the Pacific Islands could move away as ocean temperatures increase.

From scientist to silk farmer: India's silk industry renewal

Silk production is an increasingly high-tech business in India.

High street drug dealer sells cannabis to undercover reporter

Across the UK, shopfronts are being exploited by criminal gangs pushing illegal drugs, experts say.

What the Warner Bros deal could mean for streaming, cinemas and news

If Paramount's takeover of Warner Bros goes ahead it could significantly reshape Hollywood.

Watch: BBC goes undercover at mini-mart selling drugs

BBC UK editor Ed Thomas confronts a shopkeeper secretly filmed selling cannabis and cocaine to one of our researchers.

How a pivot to hair accessories led to business success

Jenny Lennick's colourful hair clips are sold across the US and around the world.

Inflation: What do price increases mean for you?

Prices went up by 3.3% in March, but what does that mean for you asks the BBC's Colletta Smith.

The 'dumb machine' promising a clean energy breakthrough

A stellarator is difficult to build, but could it be the best way to make fusion energy work?

Are insider traders making millions from the Iran war?

The BBC has found suspicious trading patterns that correlate with some of the president's most market-moving statements.

Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert

Old garments from around the world are being discarded in the South American country.

Why your recycled clothes could end up in this South American desert

Old garments from around the world are being discarded in the South American country.

Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like

Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?

Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like

Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?

Scammers are becoming ever more sophisticated - this is what the fightback looks like

Scams have exploded over the last few years. Can countries and companies come together to turn the tables on the scammers?

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

How to know if you're on an energy price cap tariff

Martin was shocked to learn how many people didn't know if they were on an energy price cap.

Chinese carmaker patents voice-controlled 'in-vehicle toilet'

Seres' plans show how stiff competition in the EV space is putting pressure on carmakers to innovate.

Could a digital twin make you into a 'superworker'?

Firms say digital twins make staff more productive, but are they a potential legal minefield?

Rising value of Pokémon cards sparks smash and grab crime spree

Small shops across the UK are being targeted by thieves stealing collectibles worth thousands of pounds.

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings to step down as chairman

Hastings set up the company in 1997, when it rented DVDs to customers and delivered by post.

No issues with UK fuel supply, says Reeves

The chancellor was speaking at the end of the International Monetary Fund meeting in Washington.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

Cheaper Doritos and Lays helps PepsiCo win back struggling snackers

The snack giant cut some of its prices by up to 15% ahead of the Super Bowl in February.

UK prepares for food shortages in worst case scenario as Iran war continues

The UK could face some food shortages by the summer under a worst case scenario drawn up by government officials.

DHL staff at Jaguar Land Rover vote to strike

Up to 300 DHL logistics workers based at Jaguar Land Rover in Solihull vote to strike indefinitely.

UK economy grew faster than expected in February ahead of Iran war

The economy saw its biggest monthly rise in more than two years just before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war with Iran.

More big energy users to get help as support plan expanded

A scheme to cut bills for firms that are heavy energy users is being extended to cover an additional 3,000 businesses.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

China's economy grows faster than expected despite Iran war

The better-than-expected GDP data comes as Asian countries have been hit hard by the impact of the conflict.

Big energy shock will push up prices, Bank boss tells BBC

Bank of England governor says the Iran war energy shock makes the next interest rate decision "very, very difficult".

Fake damage and imaginary watches - how AI images are being used in insurance scams

An insurer reports a 71% rise in fraudulent claims, driven partly by an increase in faked images.

Japan pledges $10bn to help Asian countries deal with oil crisis

The aid is roughly equivalent to a year's worth of crude oil imports by Asean countries.

Allbirds shares soar 580% after pivot from shoes to AI

The company is selling off its shoe brand as it plans to shift to providing technology infrastructure.

Back to books - Sweden's schools cutting back on digital learning

Swedish classrooms swap laptops for books, pens and paper, raising concerns from the tech sector.

Back to books - Sweden's schools cutting back on digital learning

Swedish classrooms swap laptops for books, pens and paper, raising concerns from the tech sector.

Horse urine perfume: Why online bargains may be dangerous

Experts warn of hidden risk of counterfeits, while the government consults on stricter product safety rules.

Ticketmaster-owner Live Nation ran a monopoly and overcharged fans, jury finds

The lawsuit said the firm's practices had led to higher ticket prices and worse service for customers.

How you could get free electricity for doing your washing

You could get free or cheaper electricity from your energy company for running appliances during periods of excess supply, such as sunny weekends.

US war on Iran was a 'mistake', says Reeves

The chancellor's criticism follows a report that the conflict will hit the UK harder than other big economies.

Snapchat owner cuts 1,000 jobs as says AI will reduce repetitive work

The Snapchat owner is laying off around 16% of staff and withdrawn hundreds of open job roles.

AA and BSM ordered to refund learner drivers for hidden fees

The owner of the driving schools has been fined for failing to disclose fees upfront online.

Commuters welcome second year of Translink fare freeze

Liz Kimmins acknowledged the decision was taken against a difficult funding backdrop for the public transport company.

Help to Buy mostly helped high earners, IFS says

People with lower incomes benefitted less from the house-buying scheme than those with high incomes, the influential think tank says.

'Bit of pain' worth long-term security from Iran, Bessent tells BBC

US Treasury Secretary said a "small bit of economic pain" was worth it to eliminate the threat of Iranian strikes on Western capitals.

Quantum computing: A tech race Europe could win?

With some promising computing companies in the field, could Europe be a leader in quantum tech?

US drivers head to Native American lands for cheaper gas

Some of the cheapest fuel in the country can be found on tribal land due to tax exemptions.

US home buyers 'frozen' as sales slump over Iran war fears

The number of homes sold in the US hit a nine-month low, with economists warning of the slowdown could worsen.

GTA-maker Rockstar Games hacked again but downplays impact

The incident marks the second time the games giant has been hacked by young, English-speaking hackers.

Green light to build nuclear power station that promises 8,000 jobs

Rolls-Royce has said the project will create 8,000 jobs across Britain.

EasyJet passengers describe EU border 'nightmare'

Airlines warn of further disruption due to the introduction of a new EU digital border control system.

UK could adopt EU single market rules under new legislation

The move has raised questions over parliamentary scrutiny of future rules to deliver planned EU deals.

The Dutch village at risk of being demolished

Moerdijk has been earmarked for removal, to make way for a vast electricity substation.

British Steel 'needs nationalising by the summer'

Labour MP Nic Dakin says it is "the best outcome" for British Steel as ownership talks continue.

Faisal Islam: Why the government is relaxed about Chinese car imports

The UK government believes the rise of China's car industry could be good for UK consumers and industry.

'Every drop of water counts': Fear for the future of Argentina's glaciers

A controversial law to ease protections for the glaciers has passed, opening the doors for mining.

TV for dogs booms but are they watching?

TV channels for dogs are multiplying but research is mixed on whether dogs are watching.

Hot in the city: Energy crisis tests Singapore's air-con addiction

The rise in energy prices has hit Asia particularly hard as many nations are heavily reliant on Gulf oil.

OpenAI pauses UK data centre deal over energy costs and regulation

The project was part of a package of tech investment promising the UK could become an AI superpower.

Petrol and diesel prices rise again as concerns grow over ceasefire

Motoring groups have warned drivers not to expect a significant drop in costs soon.

Jo Malone hopes 'sense will prevail' in lawsuit over her name

The British perfume designer and Zara are being sued by Estée Lauder over a collaboration.

UK farmers warn Iran ceasefire too late to stop higher food costs

Despite a ceasefire, the Iran war will continue to affect farmers' costs and therefore food prices.

The construction boss who built a new life after three years in prison

Traci Quinn, who was jailed for a drugs offence, has transformed herself and set up a successful firm.

Airlines cut flights and hike fares as fuel prices surge

Airlines have reduced services and lifted ticket costs as the Iran war weighs on jet fuel costs.

Why fuel and food prices could still be affected for months

Analysts fear long-lasting economic damage from the US-Israel war with Iran has already been set in motion.

Faisal Islam: Iran war pause is welcome but the economic scars will last

Allowing all ships through the Strait of Hormuz will calm markets but the war has created new problems.

UK house prices fall as Iran war uncertainty dampens demand

Mortgage rates have been rising and hundreds of the cheapest deals have disappeared over the last month.

What do businesses want ahead of the election?

Shops, cafes and restaurants in Cardigan say increasing costs and low footfall are making it harder.

Music giant Universal gets $64bn takeover offer

The music giant behind acts such as Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter gets an offer from Bill Ackman's Pershing Square.

India's lack of widebody aircraft a 'scandal', says incoming IndiGo chief

India’s aviation market is set to grow but is held back by limited long-haul capacity, says Willie Walsh.

The US refinery now processing Venezuelan oil

Chevron is now importing 250,000 barrels of crude per day from Venezuela.

OpenAI encourages firms to trial four-day weeks to adapt to AI era

The ChatGPT-maker said its early policy ideas aim to prompt discussions about action needed as AI systems become more capable.

Plan 2 student loan interest rates capped at 6% in England

The cap on Plan 2 and postgraduate loan interest rates comes amid a risk of rising inflation.

Air India CEO steps down early as losses mount

Wilson, whose term was set to end in 2027, will remain CEO and MD until a successor is appointed.

Price of first class stamp rises to £1.80

The rise come as the postal service faces criticism over missing delivery targets.

Trump's deadline looms but Asian nations already have deals with Iran

Nations in the region have been keen to reach agreements as their economies are heavily reliant on Middle East energy.

Businesses scramble to get noticed by AI search

Firms are changing the way they present information on their websites, so they get noticed by AI.

'I jump in the sea to refresh my brain': How remote workers are boosting coastal towns

The rise in remote working means many professionals are choosing to settle in coastal and rural towns.

Spain's huge pork industry seeks salvation from swine fever threat

Countries around the world, including the US, have already stopped imports over the outbreak.

Benefits and pensions rise as two-child cap ends

Families on some benefits with three or more children will get an average rise of £4,100 a year.

How China fell for a lobster: What an AI assistant tells us about Beijing's ambition

The AI agent sparked a frenzy of "raising lobsters" in March, with users training the tool to suit their needs.

Pepsi withdraws as UK festival sponsor after Kanye West backlash

Sir Keir Starmer says it is "deeply concerning" the rapper is set to headline a festival after recent antisemitic comments.

State pension age starts rising to 67 - here's how much you get and when

The age at which people can start receiving the state pension is going up in stages over the next two years.

M&S boss calls for more action on crime and abuse of staff

Thinus Keeve's comments come days after an M&S store was targeted during disorder in south London.

French-owned ship passes through Strait of Hormuz

It appears to be the first ship owned by a major European firm to go through the strait since the conflict began.

US jobs surge unexpectedly in March despite Iran war

Employers added 178,000 jobs, far more than had expected, the Labor Department says.

'I ended up paying £500': Your subscription trap stories

Many readers have experienced the ordeal of cancelling a subscription.

Oil prices jump and shares drop after Trump threatens more Iran strikes

The US president said he'll bring Iran "back to the Stone Age" but gave no detail on ending the war.

Pharmaceuticals face 100% tariffs in US - unless firms strike a deal

The order does not affect generic medicines, the most commonly used in the US.

JLR sees sales recover after cyber attack

Work at plants in Solihull, Halewood and outside Wolverhampton restarted in October.

National Minimum Wage rises this week

Around 2.7 million people are set to receive a pay rise this week as the national minimum wage goes up by 50p to £12.71 for over 21s.

New laws to make it easier to cancel subscriptions

A crackdown on "subscription traps" could save the average person nearly £170 a year, according to the Department for Business and Trade.

A year on: Four ways Trump's tariffs have changed the global economy

US tariffs stand at the highest rate in decades. But what has the impact been?

New laws to make it easier to cancel subscriptions and get refunds

Consumers will be able to cancel unwanted subscriptions 'at the click of a button', the government said.

Petrol and diesel prices see biggest rise on record in March

The cost of filling a vehicle jumped at the sharpest pace than any other month, the RAC said.

Elon Musk's SpaceX set to be worth $1 trillion with planned public listing

The company’s public stock debut is set to be one of the most valuable in history, and could make Musk the world's first trillionaire.

Minimum wage rises to £12.71 an hour as firms warn of impact

Many businesses have said they will have to pass higher wage costs onto customers.

Warning Iran war 'shock' could push up mortgages for 1.3m homeowners

Higher energy prices could lead to higher borrowing costs for homeowners, the Bank warns.

Topps Tiles to close 23 stores over rising costs

Topps Tiles says eight stores have already closed - with the rest to shut over the next six months.

Oil briefly falls below $100 and shares jump on Trump Iran war pledge

European stock markets opened higher after the US president said the conflict would "end very soon".

Estate agents accuse Rightmove of charging excessive fees

The online listing portal is now being pursued in a class action, launched on behalf of potentially hundreds of estate agents.

Energy bill help would be based on household income, Reeves says

The chancellor tells the BBC it is "too early" to say exactly who would get help but hinted any support would not arrive until the autumn.

Thousands lose their jobs in deep cuts at tech giant Oracle

It is thought that thousands of people may have lost their jobs at Oracle, one of the world's largest tech companies.