Friday, February 20, 2026

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".

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.

Thursday, February 19, 2026

The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables

During winter in Britain fresh produce is sent by cargo ship from the West African nation every week.

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.

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

'Check your payslip' warns nurse who overpaid nearly £3k in tax

Gemma Belby says she only found she was paying "double tax" after chatting with her colleagues.

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

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Dual nationals face scramble for UK passports as new rules come into force

Entry requirements to the UK for dual nationals are being overhauled as part of sweeping changes to the immigration system.

Why youth unemployment is rising

Unemployment in the UK rose to its highest rate in nearly five years at the end of 2025

Monday, February 16, 2026

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.

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.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

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.

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.

Andrew's time as trade envoy should be investigated, says Vince Cable

The former prince's alleged actions were "totally unacceptable", the ex-business secretary says.

Andrew facing claim he shared Treasury document with banking contact

Reports suggest the former prince shared a Treasury document when he was serving as trade envoy.

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.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

The Bottom Line

Why do private landlords attract so much criticism – and how fair is it?

Friday, February 13, 2026

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.

Andrew facing claim he shared Treasury document with banking contact

Reports suggest the former prince shared a Treasury document when he was serving as trade envoy.

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.

Thursday, February 12, 2026

Alton Towers U-turns on plan to restrict disability pass

"We are sorry," says operator after plan to restrict queuing access for people with autism, ADHD and anxiety sparked criticism.

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Why food fraud persists, even with improving tech

Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods.

More than 180 survivors engaged in Harrods abuse redress scheme

The late Mohamed Al Fayed has been accused of sexual harassment during his time as owner.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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".

More solar farms on the way after record renewables auction

The results have been welcomed by climate and clean energy groups but could face opposition from local communities.

Monday, February 9, 2026

The shadowy world of abandoned oil tankers

A growing number of tankers and other commercial vessels are being ditched by their owners.

Voluntary student loan repayments rise in England

Campaigners have criticised the terms of loans that were issued in England and still exist in Wales.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

YouTube's $60bn revenue revealed amid paid subscriber push

YouTube's total revenue last year surpassed that of rival streamer Netflix as it seeks to dominate TVs.

Can robots ever be graceful?

Firms are working to make the motors that drive robots more efficient and cheaper.

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.

City volunteers seek drivers for meal deliveries

Friends of Di's Kitchen provides hundreds of meals each week in Wolverhampton.

Friday, February 6, 2026

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.

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.

Thursday, February 5, 2026

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.

Funeral firm executives face fraud charges in court

Safe Hands collapsed in 2022, leaving 46,000 customers without the funeral plans they had paid for.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

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.

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.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

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.

X offices raided in France as UK opens fresh investigation into Grok

Elon Musk's X and Grok platforms are facing increased scrutiny from authorities on both sides of the channel.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Captain guilty of North Sea tanker crash death

Vladimir Motin is convicted of gross negligence manslaughter after a crew member died in the crash.

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.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

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.

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.

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.

Harry Styles and Anthony Joshua among UK's top tax payers

The former One Direction member-turned-solo artist appears on the Sunday Times list for the first time.

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.

'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".