10 h. ago Benefits misinformation spreads online as millions grapple with cost of living

Fake news about changes to household finances is proliferating online

Economics

17 h. ago Manchester United are importing a sinister US tactic: Public money for stadiums

Similar grand promises made when building US sports arenas are now being used to justify a huge outlay in the UK, with little return to show for themIn March, Manchester United officially unveiled images and plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium to replace their current aging home, Old Trafford. While the grandiosity of the circus-tent-like structure attracted widespread attention, something else did, too: as part of this project, United are planning to secure land not by paying for it themselves – but by having the UK government do it for them.In order to clear the site that the club wants to use, a rail freight hub will need to be moved to out near St Helens, a town in between Manchester and Liverpool. The cost of moving the hub is estimated to be between £200m and 300m ($270-405m), but that may be an optimistic appraisal; in the past, the project budget was estimated at closer to a £1bn ($1.35bn). Continue reading...

Politics

19 h. ago SoftBank invests $2bn in Intel; proposed new UK property tax ‘could cut cost of buying expensive homes’

Washington reportedly considering 10% stake in US chipmakerGood morning, and welcome to our rolling coverage of business, the financial markets and the world economy.Japan’s SoftBank has agreed to invest $2bn (£1.5bn) in Intel, the struggling US chip company, while the Trump administration is reportedly considering a 10% stake in the business by converting Chips Act subsidies into equity. That would make Washington Intel’s largest shareholder.Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry. For more than 50 years, Intel has been a trusted leader in innovation. This strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced semiconductor manufacturing and supply will further expand in the United States, with Intel playing a critical role. Continue reading...

Economics

3 d. ago Trump reportedly backs Ukrainian land concession in peace plan with Putin – live

Putin in return offered ceasefire across Ukraine and written promise to not attack again, according to senior officialsZelenskyy to meet Trump on Monday after Putin summit briefingAt the Alaska summit, Putin demanded Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk as a condition for ending the war, but offered Trump a freeze along the remaining frontline, two sources with direct knowledge of the talks told the Guardian.Although Luhansk is almost entirely under Russian control, Ukraine still holds key parts of Donetsk, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk and heavily fortified positions whose defence has cost tens of thousands of lives. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago ‘Your nether regions will know if you’ve skimped’: 16 summer cycling essentials

Saddling up for summer? Here’s the kit to keep you cool, comfortable and chafe-free• Hit the road with the best bike panniers and handlebar bagsCycling is one of the most rewarding activities around. It’s good for your physical and mental health, offers a carbon-free way of getting from A to B, and can often be the quickest and most cost-effective form of transport – particularly if you live in a city.Once you’re hooked, there are a few bits of kit that will improve your experience immeasurably, whether that’s comfortable clothing to curtail chaffing, or a water bottle to help you hydrate without stopping. In summer, the longer days and generally favourable conditions mean you can forgo additional accessories such as bike lights, mudguards and head-to-toe waterproofs – although they can’t be avoided forever if you become a year-round, all-weather rider. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago Stain expert's 30p natural hack for brighter white socks that pros swear by

Sick of wearing dirty white socks? An expert has shared a brilliant and cost effective way to liven them back up without having to resort to bleach or other harsh chemicals

Events

1 week ago Even Trump’s former Surgeon General has hit out at RFK Jr’s plans to gut vaccine research: ‘Going to cost lives’

Warning comes after HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced cuts of nearly $500m in funding for mRNA vaccine projects, the technology that powered two major Covid vaccines

Politics

2 w. ago Tesla’s UK sales fall almost 60% in July as BYD surges; Neil Woodford fined and banned over fund collapse – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsBritain’s service sector companies were hit by a drop in orders last month, as demand at home and abroad remained sluggish.Service sector growth slowed last month amid a decline in new work, according to the latest survey of purchasing managers from data firm S&P Global.“UK service providers recorded a third consecutive monthly rise in business activity, but they were unable to maintain the growth rate achieved in June.Moreover, new business intakes swung back into contraction during July, with the downturn in order books the fastest for just over two-and-a-half years. Risk aversion and low confidence among clients were the main reasons provided for sluggish sales pipelines, alongside an unfavourable global economic backdrop. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Tesla’s UK sales fall almost 60% in July; Neil Woodford fined and banned over fund collapse – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsBritain’s service sector companies were hit by a drop in orders last month, as demand at home and abroad remained sluggish.Service sector growth slowed last month amid a decline in new work, according to the latest survey of purchasing managers from data firm S&P Global.“UK service providers recorded a third consecutive monthly rise in business activity, but they were unable to maintain the growth rate achieved in June.Moreover, new business intakes swung back into contraction during July, with the downturn in order books the fastest for just over two-and-a-half years. Risk aversion and low confidence among clients were the main reasons provided for sluggish sales pipelines, alongside an unfavourable global economic backdrop. Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago Tesla’s UK sales fall almost 60% in July; Trump attacks ‘woke’ JLR as it announces new boss – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsNewsflash: The UK’s financial regulator has decided to fine former star fund manager Neil Woodford and his investment management company nearly £46m, over the collapse of his popular equity fund.The Financial Conduct Authority says it has decided to fine Woodford £5,888,800 and ban him from holding senior manager roles and managing funds for retail investors.‘Being a leader in financial services comes with responsibilities as well as profile. Mr Woodford simply doesn’t accept he had any role in managing the liquidity of the fund.The very minimum investors should expect is those managing their money make sensible decisions and take their senior role seriously. Neither Neil Woodford nor Woodford Investment Management did so, putting at risk the money people had entrusted them with.’ Continue reading...

Economics

2 w. ago BP launches fresh costs review; Trump attacks ‘woke’ JLR as it announces new boss – business live

Rolling coverage of the latest economic and financial newsOvernight, UK luxury-car maker Jaguar Land Rover has named a new CEO – winning a blast from Donald Trump.JLR named P B Balaji, the finance boss of parent company Tata Motors, as its new chief executive, increasing the Indian owner’s influence over the company.The CEO just resigned in disgrace, and the company is in absolute turmoil. Who wants to buy a Jaguar after looking at that disgraceful ad.Shouldn’t they have learned a lesson from Bud Lite, which went Woke and essentially destroyed, in a short campaign, the Company. Continue reading...

Economics