24 h. ago Somalia has relied on aid for decades – can it survive without it?

Somalia is struggling with hunger, security and the impact of the climate crisis, despite decades of aid money worth billions of dollars, writes Nick Ferris. As aid money gets cut, is this the time for countries to wean themselves off aid dependency – and can they do it?

Events

28 h. ago Broadband expert shares simple ways to cut streaming subscription costs this summer

Almost 70 per cent of UK households pay for at least one streaming service.

Politics

31 h. ago Trump’s big beautiful bill passes step in House, paving way for legislation

Key rule finally approved at 4am in Washington DC after lawmakers’ objected to provisions and costUS politics – live updatesDonald Trump’s signature tax-and-spending bill has passed a procedural step in the US House of Representatives, paving the way for the possible passage of the legislation later in the day.The House speaker, Mike Johnson, is determined to pass the bill as soon as possible, but had been frustrated by lawmakers – Democrats but also a handful of Republicans – who object to its provisions and overall cost. Overnight, they had blocked the House from approving a rule, which was necessary to begin debate on the measure and set the stage for its passage. Continue reading...

Politics

35 h. ago House vote on Trump’s big bill hangs in balance as Johnson vows to ‘get it over the line’

Speaker struggles to muster enough Republican votes as lawmakers object to provisions and costUS politics – live updatesDonald Trump’s signature tax-and-spending bill is hanging in the balance as Republicans struggle to muster sufficient votes in the US House of Representatives.House speaker Mike Johnson is determined to pass the bill as soon as possible, but has been frustrated by lawmakers who object to its provisions and overall cost. They have blocked House Republicans from approving a rule, which is necessary to begin debate on the measure and set the stage for its passage. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Best savings accounts in July to earn on your money before expected interest rates cut this summer

Inflation is still well above 3 per cent so make sure your interest rate is plenty above that level

Economics

3 d. ago Nissan to cut 250 jobs at major UK car plant as electric vehicle sales flop

Nissan is cutting around 250 jobs at its Sunderland car plant as part of a major cost-cutting drive after the Japanese carmaker reported its worst financial result in a quarter of a century

Economics

3 d. ago Premium Bonds cuts prize rate again – are they still worth it?

Martin Lewis’s advice site says the changes make Premium Bonds ‘even easier to beat’

Politics

3 d. ago How gen Z is rewriting money rules: ‘I thrift, I splurge, I save 25%’

From vintage finds to Spotify and savings goals, four gen Zers share what budgeting looks like in their real livesFrom no-buy-years to second-hand shopping, gen Z seems to have its own unique spending habits. A global rise in the cost of living combined with a highly competitive job market means that 69% of gen Z use some sort of budget to manage their finances.Their priorities, and what they choose to save for, are different from their boomer counterparts. Gen Z is more likely to spend money on subscriptions, from meal kits to Spotify. There’s also the trend of “doom spending”, which is purchasing non-essential items to cope with either personal or wider political issues.$40 for electricity$40 for internetAbout $85 on average for gas$110 for car insurance$100 for upcoming medical procedure [not included in medical healthcare]$530 for six months of medical testing, so about $89$120 for supplements such as painkillers, vitamins, collagen powder and protein powder$45 for phone$25 for ...

Politics

6 d. ago How wedding guests are coping with rising costs: ‘the total will come to £3,000 this year’

As celebrations become more lavish, those invited face higher costs. Here’s how some people juggle spending and expectationsBy the time Layla had paid for flights, booked a hotel, bought a dress and contributed to the honeymoon fund, her friend’s wedding had cost her more than £1,600 – and it is just one of three she is attending this summer.With more couples planning bigger celebrations – often with multiple events, and with some away from home, guests are left footing ever bigger bills. Continue reading...

Economics

8 d. ago Argyll and Bute Council to spend further £1.3m on Storm Eowyn repair costs

Argyll and Bute Council approved additional funding to help the region recover from Storm Eowyn, which caused widespread damage to buildings, roads, infrastructure and marine assets.

Economics

8 d. ago States can cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, the Supreme Court rules

The Supreme Court is allowing states to cut off Medicaid money for Planned Parenthood amid a wider Republican-backed push to defund the organization, the country’s largest abortion provider

Events

9 d. ago I've visited EVERY country in the world here is the travel hack that saved me THOUSANDS

Luca Pferdmenges, 23, who is originally from Germany, uncovered a method that he insists has cut the cost of flights and saved him a ton of money.

Politics

9 d. ago GAP's kids clothing sale with cut price Disney, Barbie and more for summer holidays

The kids can wear all of their favourite characters thanks to the GAP sale

Economics

1 week ago Europe’s pledge to spend more on military will hurt climate and social programmes

Nato spending plan overlooks risks to security posed by environmental breakdown and social decay, say economistsEurope risks choosing militarism over social and environmental security, economists have warned, as the head of Nato said all 32 members had agreed to increase weapons spending.Analyses drafted in anticipation of a Nato summit beginning on Tuesday warned of the opportunity cost that higher military spending would pose to the continent’s climate mitigation and social programmes, which are consistently underfunded. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago New call to cut income tax rate in half for people earning under £50,000

An online petition is also urging the UK Government to increase the Personal Allowance to £15,000.

Economics

1 week ago Andy Carroll 'is returning to England with girlfriend Lou Teasdale' weeks after selling mansion he owned with ex

Andy Carroll was a fan favourite in his time at the club after dropping down the divisions and taking a huge pay cut, even revealing that he was losing money by playing for them.

Politics

2 w. ago Blow to City as pension provider Scottish Widows prepares to cut its exposure to UK equities

The company is reducing the allocation to London-listed shares in its highest-growth portfolio from 12% to 3%, it has been reported.

Politics

2 w. ago In rural Alaska, a village turns to solar and biomass energies to cut diesel and save money

On a former military base in Galena, Alaska, a school that houses about 200 high school students teaches sustainability among many things

Events

2 w. ago Greater Manchester restaurant loved by critics closing after 18 months

"Rising costs, increased taxes, and tighter spending have created challenges we’ve fought hard to overcome but, sadly, they’re ones we just can’t compete with"

Politics

2 w. ago South Africa is at the heart of the HIV pandemic. What happens now the money has been cut?

With 12% of the population living with the virus, Trump’s sudden withdrawal of funding stands to undo decades of progressLebo is very afraid. She used to go to a clinic where sex workers such as her could get HIV medication without facing discrimination. But the dispensary, in Johannesburg’s run-down central Hillbrow district, shut down in January, when Donald Trump cut US funding to the global HIV response.“I’m weak. I’m an old woman,” says the 62-year-old. “So please, we need help; we are suffering.” Lebo, who only wants her first name shared, is now spending 30% of her monthly income of 1,500 rand (£62) on antiretroviral (ARV) medication. Continue reading...

Events