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Government to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues

Government to cut business rates for pubs, clubs and music venues

July 23, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

The UK government will cut business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England starting in April. This tax reduction is expected to save about £1,100 per business and cost £100 million, funded by reviewing tax reliefs on other companies like vape shops.

Key Facts

  • The 20% reduction applies only to pubs, clubs, and live music venues, excluding the largest live music venues.
  • The cut is expected to benefit nearly 32,000 venues across England.
  • The government will fund the £100 million cost by changing tax reliefs on some businesses considered less positive to communities, such as vape shops.
  • The discount builds on existing support and follows earlier cuts of 15% announced after criticism of previous government policies.
  • Hospitality leaders say the relief will help with rising costs but may not fully offset them.
  • Details on which businesses qualify will be revealed in the Chancellor’s Budget this autumn.
  • The government also recently cut VAT on electricity bills and capped bus fares outside London to support people and businesses.
  • There are plans to improve tax compliance by cracking down on businesses selling through online marketplaces.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
FBI Captures Fugitive on ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ List

FBI Captures Fugitive on ‘Most Wanted Fraudsters’ List

July 23, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

Khalid Satary was arrested in the Middle East after being on the run for over three years. He is accused of running a $547 million Medicare fraud scheme involving unnecessary genetic tests billed to Medicare.

Key Facts

  • Khalid Satary, 54, was captured on July 20 and brought back to the U.S.
  • He is charged in one of the largest health care fraud cases ever by the Justice Department.
  • Satary owned diagnostic labs that billed Medicare from 2016 to 2019 for tests that were not medically needed.
  • The fraud involved telemarketers, patient recruiters, and telemedicine companies targeting elderly patients.
  • Medicare was billed for more than $547 million through this scheme.
  • Satary was indicted in 2019 but fled after missing a court hearing in 2022.
  • The FBI placed him on its "Most Wanted Fraudsters" list in June 2024.
  • He was caught with a fake Mexican passport under a false name.
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Newsweek
How Data Centers Could Spike US Electricity Bills By 2035

How Data Centers Could Spike US Electricity Bills By 2035

July 23, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

A report predicts that U.S. data centers will use about 20% of the country's electricity by 2035, up from nearly 6% today, mainly due to growth in AI and cloud computing. This increased demand may cause higher electricity bills for households, as utilities need to build more power plants and infrastructure, with the cost often passed on to consumers.

Key Facts

  • Data centers currently use about 5.9% of U.S. electricity but could rise to 20% by 2035.
  • Electricity demand from data centers in 2035 is expected to reach 194 gigawatts, nearly doubling previous forecasts.
  • The demand increase equals the output of nearly 200 nuclear reactors.
  • Utilities must invest billions in new power plants, transmission lines, and grid upgrades to keep up with this growth.
  • These infrastructure costs are often included in customer electricity bills, potentially raising household expenses.
  • Experts say current rules do not always require data centers to pay fully for the grid upgrades they need.
  • Allowing data centers to buy power directly from private producers might reduce costs for other customers.
  • Regions like PJM, serving 67 million people, already see supply shortages linked to fast data center growth.
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Newsweek
Seinfeld actor apologises to reality star for 'inappropriate' sketch when she was 17

Seinfeld actor apologises to reality star for 'inappropriate' sketch when she was 17

July 23, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

US actor Jason Alexander apologized for a 2012 comedy sketch he did with reality star Courtney Stodden when she was 17. The sketch included inappropriate content involving Stodden, who is now campaigning to end child marriage in California.

Key Facts

  • The sketch was made in 2012 and appeared on Funny or Die.
  • Alexander rubbed a phone on Stodden’s chest and made sexually suggestive comments.
  • Stodden was 17 years old, a minor, when the sketch was filmed.
  • Stodden said she felt alone and could not legally consent to the sketch.
  • Alexander publicly apologized and said he regretted the sketch and any harm caused.
  • Stodden is now 31 and works to pass a law in California making 18 the minimum age for marriage.
  • Stodden married actor Doug Hutchison at age 16, with parental permission, but they divorced in 2020.
  • Marrying under 18 with parental or court approval is still legal in 33 US states.
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BBC Top Stories BBC US
Pride organisers vow to march in Romanian city that has blocked event four years in a row

Pride organisers vow to march in Romanian city that has blocked event four years in a row

July 23, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Campaigners in Oradea, Romania, have been denied permission to hold Pride marches for four years in a row, with local authorities citing technical reasons. Despite the bans, organizers plan to hold the march again in 2026, drawing support from international groups and diplomats who say the issue affects basic rights and democracy.

Key Facts

  • Oradea is a city in western Romania with about 180,000 people.
  • Since 2023, local authorities have blocked Pride events every year using legal or technical excuses.
  • Organizers have offered many alternative routes and dates, but each time the city says no.
  • The mayor’s party describes itself as liberal, conservative, and Christian democratic but has not commented on the banning.
  • 152 organizations from 30 countries urged local officials to allow the march safely and according to EU law.
  • Organizers see the bans as a threat to basic rights like peaceful assembly, not just LGBT rights.
  • The planned 2026 march will go ahead without permission, as it did in 2025 when hundreds attended despite fines.
  • Several diplomats and the Romanian ombudsman are expected to join the march this time.
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Guardian World
Map Shows Where Extreme Heat Dome To Hit Millions With 100F This Weekend

Map Shows Where Extreme Heat Dome To Hit Millions With 100F This Weekend

July 23, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Millions of people in the central and western United States are expected to face very high temperatures this weekend due to a heat dome. This weather pattern traps hot air, causing temperatures to rise above 100 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas, increasing health risks.

Key Facts

  • A heat dome is causing extreme heat across the Southwest and Plains, including California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota.
  • Temperatures may reach up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit in California’s Coachella Valley and parts of the desert Southwest.
  • Cities like Phoenix expect highs between 107 and 116 degrees, while Tucson could see 105 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Southern California’s Inland Empire may have temperatures up to 110 degrees, with night temperatures staying in the 70s, which reduces nighttime cooling.
  • Northern states like the Dakotas and Midwest cities such as Kansas City, Minneapolis, and Chicago will also see temperatures near or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The heat dome is caused by a strong high-pressure system that traps hot air and suppresses clouds and rain.
  • The heat dome may last several days or weeks, increasing risks of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
  • Older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with health problems are most at risk during extreme heat.
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Newsweek
Andy Burnham's plan to collaborate with social media creators

Andy Burnham's plan to collaborate with social media creators

July 23, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Prime Minister Andy Burnham plans to use more social media and work with online creators to share his messages. He will post casual, less polished videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach younger and harder-to-reach voters.

Key Facts

  • Burnham's team wants to create more authentic and spontaneous social media content.
  • The focus includes collaborations with online influencers who have large followings.
  • Influencers are seen as trusted voices by people who rarely watch TV or read newspapers.
  • Burnham appeared on popular influencer Max Klymenko’s TikTok series about job history.
  • Klymenko’s audience is mostly young adults aged 18 to 30, younger than regular TV viewers.
  • Sir Mo Farah also posted videos with Burnham that reached millions on multiple platforms.
  • The strategy is led by Abby Tomlinson, who managed Burnham’s digital work during his campaign.
  • This approach continues a trend from previous governments to engage with online creators.
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BBC Top Stories
EasyJet profits plunge 70% as fuel costs soar amid Iran war

EasyJet profits plunge 70% as fuel costs soar amid Iran war

July 23, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

EasyJet’s profits fell by 70% in the last quarter due to higher fuel costs and passengers booking later than usual, following the conflict in Iran. The airline is also involved in a takeover battle between two US investment firms, but a possible EU review of ownership rules could affect the deal.

Key Facts

  • EasyJet’s pre-tax profit dropped from £286 million to £85 million between April and June.
  • Fuel costs rose by £105 million because of the war in Iran, which increased energy prices.
  • Two US firms, Castlelake and Apollo Global Management, are competing to buy EasyJet.
  • EasyJet’s board prefers a £5.7 billion bid from Apollo over Castlelake’s £5.5 billion offer.
  • The EU may review airline ownership rules to keep control of airlines within Europe.
  • Passenger bookings are improving but mostly happen shortly before travel.
  • Rival airline Ryanair also saw profits fall by 34% due to fuel price rises.
  • Despite the profit drop, EasyJet’s shares rose by over 5% in early trading after a recent fall.
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Guardian World Guardian Business
Indian activist Wangchuk sets conditions to end hunger strike

Indian activist Wangchuk sets conditions to end hunger strike

July 23, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike. He says he will stop the strike if the government promises not to use force or punish students protesting about a medical exam scandal.

Key Facts

  • Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian activist.
  • He is currently on a hunger strike.
  • Wangchuk wants the government to promise no police force will be used against student protesters.
  • He also wants the government to promise not to punish the students.
  • The student protests are about a scandal related to a medical exam.
  • Protesters want the education minister to resign.
  • Wangchuk’s hunger strike will end if the government agrees to his conditions.
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Al Jazeera
Burnham offers 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music in England – UK politics live

Burnham offers 20% cut in business rates for pubs, clubs and live music in England – UK politics live

July 23, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

The UK government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, will reduce business rates by 20% for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England starting next April. This move aims to help local venues facing rising costs and is part of a £100 million plan funded by reviewing other business reliefs, benefiting about 32,000 venues.

Key Facts

  • Business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England will be cut by 20% from April next year.
  • The government estimates the average pub will save about £1,100 in the next financial year.
  • The £100 million support package will be funded by adjusting reliefs for businesses not contributing positively to communities, such as vape shops.
  • Nearly 32,000 venues will benefit from the rate cut, but the largest live music venues are excluded.
  • Hospitality groups support the plan, saying it helps businesses invest and create jobs amid financial challenges.
  • Previous increases in business rates have been very large, with some venues seeing rises of 100% to 150%.
  • Additional government measures include capping bus fares and cutting VAT on electricity bills.
  • The government plans to reform the wider business rates system and crack down on tax avoidance by online sellers.
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Guardian World
Photos: Gaza’s shelter crisis

Photos: Gaza’s shelter crisis

July 23, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

People in Gaza face a serious housing crisis after more than two and a half years of heavy bombing. Most homes are damaged or destroyed, forcing families to live in tents or makeshift shelters while lacking basic supplies like water and electricity.

Key Facts

  • Over 92% of homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations.
  • More than 850,000 people need emergency shelter help.
  • Many families are living in tents or shelters made from scrap materials.
  • Children are sleeping in torn tents, and rodents live near damaged homes.
  • Israeli restrictions limit the entry of materials needed to fix or build new shelters.
  • Humanitarian groups cannot provide enough aid because of these restrictions.
  • Housing problems existed even before the bombing due to a six-month blockade before a ceasefire in October 2025.
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Al Jazeera
Husic says Labor ‘allergic to dissent’ as he breaks ranks on key government positions at party conference

Husic says Labor ‘allergic to dissent’ as he breaks ranks on key government positions at party conference

July 23, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Labor MP Ed Husic criticized his party for not allowing enough disagreement during its national conference. While the party showed unity publicly, Husic supported a gas export tax, Indigenous truth-telling, and more criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The conference also discussed cutting fuel subsidies for mining companies, which some see as a barrier to reducing carbon emissions.

Key Facts

  • Ed Husic said the Labor party is “allergic” to disagreement and warned this could hurt the party long-term.
  • Husic backed a gas export tax and Indigenous truth-telling, and called for more criticism of Israel’s Gaza conduct.
  • Labor’s conference emphasized unity, with leader Anthony Albanese praising it as better than division.
  • Party members agreed to reduce fuel subsidies for big mining companies, potentially causing conflict with the mining industry.
  • The Labor Environment Action Network pushed to limit diesel fuel tax credits for miners, as these credits cost the government billions and slow energy transition.
  • Over 350 Labor branches, unions, and climate groups support reforming the mining fuel subsidy.
  • Some Labor MPs supported changing the tax credit policy, despite resistance from mining companies and the Minerals Council of Australia.
  • The government is cautious about acting immediately on these proposals due to global oil market uncertainty linked to conflicts in the Middle East.
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Guardian World
Travellers panic as US attacks Iran-Iraq border crossing

Travellers panic as US attacks Iran-Iraq border crossing

July 23, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

A US strike targeted the Shalamcheh border crossing between Iran and Iraq. The attack caused panic among travelers and resulted in two deaths and 11 injuries.

Key Facts

  • The US launched a strike at the Shalamcheh border crossing.
  • The crossing is located between Iran and Iraq.
  • Two people died because of the strike.
  • Eleven people were injured.
  • The news was reported by the Iranian Mehr Agency.
  • The incident caused fear and panic among travelers in the area.
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Al Jazeera
Charity 'heartbroken' as food ruined in break-in

Charity 'heartbroken' as food ruined in break-in

July 23, 2026 • Us • BBC Business

Summary

Thieves broke into the food charity FareShare North East’s warehouse in Teesside, cutting power to freezers and chilling units. This caused 16 tonnes of food, enough for 7,000 meals, to spoil and be wasted.

Key Facts

  • The break-in happened on Tuesday morning at the Teesside warehouse.
  • Thieves cut the power supply to the charity’s walk-in freezer and chiller units.
  • About 16 tonnes of food, including milk and meat, had to be thrown away.
  • The food loss represents roughly 7,000 meals that can no longer be distributed.
  • FareShare North East redistributes food from supermarkets to over 200 community groups, including food banks.
  • The Middlesbrough warehouse moved to a new location four months ago.
  • Staff found the damage after arriving for work, seeing ransacked lockers and open freezer doors.
  • Cleveland Police are investigating and asking the public for information.
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BBC Business
India’s Modi promises fast-track courts for exam fraud fuelling protests

India’s Modi promises fast-track courts for exam fraud fuelling protests

July 23, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the creation of fast-track courts to quickly punish people involved in exam paper leaks. This comes amid large youth protests in New Delhi over cheating in medical school entrance exams and demands for the Education Minister’s resignation.

Key Facts

  • Protests started after reports of cheating in national medical school entrance exams.
  • Demonstrators have camped on a major road near India’s Parliament for several days.
  • Modi said protecting the youth’s future is a top priority and promised swift punishment.
  • The protests are led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement demanding reforms.
  • The CJP wants Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and want financial aid for families of students who died by suicide after exam cancellations.
  • Police used tear gas and batons to break up protests, and some metro stations were closed near the protest site.
  • The CJP claims outsiders caused violence to disrupt peaceful protests.
  • Smaller protests also happened in other big Indian cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna.
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Al Jazeera
EU signs off on 21st package of sanctions against Russia – Europe live

EU signs off on 21st package of sanctions against Russia – Europe live

July 23, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

The European Union has agreed on its 21st package of sanctions against Russia to weaken its ability to continue the war in Ukraine. The sanctions include bans on Russian banks, crypto firms, and oil traders, with a focus on limiting Russia’s oil revenue and targeting ships helping Russia evade sanctions. Greece secured a special exemption related to liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport, allowing it to continue some business until 2027.

Key Facts

  • The EU adopted its 21st package of sanctions against Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
  • The sanctions ban transactions with 32 additional Russian banks, some crypto companies, and oil trading platforms.
  • The EU froze the oil price cap adjustment for one year to stop Russia from benefiting from higher oil prices.
  • For the first time, the sanctions target vessels that help Russia’s "shadow fleet" avoid restrictions.
  • Greece blocked the sanctions at first but agreed after securing a one-year exemption for LNG transport contracts signed before the war.
  • The exemption protects Dynagas, a major Greek company transporting Russian LNG.
  • The package includes the most sanctions on individuals in the past four years.
  • A ban on Russian ex-combatants entering the EU was discussed but appears delayed for now.
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Guardian World
🔴 War in Ukraine: EU agrees 21st round of sanctions on Russia

🔴 War in Ukraine: EU agrees 21st round of sanctions on Russia

July 23, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

The European Union has agreed on its 21st set of sanctions against Russia due to the war in Ukraine. This package includes a one-year freeze on the price cap for Russian oil and exemptions for certain gas transfers and shipping activities.

Key Facts

  • EU ambassadors reached a political agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
  • The sanctions focus on key sectors: energy, financial services, cryptocurrency, and trade.
  • A 12-month freeze on the Russian oil price cap is included in the package.
  • There is a one-year exemption allowing Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to be transferred to third countries, with automatic renewal.
  • Greece received a special exemption for one of its shipping firms to continue transporting Russian Arctic LNG.
  • Many proposed bans, like a visa ban on Russians who fought in Ukraine and some import bans, were postponed or removed after member states’ objections.
  • Bulgarian, Portuguese, and French objections led to the removal of measures targeting Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill and bans on certain fish imports.
  • The sanctions package will now be finalized through a written approval process.
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France24
What we know about 20% cut to some business rates

What we know about 20% cut to some business rates

July 23, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

The government announced a 20% cut in certain business rates to help companies reduce their costs. This means some businesses will pay less in taxes related to their properties or operations.

Key Facts

  • A 20% reduction will apply to some business rates.
  • This cut aims to lower expenses for businesses.
  • The change affects specific categories of businesses, not all.
  • The announcement was made recently, as of 30 minutes ago.
  • Business rates are taxes companies pay on their properties or premises.
  • The measure is part of efforts to support the business sector.
  • Details about which businesses qualify were not provided in this brief.
  • This is a government policy decision impacting business finances.
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BBC Business
Scottish police officer was rapist who attacked women over 14 years

Scottish police officer was rapist who attacked women over 14 years

July 23, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

A Scottish police officer named Alan Greer was found to have raped at least nine women over 14 years while off duty. His crimes were discovered after a victim from 2012 came forward, leading to a major police investigation that revealed many more victims and evidence of abuse throughout his career.

Key Facts

  • Alan Greer was a police officer in Scotland who died by suicide in May 2024.
  • He attacked at least nine women over 14 years, including sex workers.
  • The first victim reported an attack from 2012, prompting a large anti-corruption inquiry.
  • Police found that Greer monitored the victim’s crime file after her report.
  • Searches of his devices uncovered thousands of explicit images and videos.
  • Five sex workers were seriously assaulted, and two female officers were photographed improperly.
  • Police said no early warning signs were missed but Greer would fail security checks now.
  • The investigation continues to identify more victims.
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Guardian World
Senior Pentagon Official Suspended After Bashing Trump On Hidden Camera

Senior Pentagon Official Suspended After Bashing Trump On Hidden Camera

July 23, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

A senior Pentagon official, Brandon Newsom, was placed on leave after a hidden camera recording showed him criticizing President Donald Trump and saying he wanted to reverse the changes made by Trump’s administration at the Department of Defense. The Acting Secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, said Newsom’s behavior was inappropriate and against the standards expected of military personnel.

Key Facts

  • Brandon Newsom is a senior official in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy.
  • He was secretly recorded criticizing President Donald Trump and his administration.
  • Newsom said he wanted to stay at the Pentagon to undo changes made by Trump’s administration.
  • He called President Trump “a textbook narcissist” and called the Iran war “completely stupid.”
  • The video was released by right-wing activist James O’Keefe.
  • Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao suspended Newsom immediately after the video surfaced.
  • The Navy said Newsom’s statements and intentions were inappropriate and did not meet the department’s standards.
  • The Navy is investigating further to decide on how to hold Newsom accountable.
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Newsweek
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