A family-owned ice cream shop called McGroggan's in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, is closing after 103 years in business. The shop's closure is due to rising costs and fewer customers visiting the town center.
Key Facts
McGroggan's ice cream shop was founded in 1922 by Hugh and Annie McGroggan.
The shop was run by four generations of the McGroggan family.
It was known for homemade ice cream and had won several awards.
Rising business costs and fewer people visiting the town caused the closure.
Customers traveled long distances to buy ice cream on the last day.
The closure affects other local businesses due to less foot traffic.
A business group says the government should lower business rates to help shops survive.
The shop’s final day was marked by many well-wishers and sad goodbyes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The cost of owning an electric vehicle (EV) varies depending on the state where you live. Gas prices recently reached their highest level in four years, which may encourage more people to consider EVs.
Key Facts
Gas prices hit a four-year high over Memorial Day weekend.
Rising gas costs could make electric vehicles more attractive to buyers.
The total cost of owning an EV changes from state to state.
Factors like electricity rates, taxes, and incentives affect EV ownership costs.
Some states offer financial benefits that lower the cost of EVs.
Other states might have higher costs due to less support or higher fees.
Location plays a key role in how much you pay to own and operate an EV.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In the first quarter of the year, over 13% of credit card balances were unpaid for 90 days or more. This is the highest level of late payments on credit cards since 2011.
Key Facts
More than 13% of credit card balances were at least 90 days past due in the first quarter.
This is the highest rate of overdue credit card debt since 2011.
Being 90 days late means people have not made payments on their credit cards for at least three months.
A high rate of late payments can indicate financial difficulties for many credit card holders.
This trend may affect lenders and the overall economy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Everyman Cinemas, a luxury movie theater chain known for its comfy seats and gourmet food, is facing financial problems after strong growth. The company has lost money for several years, its shares dropped, and its top executives recently left. The new interim chief executive is focusing on reducing debt and improving operations to try to restore the company’s success.
Key Facts
Everyman started in London and grew to 49 locations across the UK.
The company warned of lower profits in December 2024, causing its share price to drop almost 20%.
The finance director and CEO both resigned recently.
Everyman has lost over £56 million before tax in the last six years and has not made a profit since 2019.
Debt stands at about £21.6 million.
Expansion has been paused to focus on paying down debt and improving existing cinemas.
Plans to increase profits may include letting customers pre-order food and improving the membership program, which had 67,000 members last year.
The new interim CEO has a background in TV and advertising and aims to reset the company for growth.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Unpaid caregiving causes financial, physical, and emotional challenges. It also harms people’s ability to save and plan for retirement, threatening their future security.
Key Facts
Caregiving includes helping family or friends without pay.
It creates financial strain because caregivers often spend their own money.
Caregivers face physical and emotional health challenges.
Time spent caregiving can reduce work hours or job opportunities.
This loss of income and savings affects retirement security.
Recognizing and supporting caregiving can help protect retirement savings.
The article suggests it is important to find ways to credit caregiving in social and financial systems.
Addressing caregiving’s impact could improve people’s economic futures.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Winning the lottery can bring a big cash prize, but lottery winnings are often reduced by taxes. The amount you lose to taxes depends on where you live.
Key Facts
Lottery prizes are subject to taxes.
Tax rates on lottery winnings vary by location.
Some places take a bigger share of lottery winnings than others.
The final amount a winner receives can be much less than the announced prize.
Understanding local tax rules helps lottery winners know how much they keep.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
While many pubs in Britain closed in early 2026 due to rising costs and taxes, Wales is seeing new pub openings. In Cardiff and other Welsh towns, entrepreneurs like Lewis Dwyer have opened new pubs, supported by the local community and crowdfunding.
Key Facts
In the first quarter of 2026, 161 pubs closed across Britain, about two per day.
The closures increased by 26% compared to the same period in 2025.
These closures resulted in the loss of around 2,400 jobs.
Wales was the only part of Britain where new pubs opened, with at least three new venues starting in early 2026.
The Pig & Swill in Cardiff is one new pub opened by local restaurateurs Lewis Dwyer and Andy Aston.
The Pig & Swill raised £29,000 through a Kickstarter campaign to help with renovations.
Local hospitality in Wales still faces challenges, including closures of restaurants and hotels.
Industry leaders call for government support on taxes and costs to help hospitality businesses survive and grow in Wales.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting the annual "Choose France" summit to attract foreign investment, with about 200 business leaders expected. This event comes as France faces economic challenges, including more factory closures than openings, high national debt, and rising unemployment.
Key Facts
President Macron visited a Thermomix kitchen appliance factory in France, owned by a German company.
Over 100 industrial and business sites will open to the public before the "Choose France" summit.
The summit will be held at the Versailles palace and expects around 200 foreign business leaders.
France aims to set a new record for foreign investment at this summit.
France’s economy is struggling with more factory closures than openings.
The country is dealing with increasing national debt and rising unemployment.
Global economic difficulties, including effects from the war in Iran, are impacting France’s economy.
The event is taking place a year before the next French presidential election.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A heatwave in Britain is affecting people differently based on where and how they live. Wealthier workers in air-conditioned offices and homes are comfortable, while people in poorer areas suffer in overheated flats without air conditioning, which can cause health risks.
Key Facts
London experienced the hottest days in May ever recorded, reaching 35°C.
Many poorer homes are not built to handle extreme heat and can get dangerously hot inside.
Almost half of the poorest fifth of English households have homes that are likely to overheat, compared to 17% of the richest fifth.
Air conditioning units and fans have increased in price, making them harder for some people to buy.
Wealthier office workers often have air-conditioned offices, trains, and homes, staying cool during the heatwave.
Some people in deprived areas have to sit outside or use fans to try to stay cool because their flats are too hot to sleep in.
Health risks increase when indoor temperatures go above 25°C, especially for older people.
The heatwave has highlighted the uneven effects of extreme weather on different income groups in the UK.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen sharply since the start of the war with Iran and are unlikely to fall back to prewar levels soon. Experts say that even if the conflict ends now, it could take many months or even years for gas prices to return to where they were before the war.
Key Facts
Before the Iran war started, the average U.S. gas price was $2.98 per gallon.
As of May 11, 2026, the national average price was about $4.52 per gallon.
The conflict caused a major disruption in oil supply due to reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for about 20% of global oil.
California has the highest gas prices in the U.S., averaging over $6 per gallon, while Mississippi has the lowest, just under $4.
Experts agree that reopening the Strait of Hormuz fully is necessary to lower gas prices significantly.
Even if the strait reopens now, it may take weeks or months for oil shipments to resume normal levels and reach markets.
Analysts predict gas prices may not drop to prewar levels until the second half of 2027 or later.
President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that prices will drop quickly if the war ends, but experts disagree.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK government is trying to make it easier for people to charge electric cars parked on the street by using special charger gullies. However, many local councils, especially in London, are still not allowing cables to cross sidewalks due to safety and access concerns, which limits the use of this cheaper charging method for many households without private parking.
Key Facts
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband supports charger gullies to reduce costs for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Over 20 local councils, including many in London, do not allow charging cables across pavements.
London has the most electric cars and the most households without off-street parking in the UK.
Charging EVs at home using domestic electricity is cheaper because VAT on electricity is 5%, compared to 20% on public chargers.
About 9.3 million UK households lack off-street parking, making street charging important.
Gully makers say their products create safe cable channels that do not cause trip hazards.
Councils oppose gullies due to concerns about safety, liability, parking, and pavement damage.
The government removed the need for planning permission for gullies but local councils still control street work licenses, causing delays.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A resident group called the Soho Society in London plans to oppose all new bar and restaurant licences and renewals in Soho. Local business owners warn this could hurt Soho’s reputation as a lively entertainment area and make it harder for businesses to grow and create jobs.
Key Facts
The Soho Society is a group of residents formed in 1972 to protect Soho’s character.
The society recently voted to oppose all new and renewal licences for bars and restaurants in Soho.
They will also object to venues staying open past 11 pm, the official closing time set by Westminster council.
Soho business owners say the society’s actions could damage Soho’s international fame as a nightlife and cultural hub.
The Soho Society is part-funded by Westminster city council and has a formal role in planning and licensing.
Some members feel pressured not to vote against the new mandate because votes are visible to the society’s chair.
Objections by the society have previously caused expensive legal costs for businesses, such as a gin distillery that faced a £44,000 bill.
Critics say the strict licensing approach harms small businesses and reduces job opportunities, especially for young people.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Gluten-free foods like bread and biscuits are becoming more expensive in the UK, with some small loaves nearing £4. This rise worries people who need gluten-free diets for health reasons, as these products are already more costly than regular foods.
Key Facts
A small gluten-free loaf can cost nearly £4, compared to under £1 for a regular white loaf.
Gluten-free branded bread, such as Promise, is priced around £3.90 in major supermarkets.
The cost of gluten-free bread increased about 6% from May 2025; gluten-free flour prices rose over 10%.
Gluten-free products are often smaller in size, so people pay more for less food.
A gluten-free cereal box or biscuit pack typically costs nearly double the regular versions.
The price increase impacts families with coeliac disease, who need gluten-free products for medical reasons.
Some supermarkets, like Aldi, have reduced or removed gluten-free product sections after trial periods.
UK food price inflation could rise to nearly 10% this year due to global events affecting supply.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car, the Luce EV, which surprised many traditional fans. While some critics dislike its look and quiet sound, Ferrari’s CEO says the car is attracting buyers beyond its usual customers, and the company aims to appeal to new markets.
Key Facts
Ferrari introduced the Luce EV, its first fully electric car, on May 25.
The car is a five-seater painted blue and named Luce, meaning "light" in Italian.
Traditional Ferrari fans criticized its design and the lack of the usual engine roar.
Ferrari added artificial sound using sensors to simulate engine noise.
Ferrari’s stock initially dropped by 8.4% in Milan after the announcement but partially recovered later.
CEO Benedetto Vigna said the car received positive responses and some orders.
Ferrari is seeking buyers outside its usual group of petrol car enthusiasts.
Experts say Ferrari will likely make fewer than 1,000 Luce cars and target wealthy, open-minded customers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Ticket prices for major UK music festivals have increased faster than inflation over the past decade. The rise in costs also includes more expensive food, drinks, merchandise, and travel, affecting festival-goers' budgets differently depending on the event.
Key Facts
A 2007 ticket for Reading and Leeds cost £145, which is about £245 today after adjusting for inflation, but the 2025 ticket price is £325, £80 higher in real terms.
Parklife festival tickets increased by 71% in real terms since 2013, while Reading and Leeds rose by 14% in the same period.
Glastonbury tickets went up by 30% in real terms, about £85 more today than previous years.
Wireless festival ticket prices decreased by 10% from 2012 to 2024 but then sharply rose in 2025.
Changes in festival pricing strategies, such as more day events and less camping, contribute to different price changes.
Festival guests are spending more on entry plus additional costs like food and travel, leading some to prioritize festivals over holidays.
Some fans bring their own food and use payment plans to manage higher ticket prices.
Festival organizers are investing in big-name music acts to attract fans despite rising ticket costs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hollywood studios and the actors' union SAG-AFTRA have reached a new agreement that includes rules about the use of artificial intelligence (AI). This deal aims to protect actors by requiring consent and fair pay when AI replicates a performer, following a long strike in 2023 over similar issues.
Key Facts
SAG-AFTRA represents 160,000 members in film, TV, and video games worldwide.
The union and studios approved a new contract before the old one expires in June 2026.
The 2023 strike lasted 118 days, the longest in Hollywood history, mainly over AI and workers' rights.
The new contract requires informed consent and fair payment for digital or AI replicas of actors.
AI can be used to create characters not based on any real person under limited, strictly controlled conditions.
Studios must prove to the union that using AI-created characters adds important value to a production.
This agreement aims to prevent future strikes and improve cooperation between studios and actors.
Negotiators say the 2023 strike helped reset discussions and led to a more collaborative mindset in talks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the summer of 2026 is expected to have the lowest number of teen jobs since 1948, when the government began collecting this data. This prediction highlights a significant drop in employment opportunities for teenagers.
Key Facts
The summer of 2026 will likely have the fewest teen jobs recorded since 1948.
The federal government has been tracking teen employment data since 1948.
The Wall Street Journal made this prediction based on current trends.
Ray A. Smith, a Wall Street Journal reporter, discusses the issue.
The report focuses on jobs available to teenagers during summer breaks.
Teen employment is considered a measure of youth participation in the workforce.
This decline may affect teens’ work experience and earnings for that year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Mumbai’s dabbawalas, known for delivering home-cooked meals across the city for over 100 years, have seen their numbers fall sharply from about 4,500 in 2018 to around 1,500 today. The pandemic and the rise of remote work have reduced the demand for their lunch delivery service.
Key Facts
Dabbawalas deliver lunchboxes filled with home-cooked food to office workers in Mumbai every day.
Each lunchbox is marked with a special code showing its origin and destination, allowing precise delivery without technology like apps or GPS.
The system started in the late 19th century to help workers eat fresh food while at work.
The dabbawalas’ delivery network peaked at around 4,500 workers delivering 50,000 lunchboxes daily.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused offices to close, drastically lowering demand for the service.
Many dabbawalas left the job due to reduced customers and few savings.
Hybrid and remote work models have kept the demand lower even after offices reopened.
The dabbawalas are known worldwide for their efficient, low-cost delivery system and have been studied by business schools.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The fast growth of AI data centers in the U.S. is creating many blue-collar jobs, mainly in construction. Most of these jobs are temporary positions to help build the new facilities.
Key Facts
AI data centers are being built quickly across the U.S.
This construction boom is increasing the need for blue-collar workers.
Most job openings are for temporary construction workers.
These facilities support AI technology development and operation.
The surge provides short-term employment opportunities in local communities.
The jobs are mostly linked to building and installing the data centers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Polaris introduced the 2026 Signature Edition of its Slingshot three-wheeler, featuring a special color-changing paint and upgraded audio and interior lighting. The vehicle keeps the same engine and performance as the top R trim but adds style and technology enhancements. It starts at $36,999 and is now available at dealers.
Key Facts
The 2026 Signature Edition is a limited-run version of the Polaris Slingshot three-wheeler.
It uses the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the R trim, producing 204 horsepower.
Buyers can choose between a five-speed manual or automated manual transmission.
The vehicle has a top speed of 125 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.
Its main new feature is a color-shifting Golden Steel paint with black accents and gold pinstriping.
Inside, it includes a 700-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system and customizable interior lighting that syncs with music.
A 7-inch screen offers navigation, smartphone integration, a backup camera, and vehicle locator.
The price is $36,999, about $2,000 more than the standard R trim but less than the Grand Touring model.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
