The Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast will spend £3 million to repair and update its famous yellow cranes. This work is part of a nearly £100 million investment as the shipyard prepares to assemble three Royal Navy support ships for a major defense contract.
Key Facts
Harland and Wolff plans to spend £3 million refurbishing two large cranes called Samson and Goliath.
The cranes will have their engines and key parts repaired or replaced.
The investment in the shipyard totals almost £100 million.
The shipyard is owned by Navantia, a state-owned Spanish shipbuilder, since January 2025.
Harland and Wolff will be the final assembly site for three Royal Navy Fleet Solid Support ships.
Ship parts are built in Spain and Devon, then shipped to Belfast for assembly.
Blocks for the first ship, called RFA Resurgent, will arrive in Belfast in early 2027.
Navantia has previously invested in expanding the shipyard’s facilities and equipment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The UK depends heavily on imported fruits and vegetables from countries that face serious climate problems. This makes the UK vulnerable to food price increases and supply issues. A report says the UK could grow more of its own food if it supports farmers to handle changing weather.
Key Facts
The UK imports about 40% of all its food, including 80% of its fruit and 47% of its vegetables.
Many countries supplying the UK with food are highly vulnerable to climate change effects like drought and heat.
The UK has one of the lowest food self-sufficiency levels among large Western European nations.
The UK experienced five record heatwaves this year, causing damage to crops and reducing domestic produce.
Some popular fruits like apples and strawberries can grow well in the UK, but less than 40% of the demand is met domestically for most.
The UK could grow more vegetables such as tomatoes, mushrooms, and peppers, which currently rely heavily on imports.
Rising energy costs, labor shortages, and changes to farming subsidies since Brexit are making it harder for UK growers to produce more food.
Food groups urge the government to support farmers with better policies, affordable energy, and access to seasonal workers to increase local food production.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a three-day pause on planned 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports, citing a tentative agreement between the U.S. and Canada that still needs final paperwork. He also mentioned the possibility of restarting the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project canceled in 2021 but seen as a potential way to boost energy and jobs.
Key Facts
The U.S. planned to impose 50 percent tariffs on about $20 billion of Canadian goods starting Wednesday.
President Trump paused these tariffs for three days due to ongoing talks with Canada.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed progress but said negotiations are not finalized.
Trump suggested the Keystone XL Pipeline, canceled in 2021, might be restarted.
The Keystone XL Pipeline was meant to carry 830,000 barrels of oil daily from Alberta, Canada, to Nebraska, connecting to refineries in the U.S. Gulf Coast.
The pipeline was controversial due to environmental concerns and Indigenous rights issues.
Keystone XL needed a U.S. presidential permit because it crossed the border; President Biden revoked this permit in 2021.
The U.S. Trade Representative said the deal will protect American market access, economic security, and digital trade with Canada.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Asian stock markets fell, led by South Korea’s Kospi, which dropped 5.2%. Oil prices rose due to uncertainty over a possible agreement between the U.S. and Iran about oil tanker movements in the Persian Gulf, which affected investor confidence.
Key Facts
South Korea’s Kospi index fell 5.2% to 6,515.97.
Samsung Electronics lost 6.9%, and SK Hynix dropped 7.9%.
Other Asian markets also declined: Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 down 2.6%, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng down 0.4%, Shanghai Composite down 1.5%, Taiwan’s Taiex down 1.4%, and Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 down 0.4%.
Rising oil prices caused worry among investors; Brent crude rose 0.9% to $91.83 per barrel and U.S. crude rose 1% to $84.88.
Oil price swings are linked to doubts about a U.S.-Iran deal allowing oil tankers freedom in the Persian Gulf.
U.S. stock indexes also fell: S&P 500 down 0.7%, Dow Jones down 0.2%, Nasdaq down 1.3%.
AI-related tech stocks, including Micron, Nvidia, and Broadcom, led the market losses after price rises earlier in the year.
U.S. Treasury bond yields remain high due to inflation concerns linked to rising oil prices, with the 10-year yield near 4.7%, above pre-war levels.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States temporarily paused a planned 50% tariff on Canadian goods after reaching an agreement with Canadian officials just before it was to take effect. President Donald Trump also suggested the possibility of restarting the Keystone XL oil pipeline project, which had been stopped in 2021.
Key Facts
The 50% tariff was set to affect $20 billion worth of Canadian exports, including wine and hockey sticks.
President Trump announced a three-day pause on these tariffs, pending final document agreements between the US and Canada.
Trump mentioned that the Keystone XL pipeline project might be restarted but gave no specific details.
Keystone XL was canceled in 2021 after President Biden revoked a key permit; it faced opposition from landowners, Native American tribes, and environmentalists.
US and Canadian relations have been tense, with previous tariffs and trade disputes over immigration, drug trafficking, and product discrimination.
Trade between the US and Canada in 2024 was about $909 billion, showing how important their economic relationship is.
Some goods that were previously protected under the USMCA trade deal are now subject to the new tariffs.
Canadian officials described recent negotiations with the US as "intense and delicate," emphasizing the need for privacy in talks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump announced a three-day delay in new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods while the US and Canada finalize a trade deal. The deal may also allow the revival of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, which was previously blocked by past US administrations.
Key Facts
President Trump paused new 50% tariffs on nearly $20 billion of Canadian imports for three days.
The US and Canada are close to finalizing a trade agreement after intense talks since July.
The new tariffs were set to apply to Canadian products like wine, dairy, cement, clothing, and hockey equipment.
Existing US tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber remain in place.
A possible part of the deal is reducing US auto tariffs from 25% to 15%, with disputes over vehicle eligibility.
The trade deal might allow restarting the Keystone XL pipeline connecting Canadian oil to the US.
Canadian provinces control alcohol sales, and some banned US liquor in response to prior US tariffs.
Business groups warn that higher tariffs would harm both US and Canadian economies and jobs.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The United States and Canada have made an agreement to avoid high tariffs on Canadian goods, US President Donald Trump announced. This deal stopped a 50% tax on many Canadian products that was about to start at midnight.
Key Facts
The US and Canada reached a trade deal to prevent steep tariffs.
President Trump announced the agreement shortly before the deadline.
The tariffs would have been 50% on many Canadian exports, like electronics, machinery, furniture, and dairy.
The tariff was set to begin at midnight but was paused for three days because of the deal.
The deal is still subject to final paperwork being completed.
President Trump mentioned the Keystone XL Pipeline, saying it might be revived.
The announcement was made on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
About half of Venezuela’s oil production, over 500,000 barrels per day, is now being sent to the United States. The US and Venezuela are working together to increase oil production and exports, benefiting refineries on the US Gulf Coast that process Venezuela’s heavy crude oil.
Key Facts
Venezuela produces around 1.25 million barrels of oil per day.
More than 500,000 barrels per day are exported to the United States.
US refineries on the Gulf Coast are designed to process Venezuela’s heavy, sour crude oil.
The US is supporting Venezuela by sending over 100,000 barrels per day of naphtha, a lighter oil used to blend with heavy crude.
Venezuela aims to increase crude oil output to about 1.245 million barrels per day by August.
Venezuela’s oil exports have risen nearly 20% this year, while fuel production for domestic use increased by about 5%.
President Donald Trump stated that Washington would control Venezuelan oil revenues to benefit both countries.
The US has reportedly collected billions of dollars from Venezuelan oil sales, but details about the use of this money remain unclear.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Unitree Robotics, the world's largest maker of humanoid robots, began trading on the Shanghai stock market with its shares rising over 600%. The company, founded in 2016 in eastern China, produces various robots and plays an important role in China's efforts to become a global leader in advanced technology.
Key Facts
Unitree’s shares opened at 1,100 yuan, much higher than the initial offer price of 150.8 yuan.
The company is listed on the Star Market, a tech-focused stock exchange in China.
Unitree makes humanoid robots, robotic arms, sensors, and four-legged robots.
Its robots are priced lower than competitors’, such as Boston Dynamics, making them more affordable.
The G1 humanoid robot model costs about $13,500 and has been on sale since 2024.
China is investing heavily in robotics to boost its industry and address worker shortages due to an aging population.
Unitree's robots have been featured in public events like China's Spring Festival Gala and the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games.
The US and China are competing to lead the global robotics and AI markets.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Walt Disney Company honored 11 individuals as Disney Legends in 2026, including Bob Iger, the new owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. Iger has had a long career with Disney, serving as CEO twice and leading major company acquisitions and projects.
Key Facts
Disney inducted 11 people into the 2026 Disney Legends class.
Bob Iger, new owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, was one of the inductees.
Iger was Disney's CEO from 2005 to 2020 and returned as CEO in 2022.
He helped Disney buy Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox.
Iger led the opening of Shanghai Disneyland in 2016.
He also helped launch the Disney+ streaming service in 2019.
In March 2024, Josh D’Amaro became Disney's CEO, succeeding Iger.
Other Disney Legends named include Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Walt Disney Company, ABC, and their TV stations have filed a lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They are challenging the FCC's decision to review ABC's broadcast license sooner than usual, claiming the move is a form of retaliation.
Key Facts
Disney, ABC, and their affiliated TV stations are suing the FCC.
The lawsuit is over an early review of ABC’s broadcast license.
Broadcast licenses are normally reviewed on a regular schedule, but this review was moved up.
Disney and ABC claim the early review is a retaliatory action by the FCC.
The FCC is the U.S. government agency that regulates broadcasting and communications.
The news was reported by David Shepardson from Reuters.
The case highlights tension between major media companies and government regulators.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Vinted, a popular online marketplace for buying and selling used clothes, has banned thousands of users, including some who say they were wrongly accused of selling fake items. Many users complain that Vinted’s automated system flags legitimate listings as counterfeit and suspends accounts without clear explanations. Some banned sellers have struggled to get help or have their accounts reinstated.
Key Facts
Emma Neil was banned from Vinted after listing a pair of sandals for £2, which Vinted said were fake.
Over 4,000 users reported problems like bans or suspended accounts on a website collecting complaints about Vinted.
Vinted has 17 million users in the UK and says most have a good experience.
Many complaints focus on automated systems wrongly detecting fraud or counterfeit items.
Professional seller Matthew Connor was banned then unbanned after appealing, but lost thousands in sales.
Vinted says it uses trained teams and technology to keep the site safe and reviews appeals individually.
Users say they get slow or automatic responses from customer service and feel unheard.
Consumer expert Helen Dewdney notes a rise in complaints about Vinted’s customer support.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
More people in the UK are using mobile phones to pay for things instead of cash or cards. Though cash use is going down, the drop is slowing, and many people still prefer to use cash.
Key Facts
Two-thirds of UK adults had at least one mobile payment service last year.
Mobile payments have grown since Apple Pay arrived in the UK about 10 years ago.
About 90% of mobile wallet users have their debit card set as the main payment method on their phone.
Over 80% of people aged 16 to 34 regularly use mobile payments.
Debit cards, including those on phones, made up 54% of all payments in 2025.
Cash was used in 8% of payments last year, or about 3.9 billion times, and is expected to drop to 4% by 2035.
Cheques are almost gone, making up only 0.2% of payments in the UK last year.
Many people, especially those with lower incomes, still rely on cash, so access to cash machines remains important.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A study from the University of Turku in Finland found that having poor sleep after age 50 can shorten how long people stay in the workforce by up to nine months. Women without sleep problems tend to work longer than men, and both short and very long sleep durations are linked to fewer years working after 50.
Key Facts
Poor sleep, including disrupted or too long sleep, can reduce working life by about nine months after age 50.
Women with no sleep problems work longer from ages 50 to 68 than men without sleep issues.
Moderate sleep problems mean nearly five fewer months of work; severe problems mean eight fewer months.
People sleeping less than seven hours or more than nine hours have shorter working careers than those sleeping 7 to 8.5 hours.
The longest working life (almost 14 years) was found among professional women without sleep disturbances.
The shortest working life (about 12.5 years) was seen in men with routine jobs and severe sleep problems.
The study suggests sleep health support and treatment, like therapy for insomnia, may help people work longer.
Researchers noted other factors like health conditions and job type could also influence how long people remain in work.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Amazon is issuing refunds to some Prime customers as part of a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over subscription problems making Prime hard to cancel. The refunds are being sent directly by Amazon through PayPal, Venmo, or checks, not by the FTC.
Key Facts
The FTC sued Amazon for using "subscription traps" that made it difficult to cancel Prime membership.
Amazon agreed to pay $2.5 billion in the settlement, with $1.5 billion for consumer refunds.
Amazon, not the FTC, manages and sends all refunds under the settlement.
Eligible customers who had trouble canceling Prime or were unintentionally enrolled from 2019 to 2025 can get refunds.
From November 12 to December 24, 2025, Amazon is sending automatic payments of up to $51 via PayPal or Venmo.
If customers do not accept digital payments within 15 days, Amazon will mail a paper check.
A second group needing to file claims will be notified between December 24, 2025, and January 23, 2026, with a deadline to submit claims by July 21, 2026.
The FTC warns about scammers pretending to be the agency and says it does not contact customers by phone or text to demand money.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Bill Rasmussen, who co-founded ESPN, the first all-sports cable TV network, died at age 93 from Parkinson’s disease. He and his son started ESPN in 1979 with the idea of a channel devoted only to sports, which changed how people watched sports on TV.
Key Facts
Bill Rasmussen co-created ESPN with his son Scott in the late 1970s.
ESPN launched on September 7, 1979, as the first 24-hour sports cable network.
Early cable operators doubted the idea, but satellite technology allowed national broadcasts.
Rasmussen and his son were forced out of ESPN after one year when Getty Oil took majority control.
ESPN began showing NFL drafts in 1980 and created the ESPY Awards in 1993 and X Games in 1995.
The network helped grow college and women’s sports on TV and holds exclusive College Football Playoff rights.
After years apart, ESPN welcomed Rasmussen back for anniversary events starting in 1999.
Rasmussen died at home in Florida from complications of Parkinson’s disease, diagnosed in 2014.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The interest rate on the U.S. 30-year Treasury bond rose above 5.3 percent on Tuesday, reaching its highest point since 2007 before dropping slightly. This increase suggests that borrowing money in the U.S. may become more expensive.
Key Facts
The 30-year Treasury bond yield peaked at 5.337 percent on Tuesday.
The yield opened at 5.308 percent and was 5.284 percent by Tuesday afternoon.
This is the highest yield for the 30-year bond since 2007.
A higher bond yield means higher borrowing costs for the government and potentially for businesses and consumers.
Treasury bonds are long-term debt securities issued by the U.S. government to raise money.
Rising yields can affect mortgage rates, loans, and other financial products.
The yield change reflects investor expectations about inflation and the economy.
This movement in bond yields is closely watched by economists and policymakers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone to discuss trade negotiations, aiming to prevent new U.S. tariffs from starting at midnight on Wednesday. The talks focus on resolving differences over tariffs on Canadian goods including automobiles, with possible impacts on jobs and businesses.
Key Facts
The U.S. plans to impose new tariffs of 50% on about $20 billion of Canadian imports starting Wednesday midnight.
These tariffs would apply even if Canadian goods qualify under the US-Mexico-Canada trade deal protections.
One major issue is the U.S. auto tariffs, currently at 25%, which the U.S. might reduce to 15% based on the percentage of U.S.-made parts in vehicles.
The U.S. only wants to count U.S.-made parts to reduce tariffs, while Canada wants to include parts made anywhere in North America.
The U.S. Commerce Department has set new rules for automakers to certify U.S. content once per year instead of twice.
Tariffs could cause job losses and hurt industries like lumber, wine, and dairy in Canada.
Trade experts warn that this dispute could complicate the larger U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement review process.
Canadian officials recently met with key U.S. trade representatives to negotiate tariff issues and ongoing trade disagreements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
American Airlines will bring back TV screens on seats for all its US domestic flights. The airline stopped using these screens years ago but is now adding them again to improve passenger comfort and increase revenue. The new screens are part of a larger plan to upgrade their cabins and compete better with other airlines.
Key Facts
American Airlines removed seatback TV screens from most US planes in 2017.
The airline will restore these screens across its domestic fleet by early next decade.
Passengers had complained about using their own devices due to battery drain, viewing issues, and poor Wi-Fi.
Adding screens aims to improve the travel experience and increase airline revenue.
Other US airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue still have seatback TVs, making them standard for many travelers.
American Airlines had removed screens to save weight and lower maintenance costs during a focus on efficiency.
Improved technology makes screens lighter, use less power, and cheaper to install now.
These changes are part of a bigger cabin investment plan announced recently by American Airlines.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A human rights group reported that forced labor continues on large sugarcane plantations in the Dominican Republic, which export to the U.S. The group urged the U.S. government to ban imports from these plantations again, as workers face poor pay and bad living conditions.
Key Facts
Forced labor is happening on big sugarcane plantations owned by Central Romana Corporation in the Dominican Republic.
Central Romana is the largest employer and landowner in the country’s sugar industry.
The company has past links to President Donald Trump and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
The U.S. had banned imports from Central Romana in 2022 but lifted the ban during President Trump’s administration.
About 8,000 workers, many Haitian migrants or their descendants, work under poor conditions with low wages and crowded housing.
Some workers don’t have official papers, limiting their job options and rights.
The report calls on Central Romana to pay fair wages, enroll workers in social security, allow independent unions, and improve health protections.
Fear among workers prevents them from complaining or demanding fair treatment.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
