China’s economy grew by 4.5% in the third quarter of 2026, slightly improving from earlier in the year. This growth was helped by a rise in exports linked to the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, even though domestic spending remained weak.
Key Facts
China’s economy grew 4.5% in July to September 2026, up from 4.3% in the previous quarter.
This growth rate is at the lower end of Beijing’s annual target of 4.5%-5%.
Exports increased due to global demand for AI-related technology, like computer chips and data center parts.
China’s trade surplus is expected to surpass last year’s record of $1.2 trillion.
Domestic problems include a property market slump with a 20% drop in investment and weak consumer spending.
The government introduced support measures, such as lower interest rates and subsidies for homebuyers, to boost the economy.
Western countries, including the US and the EU, have criticized China because its cheap exports hurt their manufacturers.
There is uncertainty about whether the large investments in AI infrastructure will lead to big profits.
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Helium, a gas often known for filling party balloons, is very important for making computer chips and medical machines. The supply of helium is having problems because of the ongoing war with Iran, which is causing worry for American industries that rely on it.
Key Facts
Helium is essential for manufacturing semiconductors (computer chips).
It is also critical for medical equipment.
The helium supply faces disruption due to the war with Iran.
This shortage affects American businesses that depend on helium.
Helium is commonly associated with party balloons but has many industrial uses.
The shortage is part of broader supply chain challenges.
American industry is actively seeking solutions to the helium shortage.
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The EU has set new limits on steel imports to protect its own producers, reducing tax-free steel entry by nearly half. Ukraine’s steel industry leader says these cuts hurt Ukraine, especially because of the war with Russia, and wants the EU to make exceptions for Ukrainian steel exports.
Key Facts
The EU has lowered the amount of steel that can be imported tax-free by 47%, limiting it to 18.3 million tonnes per year.
Ukraine’s steel export quota to the EU is smaller than in previous years despite the ongoing war with Russia.
Metinvest, one of Ukraine’s largest steel companies, says the EU’s tariffs unfairly group Ukraine with other countries like China and Turkey.
Ukrainian steel exports to the EU could fall by 50-60% because of the new rules.
Steel is a major part of Ukraine’s economy, making up about 10% of income and one-third of exports before the war.
Since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, all steel mills in Ukraine have been bombed at some point, seriously damaging the industry.
Nearly 800 Metinvest workers have died during the conflict.
Despite the difficulties, Ukraine relies heavily on the EU as its main steel market and has limited options for shipping steel elsewhere.
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Criminals are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create more convincing scams, such as fake websites, voice cloning, and deepfake videos. These scams trick people into paying for goods that never arrive or giving money to scammers impersonating loved ones. Experts warn that old ways of spotting scams, like looking for spelling mistakes, are less reliable, so people should be extra cautious.
Key Facts
Scammers make fake websites that look professional and claim to sell quality UK-made products, but orders often never arrive or are cheap items from other countries.
AI tools can create deepfake videos and cloned voices to impersonate family or friends asking for money.
Romance scams use AI to remember personal details and continue conversations to build trust over time.
AI can generate personalized and error-free phishing emails, texts, and social media posts in large numbers.
Old scam warnings like spotting typos are less useful because AI creates near-perfect messages.
People should never send money or personal information to someone they haven’t met in person.
It’s important to research businesses, confirm addresses, and verify financial advisers through official sources.
If you suspect a scam, report it to Report Fraud or contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline for help.
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Victoria’s Labor government has promised to cap public transport fares at $30 per week starting January 1, if re-elected. This measure aims to help commuters save money but will cost $206 million and last until December 2028.
Key Facts
The $30 weekly fare cap will start on January 1, after current half-price fares end.
The capped fares are expected to save a regular commuter about $1,400 per year.
The program will cost the Victorian government $206 million over two years.
The government said the fare cap is temporary and not sustainable long-term.
Funding will come from reduced spending in other parts of the budget.
The Greens party wants public transport to be completely free and improved.
Labor also promises to cap road tolls at $30 per week for one year.
The opposition Coalition had promised a $50 weekly toll cap and criticized Labor’s toll record.
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British steelmakers face much higher electricity costs compared to European competitors, mainly due to high gas prices caused by global conflicts. This puts UK steel companies at a disadvantage and challenges government efforts to boost manufacturing in the country.
Key Facts
UK steelmakers pay nearly £30 more per megawatt hour (MWh) for electricity than French steelmakers, the highest gap in three years.
High UK electricity prices are linked to heavy reliance on gas for power, which sets electricity prices even for cheaper sources like wind and solar.
Global gas prices rose after the US-Israeli conflict with Iran impacted supply routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz.
France’s electricity costs are lower because they use mostly nuclear power; Germany relies more on coal.
The UK exports about 75% of its steel to the EU, making price differences important for competitiveness.
Government removed many extra charges on electricity for industry last year but prices remain high.
UK Steel group suggests direct subsidies or price caps to reduce costs, estimating a subsidy cost of about £51 million yearly.
The government recently announced job plans in key industries and efforts to reduce electricity bills by up to 25% for manufacturers.
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In Britain, home sellers reduced asking prices on over 3,000 properties daily in September, the highest level in 15 years. This is mainly because there are many homes for sale, mortgage rates have risen, and buyers are more careful with their budgets.
Key Facts
On average, more than 3,000 UK properties had their asking prices cut each day in September.
The number of price cuts in September was the highest monthly total for 15 years.
Nearly 7% was the average price reduction, equal to about £21,000 off a typical home.
Homes with reduced prices took about 119 days to sell, compared to 39 days for homes listed at one price.
About 34% of listed homes had price cuts in September, close to the 36% peak earlier in 2023.
Mortgage rates are at a three-year high, making buyers more cautious and selective.
The number of homes for sale was 5% higher than last year, but sales agreed fell 9% over the same period.
Many properties that returned to the market had lower prices but often took longer to sell.
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A £55 million loan given to companies controlled by Manchester City's owner, Sheikh Mansour, is being investigated. The loan was part of a housing fund managed by Greater Manchester's combined authority while Andy Burnham was mayor. Officials want to understand why such a wealthy owner received public money and how the loan process worked.
Key Facts
Manchester City’s owner, Sheikh Mansour, received a £55 million loan through a Greater Manchester housing fund.
The loan was for a housing project called Manchester Life, which planned to build 6,000 homes.
The loan fund has lent a total of £1 billion to about 50 developers since 2015.
The loan has been fully repaid, but details like the interest rate have not been shared publicly.
Andy Burnham, then mayor, had meetings with Manchester City’s owners before the loan was approved.
Some of Burnham’s meetings with the owners were not initially recorded in public documents.
Councillors say the loan approval process was not clear and want better transparency.
The Greater Manchester combined authority says the fund has helped build 11,000 homes and creates development without costing taxpayers.
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A woman named Sara bought a piece of art from a thrift store for $30 and later learned it could be worth nearly $1,000. The artwork is a signed and numbered serigraph by artist John Powell, known for detailed and colorful compositions.
Key Facts
Sara bought the artwork for $30 at a thrift store.
The piece is called Enchanted Forest, created by John Powell.
It is a serigraph, a type of screen print made using ink and a stencil.
The artwork is signed by the artist in pencil and numbered, increasing its value.
Similar pieces have sold online for $425 to $625.
John Powell was an artist who painted detailed compositions and passed away in May 2025 at age 94.
Sara plans to keep the artwork in her home because she values its story, not just its price.
She shares her finds and their histories on her Instagram account @thriftswithsara.
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California voters will decide on Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on the net worth of around 200 billionaires. The proposal aims to raise $100 billion over five years to offset health care budget cuts and protect health services. Some billionaires and political leaders oppose the tax, saying it could cause wealthy residents to leave the state.
Key Facts
Proposition 40 would apply a one-time 5% tax on the wealth of California's billionaires.
The tax aims to raise $100 billion over five years, mostly for healthcare funding.
The tax is a response to federal Medicaid cuts and projected health care funding shortfalls.
Some billionaires have already left California since the tax was proposed.
Billionaire opponents have spent over $100 million against the measure.
Two other competing propositions (41 and 42) are also on the ballot and could override Prop 40.
Key politicians, including Governor Gavin Newsom and Congresswoman Katie Porter, oppose Prop 40.
Experts say Prop 40 highlights flaws in the tax system but see it mainly as a temporary fix.
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This article reviews the best toys and gifts for eight-year-old children, chosen with input from kids and experts. It focuses on toys that support children's development, encourage play, and can be used for a long time, including creative kits, games, and outdoor activities.
Key Facts
Eight-year-olds have growing interests and skills, including reading and strategic thinking.
The toys were tested by groups of eight-year-olds to see which kept their attention and were enjoyable.
Experts and play specialists helped select toys that support development and wellbeing.
Sustainability was considered, with an emphasis on buying fewer, better-quality toys.
Examples include the 3Doodler 3D pen, which helps kids create objects from plastic safely.
Chess is recommended for developing focus, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Toys chosen are meant to last well into early tween years.
The guide aims to balance what children enjoy with what parents find practical.
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Zoey Darnbrough, from southern Scotland, started working at Annandale Distillery after finishing her studies in heritage and tourism. She quickly grew in her role and now hopes to encourage more women and young people to consider careers in whisky and local tourism.
Key Facts
Zoey did not initially know about the whisky distillery near her hometown in southern Scotland.
She studied heritage and tourism at university in Stirling before returning home to work.
Zoey began as a tour guide and became a group tourism and events coordinator at Annandale Distillery.
The distillery had closed in 1919 and reopened 90 years later.
She was nominated for "rising star" at the South of Scotland Thistle Awards.
Zoey wants to change how people see the whisky industry, especially encouraging women.
She believes the south of Scotland has many attractions like castles and nice scenery, similar to the Highlands but quieter.
Zoey wants to help young people learn about local career opportunities in heritage and tourism to prevent them leaving the area.
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Condé Nast’s UK profits dropped by 36% last year, falling from £28 million to nearly £18 million. The company’s UK revenue fell by 7%, but international revenue grew by 18%, keeping total revenue nearly the same. The family that owns Condé Nast said they will not sell the company despite speculation.
Key Facts
Profits in the UK fell from £28 million to nearly £18 million in one year.
UK revenue dropped from £75.9 million to £70.6 million, a 7% decline.
International revenue increased by 18%, reaching £29.7 million.
Total revenue stayed almost flat at about £100 million.
Restructuring costs, mainly severance payments, more than doubled to £4.3 million.
Staff numbers stayed nearly the same, going from 466 to 461 employees.
The Newhouse family, owners of Condé Nast, ruled out selling the company despite rumors involving Jeff Bezos.
Condé Nast plans to close the women’s health magazine Self, which has been published for 47 years.
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Kirkstall Brewery and Jamie Allsopp recreated an India Pale Ale using a recipe written by Jamie’s seven-times-great-grandfather, brewer Samuel Allsopp. The beer, first made in 1822, went on sale in 70 pubs across Britain, including two in Burton-upon-Trent, its original hometown.
Key Facts
Samuel Allsopp developed the beer to withstand a six-month sea journey to India.
The recipe was recorded in a leather-bound brewery ledger found in an attic in Leeds.
The ledger contains more than 100 handwritten recipes for beers, including pale ale, stout and Double Diamond.
Allsopp increased the beer’s alcohol and hop content, which helped preserve it during the journey.
Steve Holt, owner of Kirkstall Brewery, worked with Jamie Allsopp to recreate the beer.
Jamie Allsopp, a ninth-generation member of the family, revived the Allsopp’s brand in 2021.
The recreated IPA was released in 70 pubs across the country on Friday, including the Burton Bridge Inn and The Roebuck Inn.
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Prices for heating oil have risen by up to 82% since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran. People in rural areas are finding it hard to afford heating their homes this winter, despite new government plans to regulate the market and support low-income families.
Key Facts
Heating oil prices have nearly doubled since the conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran began.
Some customers are delaying buying heating oil, hoping prices will drop.
The government plans to tighten rules around heating oil sales to increase competition and protect customers.
Minimum order amounts for heating oil purchases will be reviewed to help buyers.
Rural communities without regular energy connections are most affected by price increases.
A £53 million government support package was announced to assist low-income households using heating oil.
Some people plan to use less heating this winter due to high costs.
Customers are looking for ways to spread heating oil costs over time to manage expenses.
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An artist has built a career by creating fine oil paintings of pets, turning beloved animals into lasting works of art. This approach has found a special place with pet owners who want to remember their pets forever.
Key Facts
The artist uses oil paint to create detailed portraits of pets.
Pet paintings help owners keep memories of their animals alive.
Creating art based on pets has become a successful career for the artist.
Oil painting is a traditional art form using pigments mixed with oil.
The demand for pet portraits shows how people value their relationships with animals.
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The Justice Department reached a settlement with technology company Cloudera, banning it from a federal green card program for two years due to discrimination against U.S. workers during hiring. Cloudera will pay $2 million, including back pay and penalties, and the case is part of a broader government effort to enforce fair hiring and tighten rules on work visas.
Key Facts
Cloudera agreed to a two-year ban from the Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) green card program.
The company will pay $1.4 million to back-pay U.S. workers harmed and $600,000 in penalties.
The DOJ accused Cloudera of discriminating against U.S. workers by blocking external job applicants' emails during recruitment.
The PERM program lets companies sponsor foreign workers for permanent residency after trying to hire U.S. workers first.
This settlement resolved a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department in April.
Cloudera said it fixed the email issue and stated it supports fair and legal hiring practices.
The Trump administration has increased scrutiny on the H-1B visa program, raising fees and adding restrictions.
Other tech companies like Microsoft and Adobe have also faced recent restrictions on applying for green cards for H-1B visa holders.
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Santo Taco, a Mexican-style taco chain, has opened in New York City, offering traditional tacos inspired by Mexico City flavors. The chain was created by Santiago Perez to bring authentic Mexican taquería food to New Yorkers.
Key Facts
Santo Taco is a Mexican-style taco chain now serving customers in New York City.
The chain offers classic tacos and dishes typical of Mexican street food.
Santiago Perez created Santo Taco based on the flavors and traditions of Mexico City.
The restaurant aims to give New Yorkers an authentic taste of Mexico City’s taquerías.
Santo Taco is part of a growing trend of Mexican food chains expanding in the U.S.
The opening has attracted interest from New Yorkers eager to try traditional Mexican tacos.
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CBS Mornings is offering exclusive discounts on various products through its website, cbsdeals.com. The site promotes items intended to improve daily life, and CBS earns commissions when people buy through this platform.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings features special deals on different products.
These deals are available on their website, cbsdeals.com.
The products are meant to help improve everyday living.
CBS receives a commission when customers buy through the deal site.
The discounts are exclusive to viewers of CBS Mornings.
The deals are regularly updated and promoted on the show.
The purpose is to provide value and savings to viewers.
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The article explains how changes in fertilizer availability abroad can impact farmers in the United States. It highlights the importance of having a stable supply of fertilizer to support American agriculture.
Key Facts
Farmers in the U.S. depend on fertilizers to grow their crops.
Fertilizer supply is affected by demand in Asia and supply problems in the Middle East.
Disruptions in other parts of the world can cause fertilizer shortages in the U.S.
Fertilizer price changes can increase costs for American farmers.
Reducing reliance on foreign fertilizer can help protect U.S. farmers.
Supporting domestic fertilizer production strengthens food security.
