Four states have begun a trial against Meta in California, accusing the company of harming children by creating addictive social media features and collecting data without parental consent. The states seek large financial penalties and changes in how Meta runs Facebook and Instagram.
Key Facts
The lawsuit claims Meta knowingly designed features that make children addicted to its platforms.
It alleges Meta collected data on children under 13 without parental permission, breaking federal law.
The trial involves California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with 25 other states expected to have separate trials.
States are seeking up to $1.4 trillion in damages and operational changes to Meta’s platforms.
Meta denies the allegations and says it works to support young people, citing expert research and law enforcement cooperation.
Meta has already lost two similar cases this year and has spent $2.4 billion on legal costs recently.
The proposed financial penalty is close to Meta’s total market value, which could threaten the company’s existence.
The court will decide the size of any penalty, but experts say the full $1.4 trillion is unlikely.
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The average asking price for newly listed homes in the UK’s richest borough, Kensington and Chelsea, fell by about £95,000 in one month. Across the UK, average asking prices dropped by 2% in August, the biggest August fall in eight years, mainly due to more competition among sellers and higher mortgage costs squeezing buyers.
Key Facts
The average asking price in Kensington and Chelsea dropped from about £1.65 million to £1.55 million in one month.
Nationally, newly listed home asking prices fell 2% in August, the largest drop in that month since 2015.
London saw the biggest price drop among regions, with a 4.4% fall, around £30,000 less on average.
The number of homes for sale in London is the highest in 16 years, increasing competition among sellers.
Buy-to-let investors (landlords) are buying more homes and often paying less than the asking price, taking advantage of the weaker market.
In July, landlords made up 14.1% of home purchases, higher than earlier in the year.
More than half of landlord offers in July were at least 10% below asking price, a level not seen since early 2020.
Sellers are increasingly likely to accept low offers, especially for leasehold properties, with 41% of those low offers accepted.
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Japan’s economy grew at an annual rate of 1.1% during April to June 2026, despite flat consumer spending and slower export growth. The growth was supported by demand for Japanese cars and computer chips, but rising energy costs and a weak yen created challenges.
Key Facts
Japan’s GDP grew 0.3% from the first quarter to the second quarter of 2026 when adjusted for seasonal changes.
The annualized GDP growth rate for April-June was 1.1%, down from 2.1% in the previous quarter.
Private consumer spending fell by 1.2% in the April-June period compared to January-March.
Exports increased by 0.5%, driven by strong demand for automobiles and semiconductors.
Japan faces higher energy costs due to the war in Iran disrupting oil supply routes.
The Bank of Japan raised its economic growth forecast slightly to 0.6% for the current fiscal year.
The yen has weakened against the U.S. dollar, helping exporters but making imports more expensive.
Wage growth in Japan remains low, contributing to concerns about rising prices and weak consumer spending.
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Ferrari's first all-electric car, the Luce, sold for $40 million at a charity auction in California, setting a new record for a new car sold at auction. All the money raised will support Ferrari Foundation's educational programs.
Key Facts
The Ferrari Luce is the brand’s first electric vehicle.
It sold for $40 million, about 35 times its usual price.
The car was designed by Sir Jony Ive, known for designing the iPhone.
The Luce has unique features like special wheels, customized brakes, and a white finish.
Some people criticized the car for not fitting Ferrari’s traditional style and brand identity.
The buyer was not publicly named.
Proceeds from the auction go to educational programs run by the Ferrari Foundation.
A previous Ferrari, a Daytona SP3 supercar, sold for $26 million in 2025 for charity as well.
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In 2026, Hollywood has seen a strong recovery with five blockbuster movies each earning more than $1 billion at the box office. Together, these films have generated over $5 billion in ticket sales.
Key Facts
Hollywood’s box office is booming in 2026.
Five movies have each made over $1 billion.
Total box office revenue from these films exceeds $5 billion.
The news report is from Los Angeles.
This shows a significant comeback for the film industry this year.
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China has launched the first regular shipping service through the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a shipping lane along Russia’s Arctic coast. This route can cut travel time between China and Europe by more than half but carries environmental and political risks.
Key Facts
The Northern Sea Route is about 5,500 km long and goes through the Arctic Circle.
It is navigable during warmer months due to shrinking sea ice caused by climate change.
China’s Sea Legend shipping company started a regular container service through this route in 2025.
The NSR trip from Ningbo-Zhoushan (China) to Felixstowe (UK) takes about 18 days, versus over 40 days via the Suez Canal.
The route is good for shipping sensitive cargo like electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products.
Russia controls and manages the route, including issuing permits and providing nuclear-powered icebreakers.
Using the NSR can lower emissions by reducing sailing time, but risks like oil spills and black carbon emissions threaten the fragile Arctic environment.
Heavy fuel oil has been banned in the Arctic since 2024, but some ships still face criticism for using it, as spills would be very hard to clean up.
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India’s digital payment system, called UPI, has grown to become one of the biggest and fastest ways to send money instantly without fees for users. The government is now considering charging merchants a small fee for large transactions, which could change how the system works for businesses but not for consumers.
Key Facts
UPI lets people scan a QR code and send money instantly without cash or cards.
Users have not had to pay any fees to use UPI for all their payments so far.
The government is considering a fee for merchants on bigger transactions, possibly between 0.3% and 0.5%.
Any new fees would only apply to some large payments and bigger businesses, not regular consumer payments.
UPI processed nearly 24 billion transactions worth about $313 billion in July alone.
More than 550 million people use UPI, and it is available in 11 countries outside India.
UPI’s design allows different payment apps like Google Pay and PhonePe to work on the same network.
Research shows that having many merchants accept UPI helped its growth, so fees might slow small merchant adoption.
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Many UK banks offer bonuses up to £220 to encourage people to switch accounts. Keeping money in the same bank for years can cost savers billions in missed interest, but switching is made easier by a free service that moves payments and closes old accounts.
Key Facts
More than five UK banks offer incentives to switch, with the top bonus being £220.
Nearly two-thirds of British savers have been with the same bank for over 10 years.
Staying with the same bank costs British savers an estimated £12 billion a year in missed interest.
A survey found 34% of British adults moved their money in the last 12 months, mainly for better interest rates.
Switching banks may affect your credit report, so it’s best to time it carefully if planning to borrow money soon.
The free Current Account Switch Service helps transfer payments, move balances, and close old accounts within seven working days.
Customers must manually update recurring card payments like subscriptions after switching.
It’s advised to download old bank statements before switching, as past records won’t be accessible afterward.
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Some states are starting to regulate home listings that use artificial intelligence (AI) to digitally improve photos of houses. These improvements include adding furniture, changing wall colors, and enhancing landscaping. Officials want to prevent these AI-made changes from misleading buyers or becoming fraudulent.
Key Facts
Real estate listings increasingly use AI to digitally alter home photos.
AI edits can add furniture, repaint walls, and improve outdoor areas.
Some changes also include adding windows that don’t exist.
States are beginning to create rules to stop misleading or fraudulent listings.
The goal is to protect buyers from false impressions of properties.
Virtual staging is the process of digitally furnishing or decorating homes in photos.
There is concern over where virtual staging becomes deceptive advertising.
CBS News reported on this trend and state responses.
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Reform UK plans to cut £50 billion from benefits, including £20 billion from disability benefits and £21 billion by restricting foreign nationals from claiming many welfare payments. The party aims to reduce the welfare budget by a quarter, while critics say the cuts could harm vulnerable people and damage agreements with the EU.
Key Facts
Reform UK proposes a £50 billion cut to welfare benefits.
£20 billion of cuts target disability benefits.
They plan to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP) with a stricter benefit for only the most seriously ill.
£21 billion would be saved by stopping foreign nationals, including EU citizens with settled status, from claiming most benefits.
Some benefits like child benefit and free school meals would still apply to foreign-born parents with British-born children.
Critics argue these cuts could hurt disabled people and violate the UK’s EU withdrawal agreement.
Reform UK says paying benefits to non-British people is unfair despite many having paid taxes.
Campaigners warn that cutting disability benefits can lead to higher costs later, like increased hospital stays.
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Many workers are choosing to stay in their current jobs instead of moving to new ones because the economy feels uncertain. The article explores who is staying put at work and the reasons behind their cautious choices.
Key Facts
Economic uncertainty is making workers more careful about changing jobs.
Some people prefer the safety of their current job rather than risking a new one.
The article looks at different groups of workers who decide not to move.
Job security is a key reason many workers stay in place.
The report shares insights into how these decisions affect the job market.
It was produced by Vishala Sri-Pathma for the Business Daily program.
The article is part of a series available on BBC World Service.
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The movie "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" remains the top film at the North American box office with $70 million in its third weekend, reaching over $2 billion worldwide. Two dinosaur-themed movies, "The End of Oak Street" and "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie," competed closely for third place, earning about $21 million and $20.5 million respectively in their opening weekends.
Key Facts
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" made $70 million in its third weekend in the U.S. and Canada.
The film’s total domestic earnings are $785.8 million, making it the fourth-biggest release in the U.S. history.
Globally, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has earned over $2 billion, one of only eight movies to surpass this mark.
Christopher Nolan’s "The Odyssey" held second place with $23.2 million in its fifth weekend and has made over $1.2 billion worldwide.
"The End of Oak Street," a PG-13 action movie starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, earned about $21 million in its opening weekend.
"Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie," aimed at young children and rated PG, earned $20.5 million debuting in over 3,500 theaters.
"The End of Oak Street" had a production budget of around $80 million and received positive critic reviews (86% on Rotten Tomatoes).
Audiences gave "The End of Oak Street" a B CinemaScore, while "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie" earned an A rating from viewers.
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Some employers are planning pay raises for 2027 that could be bigger than usual. This comes as discussions begin about how to handle future salary increases.
Key Facts
Employers are starting to think about pay raises for the year 2027.
The raises planned might be larger than what workers have received before.
This is an early sign of changes in how companies set salaries.
The article explains the idea of a "peanut butter pay raise," a type of small increase given to many or all employees.
There is concern that some workers might not get any raise next year.
Companies may be adjusting their pay strategies due to economic or business reasons.
The discussion about raises is connected to how businesses manage costs and employee satisfaction.
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Water companies in England and Wales may be allowed to increase water bills during droughts to encourage people to use less water. Regulators are considering rules similar to "surge pricing," where prices rise when demand is higher, to reflect water scarcity and help fund repairs and improvements.
Key Facts
Water firms could raise prices during drought periods under new rules from the regulator Ofwat.
This pricing approach is compared to surge pricing seen in taxi services, charging more when demand goes up.
Five water companies were recently allowed to increase bills more than planned to pay for extra infrastructure spending.
Public anger has grown as water bills rise even though pollution and leaks remain a problem.
Ofwat says more efficient water use and fairer charges would benefit everyone.
Some companies are testing new charging plans, like charging less for low water use and more for higher use.
Seasonal pricing trials are happening for charging more in summer than winter to reflect water availability.
The government says it has no plans for nationwide surge pricing but supports trials that make bills fairer and encourage saving water.
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Oma’s Pride, a pet food company from Connecticut, recalled 639 bags of frozen dog food in 11 states due to salmonella contamination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed a sample tested positive after a consumer complaint, and the recall includes only one specific product batch.
Key Facts
The recalled product is Oma’s Pride Woof Complete Canine Chicken Recipe, 6 lb bags with individually wrapped portions.
The recall covers products sold between February 12 and May 15, 2026, with a lot number BB012729.
States affected include Arizona, California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Salmonella can cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and more serious health issues in dogs and can also infect humans, especially vulnerable groups.
Consumers who bought the recalled dog food should stop using it, dispose of it safely, and clean anything that touched the food.
The FDA reported three illnesses linked to the dog food recall but did not specify if these were in dogs or humans.
There is a separate, ongoing salmonella outbreak involving eggs that has caused 98 illnesses and 26 hospitalizations across 17 states.
Midwest Poultry Services recalled over 1.5 million eggs from Texas farms due to the egg-related salmonella risk.
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Policymakers are urged to create financial safety plans to protect workers and reduce income gaps as artificial intelligence changes the job market. Suggested measures include updating support programs for workers and increasing opportunities for people to own capital.
Key Facts
Artificial intelligence could cause many workers to lose their jobs.
Income inequality might grow because of AI-driven changes.
Fiscal insurance means government financial protections or programs.
Adjustment assistance helps workers adapt to job changes.
Expanding capital ownership means giving more people a chance to own business assets.
Policymakers need to prepare plans now to handle these challenges.
These actions aim to protect workers and maintain economic balance.
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Many states require companies to report large job cuts in advance. This helps workers and communities prepare for layoffs. You can check public lists to see if your company plans to reduce its workforce.
Key Facts
Companies must give advance notice if they plan large layoffs.
Most U.S. states have laws requiring this notification.
The rules help employees find new jobs or benefits before layoffs happen.
States maintain public lists or databases showing companies planning big job cuts.
Workers can use these resources to stay informed about potential job losses.
Employers must follow specific state laws about how and when to notify workers.
This system aims to reduce surprise job losses and help local economies adjust.
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The UK government is changing planning rules to make it harder to turn pubs into homes or offices. Developers will need to prove that a pub cannot continue running as a business before converting it. The new rules aim to protect pubs that are important to their communities.
Key Facts
The updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) starts on Monday in England.
Pubs will have more protection from being changed into homes or offices.
Developers must show that a pub was offered for sale for at least 12 months and cannot survive as a business.
Local councils will assess how closing a pub affects the community.
The rules aim to stop owners from shutting pubs just to sell or convert them.
Hospitality groups blame taxes and business costs for pub closures, not planning rules.
The government announced a 20% cut in business rates for pubs and live music venues in England.
The NPPF update also encourages building homes near railway stations to increase housebuilding.
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Sally McManus is stepping down as the secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) after nearly a decade in the role. During her time, she worked to improve workers’ rights, including fair pay and protections for gig workers, while facing intense public criticism and online abuse.
Key Facts
Sally McManus served as ACTU secretary for nine and a half years and has been a union official for 33 years.
She and ACTU president Michele O’Neil, who is also stepping down, were the first all-female leadership team in the ACTU’s 99-year history.
McManus helped push for worker-friendly laws such as “same job, same pay,” the right to disconnect, and tougher rules against wage theft.
Her time as leader included dealing with different Australian governments and challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and union corruption allegations.
McManus faced strong opposition, including online hate and death threats, which she partly blamed on social media.
She supports ideas like a four-day work week and tax reforms for fairness between generations.
McManus warned about the political rise of Pauline Hanson and the risk to worker protections if Hanson’s party gained power.
She sees artificial intelligence as a future challenge for workers’ rights but also an opportunity to reduce working hours without cutting pay.
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Australia’s corporate watchdog, ASIC, warns that scammers are using deepfake videos of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other celebrities to trick people into fake investment schemes. Australians have lost $7.4 million to these scams, which often use convincing fake websites, videos, and fake promises of high returns.
Key Facts
Scammers use deepfake technology to create fake videos of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promoting false investment opportunities.
ASIC handled over 19,400 scam reports last financial year, nearly three times more than the previous year.
Australians lost $7.4 million to scams involving the top 10 impersonated public figures, with Albanese the most impersonated.
Scammers create networks of fake brands, websites, reviews, and news to appear trustworthy and steal money.
ASIC removed thousands of phishing links, fake investment sites, and cryptocurrency scams, all increasing significantly.
Deepfake videos often promise unrealistic returns, like earning $40,000 a month from a $4,000 investment.
Scamwatch advises people to verify companies’ legitimacy and report scams to banks or cyber security agencies.
Research shows most Australians are overconfident about spotting AI scams, catching less than half of them in reality.
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