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Business news, market updates, and economic developments
A homeowner in Cambridgeshire was initially unsure if a government help scheme to improve home energy use was real but now has very low electricity costs after getting solar panels. Local councils in Cambridgeshire have spent all their £3.5 million grant money on this scheme and have asked the government for more funding to help more people.
Key Facts
The scheme helps people with low incomes make their homes more energy efficient.
David Brain from Wisbech had solar panels installed through this scheme and his electricity bill dropped to about 2 pence a day.
The grant is for homes in England with lower energy ratings and usually with income under £36,000 or receiving certain benefits.
Improvements can include solar panels, heat pumps, and better insulation.
Six councils in Cambridgeshire work together on this grant scheme, known as the Cambridgeshire Energy Retrofit Partnership.
All £3.5 million of the local grant money has been spent, and councils have asked the government to provide more funds.
The government says its priority is to lower energy bills permanently and plans to expand the warm homes upgrades across the country.
Some people hoping to get improvements through the scheme are disappointed because it has run out of money for now.
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Half of homes in Great Britain are taking longer to sell compared to last year because uncertain mortgage costs have made buyers cautious. The ongoing Iran war has caused mortgage rates to rise and lenders to pull deals, affecting how quickly houses sell in different areas.
Key Facts
Homes in 180 out of 363 local authorities in England, Scotland, and Wales are selling slower than last year.
The average time to sell a home nationally remains about 42 days, but some regions are much slower or faster.
Scotland has the fastest home sales, with Falkirk averaging 11 days to sell a home.
Some areas, including Melton, Westminster, and Teignbridge, have average sale times over two months.
Mortgage rates rose from 4.83% before the Iran war to about 5.61% recently, peaking near 6% in April.
The Iran war created uncertainty, causing lenders to pull mortgage deals and increasing loan costs.
Higher energy costs pushed UK inflation from 2.6% in June to 2.9% in July, influencing expectations for interest rate rises.
The Bank of England’s base interest rate is currently 3.75%, with markets expecting two more increases by the end of next year.
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BHP reported that 109 workers left the company in the last financial year after 113 confirmed cases of sexual harassment, including indecent touching, stalking, and grooming. The mining company said these incidents mostly happened at remote work sites and that they investigate claims through an independent ethics team.
Key Facts
109 BHP workers resigned or were fired due to sexual harassment in the 2025-26 financial year.
There were 113 confirmed sexual harassment reports, the highest number since 2023.
Many cases involved indecent touching, stalking, grooming, and sexually aggressive comments or jokes.
Another 104 reports were not investigated because of lack of information or the affected person’s wishes.
BHP operates large mining sites in Australia, North America, and South America but did not specify where most cases occurred.
Independent ethics teams handle the investigation of these allegations.
Three class action lawsuits are underway against BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue, claiming widespread sexual harassment and discrimination at remote mining sites.
BHP also reported 22 workers left after incidents of racial harassment.
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The United States and Canada held urgent talks to prevent the U.S. from imposing a 50% tariff on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods. The talks come as President Donald Trump considers tariffs aimed at bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., but both countries want to avoid hurting their long-standing trade relationship.
Key Facts
The U.S. planned to impose a 50% tariff on $20 billion of Canadian products.
Canadian exports to the U.S. make up nearly 72% of Canada’s total exports.
The tariff would affect many Canadian goods, including hockey sticks and tongue depressors.
President Donald Trump has previously imposed tariffs and made strong comments about Canada.
The U.S.-Canada border is usually open and sees $2 billion worth of goods crossing daily.
Americans and Canadians have a long history of cooperation and trade.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the negotiations intense and sensitive.
The U.S. may want Canada to buy more U.S. military equipment as part of a trade deal.
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Marisa Mender-Franklin started a flower business in Memphis by using unused yards and gardens shared by her neighbors through a local Facebook group. Her community support helped her grow flowers on nine different plots of land, leading to the creation of her full-time business, Midtown Bramble & Bloom.
Key Facts
Marisa Mender-Franklin wanted to grow flowers for her wedding in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She did not own any land, so she asked her local Buy Nothing Facebook group for unused garden space.
Within minutes, many neighbors offered their yards and gardens for her to use free of charge.
By 2021, she was growing flowers on four different plots and receiving help like supplies and labor from the community.
Today, she runs nine flower farms and employs 10 people at her flower shop in Memphis.
Her business held 57 workshops in one year and provided flowers for 44 weddings and large events.
The idea was inspired by a Canadian flower gardener named Sarah Nixon, who also worked with shared land.
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A Chinese animated film called "Niulai" was criticized online for its low-quality animation but unexpectedly became a box-office success. The movie, made mostly by two people over five years, went from earning very little to making over $2.5 million.
Key Facts
"Niulai" is an animated film about a calf dreaming of growing up with family support.
The film initially earned only about 10,000 yuan ($1,480) in the first 10 days.
On August 17, 2026, the film's daily earnings surged to 8.2 million yuan ($1.2 million).
Total box office earnings reached 17.1 million yuan ($2.5 million).
The movie was made mainly by director Xin Yumeng and his mother over five years.
Online comments mocked the film’s crude animation and called it "terrible" and a form of internet humor.
Some moviegoers recommend it as a prank or joke to friends.
Its unusual popularity has been compared to viral, meme-driven internet trends.
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Asian stock markets fell as rising oil prices and concerns about inflation outweighed gains from strong company earnings. Despite some positive reports from firms in Japan and other parts of Asia, worries about the impact of the war in Iran on global oil supply pushed prices higher, affecting markets worldwide.
Key Facts
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index dropped 1.6% to 68,098.54.
Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 slightly rose by 0.2% to 9,088.60.
South Korea’s Kospi fell 0.6% to 6,933.60 after earlier gains.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite indexes lost 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively.
Rising crude oil prices are linked to worries about the war in Iran affecting oil flows from the Persian Gulf.
Brent crude oil price climbed to about $91 per barrel, increasing inflation concerns.
Higher energy costs have pushed U.S. Treasury yields up, raising pressure on the economy and investments.
Strong earnings in Asia, helped by growing demand tied to AI investments, have not fully offset market declines caused by oil price fears.
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Canada and the United States are in serious talks to stop new US tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods that could start in less than two days. Canadian leaders are trying to find a deal to avoid these tariffs, but no final agreement has been reached yet.
Key Facts
The US plans to start new 50% tariffs on about $20 billion Canadian imports soon.
Canada’s negotiators have been in Washington for a week trying to reach a deal.
Prime Minister Mark Carney described the talks as "very delicate and intense."
The US wants Canada to remove its tariffs on American cars and change dairy rules.
Canada’s provinces control alcohol sales, affecting possible concessions on US alcohol imports.
Ontario and Quebec leaders have different views on concessions, especially about dairy and alcohol.
Many Canadians feel the trade conflict is hurting them; some support tougher responses.
The new tariffs may harm future trade talks if they are put into effect.
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The U.S. Navy gave a $22.9 billion contract to Raytheon to speed up making Tomahawk missiles. This action comes after the Navy faced a shortage of these missiles following the start of the war in Iran.
Key Facts
The Navy awarded the contract on Monday.
Raytheon is the company receiving the contract.
The contract is worth $22.9 billion.
The goal is to increase Tomahawk missile production.
The missile shortage happened after the Iran war began.
The contract supports rebuilding the defense industry.
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao announced the contract.
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The article gives advice on writing good out-of-office (OOO) messages for work. It explains that a clear, polite message with return dates and backup contact details is best, while avoiding too much personal information or jokes that might offend.
Key Facts
A good OOO message should be polite, short, and include your return date.
It should provide another contact person so people know who to reach when you’re away.
Sharing too many personal details, like holiday plans or expensive hobbies, is not recommended.
Avoid using jokes or sarcasm, as these can be misunderstood or cause problems with clients.
Saying you have “limited email access” can encourage people to keep emailing you. Saying “I won’t be checking emails” is clearer if you want a full break.
Informing the colleague covering for you about important things before you leave helps communication.
In the UK, employees have a legal right to uninterrupted vacation unless stated otherwise in their contract.
Starting your message with a polite greeting like “Thank you for your email” is better than just saying “I’m on leave.”
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Eddie Smith, owner of Grady-White Boats in North Carolina, has decided to give his company to a trust instead of selling it. This trust will use almost all the company’s future profits to support charities.
Key Facts
Eddie Smith owns Grady-White Boats in Greenville, North Carolina.
He chose not to sell the company.
He donated the company to a perpetual purpose trust.
The trust will give nearly all future profits to charity.
Smith hopes other business owners will make similar decisions.
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Zareh, an Armenian-Lebanese restaurant in Melbourne, has been named Gourmet Traveller’s restaurant of the year. The restaurant features dishes from Armenian, Egyptian, and Lebanese cultures and opened in August 2025.
Key Facts
Zareh is co-owned by Tom Sarafian and Jinane Bou-Assi.
The menu includes dishes like aish baladi (Egyptian flatbread) and kafta nayyah (raw lamb).
The restaurant highlights cultural connections between Armenia and Lebanon.
Zareh won the award at a ceremony in Sydney celebrating Australia’s migrant food culture.
Other award winners included Beppi’s (enduring excellence) and Melbourne’s Saadi for best new talent.
Chef Stephanie Alexander received recognition for her lifetime contribution to hospitality.
The award event marked the 60th anniversary of Gourmet Traveller magazine.
Melbourne’s Yiaga was named best new restaurant, and Christian Ryan was chef of the year.
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Stellantis is recalling nearly 850,000 vehicles in the U.S. because a software problem can make the rearview camera stop working. The recall covers several Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram models from 2026 and 2027. The company will fix the issue with a software update sent directly to the vehicles.
Key Facts
Stellantis announced a recall of about 850,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to rearview camera software issues.
The affected vehicles are from the 2026 and 2027 model years.
Brands involved include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram.
About 107,000 additional vehicles are being recalled in Canada, Mexico, and other markets.
Models recalled include Chrysler Pacifica variants, Dodge Charger, various Jeep models, Ram 1500 and 2500 pickups, and ProMaster vans.
Stellantis will fix the problem by sending a software update over the air (wirelessly).
No accidents or injuries related to the issue have been reported.
Drivers are advised to use their mirrors and stay alert when reversing if the rearview camera is not working.
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The Supreme Court denied Verizon’s request to get back a $47 million fine from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Verizon and other phone companies were fined for selling customers’ real-time location data without permission, and Verizon wants another chance to challenge its fine in court.
Key Facts
Verizon asked the Supreme Court to refund $47 million it paid as a fine to the FCC.
The Supreme Court refused Verizon’s petition without giving a reason.
Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint were fined a total of $196 million in 2024 for selling location data without customer consent.
The Court ruled in June that the FCC’s fining process does not violate the carriers’ right to a jury trial.
Verizon claims it didn’t know it could refuse to pay the fine and wants to argue the fine’s legality again.
AT&T and T-Mobile are still fighting their fines in lower courts.
Verizon lost its case in the 2nd Circuit Court, and the Supreme Court affirmed that decision.
Verizon wants a small change from the Supreme Court to be allowed to reopen its case like the other companies.
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Disney has introduced new toys that celebrate World Princess Week. These products are inspired by Disney Princess characters and can be preordered for fans to enjoy at home.
Key Facts
Disney released new toys to mark World Princess Week.
The toys are based on popular Disney Princess characters.
Fans can preorder these products before they become widely available.
The announcement was shared by Lori Bergamotto.
The new toy line aims to bring Disney magic into people’s homes.
This launch coincides with a special celebration dedicated to Disney Princesses.
The information was shared on August 17, 2026.
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A tomato soup kit sold at Walmart has been recalled after tests showed it could be contaminated with Listeria bacteria. The recall affects soup kits sold in 29 states, but no illnesses have been reported so far.
A recent poll finds that people in California are divided on a proposed tax that would charge the state’s 200 billionaires a one-time 5 percent tax on their total wealth. This tax measure will be on the ballot for voters to decide in November.
Key Facts
The tax targets the 200 billionaires living in California.
It would charge them a one-time 5 percent tax based on their net worth (total wealth).
The poll was conducted by the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
Results from the poll show Californians are split on whether they support or oppose the tax.
The tax measure will be decided by voters in the November election.
The goal of the tax is to raise money from the very wealthy residents in the state.
The poll results were shared publicly on a Friday.
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Putting $50,000 into a 6-month certificate of deposit (CD) in August can earn between about $1,002 and $1,040 in interest. CDs lock in a fixed interest rate for the term, protecting savers from future rate changes, but money cannot be withdrawn early without a penalty.
Key Facts
The Federal Reserve's interest rate has stayed between 3.5% and 3.75% since early 2024.
A 6-month CD locks in the interest rate for that time, offering certainty on returns.
Current top 6-month CD rates range from about 4.05% to 4.20%.
A $50,000 deposit could earn roughly $1,002 to $1,040 in interest over six months.
Early withdrawal from a CD may result in a penalty, limiting access to money during the term.
High-yield savings accounts offer rates close to CDs but with variable rates and full access to funds.
High-yield savings rates range from about 3.95% to 4.10%, with $50,000 earning roughly $978 to $1,015 in six months.
Choosing between CDs and savings accounts depends on whether a saver prefers fixed returns or flexible access to money.
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Amazon MGM Studios plans to expand its Bray Film Studios near Windsor, adding new buildings and facilities. The British Film Commission supports the plan, which is expected to create many jobs and boost the UK film industry.
Key Facts
The expansion is at Bray Film Studios in Water Oakley, near Windsor.
Amazon MGM bought the site in 2024 and has used it since 2022.
The plan includes six new sound stages and a multi-storey car park.
The expansion could create 470 construction jobs and 920 jobs in the Berkshire area.
The British Film Commission supports the project and highlights its benefits to local employment.
Bray Studios was previously used by the Hammer Films company.
The planning application decision is still pending.
A public consultation about the expansion closed in May 2024.
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Reform UK has proposed cutting more than £50 billion a year from the UK welfare budget by 2030, mainly by limiting benefits for foreign nationals and changing disability payments. The plan aims for about a 25% cut in welfare spending outside the state pension but faces questions about its feasibility and possible legal and political challenges.
Key Facts
The UK will spend around £353 billion on welfare this year, with about £207 billion on benefits other than the state pension.
Reform UK wants to cut £50 billion a year from welfare by 2030, approximately 25% of non-pension welfare spending.
Around £21 billion of these savings would come from changing disability benefits like Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Reform plans to reassess about 2.89 million people on PIP, potentially reducing or stopping payments, while protecting the most severely disabled.
About £20 billion of savings would come from stopping foreign nationals from claiming benefits, including Universal Credit.
More than one million people claiming Universal Credit were born overseas, with many EU citizens who have settled rights in the UK.
Removing benefits from foreign nationals could conflict with agreements the UK made with the EU after Brexit.
Reform also suggests using a lower inflation measure to raise benefits and spending more on fighting benefit fraud to save money.
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