John Lewis, a British retail company, reported a significant increase in losses in the first half of the year, mainly due to costs related to waste packaging and higher National Insurance Contributions. The company expects to return to profitability by the end of the year, especially during the Christmas season. John Lewis also highlighted efforts to navigate challenges and attract customers through its retail offerings.
Key Facts
John Lewis's losses before tax rose to £88 million, up from £30 million last year.
The increase in losses is partly due to a new waste packaging policy and higher National Insurance Contributions.
John Lewis spent £29 million on the new policy and employer National Insurance payments in six months.
The company remains optimistic about returning to profit in the second half of the year, especially during the Christmas season.
Revenue for John Lewis increased by 4% to £6.2 billion, with Waitrose sales rising by 6%.
The company brought back its "Never Knowingly Undersold" price promise to attract customers.
Staff bonuses are still uncertain, as employees haven't received one for three years.
The Bank of England mentioned that packaging costs could lead to small increases in food prices if passed on to customers.
Chelsea football club has been charged with 74 rule violations by the Football Association related to payments made to agents from 2009 to 2022. The focus is on events from the 2010-11 to 2015-16 seasons, and the club has until September 19 to respond.
Key Facts
Chelsea has been charged with 74 alleged rule violations by the Football Association.
The charges relate to payments made to agents, intermediaries, and third parties.
The specific time frame in focus is between the 2010-11 and 2015-16 seasons.
Chelsea is required to respond to these charges by September 19.
Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich owned the club from 2003 to 2022.
Abramovich sold Chelsea last year to a group led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
Chelsea stated they self-reported these issues to relevant regulatory bodies after the sale.
The club provided the regulators with access to files and historical data.
NASA has stopped allowing Chinese citizens to work on its space programs, blocking their access to the agency's facilities and data. This decision affects Chinese nationals who had roles as contractors or students and is part of broader tensions between the US and China over national security concerns related to space technology.
Key Facts
NASA has banned Chinese citizens from its space programs, preventing their access to facilities, data, and networks.
The restriction affects Chinese nationals working as contractors or students contributing to NASA's research.
This move aligns with existing US policies that prohibit NASA from sharing data with China.
Chinese astronauts are already excluded from the International Space Station due to US restrictions.
Both the US and China are in a competitive race to achieve significant milestones in space exploration, like landing on the Moon.
Recent events have seen increased suspicion and allegations of espionage against Chinese nationals in scientific fields in the US.
NASA's decision is part of broader national security concerns amid growing US-China tensions in technological advancements.
The Irish postal service, An Post, issued special edition stamps to honor Westlife, an Irish boy band celebrating their 25th anniversary. These stamps, featuring current band members, recognize Westlife's global impact and success. The band thanked An Post and their fans for the tribute.
Key Facts
An Post created limited edition Westlife stamps for the band's 25th anniversary.
Westlife has sold more than 55 million records globally and achieved 14 UK number one hits.
The stamps honor the band members Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, and Shane Filan.
The stamps include booklets and a souvenir band stamp sheet.
The band expressed gratitude for the commemorative stamps and for their fans' support.
The band initially disbanded in 2012 but reunited six years later.
Original member Brian McFadden, who left in 2004, does not feature on the stamps.
An Post's stamps manager described the stamps as a tribute to Westlife's success and Irish culture.
An Israeli attack in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders has led to a muted response from former U.S. President Trump and criticism regarding the U.S.'s credibility in the region. Qatar, a U.S. ally and host to a significant U.S. military base, expressed strong disapproval of the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the strength of U.S. partnerships in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Israel attacked Hamas leaders in Qatar, an ally of the United States.
The attack did not kill top Hamas leaders but resulted in six deaths, including a Qatari security officer.
The White House's response was delayed, and Trump's comments were seen as lacking firmness.
Qatar denied claims it was informed about the attack beforehand.
Israeli threats of further attacks on Qatar added tension.
Experts suggest this incident could damage the U.S.'s role as a mediator in the region.
Comparisons were made to past U.S. responses, such as its stance in the 2019 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Qatar officials stated the targeted meeting was related to a ceasefire proposal, not a secret gathering.
Olympic swimmer Ben Proud has joined a new event called the Enhanced Games, where athletes can use banned performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision. The event offers high prize money, and Proud expressed that earning from traditional sports doesn't provide enough financial stability. The Enhanced Games has faced criticism for potentially risking athletes' health and fairness in sports.
Key Facts
Ben Proud is an Olympic swimmer who joined the Enhanced Games.
The Enhanced Games allow athletes to use performance-enhancing drugs legally under medical guidance.
Prize money at the Enhanced Games is much higher than some traditional competitions.
Proud stated it would take 13 years of winning World Championships to earn the same as winning one race at the Enhanced Games.
The Enhanced Games offers athletes an appearance fee and up to $1 million for breaking a world record.
The Enhanced Games faces criticism from governing bodies, including the World Anti-Doping Agency.
The inaugural Enhanced Games event is scheduled for May 2026 in Las Vegas.
Proud emphasized he is not required to take drugs and will rely on medical advice if necessary.
South Africa's highest court decided that men can legally take their wife's last name. This ruling changes a previous law that only allowed women to adopt their husband's surname and must now be amended by Parliament.
Key Facts
South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that men can take their wife's surname.
The decision overturns a previous law that only let women take their husband's surname.
Two couples brought the case to court, claiming the old law was discriminatory.
The court agreed that the law was an example of gender-based discrimination.
Parliament must now change the Births and Deaths Registration Act to align with this ruling.
The ruling confirms a prior decision made by a lower court on the same case.
Cuba experienced another widespread power outage due to a malfunction at a major power plant. This is the latest blackout on the island, which has been struggling with frequent electricity problems. The government is working to restore power to essential services, but ongoing energy issues persist.
Key Facts
Cuba had another major blackout, affecting the entire island.
The outage started just after 9 am due to a problem at a large thermoelectric plant.
The energy ministry is working to restore electricity, focusing on crucial areas like hospitals.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero appeared on TV, asking for public trust and assuring gradual power restoration.
Cuba's energy situation has worsened, leading to frequent blackouts and protests.
US sanctions have made it difficult for Cuba to upgrade its ageing power infrastructure.
The government has used Turkish power ships and Chinese solar parks to help with power supply.
Residents are adapting by using alternative cooking methods and adjusting their daily routines.
Former Premier League referee David Coote pleaded not guilty to a charge of making an indecent image of a child. Nottinghamshire Police charged him following their investigation earlier this year, and he will appear in court again in October.
Key Facts
David Coote, a former Premier League referee, faced a legal charge related to an indecent image of a child.
He appeared in Nottingham Magistrates' Court and denied the charge.
The police charged him on 12 August after finding a video file in February.
The charge involves activities like downloading or sharing inappropriate child images.
Mr. Coote was given conditional bail and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 9 October.
He was previously sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited in December.
UEFA, European football's governing body, banned him until 30 June 2026 due to unrelated past comments.
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University during an event. The shooter used a high-powered rifle and managed to escape, blending in with the campus crowd. Authorities are conducting an ongoing investigation and have recovered the weapon but have not identified the suspect yet.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was killed at Utah Valley University.
The shooter used a high-powered rifle and fired from a rooftop.
The shooter is believed to be "college age" and escaped after the shooting.
Authorities have identified multiple active crime scenes related to the incident.
Two individuals were detained but later released as they weren't connected to the shooting.
The incident has sparked discussion about political violence in the U.S.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the incident a political assassination.
Vice President JD Vance planned to visit Kirk's family instead of attending another scheduled event.
The UK fired its ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, due to his close ties with Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes. Emails and a birthday note revealed a deeper relationship between Mandelson and Epstein than previously known.
Key Facts
The UK government removed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the US.
The dismissal was due to Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
A birthday book included a note where Mandelson referred to Epstein as "my best pal."
Emails revealed Mandelson advised Epstein to seek early release before his prison sentence.
The UK Prime Minister requested the ambassador's removal after new information emerged.
The Democrats released Epstein's birthday album with the note from Mandelson.
The UK's Foreign Office stated that this new information was not available during Mandelson's appointment.
A music festival in Belgium stopped a concert by a German orchestra because of concerns about the Israeli conductor's opinions on the Gaza conflict. The Flanders Festival Ghent was unsure about the conductor Lahav Shani's stance, leading to the cancellation. Belgian and German officials criticized this decision.
Key Facts
The Flanders Festival in Belgium canceled a German orchestra's concert due to concerns over the Israeli conductor’s views.
The concert was scheduled for September 18 in Ghent.
The festival questioned conductor Lahav Shani’s stance on the conflict in Gaza.
The Munich Philharmonic Orchestra expressed shock over the cancellation.
Belgian and German officials criticized the decision, calling it unfair.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot urged not to link Israeli identity with government policies.
German Minister Wolfram Weimer described the cancellation as antisemitism.
Israel's conflict with Gaza has resulted in over 64,650 deaths since October 2023.
According to updated estimates from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the U.S. population will grow more slowly due to the Trump administration's immigration policies. By 2031, deaths are expected to outnumber births, and future population growth will mainly rely on immigration.
Key Facts
The U.S. population is projected to grow more slowly than previously thought because of strict immigration policies.
Deaths are expected to exceed births by 2031, mainly due to decreased immigration and lower fertility rates.
The CBO predicts that from 2026 to 2029, 290,000 immigrants will be removed due to new laws; 30,000 more might leave on their own.
The projected U.S. population in 2055 is now 367 million, lower than an earlier estimate of 372 million.
The growth slowdown could lead to fewer working-age people, affecting the labor force and economic growth.
Net immigration is still expected to be positive in 2025 due to an increase in lawful permanent residents.
Population projections are uncertain and can change with new policies.
A three-year economic forecast based on these projections is expected on Friday.
Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, was killed by an unknown gunman during an event at Utah Valley University, leading to widespread condemnation. President Trump addressed the nation, urging unity while blaming political tensions for recent violence. The investigation into the attack continues as authorities search for the suspect.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a conservative leader, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
The event was part of Turning Point USA's "American Comeback Tour."
President Trump called for national unity and announced efforts to address political violence.
Two people were questioned in connection with the shooting but were released.
Kirk was known for his political influence among conservatives and his support of Trump.
This incident adds to a list of recent violent events in U.S. politics.
The search for the attacker is ongoing, with authorities actively investigating.
The Philippines has expressed strong opposition to China's new plan to establish a nature preserve in Scarborough Shoal, an area in the South China Sea claimed by both countries. The Philippines plans to file a formal protest, while China insists on its historical right to the territory.
Key Facts
China plans to create a nature preserve on Scarborough Shoal, calling it key for maintaining biodiversity.
The Philippines claims Scarborough Shoal as part of its territory and plans a diplomatic protest against China’s plan.
China and the Philippines have a history of disputes over the shoal, with China seizing it in 2012.
Scarborough Shoal is around 200 kilometers from the Philippines and over 900 kilometers from China.
The area is a traditional fishing ground for Luzon-based fishermen in the Philippines.
A 2016 ruling from an arbitration tribunal in The Hague declared China has no legal basis for its territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Despite this ruling, China continues to assert control over large parts of the South China Sea.
The area is strategically important, with 60% of global maritime trade passing through the South China Sea.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the UK for a state visit from September 16 to September 18. This visit breaks the usual tradition, as U.S. Presidents in their second term normally do not receive state visit invitations. During this visit, Trump will meet King Charles III and engage in various official activities.
Key Facts
Donald Trump's state visit to the UK takes place from September 16 to September 18.
Traditionally, U.S. Presidents in their second term do not receive state visit invitations.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Trump during a White House meeting to discuss a UK-US trade deal.
Trump and his wife Melania will stay at Windsor Castle, hosted by King Charles III.
Activities include a royal salute, a flypast by UK and US jets, and a state banquet.
Trump will also visit St George's Chapel to lay a wreath on Queen Elizabeth II's tomb.
On Thursday, Trump will meet the UK Prime Minister at Chequers for discussions.
Security arrangements for the visit include airspace restrictions and a significant security detail.
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was shot and killed at a college event in Utah. The shooter is still at large, and authorities are investigating the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation and concerns about political violence in the U.S.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.
The shooter used a single shot and escaped amid the chaos.
Authorities have not identified a motive and are searching for the shooter.
Two people were detained but later released as they were not connected to the shooting.
President Trump called Kirk a "martyr" and criticized political rhetoric.
U.S. flags at the White House were lowered to half-staff in Kirk's honor.
Vice President JD Vance is scheduled to meet with Kirk's family in Salt Lake City.
Venezuela's national football team coach, Fernando Batista, was fired after the team lost a World Cup qualifying match against Colombia. The decision came after Venezuela's president called for changes following the team's failure to qualify for the World Cup. Batista and his entire coaching staff were dismissed as a result.
Key Facts
Venezuela's football coach, Fernando Batista, was fired after a World Cup qualifying loss.
The team's qualifications hopes ended after losing 6-3 to Colombia.
Venezuela has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.
President Nicolas Maduro requested changes to the coaching staff after the loss.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, raising hopes for more teams to qualify.
Bolivia, not Venezuela, secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.
Another team, Peru, also fired their coach after failing to qualify for the World Cup.
Hundreds of South Korean workers, detained in a U.S. immigration raid, are being sent back to South Korea. These arrests happened at a construction site for a Hyundai factory in Georgia. The incident caused concerns about future South Korean investments in the U.S. because of visa issues for foreign workers.
Key Facts
330 people were detained in a U.S. immigration raid; 316 were South Korean.
The raid took place on September 4 at a Hyundai construction site in Georgia.
South Korea's officials coordinated with the U.S. for the release and return of the workers.
South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung expressed concerns about future investments in the U.S.
The detained workers are being flown back to South Korea from Atlanta.
Concerns arise over the U.S. visa process affecting foreign workers needed for specific skilled jobs.
The incident coincided with larger trade and investment discussions between the U.S. and South Korea.
Americans are remembering the 9/11 attacks, which happened 24 years ago, with ceremonies and volunteer activities. Events are taking place in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania to honor those who died. The ceremonies include reading the names of victims, moments of silence, and commemorations attended by political figures.
Key Facts
9/11 attacks occurred on September 11, 2001, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths.
Ceremonies are held in New York, the Pentagon, and Pennsylvania to honor the victims.
Family members and dignitaries participate, wearing T-shirts with the names and pictures of lost loved ones.
Events include moments of silence and reading aloud the names of those who died.
Extra security is in place due to recent events such as the shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Vice President JD Vance and his wife altered their plans to support Kirk's family.
Commemorative services include volunteer work such as food drives and community cleanups.
The 9/11 attacks led to major changes in U.S. and global policies, initiating the "Global War on Terrorism."
