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South East Water hosepipe ban to affect 2.4 million people

South East Water hosepipe ban to affect 2.4 million people

July 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

South East Water has expanded its hosepipe ban to cover 2.4 million people in southern England due to very dry and hot weather. The ban restricts using hosepipes for tasks like watering plants or cleaning and aims to protect water supplies as reservoir levels drop.

Key Facts

  • The hosepipe ban adds 1.5 million customers in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire to the existing ban in parts of Kent.
  • The ban started on Saturday at 00:01 BST, but customers were asked to follow it immediately.
  • Record high temperatures in June broke UK records three days in a row, reaching 37.3°C.
  • Reservoir levels, especially at Arlington Reservoir in East Sussex, have dropped critically due to 55% less rainfall than average since March.
  • South East Water was fined £30.5 million recently for supply failures and needs more funding after losing £55 million from winter outages.
  • Some local businesses, like a pub in Tunbridge Wells, have suffered financial losses due to water shortages and temporary closures.
  • Other water providers in nearby areas, like Southern Water, are not under hosepipe bans because their water levels are stable or better.
  • Experts urge South East Water to improve its infrastructure to prevent future water supply problems.
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BBC Top Stories BBC Business
Gas prices top $4 a gallon again as U.S.-Iran conflict escalates

Gas prices top $4 a gallon again as U.S.-Iran conflict escalates

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Gas prices in the U.S. have risen above $4 a gallon again due to increased conflict between the U.S. and Iran. The fighting has caused oil prices to go up, which makes gasoline more expensive for drivers and diesel more costly for transporting goods.

Key Facts

  • The national average gas price reached $4.003 per gallon on Monday.
  • Diesel prices averaged $5.11 per gallon, affecting the cost of many goods.
  • Gas prices first rose after Iran's war began on February 28, hitting $4.56 in May.
  • Prices went down somewhat when the U.S. and Iran reached an interim deal in June.
  • Fighting has increased again as both countries compete for control of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Oil prices rose recently, with Brent crude at $90.95 and U.S. crude at $84.04 per barrel.
  • Two-thirds of Americans say fuel costs have hurt their household finances, according to a recent poll.
  • Rising gas prices may influence voters as U.S. midterm elections approach.
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CBS News
These are the 4 most important things homebuyers can do now, according to experts

These are the 4 most important things homebuyers can do now, according to experts

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Mortgage rates have been around 6.5% for most of 2026 and are expected to stay high. Experts advise homebuyers to shop around for lenders and improve their financial profile to get better mortgage deals.

Key Facts

  • Mortgage rates average about 6.625% in 2026, leading to monthly payments near $2,600 on a median-priced $403,200 home with a 30-year loan.
  • Rates are unlikely to drop soon; the Federal Reserve is not expected to lower rates at its July meeting.
  • Shopping around with 2 to 4 lenders can save borrowers hundreds to over a thousand dollars per year.
  • Comparing loan offers should include looking at fees and annual percentage rates (APR), not just the interest rate.
  • Improving credit scores (around 740 or higher), lowering debt-to-income ratios (36% or less), and making a 20% down payment can secure better loan terms.
  • Lenders see buyers with good finances as less risky and may offer them lower rates.
  • Private mortgage insurance can be avoided with a 20% down payment.
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CBS News
"The Odyssey" wins big at the box office - driven primarily by director Christopher Nolan

"The Odyssey" wins big at the box office - driven primarily by director Christopher Nolan

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The movie "The Odyssey" earned over $264 million worldwide during the weekend. Most people who bought tickets said they chose to see the movie because Christopher Nolan directed it.

Key Facts

  • "The Odyssey" made more than $264 million in worldwide box office sales over one weekend.
  • Christopher Nolan is the director of "The Odyssey."
  • A film industry research group named PostTrack found that most ticket buyers said Nolan’s role was the main reason they saw the movie.
  • The data about ticket buyers’ reasons came from PostTrack, which studies movie industry trends.
  • The report was shared by CBS News and journalist Adriana Diaz.
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CBS News
The States Where Home Insurance Now Costs More Than Property Taxes

The States Where Home Insurance Now Costs More Than Property Taxes

July 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Home insurance costs more than property taxes in 15 U.S. states, especially in the South. This is due to increasing insurance premiums caused by natural disasters and higher rebuilding costs, making homeownership less affordable.

Key Facts

  • In Tennessee, home insurance averages $284 per month, nearly twice the $143 average property tax.
  • Alabama homeowners pay about $182 monthly for insurance and $93 for property taxes.
  • New Jersey and New York have the highest property taxes—$863 and $626 monthly—but lower insurance costs.
  • Nationwide, the average monthly home insurance is $200, while property taxes are $311.
  • States like Colorado, South Carolina, Arkansas, and others also have higher insurance than property taxes.
  • Higher insurance costs result from more frequent natural disasters and increased rebuilding expenses.
  • Property taxes have risen over 30% between 2019 and 2025.
  • Home insurance premiums have increased 46% since 2021, outpacing inflation and expected to rise further in 2026.
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Newsweek
Lettuce that tested positive for cyclospora was false positive, FDA says

Lettuce that tested positive for cyclospora was false positive, FDA says

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The FDA announced that a sample of lettuce from Taylor Farms that tested positive for cyclospora was actually a false positive. So far, the FDA has not found any lettuce samples that truly contain cyclospora.

Key Facts

  • The FDA examined lettuce samples from Taylor Farms.
  • One sample initially tested positive for cyclospora, a type of parasite.
  • The FDA later confirmed this result was a false positive, meaning the test was incorrect.
  • No other lettuce samples have tested positive for cyclospora.
  • Cyclospora can cause stomach illness if consumed.
  • The FDA continues to monitor produce safety for consumers.
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CBS News
Sample of Taylor Farms lettuce that tested positive for cyclospora was false positive, FDA says

Sample of Taylor Farms lettuce that tested positive for cyclospora was false positive, FDA says

July 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

The FDA found that a sample of shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms that was first reported to have the parasite cyclospora was actually a false positive. More than 1,600 people in five states became sick during a related outbreak.

Key Facts

  • The FDA tested shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms.
  • The lettuce initially tested positive for cyclospora, a parasite that can cause illness.
  • Later testing showed the initial positive result was a false positive, meaning the parasite was not actually present in that sample.
  • Cyclospora illness has affected over 1,600 people.
  • The outbreak has spread across five U.S. states.
  • Cyclospora is a parasite that often spreads through contaminated food or water.
  • Taylor Farms produces and sells fresh produce including shredded lettuce.
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CBS News
Ohio residents sue Taco Bell, say they got cyclospora after eating at restaurants

Ohio residents sue Taco Bell, say they got cyclospora after eating at restaurants

July 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Residents of Ohio have filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell and Taylor Farms, the company's lettuce supplier. They claim they got sick with cyclosporiasis after eating at Taco Bell restaurants.

Key Facts

  • Ohio residents are suing Taco Bell.
  • The lawsuit also includes Taylor Farms, which supplies lettuce to Taco Bell.
  • The plaintiffs say they got sick from cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by a parasite.
  • The illness is linked to eating at Taco Bell locations.
  • Cyclosporiasis comes from eating contaminated food or water.
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The Hill
AliExpress fined record €550m by EU for failing to stop sale of illegal and fake goods

AliExpress fined record €550m by EU for failing to stop sale of illegal and fake goods

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The European Union fined AliExpress €550 million for failing to stop the sale of illegal and fake products on its website. The fine, the largest under the EU’s Digital Services Act, follows a two-year investigation that found AliExpress did not properly check products or protect consumers from harmful goods.

Key Facts

  • AliExpress was fined €550 million (£470 million) by the EU.
  • The fine is the biggest issued under the Digital Services Act (DSA), a law protecting consumers from illegal online goods.
  • The investigation lasted over two years and found AliExpress lacked enough staff to review product legality.
  • Many illegal products, including harmful clothing, cosmetics, and kitchen gadgets, were sold and stayed online for weeks.
  • AliExpress’s system promoted some illegal goods, and its risk checks were ineffective.
  • The fine is less than 1% of AliExpress’s global revenue of €122 billion, below the possible 6% maximum penalty.
  • Other companies, like Temu and the social media platform X, have also been fined under the DSA for similar issues.
  • AliExpress disagreed with the fine and said it had made improvements to comply with the law.
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Guardian World
Ryanair profits drop as Iran war puts off passengers and lifts fuel costs

Ryanair profits drop as Iran war puts off passengers and lifts fuel costs

July 20, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Ryanair’s profits dropped by 34% between April and June because war in the Middle East raised jet fuel prices and made people hesitant to book flights. The airline had to lower ticket prices to encourage customers, and it expects fares this summer to be slightly cheaper than last year.

Key Facts

  • Ryanair’s pre-tax profit fell to €593 million (£503 million) from April to June.
  • Sales stayed about the same, but fares were cut to boost demand.
  • The war in the Middle East caused jet fuel prices to rise sharply.
  • Ryanair had fuel price agreements (hedges) but some fuel costs outside these deals more than doubled.
  • Rising crude oil prices passed $90 per barrel after conflict between the US and Iran intensified.
  • Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route, stopped due to the conflict.
  • Ryanair warned its full-year results depend heavily on events in the Middle East, Ukraine, and fuel prices.
  • Experts say if the conflict continues, oil prices could jump to around $150 per barrel.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories BBC World
Taxpayers could pay millions to abuse survivors if Christian Brothers goes bankrupt, court documents reveal

Taxpayers could pay millions to abuse survivors if Christian Brothers goes bankrupt, court documents reveal

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Christian Brothers, a Catholic group in Australia known for child abuse cases, has told the court it is running out of money and cannot fully pay compensation to abuse survivors. This could force the Australian government to pay up to $65 million for hundreds of claims because the group’s assets are not enough to cover the costs.

Key Facts

  • The Christian Brothers announced they are going broke and cannot pay abuse survivors.
  • There are currently 340 redress claims worth about $25 million.
  • Another 590 claims, estimated at $40 million, are expected in the future.
  • Total claims against the Christian Brothers could reach $65 million.
  • The government will have to pay if the Christian Brothers cannot, as it is the “funder of last resort.”
  • The Christian Brothers plan to sell 36 properties, but this will not cover all claims.
  • Survivors are upset because the group transferred valuable properties to a separate entity for $1 each.
  • The government is closely reviewing the Christian Brothers’ financial plans to protect survivors and taxpayers.
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Guardian World
Taylor Farms Says FDA Has Apologized Over ‘False Positive’ Cyclospora Test

Taylor Farms Says FDA Has Apologized Over ‘False Positive’ Cyclospora Test

July 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Taylor Farms said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) apologized after mistakenly reporting that some iceberg lettuce tested positive for Cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. The FDA reviewed the test results and found they were false positives, meaning no lettuce from the supplier has been confirmed to carry the parasite.

Key Facts

  • Taylor Farms is a large produce supplier based in California with a supplier in central Mexico.
  • The FDA had initially linked iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico to a multistate Cyclospora outbreak.
  • The outbreak involved several U.S. states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia.
  • The CDC advised people not to eat lettuce from this supplier at certain restaurants like Taco Bell.
  • On July 18, 2026, the FDA reported a positive Cyclospora test on the lettuce sample.
  • After re-examination, FDA laboratory experts concluded the test was a false positive.
  • The FDA apologized to Taylor Farms for the error and continues to work with the company to remove any potentially affected products.
  • No confirmed positive Cyclospora tests have been reported from the lettuce products as of the latest update.
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Newsweek
Residents told to pay £7,000 each to fix water pipe outside their homes

Residents told to pay £7,000 each to fix water pipe outside their homes

July 20, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Residents of five houses in Pontycymer, Wales, face costs over £7,000 each to fix a leaking water pipe outside their homes. Welsh Water says the pipe is not their responsibility, and the residents worry about paying the large repair bills or possible legal action.

Key Facts

  • Five households in Pontycymer have a leaking shared water pipe needing repair.
  • Welsh Water says the pipe is owned by the property owners, not by them.
  • Residents were told they could face prosecution if they do not pay for repairs by the end of July.
  • The repair cost is estimated at more than £7,000 per household.
  • Residents have not been given proof of the leak, so insurance companies refuse to pay.
  • Welsh Water offered to cover some costs but not the entire repair.
  • The repair involves replacing the pipe in the back gardens and connecting each house individually.
  • Residents have been dealing with this issue for about a year and a half and feel stressed.
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BBC Top Stories
Retired UK civil servants failed by pension outsourcing, government says

Retired UK civil servants failed by pension outsourcing, government says

July 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UK government has admitted that outsourcing the civil service pension scheme to the private company Capita caused serious delays and problems, leaving some retirees without payments for up to a year. Due to poor service and financial hardship for pensioners and their families, the government is now planning to bring the scheme back under direct public control.

Key Facts

  • The civil service pension scheme was outsourced to Capita in December.
  • Many pensioners faced long delays, some up to a year, before getting their payments.
  • Around 17,000 relatives of deceased pensioners are also experiencing payment delays.
  • Some affected include a 98-year-old woman and a widow relying on benefits due to delayed payments.
  • Capita has a history of delays and lost contracts for other pension schemes.
  • The UK government awarded Capita a £239 million contract despite previous issues.
  • Parliament’s public accounts committee recommended bringing the scheme back in-house.
  • The Cabinet Office confirmed Capita failed to meet deadlines and agreed to take the scheme back under government control.
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Guardian World
Oil tops $90 as Middle East fighting escalates

Oil tops $90 as Middle East fighting escalates

July 19, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Oil prices rose above $90 per barrel after increased fighting in the Middle East and the deaths of three U.S. service members. The rise in oil prices may cause higher gasoline and diesel costs for consumers and businesses, raising inflation risks worldwide.

Key Facts

  • Oil prices surpassed $90 a barrel for the first time since mid-June.
  • This price increase followed the breakdown of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire and reduced tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • U.S. nationwide average gasoline prices were just below $4 per gallon and expected to rise above that soon.
  • Iran has reportedly attacked oil and electricity infrastructure in Kuwait amid growing conflict.
  • Iran's Supreme Leader accused President Trump of breaking the U.S.-Iran agreement and promised a strong response if fighting continues.
  • President Trump dismissed Iran’s accusations and said he was not concerned.
  • Oil markets have so far managed the crisis due to lower demand from China, government releases from stockpiles, and large commercial reserves.
  • Analysts warn that these reserves are running low, which could lead to bigger price increases in the future.
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Axios
Are you a parent missing out on £27 a week? Here's how to check

Are you a parent missing out on £27 a week? Here's how to check

July 19, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Thousands of parents in the UK might be missing out on a weekly child benefit payment of £27 because they do not claim it within three months after their baby is born. Child benefit helps with the cost of raising children and is paid every four weeks to one parent who applies with the required documents.

Key Facts

  • Child benefit pays £27.05 per week for the first child and £17.90 for each additional child.
  • Parents must claim child benefit within three months to get payments backdated.
  • Around one-third of eligible parents do not claim child benefit before their baby's first birthday.
  • More than 6.8 million parents claimed child benefit in the year to August 2025.
  • High earners (one parent earning over £60,000) face a reduction or loss of this benefit due to the High Income Child Benefit Charge.
  • To claim, parents need the child’s birth certificate, bank details, and National Insurance numbers for themselves and their partner.
  • Approximately 585,396 babies were born in England and Wales last year.
  • Popular baby names can remind parents to complete important paperwork like child benefit claims.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
Pay gap widens as UK bosses get 130 times average worker’s salary

Pay gap widens as UK bosses get 130 times average worker’s salary

July 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

UK bosses at the biggest listed companies earned a record amount last year, with the average top CEO pay reaching £5.06 million. This created the largest gap in eight years between what CEOs make and what ordinary full-time UK workers earn, with CEOs now paid about 130 times more than the average worker.

Key Facts

  • Median CEO pay for FTSE 100 companies was £5.06 million, up 8.6% from £4.66 million the year before.
  • CEOs earn about 130 times more than the average full-time UK worker, whose median pay is £39,000.
  • Total pay for FTSE 100 executives was £857 million, including £550 million for chief executives.
  • CEO pay is rising again after cuts during Covid lockdowns.
  • Most companies (66 out of 94) increased their CEO pay last year.
  • Average long-term bonuses rose 20% to £2.7 million, and short-term bonuses rose 14% to £1.8 million.
  • AstraZeneca’s CEO Pascal Soriot was the highest paid, earning £17.7 million.
  • Only one woman, Emma Walmsley of GSK, is in the top 10, with a pay rise to £15.6 million before she stepped down.
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Guardian World
Thames Water lenders preparing legal challenge in event of Burnham nationalisation

Thames Water lenders preparing legal challenge in event of Burnham nationalisation

July 19, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Lenders to Thames Water are preparing to take legal action if the government, led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, decides to nationalize the company. Thames Water owes about £20 billion, and although its lenders offered to reduce some debt and invest more money, the government rejected this and is considering nationalization or other options.

Key Facts

  • Thames Water is the largest water company in the UK and has about £20 billion in debt.
  • Lenders offered to write off nearly £9.4 billion and put in £3.35 billion cash but want fewer pollution fines in return.
  • The government called the lenders’ proposal "weak" and harmful to consumers and the environment.
  • Thames Water has enough money to operate until the end of this year but remains in financial trouble.
  • The government could nationalize the company, meaning it would take ownership to protect customers and services.
  • A temporary "special administration regime" (SAR) is another option, where the company is managed until a new private owner is found.
  • Thames Water serves about 16 million people in the UK.
  • Nationalization or SAR could cost taxpayers billions if the company’s problems continue.
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BBC Business BBC Top Stories
When can a power company take your land for data center infrastructure?

When can a power company take your land for data center infrastructure?

July 19, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The United States is experiencing a large increase in building data centers that support artificial intelligence. These centers need a lot of electricity and water, leading power companies to build new transmission lines that sometimes require taking private land through eminent domain, a legal process that allows the government to seize private property for public use with compensation.

Key Facts

  • There are over 3,000 data centers in the U.S., with about 1,500 more being built.
  • Data centers use a lot of electricity and water and can increase pollution and noise.
  • Many Americans oppose building AI data centers near their homes due to concerns like higher bills and environmental impacts.
  • Power companies need to build new transmission lines to supply electricity to data centers.
  • If landowners refuse to sell land, companies and governments may use eminent domain to acquire it.
  • Eminent domain allows the government to take private land for public use with just compensation, based on the Fifth Amendment.
  • States have different rules about when utilities can use eminent domain; some courts have limited its use for private economic development.
  • Legal debates continue over whether building infrastructure for private AI data centers qualifies as public use.
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PBS NewsHour
Paying cash without pennies is confusing. That could soon change

Paying cash without pennies is confusing. That could soon change

July 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Businesses handle giving change in cash payments differently, which can be confusing for customers. A new bill passed by the House of Representatives may help make cash transactions clearer and simpler.

Key Facts

  • Many businesses give back change in different ways when people pay with cash.
  • This difference can cause confusion for customers.
  • The House of Representatives recently passed a bill that aims to improve how change is given.
  • The bill could make cash payments easier to understand.
  • The current problem is related to how pennies are handled in cash transactions.
  • If approved, the bill might change rules about using pennies in everyday purchases.
  • The change could standardize giving change and reduce confusion.
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The Hill