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The UK government has asked Sainsbury's and Morrisons to stop advertising heated tobacco products because it believes this breaks the law. The government refers to a law from 2002 that bans tobacco advertising. Both supermarkets disagree with the government's view and plan to address the issue.
Key Facts
The UK government told Sainsbury's and Morrisons to stop advertising heated tobacco products.
A law from 2002 bans tobacco ads, covering products meant to be smoked, sniffed, sucked, or chewed.
Morrisons argues the law doesn't include heated tobacco products since they do not produce smoke.
In June, the BBC found ads for a heated tobacco product called iQos in both supermarket chains.
The government maintains that current laws apply to all tobacco products, including heated ones.
Awareness of heated tobacco among young people has increased, according to surveys.
Research suggests heated tobacco is less harmful than cigarettes but not as safe as vaping.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently in parliament, aims to clearly ban all tobacco and vape ads.
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More than 100 people protested against electricity price increases by Guernsey Electricity Limited. Customers express concern over rising costs, with some pensioners reducing electricity use to save money. The company says the changes are needed to cover costs and maintain the electricity network.
Key Facts
Over 100 protestors gathered at Guernsey Electricity Limited's head office to oppose price hikes.
The company is raising rates starting in July, with some customers paying more than in the UK.
Pensioners like Katina Jones report using less electricity, sitting in the dark to cut costs.
Guernsey Electricity is the only electricity provider on the island.
The standing charge has increased significantly, now over £85, compared to £18 in 2021.
The electricity provider says the price rise helps cover fixed maintenance costs as more people use renewable energy.
A company spokesperson mentioned there would be no more large increases until a charge review is completed.
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Electricity prices in Guernsey will increase from next month, with typical low-usage households spending more annually compared to the UK. While heavy users in Guernsey may pay less than their UK counterparts, the price rise is due to factors like underinvestment and ending of a fixed-price deal for electricity supply.
Key Facts
Electricity prices in Guernsey are set to increase starting next month.
A low-usage household in Guernsey will spend about £637 yearly on electricity from July.
In the UK, similar households could save between £7 and £123 compared to Guernsey.
High-usage households in Guernsey will spend around £1,503 annually, which may be cheaper than in parts of the UK.
About 90% of Guernsey's electricity comes from France through a cable via Jersey.
Electricity prices were kept low in Guernsey during the 2010s, but this led to underinvestment.
The end of a fixed-price agreement with EDF, France's power company, contributes to the price increase.
Factors like increased borrowing costs and decarbonisation efforts also impact prices.
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Sharon Carroll, a frequent shopper at Poundland, stopped going there as often after the store increased prices beyond £1 and she felt product quality declined. Poundland, which was recently sold for £1 to Gordon Brothers, is facing challenges including potential store closures, and has attempted to revive its £1 pricing policy to win back customers. The chain has a significant presence in UK small towns but faces increasing competition and has faced challenges in its expansion into clothing.
Key Facts
Sharon Carroll reduced her shopping at Poundland after prices increased from £1 and she felt product quality went down.
Poundland was sold for £1 by its owner Pepco to a US firm, Gordon Brothers, and up to 100 stores might close.
The store began raising prices from £1 in 2017 but recently tried to restore its original pricing strategy.
Poundland has 825 stores in the UK, employing about 16,000 people.
It occupies many old Woolworths and Wilko locations, often in smaller towns.
The chain expanded into fashion with its Pep&Co line but had issues like reduced clothing size options.
Poundland stocks a broad range of items, making it similar to a combination of a supermarket and general store.
It faces stiff competition from stores like Aldi and Lidl, which have grown in the UK.
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Israel's strikes on Iran and Iran's response caused global oil prices to rise significantly. The price of Brent Crude oil went up by 10% before settling, but it remains lower than last year. This increase has raised concerns about higher costs for petrol and other goods if energy prices remain elevated.
Key Facts
Israel's actions against Iran led to a jump in oil prices on the global market.
Brent Crude oil, a key price measure, initially increased by over 10%.
Despite the increase, current oil prices are about 10% lower than a year ago.
Higher oil prices can result in increased costs for petrol and various goods.
A $10 rise in oil price may lead to an increase of about 7 pence per litre at fuel pumps.
Gas prices have also risen, which could impact home heating and electricity costs.
The conflict’s duration and potential involvement of other nations could further affect prices.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for oil shipping and its disruption could escalate price changes.
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The UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, plans to adjust welfare reforms to reduce the effect of disability benefit cuts by 2030. The changes include extending the transition period for losing certain benefits and providing additional support for people with severe health conditions.
Key Facts
The planned benefit cuts aim to save £5 billion a year by 2030.
Changes will make it harder for people with less severe disabilities to claim the Personal Independence Payment (Pip).
People losing Pip will have a 13-week transition period instead of the usual four weeks.
Carer's allowance will continue for 13 weeks and then end when Pip is stopped.
People with very serious health conditions will not be reassessed and will get extra support through universal credit.
There will be a scheme allowing disabled individuals to try working without losing benefits.
Dozens of Labour MPs have expressed concern and may vote against the welfare reform bill.
Government's impact assessment indicates the changes could lead to 250,000 more people living in relative poverty.
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Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, called for an end to the windfall tax on oil and gas companies during a speech at a Scottish Conservative party conference. She suggested issuing new licenses for drilling in the North Sea and stated that the existing tax is harming the industry. The windfall tax, known as the Energy Profits Levy, was originally implemented to address the high profits of oil and gas companies during the energy price surge.
Key Facts
Kemi Badenoch wants to remove the windfall tax on oil and gas firms, which is set to expire in 2030.
The tax was introduced in May 2022 after a rise in energy prices, partly due to the war in Ukraine.
Badenoch proposed issuing new licenses for North Sea oil and gas drilling.
She claimed the windfall tax is negatively impacting the oil and gas sector.
Her comments met criticism from opposition politicians and the End Fuel Poverty Coalition.
The windfall tax is currently leading to an effective tax rate of 78% for oil and gas producers.
The Scottish Conservatives support continued oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.
Opposition claims the tax changes prioritize oil companies over addressing high household energy bills.
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Global oil prices increased after Israel announced it had attacked Iran. This rise is due to fears that conflict might interfere with oil supplies from the Middle East. Analysts are watching closely to see if Iran will respond.
Key Facts
Oil prices rose over 10% following Israel's announcement of an attack on Iran.
Brent Crude and Nymex light sweet are types of oil contracts that increased in price.
The Middle East is a major oil-producing region, so any conflict there can affect global oil supply.
The price of oil influences the cost of many goods, including fuel and food.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for about 20% of the world’s oil supply.
A serious conflict could potentially disrupt millions of barrels of oil per day.
Analysts are monitoring the situation for any possible escalation or retaliation from Iran.
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The Met Office has issued storm warnings for parts of the UK, predicting heavy rain and possible flooding. To stay safe, people should secure their homes, keep important items safe, and be ready for potential power cuts. During storms, staying indoors and being cautious of your surroundings is advised.
Key Facts
Storm warnings are in effect for southern England, Wales, and southern Scotland.
Heavy rain of 30-50 mm may cause flash flooding.
Prepare your home by securing loose objects and clearing gutters.
During a storm, stay indoors and unplug non-essential electronics.
If there is a power cut, report it online or by dialing 105.
Avoid driving unless necessary and stay off flooded roads.
If trapped by floodwater, seek the highest safe place and call 999 for help.
Ensure mobile phones are charged and have essential supplies ready.
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Roundhouse Birmingham, a well-known historical site, has closed its city and canal tours due to rising costs. Customers who booked tours will receive refunds, and the restaurant will remain open while they reassess their activities.
Key Facts
Roundhouse Birmingham has paused all tours and activities because of financial challenges from rising costs.
Customers with bookings will be contacted via email for refunds.
The horseshoe-shaped building, listed as Grade II*, is located on Sheepcote Street.
The restaurant inside the Roundhouse will stay open during its regular hours.
Other parts of the building, such as office spaces rented to local businesses, are still operating normally.
Roundhouse Birmingham is run by a charity created in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and the National Trust.
The building was originally built in 1874 by architect W.H. Ward for the Public Works Department.
The Roundhouse was restored starting in 2013 to find a new purpose for the historic site.
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The UK food watchdog has advised people with allergies to be cautious about buying chocolate imported from Dubai due to possible differences in ingredient labels. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) warns that some of these chocolate products might not list all allergens and could pose a safety risk.
Key Facts
The UK Food Standards Agency warned about imported Dubai chocolate lacking proper allergen labels.
UK law requires full ingredient lists and allergen information on food products, but some Dubai chocolates may not comply.
TikTok influencers have increased the popularity of Dubai chocolate in the UK.
UK supermarkets like Waitrose and Lidl have set limits on the purchase of these chocolates due to high demand.
The FSA says the chocolates could be a health risk for people with allergies if they lack full ingredient and allergen information.
Consumers with allergies are advised to buy only from trusted UK retailers.
The FSA is working with local authorities and allergy charities to address this safety concern.
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has suggested that future tax increases could be possible after the UK economy experienced its biggest downturn in 18 months in April.
Key Facts
The UK economy experienced its worst contraction in a year and a half in April.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not dismiss the possibility of raising taxes in response to the economic contraction.
The discussion about potential tax changes comes after economic data showed a significant economic decline.
The contraction adds pressure on the government to make financial adjustments.
The information was first shown on June 12, 2025, and details about it were available for a limited time.
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In April, the UK's economy shrank by 0.3%, the largest drop in a year and a half. Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not rule out future tax increases, which could happen if the economy does not grow enough to meet government spending plans. Council tax is expected to rise, and defense and health services will get more funds, but other areas may face budget cuts.
Key Facts
The UK's economy shrank by 0.3% in April.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves did not rule out possible tax increases in the future.
Government plans include increased funding for the NHS and defense.
Council tax may increase to fund local services like policing.
Economic growth has been slow, and experts warn this might lead to more tax rises.
The Office for National Statistics reported poor performance in services and car manufacturing in April.
Exports to the US fell by £2 billion in April, the largest monthly drop recorded.
A recent trade deal with the US intends to address tariff issues, but some taxes still apply to UK goods.
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A charity called Tippy Toes in Lostock Hall, near Preston, helps families with children aged 0-4 by providing essential baby items. The demand for their support has grown so much that they are finding it hard to keep up with the needs of the families.
Key Facts
Tippy Toes is a charity that provides baby items to families in need.
They offer essentials like prams, nappies, and formula to families with young children.
The charity has seen a large increase in the number of families seeking help.
Tippy Toes relies on community donations of used and new baby items.
The charity also supports expectant parents by providing a full set of baby necessities.
Rising living costs make it difficult for many families to afford items like formula and nappies.
Tippy Toes is located at the South Ribble Family Wellbeing Centre and started in 2019.
Manager Sian Haddon mentioned that competition for funding among charities is high, leading to empty shelves.
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Poundland, a budget store chain in the UK, was sold for £1 to the US investment firm Gordon Brothers. The sale might lead to the closure of up to 100 stores, and the company will undergo a restructuring process due to financial struggles.
Key Facts
Poundland was sold by the Polish company Pepco for £1 to Gordon Brothers, a US firm.
The chain has 825 stores in the UK and about 16,000 employees.
The sale might result in up to 100 store closures as part of a restructuring.
Poundland has faced challenges from increased employer National Insurance costs since April.
Sales at Poundland have dropped this year as it struggles against other discount stores.
Gordon Brothers plans to invest £80 million in Poundland, including taking over existing loans.
Barry Williams will continue to lead Poundland as managing director.
The business will keep using the Poundland name in the UK and the Dealz name in the Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland.
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Council tax in the UK is likely to increase by 5% each year to help fund local services such as social care and policing. Authorities can currently raise council tax by this amount without needing a referendum, though they have the option to seek higher increases if approved locally or by the government.
Key Facts
Council tax is expected to increase by 5% annually to support local services.
Local authorities have the power to raise council tax by up to 5% each year.
Some councils in financial trouble have increased council tax by more than 5% with approval.
The Spending Review allocated a 1.1% increase in grant funding to local governments, but total spending power is expected to rise by 2.6%.
Police funding, partly covered by a police precept in council tax, is expected to rise by 2.3% annually in real terms.
Police and Crime Commissioners can increase the police precept by £14 for a Band D council tax bill without a referendum.
Local services covered by council tax include social care, libraries, and street cleaning.
Council budgets remain under financial pressure, and further cuts may be necessary despite increases in council tax.
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A human-sized Labubu doll sold for over $150,000 at an auction in Beijing, setting a record for the most expensive toy of its kind. The Labubu dolls, created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold by Pop Mart, have become popular due to celebrity endorsements and their appearance on social media.
Key Facts
A human-sized Labubu doll sold for 1.08 million yuan ($150,324) at a Beijing auction.
The doll is 131 cm tall and became the most expensive toy of its kind.
Labubu dolls were created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung about ten years ago.
The dolls usually sell for about 50 yuan each.
Forty-eight Labubu items were auctioned, raising a total of 3.37 million yuan.
Celebrities like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham have featured the dolls, boosting their popularity.
Pop Mart, the company selling these dolls, offers them in "blind boxes" where buyers don't know the design until unboxing.
Pop Mart's revenue rose significantly due to the toys' popularity, and they have expanded to new countries.
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A damaged Ministry of Defence building in Belgrade, bombed by NATO in 1999, may be replaced by a luxury hotel and apartments. The project involves an American company led by Jared Kushner, and is controversial due to its connections to Donald Trump and the historic significance of the site.
Key Facts
The Ministry of Defence building in Belgrade was bombed by NATO in 1999.
The Serbian government plans to redevelop the site into a luxury hotel and apartment complex.
The development deal was made with Affinity Global, a company founded by Jared Kushner.
The project is named Trump Tower Belgrade, connecting it to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The site is significant to Serbians as it serves as a memorial of the 1999 bombing and NATO's involvement.
Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic supports the deal, which includes a 99-year lease to a U.S. developer.
The Serbian government will reportedly receive 22% of future profits from the development.
The project is part of broader efforts to attract foreign investment to improve Serbia's economy.
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Rachel Reeves decided to focus on long-term investment in the UK's spending plan, directing funds to health and regions like the Midlands and North of England instead of London. This approach involves using borrowed money for investments like railways and nuclear plants, which will not show immediate results. The plan aims for economic growth to eventually meet budget needs.
Key Facts
Rachel Reeves is prioritizing long-term investments over daily expenses in the UK's spending review.
Funds are directed to health and to regions outside London, such as the Midlands and North of England.
Investments include railways and nuclear plants, which will not provide immediate benefits.
Extra funding of £113 billion comes from borrowed money due to changes in borrowing rules.
There are constraints on day-to-day spending due to these long-term investment priorities.
Economic growth is needed to support the plan and make the budget numbers work in the future.
The initiative intends to encourage private sector investments by boosting confidence.
Long-term projects aim for a balanced and sustainably-growing economy.
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The UK government has announced a Spending Review, outlining future budgets for public services like the NHS and schools over the next three years. Schools will receive additional funding, but much of it will cover existing commitments. The NHS will see a yearly spending increase, but questions remain over whether this will meet growing demands. Transport projects, including a new rail line and bus fare measures, are also in the plan but may not be realized soon.
Key Facts
The Spending Review sets budgets for the next three years for public services like schools, the NHS, and transport.
Schools in England will receive a £2 billion increase in funding by 2029, but much will go towards existing promises like free school meals.
Around £700 million is allocated to reform the support system for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
A £2.4 billion annual cash boost is planned for rebuilding leaky schools.
NHS day-to-day spending will rise by 3% yearly, while overall health spending, including other areas, will increase by 2.8%.
The NHS funding aims to help cope with an ageing population and rising medical costs, but real-term capital spending will not increase.
Labour aims for 90% of patients to start treatment within 18 weeks of referral, a challenge with current spending levels.
Transport plans include new rail lines, bus fare freezes, and investments in trams and buses, but many projects won't start until the 2030s.
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