Pieter Engelbrecht, the CEO of Shoprite, is interviewed by Jewel Kiriungi. In the interview, he discusses the company's role in supporting people and helping them meet their basic needs.
Key Facts
Pieter Engelbrecht is the CEO of Shoprite, a large retail company in South Africa.
Engelbrecht discusses Shoprite's purpose to help people survive and meet their basic needs.
The interview lasts 23 minutes.
The interview is available on BBC Sounds.
The interview was released on August 11, 2025.
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Revenue from tariffs introduced by Trump's administration is significantly increasing, contributing tens of billions to federal income. However, this revenue is still a small part of the overall federal income, mainly coming from tariffs paid by U.S. businesses and consumers. While tariffs have grown under Trump's policies, they cannot replace income taxes or significantly reduce the national debt.
Key Facts
In August 2025, the U.S. Treasury collected over $29 billion from customs and excise taxes, mostly from tariffs.
In 2024, total customs and excise revenue was $98 billion.
Tariffs accounted for 2.7% of federal revenues in fiscal year 2025, which may increase if tariffs remain.
Historically, tariffs have made up less than 2% of federal revenues.
Trump's tariffs are part of efforts to pay down the national debt, which is nearly $37 trillion.
Tariff revenue, even if it grows, is not expected to cover the $3.4 trillion cost of a recent GOP megabill.
The Trump administration is considering new tariffs on items like semiconductors and airplanes.
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A new Universal theme park planned near Bedford, England, is expected to bring thousands of new workers to the area, raising concerns about increased rents and housing availability. The charity Generation Rent warns that this influx may push current residents out due to rising property prices. The park is estimated to create 28,000 jobs and attract millions of visitors yearly, impacting the local economy and housing market.
Key Facts
Universal plans to build Europe's first theme park on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site.
Construction is slated to begin in 2026, with the park opening by 2031.
The park will create an estimated 28,000 jobs and aims to attract 8.5 million visitors annually by 2031.
As of June 2025, average private rent in Bedford was £1,125 per month, marking an 8.7% annual increase.
Generation Rent expresses concern that increased demand for housing may drive up rent, making it unaffordable for current residents.
The Renters' Rights Bill, expected by early 2026, aims to provide stronger legal protections for tenants.
Bedford Borough Council and the Ministry of Housing plan to monitor property market impacts and offer stronger tenant protections.
Property experts note both potential benefits and challenges in housing due to increased demand from park construction and tourism.
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Tesla has applied for a license to supply electricity to homes in the UK. If approved, Tesla could compete with major energy companies to provide power to households and businesses.
Key Facts
Tesla applied for a UK electricity supply license from Ofgem.
Approval could allow Tesla to supply power in the UK next year.
Tesla is known for electric cars and solar energy products.
Ofgem may take up to nine months to review the application.
Tesla already operates a power supplier in Texas.
Tesla has sold over 250,000 electric cars and many home batteries in the UK.
Recent months have seen a decline in Tesla's EV sales in Europe.
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Nvidia and AMD, two major chip-making companies, agreed to give 15% of their sales from China to the US government. This deal is part of their effort to get permission to sell their products in China, after facing restrictions due to security concerns.
Key Facts
Nvidia and AMD are required to pay the US government 15% of their sales revenue from China.
The payment is tied to securing export licenses for selling semiconductors in China.
The specific chips involved are Nvidia's H20 and AMD's MI308 chips.
The US previously banned the sale of Nvidia's H20 chips to China due to security concerns.
Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang has been actively working to resume sales in China.
The Biden administration enforced export restrictions in 2023, impacting chip sales.
This arrangement allows sales to continue amid previous bans by the Trump administration.
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The UK government announced plans to make it easier for NHS employers in England to hire newly-qualified nurses and midwives by simplifying hiring regulations. This comes as there are significantly more nursing and midwifery graduates than available jobs. The government intends to address concerns about job availability and provide support for new graduates as they begin their careers in healthcare.
Key Facts
The UK government aims to simplify hiring rules for NHS employers to recruit new nurses and midwives more easily.
There are three times more graduates than job vacancies in some NHS areas.
Currently, there are 4,000 more nursing and midwifery graduates than available positions.
Some support worker posts may be temporarily converted to midwifery roles to open up new opportunities.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated the goal is to ensure new graduates can find jobs and help reduce patient waiting lists.
Critics have raised concerns about funding and the effectiveness of these measures.
Discussions about pay issues continue, with the Royal College of Nursing and other unions calling for talks with the government.
Future strike action by nursing staff is possible if pay concerns are not addressed.
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New college graduates are entering a tough job market, where it's hard to find entry-level jobs. Experts discussed why this is happening and gave advice to new job seekers.
Key Facts
Many new college graduates are struggling to find entry-level jobs.
This job market is reportedly the toughest seen in the past ten years for new grads.
PBS News conducted interviews with recent graduates about their job search experiences.
Christine Cruzvergara from Handshake provided insights into the current job market conditions.
Advice was given to new job seekers on how to navigate the challenging job market.
The discussions aim to help new graduates understand and tackle the difficulties they face in finding jobs.
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President Trump suggested the possibility of combining mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to form a new entity called "The Great American Mortgage Corporation," which might be publicly listed as "MAGA." This comes soon after the U.S. government announced plans to begin selling its stakes in these companies. The suggestion also involves potentially raising significant funds through a public stock offering.
Key Facts
The U.S. government confirmed plans to sell its stakes in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are important to the mortgage market and were placed under government control in 2008.
Trump suggested the possibility of combining these companies to form a new entity called "The Great American Mortgage Corporation" with the ticker "MAGA."
An artificial image was shared by Trump showing a future listing event for this new entity.
The White House has not commented on how this new entity would be structured or supported.
Investors are interested in details about this potential offering and its government backing.
The U.S. government must decide on concrete actions soon for this to happen by November.
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US designer Willy Chavarria apologized after his shoe design with Adidas was criticized for cultural appropriation. The design, inspired by traditional Mexican huaraches, was made in China without involving the original Indigenous artisans. Adidas is discussing possible restitution with Mexican officials.
Key Facts
Willy Chavarria designed a shoe in partnership with Adidas, criticized for cultural appropriation.
The shoe design was inspired by traditional Mexican sandals called huaraches.
The design process reportedly did not involve Mexican artisans or give them credit.
Mexico's President and Deputy Culture Minister responded to the issue.
Adidas and Chavarria have removed promotional images from social media.
Adidas is in talks with Mexican officials about possible restitution.
Chavarria expressed regret for not collaborating with the Oaxacan community.
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The consulting industry is facing challenges due to changes in government contracts and the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These factors are prompting consulting firms to adjust their business models and may lead to reduced demand. AI changes how consulting work is performed, impacting firms that traditionally charged by the hour.
Key Facts
The consulting industry boomed after the pandemic but is now facing difficulties.
President Trump's administration is cutting consulting contracts, affecting revenue for firms like Deloitte and Booz Allen.
AI is making consulting work more efficient but reduces the need for traditional hourly billing.
Firms are changing their billing to be based on projects instead of hours.
AI adoption is easier, leading companies to seek help from tech firms instead of consulting firms.
McKinsey has laid off over 10% of its staff, one of its biggest reductions.
Palantir and other tech companies are entering the consulting space, impacting traditional firms.
Despite challenges, top consulting firms may still find clients needing help with AI transformation.
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The article discusses how carmakers have mostly managed the financial impact of tariffs so far. It raises the question of whether car buyers might soon pay more because of these tariffs.
Key Facts
Tariffs are taxes on imports or exports between countries.
President Trump's tariffs are affecting the automotive market.
Carmakers have been absorbing most of the financial losses from these tariffs.
There is concern that these costs may eventually be passed on to consumers, meaning car prices could rise.
The discussion includes insights from Jamie Butters, a bureau chief for The Wall Street Journal.
The article is a part of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday.
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Businesses can use online data to set different prices for customers. This practice can make some people pay more for the same products or services. An expert discusses this issue and what customers can do about it.
Key Facts
Companies use personal data from the internet to decide how much to charge customers.
This practice can lead to some people paying more than others for identical items.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is concerned about fair pricing and consumer protection.
Sam Levine, a former FTC official, shares insights on these pricing strategies.
Customers can take steps to limit how their data is used in pricing decisions.
The conversation took place as part of an NPR Weekend Edition Sunday segment.
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More than 60 Transport for London (TfL) workers who moved to the UK on skilled worker visas are at risk of deportation due to changes in immigration rules. The new rules increase salary requirements and remove some key transport jobs from the visa eligibility list. TfL is assisting affected employees to find other ways to stay in the UK.
Key Facts
Over 60 TfL staff may have to leave the UK because of new visa rules.
The new rules raise the minimum salary for visa eligibility to £41,700.
Certain transport jobs are no longer on the visa-eligible list.
TfL is helping affected workers explore alternatives to remain employed in the UK.
The immigration changes took effect on 22 July and will last until at least the end of 2026.
The changes are part of a government effort to encourage training of local workers.
The RMT union states that many workers had expected to continue in skilled roles after initial graduate visas.
TfL's starting salary for graduates is £31,000, below the new threshold.
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Kentucky bourbon, a popular American whiskey, experienced strong growth after the 2008 recession but is now facing challenges due to the pandemic's impact, inflation, and trade tariffs. Sales growth has slowed, partly because younger people are drinking less. Trade disputes have also affected international sales, particularly in Europe and Canada.
Key Facts
Kentucky bourbon sales increased significantly after the 2008 recession but have recently slowed.
Bourbon, made primarily from corn and aged in barrels, became officially recognized as a unique American product in 1964.
Bourbon sales saw a worldwide growth of 7% between 2011-2020.
Trade tariffs and retaliatory measures have negatively impacted bourbon exports, particularly to the EU and Canada.
The pandemic reduced bar sales, and inflation has encouraged consumers to seek cheaper alternatives.
Generation Z, more than previous generations, tends to drink less, affecting alcohol sales.
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A legal battle has erupted over the inheritance of Sona Comstar, an Indian automotive company, following the sudden death of shareholder Sunjay Kapur. Disagreements over Kapur's death and corporate decisions have led to family conflicts, with his mother challenging decisions made following his death. The company disagrees with her claims and has proceeded with its governance decisions.
Key Facts
Sunjay Kapur, an heir to Sona Comstar, died suddenly of a heart attack while playing polo in the UK in June.
Sona Comstar is a major automotive company with operations in India, China, Mexico, and the US.
Sunjay's mother, Rani Kapur, questioned the circumstances of his death and decisions made by the company afterward.
A postmortem ruled Sunjay's death as natural causes, and investigations were closed.
Rani Kapur alleged she was coerced into signing documents during her mourning period.
Sona Comstar appointed Sunjay's wife, Priya, as a non-executive director despite Rani's objections.
Rani claims she was the sole beneficiary of her late husband’s estate, including a majority stake in Sona Group.
The company stated Rani Kapur has had no involvement with Sona Comstar since 2019 and dismissed her claims.
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This article discusses drinks that claim to help people relax and the skepticism around their effectiveness. Some drinks contain supplements believed to aid in relaxation, but experts question if the amounts used are enough to work. The functional beverage market is growing in popularity in the UK.
Key Facts
Some drinks claim to help people feel calm by using certain ingredients.
These drinks often include supplements like Lion's Mane, L-theanine, Ashwagandha, and magnesium.
A psychologist suggested that the act of taking a break to enjoy a drink can create a feeling of calm on its own.
The market for functional beverages, those with added health benefits, is growing in the UK, with sales increasing by 24.5% in the past year.
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) ruled against Trip, a drink brand, for making unproven health claims about stress relief.
Nutritionists and dietitians express skepticism about the drinks' effectiveness due to the small amounts of supplements used.
Trip adjusted its marketing after the ASA's ruling but maintains that its use of the term "calm" is lawful.
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The number of tourists visiting Las Vegas is down by about 11% this year. This drop may indicate a slowdown in the U.S. economy. The decrease in visitation coincides with reduced international tourism to the U.S., partially influenced by trade tensions.
Key Facts
Las Vegas tourism has dropped by 11% this year.
About 400,000 fewer people visited Las Vegas in June 2025 compared to June 2024.
Las Vegas is often viewed as a sign of the overall U.S. economy's health.
International tourism spending in the U.S. is projected to fall by $12.5 billion this year.
The global tourism industry expects to make $169 billion in the U.S. this year, down from $181 billion in 2024.
The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts a 22.5% drop from the previous peak in the tourism industry.
The decline in U.S. tourism ties in with President Trump's trade policies, which have deterred some international travelers.
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The article discusses the role of U.S. companies in the global weapons market. It highlights how five major corporations, called the "big five," have increased their earnings due to conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. It also covers how these companies influence U.S. politics by contributing to legislators' campaigns.
Key Facts
Over 40% of global weapons sales come from U.S. companies.
Five major U.S. corporations, known as the "big five," lead this market.
The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have boosted their revenues.
The U.S. military budget is about one trillion dollars annually.
These companies receive steady income from the U.S. defense budget.
They also donate money to U.S. political campaigns to gain influence.
The article includes insights from a former insider on lobbying tactics.
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A new tax bill might change the food stamp program. This could affect small, independent grocery stores, especially in rural areas, that depend on customers using food stamps.
Key Facts
A new tax bill might change how the food stamp program works.
Small, independent grocery stores rely on sales from food stamps.
Rural grocery stores are more impacted because they serve many low-income shoppers.
Changes to food stamp availability could reduce the number of customers for these stores.
The article discusses potential challenges for these stores if the tax bill changes the program.
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President Trump has introduced new tariffs that mainly set a 15% tax on imports from most countries, with some nations facing even higher rates. These tariffs are expected to increase prices for U.S. consumers, although the exact impact on costs is uncertain. The U.S. consumer inflation rate is likely to rise due to these tariffs, but it is not expected to reach historic highs.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order to impose wide-ranging tariffs starting at 15% for most countries.
The U.S. now has the highest tariff levels since 1933, with an average rate of 18.6%.
Economists predict that tariffs will lead to higher prices for consumers because companies may pass on the costs.
General Motors reported a $1.1 billion cost increase due to tariffs and is trying to absorb these costs without raising prices for consumers.
The Budget Lab at Yale estimates that the average household will face an extra $2,400 in costs due to tariffs this year.
Tariffs might lead to consumer price increases, but the extent is unclear, and not all costs will directly translate to retail prices.
Inflation in the U.S. is expected to rise, though it's projected to stay below historic levels from 2022.
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