Senior UK bank executives will meet this week to begin creating a domestic card payments network.The project aims to reduce reliance on Visa and Mastercard, which handle about 95% of UK card transactions. The talks will be chaired by Vim Maru of Barclays and involve major lenders and payment firms.City institutions will fund the new company, while the government supports…

The European Union has warned TikTok to change its platform design or face major financial penalties. The European Commission said the video platform breached EU online safety laws. Officials reached this conclusion after an investigation that began in February 2024. Regulators examined how TikTok’s design choices influence user behaviour. The Commission said TikTok failed to properly assess risks to user…

The U.S. Commerce Department has unveiled a new national strategy aimed at reenergizing travel and tourism across the country. The plan targets attracting up to 90 million international visitors annually, boosting both jobs and tourism spending. Officials say the strategy focuses on increasing global awareness of U.S. destinations, improving travel access, and promoting regional attractions. The goal is to strengthen the…

Opinion

Mark Zuckerberg appeared in court Wednesday to defend Meta against allegations it targeted children and teenagers. Lawyers presented internal documents suggesting the company prioritized young users. Zuckerberg said the communications were misrepresented. This was his first jury appearance amid years of criticism of Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. YouTube is also part of the trial, which could shape…

Health

Broadview Middle School in Danbury, Connecticut, has successfully reduced student suspensions by 25% after introducing a state-funded program focused on improving school behavior. The initiative aims to promote a positive school culture while equipping teachers with effective tools for student support. The program emphasizes professional development for educators. Teachers receive training on adolescent development, conflict resolution, and crisis de-escalation strategies.…

Sports

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and NFL star Travis Kelce announced that they are engaged, sharing joyful news with fans worldwide. The pair dated for roughly two years before taking this major step, marking the next chapter in their high‑profile relationship. In a joint social media post, the couple revealed the engagement, signalling their commitment and delight. The announcement triggered widespread excitement…

Florida has emerged as the top state in the U.S. luxury home market, with high demand from affluent buyers driving record sales. Among the standout transactions is a $101.5 million estate in Miami, one of the most expensive homes sold in the nation this year. Experts say Florida’s combination of climate, lifestyle, and investment opportunities continues to attract wealthy buyers from…

Donald Trump said he will impose tariffs on European countries opposing his Greenland demand. He vowed to act “100%” on the threat. European allies immediately defended Greenland’s sovereignty. Denmark said no leader can pressure ownership of the territory. Denmark’s foreign minister rejected coercion. He said Greenland’s status will not change. He stressed the territory remains part of the Danish kingdom.…