Author: Grace Johnson

The US economy gained fresh momentum during the three months to September as consumers increased spending and exports recovered. Economic output expanded at an annual rate of 4.3%, well above expectations. Growth rose from 3.8% in the previous quarter and reached the strongest level in two years. The data appeared after delays caused by a federal government shutdown. The report depicted an economy shaped by shifting trade policies, immigration changes, persistent inflation, and reduced public spending. These pressures caused sharp fluctuations in trade activity. Despite that volatility, the wider economy kept solid momentum and outperformed many forecasts. Economic strength surprises…

Amazon has blocked more than 1,800 job applications linked to suspected North Korean operatives. Amazon chief security officer Stephen Schmidt revealed the move publicly. He shared the details in a LinkedIn post. The applicants targeted remote IT roles across the company. They relied on stolen or fabricated identities to bypass hiring safeguards. Remote Jobs Used to Fund North Korean Programs Schmidt said the applicants followed a direct and organized plan. They sought employment, collected salaries, and sent wages back to North Korea. The funds supported weapons development and other state programs. Schmidt warned the activity likely affects the broader technology…

Jim Beam will suspend production at its main Kentucky distillery for the entire next year. The company said the shutdown will cover all of 2026. Executives linked the move to a review of demand and production capacity. Management said it continually adjusts output to align with consumer demand. Leaders recently met employees to discuss expected volumes for 2026. That evaluation resulted in the planned production pause. Planned halt focuses on upgrades and long-term planning The distillery will remain closed while the company completes site enhancements. Executives said the pause allows upgrades without operational pressure. Management described the decision as a…

Pension income increasingly defines life after work as Europe’s population ages and public budgets tighten. Retirement outcomes differ sharply between countries, shaping comfort and security in later life. Some retirees enjoy stability, while others face constant financial strain. Pensions remain the primary income source for older Europeans. Public transfers, mainly state pensions and benefits, provide about two thirds of senior income across the EU. This dependence links retirement wellbeing closely to national policy choices. Despite this support, older people earn less than the wider population. Across 28 European countries, those over 65 receive about 86% of average income. This gap…

Anthony Joshua stopped boxing novice Jake Paul in the sixth round in Miami. The fight ranked among the most unbalanced matchups in modern boxing. Paul spent most of the contest retreating and avoiding exchanges. He relied on movement and caution rather than consistent offense. Joshua grew increasingly frustrated as Paul refused to engage. The former two-time world champion seized control in the fifth round. Joshua closed the ring and forced the action. He dropped Paul twice under relentless pressure. The sequence highlighted the vast gap in skill, size, and experience. Paul fell again early in the sixth round. Joshua landed…

ByteDance has signed binding agreements with American and international investors to keep TikTok operating in the United States. Chief executive Shou Zi Chew confirmed the move in a memo sent to employees on Thursday. The agreement reshapes ownership of the American business and removes the immediate threat of a ban. New Deal Restructures Control The agreement establishes a joint venture that gives outside investors 50% ownership of TikTok’s United States operations. Oracle, Silver Lake, and Emirati investment firm MGX lead the investor group. Shou Zi Chew detailed the structure in an internal message. The transaction is set to close on…

The Trump administration announced a major arms package to Taiwan valued at roughly $11bn. The deal includes advanced rocket launchers, self-propelled howitzers, and multiple missile systems. US officials revealed the plan late Wednesday. Congress must approve the sale before it can proceed. The administration presented the package as a response to rising security concerns in the region. This is the second arms sale to Taiwan since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. The administration continues to expand military cooperation with Taipei. Officials described the sale as necessary amid growing regional tensions. The deal significantly enhances Taiwan’s defensive…

Board plans swift advice to investors Warner Bros Discovery plans to urge shareholders to reject Paramount Skydance’s $108.4bn takeover bid. Reports say the board could issue its recommendation as early as Wednesday. Directors see serious financial and strategic risks. They believe the proposal delivers too little certainty. Paramount says its offer surpasses a $72bn agreement Warner Bros reached with Netflix. That deal covers film and streaming businesses. Paramount describes its bid as more attractive. Warner Bros executives dispute that view. Financing risks dominate concerns Warner Bros plans to point to funding concerns as a main reason for rejection, according to…

US President Donald Trump has filed a five-billion-dollar defamation lawsuit over an edited January 2021 speech. He filed the case in Florida, accusing the UK public broadcaster of defamation and violations of trade practices law, according to court documents. The organisation apologised last month for the edit but rejected compensation demands and denied any legal basis for defamation. Trump’s legal team accused editors of deliberately altering his words. The lawsuit described the edit as malicious and deceptive, aiming to harm Trump’s reputation. The broadcaster has not yet responded publicly to the legal filing. Documentary broadcast triggers legal escalation Trump announced…

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admits the team performs below required standards. He says criticism from former players comes naturally at a club like United. Amorim accepts responsibility for results. He believes the squad should have more points. United approach Monday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth under pressure. A win would keep them inside the top six for a second consecutive week. That achievement has remained rare this season. Inconsistent Form Highlights Wider Issues United last stayed in the top six for consecutive weeks late in the 2023-24 season. That run ended with a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace.…