Author: BBC

EPA-EFE/REX/ShutterstockThe government plans to introduce legislation to ban the sale of disposable vapes from 1 June 2025The sale of disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year, the government has confirmed. Ministers in England said the move, first announced in January by the previous government but not enacted before the general election, is intended to protect children’s health and prevent environmental damage.The government said it had worked closely with the devolved nations and they would “align coming into force dates” on bans, with Wales already confirming it will follow suit.Vaping industry leaders have warned the…

Striking Boeing workers have rejected a new offer from the plane-making giant, which included a 35% pay rise over four years.The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) union said 64% of its members voted against the proposed deal.More than 30,000 of Boeing’s employees have joined the walkout, which started on 13 September, after an initial offer was rejected.Hours earlier Boeing’s boss Kelly Ortberg warned that the company is at a “crossroads” as losses at the firm surged to roughly $6bn (£4.6bn).“After 10 years of sacrifices, we still have ground to make up, and we’re hopeful to do so…

Anurag GargThere are too many AI tools says Anurag GargWhen ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, PR agency founder Anurag Garg was eager for his team of 11 to quickly incorporate the technology in their workflow, so the business could keep up with its competitors.Mr Garg encouraged his employees to use the AI language tool for the agency’s long list of daily tasks, from coming up with story ideas for clients, pitches to offer the media, and transcribing meeting and interview notes.But rather than increase the team’s productivity, it created stress and tension.Staff reported that tasks were in…

Getty ImagesAnora, starring Mikey Madison, won the top prize at Cannes in May and is an Oscars frontrunnerThe Oscars race is rapidly taking shape, following the conclusion of the autumn film festivals where many of the expected frontrunners had their premieres.Most of this year’s awards-tipped films have now been seen by critics, although a handful of possible contenders still have to launch before the end of the year.Awards season arguably kicks off on 9 December, when the nominations are announced for the first major film ceremony, the Golden Globes. But in truth, studios launch their campaigns much earlier, as the…

At least three people have been killed and 14 injured in an attack at the headquarters of an aviation company near the Turkish capital Ankara, authorities have confirmed.The country’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted on X that two attackers were “neutralised” in the incident, which saw gunshots and explosions.Initial images shown by the NTV television channel were of a large cloud of smoke in front of the entrance of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which is located some 40km (25 miles) outside the capital.Firefighters and medical teams have been dispatched to the scene.It is not clear how many people were involved…

A new drug that slows the pace of Alzheimer’s disease is too expensive for too little benefit to be used on the NHS, the drugs spending watchdog says. Donanemab was hailed as a turning point in the disease last year. But the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said it provided only a small benefit to patients. And came with huge costs including the price of the drug and monitoring for significant side-effects including brain swelling. People do not get better on donanemab. It is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but it slows the progression of the…

Getty ImagesWater regulator Ofwat could be abolished as a new independent commission prepares to launch the largest review of the industry since privatisation in the 1980s.The Independent Water Commission will be chaired by former deputy governor of the Bank of England Sir Jon Cunliffe and will report by the middle of next year.Fury has mounted in recent years over the UK’s polluted waterways and crumbling infrastructure, which is struggling to cope with the challenges of a rising population and climate change.Environment Secretary Steve Reed told the BBC “the water sector is failing” and said he had asked the commission to…

A communications satellite designed and built by embattled aerospace giant Boeing has broken up in orbit.The satellite’s operator, Intelsat, has confirmed the “total loss” of iS-33e, which has affected customers in Europe, Africa and parts of the Asia-Pacific region. Intelsat also says it has taken steps to complete “a comprehensive analysis” of the incident. Boeing has been facing crises on multiple fronts, with a strike at its commercial plane business and issues with its Starliner spacecraft.”We are coordinating with the satellite manufacturer, Boeing, and government agencies to analyse data and observations,” Intelsat said.Boeing did not comment directly on the incident,…

Dyson MediaFilming took place on canal paths in the Gas Street Basin area on Monday eveningHe had us glued to our TV screens for six series. And now Tommy Shelby’s silver screen debut is well on the way – with Birmingham taking centre stage.Parts of the city centre became film sets on Monday for scenes being shot for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.The hugely successful TV show, which ran from 2013 to 2022, starred Oscar winner Cillian Murphy and followed a Birmingham crime gang in the years after World War One.The show’s creator Steven Knight, from Birmingham, is also at…

The former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch (A&F) and his British partner have been arrested and are facing sex trafficking charges.Mike Jeffries, his partner Matthew Smith and the couple’s alleged middleman were arrested on Tuesday morning.The FBI and prosecutor’s office are expected to announce more details at a press conference shortly.Lawyers for Mr Jeffries and Mr Smith have both previously denied any wrongdoing by both men. Responding to the latest news, Mr Jeffries’ lawyer told the BBC: “We will respond in detail to the allegations after the Indictment is unsealed, and when appropriate, but plan to do so…