Chinese tech companies like Meituan and Baidu are reportedly implementing 'optimization' measures, which employees fear are increasingly driven by AI replacing human roles. This follows widespread rumors of significant layoffs.
The victim of a stabbing attack in Belfast is "improving" and may be woken from a coma within 48 hours, according to DUP leader Gavin Robinson. The attack preceded nights of disorder in Northern Ireland, resulting in injured police officers and arrests. Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met with political parties to discuss the fallout.
Nintendo announces a Switch 2 remake of the 1997 game Lylat Wars (Star Fox 64), sparking discussion on nostalgia-driven gaming trends. Meanwhile, the industry sees a surge in remakes and reboots, with mixed reactions from critics and players.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies found that the Conservatives' Help to Buy scheme primarily benefited high-earners in the top 10%, accelerating housing and wealth inequalities. Rather than helping people onto the property ladder, the policy helped already fortunate buyers accumulate wealth faster or purchase more expensive properties. The study adds to previous findings showing the scheme failed to address structural housing costs and represented a lost opportunity to invest in social housing or council building programmes.
