Britain is debating whether to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as it seeks to balance post‑Brexit ties with the EU and protect domestic industry. Chinese automakers have captured 28.1% of the UK market by the end of August, up from 12.9% a year earlier, with hybrids accounting for the bulk of the growth. The UK currently levies only a 10% import duty on Chinese EVs, while the EU imposes up to 35.3% manufacturer‑specific duties. A UK business minister has said the government is considering matching EU tariffs to avoid “Made in Europe” barriers that could hurt UK exporters. Beijing has warned it will respond to any discriminatory measures. Analysts argue that tariffs on battery‑electric vehicles alone would not curb the rise of hybrids or vehicles built outside China. They recommend a comprehensive approach that includes incentives for local production, battery cost reductions, and infrastructure investment. The decision will shape the UK’s trade relationship with both China and the EU and could trigger retaliatory actions from Beijing.
Matt Hullum and Burnie Burns, the co‑founders of Rooster Teeth, are collaborating on a new Christmas horror‑comedy called "Bad Toys." Hullum will write and direct the film while Burns serves as executive producer, with Flatiron Pictures’ Suzanne Weinert producing. The story draws on medieval Christmas elf folklore, asking what happens when a mischievous elf grants wishes that backfire for naughty children. Production is slated to begin in early 2027, with a theatrical release scheduled for Christmas 2027. The project marks a reunion for the duo, who first launched Rooster Teeth in 2003 and later revived the brand after buying it back from Warner Bros. in 2025. Hullum explained that his research into Scandinavian elf lore inspired the film’s spooky yet playful tone. Burns expressed excitement about re‑collaborating, noting the opportunity to bring Hullum’s vision to the screen. The film is expected to appeal to Rooster Teeth’s large YouTube fan base and holiday moviegoers alike.
Russell T Davies, the former Doctor Who showrunner, said the 2021 return of the series under a Disney+ partnership failed to meet expectations. He explained that the BBC’s ambition to turn Doctor Who into a global franchise, dubbed the Whoniverse, was over‑ambitious for a show that had already run for 20 years. The partnership produced two seasons and a spin‑off, but viewership in the United States remained low, and the series struggled to attract new audiences. Davies cited a series of “Doctor‑lite” episodes, where the Fifteenth Doctor was absent or minimally featured, as a key factor that weakened audience connection. He also blamed the timing of the release, noting that Hollywood had shifted toward stand‑alone films and that audiences were less receptive to interconnected franchises. Leaks of plot twists, including the controversial regeneration of Ncuti Gatwa into Billie Piper, further undermined the show’s narrative integrity. Finally, Davies admitted that scheduling conflicts and a short eight‑episode season made it difficult to fully develop the new Doctor’s character. The BBC has since put Doctor Who out for tender, and Davies has released an autobiography detailing the experience.
Weston McKennie is on the brink of becoming the most‑capped player in the current Juventus squad when the club host Cagliari this weekend. If he starts, the Texan will reach 234 appearances, surpassing injured midfielder Manuel Locatelli who sits at 233 games. McKennie's place in the club's history is already secure, with only Daniele Rugani at 157 appearances and a long gap to the next tier. He also shares the squad's goal‑scoring lead with Kenan Yildiz, each netting 27 goals, and has been a versatile presence under every Juventus coach since 2020. The record would place McKennie ahead of legendary figures such as Edgar Davids, Fabio Capello and Wojciech Szczęsny on the all‑time list.
Cindy Wilson has transformed her private retirement hobby into a community resource in northern Arizona. Following local wildfires and flooding, Wilson decided to open her backyard garden on Butterfly Lane to displaced neighbors.
What started as a personal interest has evolved into weekly "you-pick" events. Visitors are invited to wander through the rows of blooms and fill wicker baskets with handwrapped bouquets at no cost.
Wilson stated her intention was to provide kindness and joy to those affected by recent natural disasters. The garden now serves as a recurring space for community connection and generosity.
On October 8, 1945, Percy Spencer, a self‑taught engineer from Howland, Maine, patented the first microwave oven. While working for Raytheon on radar technology, he observed that microwaves from an active radar set melted a Mr. Goodbar candy bar he carried. He tested the heating effect on food, first cooking popcorn, then an egg that exploded in the face of an experimenter. Raytheon filed a U.S. patent for the microwave cooking process and soon built the Radarange, the first commercially available microwave oven. The Radarange was nearly six feet tall, weighed 340 kilograms, and cost about $5,000 - roughly $66,000 in 2022 dollars. It drew three kilowatts of power and was water‑cooled, far more energy‑hungry than modern units. The oven was installed in a Boston restaurant for public testing, marking the beginning of microwave cooking in everyday life. The invention revolutionized kitchen appliances, leading to rapid adoption worldwide and changing cooking habits. Today, microwaves are ubiquitous in homes and restaurants, a testament to Spencer's accidental discovery.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been announced as the Premier League’s highest‑paid boss, with a new contract that pays him £20 million per year. The Daily Mail reported the deal, noting it sets a new benchmark for managerial salaries across England’s top flight. Arteta, who has led the Gunners since 2019, will continue to oversee the club’s coaching staff and first‑team operations under the new terms. The announcement follows a period of intense scrutiny over the financial disparities between clubs, with several teams now offering multi‑million contracts to attract top talent. While the contract’s length was not disclosed, the move underscores the growing trend of clubs investing heavily in managerial positions to secure competitive advantage. Arsenal’s decision to pay Arteta a record salary reflects the club’s ambition to compete for domestic trophies and European success in the coming seasons. The Premier League has seen a steady rise in wages for coaches, with other managers such as Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp also earning comparable figures. The new deal places Arteta ahead of his peers, potentially influencing wage negotiations across the league and setting expectations for future managerial contracts.