UK bank bosses plan to set up Visa and Mastercard alternative amid Trump fears
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

Exclusive: First meeting to be held over domestic payments system aimed at reducing reliance on US networksUK bank bosses will hold their first meeting to establish a national alternative to Visa and Mastercard, amid growing fears over Donald Trump’s ability to turn off US-owned payment systems.The meeting, chaired by Barclays’ UK chief executive, Vim Maru, will take place this Thursday and bring together a group of City funders that will front the costs of a new payments company to keep the UK economy running if problems were to occur. Continue reading...

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Britons feeling ‘dismal’ about finances amid mounting debts, survey finds
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

Consumer confidence at its lowest level in two years, as young people in particular face money pressuresBusiness live – latest updatesThe mood among UK households about their finances is “dismal”, according to research which suggested consumer spending remains sluggish and debts are mounting.Consumer confidence in the UK is running at its lowest level in two years, a survey by S&P Global found, as households worry about their debts, their future financial prospects, and their savings. Continue reading...

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KPMG partner fined for using artificial intelligence to cheat in AI training test
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

Firm says person fined A$10,000 is one of over two dozen staff in Australia caught using AI in exams since JulyBusiness live – latest updatesA partner at the consultancy KPMG has been fined for using artificial intelligence to cheat during an internal training course on AI.The unnamed partner was fined A$10,000 (£5,200) for using the technology to cheat, one of a number of staff reportedly using the tactic. Continue reading...

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Google puts users at risk by downplaying health disclaimers under AI Overviews
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

Exclusive: Google fails to include safety warnings when users are first presented with AI-generated medical adviceGoogle is putting people at risk of harm by downplaying safety warnings that its AI-generated medical advice may be wrong.When answering queries about sensitive topics such as health, the company says its AI Overviews, which appear above search results, prompt users to seek professional help, rather than relying solely on its summaries. “AI Overviews will inform people when it’s important to seek out expert advice or to verify the information presented,” Google has said. Continue reading...

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‘It’s the most urgent public health issue’: Dr Rangan Chatterjee on screen time, mental health – and banning social media until 18
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

The hit podcaster, author and former GP says a failure to regulate big tech is ‘failing a generation of children’. He explains why he quit the NHS and why he wants a ban on screen-based homeworkA 16-year-old boy and his mum went to see their GP, Dr Rangan Chatterjee, on a busy Monday afternoon. That weekend, the boy had been at A&E after an attempt at self-harm, and in his notes the hospital doctor had recommended the teenager be prescribed antidepressants. “I thought: ‘Wait a minute, I can’t just start a 16-year-old on antidepressants,’” says Chatterjee. He wanted to understand what was going on in the boy’s life.They talked for a while, and Chatterjee asked him about his screen use, which turned out to be high. “I said: ‘I think your screen use, particularly in the evenings, might be impacting your mental wellbeing.’” Chatterjee helped the boy and his mother set up a routine where digital devices and social media went off an hour before bed, gradually extending the screen-free period over six weeks. After two months, he says the boy stopped needing to see him. A few months after that, his mother wrote Chatterjee a note to say her son had been transformed – he was engaging with his friends and trying new activities. He was, she said, like a different boy from the one who had ended up in hospital. Continue reading...

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Winter Olympics 2026: Elana Meyers Taylor wins monobob gold for USA; Canada’s Oldham lands freeski big air crown – live
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

Medal table | Live scores and schedule | Results | BriefingFollow us over on Bluesky | Get in touch: email GeoffSolberg of Norway looks like he’s going nicely, but he’s still well off the lad at every checkpoint. Increasingly, it looks like getting out first was a big advantage, Atle Lie McGrath still in front, as Sala of Italy joins the growing list of those who didn’t finish.Visibility isn’t great as Dave “The Rocket” Ryding” sets off for his penultimate Olympic run. The GB veteran isn’t likely to trouble the podium, but he’ll want to make the second run, and he finishes 13th, 3.74 off the lead. Continue reading...

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Macclesfield v Brentford: FA Cup fourth round – live
Posted on Monday February 16, 2026

⚽ FA Cup fourth-round news from the 7.30pm GMT kick-off⚽ Live scores | FA Cup fifth round draw | And mail XaymacaHere we go!Former Rochdale defender Luke Matheson actually scored against Manchester United as a 16-year-old in 2019. After playing for a number of clubs, including Wolves, Matheson finds himself at Macclesfield. Speaking before tonight’s game he said:To give back to the fans of this town is the proudest thing you can do as a footballer. For us to be able to give them moments like the Palace game and then another against Brentford brings us such joy as players. Continue reading...

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