On Thursday, 23 January 2025, Three UK experienced a significant network outage affecting thousands of customers, including users of Smarty and iD Mobile. The issue, starting around 1pm, disrupted phone calls and, in some cases, access to emergency services. Despite initial reports that data services and 999 calls were unaffected, customer complaints prompted an investigation. The outage tracker Downdetector recorded over 10,000 reports, with social media flooded with frustrations over missed appointments and stranded individuals. Three UK apologized and restored services overnight but warned of potential further disruptions due to Storm Éowyn. Ofcom is in contact with Three to assess the situation, and while compensation eligibility remains unclear, guidelines suggest refunds may be appropriate. This incident follows regulatory approval for Three's £16.5bn merger with Vodafone, expected to complete in 2025. Three has deployed additional engineering resources to mitigate further disruptions and advises customers to restart devices or toggle airplane mode to restore service.
Nissan is facing a severe financial crisis, with reports suggesting the company may collapse within 12 to 14 months without new investment. The Japanese car manufacturer, battling declining sales in key markets like China and the US, is taking drastic measures including job cuts and reducing manufacturing capacity. Amid leadership changes and increased competition in the electric vehicle sector, the potential for a strategic partnership with Honda is explored as a possible solution to its woes.
Morrisons, the popular UK supermarket chain, is experiencing notable food shortages due to a cyber attack on its supply chain management provider, Blue Yonder. This incident has primarily affected the supply of fresh produce, leading to customer frustration as grocery aisles remain barren. While ambient and frozen products are spared, thanks to backup systems, the supermarket faces challenges in managing stock levels effectively. Shoppers have taken to social media to voice their concerns, highlighting the impact on their shopping experiences and questioning the lack of communication from Morrisons regarding the issue. The supermarket is striving to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
A EuroMillions ticket-holder in the United Kingdom has secured a colossal £177 million prize, making it the third-largest National Lottery win in British history. The lucky numbers were 7, 11, 25, 31, and 40, with Lucky Stars 9 and 12. This historic win surpasses the wealth of famous UK personalities such as Harry Styles and Adele. Lottery advisor Andy Carter highlighted the timing, calling it an exciting pre-Christmas surprise for the winner. Initial reporting errors led to confusion about the winning numbers, but a correction has since been issued. This victory joins a history of substantial EuroMillions wins in the UK, with previous jackpots reaching £195 million and £184 million. Participants are advised to check their tickets and play responsibly.
The weekend saw contrasting fortunes for Manchester United's men's and women's football teams, as they both faced challenging matches. Under new head coach Rúben Amorim, the men's team drew 1-1 with Ipswich Town in the Premier League, a result that highlighted the need for tactical refinement. In contrast, the women's team experienced a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, losing their unbeaten streak in the Women's Super League. As transfer rumours circulate, Cristiano Ronaldo's future remains uncertain, with possible contract extensions on the horizon, while Viktor Gyökeres emerges as a potential signing for an enhanced squad.
Octopus Energy, in collaboration with the UK government, has launched a major initiative aimed at reducing energy bills for UK households by transitioning from traditional gas boilers to more efficient heat pumps. The programme offers £300 annual savings for those who make the switch, supported by £7,500 government grants. Regulatory changes will ease installation, and Octopus's Cosy Heat Pump Tariff promises further savings. This initiative supports the UK's clean energy goals and includes Octopus's expansion into international renewable markets.
McDonald's in the UK has introduced the Grinch Happy Meal to celebrate the festive season, available from November 20 until December 31, 2024. This special edition includes exclusive toys and unique packaging. The promotion has sparked interest abroad, particularly in the US and Canada, where fans have voiced their envy. Meanwhile, McDonald's US is offering a Pet Simulator Happy Meal. The British menu also features seasonal items such as a Galaxy Caramel Latte and Terry’s Chocolate Orange McFlurry.
On Thursday, November 21, 2024, PayPal experienced a substantial global outage, affecting thousands of users who reported issues logging into their accounts and conducting transactions. The outage, which began around 10:53 GMT, spurred a peak of over 9,000 reports from users according to Downdetector, an outage monitoring website. Various functionalities were impacted, including account withdrawals, express checkout, and the Venmo app, as well as issues with PayPal's cryptocurrency services. Many users feared their accounts had been compromised, as the outage led to an inability to access their accounts. However, PayPal's technical team quickly addressed the 'system issue', resolving the problem by 12:59 GMT. Although services resumed, users questioned potential compensation for any costs incurred during the outage, but such compensation is not typically provided by PayPal. By early afternoon, reports had abated, and services were predominantly restored.
The UK government has announced substantial cuts to its military equipment, scrapping multiple warships, helicopters, and drones to save £500 million over five years. Defence Secretary John Healey cites financial pressures as the main reason, stressing the need to modernise amidst global threats. Criticism follows, focusing on national security concerns, with savings aimed at reinvestment in more modern capabilities.
Jaguar has launched a significant rebranding initiative, unveiling a new logo as it prepares to transition to a fully electric vehicle lineup. The luxury car maker, owned by Tata Motors, plans to release three electric models by 2026 from UK-based manufacturing sites. The reimagined logo, 'JaGUar,' and new marketing strategies aim to reconnect with the brand’s heritage while appealing to modern consumers. Despite criticism for its current promotional approach, which lacks actual vehicles, Jaguar maintains its focus on redefining its identity in the luxury automotive market.