Emma Haslett

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Haslett

Tesco shoppers mock 'VAR'-style cameras at self-checkoutDukas/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesTesco's introduction of AI technology to some self-checkouts has led to customers joking that it bears a striking resemblance to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology used in football. The supermarket is aiming to reduce shoplifting by installing overhead cameras to identify when shoppers fail to scan an item properly, and then showing a live-action replay of the item not scanning.

1 week ago | bbc.com | Emma Haslett

IMF raises UK growth forecast as it warns on tax and spendingEmma HaslettBusiness reporter, BBC NewsEPAThe UK economy is forecast to grow slightly more than previously expected in 2025, but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the Chancellor must stick to her rules on tax and spending. In its annual health-check for the economy, the IMF predicted growth of 1.2% this year, rising to 1.4% in 2026.

2 weeks ago | thepersistent.com | Emma Haslett

It’s 7:50 on a Sunday morning and my husband and I are loading our two small daughters and a vast bag of snacks onto a creaky double-decker bus.

1 month ago | thepersistent.com | Emma Haslett

In February, Donald Trump signed an executive order promising to improve access to IVF for Americans. The order, which asked his team to come up with “a list of policy recommendations on protecting IVF access and aggressively reducing out-of-pocket and health plan costs for IVF treatment” pitted two groups of his most ardent supporters against one another. On one side, the evangelical followers, who have become increasingly vocal about their opposition to IVF.

2 months ago | bbc.co.uk | Emma Haslett

Image source, Getty ImagesDonald Trump has threatened China with an extra tariff of 50% on goods imported into the US if it does not withdraw a countermeasure it announced on Friday. In a post on his social media platform, external, Truth Social, the US president said he will introduce the extra tariff unless China withdraws its own 34% counter-tariff on American goods, which it announced on Friday.