[ad_1] Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down after 14 years at the helm of the studio that makes Star Wars, one of the highest-grossing Hollywood franchises in history.Kennedy, who was picked by Star Wars creator George Lucas to lead the company, will become a full-time producer, the studio said on Thursday.Best known for steering the reboot of the science-fiction series, Kennedy oversaw hits like The Force Awakens but she
[ad_1] Bloomberg via Getty ImagesIndia hopes to make its own rare earth magnets for domestic useIn November 2025, India approved a 73bn-rupee ($800m; £600m) plan that could help it to cut its dependence on China in one of the most strategic corners of the global supply chain: rare earth magnets.These small but powerful components sit at the heart of modern life - used in everything from electric vehicles and wind
[ad_1] Chris BaraniukTechnology ReporterMcConnell FamilyThe McConnell family home was left partially destroyed by fireThe school run was over and laundry was in the tumble dryer. Mum and step-mum of four Liz McConnell was about to sit down to work at her Dover home last September. But that's when the sound of a fire alarm cut through her morning.She walked towards it and eventually found smoke billowing out of the tumble
[ad_1] Emer MoreauBusiness reporterGetty ImagesFast-food chain Leon will open more restaurants in service stations, airports and train stations, after it closes 20 on the High Street, its boss has said.John Vincent said the upcoming rises in business rates along with overall cost increases means the High Street is no longer as profitable. Leon has been losing £10m a year.Vincent, an original co-founder of the chain, bought the company back from
[ad_1] Natalie Sherman,Business reporterandLily Jamali,North America Technology correspondentBloomberg via Getty ImagesThe US has been pushing to build up its semiconductor industryThe US said it had agreed to cut the tariffs it charges on goods from Taiwan to 15%, in exchange for hundreds of billions of dollars in investment aimed at boosting domestic production of semiconductors.The Commerce Department said the island's semiconductor and technology enterprises had committed to "new, direct investments"
[ad_1] One of Britain's most prolific rail fare dodgers could face jail after admitting dozens of travel offences.Charles Brohiri, 29, pleaded guilty to travelling without buying a ticket on Govia Thameslink train journeys a total of 112 times, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.He could be ordered to pay more than £18,000 in unpaid fares and legal costs, the court was told.District Judge Nina Tempia warned Brohiri "could face a custodial sentence
[ad_1] An aircraft that crashed in flames in Kentucky in November had a structural flaw that had been identified by Boeing on similar planes 15 years ago, according to investigators.The MD-11F freighter operated by UPS, crashed after one of its engines separated from the wing as it was preparing to take off from Louisville.The plane briefly lifted off from the runway, before hurtling out of control into an industrial area.
[ad_1] Getty ImagesSouth East Water is set to operate bottled water stations again on ThursdayRegulator Ofwat has opened an investigation into South East Water (SEW) after repeated outages across Kent and Sussex.The investigation will consider whether the company has complied with its licence condition to provide high standards of customer service and support.Ofwat said it was the first investigation it had launched on customer-focused licence conditions.SEW has been contacted for
[ad_1] BBCProject manager Vikki Longman said people needed more than foodA food bank that was damaged due to flooding 14 months ago has officially re-opened and rebranded.Kinson and West Howe Foodbank in Bournemouth, next to St. Andrew's Church, has launched a larger, free community service known as The Sanctuary Project.Described as a "safe and warm space open to all", staff also offer housing advice, help with forms, and other practical
[ad_1] PA MediaThe British Medical Association said the cost of providing healthcare had gone up "significantly"People are avoiding visiting the doctor in Guernsey because it is too expensive, a charity has warned.Price increases over the past week saw the average price of seeing a GP in the island rise to £73, up from £70.50 in 2025, according to BBC analysis of the prices listed by the island's three main providers.
