Latest Stories
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Facebook to launch new global currency
This week, Facebook announced it is building a new currency called Libra that will make it as easy to send money around the world as it is to send a WhatsApp message. Is this a good idea?
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The rise and rise of Britain’s billionaires
Is it wrong to have so much money? There are now a record-breaking 151 billionaires in the UK. Meanwhile, a report has warned that the huge gap between rich and poor is hurting Britain.
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A £1.6 billion thank-you for Mother’s Day
Are mums the most important people in the world? This Sunday is Mother’s Day in the UK. Millions of children will be buying flowers or making cards to say thank you to their mum.
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Barcelona breaks record with £10m per player
Are footballers paid too much? Barcelona is the first team in history to pay each player an average of £10 million a year. That is enough for 450 nurses or 510 primary school teachers.
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Easter eggs attacked for quality and waste
Are Easter eggs worth it? A new study of the top 10 bestselling Easter eggs reveals that customers are not only paying for a tasty treat — up to a third of the weight is actually packaging.
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Fireworks like ‘setting fire to piles of money’
Is lighting fireworks a bit like burning money? Councils looking for cuts are targeting traditional displays. But the tradition of “beautiful extravagance” has a long and important history.
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Record Halloween spending predicted
Have we forgotten why we celebrate Halloween? Many think it is an excuse to spend money, dress up and eat sweets. But historians know there are other, more interesting reasons we celebrate.
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How zero changed the world
Has zero done more for humanity than any other invention? Scientists have discovered that the number zero, incredibly important to maths, was “invented” far earlier than we once thought.
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Are computers getting too clever?
Is technology changing the world for the better? Imagine sending messages with a wristband that reads your mind or paying for food with an image of your face. These are two new inventions.
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Critical thinking: Does maths have the answer?
James Ball, a journalist, believes critical thinking can be taught through subjects like maths. With the rise in fake news, should all primary students be taught critical thinking in school?
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Can maths be beautiful?
Play word association with “mathematics”. You might use words like “confusing” or “challenging”. What about “beautiful”? Maths was exhibited in an art gallery recently. Is maths beautiful?
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‘How winning the lottery ruined my life’
Jane Park was 17-years-old when she became the UK’s youngest Euromillions winner. Four years later, she says the £1m prize changed her life — for the worse. Now she wants to sue. Why?
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Flights may soon be free, says airline chief
The boss of the airline company Ryanair has said something very surprising: within five to ten years, flight tickets could cost nothing. Sounds fun, but is free travel really a good idea?
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Demand to close ‘greedy’ shops on Boxing Day
December is here, which means one thing: buying stuff! So say many of those who are planning their Christmas shopping, followed by Boxing Day sales. But what if the shops closed on the 26th?
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Britain to ‘strike back’ against cyber attack
Imagine a world where your kettle, fridge and webcam can all be hacked into by strangers. No need, says the government: it’s already here. How much should we worry about cybercrime?