Water companies told to refund £260m to customers for poor performance

Toys 'R' Us Canada has informed customers that a data breach this past summer may have compromised their personal information. This incident, which dates back to July, raises significant concerns about cybersecurity and the protection of customer data, highlighting the ongoing challenges businesses face in safeguarding sensitive information.

England's water companies are facing unprecedented scrutiny as their ratings plummet to an all-time low due to a surge in sewage pollution. The Environment Agency has rated eight out of nine companies as poor, highlighting a significant need for improvement. With a cumulative score of just 19 stars out of a possible 36, this marks a concerning trend since the introduction of the star rating system in 2011. This situation is critical as it raises alarms about public health and environmental safety, urging immediate action from both the companies and regulators.

Mark Killick, a notorious cowboy builder, has been found guilty of defrauding customers out of £1.25 million by charging for home renovation work that he left unfinished. This case highlights the ongoing issue of fraudulent builders in the UK, leaving many homeowners in distress and financial turmoil. It's a stark reminder for consumers to thoroughly vet contractors before hiring them.

The Environment Agency in England is set to gain new powers that could lead to harsher penalties for water companies that dump sewage. The government is considering allowing the regulator to impose automatic fines based on a lower standard of proof for minor to moderate environmental offenses. This move is significant as it aims to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact, potentially leading to cleaner waterways and improved public health.

An Italian restaurant, Don Ciccio, recently closed its doors, leaving behind a farewell note that expressed frustration towards local customers for their lack of support. This situation highlights the challenges many small businesses face in attracting local patrons, especially in a competitive dining landscape. It raises questions about community engagement and the responsibilities of both restaurateurs and customers in supporting local establishments.

The Quebec government has announced plans to ban religious symbols in daycares, a move that Secularism Minister Jean-François Roberge claims reflects a broad consensus among Quebecers for strengthening secularism. This decision is significant as it highlights ongoing debates about the role of religion in public spaces and the balance between individual rights and collective values in Quebec society.

The Europa League matches are heating up with Nottingham Forest facing Porto and Celtic taking on Sturm Graz. Fans are eagerly following the live updates as teams push for crucial goals. Notably, manager Emery has made strategic substitutions, bringing in key players like Rogers and McGinn to turn the tide in their favor. This tournament is significant as it showcases the competitive spirit of European football and the potential for underdog teams to shine on a larger stage.

The search for a new chair to lead the grooming inquiry is expected to take months, following the unexpected withdrawal of two prominent candidates. This delay raises concerns about the inquiry's progress and the impact it may have on addressing critical issues related to grooming. The situation highlights the challenges faced in appointing leadership for such significant investigations.

In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has granted a pardon to Canadian cryptocurrency billionaire Changpeng Zhao, who was serving a sentence for money laundering after pleading guilty. This decision not only highlights the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding cryptocurrency but also raises questions about the implications for the industry as a whole. Zhao, the founder of Binance, is a significant figure in the crypto world, and this pardon could influence future regulatory discussions and the perception of cryptocurrency entrepreneurs.

In a significant crackdown, the FBI has arrested over 30 individuals linked to illegal gambling activities associated with the NBA. These charges involve insider sports betting and rigged poker games, raising serious concerns about the integrity of sports and the influence of organized crime. This situation highlights the ongoing battle against corruption in sports and the need for stricter regulations to protect the integrity of games that fans love.

In a significant ruling, a UK tribunal has determined that Apple abused its dominant position in the market by excluding competition and imposing excessive commissions on its App Store. This decision is crucial as it could pave the way for increased scrutiny of Apple's business practices and potentially lead to changes in how app developers are charged, fostering a more competitive environment.