World Business Report

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledges that Ukrainian attacks and sanctions are affecting his country’s economy, while insisting there have been no critical consequences. In this special episode, we examine the economic pressures created by Russia’s war in Ukraine, and look at how the conflict has transformed the drone industry, with Ukraine planning to produce millions of drones this year.
(Photo: A firefighter works at a burnt-out hypermarket following an overnight Ukrainian drone strike, in the course of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in Donetsk, a Russian-controlled city of Ukraine, August 16, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko)

The US has paused 50% tariffs on Canada, hours before they were due to come into effect as the countries firm up a trade deal. Donald Trump said a deal has been reached, but the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said there was still important work to be done.
In China, the world's biggest humanoid robot manufacturer, Unitree Robotics, has seen its share price soar more than 500% on its stock market debut in Shanghai.
And why are businesses banning Meta smart glasses?
Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott

Tech giant Meta on trial over claims it deliberately keeps young people scrolling. Four US states are seeking billions of dollars from the company, as part of a wider case brought by 29 states.
New trade tariffs set to be imposed on Canada by the USA unless there's a late breakthrough in trade talks.
And why does the owner of the LA Lakers, the LA Dodgers and part owner of Chelsea FC need to raise a lot of money quickly?

Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta is heading into a legal battle against a group of US states that argue it deliberately designed its products to be addictive for younger users. It could pose the biggest threat yet to social media operations with the states demanding changes.
In Canada, pressure is rising to reach a trade deal with the US or be hit with Donald Trump's new 50% tariff on hundreds of Canadian goods.
We find out why borrowing costs for some of the world's major economies are on the rise.
And why is price of wool is skyrocketing?
Presenter: Luke Wilson
Producer: Niamh Mc Dermott

The US has threatened Canda with a 50% tariff on goods, with billions of dollars of trade at stake. But can Canada persuade President Trump to change course? We take a look into the talks that have been happening so far.

We’ll also explore Chinese tech giant Alibaba’s latest move in the AI race.
And we ask if changing jobs is becoming a gamble fewer workers are willing to take?