Here are the business stories making the headlines across Aberdeen, Scotland and the UK this morning.
SNP by-election victory strengthens grip on Aberdeen City Council
Former radio presenter Jeff Diack’s victory in the Midstocket/Rosemount by-election has restored the SNP-Lib Dem administration’s majority on Aberdeen City Council, easing pressure on embattled co-leader Christian Allard following weeks of no-confidence votes and political turmoil.
Mr Diack secured 861 first-preference votes, finishing 118 ahead of Conservative candidate Freddie John, with turnout at just 26.5%.
The result strengthens the administration’s position ahead of next May’s council elections, although the Conservatives will take encouragement from their close second place, while Reform UK finished fourth in its first contest in the ward.
Click here to read more in the P&J
TV deals help SPFL make record payments to clubs
Enhanced deals with broadcasters and sponsors enabled the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) to make record payments to its clubs in the last year.
Its latest annual accounts confirm total group distributions increased by £7.6m (18%) to £49.6m – by far the highest figure in the league’s history.
SPFL group income totalled £58m, whilst fees paid to clubs by the SPFL also increased by £6m or 17% to £41.2m.
Click here to read more in Daily Business
Scottish Government director tells staff unhappy with office rules they are ‘free to leave’
A senior Scottish Government official has sparked anger among civil servants after telling staff unhappy with new office working requirements that “anybody is free to leave at any time.”
Stephen Kerr, Director for Social Security Scotland, made the remarks on an internal message board following confirmation that civil servants must spend at least 40% of their working time in the office or face disciplinary action, with his comments subsequently removed.
The row comes as ministers launch a voluntary exit scheme for senior civil servants as part of plans to cut £1billion from government spending, with eligible staff offered up to 21 months’ salary to leave.
Click here to read more in The Scotsman
Football fans asked to help solve notorious Aberdeen murder 43 years on
Football fans attending Aberdeen's Pittodrie stadium this weekend will be asked to help solve one of Scotland's most notorious unsolved murders.
Taxi driver George "Dod" Murdoch, 58, was found dead beside his cab on the outskirts of the city in September 1983. A cheese-wire garrotte was discovered nearby.
Shortly after the killing, detectives took the unusual step of stationing officers at every turnstile at Pittodrie, searching for potential clues such as hand injuries among supporters attending an Aberdeen v Celtic match.
Click here to read more on the BBC News website
AI ‘mathpocalypse’ leaves academics fearing for their future
OpenAI has published full or partial solutions to 372 previously unsolved maths problems in what some are calling a “mathpocalypse”.
Experts were left questioning the future of the field after the ChatGPT maker released the proposed solutions.
Described in 722 papers, the published proofs are so complex and numerous that many have not been verified. Mathematicians have been struck by the speed of AI’s progress, which struggled with GCSE-level maths problems less than two years ago.
Click here to read more in The Times