Newsletter Feb 14, 2024

Valentine's Day Strike Misery For UK Lovers

Britain's couples could struggle for last minute Valentine's Day gifts and meals after Amazon staff went on strike over pay Tuesday -- and will soon be joined by takeaway delivery drivers, organisers said.

COP Hosts UAE, Azerbaijan, Brazil Announce Climate 'Troika'

Past and future UN climate talk hosts the United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan and Brazil said Tuesday they are forming a "troika" aimed at keeping alive the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Global Stocks Drop On Sticky US Inflation

Stocks in the United States and Europe slumped on Tuesday while the dollar climbed as data showed that US inflation slowed less than expected in January, diminishing chances of an early interest rate cut.

UK and Ukraine Extend Tariff-Free Trade Agreement to Aid Ukrainian Businesses

The agreement, which covers the majority of goods, is extended for an additional five years, providing much-needed economic support to Ukrainian businesses impacted by the war.

Labour's Ambitious Home Insulation Plan Faces Uncertainty Amid Debt Concerns

The initiative, aimed at addressing climate change and improving energy efficiency, now faces scrutiny over the potential impact on national debt and the feasibility of implementation.

Conservatives Will Lose 'Politically Homeless' Voters In Rural Strongholds, New Poll Predicts

According to the survey, since 2019, Conservative support in rural constituencies has fallen by 25 points, showing that just 34 per cent of the electorate in England's 100 most rural constituencies said they would vote for the party.

Republicans Impeach US Homeland Security Chief Over Border Crisis

Republicans impeached US President Joe Biden's immigration chief on Tuesday, the culmination of months of attacks on the Democratic administration as they seek to make border security a key issue in November's election.

China's Economy Hit By Worst Consumer Prices For The First Time In 14 Years

According to official data published by the National Bureau of Statistics, China's consumer price index fell by 0.8 per cent in January 2024, compared to that of January 2023.

Welsh Government Takes Action Following Damning Report on South Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Following a report highlighting inappropriate behaviour within the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, the Welsh government has announced its intervention.

Body Shop's UK Business Slides Into Bankruptcy

The UK arm of The Body Shop, the near 50-year-old cosmetics company renowned for ethical hair and skin products, has entered bankruptcy, administrators said Tuesday, placing thousands of jobs at risk.

British Journalist Sentenced To Prison In Malaysia For Defaming Queen

The journalist has alleged that she is being targeted because of her reports that exposed the 1MDB scandal.

Nvidia CEO Says Tech Advances Will Limit AI Costs As OpenAI Seeks $7 Trillion Investment

Silicon chips are a key component of AI expansion – President Joe Biden recently signed the CHIPS Act, which gives $52 billion to build factories in the US.

Elon Musk Opposes Senate Bill Giving Ukraine Aid, Argues Putin Can't Lose

Elon Musk has previously expressed doubt about Ukraine's ability to win the war and mocked the Ukrainian President's requests for aid.

Super Bowl Draws Record 123 Million US Viewers

A record 123.4 million people tuned in to watch the Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday's Super Bowl -- with the added attraction of an Usher-headlined halftime show and the attention-stealing presence of Taylor Swift.

F1: Fernando Alonso Shockingly Backs Lewis Hamilton Title Charge With Ferrari

Alonso and Hamilton have had an icy relationship since they drove together as teammates in McLaren during the 2007 season.