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Jimmy Carter was a man of faith and that’s how we should remember him 

When Jimmy Carter began attending the First Baptist Church in Washington after becoming president, I thought it a unique opportunity to better understand his faith. He taught a Sunday School class as he had done for years in his native Plains, Georgia, and I joined it.  Carter was an excellent teacher. He knew the Scriptures well and on one occasion he asked me to teach the class, which was an experience I shall never forget.  After the...

Newsom calls Trump’s claims ‘pure fiction’ after president-elect points finger over California fire tragedy

Gov. Gavin Newsom is firing back at President-elect Donald Trump for comments he made Wednesday about the response to deadly wildfires currently devastating Southern California. Trump spoke with reporters after attending meetings Wednesday on Capitol Hill and accused Newsom of not ‘[doing] a good job,’ but noted they ‘worked well together’ and would again when he takes office later this month. ‘It’s very sad because I’ve been trying to get Gavin Newsom to allow water...

UK government debt sell-off accelerates as borrowing costs reach post-2008 peak

Britain’s benchmark borrowing costs have soared to their highest level since the financial crisis, as investors offload government debt amid persistent inflation fears. The yield on the UK’s 10-year gilt — closely watched as a barometer of future interest payments on public borrowing — reached 4.82 per cent on Wednesday, surpassing the peaks seen in the immediate aftermath of Liz Truss’s 2022 mini-budget. Yields on the 30-year gilt, which took centre stage during that market...

Jimmy Carter’s funeral will bring all five living presidents together in Washington, DC

Supporters and friends of the late President Carter will attend his funeral Thursday at Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral.  The service, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., comes as President Biden declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning for the 38th president, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100.  The so-called presidents’ club — the five living men who once occupied the White House — will all gather for the event. President Biden and...

Welsh brand Goodwash sees surge in sales following appearance in Gavin and Stacey Christmas finale

Barry-based social enterprise, The Goodwash Company, has experienced a remarkable 20% increase in online sales after its appearance in the highly anticipated Gavin and Stacey Christmas special finale. The company’s luxurious, cruelty-free handwash was showcased in Pam and Mick West’s Billericay bathroom, marking a significant milestone for the Welsh brand. The cameo in one of the UK’s most-loved shows brought national attention and sparked a surge in online sales and engagement. In just two days, TikTok views soared...

Sterling tumbles as bond yields soar, fanning fears over UK public finances

Sterling endured its sharpest three-day decline in almost two years this morning, as investors continued to offload UK government debt and flock to the US dollar. By early trading, the pound had slipped 0.9 per cent against the dollar to $1.226, briefly touching its lowest level since November 2023. The currency has weakened by 2 per cent over the past three sessions, its biggest drop since February 2023. Economists attribute sterling’s slide in part to...

Food inflation poised to jump above 4% as levies and wage rises weigh on retailers

Food price inflation is expected to climb above 4 per cent this year, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned, in a sharp reversal of the recent trend of slowing shop prices. According to the lobby group’s forecasts, prices at the supermarket tills will surge by an average of 4.2 per cent in the second half of the year. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the BRC, attributed the looming price increases to rising employer national...

Emma Watson’s gin brand nets £5m as Renais plots global expansion

Emma Watson’s premium gin venture Renais has raised nearly £5 million to speed up its global expansion, building on its reputation for sustainable production and strong international demand. Co-founded by the Harry Potter star and her brother, Alex Watson, the Dorset-distilled gin uses grapes sourced from the Burgundy region, including a small proportion from the family’s own vineyard in Chablis. Despite a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty — with Donald Trump’s inauguration and proposed...

Jimmy Carter’s funeral will bring all five living presidents together in Washington, D.C.

Supporters and friends of the late President Carter will attend his funeral Thursday at Washington, D.C.’s National Cathedral.  The service, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., comes as President Biden declared Thursday a National Day of Mourning for the 38th president, who died Dec. 29 at the age of 100.  The so-called presidents’ club — the five living men who once occupied the White House — will all gather for the event. President Biden and...

A Review of the World’s Top Shipping Routes

For those interested in shipping jobs and the wider journey that sees products arriving here in the UK, it’s useful to understand the top shipping routes in the world. Shipping routes are the lifelines of global trade, facilitating the movement of goods across continents.  These routes are strategically important for international commerce, connecting major ports and economic hubs and provide great shipping jobs for mariners.  Outlined below are some of the top shipping routes in...