Author: Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers
Andrew Rogers is a freelance journalist based in the USA, with over 10 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. He earned his degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. Throughout his career, he has contributed to outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and Reuters. Known for his clear reporting and in-depth analysis, Andrew delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on both national and international developments.
Former members of the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee (MPC) have called on governor Andrew Bailey to scale back or halt the central bank’s bond-selling programme, warning it is driving up government borrowing costs. Britain’s long-term borrowing costs are now at their highest level in 27 years, piling pressure on chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of her 26 November autumn budget. The Bank has attributed much of the rise to global factors, including Donald Trump’s trade war and his attacks on the US Federal Reserve, but admitted its £100bn of recent bond sales are also playing a role. The Bank…
Fitch Ratings has cut France’s credit rating from AA- to A+, citing political instability and worsening public finances, a move that intensifies pressure on President Emmanuel Macron and new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu. The downgrade follows months of political upheaval, including the ousting of former Prime Minister François Bayrou after his austerity-driven budget failed to win parliamentary support. Fitch warned that France’s debt, already at 113.2% of GDP in 2024, could rise to 121% by 2027, with little chance of stabilisation before the 2027 presidential elections. The agency expressed doubts about the government’s ability to reduce the deficit below 3%…
AstraZeneca has halted a £200m expansion of its Cambridge research site, part of a £650m UK investment plan.The project was expected to create 1,000 jobs, but follows the scrapping of a £450m facility in Merseyside.A company spokesperson confirmed the pause, saying AstraZeneca continually reassesses its investment needs.While UK plans stall, AstraZeneca pledged $50bn US investment by 2030, including new facilities in multiple states.The pause caps a week of bad news for UK pharmaceuticals, including Merck cancelling a £1bn London research hub.Industry leaders warn major companies may stop investing in Britain without stronger government support.Sanofi and Eli Lilly also paused UK…
The European Central Bank left its key deposit rate unchanged at 2%, matching analysts’ expectations.The decision followed the EU-US trade agreement and came as eurozone inflation remained close to the 2% target.Rates for refinancing operations and marginal lending were also held steady at 2.15% and 2.40%.The ECB has cut its deposit rate eight times since June 2024, lowering it from 4% to 2%.President Christine Lagarde said inflation projections point to stability around 2% in the medium term.Recent data showed prices rising 2.1% in August after holding at 2% in June and July.Despite stability, the bloc faces political uncertainty in France…
Larry Ellison overtook Elon Musk as the world’s richest person after Oracle shares surged 40% in early trading.The co-founder owns 41% of Oracle, now valued at $958bn, lifting his fortune to $393bn.Musk’s wealth stands at $384bn, placing him just behind Ellison in Bloomberg’s billionaires index.The rise marked Oracle’s largest single-day share increase and the biggest wealth jump in index history.Ellison, 81, also holds wealth through Tesla shares, a sailing team, a tennis tournament, and a Hawaiian island.He invested $1bn in Musk’s Twitter purchase and previously sat on Tesla’s board.Oracle’s value has grown as AI companies demand its cloud services to…
The 2025 Filippo Nicosia Award concluded on 30 August at Villa Medici Giulini in Briosco, Italy, following two days of intensive masterclasses for musicians. The top prize went to the Israeli quartet Ensemble Finale. They received €5,000, a debut recording with Da Vinci Publishing, a portrait in Archi Magazine, sets of Larsen strings, and a GEWA violin case. The quartet also earned performance engagements at prestigious venues, including Amici del Teatro Carlo Felice e del Conservatorio Niccolò Paganini, Famiglia Artistica Reggiana, and Gioventù Musicale d’Italia. Duo Gullino-Troncarelli won the Best Italian Ensemble award. Their prize includes two concert engagements in…
Apple will unveil its slimmest iPhone at its annual Cupertino showcase on Tuesday. The event starts at 10am PT. The iPhone 17 lineup includes standard, Pro, and Pro Max editions, plus a new iPhone Air, the lightest flagship yet. Observers link the name to Apple’s slim MacBook line. Apple has not denied reports of the new model. The company will also present Apple Watch series 11 and updated AirPods. Rumors suggest AirPods may feature live translation, matching Google’s Pixel Buds. Apple is expected to announce release dates for iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe. Tariffs from Donald Trump threaten higher iPhone…
Volkswagen says it is close to striking a tariff deal with the US after Donald Trump’s import levies cost the company billions. CEO Oliver Blume said the 27.5% tariffs on European cars and parts, imposed in April, have hit the group’s balance sheet by “several billion euros” this year. While the US has agreed to cut the rate to 15%, Blume warned it would still “be a burden” on Europe’s largest carmaker, which owns Audi, Seat and Porsche. VW is pushing for a separate deal by pledging “massive” US investment, potentially including local Audi production and exports from American plants.…
This Sunday night, Europe will witness a striking celestial event: a total lunar eclipse, often called a “blood moon.” For 82 minutes, the Earth will block sunlight from reaching the moon, leaving only red-filtered light to give it its dramatic hue. Throughout history, blood moons have carried deep symbolism. In ancient Babylon, China, and Central America, they were feared as omens of war, disaster, or the fall of rulers. In parts of West Africa, such as among the Batammaliba in Togo and Benin, they are instead seen as a chance for renewal, with communities reconciling disputes to “restore balance” between…
Max Verstappen delivered a record-breaking lap to seize pole position for the Italian Grand Prix, edging out Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a dramatic qualifying session at Monza. The Dutchman’s final run of 1:18.792 was the fastest lap in Formula 1 history, averaging over 164mph and eclipsing Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 benchmark. It marked a stunning turnaround for Red Bull, who had struggled at the same track last year. Ferrari also impressed at their home race, with Charles Leclerc and new signing Hamilton taking fourth and fifth in qualifying, though Hamilton will start 10th after a grid penalty. The roar…