Author: Isabella Sorvani

Deadlock Persists After Sixth Round of Negotiations Global negotiations to develop a landmark treaty to end plastic pollution have failed for the sixth time in under three years. The UN talks, originally scheduled to conclude Thursday, extended late into the night but ended without agreement. About 100 nations, including the UK and EU members, pushed for curbs on plastic production, while major oil-producing states argued for a focus on recycling and waste management. Cuba’s delegation described the outcome as “a missed historic opportunity,” while UK Marine Minister Emma Hardy expressed deep disappointment, calling plastic pollution a global crisis that requires…

Partnership to End After Five Years Ulta Beauty announced on August 14 that it will close all of its mini-store locations inside Target by August 2026, ending a five-year partnership launched in 2021. In a joint decision, both companies “mutually agreed not to renew” their current deal, which brought Ulta’s beauty products and brands directly to Target shoppers. Amiee Bayer-Thomas, Ulta’s chief retail officer, highlighted the collaboration’s role in expanding access to beauty offerings nationwide. Target’s chief commercial officer, Rick Gomez, praised the shared success and reaffirmed the retailer’s commitment to offering a robust beauty selection going forward. Market Conditions…

Leaders Urge Common Ground for Ukraine In an effort to influence the outcome of Friday’s meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, key European leaders held a video call with Trump while Germany hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU, U.S., and NATO had “strengthened the common ground for Ukraine” and would maintain close coordination. The EU’s diplomatic push aimed to emphasize the bloc’s desire for peace, brief Trump on Russia’s suspected motives, and warn against conceding Ukrainian territory during negotiations. Ukraine and its…

Unexpected Surge in Producer Prices U.S. wholesale prices jumped sharply last month, a sign that President Donald Trump’s broad import tariffs are increasingly feeding into production costs. The Labor Department reported that its producer price index (PPI) — a key measure of inflation before it reaches consumers — rose 0.9% from June, marking the steepest monthly increase in more than three years. On an annual basis, wholesale prices were up 3.3%, with both readings coming in above economists’ forecasts. For now, it appears many importers are shouldering most of the tariff-related expenses instead of passing them on to shoppers. Analysts…

Android 16-Based Beta Update Now Available Samsung has expanded its One UI 8.0 beta program to include the Galaxy S24 series, offering early access to Android 16-based features. The update is currently available in South Korea and the UK for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra. Rollouts to India and the USA are expected soon. In the UK, the firmware version is S92xBXXU9ZYH3, while in South Korea it is S92xNKSU9ZYH3. The beta update size is approximately 3.2GB. Eligible users can register via the Samsung Members app by logging in with their Samsung Account and selecting the One…

Commitment Through 2029 Buffalo Bills running back James Cook has signed a four-year contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2029 NFL season. Both Cook and the organization emphasized that remaining in Buffalo was their mutual goal, with Cook praising the franchise for drafting and developing him, and general manager Brandon Beane reaffirming the team’s commitment to retaining homegrown talent. Cook becomes the fourth member of the Bills’ 2022 draft class to receive an extension, joining cornerback Christian Benford, wide receiver Khalil Shakir, and linebacker Terrel Bernard. Breakout Performance in 2024 Cook had a standout 2024 season, scoring…

Record Heat Fuels Crisis Across the Continent Wildfires and extreme heat gripped multiple countries in Europe on Tuesday, with temperatures in some regions surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying heat and dryness, making the continent increasingly vulnerable to such disasters. According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe has warmed at twice the global average since the 1980s, and 2023 was the hottest year on record both regionally and globally. The combination of soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds has forced mass evacuations, disrupted travel, and put firefighting services under severe…

Carrier Faces “Substantial Doubt” About Future Spirit Airlines’ parent company, Spirit Aviation Holdings (FLYY), has issued a stark warning about its financial health just months after emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. In its latest quarterly report, the company stated there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue operations over the next year. The Florida-based budget carrier cited ongoing “adverse market conditions,” including weak domestic leisure travel demand and continued operational uncertainties expected to persist through at least the end of 2025. The airline, known for its no-frills, low-cost flights and distinctive yellow aircraft, has struggled to regain profitability and…

Trump Calls for Immediate Leadership Change U.S. President Donald Trump publicly called for the resignation of Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, describing him as “highly conflicted” due to his ties to Chinese firms. The post caused Intel shares to fall nearly 3% in late morning trading. Trump’s comments came shortly after concerns were raised over Tan’s past investments and leadership at companies with links to Chinese military contractors. Tan was appointed CEO in March after Intel dismissed Pat Gelsinger, who was removed before completing his four-year roadmap to restore Intel’s competitive edge. The company is considered a pillar of U.S. efforts…

Unprecedented Blaze Ravages Southern Region France is facing its most devastating wildfire in over seven decades, as flames have engulfed more than 16,000 hectares in the Aude region — an area larger than Paris. The fire, which broke out near the village of Ribaute, has resulted in at least one death and left 13 injured, including 11 firefighters, with two in critical condition. Three people are still missing and dozens of homes have been destroyed. Authorities have deployed over 2,000 firefighters, 500 vehicles, and air support to contain the disaster. Officials describe the wildfire as the largest in France since…