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Central Bedfordshire Council Halts Bin Collections Amid Contract Dispute

Central Bedfordshire Council Halts Bin Collections Amid Contract Dispute

Central Bedfordshire Council has paused its recycling service following a dispute with its contractor, Associated Waste Management (AWM). The disagreement arose after AWM sought to double the contract fee due to a fire at its Barkston recycling facility, which disrupted operations. The council refused to accept the increased costs, leading to the suspension of bin collections. AWM claims it offered a temporary solution within the existing contract terms, but the council did not engage in discussions. Residents are concerned about the potential buildup of waste during the holiday season, with some expressing frustration over the need to dispose of their own recycling.

Somerset Council Faces Scrutiny Over Chaotic Red Brick Factory Project Funding

Somerset Council Faces Scrutiny Over Chaotic Red Brick Factory Project Funding

The Somerset Council is under scrutiny for its handling of the Life Factory project in Glastonbury, which was intended to transform a derelict factory into a community events space and offices. Despite the project being paused in January 2024 due to management concerns, the council continued to make payments totaling £420,000 between May and December 2024. The project, managed by the Red Brick Building Centre and its subsidiary Beckery Construction Company Ltd, has faced financial difficulties, with Beckery entering voluntary liquidation. An independent audit criticized the council's governance and financial management, urging a review of other projects to prevent similar issues. The council is cooperating with police investigations and considering terminating the grant to recover funds.

Financial Expert Discusses Strategies for Managing Christmas Expenses

Financial Expert Discusses Strategies for Managing Christmas Expenses

Financial Expert Discusses Strategies for Managing Christmas Expenses

Student Loan Delinquencies Rise Sharply as Loan Forgiveness Ends

Student Loan Delinquencies Rise Sharply as Loan Forgiveness Ends

Student Loan Delinquencies Rise Sharply as Loan Forgiveness Ends

Japan's Economic Contraction Deepens Amid U.S. Tariffs and Investment Decline

Japan's Economic Contraction Deepens Amid U.S. Tariffs and Investment Decline

Japan's economy experienced a significant contraction in the July-September period, shrinking at an annual rate of 2.3%, according to a report by the Japanese government. This downturn is attributed to the impact of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Trump and a decrease in public investments. The revised data indicates a more severe contraction than initially reported, with the previous estimate showing a 1.8% annual decline. Exports fell by 1.2% during the quarter, while private residential investment dropped by 8.2%, influenced by changes in Japan's building code. The U.S. had earlier reduced tariffs on Japanese imports from 25% to 15%, but the tariffs on autos continue to pose a challenge to Japan's economy. In response, Japan has committed to investing $550 billion in the U.S. as part of the tariff negotiations.

Experts Advise on Financial Preparations for Homebuyers in 2026

Experts Advise on Financial Preparations for Homebuyers in 2026

Experts Advise on Financial Preparations for Homebuyers in 2026

Bloomberg expands his support of mayors globally to help save democracy. And improve trash pickup

Bloomberg expands his support of mayors globally to help save democracy. And improve trash pickup

East Europe faces weakening public finance prospects in 2026, Fitch says

East Europe faces weakening public finance prospects in 2026, Fitch says

BUDAPEST, Dec 9 (Reuters) - East European countries' public finances are likely to weaken next year, despite a moderate acceleration in economic growth due to rising debt levels and increased political polarisation, Fitch Ratings said on Tuesday.

Argentina's Economic Policies Lead to Tourism Decline and Financial Losses

Argentina's Economic Policies Lead to Tourism Decline and Financial Losses

Argentina is experiencing a significant downturn in its tourism sector, with the country on track to lose up to $13 billion in foreign currency in 2025. This loss is attributed to a net outflow of tourists, as more Argentines are traveling abroad than foreign tourists are visiting the country. In the first nine months of 2025, 9.7 million Argentines traveled abroad, while only 4.1 million foreign tourists entered Argentina. The tourism deficit for October alone was $365 million, with locals spending nearly $600 million overseas compared to $232 million spent by foreigners in Argentina. The main reason for this trend is the overvaluation of the Argentine peso, a result of President Javier Milei's efforts to control inflation through strict fiscal policies and a quasi-fixed exchange rate. This has made domestic tourism more expensive than traveling abroad for Argentines, while international visitors find Argentina to be one of the most expensive destinations.

Florida Proposes Legislation to Protect Consumers from AI and Data Center Costs

Florida Proposes Legislation to Protect Consumers from AI and Data Center Costs

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has introduced two legislative proposals aimed at protecting consumers from the impacts of AI technology and data center costs. The first proposal seeks to prevent utility companies from passing on the costs of AI data center expansions to consumers, while also allowing local governments to ban data center construction. The second proposal, an AI Bill of Rights, aims to enhance consumer protections, including data privacy and restrictions on AI use without consent. These measures come amid federal efforts to centralize AI regulation, which some argue undermines states' rights.

Financial Advisors Highlight Holiday Season as Key Time for Long-Term Care Discussions

Financial Advisors Highlight Holiday Season as Key Time for Long-Term Care Discussions

The holiday season is increasingly seen as an opportune time for families to discuss long-term care planning, according to findings from OneAmerica Financial. The company reported a 20% increase in long-term care claims during November and December, suggesting that family gatherings may prompt these important conversations. Financial advisors like Derek Ober and Angela McLaughlin emphasize the importance of planning for long-term care to prevent future familial discord and financial strain. Despite the recognized need, a OneAmerica study found that only 33% of Americans feel confident in their long-term care plans, even though 74% believe they will need such care in the future. The Department of Health and Human Services notes that 56% of Americans turning 65 will require long-term care services, yet only 3% of those over 50 have insurance for it.

EU Leaders Consider Using Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine Amidst Concerns

EU Leaders Consider Using Frozen Russian Assets to Fund Ukraine Amidst Concerns

European Union leaders are deliberating on a proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's economic and military needs for the next two years. This comes as Ukraine faces a financial requirement of 135 billion euros ($157 billion) by early 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund. The European Commission has proposed covering two-thirds of Ukraine's needs, amounting to 90 billion euros ($105 billion), with international partners expected to fill the remaining gap. The assets in question, primarily held in Belgium, are valued at approximately 210 billion euros ($244 billion). However, the plan faces opposition from Belgium, which fears potential retaliation from Russia and legal challenges. The European Central Bank has also warned that such a move could undermine confidence in the euro currency. The EU leaders are set to discuss this proposal at a summit, with two main options on the table: a 'reparations loan' using the assets until Russia agrees to pay for war damages, or borrowing th...