Summary: Retail sales in July experienced a significant decline of 1.2%, worse than the anticipated 0.5% contraction. The Office for National Statistics attributes the decline to the exceptionally wet weather, marking July 2023 as the wettest July since 2009. Department stores, clothing shops, and supermarkets were among the hardest-hit sectors, with supermarkets showing the most pronounced decline in sales. Online shopping defied the trend, posting a 4.4% year-on-year increase and accounting for 27.4% of total retail sales, the highest proportion in months. ...

Summary: July 2023 declared the hottest month on Earth since records began, according to the UN's weather body. Climate change , primarily driven by human activities, is responsible for the alarming increase in global average temperatures. Extreme heatwaves and wildfires in various regions are consequences of rising temperatures due to greenhouse gases. The urgency to address climate change and adhere to the Paris Agreement 's goals has become paramount. The UN's...

Taylor Swift? BTS? Whose book is it?! For the moment, it's called 4C Untitled Flatiron Nonfiction Summer 2023, not the most engaging title to encourage book sales. And yet, this mystery memoir has reached the US top ten pre-order charts of both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Fans of the singer Taylor Swift have speculated it could be her, despite no cast-iron proof of her involvement or any comments from the star herself. Something booksellers are only too keen to capitalize on. This teasing Instagram post from Skylark Bookshop says details of the memoir will be released on the 13th of June, and asks, which celebrity has an affinity for that number? Swifties will know that 13 is her lucky number. It is 544 pages long, 5 plus 4 plus 4 equals 13. It is not a political memoir, however Flatiron Books does a lot of political memoirs, including Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, so seems like th...

Summary: Retail sales in the UK increased by 0.7% in June 2023 compared to the previous month, but were down by 1% compared to June 2022, indicating a gradual slowdown. Consumer confidence in July showed a decline, attributed to rising interest rates, fiscal drag, and reduced disposable income. Small businesses face challenges due to the cost of doing business, including higher interest rates, inflation, and the highest tax burden in 70 years. The UK government borrowed £18.5 billion in June 2023, with a significant portion going towards paying interest on previous debt. Debates arise about the sustainability of government borrowin...

Summary: Rangers manager Michael Beale reflects on a positive pre-season game against Olympiacos , emphasizing the importance of facing varied opponents for preparation. Beale expresses confidence in the players' fitness and readiness for the upcoming season, stressing the need to push the team during pre-season . The manager remains optimistic about the team's performance , especially with the new players who have joined the squad. Beale hints at potential incoming transfers while urging fans to be patient for official announcements. Rangers face Hoffenheim next, with Beale excited about the challenges presented b...

Summary: Rangers secured a victory against Hamburg in a friendly match during their pre-season preparations. Sam Lammers reflected on his performance and acknowledged the need for improvement as the team builds chemistry with new players. The training camp in Germany played a crucial role in helping the squad bond and prepare for the upcoming season. Lammers expressed excitement about the team's potential, emphasizing the importance of translating it into on-field success. ...