Winter Storms Cause Deaths and Outages Across Eastern North America
A severe winter storm swept across eastern North America, causing at least 49 deaths in the past week and leaving millions without power, according to The Guardian. The storm system stretched approximately 2,000 miles (3,200km) from New Mexico to New England, placing about 213 million people under winter weather warnings.
The Guardian reported that millions were advised to stay home as the storm brought heavy snow and ice to the region. The cold weather was cited as the likely cause of the fatalities.
Meanwhile, in other news, Apple reported record-breaking iPhone sales for the final three months of last year, driven by the popularity of the new iPhone 17 range, according to BBC Technology. Revenue increased by 16% compared to the same period last year, reaching 144 billion (82.5 billion), marking the strongest growth since 2021. Sales surged in China, Europe, the Americas, and Japan. Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company was in "supply chase mode" to meet the high demand for iPhones.
However, other sectors of Apple's business experienced less positive results. BBC Technology noted that sales of wearables and accessories, including the Apple Watch and AirPods, fell by roughly 3%, while Mac computer sales decreased by just over 7%.
In other business news, a historic British shoe manufacturer, Early Days, known for producing baby shoes worn by Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, is facing potential closure, BBC Business reported. Paul Bolton, the owner of the 73-year-old family business, said that a slump in customer demand and a sharp rise in business costs have put the company on the brink of collapse. Despite a surge in sales following the royal endorsements, the Leicester factory is struggling to stay afloat. Bolton said they have been hit "from all angles" and fears it "might be the end".
Elsewhere, gold prices have recently reached record highs, with investors seeking refuge in the safe haven asset amid rising global political uncertainty, according to BBC Business. Gold surged past the 5,000 per ounce mark on Monday and briefly hit 5,500, before falling back slightly. Silver has also seen a rally, trading at around 98 per ounce, up from 35 per ounce a year ago.
In economic relief news, millions of low-income households will continue to receive 150 off their energy bills for another five years, BBC Business reported. The government confirmed that the Warm Home Discount scheme, which has been in place since 2011, will be extended until the winter of 2030-31. Ministers said the extension would help with the ongoing high cost of living, which has been largely fueled by increased energy costs. While charities welcomed the continuation, some expressed concerns that 150 was not sufficient to adequately support struggling households.
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