BP to slash thousands of jobs in cost-cutting move
British Petroleum, the U.K.-based oil and gasoline company commonly known as BP, is cutting nearly 5,000 jobs worldwide. Those cuts get even bigger when you factor in that the corporation is also slashing 3,000 contractors.
Last fall, BP announced that it had identified $500 million in cost-saving cuts this year, as part of a larger plan to reduce spending by $2 billion, by the end of 2026.
The Associated Press obtained an email from CEO Murray Auchincloss to staff, in which he said the company is focusing its resources on “our highest value opportunities.” He noted that 30 projects had stopped or been delayed since last June.
BP has underperformed compared to European rivals. In a report released on Tuesday, Jan. 14, BP said weaker refinery margins and turnarounds, which refers to maintenance, repairs and upgrade work on facilities or plants, led to a $100 to $300 million blow to profits in the fourth quarter in 2024. Further declines are expected in oil production.
BP is now trying to increase digital capabilities in its business as artificial intelligence takes on a greater role in engineering and marketing. Auchincloss said the company is uniquely positioned to grow value through the energy transition. It has also scrapped plans to reduce oil and gas output by 40% by 2030.
The job cuts amount to about 5% of BP’s entire workforce. Many contractors have already been let go. The current workforce stands at about 87,800.
17-year-old Englishman is youngest World Dart Championship winner
Luke Littler, a 17-year-old from England, won the World Dart Championships on Friday, Jan. 3, 7 sets to 3 over Michael Van Gerwen from the Netherlands. In the process, Littler became the youngest to win the title, surpassing Van Gerwen’s mark set in 2014 at the age of 24.
Littler screamed and was soon in tears after celebrating his last double, which won him the title. He started as the fourth seed in the tournament and beat a three-time world champ in Van Gerwen.
“Since the winning double, I can’t believe it. Walking around backstage with [the trophy], I can tell myself I’ve won it, that it’s mine, but it’s not sunk in,” Littler said.
LITTLER IS THE WORLD CHAMPION! 🏆
LUKE LITTLER ACHIEVES HIS DARTING DESTINY!
The 17-year-old sensation produces a spectacular display to defeat Michael van Gerwen 7-3 and create more history at Alexandra Palace!
Littler threw his first dart at 18 months old and made his first 180 at age 6. But after losing in last year’s final to Luke Humphries –– also a first-time winner –– Littler had motivation to take the crown. He left no doubt, jumping out to a 5 set to 1 lead over Van Gerwen, hitting on 25 of his 45 double attempts.
The win puts the ultimate cap on his debut year as a professional. He won 10 titles and amassed more than 1 million pounds, or $1.24 million, in prize money. He was also named BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.
Asked what triggered the emotions after the win, he said, “After I celebrated, I looked up and thought, what have I just done? But then to look at the crowd on their feet, and look over at my family, that’s when the tears came.”
Littler, who still lives with his parents, also joked that since the trophy is so heavy, he might keep it on the living room floor.
‘Dinosaur highway’ uncovered in England, dates back 166 million years
A worker digging in a limestone quarry in southern England recently uncovered a stunning find whimsically labeled a “dinosaur highway.” Nearly 200 fossilized tracks, dating back an estimated 166 million years, are offering paleontologists a rare glimpse into the Middle Jurassic Period.
The discovery at the Dewars Farm Quarry in Oxfordshire reveals the paths of giant dinosaurs that once roamed the area.
Among the tracks are those of a 60-foot-long herbivorous sauropod and a set of triple-claw prints believed to belong to the carnivorous Megalosaurus.
Centuries ago, the Megalosaurus was the first dinosaur to be given a scientific name.
“These footprints offer an extraordinary window into the lives of dinosaurs, revealing details about their movements, interactions, and the tropical environment they inhabited,” said Kirsty Edgar, a micropaleontology professor at the University of Birmingham.
Unlike past discoveries, researchers –– who documented their findings in June –– were able to use drones to capture thousands of images.
It’s a significant leap forward from 1997, when a previous excavation in the same area revealed 40 tracks but lacked the photographic tools to document them thoroughly.
Experts are now analyzing the tracks to learn more about how these massive creatures moved and how large they were.
A future public exhibit will feature photos and videos from the dig.
UK police were too slow reacting to summer riots: Report
A new government report in the United Kingdom (UK) found police were too slow to respond to anti-immigrant riots that rattled the country over the summer. The report shows police underestimated the threat from the protests and the power of misinformation.
In August, a 17-year-old killed three girls and injured eight others during an attack on a dance class in the town of Southport. Soon after, false reports that the British native came to the country illegally sparked anti-immigrant mobs who took to the streets.
They attacked police, lit fires and looted stores while targeting mosques and hotels housing asylum seekers.
Although the report noted eight local police forces demonstrated “immense bravery” while responding to the riots, the chief inspector of policing said the UK police’s national mobilization plan should have been launched three days earlier.
“The professionalism of those leading the response deserves credit,” the chief inspector said. “But the systems and processes they work under need to change.”
In this case, that included a post from Reform UK party leader Nigel Farage, an advocate for reducing immigration. Farage spread baseless rumors about the attacker’s background and the idea that law enforcement agencies previously knew about him.
The report says police should have recognized the risk due to events in the year leading up to the riots. The risks include attacks on housing for asylum seekers and what the report called “extreme nationalist sentiment.”
A second report is due in the new year. It will focus on intelligence about the riots and how misinformation fueled their growth.
New charges filed in former One Direction Singer Liam Payne’s death
Two more individuals have been charged in connection with the death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne. The 31-year-old died on Oct. 16 after falling from a third-story hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
According to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone, the newly charged individuals include the hotel’s reception head and manager.
Details from the 911 calls
The reception head called emergency services twice around Liam Payne’s death. He reported a guest who was allegedly intoxicated and “trashing the entire room.”
In the second call, the receptionist asked dispatchers if police were on their way. When informed that police and Argentina’s emergency medical services (SAME) were en route, he requested that only SAME respond.
Rolling Stone reports the hotel still employs the reception head.
Charges remain unclear
It’s still unclear what charges the reception head and manager face. They joined three others previously charged in the case.
The first three individuals, detained in November, include two other hotel staffers and an individual accused of abandonment of a person leading to death.
Toxicology report
After Liam Payne’s death, a toxicology report revealed he had alcohol, cocaine and a prescribed antidepressant in his system.
The coroner confirmed Payne’s death resulted from internal and external bleeding, as well as a cranial injury sustained during his fall.
In November, there was a private funeral for Liam Payne in England. His family, girlfriend and former One Direction bandmates attended.
What happens next?
All five individuals charged will face interrogations in the coming weeks. A judge will then decide whether there is enough evidence to prosecute, drop the charges or take no further action.
Russian ‘floating bomb’ remains anchored off UK coast
A Russian cargo ship carrying over 1,000 tons of ammonium nitrate remains stranded just off the coast of Kent in southeast England, after being denied entry to several European ports. Authorities are monitoring the ship, dubbed a “floating bomb” by experts, as it continues to pose a potential threat due to the volatile nature of its cargo.
The vessel, MV Ruby, has been anchored 15 miles from the English coast for weeks after being refused docking in Denmark, Sweden, and Lithuania.
Ammonium nitrate, the chemical responsible for the 2020 Beirut explosion, is typically stable but could become highly dangerous if exposed to fire or other triggers.
Compounding the risks, the MV Ruby is anchored near the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery, a World War II ship containing over 1,400 tons of munitions.
The ship reportedly suffered damage to its hull and rudder, heightening concerns about its safety in the English Channel, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
While a commercial tugboat is stationed nearby in case of emergency, no nation has yet agreed to accept the vessel’s cargo unless it is offloaded first. His Majesty’s Coastguard in England continues to monitor the situation closely.
Over 500 migrants cross channel again, pressure mounts under Labour Party
Since the Labour Party took power in the U.K., more than 6,000 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to over 20,000. This surge is placing additional strain on the U.K.’s asylum system, with the government now facing an estimated $5 billion in asylum costs for the year.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, 526 migrants arrived from northern France, and an additional 613 migrants are believed to have crossed the channel on Wednesday. The total number of arrivals since the July general election is reported to be 6,858.
Amid the debate over migrant arrivals, misinformation has influenced public perception. A claim by a GB News anchor suggested that a town the size of Windsor arrives in the U.K. by small boat every few months.
However, a Reuters fact-check debunked the claim, revealing that around 9,300 migrants arrived between May and July 2024, far fewer than the exaggerated figure of 30,000.
The challenge of channel crossings has been ongoing for the U.K. government, especially since the migrant crisis escalated in 2018. Although the number of migrants arriving by small boat in 2024 is slightly higher than in 2023, it remains lower than in 2022.
Government data showed a steady flow of migrants, with an average of 2,414 arrivals per month in the first seven months of 2024 and nearly 3,000 arriving in August alone. While these numbers are lower than in previous years, they continue to put pressure on the U.K.’s asylum system.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer‘s administration has seen 6,858 migrant arrivals since taking office, increasing pressure on the government to find effective solutions. In response, the government scrapped the previous Rwanda deportation scheme and proposed a new Border Security Command aimed at improving border security and reducing dangerous crossings.
The U.K. Home Office has expressed concerns that these crossings are undermining border security and putting lives at risk. The government is now focused on dismantling the smuggling networks responsible for these crossings as it seeks to strengthen the country’s border security.
UK to release thousands of prisoners following surge of protest arrests
The U.K. is rolling out a major emergency plan called “Operation Early Dawn” to tackle severe overcrowding in its prisons. This decision comes after a surge in arrests related to recent anti-immigration protests.
Starting in August, the U.K. government will release around 5,500 offenders early to make space in its overcrowded jails. For now, recent offenders in northern England and parts of the Midlands will be taken to court only if a prison cell is available for them. Until then, they’ll remain in holding cells.
This will likely cause delays in court proceedings, but police assure the public that it will not affect their ability to make arrests or ensure public safety as protests continue.
The prisons and probation minister acknowledged the system’s struggles and said early release is necessary to manage the current pressures.
Recent data shows more than 1,000 arrests and nearly 700 charges linked to riots that followed a tragic stabbing incident in Southport in July.
The government is also cracking down on misinformation and hate speech online since the incident. Wayne O’Rourke has been sentenced to three years in prison for spreading what officials called “racial hate” online.
In the meantime, ahead of prisoners’ early release next month, the U.K. government said it is working hard to make more room in prisons and address both physical and online threats. The government said it’s aiming to restore order amid what has been the worst unrest seen in the U.K. for more than a decade.
Hurricane Ernesto strengthens to Category 2 storm as it approaches Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto intensified into a Category 2 storm and could strengthen even more on its way to Bermuda. And following the assassination attempt, the Secret Service plans to add additional security measures for former President Donald Trump’s outdoor rallies — including bulletproof glass. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Aug. 16, 2024.
Hurricane Ernesto strengthens to Category 2 storm as it approaches Bermuda
Hurricane Ernesto has upgraded into a Category 2 storm with sustained winds now over 100 miles per hour as it remains on track to cut through Bermuda. However, it’s still has hundreds of miles to travel before then, so it could strengthen to a Category 3 before making landfall.
The storm is expected to dump up to 10 inches of rain Puerto Rico also saw from the same storm system previously. Crews are still working to restore power to hundreds of thousands of people there.
This is likely to become the second major hurricane of the Atlantic season — much earlier than usual. Typically, the second major hurricane doesn’t happen until around mid-September.
Harris, Trump focus on economy on the campaign trail
The economy is taking center focus on the campaign trail this week for both presidential candidates. Vice President Kamala Harris will be in battleground state of North Carolina on Friday, Aug. 16, to give her first major economic policy speech since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.
The plan is said to revolve around lowering prices and ending price gouging.
Harris’ speech Friday comes after an appearance with President Joe Biden in Maryland on Thursday, Aug. 15. This was their first joint appearance since Biden dropped out of the 2024 race, he and his vice president discussed their administration’s efforts lowering the cost of prescription drugs.
“Few leaders in our nation have done more on so many issues, including to expand access to affordable health care like than Joe Biden,” Harris said.
https://twitter.com/VP/status/1824105013787967703
On the other side, former President Donald Trump held a press conference at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey Thursday. On display in the background were stacks of groceries with signs showing how much prices of household items and food have risen from inflation over the past few years.
“Harris has just declared that tackling inflation will be a day one priority, for her, it’s going to be day one,” the former president said. “But day one really for Kamala was three and a half years ago. Where has she been and why hasn’t she done it? Why hasn’t she done it?”
Looking ahead to this weekend, both Trump and Harris will be hitting more battleground territory, as they are both slated to make appearances in Pennsylvania for campaign events. Trump will hold a rally in Wilkes-Barre on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Harris will be launching a bus tour in Pittsburgh.
Secret Service to shield Trump with bulletproof glass at outdoor rallies
The Secret Service has found a way to let former President Trump go back to holding outdoor campaign events. They’ll be putting up a bulletproof glass barrier between him and the crowd.
The Secret Service already does that for sitting presidents and vice presidents, but since Trump is no longer in office it hasn’t been available to him. Law enforcement officials told news outlets not every outdoor event will require the bulletproof glass, but it’ll be used when there are issues at specific sites or a need for added security.
AP Images
This is just one of the security measures previously only available to active office holders that’s being added to Trump’s protection after a failed assassination attempt. Others include increased staffing, technology and threat analysis.
Israel-Hamas War cease-fire talks stretch into second day
Meanwhile, the British and French foreign ministers are making a joint trip to Israel in hopes of stopping the war from turning into a larger regional conflict.
The renewed push to end the war comes as the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said Thursday, Aug. 15, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 40,000 and fears remain high that Iran and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon will soon attack Israel in retaliation for the killings of top leaders.
Taylor Swift returns to the stage after canceled Vienna shows
After having to cancel three concerts on the Vienna, Austria part of her Eras tour over a foiled terror plot, Taylor Swift returned to the stage in London Thursday, Aug. 15 night. The show was held at Wembley Stadium with heightened security measures in place, though Wembley already has some strict measures to begin with.
Two suspects were arrested by authorities in connection with the Vienna plot, allegedly inspired by ISIS to carry out an attack outside the concert. Officials there said a major catastrophe was averted by law enforcement’s work.
Time magazine names 15-year-old scientist its 2024 Kid of the Year
Time magazine is honoring a scientist who created a bar of soap that has the potential to transform skin cancer treatment while still finding time to be part of his school’s marching band. Fifteen-year-old scientist Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia has been named Time’s 2024 Kid of the Year.
Time put Bekele on its cover to recognize him for “developing an affordable compound-based bar of soap that could in the future be a new and more accessible way to deliver medication to treat skin cancers, including melanoma.”
The teen was already named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education last year for his invention.
Bekele told Time Magazine he is passionate about skin cancer research and finds it incredible that one day his bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life.
“I personally hope one day that skin cancer treating soap can turn into a more not for profit organization where we really can distribute it to people that need it the most,” Bekele said.
US preps for potential Iranian-backed attack on Israel as early as this week
UK vows social media law review in wake of riots spurred by disinformation
The United Kingdom’s government promised further review of regulations on social media companies after widespread riots spurred by online misinformation. False information shared on social media about a July stabbing attack sparked the riots.
On Friday, Aug. 9, London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the riots show the new regulations set to take effect next year under a social media safety law are not strong enough and need to be revisited. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to Khan by vowing that the government would take a broader look at social media following the riots.
The law passed in October, allows the government to fine social media companies up to 10% of global revenue for failing to take down posts promoting violence of hate speech. Managers of social media platforms may also be held criminally liable and social media sites may have access limited in the most severe cases. In the wake of the riots, proposed changes include sanctioning social media platforms if they allow “legal but harmful” content such as false information to grow.
Riots ensued across the U.K. after online posts shared false details about the suspected killer of three young girls in a knife attack. As rioters clashed with police, Elon Musk, the owner of the platform X, shared a number of misleading posts, including one suggesting civil war was “inevitable” in the U.K. and a fake Daily Telegraph headline suggesting rioters would be sent to detention camps. Musk received backlash from British officials for the posts.
Action is already being taken against some online provocateurs. One man in the U.K. is now serving a 20-month sentence for Facebook posts that urged rioters to attack a hotel housing asylum-seekers and refugees. Another man is serving more than three years in jail for encouraging people online to light hotels housing immigrants on fire.
A recent poll among residents in the United Kingdom showed that around 70% of people believe that social media companies did a poor job of tackling misinformation during the disorder.
Meanwhile, as relative calm has returned to Britain, King Charles expressed gratitude to the police for restoring order after speaking with Starmer on the telephone last week. King Charles also said he was encouraged by the response by the community in restoring peace in the wake of the damage done to their neighborhoods.
