Monday 15th February:
–Rise in rail fares from next month – Fares will rise by 2.6% in Wales, following a similar announcement made by UK government.
–European tour costs too much for musicians – Bristol singer Elles Bailey says costs due to post-Brexit travel rules risk making touring unviable.
–Vaccine hopes result in the Pound hitting three-year high – The pound sterling rises above $1.39 as the speculation of leaving lockdown grows.
–Treasury are set to give Wales an extra £650m – The Welsh government have said that it comes ‘at the eleventh hour’ but is welcomed.
–Notorious railway viaduct in need of repairs – Network Rail says that the famous Ribblehead Viaduct has been spotted with further cracks in the masonry.
Tuesday 16th February:
–Number of coal tips at high-risk reaching almost 300 – Following a 60,000 tonne landslip caused by Storm Dennis, each of the tips had to be assessed.
–Former LGBT veterans that had medals removed can now reclaim them – The ex-military personnel can now apply to restore their honours.
–Scotland’s pupils set to return to the classroom – It has been confirmed that on the 22nd February, Pre-school children as well as P1 to P3 pupils will return.
–Council tax for Holiday home owners set to double – Concerns have grown that locals are being priced out of the housing market. The plans have been green-lighted.
Wednesday 17th February:
–Parents’ drug and alcohol abuse soars in lockdown – NSPCC referrals about substance abuse in parents have risen by 70%.
–Cost of furniture and food has increased despite curbs in Covid – January prices rose by 0.7% with customers paying more for goods.
–2020 saw an 8.5% rise in house prices amid surge in demand – According to official figures, UK house prices climbed 8.5% in 2020, the highest annual growth rate since October 2014.
–Time has been given to over-75s regarding TV licences – The BBC has offered greater flexibility with the payment due to the coronavirus pandemic.
–Announcement that Prince Philip was taken to hospital on Tuesday night – After feeling unwell, the Duke of Edinburgh, 99, was taken to King Edward VII hospital in London.
Thursday 18th February:
–The number of people that haven’t worked for six months at ‘almost 2 million’ – Those that were number in the statistics were either unemployed or furloughed completely.
–Scottish Power to pay staff to volunteer for charity – The 5,500 staff that work their get to pick a charity of their choice and volunteer for two days a year – fully paid by their employer.
–Major setback for GB-NI tree sales due to Brexit – Problems transporting the sales has led to an order cancellation of 22,000 trees.
–Tribute to ‘spiritual leader’ from AC/DC frontman – Brian Johnson announced that he wanted to make the Scottish leader Malcolm Young proud with the release of their new album.
Friday 19th February:
––Growth in concern for a rise of ‘Foot and Mouth’ disease – Contingency plans are in place to cut the chances of repeating the 2001 outbreak, says Wales’ chief vet.
–80 years since ‘The Three Nights’ Blitz’ – They began on this day, 80 years ago. The events killed 230 people and injured around 400.
–2021 UK Eurovision contestant revealed – James Newman has been reselected to represent the UK in this years competition, after last year’s was cancelled.
–Supposed Banana boxes turn up £184m of cocaine – 10 people have been arrested in response to their participation of the events.
–Royal return not on the cards for Harry and Megan – After the announcement of a second child, speculation arose of whether they would return to royal duties. The Queen has confirmed that this will not be occurring.
–Mars Rover ‘Perseverance’ touch-down – NASA land their first rover on Mars in nearly a decade. The images of the landscape are black and white for now but are said to be shot in colour soon.