Cross-party talks aimed at a Brexit compromise have yet to show signs of progress, but David Lidington, the de facto deputy prime minister, signaled Wednesday that the government is aiming for some kind of customs deal with the European Union that both main parties can agree to. Meanwhile, the Scottish government is planning another referendum on independence, driven in part by Brexit. Source: Bloomberg
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority says it may be forced to lay off hundreds of full-time workers to make up for millions of dollars in lost revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to its latest budget update. Source NBC
World food prices have risen for the sixth month in a row, hitting the “highest level since December 2014” according to the FAO. A UN report said the coronavirus pandemic has been a major driver of food inequality. Source Deutsche Welle
Australia and the United States will jointly develop hypersonic cruise missiles, the Australian defence minister announced on Tuesday, pledging to invest in “advanced capabilities” that will give the country’s military “more options to deter aggression” against its interests.
Both China and Russia are developing similar missiles. Source ALjazeera
