Nintendo Unveils Switch 2 Console, Launch Expected This Year 
BlackRock Settles ESG Disclosure Dispute with Tennessee Attorney General 
The Silicon Valley venture capitalists who want to ‘move fast and break things’ in the defence industry 
TSMC Reports Strong Q4 Profit Amid AI-Driven Chip Demand 
Infosys Shares Drop Amid Earnings Quality Concerns 
‘AI agents’ promise to arrange your finances, do your taxes, book your holidays – and put us all at risk 
Supreme Court Decision Puts TikTok in Jeopardy Amid National Security Concerns 
TSMC Faces Challenges with U.S. Chip Plant Amid Compliance and Workforce Issues 
SpaceX Starship Breaks Apart After Launch, Disrupting Air Traffic 
How Justin Trudeau’s resignation could affect the future of the Canadian Dental Care Plan 
UK Markets Face Rising Volatility as Hedge Funds Target Pound and Gilts 
Bezos’ Blue Origin has successfully launched its New Glenn rocket to orbit − a feat 15 years in the making 
RedNote Surges as TikTok Ban Drives U.S. Users to New Platform 
Canadian and U.S. Banks Exit Climate Alliance Amid Policy Shifts 
The LA fires have prompted a reckoning for the insurance industry – Australian premiums could soar as a result 
FTC Refers Complaint Against Snap Inc. to DOJ Over Alleged Harmful AI Chatbot 
Trump's Inauguration Ushers in a Transformative Era for Cryptocurrency 
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced plans to reduce jobs within support teams to enhance efficiency as part of the company’s turnaround strategy. The changes, expected to be revealed by early March, will not impact in-store staff or store operation investments.
Niccol, who joined Starbucks after leading Chipotle Mexican Grill, has introduced various measures to revitalize the brand, which has faced challenges from growing competition and declining demand in key markets like the U.S. and China. According to Niccol, Starbucks’ current structure, characterized by excessive layers and small management teams, hinders agility. The company plans to reassess global support team roles, structure, and size to address these inefficiencies.
In October, Starbucks suspended its fiscal year 2025 forecast and unveiled plans to modernize U.S. stores. Upgrades include adding comfortable seating, ceramic mugs, and a coffee-condiment bar, aiming to reduce customer wait times to under four minutes.
Separately, Mellody Hobson, Starbucks' lead independent board director, announced her retirement after nearly 20 years with the company. Hobson’s departure marks the end of an era as Starbucks continues its push to adapt to evolving market demands.
This latest announcement reflects Starbucks' commitment to staying competitive while enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
