Senate rejects $15 minimum wage amendment
The Senate voted 58–42 against an amendment by Senator Bernie Sanders to raise the federal minimum wage to $15. The proposal was part of President Joe Biden's relief package.
Herald section
Business
The latest business reporting from The Belfast Herald.
Pontins investigated over Irish surname blacklist
The Equality and Human Rights Commission investigated Pontins after a whistleblower revealed it maintained a list of common Irish surnames to exclude Roma and Irish travelers from booking holiday parks. The Prime Minister condemned the practice as unacceptable.
United States House of Representatives votes 219-212 to pass U.S.
The United States House of Representatives votes 219-212 to pass U.S. President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief package, which would provide $1,400 in direct payments. The bill will head to the Senate for a vote.
Office for National Statistics says that the economy of the United Kingdom has contracted by a record 9.9% since the pandemic began
The Office for National Statistics says that the economy of the United Kingdom has contracted by a record 9.9% since the pandemic began, but has narrowly avoided a double-dip recession. This is nonetheless estimated to be the largest annual contraction since 1709.
Senate passes budget resolution for Biden relief package
The Senate voted 50–49 to approve a budget resolution enabling Democrats to pass President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion relief plan via reconciliation, bypassing the need for Republican support.
Debenhams to close all UK stores, losing 12,000 jobs after Boohoo acquisition
Debenhams will permanently close all its UK brick-and-mortar stores, resulting in 12,000 job losses, after being acquired by Boohoo.com for £55 million to continue its online operations.
Malaysia launches RM15 billion economic aid package amid rising COVID-19 cases
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin announced the RM15 billion PERMAI package on 18 January 2021 to reduce the economic impact of the pandemic, with 22 initiatives across three objectives.
Sanders to filibuster defense veto override unless checks vote held
Bernie Sanders announced he would filibuster a Senate vote to override President Trump's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act unless the chamber voted on $2,000 direct payments to Americans.