Fashion designer and retailer Lisa Barron recounts the challenges her business faced due to COVID-19, including the decision to close her boutique, the impact of the pandemic on sales, and the adaptation to an online presence. She highlights the importance of federal initiatives like JobKeeper and the Business Support Fund, as well as the Victorian government's rent moratorium, in keeping her brand afloat. Barron calls for an extension of the rent moratorium and emphasizes the importance of supporting local businesses to maintain a vibrant community of artisans and entrepreneurs.

A LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute survey revealed that while 80% of employers with defined benefit retirement plans are interested in pension risk transfer products, 20% are not familiar and 50% are only somewhat familiar with these products. Alison Salka, senior vice president and director of the institute, emphasized the importance of understanding financial options to manage pension liabilities effectively.

UK insurers are expected to shift focus to the bulk annuities market due to fewer individual annuities anticipated under the new pension regime. Towers Watson's research indicates that the market in 2013 was dominated by three major players, with one insurer responsible for half of the total premiums. The firm advised on over half of the £7.2 billion in deals, which were more numerous below £10 million, suggesting a growth opportunity for insurers specializing in medical underwriting. The market may further consolidate with Rothesay Life's planned acquisition of MetLife, while Just Retirement and Partnership could increase their market share as medical underwriting becomes more common for smaller schemes.

Al-Qaida in Iraq (AQI) has strengthened significantly, with its numbers doubling and attacks increasing. The group's resurgence is attributed to the US invasion of Iraq and subsequent policy decisions by the Coalition Provisional Authority. AQI's roots trace back to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and have evolved through various leadership changes and strategies. The group has capitalized on the US withdrawal from Iraq and the Syrian civil war to expand its influence and operations. The situation raises concerns about regional stability and the potential threat to Western interests.