Latest Stories from Flo
Opinion – U-turn on festival drug testing is a step backward
Young people are facing higher risks at UK festivals, as the government makes organisers jump through hoops to provide basic on-site drug testing. The Loop, a UK drug-testing charity, has been a mainstay of British festivals in recent years. Parklife festival, in Manchester, has provided drug-testing to attendees via The Loop since 2014. But this year organisers were told they needed a special licence, just days before the festival started. Parklife ultimately...
How AI is impacting our education system
The advent of AI and the proliferation of social media have brought about significant changes in various aspects of our lives, including education. While the technological advancements of AI have opened up new avenues for learning, they have also introduced unforeseen challenges. One such unlikely hurdle has emerged in the form of UK school examinations. Students are using AI systems like ChatGPT and Snapchat AI to cheat on essay questions...
A UK woman’s arrest proves abortion laws affect all of us
Pro-choice demonstrators are calling for revised laws and broader understanding of an issue often viewed as someone else’s. When Roe v. Wade was overturned last year, the abortion debate reignited with a vengeance. This legal decision came as a shock to those on both sides of the pro-life/pro-choice debate. But like America’s mounting gun violence, the regression of abortion rights overseas has given British commentators a false sense of separation – a...
Opinion – Swift relationship criticism shows unfair expectations of women
The backlash against Swift’s alleged coupling with Matty Healy demonstrated how women are often viewed as extensions of their partners. Taylor Swift has long been in the public eye for reasons beyond her illustrious music career. In fact, fascination with Swift’s love life has arguably been as instrumental in her success as her full time job. Recently, her alleged connection with Matty Healy, lead singer of The 1975, has sparked intense...
Opinion – New York City discrimination bill is a sign of progress
In a city known for its diversity and progressiveness, New York City has once again made headlines by taking a bold step in the fight against discrimination. This week, America’s cultural capital announced a new law prohibiting weight-based bias in employment, housing, and public accommodations. It’s a surprisingly positive legal turning point, given the contentious state of Western politics in recent years. Amongst violent anti-trans legislation and archaic turns in female...
Greece makes 280 beaches wheelchair accessible
The decision comes after the country’s tourism minister declared full access to the sea a basic human right. Greece, known for its stunning coastline and turquoise waters, is taking a momentous step towards inclusivity and accessibility by making its beaches wheelchair accessible. This progressive initiative aims to provide people with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy Greece's natural wonders. With this bold move, Greece is not only enhancing the quality of life...
BP’s oil spill highlights the human impact of environmental crises
Thirteen years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, those who helped clean it up are suffering from mental and physical illness. The disruption of their daily lives should disrupt ours, too. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill unleashed an environmental catastrophe, causing irreparable damage to ecosystems and communities. A recent Guardian investigation has explored the long-term impacts of the disaster, highlighting the human devastation that still ripples thirteen years...
What Uber’s new flight service means for travel
Uber, the ride-hailing giant, recently announced its expansion into the world of flights. While this move may seem like a turning point in travel convenience, it raises concerns about environmental impact. Nearly all of us, especially those living in the UK’s bigger cities, will have had a run-in with Uber. Launched in 2009, the platform was an overhaul in travel, allowing users to move from A to B with an ease...
TikTok sparks conversations about disability in the beauty industry
Rare Beauty has received praise from disabled customers for their easy-to-use packaging, sparking critical conversations about the beauty industry’s lack of inclusivity. Since launching in 2020, Selena Gomez’ beauty brand ‘Rare Beauty’ has enjoyed staggering success. With sleek branding, shade variety, and trend-worthy products, the makeup line made $60 million in its first year. The brand has built itself around a mantra of inclusivity, both in its inclusive shade range and...
Barbie’s latest attempt at inclusivity has mixed reviews
Mattel announced its latest Barbie last week, a doll with Down’s Syndrome. But customers are undecided on whether this new stab at inclusivity has been successful. Toy company Mattel has been churning out Barbie’s of all shapes and sizes recently. From a Barbie with hearing aids, to the first transgender doll, 2022 was a year of inclusivity for Barbie fans the world over. Adding to the roster, Mattel announced...
