Israel says 22 new illegal settlements will be built in occupied West Bank
The Israeli government has announced plans to establish 22 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, in what officials say is deliberate attempt to thwart the establishment of a Palestinian state. Despite looming sanctions from its international allies, the Israeli government has announced plans to build 22 new settlements...
Current in Change
KFC plans large expansion across UK and Ireland
Popular fast food franchise KFC has announced plans to create 7,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland. It comes as emerging competitors pose a threat to the chain’s dominance. Chicken shop franchise KFC is planning to expand significantly across the UK and Ireland in the next five years, the...
Scientists discover new marine species in the Southern Ocean
While exploring the Southern ocean’s deepest trench, scientists encountered hydrothermal vents, lush coral gardens, and more previously unseen marine species. While many of us grew up hearing spooky stories about giant squid lurking in the deepest parts of the ocean, scientists had never been able to confirm the existence of...
Subglacial groundwater in Antarctica may accelerate sea level rise
Scientists recently uncovered a vast hidden groundwater system beneath Antarctica’s ice that could potentially change how we understand and predict rising sea levels. For a long time, experts around the world hypothesised the possible existence of deep groundwater beneath the ice sheet. However, there was no direct evidence or detailed mapping...
EU plans extra fee on small parcels often sent from China
The European Union has proposed a new fee on billions of small parcels that are sent directly to people’s homes. This extra two-euro charge would largely affect parcels sent from China on fast-fashion platforms like Shein and Temu. A new tax has been proposed by the European Union that...
Dartmoor ‘Right to Roam’ reinstated in nature milestone for UK
After a lengthy legal battle with wealthy landowner, Alexander Darwall, the right to roam, picnic, and camp in Dartmoor National Park has been reinstated by the Supreme Court. Earlier today, the Supreme Court made the decision to fully reinstate the ‘Right to Roam’ within Dartmoor National Park. The decision comes...
New gonorrhoea vaccine to roll out in UK as cases rise
A new vaccine for gonorrhoea will be rolled out in England as part of a world-first project. Described as a ‘landmark moment for sexual health,’ it’s hoped this initiative will lower rising levels of STI cases. A world-first vaccine for gonorrhoea is to be distributed in the UK amidst record-level case numbers. In 2023 there were over 85,000 cases in England alone. This is the highest number since records first...
Spain to block 65,000 properties on Airbnb in tourism crackdown
Following intense public pressure to regulate the short-term rental market, the Spanish government says it will remove over 65,000 holiday rental listings from Airbnb for breaching regulations. The Spanish government is cracking down on short-term property renting and says it will remove 65,000 holiday listings from Airbnb. It comes amidst growing public pressure to provide more regulation and rules over holiday renting. The consumer rights ministry said missing licence numbers, unclear...
Universal Music Group’s ties to abuse scandals in West Africa
West African nonprofits allege that major Universal Music Group stakeholder Vincent Bolloré has built his fortune through abusive practices in the region. They’re urging the label’s artists to do their research before making charitable donations. Universal Music Group (UMG) represents some of the world’s biggest artists today, including Kendrick Lamar, his buddy Drake, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Rhianna. Many of the music corporation’s global names, past and present, have travelled...
Why Portugal chastised France over major blackout
Last month's blackout in Spain and Portugal highlights a crucial yet a vital link to France - one that impacts not only Iberian energy security but also the EU’s. Portugal is pushing France to improve its power grid. The Iberian Peninsula was plunged into darkness last month as a major blackout struck the region, impacting Portugal, Spain, and certain areas of southwestern France. The event started with a failure at a...
