Author: Amanda Martinez

Controversy surrounds Europe’s largest solar farm, Botley West Solar Farm, sparking concerns over solar farm flood risk. The 1,000-hectare farm will cover sites near Botley, Kidlington, and Woodstock in Oxfordshire. Photovolt Development Partners (PVDP) submitted proposals to the Planning Inspectorate after two public consultations. Mark Owen-Lloyd, PVDP project manager, calls the process “long and arduous.” He values both supporters’ and opponents’ opinions. Campaign group Stop Botley West opposes the plan, citing flood risk and scale issues. Chair Alex Rogers says the farm will exacerbate flooding and criticizes PDVP for minimal changes after consultations. Owen-Lloyd counters that climate change poses a…

Authorities prosecuted three people in connection with Liam Payne’s death, which occurred on October 16th in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The death accusations include providing drugs and leaving the person behind that caused their death.  Toxicology tests revealed that Payne, the former One Direction member, had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system at the time of death. Prosecutors confirmed these findings following an investigation into the circumstances of his fatal fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in the Palermo neighborhood. Witnesses described hearing loud noises, including slamming doors and screaming, before staff called emergency services. Witnesses reported that Payne looked…

After Israeli authorities temporarily held two gendarmes at a French-run holy site in Jerusalem, France accused Israel of deteriorating diplomatic ties. The event took place shortly before French foreign minister Minister Jean-Noel Barrot was scheduled to visit the Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives, one of four locations managed by French in Jerusalem.  France oversees a collection of holy sites in Jerusalem, including The Church of the Pater Noster, and Barrot’s visit aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties. French officials had informed Israeli security in advance that no Israeli forces should enter the premises while Barrot was…

Israeli football fans attacked in Amsterdam, sparking international outrage and concern. The violence erupted after a Europa League match between Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax, leaving multiple fans injured and prompting riot police to intervene. Prime minister Dicl Schoof swiftly condemned the “antisemitic attacks”. Moreover, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deployed two “rescue planes” to Amsterdam following reports of “severe and violent incidents against Israelis.” Despite a massive police presence, Israeli fans were injured in multiple areas of the Dutch capital. Authorities detained 57 individuals, and earlier arrests were made in Dam Square due to clashes between Maccabi…

Elnur Soltanov, COP29’s chief executive, promotes fossil fuel deals, contradicting the very purpose of the climate change conference. A secret recording reveals Soltanov discussing “investment opportunities” with a potential investor in Azerbaijan’s state oil and gas company, Socar. Soltanov, also the deputy energy minister of Azerbaijan and a board member of Socar, seems to be using his position to arrange meetings and facilitate deals. This is particularly alarming given Azerbaijan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil and gas exports. Christiana Figueres oversaw the Paris Agreement and condemned Soltanov’s actions as “contrary and egregious” to the COP process and treason to…

Cuba faces hurricane chaos as hurricane Rafael slammed into the island, leaving a trail of destruction and nationwide power outages. The category three storm brought winds up to 115 mph, forcing the shutdown of the electricity system.Havana resident Araselys Rodriguez was among those affected, making coffee by candlelight during the blackout. The national energy company, Unión Eléctrica, attributed the power outage to strong winds. At least 70,000 people landed in their western province of Artemisa, near Havana.Rafael’s arrival comes just weeks after a devastating blackout left millions without power for four days. That incident was caused by issues with Cuba’s…

Climate change hitting skiing hard, forcing Nevis Range, a renowned Scottish ski resort, to delay its winter season until February. Typically, the resort near Fort William opens its slopes in late December and operates through April. However, drastic shifts in winter weather patterns and destructive storms have disrupted this schedule. Over the past few years, Nevis Range has only managed to open for skiing on one or two days in January. This reality has compelled the resort’s team to rethink their winter operations. “We’re as passionate as ever about skiing, but climate change is a harsh reality,” they acknowledged. To…

Australia’s government is introducing new legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Australian social media ban, describing it as “world-leading” and designed to protect Australian children from the harms of online platforms. The government will table the law in parliament next week to address rising concerns about children’s safety online.  Albanese emphasized the importance of the law for parents worried about the dangers their children face on social media. He assured families that the government is taking steps to protect them. However, details on the bill are still being discussed. The…

A Volcano eruption in Indonesia started instant evacuation efforts. Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted eight times on Thursday, spewing a vast ash cloud. The ash plume reached 2,500 meters into the air, causing widespread panic among residents on the tourist island of Flores. Authorities raised the alert to the highest level for the 1,703-meter volcano, and they did not report any immediate casualties. Authorities evacuated more than 5,800 people from the surrounding areas, and officials are considering permanent relocation for those living near the volcano. According to the country’s Center for Volcanology and Disaster Mitigation, the volcanic eruption also released…

Tlaib and Omar were re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, marking another significant milestone in the democratic party. They are the first two Muslim women to serve in the United Nations Congress and have successfully won reelection. Ilhan Omar, a former refugee and Somali American who represents Minnesota, secured her third term. She remains a prominent figure in the district, including Minneapolis and several suburbs. Tlaib, of Palestinian descent who represents Michigan, was re-elected for her fourth term. She continues to receive strong support from the Arab American community in Dearborn, Michigan. Both women are outspoken critics of U.S.…

World leaders congratulated Trump as the Former President edged closer to victory. Notable figures, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.K.’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were among the first to respond. Netanyahu, whose relationship with President Joe Biden has been strained, described Trump’s expected win as “history’s greatest comeback” and a “new beginning for America.” He emphasized the importance of a powerful recommitment between Israel and the U.S. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his hope for strong UK-US ties. He stated that he looks forward to working with Trump in the years ahead on issues ranging from…

Fat Leonard’s navy scandal has finally reached its climax. Leonard Glenn Francis was sentenced to 15 years in prison for masterminding a decade-long bribery scheme that engulfed dozens of U.S. Navy officers. Francis, a Malaysian businessman, pleaded guilty in 2015 to bribing senior Navy officials with millions of dollars in cash, prostitutes, luxury travel, and top-shelf liquor and cigars. In exchange for these lavish gifts, Navy officers provided Francis with classified information, allowing him to overcharge the Navy $35 million for his company’s services to the 7th Fleet. Francis’ company, Singapore-based Glenn Defense Marine Asia, was sentenced to five years…