Author: Amanda Martinez

Days before Christmas, American Amazon employees are planning to go on strike in protest of the company’s unfair treatment. According to Teamsters, Amazon worker’s strike was approved in southern California, New York, and Illinois.  The dispute stems from Amazon’s refusal to recognize unions or enter contract negotiations with workers by the 15th December deadline. The workers, led by Teamsters General President Sean M O’Brien, expressed frustration at the company’s stance. O’Brien further accused the e-commerce giant of prioritizing profits over people. The union, which represents thousands of Amazon workers, claims unsafe conditions and unfair labor practices persist at many facilities. …

Life in Idlib offers a glimpse into what Syria can expect after Assad’s downfall. The city, once a symbol of resistance against Bashar al-Assad’s regime, has undergone significant changes since Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) took control in 2017. The city’s infrastructure has improved, with renovated houses, newly opened shops, and well-maintained roads. Opposition flags fly high in public squares, and graffiti on walls celebrates the resistance against the regime. However, complaints of heavy-handed rule by the authorities have also surfaced. HTS has revoked some of the strict social rules it imposed when it came to power, including dress codes for…

Norway plans to complete the world’s longest and deepest road tunnel by 2033, setting new global engineering. This underwater tunnel, Rogfast, will stretch 16 miles beneath the seabed connecting Randaberg and Bokn in Rogaland County. For now, travelers use ferries to bridge this distance, which prolongs journeys due to unreliable winter weather. The tunnel forms part of Norway’s E39 coastal highway upgrade, aimed at improving connectivity between Kristiansand and Trondheim. By eliminating ferry crossings, Rogfast will cut 11 hours from the 21-hour trip along the 680-mile route. Commuters traveling to Stavanger and Bergen will save time and avoid disruptions caused…

Honda and Nissan have held exploratory talks about a potential merger to help them compete against electric vehicle (EV) makers. The two Japanese car makers agreed to explore a strategic partnership for EVs in March. This move marks a significant step in the Honda-Nissan merger talks. According to reports, the discussions are in the early stages, and there is no guarantee that a deal will be agreed upon. The firms have not denied the story but said neither company has announced it. Honda and Nissan have been losing market share in China, which accounted for almost 70% of global EV…

A 15-year-old female opened fire at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and injuring six others. Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes identified the shooter as Natalie Rupnow, also known as Samantha. Police believe Rupnow died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. The attack occurred Monday morning around 11 a.m. when a second-grade student made the first emergency call to 911. Officers responded quickly and found Rupnow deceased with a handgun. Police later confirmed that no officers fired weapons during the response. The Wisconsin school shooting claimed the lives of a teacher and a teenage…

Igor Kirillov, a notorious Russian general, died in a Moscow explosion. He was head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defence troops. The West accused him of overseeing chemical weapons use on the battlefield in Ukraine. Kirillov’s death was caused by explosives in an electric scooter. The scooter blew as he left his apartment building in south-eastern Moscow. Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed responsibility, calling it a special operation. Kirillov was known for outlandish briefings at the Russian defense ministry. He was labeled a significant mouthpiece for Kremlin disinformation by the UK Foreign Office. Kirillov headed Russia’s Timoshenko Radiation, Chemical…

A powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck near Vanuatu’s capital Port Vila, causing widespread damage and destruction. The quake hit at 12:47 local time, with a depth of 10 km, according to the United States Geological Survey. The earthquake briefly triggered a tsunami alert for parts of the Pacific island nation, but officials later confirmed that the threat had passed. The number of casualties is currently unknown. Footage on social media shows the devastating impact of the quake, with collapsed buildings, cars hit by fallen panels, and furniture strewn on floors inside homes. The US embassy in Port Vila is among…

A powerful cyclone has ravaged the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte, leaving hundreds feared dead. Cyclone CHido brought wind speeds of over 225 km/h, flattering entire settlements and causing widespread destruction. The poorest communities, living in makeshift shelters, were particularly hard hit. Rescue workers are searching for survivors, but their efforts are being hindered by damaged infrastructure. Many residents are struggling to access necessities like food, water, and shelter. One resident described the situation as a tragedy, saying it felt like being in the aftermath of a nuclear war. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his condolences to the…

Israel’s government has approved a plan to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. This move comes after the fall of Syria’s Assad regime. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the expansion is necessary due to the emergence of a “new front” on Israel’s border with Syria. Netanyahu aims to double the population of the Golan Heights, which Israel seized in 1967. There are over 30 Israeli settlements in the area, home to around 20,000 people. These settlements are considered illegal under international law. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Syria. Israel has increased its military presence in…

An explosion killed three people and injured dozens during a crowded festival in Thailand’s northern Tak province late Friday. The festival bombing in Thailand occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time at the Red Cross Doi Loyfa fair in Umphang district.  Eyewitnesses reported the explosive being hurled onto the festival grounds, landing near the stage where people were dancing. Emergency responders quickly arrived, treating critically injured victims at the scene and transporting others to nearby hospitals. Thai police confirmed that 48 people were wounded, including six who remain in critical condition. Officials believe an improvised explosive device (IED) caused the blast,…

In an unprecedented political shift, South Korea’s National Assembly voted for Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment after his controversial martial law attempt. Lawmakers cast a decisive 204 to 85 vote on Saturday, suspending Yoon’s presidency halfway through his term.  Protesters in Seoul filled the streets before the vote, with 200,000 rallying for his impeachment. Yoon’s supporters participated in the protest and rallied for him near Gwanghwamun Square and the National Assembly. Amid the freezing temperatures, organizers distributed food and banners to encourage the protesters to support his removal. These divided rallies reflect a deeply fractured South Korean society reeling from the…

A rare habitat in Dorset, home to reptiles and ground-nesting birds is set to undergo a two-year Heathland restoration project. The £1.2m initiative aims to rejuvenate the heathland at Avon Heath Country Park. Dorset Council is leading the effort. They are removing hundreds of invasive pine trees. These trees are self-seeded and block out sunlight, which is essential for healthy growth. Moreover, the council is also removing invasive species like Rhododendron. This will help reverse habitat loss and create a more favorable environment for native species. Avon Heath Country Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is…