Newsletter Dec 29, 2023

UK Lifts Brexit Obstacles For French Students

Britain on Thursday lifted some costly obstacles placed on school trips post Brexit -- but only for students from France as campaigners called for all EU countries to benefit.

Venezuela Launches Military Exercise Over British Warship 'Threat'

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Thursday ordered more than 5,600 military personnel to participate in a "defensive" exercise near the border with Guyana, in response to Britain sending a warship to the area.

Soaring Hospital Parking Fees in England Spark Outcry Amidst NHS Funding Concerns

The Liberal Democrats have decried this exponential rise in parking costs as a "tax on caring" and have criticised the government for falling short of its 2019 manifesto promise.

New Labour Plan Could See Less Children In Private Schools In The UK

In a bid to win the next general election, the Labour Party have pledged to end business rate relief and increase VAT charges for private schools.

UK Government Says Nature Fund Added Over 2,500 Green Jobs to the UK Environment Sector

The UK government has revealed how its Green Recovery Challenge Fund helped add more green jobs and saved hectares of land across the UK through 150 environmental projects.

Israel Bombs Gaza As Oldest Woman Held Hostage Confirmed Dead

Israeli forces on Thursday battled Hamas in Gaza where air strikes and urban combat rocked the southern city of Khan Yunis, near where many hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge.

Sport Giant Decathlon Exposed For Ignoring EU Sanctions Against Russia Under 'Secret Contract'

The non-profit newsroom Disclose has exposed French sporting giant Decathlon for continuing to sell goods in Russia, despite sanctions.

Stock Markets Mixed As Trading Year Nears End

Global stocks were mixed Thursday on the penultimate trading day of 2023, while oil prices fell on easing worries about shipping disruptions in the Red Sea.

UK Archives Show Parthenon Marbles Role In 2012 Olympics Lobbying

The UK government tried to help Greece secure the Parthenon Marbles on loan two decades ago in a bid to drum up support for London's 2012 Olympics' bid, according to files released Friday.

ChatGPT Outperforms Professional Advice Columnists, Study Shows AI Gives Better Advice

ChatGPT offers more detailed answers as compared to those of the advice columnists, but most people still prefer a human to answer their questions.

Elon Musk-Led xAI Adopts A For-Profit Benefit Corporate Structure With Aim To Do Some Societal Good

Every AI startup appears to adopt a benefit corporate structure that allegedly benefits society, but they are still generating enormous amounts of cash.

Storm Gerrit's Fury Escalates: Urgent Calls for Action as Communities Grapple with Destruction

The storm, named by the Met Office on Tuesday, left a trail of destruction, with severe weather alerts in effect on Wednesday.

UK Holidaymakers Will Soon Enjoy Direct Train Service To Hotspots Like Switzerland, Germany

Two train companies are planning to launch these direct routes.