News Briefs.

Democratic lawmakers have proposed a new bank funded by tariffs on Chinese goods to support US manufacturing. The bank would provide grants, loans, and investments to smaller businesses, with a focus on boosting domestic production. Representative Ro Khanna is leading…

The European Union has imposed a fine of €890m on Google for breaching competition rules. Google's search and app practices were found to be anti-competitive. The EU ruled that Google must treat third-party services that appear in its search results…

Guatemala's Maya biosphere reserve is a rare success story in Central America, where deforestation has ravaged many forests. Local communities are earning a living from sustainable logging and reforestation efforts, increasing forest cover in the process. This approach has created…

Litter and waste are persistent problems in many UK communities. Volunteer groups and individuals are taking action to address these issues through local clean-up initiatives. These efforts not only improve the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also contribute to a…

The prosecution of barrister Rajiv Menon KC for contempt of court has been criticised by the Chair of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA). Menon KC, a member of Palestine Action, made a closing speech in a trial related to the…

Romanian city Oradea has become the only major EU city where local authorities have consistently blocked Pride marches, with four consecutive years of rejections. Organisers have vowed to proceed with plans for a Pride event despite the repeated denials. The…

The UK government has announced plans to reform business tax rates in England. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to introduce new tax measures that will benefit pubs, clubs, and live music venues. These establishments will see…

The UK government has announced a £100m package to support pubs, clubs, and live music venues in England. This initiative includes a 20% cut in business rates for eligible establishments. Prime Minister Burnham stated that the typical pub can expect…

A Scottish police officer, Alan Greer, has been identified as a serial rapist who attacked women over a 14-year period. Greer, who was 47, took his own life after police visited his home. The case has raised concerns about police…

Origin Energy, a major Australian energy provider, has announced a data breach affecting its customers. The hack has resulted in the theft of personal and banking details, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers. Some bank account details…

Northern Territory Minister for Trade and Business Robyn Cahill has faced criticism from experts for claiming the Earth's magnetic poles could flip if the territory does not increase its use of groundwater. Cahill made the statement while promoting the NT…

Major car manufacturers, including BMW, Ford, Nissan, and Toyota, have jointly lobbied the UK government to reconsider its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars after 2035. The companies, along with parts maker Bosch, wrote a…

NHS England data shows a significant disparity in hospital admissions for lung conditions among children in England's poorest postcodes. Children living in deprived areas are more likely to be admitted to hospital with lung problems due to poor air quality.…