Last night marked a big change for Bulgaria and Romania as they officially joined the Schengen zone, making it easier to travel across many European countries without border checks. This expansion includes countries like Germany, Spain, and France, among others. The Schengen area now covers 25 of th
You know how Reunion Tower in Dallas usually has a cool drone show for New Year's Eve? Well, this year, the drones are a no-go. Why, you ask? A drone provider from Coppell, Texas, called Sky Elements, decided to back out after a little mishap in Florida. A spokesperson from Reunion Tower said Sky El
The United Nations has given the green light for a new African peacekeeping mission to help Somalia fight the insurgent group al-Shabaab. This decision comes with some uncertainty, especially regarding the future involvement of Ethiopian troops. The existing peacekeeping force, known as ATMIS, is se
Europe is home to two major organizations that work together but have different roles: the Council of Europe (CoE) and the European Union (EU). Both value human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. The CoE brings countries together to agree on basic legal standards in many areas. It also checks i
The European Union has been exploring how foreign direct investment (FDI) and energy use affect the recycling rates across its member states from 2000 to 2021. Interestingly, money coming in from other countries (inflow) can boost local productivity but might cut down on recycling efforts. This is b
In Pittsburgh, a unique kind of holiday cheer filled the air. Instead of carols, there were picket signs. Instead of holiday shoppers, there were striking Starbucks workers. About 200 workers from 10 coffee shops across the city walked off the job, demanding a union contract. They sang a twist on "W
Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson has been under scrutiny due to potential ethics issues linked to his past role in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and ties to the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU). Just a few weeks after his May 2023 inauguration, high-ranking CPS official Ben Felton wrote a memo express
Workers at Amazon and Starbucks are on strike in several U. S. cities. They're pushing for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. The strikes come at a crucial time, as President-elect Donald Trump could appoint a less union-friendly National Labor Relations Board. The pandemic sparked a wa
Another strike is brewing at Amazon's doorstep in New York's Staten Island. This time, warehouse workers have joined the fray, joining thousands of union members who started striking earlier this week. But Amazon isn't worried, claiming the strike won't affect customer shipments. The retail giant ha
In a surprising turn of events, the Chicago Board of Education voted to fire Pedro Martinez, the leader of the city's public school system, on Friday night. This decision followed months of political upheaval. The vote was a victory for both the Chicago Teachers Union and Mayor Brandon Johnson, who
