insert_link Environment Ancient Roman wine production may hold clues for battling climate change Remnants of a mixed ‘alberata’ vineyard in Marche (Italy). Dimitri Van Limbergen, Author provided Dimitri Van Limbergen, Ghent University It is no secret that the Romans were heavy wine drinkers. Estimates put the average Roman male’s consumption at a litre or more of diluted wine per day. The drink was also a symbol of civilised behaviour, and widely used as a drug, medicine and ritual beverage. Winemaking was therefore a […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 15
insert_link World Drone attack on American troops risks widening Middle East conflict – and drawing in Iran-US tensions Jordanian and U.S. tanks take part in joint maneuvers in September 2022. Khalil Mazraawi/AFP Sara Harmouch, American University A drone attack that killed three American troops and wounded at least 34 more at a base in Jordan has increased fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East – and the possibility that the U.S. may be further drawn into the fighting. President Joe Biden vowed to respond to the […] todayJanuary 30, 2024 5
insert_link World US border reforms could be unveiled this week US lawmakers could unveil sweeping new border reforms this week, according to sources. After weeks of closed-door negotiations, a bipartisan immigration proposal could be on the cards - marking the first major policy overhaul since the 1990s. The bill would aim to reduce unprecedented levels of illegal crossings along the southern border. Sally Patterson has more. todayJanuary 30, 2024 4
insert_link World U.S. President Biden under pressure over deadly attack on troops in Jordan The U.S. is weighing up how to respond to an attack on its service people killed and injured in an attack on the Jordan-Syrian border, blamed on Iran-backed militia. There's pressure on President Joe Biden to retaliate; with some opposition Republicans calling for him to target Tehran. Caroline Malone reports. Related video: todayJanuary 30, 2024 16
insert_link World US Defense Secretary returns to work at Pentagon US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has returned to work at the Pentagon after nearly a month's leave due to prostate cancer. His return comes after 3 US troops were killed in a drone attack in the Middle East.Nick Harper reports from Washington. todayJanuary 30, 2024 21
insert_link World Possible progress made in Israeli hostage release Some progress appears to have been made in talks aimed at freeing the remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Negotiations in Paris over the weekend brought together representatives from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. todayJanuary 29, 2024 27
insert_link Lifestyle World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Miami The world's largest cruise ship has set sail from Miami, Florida, on its maiden voyage, but there are concerns about the vessel's methane emissions. According to the BBC, the 365m-long Icon of the Seas has 20 decks and can house a maximum of 7,600 passengers. The vessel is going on a seven-day island-hopping voyage in the Caribbean. Environmentalists warn the liquefied natural gas-powered ship will leak harmful methane into the […] todayJanuary 29, 2024 16
insert_link Health / Medical UK Government plans ban on disposable vapes The UK government is set to ban disposable vapes, as part of a drive to tackle the rising number of children vaping. Figures from the Action on Smoking and Health charity suggest 7.6 percent of eleven- to 17-year-olds now vape regularly or occasionally, up from 4.1 percent in 2020. Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, says they are taking bold action to ban disposable vape. todayJanuary 29, 2024 20
insert_link World Countries suspend support to UN Agency over Israel attack investigation Nine countries have paused future funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East amid an investigation into allegations some workers participated in the October 7th attack on Israel. Political Analyst Rakkel Andreas weighs in on the decision. Meanwhile, Austria has joined a growing list of countries that have announced a suspension of payments to the UN Palestinian aid agency. More than 10 […] todayJanuary 29, 2024 12
