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Horizon Aircraft secures a key engine deal for its hybrid eVTOL aircraft. Meanwhile, Loganair shifts focus from hybrid to hydrogen engines for zero-emission flights, and Boeing prepares for a new narrowbody aircraft amid ongoing production and safety challenges. Otto Aerospace unveils a futuristic, windowless private jet with significant fuel savings.
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Recent fish farm escapes in Scotland, notably from Mowi, highlight ongoing concerns over environmental impact and regulatory enforcement. Despite calls for fines and stricter welfare standards, authorities have yet to impose penalties. The incidents raise questions about industry practices and government oversight, with potential long-term effects on wild salmon populations.
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Nevada prisons see a tenfold increase in overdoses, mainly synthetic drugs, linked to mail smuggling. Meanwhile, British Columbia's drug decriminalization has coincided with record overdose deaths, and the UK reports its highest drug poisoning toll since 1993, driven by synthetic opioids.
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As of late November 2025, the US, UK, Canada, and Japan face an early, severe flu season driven by the H3N2 subclade K variant, which has mutated beyond current vaccine strains. Hospital admissions and flu cases, especially among children and vulnerable groups, are rising. Concurrently, norovirus infections are doubling nationwide, with health officials urging hygiene and vaccination to mitigate risks.
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The Scottish Government plans to issue its first bonds, nicknamed 'kilts,' in 2026-27, supported by credit ratings equal to the UK. The move aims to fund infrastructure and demonstrates Scotland's fiscal maturity, though independence could threaten its credit status.
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As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
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Recent archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Turkey, and Scotland reveal complex Neolithic societies, challenging previous ideas of primitive cultures. Findings include figurines, structures, and artifacts that suggest organized social and spiritual practices, with implications for understanding early human development today. Date: Fri, 05 Dec 2025.
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The UK government plans to give local authorities in England the power to impose a tourist levy on overnight visitors, aiming to fund local infrastructure. The move follows similar measures in Scotland and Wales, with mixed reactions from industry and political leaders. The consultation runs until February 2026.
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Edinburgh will implement a 5% visitor levy from July 2026, raising funds for nearly 500 affordable homes. The scheme aims to support residents and enhance visitor experiences, with plans to allocate revenue to housing and city improvements. Legislation changes will give councils more flexibility in fee structures.
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NHS Tayside destroyed around 40 patient logbooks linked to disgraced neurosurgeon Sam Eljamel despite a 'do not destroy' order. The Scottish inquiry is investigating whether the destruction was gross negligence or malice, amid systemic failures and patient harm. The case highlights accountability issues within NHS Scotland.
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Recent articles highlight Glasgow's rising number of pupils with English as an additional language, with figures showing nearly one in three students. While some political figures, like Nigel Farage, claim this signals cultural 'smashing,' local educators emphasize the benefits of multilingualism and the city's success in supporting diverse learners.