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Pro-Palestinian protests have intensified across U.S. universities, leading to significant administrative actions and police interventions. Columbia University faculty passed a vote of no confidence in President Minouche Shafik following her response to the protests. Police cleared protest camps at USC and Columbia, and reclaimed a lecture hall at UC Irvine. Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack announced her resignation amid the turmoil. Northwestern University faced criticism for negotiating with protesters without consulting its advisory committee on antisemitism.
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Liverpool bids an emotional farewell to Jurgen Klopp as he manages his final game at Anfield after nine successful years, marked by numerous trophies and a deep connection with the club and its fans.
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Tom Daley, the 29-year-old British diver, has been confirmed to compete in his fifth Olympic Games in Paris this summer. After stepping away from the sport post-Tokyo Olympics, Daley returned last year and has since won silver at the World Championships and gold at the World Cup with his new partner, Noah Williams. Daley's return was inspired by his son, Robbie, and he aims to defend his 10m synchronised platform title. Team GB's Chef de Mission, Mark England, praised Daley's remarkable achievement and the strength of the British diving squad.
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Britain has fallen out of the top 10 countries in the Chandler Global Index for Good Government, now ranking 11th due to weak leadership, poor economic management, and the impact of Brexit. The UK scored poorly in categories such as leadership and foresight, and financial stewardship, placing 20th and 27th respectively. Brexit significantly hurt the UK's international trade score, dropping by 26 places.
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Multiple individuals in the US and Kazakhstan have been sentenced to life in prison or lengthy terms for horrific crimes, including burying a wife alive, stabbing a young man to death, and torturing and murdering a wife.
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The UK Labour Party's success in recent local elections has been overshadowed by a voter backlash over its stance on Gaza. The party's support has waned in areas with high Muslim populations due to its perceived support for Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to concerns about its ability to secure a majority in the upcoming general election. Additionally, a Palestinian student had her visa revoked after participating in a pro-Palestine demonstration, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.
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The average price of a home in the UK hit a record high of £375,131 in May, driven by pent-up demand from buyers who paused their plans last year. Despite elevated mortgage rates, the number of sales agreed in the first four months of the year increased by 17% compared to last year. Positive signs for the mortgage market emerged as HSBC UK, Barclays, and TSB cut their mortgage rates. The spring selling season's momentum pushed prices to a new record asking price.
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Recent fundraising efforts in the UK have seen significant contributions to cancer research and awareness. Glasgow's Race for Life raised £750,000 for Cancer Research UK, while £6,000,000 has been raised in memory of Stephen Sutton for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Additionally, Figen Murray has embarked on a 200-mile walk to Downing Street to advocate for Martyn's Law, which aims to improve security measures at public venues following the Manchester Arena bombing.
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The Scottish Government's ambition to be smoke-free by 2034 may be hindered by a potential ban on disposable vapes, which are seen as crucial smoking cessation tools. Health Minister Dame Andrea Leadsom has proposed restricting vape advertisements to curb youth vaping. Meanwhile, a study has revealed that chemicals in flavoured vapes could be highly toxic when heated. Hannah Roth's severe lung damage from excessive vaping highlights the health risks. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to ban cigarette sales to those born after 2009 and make vaping less attractive to young people.
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Rufus Wainwright's musical 'Opening Night,' which premiered at London's Gielgud Theatre in March 2024, is closing two months early on May 18, 2024, due to mixed reviews and slow ticket sales. Wainwright attributes the negative reception to Brexit, suggesting that it has narrowed the UK's creative outlook. The musical, directed by Ivo van Hove and starring Sheridan Smith, faced criticism for its avant-garde elements, leading to audience walkouts and a 'vitriolic reaction.'
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Victims of the contaminated blood scandal, including Christopher Marsh and Brendan West, seek justice as the Infected Blood Inquiry prepares to publish its final report. The scandal has left a devastating impact on individuals like Peter Lloyd, Rob Brown, and Sam Rushby, who were unknowingly infected with diseases like hepatitis C and HIV through blood transfusions.
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Greater Manchester Police have contacted Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner to arrange an interview under caution regarding her housing arrangements and potential breaches of electoral law and tax regulations. Rayner has stated she will cooperate fully with the investigation. Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting has defended Rayner, suggesting the probe is driven by snobbery due to her working-class background.
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The Northern Lights, also known as aurora borealis, could be visible again in the UK in the coming weeks due to increased solar activity. Recent geomagnetic storms have made the lights visible across the UK and parts of Europe. Experts from the Met Office and other institutions predict that the sunspot region responsible for these storms will rotate back towards Earth, potentially causing more displays. The sun is currently in its most active period of an 11-year cycle, increasing the likelihood of such events.
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Jurgen Klopp, the manager who has defined Liverpool FC for nearly a decade, is preparing for his final game with the club. Reflecting on his tenure, Klopp shared his journey from an uncertain start to becoming a beloved figure in Liverpool. His departure marks the end of an era that saw the club win seven major trophies under his leadership.
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Elton John and David Furnish's photography collection, featuring over 300 pieces by 140 photographers, is on display at the V&A Museum in London. The exhibition, titled 'Fragile Beauty,' spans seven decades of fashion, celebrity portraits, and photojournalism capturing significant historical moments.
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Conservative MPs are calling for a review of the Bank of England's independence, criticizing its approach to quantitative tightening. Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith and other right-wing MPs are concerned about the Bank's impact on taxpayers and the economy.
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Crawley manager Scott Lindsey's personal tragedies, including the loss of his brother and wife, inspired him to lead his team to promotion after a 2-0 victory over Crewe in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.
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Virgin Atlantic faces legal battles as hundreds of long-serving cabin crew sue for unfair dismissal due to Covid redundancies. A passenger stranded in St Lucia by the airline had to pay over £400 for a hotel while waiting to be flown home. Meanwhile, a new dog-friendly airline, Bark Air, is set to offer first-class flying for dogs between London and the US at a high cost.
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The UK is facing a shortage of planes for a mass parachute drop to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has ordered an urgent review to address the lack of available aircrafts for the commemorations in Normandy next month.
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Schools in England are under pressure to improve attendance, with some employing strict measures such as police visits to homes of persistently absent students. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has linked increased absenteeism to parents working from home post-pandemic. Critics argue that these measures ignore underlying issues like mental health and special educational needs. The debate continues as the government plans to enforce stricter attendance policies from September.
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The Bank of England has indicated the possibility of cutting interest rates as early as June, following its decision to hold rates at 5.25%. Governor Andrew Bailey expressed optimism about inflation trends, suggesting it could hit the 2% target soon. Chief Economist Huw Pill also hinted at a potential rate cut over the summer if inflation continues to ease. The decision has led to mixed reactions, with some experts urging caution to avoid premature cuts.
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The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms across the UK, following the hottest day of the year. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit Wales, south-west England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, potentially causing flooding and power cuts. The warnings are in place from Sunday afternoon through to Monday morning, with the heaviest rain expected in the west of the UK. The Met Office advises residents to prepare for travel disruptions and possible power outages.
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Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called on the UK government and Labour Party to end the two-child benefit cap, a policy that restricts benefits for families with more than two children. This follows similar calls from former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and former Home Secretary Suella Braverman. The policy, introduced in 2017, has been criticized for exacerbating child poverty, particularly among ethnic minorities and families with disabled members. Despite these calls, Labour leader Keir Starmer has not committed to scrapping the cap if his party wins power.
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A new study has revealed that the weight-loss drug semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Wegovy and Ozempic, can significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in obese individuals, regardless of the amount of weight lost. The five-year study, involving 17,604 adults from 41 countries, showed a 20% reduction in major cardiovascular events. The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity and published in Nature Medicine.
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Ofcom is considering a statutory sanction against GB News for breaching impartiality rules during an interview with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The channel allowed Sunak to promote government policies without sufficient challenge, leading to 13 breaches of broadcast rules. The regulator found that the programme failed to provide alternative viewpoints and audience members were unable to challenge the prime minister's responses.
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Plaid Cymru has abruptly ended its cooperation agreement with Welsh Labour, citing concerns over a
£200,000 donation to First Minister Vaughan Gething's leadership campaign. This move complicates the Welsh government's operations as it lacks an overall majority in the Senedd. Additionally, Gething's decision to sack a minister following a leaked pandemic-era message has further fueled tensions. The Conservative Senedd leader has hinted at a potential no-confidence motion against Gething, adding to the political turmoil.
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The BBC has released a new adaptation of Ian Rankin's Rebus novels, featuring Richard Rankin as the iconic detective. The series, written by Gregory Burke, reimagines a younger John Rebus operating in modern-day Edinburgh. The show has received mixed reviews, with some praising its gritty portrayal and others questioning its necessity amidst a crowded field of crime dramas.
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Apple has issued an apology for its recent iPad Pro advertisement, which depicted creative tools being crushed by a hydraulic press. The ad, intended to showcase the new iPad's capabilities, faced significant backlash for its perceived message of technology replacing human creativity. Critics, including high-profile figures like Hugh Grant, expressed their disapproval, leading Apple to pull the ad from TV. In response, Samsung released a video emphasizing that 'creativity cannot be crushed.'
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Kevin Spacey, facing fresh sexual misconduct allegations, seeks a return to Hollywood with support from stars like Liam Neeson and Sharon Stone. Hollywood figures campaign for Spacey's comeback, while comedians Bill Maher and Bill Burr advocate for Louis CK's return amidst the #MeToo movement.
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Recent events have put Mormonism and Catholicism in the spotlight. A priest claimed Jesus died with an erection during a Good Friday sermon, causing shock among parishioners. Meanwhile, a Catholic church in North Yorkshire faces a crisis of vocations, with falling numbers training for the priesthood resulting in shared priests among parishes.
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Manchester City secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title with a 3-1 victory over West Ham. Phil Foden scored twice early on, and Rodri added a third after Mohammed Kudus pulled one back for West Ham. This historic win makes City the first English team to achieve four straight top-flight titles. Arsenal finished second for the second consecutive year despite their 2-1 win over Everton. Pep Guardiola hinted at uncertainty about his future with the club, citing a lack of new challenges.
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Universities in England are facing a financial crisis with 40% forecasted to run budget deficits this year. Vice-chancellors and former ministers are calling for urgent fee increases or funding to prevent bankruptcies. The higher education regulator warns of closure risks for universities unless they cut costs or merge. Aberystwyth University also announces job cuts to save money.
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Recent reports reveal updates on celebrity relationships, including Alex Rodriguez and Jaclyn Cordeiro's romance details, rumors of Angelina Jolie's potential new relationship with Justin Levine, and Tracy Anderson's celebrity status in the fitness world. Additionally, a feature on celebrity moms and their look-alike daughters showcases the continuation of their legacies.
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Firm run by the ‘Ticket Queen’ sold tickets worth more than £6.5m on sites including Viagogo and StubHub
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UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron is set to provide evidence to MPs on the planned treaty for Gibraltar amid concerns over potential loss of control of British territories post-Brexit. Talks on a post-Brexit deal between Gibraltar and Spain have recently ended without an agreement.
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Energy bills in Great Britain are expected to decrease by 7% in July, providing some relief to households. Despite the drop in prices, bills will remain significantly higher than pre-crisis levels, keeping millions in fuel poverty.
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Labour proposes a plan to implement shared NHS waiting lists, aiming to deliver an additional 40,000 appointments weekly. Healthwatch England research shows 71% of people in England desire urgent GP access within 24 hours. An internal NHS review highlights a 15% increase in patients stuck in hospitals for over three weeks.
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Long-term UK residents Anthony Olubunmi George and Nelson Shardey face removal threats from the Home Office despite living in the country for decades. George, who arrived from Nigeria in 1986, and Shardey, who came from Ghana in 1977, are both fighting to remain in the UK after facing legal challenges and citizenship issues.
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Bayer Leverkusen secures an unbeaten Bundesliga season with a 2-1 victory over Augsburg, while Bayern Munich suffers a 4-2 defeat by Hoffenheim, dropping to third place. Stuttgart's 4-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach propels them to second place.
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The Scottish Government is proposing to release prisoners serving sentences under four years to address overcrowding in prisons. Justice Secretary Angela Constance seeks powers to release inmates early, excluding those convicted of sexual or domestic abuse offenses. The Scottish Tories oppose the plans, citing concerns about public safety and high rates of re-offending.
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The debate over universal basic income (UBI) and its alternatives is intensifying in the UK. AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton has advocated for UBI to address job losses due to AI, while Martin Lewis advises households to check their eligibility for Universal Credit. Sam Altman proposes 'universal basic compute' as a new model for resource distribution. Meanwhile, Munira Wilson highlights the issue of child hunger due to strict free school meal eligibility criteria.
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Rising housing costs and intense competition in the rental market are pushing many individuals and families to make difficult decisions. Michael and Christy Rogers have chosen to remain renters due to financial constraints, while Melissa Hedden was evicted after a rent increase. Nicola Webb, a first-time homebuyer, opted for a 35-year mortgage to afford her home. The rental market is highly competitive, with properties being listed for shorter periods, making it challenging for potential tenants to secure housing.
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Ncuti Gatwa has made his debut as the 15th Doctor in the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who. His first appearance was in the 2023 Christmas special, followed by the premiere of his first full season on May 11, 2024. Early reviews have praised Gatwa's performance, highlighting his charm and dynamic portrayal of the Doctor. The third episode, written by former showrunner Steven Moffat, has received mixed reviews but continues to showcase Gatwa's talent. The new season also marks the return of Russell T Davies as showrunner, adding to the anticipation and excitement among fans.
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Rishi Sunak is banking on the UK's inflation rate hitting the Bank of England's target, while public inquiries, including the Infected Blood Inquiry's final report and Vaughan Gething's donation scandal, take center stage in British politics this week.
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The documentary 'Catching Fire' delves into the enigmatic life of Anita Pallenberg, a model, actor, and muse to the Rolling Stones. It explores her relationships with Brian Jones and Keith Richards, her unconventional approach to life, and the impact of drugs on her journey.
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Experts Karyn Esser and Guy Fieri share their fitness journeys and tips for staying healthy and fit. Esser emphasizes the importance of consistency for maintaining fitness, while Fieri has lost weight through a healthy diet and workout routine.
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Labour's plans to cut licenses for new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea have sparked controversy, with Unite launching a campaign to protect jobs in the industry. Meanwhile, Labour's commitment to upgrading ports for renewable energy signals a shift towards a greener economy.
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The long-awaited final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry is set to be released today, detailing how over 30,000 people in the UK were infected with deadly viruses due to contaminated blood products in the 1970s and 1980s. Compensation exceeding £10bn is expected to be announced, with calls for prosecutions and an official apology from the Prime Minister.
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Manchester City make history by winning their fourth consecutive Premier League title, becoming the first team in English history to achieve this feat. Despite their remarkable success, City still face 115 Premier League charges for alleged financial irregularities.
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First Minister John Swinney is prioritizing economic growth and child poverty eradication in Scotland, emphasizing the need for interventions to attract investment and improve public services. Swinney's government aims to boost the economy through investment, renewable energy resources, and partnerships with business and trade unions.
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England cricketers Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Bell, and Sophia Dunkley face personal and professional challenges, with Sciver-Brunt revealing her absence was due to egg-freezing treatment, Bell taking on the role of England's attack leader, and Dunkley responding impressively after being dropped from the squad.
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Celtic fans caused damage in Glasgow during celebrations for their premiership win, leaving debris and broken glass around Glasgow Cross and Trongate. Glasgow City Council teams worked through the night to clean up the streets ahead of the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event.
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Researchers at the University of Dundee have discovered that leptin hormone, present in the human body, could be a key player in halting the progression of early-stage Alzheimer's disease by blocking toxic proteins amyloid and tau.
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Millions of litres of untreated sewage were illegally discharged into Lake Windermere in England, raising concerns about pollution levels in British waters. A protest at West Strand Beach in Portrush, Northern Ireland, called for accountability and action over sewage and wastewater being spilled into waterways.
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The final inquiry report into the NHS infected blood scandal, where around 3,000 people were given contaminated blood in the 1970s and 80s, is set to be released. Victims have endured decades of waiting for answers, with compensation payments potentially exceeding £10 billion. The scandal, considered the worst treatment disaster in NHS history, has claimed thousands of lives due to HIV and hepatitis C infections from blood products. Families affected by this tragedy are finally on the brink of receiving justice and closure.
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Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have made announcements regarding their political futures. Heaton-Harris will not stand in the next general election, joining a list of over 100 MPs who have made similar decisions. Meanwhile, Sunak has stated he will continue as an MP even if the Conservatives lose the upcoming election.
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Bob MacIntyre secures a top-ten finish in the 106th PGA Championship at Valhalla, finishing in a tie for eighth place after a solid performance. He eagles the 72nd hole to secure his spot in next year's event, marking a significant achievement for the Scottish golfer.
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Virgin Group has submitted proposals to operate new train services on the West Coast main line, aiming to compete with Avanti West Coast. The plans include routes between London Euston and Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and Glasgow. Meanwhile, FirstGroup has applied to expand its Lumo services to include six daily return journeys between London and Rochdale via Manchester Victoria, starting in 2027. Both applications are part of a broader push for open access rail services to increase competition and consumer choice.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in Iran's East Azerbaijan province. The crash occurred on Sunday near Jolfa, with heavy fog and poor weather conditions hampering rescue efforts. The helicopter was carrying Raisi, Iran's foreign minister, and other senior officials. After hours of searching, the wreckage was found, and state media confirmed the deaths of all on board.
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Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian have been confirmed dead following a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan province. The helicopter, which was returning from an event near the Azerbaijan border, crashed in mountainous terrain amid poor weather conditions. Rescue teams located the wreckage after a 15-hour search, but no signs of life were found. The Iranian government has assured the public that state affairs will continue without disruption.
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs has publicly apologized after CNN released a video showing him physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in 2016. The footage, aired on May 17, 2024, shows Combs punching, kicking, and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway. In a video statement posted on May 19, 2024, Combs expressed his remorse, calling his actions 'inexcusable' and taking full responsibility. Ventura had previously sued Combs for years of abuse, a case that was settled quickly. The release of the video has reignited scrutiny and led to further legal actions against Combs.
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A recently released video from 2016 shows Sean 'Diddy' Combs assaulting his then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in a Los Angeles hotel. The footage, aired by CNN, corroborates allegations Ventura made in a lawsuit filed in November 2023, which was settled a day later. Combs has since apologized for his actions in the video. The incident has led to multiple lawsuits and a federal investigation into Combs' conduct.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has replaced longtime Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu with economist Andrei Belousov. Shoigu, who has served since 2012, will now head Russia's Security Council. The reshuffle, announced on May 12, 2024, comes amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine and aims to bring innovation and economic efficiency to the defense ministry. The Federation Council will review Belousov's appointment this week.
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The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have recovered the bodies of four hostages from Gaza, including Ron Benjamin, Itzhak Gelerenter, Amit Buskila, and Shani Louk. The hostages were killed during Hamas's attack on October 7 and their bodies were taken to Gaza. The recovery operation was conducted by the IDF and Shin Bet, with some intelligence gathered from captured Palestinian terror suspects. The announcement was made amid ongoing fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas in Gaza.
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OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, is experiencing significant leadership changes. Co-founder and chief scientist Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, co-leader of the Superalignment team, have resigned. This follows internal disagreements over the company's priorities and the dissolution of the Superalignment team. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman and President Greg Brockman have addressed the criticism, emphasizing their commitment to safety and responsible AI development.
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The European Union has approved a comprehensive overhaul of its migration and asylum policies, aiming to strengthen borders and share responsibilities among member states. The New Pact on Migration and Asylum, backed by a majority of EU nations despite opposition from Hungary and Poland, will come into effect in 2026. The reform includes guidelines for screening migrants and determining their eligibility for protection or deportation. Critics argue the pact infringes on asylum rights and may lead to more political deals with poorer countries.
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On Friday, gunmen attacked a group of tourists in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, killing three Spanish tourists and an Afghan citizen. The attack, which occurred in a bazaar, also injured four foreigners and three Afghans. The Taliban government condemned the attack and arrested four suspects. Islamic State later claimed responsibility for the assault, marking one of the most serious attacks on foreign nationals since the Taliban took power in 2021. The victims' bodies and the injured were transported to Kabul for further medical attention.
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Pro-Palestinian protests have intensified across several U.S. universities, with notable incidents at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, DePaul University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Pennsylvania. These protests, driven by opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza, have led to arrests, property damage, and significant disruptions on campuses. University administrations have responded with varying degrees of tolerance and enforcement, from negotiated dismantling of encampments to police interventions.
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Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has announced plans to re-list cannabis as a narcotic by the end of 2024, reversing the country's 2022 decision to decriminalize the drug. The move aims to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes only, citing concerns over misuse and crime. A recent survey indicates that 76% of Thai nationals support the policy reversal. Pro-cannabis groups have protested the decision, arguing it will harm the burgeoning cannabis industry and local farmers. The policy shift follows rapid growth in the cannabis sector, which has seen thousands of dispensaries and businesses emerge nationwide.
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Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul is grappling with severe flooding that has killed at least 155 people and displaced over 540,000. The state government plans to build four 'tent cities' to accommodate 77,000 displaced residents. Governor Eduardo Leite has indicated that rebuilding costs will be higher than initially estimated. The Brazilian government has announced 12.1 billion reais in emergency spending and is finalizing plans for direct payments to affected families. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is providing aid, and the U.S. has pledged assistance.
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Lawrence Wong has been sworn in as Singapore's fourth prime minister, succeeding Lee Hsien Loong. Wong, 51, who also retains his role as finance minister, takes over at a time of significant challenges, including economic pressures and geopolitical uncertainties. The leadership transition marks the end of a two-decade tenure by Lee, who transformed Singapore into a global financial hub. Wong's appointment is part of a carefully planned succession by the ruling People's Action Party (PAP), which aims to maintain stability and continuity in the city-state.
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The Democratic Republic of Congo's military announced on Sunday that it had thwarted a coup attempt involving foreigners, following a gunfight near the presidential palace in Kinshasa that resulted in three deaths. The army arrested several perpetrators, including three Americans. Opposition figure Christian Malanga, linked to the coup, was killed during the incident. President Felix Tshisekedi was unharmed. The event has sparked speculation and concern, especially given recent military takeovers in the region.
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Russian forces continue to target Ukraine, launching deadly attacks on various regions, resulting in casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.
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Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot multiple times on May 15, 2024, in Handlova. He underwent a five-hour emergency surgery followed by a second operation to remove dead tissue. The suspect, identified as 71-year-old Juraj C., has been charged with premeditated attempted murder. Fico's condition has stabilized but remains serious. The attack, the first major assassination attempt on a European leader in over 20 years, has sent shockwaves across Europe.
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Alexander Zverev won his second Italian Open title by defeating Nicolas Jarry in Rome. This victory marks his sixth Masters 1000 title and boosts his confidence ahead of the French Open. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic suffered an early exit in Rome, losing to Alejandro Tabilo. Andy Murray's preparations for the French Open hit a snag with a loss in Bordeaux.
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Marks & Spencer's website and app were offline for several hours on Saturday due to technical issues caused by a third-party service provider. The outage began around lunchtime and persisted throughout the afternoon, with the website briefly coming back online before experiencing further issues. By early evening, the website was fully restored. The company apologized for the inconvenience caused to customers.
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Heavy seasonal rains have caused devastating flash floods in northern Afghanistan, resulting in hundreds of deaths and widespread destruction. The floods began on May 10, 2024, in Baghlan province and have since affected multiple regions, including Ghor, Herat, and Faryab. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Taliban government and international organizations providing aid. The death toll has risen to over 300, with thousands of homes destroyed and significant financial losses reported.
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North Korea has conducted multiple missile tests, including a tactical ballistic missile with a new autonomous navigation system, amid heightened tensions in the region. The tests follow joint military drills by South Korea and the US, which North Korea views as a threat. Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has denied allegations that North Korea is supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine. These developments come as South Korea considers refurbishing US nuclear weapons as a deterrent against North Korea.
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Mount Ibu, a volcano in Indonesia, erupted, sending ash 4km high and leading to evacuations in seven nearby villages. The eruption is part of a series of volcanic activities in Indonesia, located on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'.
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Benny Gantz, a senior Israeli politician and former IDF general, has threatened to resign from the war cabinet if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not present a long-term plan for Gaza by June 8. Gantz's ultimatum follows Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's public criticism of Netanyahu's handling of the Gaza conflict and his demand to rule out Israeli governance in Gaza. The Israeli government is facing internal divisions over the future of Gaza, with Netanyahu insisting on defeating Hamas before discussing post-war plans.
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Jerry Seinfeld faced protests during his recent public appearances due to his support for Israel amid the Gaza conflict. On May 12, 2024, dozens of students walked out during his commencement speech at Duke University, chanting 'Free Palestine.' A week later, on May 19, 2024, pro-Gaza protesters disrupted his stand-up show in Norfolk, New Jersey. Seinfeld, who has been vocal about his support for Israel, largely avoided addressing the protests directly during his speeches.
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Five Israeli soldiers were killed by friendly fire in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza on Wednesday evening. The soldiers, part of the IDF's Paratroopers Brigade, were mistakenly targeted by two Israeli tanks. The incident, which occurred during intense fighting with Hamas militants, is currently under review by the Israeli military. This marks one of the deadliest friendly fire incidents since the conflict began in October, with a total of 278 Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza to date.
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Ukraine is facing a new Russian offensive in the northeastern region of Kharkiv, which began on May 10, 2024. Ukrainian forces had been relocated to the border area in anticipation of the attack, but critics argue that the lack of fortifications allowed Russian troops to advance easily. Ukrainian officials are now urging the Biden administration to lift restrictions on striking targets within Russian territory. The situation remains tense as Ukrainian forces attempt to counter the Russian advance.
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Senior American and Iranian officials held indirect talks in Oman this past week, marking the first such discussions since Iran's missile assault on Israel in April. The talks aimed to de-escalate regional tensions and address the actions of Iran's proxies. This comes amid heightened tensions following the crash of a helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and other top officials. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, along with Iran's involvement, has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East.
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Today, voters in the Dominican Republic are casting their ballots in a presidential election that serves as a referendum on incumbent President Luis Abinader's policies, particularly his hardline stance on the border with Haiti. Abinader, who is seeking re-election, has gained popularity through his handling of the COVID-19 crisis, anti-corruption measures, and economic growth. However, his strict immigration policies and border wall construction have drawn international criticism. The election will determine whether Abinader secures a second term or if a runoff will be necessary.
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David DePape, who attacked Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a hammer in October 2022, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. DePape was found guilty in November 2023 of attempted kidnapping of a federal official and assault on an immediate family member of a federal official. The attack, which occurred just before the 2022 midterm elections, left Paul Pelosi with severe injuries, including a skull fracture. Prosecutors had sought a 40-year sentence, but the court handed down a 30-year term.
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Netflix has signed a three-season deal with the NFL to stream two Christmas Day games starting in 2024. This marks Netflix's first foray into live sports with a major league, aiming to leverage the NFL's massive audience to boost its advertising business. The deal includes streaming at least one game on Christmas in 2025 and 2026. This move follows Netflix's recent ventures into live events and sports-related programming.
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On May 19, 2024, Blue Origin's NS-25 mission successfully launched from West Texas, marking the company's first crewed spaceflight since 2022. Among the six passengers was Ed Dwight, a 90-year-old former Air Force captain and the first Black astronaut candidate in the U.S. Dwight, who was passed over by NASA in the 1960s, became the oldest person to reach space. The 11-minute suborbital flight allowed passengers to experience weightlessness and view Earth's horizon before safely landing back in Texas.
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Disneyland character performers in Anaheim, California, have voted to unionize with the Actors' Equity Association. The vote, which took place over three days and concluded on Saturday, saw 953 cast members in favor and 258 against. The unionization aims to address issues such as safety, scheduling, and wages. This move follows a trend of increased union support in the entertainment industry, including recent actions by the Writers Guild of America.
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Former President Donald Trump solicited a $1 billion donation from oil executives during a meeting at his Mar-a-Lago resort last month. Trump promised to reverse many of President Joe Biden's environmental policies if elected, in exchange for the contribution.
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Detroit's population has grown for the first time in decades, according to new estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The city's population increased by 1,852 residents from 2022 to 2023, reaching 633,218. This marks a significant milestone for Detroit, which has faced a long period of decline due to factors such as the shrinking auto industry and suburban migration. The modest population growth is part of a broader trend of slight rebounds in several large cities in the Northeast and Midwest.
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President Joe Biden addressed the graduating class of Morehouse College, a historically Black institution, on May 19, 2024. Despite initial backlash from students and alumni over his stance on the Gaza conflict, Biden's speech was well-received. He reaffirmed his commitment to fighting white supremacy and supporting democracy. The event is part of Biden's campaign efforts in Georgia, a key swing state, amid concerns about waning support from young Black voters.